As a beauty journalist who tests fragrances for a living, I can tell you for certain that collating a list of the best perfumes is an extremely nuanced process. It’s no secret that our taste in fragrance is personal and ever-changing – and can rely on everything from the change of seasons to our mood. So, it’s only natural that we all have a different idea of what makes a perfume the best.
Whether you’re a gourmand lover or someone who tends to gravitate towards floral, citrusy or spicy blends, I’m a firm believer that our perfume preferences are also a reflection of our personalities, which is precisely why the world of fragrance never ceases to fascinate me.
At this point, perfume has evolved past simply being a way to, well… smell nice. It is said that smell is one of our most powerful senses, meaning some scents have a unique effect that can trigger nostalgia, calm our nerves, increase our serotonin levels (much like aromatherapy), and may even act as an aphrodisiac. Some eau de parfums that evoke confidence are great to spritz before a job interview, while muskier skin scents are ideal for a self-care evening, to make you feel as though you are wrapped up in a warm, fluffy towel.
Otherwise, fragrances have also become a form of fashion accessory, helping us complete a certain aesthetic – be it themed around quiet luxury or a “clean girl” vibe. Not to mention, some bottles make the chicest decorations for our dressing tables (cough-cough, Delina Parfums De Marly, anyone?).
Whether you want to switch up your signature scent or if you’re shopping for a loved one – we’ve got you covered. Below, our editors have curated a full edit of the best perfumes of all time, including all-time classics (hello, Chanel No5) and the latest trending releases that are fresh off the GLAMOUR’s beauty desk. You’ll find everything from the long-lasting options and those that are great for layering, as well as premium fragrances and the more affordable alternatives. So what are you waiting for? Your fragrance wardrobe awaits…
Best perfumes at a glance – our top picks:
- Best Crowd-Pleaser: YSL Libre Eau De Parfum
- Best Affordable: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
- Best Feminine Perfume: Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif Parfum
- Best Cult-Favourite: Glossier You Eau De Parfum
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Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
Best crowd-pleaser: YSL Libre Eau De Parfum
Tester: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR’s Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: The YSL Libre is nothing short of a fragrance phenomenon, offering a chic blend of fruity, floral and musky notes. A true crowd-pleaser, it’s a great option to have on your daily perfume rotation and a safe bet for your Christmas gift shopping.
