Shopping for fragrance is probably one of the more overwhelming experiences out there. Between that and dating in New York City. We don't know which has more options, but both of them require a game plan, clear headspace, and a will to conquer.
You gotta know what you want, and damn it, you need to ask for it. So, we pulled together some of our very favorite fragrances of the moment, and of all time, and wrote about not just how they smell, but how they make us feel. Because fragrance is as much about how you want to feel as how you want to smell. Read on — and then SHOP.
The Fragrance Spirit Guide You've Been Waiting for Is HERE
![]()
![]()
1. Fresh
![]()
![]()
2. Acorelle Divine Orchid
If you're into natural fragrance, then Acorelle is going to be your jam. This particular scent is a fresh floral, and it's super light and airy. You won't feel overpowered by it, but it will make you feel calm. Peaceful is the word that comes to mind.
Acorelle | $40
![]()
![]()
3. Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil
The perfect mix between citrus-y tanginess and a verdant, lush garden on top of a roof in a sublimely luxurious Parisian apartment. One whiff and you'll be whisked away to a warm and breezy night out, enjoying wine on a roof as you nibble on delightful snacks, and dare we say, have a little tango or a fling.
Hermes | $137
![]()
![]()
4. Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey
Ugh, this perfume. It's just sublimely fresh and delicate. It's great for a day when you don't want to smell overpowering— or if you just aren't a fan of strong scents. It evokes a spring morning, quiet and oh-so pleasant.
Jo Malone | $125
![]()
![]()
5. Floral
![]()
![]()
6. Chloé Roses de Chloé
Sigh. This perfume is grace bottled. Literally that adjective contained in glass. Also, just the loveliest and most youthful rose fragrance we've come across. It's super playful, just like your typical Chloé babe.
Chloe | $95
![]()
![]()
7. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce
Delicate white florals and neroli make for the perfect mix of spicy floral. Much like the Italian beauties that, no doubt, inspired this scent, Dolce has zest and will make you luxuriate in your own femininity. You are woman, and darn it, you get to flaunt it.
Dolce & Gabbana | $93
![]()
![]()
8. Frederic Malle Carnal Flower
This perfume combines all of the most luxurious and supreme white flowers (hi, tuberose, we're talking about you) to make a bouquet that is at once regal and totally alluring. It's soft and elegant but also has a little bite. As in, "I'm gorgeous, but don't mess with me." We can get into that.
Frederic Malle | $380
![]()
![]()
9. Fruity
![]()
![]()
10. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Technically, you could say this fragrance is a floral. But the combination of fruitiness and spice makes for a surprise of sorts. It's unpredictable — just like you. Feminine, yes, but the woman who wears this is never a damsel in distress. Make no mistakes about it, she's a Femme Fatale with playful innocence.
Chanel | $94
![]()
![]()
11. Maison Martin Margiela Lipstick On
If there was ever a fragrance made for a girl who loves, loves, LOVES, beauty products, it would be this one. One spritz and you've stepped into a young woman's boudoir, behind the veil as she gets ready for night on the town. She is a girl about town, after all. The combination of neroli, iris, and bergamot makes for a youthful revamp of a powdery and classically sexy fragrance. Think Marilyn Monroe, but the 2016 version of her.
Maison Martin Margiela | $125
![]()
![]()
12. Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle
One whiff of this and you'll feel like Sophia Loren basking in that Dolce Vita life on the Amalfi Coast. You get the fresh, fruity-ness of citrus, matched with the warm breeze that carries the subtle sweetness of honeysuckle. Close your eyes and you might actually forget that you are, in fact, not laying on the beach in Positano. But, a girl can dream... right?
Aerin | $110
![]()
![]()
13. Musk
![]()
![]()
14. Amouage Opus IX
Most people know how team MIMI feels about this fragrance, but if you don't know, now you know. If you want to feel sexy, this is the ultimate musky choice for you. It'll make you feel some kinda way.
Amouage | $260
![]()
![]()
15. Escentric Molecules 01
This choice is epic because it smells different on every person that wears it. Escentric Molecules 01 has a musky base that well mixes with your natural scent to create a personalized smell— one that literally can only be achieved by you wearing it. It's basically bespoke. But, also, how sexy is that?
Escentric Molecules | $135
![]()
![]()
16. Le Labo Santal 33
If there was one way to describe this fragrance, it would be the sexiest unisex fragrance ever created. It's the perfect combo of warm, rich, musky, and the slightest bit of sweetness. The result? People will literally follow you down the street to find out what you are wearing. True story.
Le Labo | $175
![]()
![]()
17. Warm
![]()
![]()
18. MEMO Paris Marfa
The perfect mix of vanilla, mandarin, tuberose, and white musk. It's warm and dry — just like the locale of its namesake. And much like a day in the desert, the scent evolves and changes by the hour. Divine. If you want to feel like you are in a warmer place, this fragrance is sure to take you there.
MEMO Paris | $250
![]()
![]()
19. Tom Ford Noir
Ugh, this fragrance is so bold and sexy with the most subtle vulnerability. This is undoubtedly one of the most sensual fragrances with a hint of masculine edge. Vanilla, amber, and sandalwood with a subtle bite of ginger? Oh man, our hearts flutter just thinking about it.
Tom Ford | $115
![]()
![]()
20. Robert Piguet Fracas
This scent is one of the ultimate legacy fragrances. Consider it the OG rich b*tch perfumes... Edie Sedgwick wore it, if that gives you any idea of the kind of woman (one who broke the mold, no less) who wears it. But even a half a century later, it's the perfect combination of warm white flowers, musk, and orange blossom.
Robert Piguet | $150
![]()
![]()
21. Sweet
![]()
![]()
22. Ari by Ariana Grande
As sweet as candy. Literally. Think marshmallows, sugar, spice, and everything pop-princess nice.
Ariana Grande | $59
![]()
![]()
23. Prada Candy
This fragrance is charming — plain and simple. Like a lovely sweet treat at the end of a day, it's an indulgence. But the best kind. The notes of musk and caramel make for a very feminine combo and will put a little sultry bounce in your step. One spritz and you'll be a regular Francois Hardy.
Prada | $88
![]()
![]()
24. Woody
![]()
![]()
25. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
There's a reason why this fragrance has been on the best-seller lists for years now. At once spicy, sexy, and just the right amount of sweet, it's the most youthful and playful floral explosion we've ever put our noses to. And that's a good thing.
Viktor & Rolf | $115
Because it's fragrance jungle out there.
Adulting 101: How to Find Your Signature Fragrance