Ask the Marie Claire beauty team for a fragrance recommendation, and you're going to get dozens of clarifying questions. A fragrance for the office? Or, date night? Do you like vanilla? Floral? Amber? Are we thinking of layering with body care or seeking out one beast-mode perfume? Maybe a body oil?
That's the thing about fragrance: it's personal and there's no one-size-fits-all. But our testing team was filled with a bunch of fragrance snobs with very different preferences—all of whom take the testing process very seriously. With nearly 1,000 entries, we spent weeks putting a variety of scents to the test, evaluating their level of uniqueness, staying power, and, of course, how many compliments they raked in.
Throughout the process, we've rediscovered old classics, been introduced to small batch niche brands, and found buzzy new fragrances to add to our every-growing collections. These 62 winners have something for everyone and every fragrance taste—and will, without question, have you smelling really, really good.
Best Overall Fragrances
"Lush, sensual, and oh-so-mouthwatering, this is the type of scent that stops strangers in their tracks. Created in collaboration with master perfumer Jerome Epinette, the top notes of tobacco, amber, and wood dry down into a heart of vanilla and tonka bean for a highly sophisticated yet utterly wearable fragrance that radiates good taste." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
"Skin scents might be having a big fall 2025 moment, but Phlur’s Missing Person laid the foundation for the trend. It’s a best-seller at Sephora and Team MC favorite for a reason—it’s familiar, subtle, and addictive. The profile is warm and spicy in a way that makes me want to curl up by the fireplace in a cable-knit sweater that has hints of Missing Person on the inside collar. Want my advice? Get this in the eau de parfum, body wash, and body cream for the longest-lasting scent." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
"The mark of any good unisex perfume is a combination of sweet, yet grounding scents. Costa Brazil nails this formula with Aroma Eau de Parfum, a woody, floral masterpiece. A combination of white jungle flora, patchouli, sandalwood, and more creates an earthy, slightly smoky scent that is alluring on anyone at any time of year. If there’s a unisex perfume that is truly signature-scent worthy, it’s this one." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
"Butterfly lily and soft, creamy white florals mingle with warm oakwood and a hint of leather in Barénia Eau de Parfum Intense—a richer, more layered take on Hermès’ skin perfume that launched last year. A touch of patchouli adds depth without feeling too heady, keeping it sophisticated yet totally wearable. Even the amber-tinted bottle, inspired by Hermès’ iconic Collier de Chien bracelet, is as chic as what’s inside. It’s luxury at its finest." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
"Rose-scented perfumes have gotten a bad rap over the years for smelling too powdery, but ask anyone their thoughts on Dior’s Miss Dior and you’re guaranteed a response containing the words “iconic” or “classic.” Everything about the scent feels romantic and feminine, from the packaging that features an ultra-chic bow to the scent itself, which is a blend of rose, peony, iris, lily of the valley, and just a hint of musk. The resulting fragrance is fresh and flirty with just the right amount of warmth." — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
"Is there anything better than a fragrance that delivers that luxury feeling without the luxury price tag? This woody-meets-floral scent invigorates the senses with top notes of pink peppercorn and bergamot, then envelops you in a heart of rose, hibiscus, tobacco, and incense. Equal parts masculine and feminine, it’s a perfume that smells more intriguing the longer you wear it." — HB
"Technically a men’s cologne (although I’d argue scent is genderless), this bottle houses a scintillating juxtaposition of notes. On the one hand, it’s like a fresh garden filled with bright geranium and tangy bergamot. But then there’s another layer that’s woody, sensual, and mysterious, evolving more as it sits on the skin. For a visual: think a freshly showered, sexy man in a brown leather bomber jacket." — SH
"It girls, come to the front. Guerlain’s Vétiver Fauve is the fig fragrance that trumped them all, and if you’ve been around anyone with taste in New York City, you’ve likely smelled this perfume. Lime, fig accord, tonka, cedar—all these delectable notes can be found in this formula, and they are housed in the chicest glass bottle that would look immaculate on any vanity." — AB
"Fine’ry was founded to bring artisanal fragrances to everyone, taking cues from iconic scents while keeping them affordable. Not Another Blue is a standout as it feels distinctly masculine from the first spray—dry vetiver gives it a clean, woodsy edge, amberwood adds warmth, and a subtle resin note keeps it intriguing as it settles. It’s the kind of scent that sticks with you without trying too hard, subtle enough to wear anywhere, but people will still notice when you walk by." — SG
"When you think of gourmand fragrances, the first notes that come to mind are likely the usual suspects in the category like vanilla, chocolate, and caramel. Nette’s Lemon Puff (the name is a subtle nod to Puff the Magic Dragon) offers an innovative twist here, as it combines the brightness of lemon with the warmth of vanilla, toasted meringue, and, unsuspectingly, butter. It all comes together to warp itself into a sweet, citrusy fragrance meant to channel the scent of the inside of a Parisian patisserie." — DJ
"Tea scents are all the rage for fall 2025, and there are few that feel as elevated and fashion-forward as this unisex Jil Sander fragrance. Spicy yet balanced, the cinnamon, osmanthus, and black tea blend has a stunning smokey tonality that demands another whiff. The two-part packaging also feels like you’re unearthing a secret treasure every time you reach for your perfume." — HB
"If you’ve found yourself on PerfumeTok in the last year, you’ve heard of Mochi Milk (either the fragrance or the detergent). I didn’t get the hype until I tried it for myself—now I can confidently say it’s one of my favorite discoveries from the 2025 Fragrance Awards. The notes—marshmallow, sweet rice milk, and vanilla bean—might sound suffocatingly sweet, but this is actually a profoundly grown-up gourmand with evolving dimensions of amber, sandalwood, and musk." — SH
Best Scent Families Fragrances
"While Orebella’s Salted Muse was one of the brand’s first offerings, it remains a clear favorite. Sea salt, fig, lavender, amber, and more combine to create the most beautiful, slightly marine wood scent. It’s grounded in a way that similar compositions fail to emulate and provides a brief moment of mindfulness with every spritz." — AB
"Need a burst of fruity sweetness in your fragrance routine? Look no further than Chanel’s Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum Spray. A beautiful raspberry note is what you’ll encounter on first sniff, and when you give it a few minutes, the floral and woody facets of the perfume shine through. The result is a fruit-forward scent that isn’t cloying and doesn’t feel childish, perfect for the person who’s starting their high-end fragrance journey." — AB
"Looking for your forever date? Henry Rose’s Dave needs to be in your collection. Named after the brand founder’s husband, David, this perfume is sultry, sexy, and so flirty. (The brand founder is Michelle Pfeiffer, FYI.) Pink pepper, almond blossom, chantilly vanilla, and more create an intoxicating gourmand scent, a perfect formula for the cooler fall and winter months. This is another unisex masterpiece, and trust us when we say: you’ll want to guard this bottle from any prying hands with your life. It’s that good." — AB
"Citrus just radiates happiness, and Never-Ending Summer nails it. As an eau de toilette—a fragrance made with a lower concentration of perfume oils so it feels lighter and less intense—it opens with a sparkling Italian-spritz accord and juicy orange that radiate a sunny, stunning day. At the same time, vetiver adds a subtle earthy edge for a bit of balance, so it leans more chic than young. It’s the kind of scent that instantly transports you to a sunlit terrace, soaking in golden hours in Italy, even if you’re just at your kitchen window." — SG
"Have you ever wished that you could take what you’re feeling and bottle it up into a fragrance? That’s what 27 87 does here with Per Se, as the scent is meant to capture the feeling of 'living in the present.' It combines pink and black pepper with violet, musk, and orris butter for a light and airy scent that smells similar to fresh linens." — DJ
"Fresh, woody, and entirely distinctive, this isn’t your grandmother’s floral perfume. A rich base of patchouli, cedarwood, and vanilla grounds the heart of frankincense and juniper, for a sparkling and complex scent that demands attention wherever you wear it." — HB
"Perfumer Ben Gorham had one mission when crafting this best-selling fragrance: to make it smell like the olfactory version of the color white. And while I don’t have synesthesia, one whiff of this clean scent had me thinking otherwise. It’s like white linen air drying on a clothespin in the French countryside—refreshing, subtle, and soothing. It’s unoffensive, fuss-free, and perfect for a day at the office." — SH
"There’s a reason musk has a reputation for being the sexiest note in fragrance: it’s warm, intimate, and a whole lot addictive. Fleur takes Glossier’s beloved skin-scent DNA and lightens it up with airy florals and a subtle mineral sparkle, but the musky base is what keeps you coming back. It wears close, like your own skin turned up a notch, which makes it feel less like perfume and more like you—only more alluring." — SG
"Oud scents can be hard to get right, since some can be slightly strong and overpowering. This one leans more on the masculine side, and it manages to perfectly mesh the scent with earthy, spicy notes of black pepper and saffron. It’s a sexy date night scent, for sure." — DJ
"While technically a men’s cologne, this deliciously smooth scent is decidedly unisex and suitable for all genders. The scintillating blend of leather, vanilla, lavender, and spices will do more than turn a few heads as you're walking down the street—endless compliments will ensure." — HB
"Think: burnt caramel on a baking sheet. Since my nose got a whiff of this scent during the testing process, I’ve been keeping it on standby as my soon-to-be late fall and winter signature scent. It smells edible without being sickly sweet and is distinctly more interesting than other vanilla-forward fragrances on the market. It has a boozy edge, creamy coconut, and smoky cedar—plus a sillage that’s unbeatable." — SH
"Out Of The Blue feels like stumbling into a dimly lit club where a ’70s classic hums through the speakers and the night screams just one more filthy martini. Perfumer Pascal Gaurin built this complex fragrance around orris—from the roots of the iris plant, the lush, velvety note that gives it a rich, nostalgic-like depth—then layered it with modern green florals and a yummy swirl of cocoa, tonka, and vanilla. It’s the kind of scent that lingers like your favorite song on repeat." — SG
Best Special Recognition Fragrances
"Imagine sinking into a freshly made hotel bed and taking in the smell of sheets and towels that are right out of the dryer. That’s essentially what this fragrance should make you think of. It’s a citrusy blend that features top notes of mandarin and bergamot, but warmer scents like leather, nutmeg, and patchouli balance it out." — DJ
"Originally launched in 1992, this iconic perfume has returned with natural tea and a deeper concentration for an especially long-lasting scent. A luminous floral grounded by grassy, vegetal notes like green tea and neroli petals, it only takes a few spritzes to discover that this fragrance is the essence of nature, bottled." — HB
"Having celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this year, Portrait of a Lady has popularity that has very clearly stood the test of time. How? It’s managed to both ditch the classic rose trope and include the strongest concentration of rose essence in a fragrance to date. Rather than smelling like a bouquet, this perfume comes with a sultry and seductive vibe that belongs on a velvet couch in a moody, city cocktail bar." — SH
"The only thing better than Kilian’s Angel Share is its flanker, Angels’ Share Paradis Extrait de Parfum. The new addition takes the original DNA that everyone already loves and adds a delicious raspberry liquor accord. The result? A warm, heady, and extremely seductive scent that practically flirts with and for you." — AB
"Solid fragrances are having a renaissance, and Sidia’s SOAKED is the chicest little luxury you can carry with you. As you rub it into your skin, it opens bright and fresh, then unfolds into warm, smoky, woodsy layers that feel intimate. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba seed oil, it not only smells fantastic but also keeps your skin nourished and soft, making every swipe feel like a little act of self-care." — SG
Best Fragrance Packaging & Innovation
"The 3D floral bottle design of this beloved Marc Jacobs fragrance is likely to catch your eye first, especially if you’re looking for a statement piece to add to your perfume collection, but it’s the delicious scent that’ll really draw you in. Banana-forward products had a brief moment in the spotlight in 2025, and while you might think a banana scent can overpower a perfume the same way banana flavor can overpower a smoothie, this one is actually perfectly blended with other scents like jasmine, amber, and sandalwood. It dries down into a fragrance that’s warmer than you might imagine." — DJ
"Ever since cult-favorite fashion house Dries Van Noten launched a full fragrance collection in 2022, perfume fanatics have swooned over the beautifully designed packaging. The bergamot, rose, and chestnut scent features a porcelain-inspired base and silky burgundy glass bottle that is made to stand front and center on your vanity. It almost makes you want to cherish the bottle and scent forever—but the juice is simply too good to keep it locked away." — HB
"Consider all your gift-giving needs for the foreseeable future dealt with now that this niche brand is on your radar. This refillable solid perfume is entirely customizable. Choose your scent (I love the Brown Coffee for fall and winter), choose your packaging color and material, and pick a symbol or initials to engrave on the case. The best part: it’s refillable, so you can swap scents with the seasons." — SH
"Sensitive to alcohol? Yves Saint Laurent Libre L'Eau Nue Parfum has won the most innovative fragrance product of the year for a reason. You can use it on freshly scrubbed and exfoliated skin, because it is the line’s first ethyl alcohol-free formula enhanced by Moroccan orange blossom extract. It’s a citrus floral fragrance that is perfect for people who like to smell like they just stepped out of the shower." — AB
Best Hair & Body Fragrances
"Patrick Ta has become synonymous with glow, and the aptly named Major Glow lives up to it. It transforms the skin into its bronziest, most luminous version, thanks to a rich, emollient-packed formula that hydrates without ever feeling greasy. The bonus? It’s skincare that doubles as a subtle layer of fragrance. A delicious blend of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood offers fresh, citrusy brightness, complemented by warm, creamy woodiness—perfect for layering with more decadent scents like vanilla or amber." — SG
"This is one of three oils that make up model Jasmine Tookes’s newly-launched lineup of body care products, but it’s quickly made its way onto my list of overall body must-haves. The scent itself is designed to soothe your senses and make you feel like you’re relaxing on a spa bed, thanks to notes of eucalyptus, lavender, and lily of the valley. As for the texture, it’s light and subtle, and it manages to moisturize without sitting on top of the skin or hair and making it feel heavy." — DJ
"When imagining a scented body lotion, you may assume that it will overpower you with bold notes and compete with your choice of fine fragrance. This formula does the opposite, acting as the perfect sensual skin scent to complement your favorite perfume. Watermelon, bergamot, gaiac wood, and rosemary intertwine and enhance your natural aroma for a spa-like experience as you moisturize." — HB
"My mom lathered herself in Laura Mercier’s Ambre Vanille scent when I was growing up, so this will forever and always have a nostalgic aura to me. But if you're new to the scented lotion? You’re in for a treat. It’s a highly fragrant gourmand-meets-woody lotion that will have you skipping perfume altogether. Plus, the deeply hydrating formula leaves my skin feeling soft and supple for hours." — SH
"As a collective, the bottles of this body wash that the MC Beauty team has gone through will likely shock you. This is because not only are Nécessaire’s body washes incredibly nourishing on the skin, thanks to ingredients like marula oil and niacinamide, but they all smell heavenly. Seriously, the brand has somehow nailed the fragrances that are actually universally appealing. There’s an option in the line for everyone." — AB
"The body care category has exploded lately, but shower gels have always been the originals. Lemon & Petitgrain Escape is a French-made gem that doesn’t miss. Zesty lemon wakes up your senses, while green, slightly woody petitgrain adds an elevated, fresh edge. It melts on damp skin and leaves a delicate fragrance that turns your everyday shower into a moment of indulgence." — SG
"Body mists are back and better than ever, but don’t expect this vanilla-scented one to be as amateur as the vanilla sprays you wore in middle and high school. Here, you’ll get the sweetness of both vanilla and sugar paired with fresh, juicy raspberry—it’s the perfect choice if you want to experiment with layering something muted on top of a perfume with a stronger scent profile." — DJ
"Sol de Janeiro leads the body mist pack (ask any Sephora shopper), and this scent is absolutely intoxicating. Capture the essence of ‘70s-era Rio with a vibrant blend of black currant, midnight jasmine, and freesia, and prepare to dance the night away." — HB
"This deodorant has been put to the ultimate test—performers on London’s West End and Broadway rely on it while on stage. Just rub the cream on, let it dry down into a powder, and then enjoy the odor-blocking, sweat-absorbing benefits. As for the scent? Expect England in the Summer vibes courtesy of Earl Grey tea, crisp apple, and cashmere." — SH
"If you’re as scent-obsessed as this team of editors, then you’ve likely wondered how to level up your armpit game. Look no further than Salt and Stone’s Santal & Vetiver Deodorant. Woody, earthy, and a little musky, the deodorant almost acts like an eau de parfum, boasting heavy-hitter notes like cardamom, Australian sandalwood, cedar, and even vetiver. Throw this in your gym bag and thank us later." — AB
"At first spritz, this hair mist feels like a luxury perfume, with the secret lying in the gourmand notes, which are a perfectly balanced formulation and never lean too sugary. (Think: saffron and pistachio to jasmine petals, condensed milk, black leather, vanilla, ambroxan, pink sugar, and a hint of cinnamon.) But what really sets it apart? It’s made for your hair, unlike most alcohol-based fragrances that can dry out strands. The Vital Mist nourishes and protects while leaving your hair wrapped in a delicious, lingering scent. It’ll make you want to flip your head around to get another whiff." — SG
"St. Barts is in the product name for a reason, as the formula features notes of tropical dragon fruit, orange blossom, and musk to evoke the feeling of a (much-needed) beach vacation. Trying layering it with your favorite skin scent for a lush, come-hither blend that is guaranteed to win you a few compliments." — DJ
Best Home Fragrances
"That warm, slightly spicy, highly elevated scent you get to bask in when you walk into the lobby of a five-star hotel? That’s exactly how your home will smell when you light this delicious candle. The scent quickly radiates through your space, has a 65-hour burn time, and comes packaged in a box with a bow that makes it perfect for gifting." — SH
"If you’re craving a candle that fills up the room and transports you to a sensuous secret garden, look no further than this bergamot, sandalwood, and rose creation. Designed to induce euphoria, it sets the scene for a luxurious evening at home in just one burn." — HB
"For all the home decor lovers who are equally obsessed with fragrance, Krigler is a line for you. Not only do the candles from the brand come in a stunning gold jar, but the notes in this particular scent are the epitome of opulence. Black truffles, amber, agarwood, lemon—those are only a few of the scents in this perfume. Add in the candle’s incredible sillage? It’s basically a perfume for your house." — SG
"I don’t know what sparks more conversation, the fresh, green aroma or the stunning vessel of this candle. Tomato Leaves captures the scent of sun-warmed tomato vines just before the fruit ripens, with subtle hints of cassis berries adding an unexpected brightness. And true to the luxury of Loewe, everything has been meticulously crafted, from the artisanal terracotta vessel made in a small Catalan village in Spain to the airy fragrance that makes your space feel effortlessly alive. I love putting it in the kitchen: it evokes images of a fresh, flourishing garden." — SG
"G8 is one of six candles featured in a special collection from the brand that’s inspired by chess (the vessels are designed to interlock to create a chess board pattern). Each candle belongs to a different scent family, but G8 in particular is a warm oud and cardamom scent blended with fresh grapefruit and pink roses to balance out the spiciness." — DJ
"Light this candle and be transported to Vietnam with notes of aromatic cardamom, decadent vanilla bourbon, and velvety coconut milk. The handblown glass vessel is also divine. Repurpose it after all the wax is gone as chic makeup brush storage." — HB
"I currently have this gorgeous glass vessel filled to the brim with Diptyque’s Figuier scent, and I pinky promise that every time someone new enters my apartment, they can’t help but comment on how yummy my space smells. While I’m partial to fruity home fragrance (it’s just so fresh!), you can fill the sleek vase with eight different scents." — SH
"Nothing is more chic than decor that doubles as a functional part of your home. Parfums de Marly’s Home Diffuser is just that, a luxurious innovation that uses touchscreen technology to inject your favorite scent from the brand into your home. Not only does it look like the most stunning table centerpiece, but you can control the strength of the fragrance from the device itself or from your phone via the brand’s accompanying app. It’s like the technology and beauty industries had an immaculately well-scented baby." — AB
"Before anyone comes over, I spritz Sage Home Spray around the house, and without fail, every guest comments on how incredible it smells. This isn’t your basic room mist—Malin + Goetz elevates it into a luxury category you didn’t know you needed until you try it. And it’s not just a one-note sage: the familiar herbal-green warmth is layered with bright eucalyptus, soft lavender, and a touch of cedarwood, while moss and leather round it out for an ultra-unique, thoughtful experience. It lasts for hours, neutralizes odors, and feels completely safe to use thanks to its clean formulation." — SG
"Rarely do you come across a cleaning product that smells so good you’d wear it as a scent if you could, but L'Avant Collective’s Multi Purpose Cleaner is just that good. It’s also a plant-based formula that’s ideal for people who want to tackle messes without using too many chemicals." — DJ
"Coastal living just got a lot easier once you upgrade your laundry routine with The Laundress Signature Detergent in Isle. Fresh and aquatic notes mingle with crisp lime, bergamot, hyacinth, jasmine and amber for linens that smell (and feel) beautifully clean with every wash." — HB
Best Fragrance Collections & Gift Sets
"With 12 fragrances in the collection, Lancôme’s Absolue Les Parfums offers unique twists on a traditional rose note. There are juices for floral fans—like 6AM Rose and Le Parfum—but also anti-rose blends, like Rose or Die and Oud Bouquet, that will have you searching for the note long after you sprayed the fragrance." — SH
"One of the most fun things to do with perfume is layer different formulas to create personal signature scents. An easy way to do this? Stick to one brand or specific line. Coty Paris’s Infiniment Collection boasts 14 formulas that run the gamut from traditional gourmands to sweet florals, and each of them can be layered beautifully. On top of that, the sillage from all of these scents? Let’s say people will smell you before they see you. " — AB
"Celebrity beauty brands pop up all the time, and some gain traction just for the name behind the label. But Homecourt, by Courteney Cox, isn’t one of those, and it has the products to prove it. The Cocomoi Collection—featuring perfume oils, body mists, candles, and more—is thoughtfully curated to be layered for an ultra-luxe experience. The scent captures the warmth and calmness of a sunset stroll on the beach, blending creamy tropical notes with soft spice and a gentle woody base. Though a fragrance is only as good as the formula it lives in, these products are crafted with skin-loving ingredients that leave your complexion hydrated and radiant." — SG
"Moroccanoil has a lineup of argan oil–infused hair products that are beloved not just because of the results they deliver, but also for their signature amber scent. It was only right that the brand chose to bottle that up and sell it as its first fine fragrance, which is also available as a two-piece set featuring a full-size bottle as well as a 0.3 ounce tube that’s ideal for traveling and touching up your perfume on the go." — DJ
"Six layering scents in a cheeky and highly giftable, limited-edition collection? This set allows you to play master perfumer (and detective) with just a few spritzes. All perfumes should have this level of levity, in addition to smelling absolutely divine no matter which bottle you select." — HB
"Vyrao hit the fragrance scene in 2021, and has since released eight different genderless scents, all of which are designed to shift your mood. Sample each one for yourself or get your holiday shopping done earlier by scooping up this adorable heart-shaped gift set. The two mL bottles are also perfect for on-the-go reapplication or travel." — SH
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