Perfume is both highly personal and powerful. One whiff of a particular scent and you're instantly transported back to another time or memory. One spritz and you may feel emboldened to take on the day or reenergized for a night on the town. Each fragrance has a personal story attached to it—which is why when I was considering the best perfumes for women, I decided to go straight to fragrance lovers around me. Here, 25 picks that garnered top notes from their wearers, from fresh fragrances like Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum to skin-hugging scents like Glossier You Eau de Parfum.
The 25 Best Perfumes for Women in 2026, Vetted by Scent-Obsessed Editors
The best-smelling picks in town
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Updated Feb 6, 2026
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The Best Perfumes for Women at a Glance
1
Classic Fragrance
Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
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2
Best Skin Scent
Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume
read more
3
Best Splurge
Parfums de Marly Athénaïs Eau de Parfum
read more
4
Best Fruity Scent
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
read more
5
Best Rose Scent
Diptyque Rose Eau de Parfum
read more
How to Choose the Best Perfume for Women
There's no right or wrong answer when choosing the right perfume for you. Let's face it: They all smell amazing, but everyone's preference is different. Consider heading to Ulta, Sephora or any retailer that offers in-store samples. Let your nose guide you to finding the notes that work for you. Maybe you love florals, fell in love with a fresh scent or prefer a woody fragrance. Thankfully, I compiled 25 all-time favorites above to get you started.
How I Vetted the Best Perfumes for Women
I tapped fellow PureWow editors to share their favorite perfumes and offer reasons for why you (yes, you, dear reader) should get your own. Listen, we don't gatekeep here. From there, I did a deep dive into the scent notes, bottle sizes and retailers where you can find them. Keep reading to discover the best perfumes for women.
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Classic Fragrance
1. Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- Parisian-approved
- grown up
- sophisticated florals
- more unique in the Chanel line up
What We Don't Like
- can be overpowering so be light with the application
Chanel
“My Parisian friend always wears Coco, so I finally bought a small bottle for myself. This scent projects power—none of that girlish playfulness of Mademoiselle or Chance. Jasmine, ylang-ylang and orange blossom mingle with patchouli, benzoin and tonka for a commanding presence. A woman who means business!” — Marissa Wu, SEO Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm floral
- Key Notes: clove, leather, peach, sandalwood, tonka bean
- Sizes: 1.2 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Long Lasting Scent
2. Snif Me Eau de Toilette
What We Like
- shape-shifting scent
- unique to your skin
- long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- muskier than other options
Snif
"The 2025 version of Clinique Happy? Me by Snif. This new scent is like nothing I've ever tried before. It has similar fruity hints of plum, peach skin and white moss, but is way more interesting and mellow thanks to a musky blend of orris root and sandalwood. To me, it's reminiscent of skin; like the cool girl in school who always smells good, but you have no idea if it's perfume or just her own personal essence. It's simple but mysterious with a smooth, natural finish you can't quite put your finger on." — Catrina Yohay, Executive Managing Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fruity
- Key Notes: peach skin, plum, white moss, orris, sandalwood, musks
- Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz
Best Skin Scent
3. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume
What We Like
- hypoallergenic
- good for those sensitive to fragrance who still want to wear perfume
What We Don't Like
- doesn't have a strong enough scent for some
Juliette Has a Gun
“This is a perfume if you're really sensitive to scent and just want to smell like you, but better. It's a slightly musky, clean scent that reacts to your body chemistry (meaning it will smell slightly different on everyone). Unlike traditional perfumes that mix hundreds of different notes to make a scent, Not a Perfume is made from a single ingredient, which is ideal for people who suffer from migraines like myself.” — Pamela Masin, Director of Affiliate Strategy
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sheer
- Key Note: cetalox (synthetic ambergris)
- Sizes: 0.25 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz
Best Splurge
4. Parfums de Marly Athénaïs Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- long-lasting (14+ hours of wear/after shower)
- has the brand's signature powdery base note that makes it unique
- the citrus/jasmine combo
What We Don't Like
- high price point
- sweetness borders on coy
Parfums de Marly
“This is Parfums de Marly's latest launch. In addition to florals, I also love citrus—bergamot, neroli, yuzu, you name it. The top notes for this one are three, with heart notes of orange blossom and jasmine. PDM retains its signature musk with base notes of tonka bean, vanilla and amber. of all the perfumes I've tried. PDF lasts the longest—sometimes, even after I shower. A 14 hour day has nothing on it, truly.” — Wu
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: amber floral
- Key Notes: neroli, bergamot, jasmine, tonka bean, amber
- Sizes: 2.5 oz
Best Fruity Scent
5. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
What We Like
- classic
- fun bottle design
What We Don't Like
- may require reapplication throughout the day
Marc Jacobs
"I was recently strolling through Sephora killing time and spotted a bottle of Marc Jacobs's Daisy. It was my scent in high school (like many millennial women), so I decided to try a spritz for a trip down memory lane and it immediately reminded me why I loved this scent so much. I ended up buying a mini version and have been getting back into wearing it lately, making my 16-year-old self proud. As someone who is usually pretty scent averse, I love that Daisy is quite delicate. It smells super fresh and vibrant at first, before fading into the sandalwood base, which is divine. And the bottle design is just the right level of kitschy for me—it's cute and fun, but doesn't look too juvenile." — Abby Hepworth, Fashion Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fruity floral
- Key Notes: strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine
- Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1 oz, 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz, 6.8 oz
Best Hair Perfume
6. Odele Signature Hair Scent
What We Like
- a light scent that doesn't feel overwhelming
- can double as a hair and body mist
- affordable
What We Don't Like
- may require reapplication throughout the day
Odele
“They just launched hair perfumes but they double as body mists as well. I think it's a great option for folks who are sensitive to the power of an EDP. Expect to reapply these throughout the day—they also layer nicely. I like the oakmoss/ylang-ylang and grapefruit scents. They're delicate, fresh, cool and not overwhelming. Also under $20!” — Wu
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: mossy floral
- Key Notes: cucumber, bamboo, ylang ylang, lemon, oakmoss, white cedar
- Sizes: 3.4 oz
Best Rose Scent
7. Diptyque Rose Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- bright and fresh
- litchi notes add a fruity dimension
What We Don't Like
- doesn’t last as long as other perfumes (8-10 hours)
Diptyque
"For years I've been searching for the perfect rose perfume and the combo of artichoke and rose in this Diptyque mainstay creates a fresh, fruity scent that reminds me of lychee. I knew I'd picked a winner when I floated past someone on the sidewalk and she was immediately effusive in her compliments. I wear this everywhere— running errands (extra! I know!), to events, on holiday...there's never a bad time for it." — Wu
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fresh floral
- Key Notes: rose damascena, centifolia, chamomile, lychee, artichoke
- Sizes: 2.5 oz
Most Luxurious
8. Tom Ford Figue Érotique Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- long-lasting (12+ hours)
- works across seasons, especially fall and winter
What We Don't Like
- not universally fruity
- high price point
Tom Ford
"Figue Érotique is a sultry fragrance centered on fig that’s grounded by smoky woods and musk. It’s a scent that balances citrus with deeper, more sensual undercurrents, making it feel very luxurious. I liken it to a modern interpretation of fig, but with a fun citrus twist." — Deena Campbell, Fashion and Beauty Director-at-large
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fresh floral
- Key Notes: kadota fig accord, vert de bergamot, muscovado accord
- Sizes: 1 oz, 1.6 oz, 8.4 oz
Best Gourmand Scent
9. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- warm and cozy
- reasonable price point
What We Don't Like
- fades after six hours of wear
Sol de Janeiro
“Crafted to be undeniably irresistible, it has a nutty characteristic due the pistachio and almond notes, a warm sweetness from the salted caramel, which is all rounded out by the touches of florals and woods. After years of rave reviews, the brand now offers this scent in many forms—a shower gel, an aluminum-free deodorant, this eau de parfum (which I treasure dearly) and more. It’s truly that impressive.” — Courtney Mason, Editorial Assistant
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sweet gourmand
- Key Notes: pistachio, jasmine petals, salted caramel
- Sizes: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz
Royal Favorite
10. Jo Malone London English Pear & Fressia Cologne
What We Like
- royal-approved
- long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- scent may be too overpowering
Jo Malone
"Both of my sisters have worn Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia for years and I adore it on them so much. The top notes are fruity and fresh, without feeling like a literal fruit salad, and the base note is patchouli for a woody finish that mellows the whole thing out in a gorgeous way. It lasts really well without feeling overpowering, too, which is a major bonus. And the packaging is so simple and elegant. No wonder Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are also fans!" — Hepworth
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fruity floral
- Key Notes: King William pear, fressia, patchouli
- Sizes: 0.34 oz, 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Grown-Up Gourmand
11. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- joyful, feel-good scent
- approachable, even for people who don’t typically wear niche scents
What We Don't Like
- some find the sweetness too candy-like
Maison Francis Kurkdijan
"Inspired by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian’s own nickname and nostalgia for youthful wonder, Kurky opens with bright, juicy accents of raspberry and peach before melting into creamy white musk and sandalwood." — Campbell
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: gourmand floral
- Key Notes: musky accord, vanilla, sandalwood
- Sizes: 1.2 oz, 2.4 oz
Sexiest Scent
12. Diptyque Orpheon Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- deep and smoky
- great to wear on nights out
What We Don't Like
- one size
Diptyque
"J'adore my Diptyque Orpheon, which is inspired by Parisian nightlife in the 1960s. It's deep, dark and woody with notes of juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean and jasmine—an overall sexy scent that's perfect for nighttime soirees and romantic date nights. Not to mention, the bottle looks super chic on my vanity." — Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: woody
- Key Notes: juniper berry, cedarwood, tonka bean, jasmin
- Sizes: 2.4 oz
Freshest Scent
13. Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- nostalgic
- bright
- legacy brand
- reasonable price tag
What We Don't Like
- may be too floral for winter/fall
Clinique
"I recently fell back in love with Clinique Happy after finding a travel-sized tube buried deep in one of my makeup bags. It was my go-to back in high school, so the nostalgia brings back so many memories, but mostly it reminds me of my mom and the free beauty gifts with purchase she'd snag at our local Macy's. They always included a vial of this bright, floral, citrusy perfume, and I'd sneak into her room each morning to steal a spritz. Wearing it now just makes me, well, happy." — Yohay
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fresh floral
- Key Notes: grapefruit, bergamot, mimosa, Hawaiian wedding flower
- Sizes: 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Warmest Scent
14. Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
What We Like
- warm and spicy scent
- unisex
What We Don't Like
- may be too warm for spring/summer
Maison Margiela
"This Maison Margiela eau de toilette is the best fall/winter scent ever. The notes of tobacco leaf and warm rum transport me to a cozy and sexy place every dang time. Plus, a little goes a long way so no need to overspray this bad boy. And while the scent is technically unisex, I can assure you that it's not overpowering." — Destinee Scott, Associate Sales and Deals Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: woody and spicy
- Key Notes: pink pepper, rum absolute, tobacco leaf absolute
- Size: 0.34 oz to 3.4 oz
Most Viral Scent
15. Glossier You Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- fun bottle design
- clean ingredients
What We Don't Like
- scent doesn't last as long on skin as it does clothes (5+ hours)
Glossier
“Glossier You is another mild-smelling option if strong perfumes trigger migraines. It's hard to describe as it's not supposed to smell strongly like one thing or the other. The closest thing I can think of is sunkissed skin mixed with a little bit of a woodsy note. Again, this fragrance is meant to smell different on everybody, but I've been around different people wearing it and each time I think 'wow, this person smells amazing.' It was the first perfume that I smelled on a friend and immediately bought it the next day (and this was over 5 years ago and I still wear it to this day).” — Masin
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sheer
- Key Notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrox
- Sizes: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Clean Fragrance
16. Henry Rose London 1983 Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- great for layering
- clean ingredients
- long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- scent may be too light for some
Henry Rose
"Pulpy fruits are leading 2026 fragrance releases, and I'm so here for it. This fig-forward scent from Michelle Pfeiffer's Henry Rose is one of my favorite perfumes to wear at the moment. With notes of fig, black pepper, musk and soft florals, the fragrance is meant to be worn as a second skin. It's soft and alluring, but impactful enough to be smelled after hours of wear. I love getting whiffs of it as I'm wearing it during the day." — Mason
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sheer
- Key Notes: fig, musk, orcanox
- Sizes: 0.34 oz, 1.7 oz
Best Woodsy Scent
17. Boy Smells Woodphoria Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- fun bottle design
- long-lasting
- vegan
What We Don't Like
- scent may be too overpowering
Boy Smells
"I'm a fragrance fanatic, and while it's nearly impossible to choose an all-time favorite, Woodphoria by Boy Smells might just take the cake. It's gotten me more compliments than any other scent—and I wear fragrance literally every day. As the brand describes it, 'Sun-kissed notes of fig, coconut and jasmine petals play with the intoxicating textures of sandalwood, cedarwood and musks.' It's the perfect combination of woody and floral." — Sarah Stiefvater, Wellness Director
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: woody floral
- Key Notes: coconut water, fig leaves, sandalwood
- Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1.6 oz
Boldest Scent
18. DedCool 05 Spring Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- vegan
- cruelty-free
- paraben-free
What We Don't Like
- may be too fresh for fall/winter
DedCool
"Way more people should be talking about DedCool, in my opinion. The LA-based brand's 05 Spring scent is one of my go-tos, and features top notes of cardamom, star anise and bergamot. This isn't a scent for the faint of heart—it's bold and unique—but it's a game changer for folks (like yours truly) who want their fragrance to make a statement." — Stiefvater
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fresh
- Key Notes: bergamot, cedar, lemon, oak moss, patchouli
- Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz
For Floral Lovers
19. Ellis Brooklyn Florist Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- the jasmine/honeysuckle combo
- fresh but has staying power
What We Don't Like
- sometimes bordering on too sweet, but does have balance
Ellis Brooklyn
“I am a florals girl and I LOVE jasmine and honeysuckle. They remind me alternatively of both my mom's front yard and warm Paris nights. Throw in gardenia and I'm instantly transported back to the Plaza Hotel, which pumps a custom gardenia scent through its vents. EB's Florist is so spot on, floral, feminine, sweet but not syrupy.” — Wu
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: fresh floral
- Key Notes: tuberose petals, golden gardenia, honeysuckle
- Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1.7 oz
Most Unique Scent
20. NOYZ 12:00 Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- bright and warm
- reasonable price point
What We Don't Like
- may be too sweet for some
NOYZ
"As a self-proclaimed Fraghead, one of my favorite new fragrances is from the brand NOYZ. The genderless brand creates scent profiles from raw, unfiltered feelings and emotions. Their most recent launch, 12:00, is inspired by stopping time. Whether it’s a.m. or .m., you’re wrapped up in all that comes and goes, but this scent lingers. Full of notes like jasmine petals, raspberry and spun sugar, this floral gourmand perfume is the timeless addition you need to your vanity. It’s bright and poppy while also being grounded and warm. Perfect for any time of day, it’s one that I’ve constantly been reaching for." — Delia Curtis, Assistant Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sweet gourmand
- Key Notes: Australian pink pepper, jasmine petals, spun sugar, jasmine, raspberry
- Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.69 oz
Spiciest Fragrance
21. Future Society Haunted Rose Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- long lasting
- paraben-free
- sulfate-free
What We Don't Like
- floral scent can be strong
Future Society
"If you’re not trying to smell like anyone else, *this* is the fragrance house to try. My favorite of the line is Haunted Rose, which smells like strong wilted rose petals strewn across the forest floor. It's a spicy floral with woody notes—much sharper edged than most rose perfumes with the addition of black pepper and dark, leathery saffron. It’s also softened by notes of passionfruit and ambroxan. I am nearing my last drop of Haunted Rose and I might just shed a tear." — Curtis
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: spicy floral
- Key Notes: rose, passionfruit, saffron, black pepper, sandalwood
- Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1.7 oz
Newcomer
22. Merit Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum
What We Like
- long-lasting
- alluring scent profile
- luxe bottle
What We Don't Like
- may be too overpowering for some
Merit
"Upon my first sniff, those pear and bergamot notes came in bright and sharp with the soft notes of violet and jasmine revealing themselves as it began to dry—and the dry down is where it's really at. When it finally settles, you’re left with a powdery aroma of vanilla and musk that lingers on your person for hours. I’ve tried to find the right words to describe the true uniqueness of this fragrance for days now and still have come up short. Its elusiveness is almost reminiscent of the white mystery-flavored Airhead candy I ate as a kid, which I still, to this day, do not know the actual flavor of. Is this perfume a floral? Is it a musk? That’s for your nose to decide." — Mason
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: warm and sheer
- Key Notes: bergamot, jasmine, musk
- Sizes: 0.32 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz
Luxurious Scent
23. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Desert Oud Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- versatile
- suitable to wear for any event
What We Don't Like
- high price point
Dolce & Gabbana
"I'm usually a vanilla fragrance kind of gal, so this one took me completely by surprised. The luxury fragrance screams one-way ticket to Italy. With notes of tobacco, saffron and dark woods, I feel so fancy spritzing this on. I'll admit it's a big price tag, but it's so worth it for a night out or even a trip to the office." — Chelsea Candelario, Beauty & Cultures Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Type:
- Key Notes: tobacco, saffron, dark woods
- Sizes: 3.3 oz
Best Celebrity Perfume
24. Billie Eilish Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- luxe bottle
- vegan
- paraben-free
What We Don't Like
- reportedly too light for some
Billie Eilish
"If I'm not raving about the Fenty fragrance then I'm talking someone's ear off about this Billie Eilish perfume. Seriously, don't knock celebrity perfumes—this one has an amazing scent that I've been wearing for a couple of years now. It has a nice mix of vanilla, musks and sugared petals. The singer (and her team) knew what they were doing with this gourmand fragrance. Also the bottle is gorgeous and looks fantastic on my dresser." — Candelario
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: amber gourmand
- Key Notes: sugared petals, creamy vanilla, warm musk
- Sizes: 1.73.4 oz, 5 oz
Best Floral Scent
25. Burberry Brit For Her Eau de Parfum
What We Like
- classic
- fresh and fruity
What We Don't Like
- one size
Burberry
"Without a doubt, my pick is Burberry Brit. I feel like it's a classic. My older sister used to wear it and I'd always steal it from her. One year, my mom finally got it for me for Christmas and I've had the same bottle for years. I wear it on special occasions and weekend outings."—Alyson Owens, Director of Social Strategy
Fast Facts
- Scent Type: sweet floral
- Key Notes: pear, lemongrass, peony, vanilla, amber
- Sizes: 1.6 oz to 3.30 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between Eau de Toilette vs. Eau de Parfum?
Yes, there's an actual difference between eau de toilette vs eau de parfum. It all comes down to the amount of fragrance concentration (aka oils and alcohol) in the formula. An eau de toilette has a lower concentration of oils and more alcohol, while eau de parfum has the complete opposite.
How Can I Make a Perfume Last Longer?
In a previous story, fragrance experts shared that there are three ways to make your scent last longer: You'll want to check the perfume's concentration, understand the scent note profile and keep your skin moisturized.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
