Best women’s perfumes: My all-time faves after owning over 200

For some, it’s stamps, for others, Labubu. For me? It’s perfume. Not just a casual appreciation, but a full-blown, glorious obsession. My home isn’t just a place to live; it’s a fragrant museum, a testament to my love affair with scent. And honestly, girls, you get it.

Shelves overflow with bottles – each one a carefully chosen piece in my ever-growing collection, a fragrant chapter in my life’s story. Some might call it excessive but I call it art.

Finding your signature scent is deeply personal. But how do you choose? Do you want a bold, room-filling fragrance or something more intimate? Are you splurging or seeking affordable options? Most importantly, what notes do you love? Vanilla and tonka? Citrus? Cedar and oud?

Perfume has 3 layers: top, middle, and base notes.

• Top notes are the first impression, light and fleeting (citrus, fruits, herbs)

• Middle notes form the heart of the scent, lasting longer (florals, spices, green notes)

• Base notes are the foundation, providing depth and longevity (woods, oriental notes, gourmands)

Explore fragrance families like floral, oriental, woody, fresh, and gourmand. Always test perfumes on your skin for the best experience. Understanding your preferences will guide you to your ideal scent.

And now, for the grand reveal: the 10 perfumes that have captured my heart, my all-time favourites (in reverse order).

10. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Parfum
(Best ‘I’m the boss’ scent)

Key notes: Bergamot, Orange, Grapefruit, Rose, Lychee, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk, Vetiver

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle isn’t just a perfume; it’s a power suit in a bottle. It’s the kind of fragrance that struts into a room before you do, announcing, “I’m here, I’m in charge, and I smell absolutely divine.” Forget demure florals; this is a sophisticated blend of citrusy freshness and warm, confident patchouli.

Picture a burst of sparkling orange and bergamot, like a crisp, tailored blazer. It’s bright, it’s energetic, and it demands attention. Then, the heart of the fragrance unfolds, a bouquet of elegant rose and jasmine, softened by a touch of sweet lychee. But it’s the base of patchouli that truly sets it apart, a rich, earthy note that grounds the fragrance and gives it a commanding presence. It’s got that “I run this show, and I make it look effortless” vibe.

One spritz and you’re ready to close that deal, ace that presentation, or simply conquer your day with unwavering confidence. It’s the scent of a woman who knows her worth, who isn’t afraid to take up space, and who does it all with impeccable style. And yes, you might just find yourself walking a little taller.

Buy now: Chanel

9. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
(Best woody perfume)

Key notes: Sea Salt, Sage, Ambrette Seeds, Grapefruit

First things first— I’m not a fan of heavy, woody scents. But Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt makes this list because it has just a hint of woodiness without feeling overpowering.

Jo Malone fragrances are known for their minimalist compositions, focusing on a few key notes. This approach prevents the fragrance from becoming cluttered or heavy. By limiting the concentration of woody notes and emphasising the lighter elements, the overall effect remains airy.

We’re talking salty air that tickles your nostrils, a whiff of sage that’s more “herbal tea on the beach” than “grandma’s spice rack,” and a touch of something warm and fuzzy that’s basically a hug in a bottle (thanks, ambrette!). It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to throw on some flip-flops and go build a sandcastle, even if you’re stuck in a cubicle.

Buy now: Jo Malone

8. Maison Francis Kurkdjia Baccarat Rouge 540
(Best viral perfume)

Key notes: Saffron, Jasmine, Amberwood, Ambergris, Hedione, Fir Resin, Cedar, Sugar, Ambroxan, Oakmoss

If you haven’t heard of MFK Bacarrat Rouge 540, you must be living under a rock. Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian introduced this fragrance in 2014, and it has since risen to global fame, becoming one of the world’s most popular fragrances.

This is one incredibly enigmatic scent. It’s the kind of fragrance that turns heads and sparks conversations (and maybe a little envy). Prepare for compliments that range from “What is that?” to “You smell wealthy.”

Imagine the most luxurious candy floss ever made, spun from golden sugar and infused with a whisper of something decidedly not sweet. That’s the opening act. We’re talking a caramelised sweetness that’s both inviting and slightly mysterious. Then, out pops this warm, almost medicinal ambergris, like a cosy cashmere blanket that’s been subtly smoked over a rare wood fire.

It’s got that “I’m expensive, and yes, I absolutely know I smell amazing” vibe. One whiff and you’re transported to a high-stakes poker game in a plush Parisian salon, where the air is thick with secrets and the champagne never stops flowing. Worth the hype and splurge? Most definitely!

Buy now: Escentials

7. Kayali Vanilla 28
(Best vanilla perfume)

Key notes: Vanilla Orchid, Jasmine, Brown Sugar, Tonka Bean, Amber, Amberwood, Musk, Patchouli

Yup, I’m officially in my vanilla perfume era. It’s just… a vibe. Kayali Vanilla 28 has garnered me more compliments than any other fragrance I’ve worn. This scent is like diving headfirst into a cloud of the most decadent, grown-up vanilla you’ve ever encountered. Forget those sugary-sweet, kiddie-pool vanillas; this is the real deal. It’s a rich, deep, and almost boozy vanilla, like vanilla extract that’s been aged in a fine oak barrel.

Imagine a warm, blanket of vanilla absolute, blended with creamy tonka bean and a hint of brown sugar. Then, a touch of patchouli adds a sophisticated, slightly earthy depth, keeping it from becoming too cloying. It’s got that “I’m sweet, but I’m also incredibly chic and know my way around a cocktail party” vibe.

The dry down is a long-lasting, creamy vanilla that lingers on your skin like a sweet memory. Seriously, one spray and suddenly my to-do list looks like a delicious to-don’t list, because who cares when you smell this good?

Buy now: Sephora Huda Beauty

6. Louis Vuitton Spell On You
(Best date night scent)

Key notes: Violet, Tuscan Iris, Green Notes, Tuscan Iris, Roes, Chinese Jasmine, White Musk, Peach, Acácia

Louis Vuitton Spell On You is a captivating and elegant floral fragrance, designed for romantic allure. Think of a bouquet of luxurious flowers, with a velvety, almost powdery iris taking centre stage. Paired with the sweet, subtly fruity notes of acacia flower, it creates a delicate yet irresistibly sensual floral heart.

Then, a touch of warm, sun-kissed notes emerges, like the feeling of soft skin bathed in golden light. This subtle warmth adds a layer of depth and sensuality, preventing the fragrance from becoming too purely floral. It’s got that “I’m effortlessly chic and undeniably alluring” vibe.

This is a love letter in a bottle. It’s the kind of scent that makes you feel confident and irresistible. The dry down is a soft, musky floral that lingers on your skin like a gentle caress. This enchanting perfume is perfect for a date night when you’re feeling a little more romantic than usual.

Buy now: Louis Vuitton

5. EX NIHILO Lust in Paradise
(Best beachy scent)

Key notes: Pink Pepper, Peony, Lychee, Petalia, Musk, White Cedar Extract, Amber

Peony is the note that always draws me in when it comes to perfume. It’s a scent that embodies both elegance and a touch of playful femininity. Unlike the heady intensity of some florals (like rose, which tends to give me a headache), peony offers a lighter, more airy quality, reminiscent of a spring breeze carrying the scent of fresh petals.

And peony with pink pepper? Intrigue level: maximum! That’s a combination I didn’t know I needed, but now I can’t live without.

Forget predictable tropical escapes; EX NIHILO’s Lust in Paradise is a curated experience of sun-drenched hedonism. Imagine a tableau of pristine white florals, their sweetness tempered by a saline breeze, evoking the languid air of a secluded coastal enclave. Then, a subtle undercurrent of creamy musk and verdant notes emerges, suggesting hidden depths beneath the idyllic surface. It’s a fragrance that balances luminous freshness with a seductive undercurrent, possessing a duality that captivates.

Buy now: Amaris

4. Burberry Goddess
(Best daytime perfume)

Key notes: Vanilla, Lavender, Cacao, Ginger, Vanilla Caviar, Vanilla Absolute

Honestly, Burberry Goddess has become my daily dose of deliciousness. Forget “special occasions,” this vanilla masterpiece is my everyday MVP. It’s got the most comforting and soothing notes – vanilla and lavender.

The perfect balance of comforting and sophisticated, it’s ideal for everything from morning meetings to afternoon coffee runs.

Burberry Goddess isn’t just vanilla, it’s vanilla royalty. Picture this: a trio of vanillas, each one richer and more decadent than the last, swirling together like a golden elixir. Then, a touch of aromatic lavender tiptoes in, adding a sophisticated twist, like a silk scarf on a cashmere sweater. It’s got that “I’m effortlessly chic, but also kinda cosy” thing going on. One spritz and you’re suddenly sipping a perfectly crafted latte in a sun-drenched Italian villa.

Buy now: iShopChangi Sephora

3. Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow
 (Best gourmand perfume)

Key notes: Freesia, Italian Lemon, Nectarine blossom, Apple, Marshmallow, Strawberry, Coconut, Orange Blossom, Whipped Cream, Sugar, Vanilla, Musk, Raspberry

Gourmand scents totally ruled 2024, and guess what? They’re sticking around! 2025 is shaping up to be another deliciously sweet year. So, fellow gourmand lovers, let’s just say my perfume collection (and yours) is about to get a serious upgrade.

Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow isn’t your average campfire treat. This is marshmallow elevated. Imagine a whirlwind of creamy marshmallow swirling with a hint of something warm and sophisticated – like a touch of vanilla orchid or a whisper of amber. Then sprinkled with strawberry. It’s got that “I’m sweet, but I’m also kinda mysterious” vibe. One spray and you’re instantly feeling like the main character in your own rom-com, strolling through a Parisian patisserie.

This isn’t just a sugary scent; it’s a mood. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes you want to wear your favourite fuzzy sweater and curl up with a good book. The dry down is a soft, comforting sweetness that lingers like a warm hug. Prepare for compliments… and a sudden urge to bake something delicious.

Buy now: Sephora

2. Carthusia A’mmare
(Best summer scent)

Key notes: Salt, Rosemary, Bergamot, Water Notes, Mint, Musk, Cedar, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli

Cute story – Carthusia was started by an order of monks on the island of Capri. Each of their fragrances is crafted around the essence of native Caprese ingredients. My bottle of Carthusia? It’s not just a perfume; it’s a piece of Capri, purchased directly from the island, making it a truly special souvenir. And this ceramic bottle? Obsessed!

Carthusia A’mmare is a sun-drenched aquatic, a “sparkling escape” that’s both refreshing and subtly luxurious. Seriously, a single spritz and I’m mentally on the Mediterranean, even if I’m just running errands.

Imagine bright, sun-kissed citrus mingling with the salty tang of marine notes to start, then a heart of crisp mint and warm cedarwood unfolds. It’s got that clean, “just back from the beach” vibe that lingers beautifully. The dry down is a smooth, woody amber that wraps you in a comforting warmth long after the initial freshness fades. Honestly, it’s the closest I’ll get to a Mediterranean escape on most days, and I’m perfectly fine with that.

Buy on your next trip to Italy!

1. EX NIHILO Fleur Narcotique
(Best floral perfume)

Key notes: Lychee, Bergamot, Peach, Peony, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Musk, Moss

EX NIHILO is a Parisian fragrance house established in 2013 by a trio of young visionaries from Paris. I have to say, this might just be the most underrated fragrance brand out there— but for me, it was love at first sniff. And it has now claimed the top spot on my list!

My handbag shall never be without Fleur Narcotique, primed for immediate use. This is a modern floral, a “crystalline radiance” that’s both sophisticated and a little bit seductive. A quick spray of this stuff works wonders— it’s like a cloud of pure, expensive joy.

Think juicy peach and lychee mingling with bright bergamot to start, then a heart of lush peony and orange blossom unfolds. It’s got that clean, “freshly showered” vibe that lasts for hours, but it’s more intense and attention-grabbing than your average summer scent. The dry down is a soft, musky wood that keeps you sniffing your wrist all day.

I’ve had strangers stop me in my tracks, insisting on knowing what fragrance I’m wearing. Honestly, I’m starting to think Fleur Narcotique should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous compliments and intense fragrance envy.”

Buy now: Amaris

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