Looking for a New Option to Round Out Your Fragrance Wardrobe? Shop Our Editors' Top Picks

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

With so many versions of what may be considered one of the best perfumes for women, owning just one signature scent has quickly become a thing of the past.

"Since [the 1950s], hundreds of independent brands and dozens of major branch collections have been launched and contributed to the 'boom' of high perfumery," Michael Carby, Givaudan senior perfumer and perfumer at Better World Fragrance House tells Bazaar. Nowadays, go-to fragrances change at the blink of an eye, often used as an extension of an outfit, or as the final touch to a beauty routine—the cherry on top, if you will, sometimes literally.

Along with versatility and seamless wearability, Carby says he's seen an emphasis on new fruit blends as of late in the fragrance world, like Nette's pear-forward Pear Jam eau de parfum, plus, perfumes featuring milky, creamy textures and solar scents, along with special musk moments, like Better World Fragrance House's long-lasting Carby Musk fragrance oil.

From Chanel's classic No. 5 parfum, the timeless Miss Dior, and the flowery Gucci Bloom, to newer favorites from Glossier, Le Labo, and more, the following perfumes have earned rave reviews from Bazaar editors, scent collectors, and fragrance professionals alike. Whether you're in search of a pheromone perfume, cult-classic celebrity pick, or something else entirely, we're betting your perfect fragrance match is somewhere on this list. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite scents comprising the best perfumes for women.

Related: The Sexiest Fragrances of All-Time

Bloom Eau de Parfum For Her

Rangoon creeper, tuberose, and jasmine combine to create this robust and top-rated Gucci floral fragrance. And just like flowers do, its notes are meant to bloom over time, revealing more of its unique notes.

Key notes: Rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, tuberose

One satisfied shopper writes: "I absolutely love this perfume. I got it as a gift. I get a bunch of compliments when I wear it and it lasts for a long time. It smells like fresh flowers. Very clean and light. Worth the money!" —Gracestimson

Dirty Vanilla Eau de Parfum

We count Heretic's Dirty Vanilla Eau de Parfum as one of our top gourmand-inspired picks. Its blend of warm and spicy notes, including natural, vine-grown vanilla, is a clear standout in a sea of overly syrupy scents.

Key notes: Vanilla, amber musk

One satisfied customer writes: "I'm a huge fan of this brand and own many of the scents from the 'dirty' collection. The Vanilla has complexity, with notes of precious woody resins and subtle layers of spice. It's warm, sweet, woody and approachable." —Erin D.

001 Woman Perfume

Featuring notes of jasmine, linen and musk, this timeless, Spanish-made perfume from Loewe is designed to combine with the brand's 001 Man Eau de Parfum for a signature fragrance blend.

Key notes: Jasmine, linen, musk

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum

Dior perfumes are so iconic, they even inspired a documentary. This modern classic truly has a bit of everything: Juicy blood orange and mandarin, fresh lily of the valley, and earthy patchouli combine for a timeless scent. Though technically considered a floral scent, the perfume's woody notes lend to its overall versatility.

Key notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, centifolia rose, soft musk

One satisfied customer writes: "I used the fragrance for my wedding day, finished the bottle, and bought another one. It’s a beautiful scent that makes me feel feminine and powerful at the same time. My husband loves it when I wear it." —mariasakell

Chance Eau de Parfum

Chanel's Chance was introduced in 2002, and it’s been in heavy rotation for Bazaar editors ever since. Thank its floral base of iris and jasmine, which is rounded out by sweet vanilla and white musk. Plus, pink pepper adds an unexpected touch of spice.

Key notes: Pink pepper, jasmine absolute, amber patchouli, white musk, vanilla

One satisfied customer writes: "Nothing comes close to this. I have been wearing this perfume for 20 years now. There are so many perfumes but nothing is similar to this scent and it will always be my signature scent. It makes you feel fancy and expensive." —HeatherNikki

Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

Created as a collaboration between the perfumer and Baccarat to celebrate the crystal manufacturer’s 250th birthday, this popular scent is, frankly, a masterpiece. A combination of woody notes, amber, jasmine, and other florals, it's sophisticated and never overpowering.

Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris

One satisfied customer writes: "One of the longest-lasting scents, if not the longest. Love it." —Anonymous

Black Opium Eau de Parfum

Rich coffee and vanilla create a sweet and warm base for YSL Beauty's coveted gourmand fragrance, while a floral heart lightens things up. It's excellent during cooler months, but can also be worn year-round if you please.

Key notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla

One satisfied customer writes: "This has been my go-to for years and years! I am absolutely obsessed with the scent it makes me feel hot & smells delicious! I don't feel complete without a spray or two of it's the best! I always am getting asked what perfume I'm wearing and its always this!" —Slamma

Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

This hot fragrance became one of the biggest perfume crazes of the last decade, and for good reason: It’s musky, spicy, and a bit smoky (but not overwhelmingly so), and the genderless quality makes it ideal for sharing.

Key notes: Cardamom, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood

One satisfied customer writes: "Not like any fragrance I've ever had. I loved it so much that I had to have the lotion too. It smells amazing. I get asked all the time what I'm wearing and I love that everyone around me isn't wearing the same. It has great staying power." —Cvita511

N°5 Eau de Parfum

Chanel No. 5 is perhaps the most famous fragrance of all time. Heavy with may rose and jasmine, it was the first perfume to be layered with aldehydes, a now-commonplace practice that lends the fragrance an airy quality. Game-changing then, iconic now.

Key notes: May rose, jasmine, aldehydes, bourbon vanilla

One satisfied customer writes: "This perfume is stunning and absolutely worth the price tag. It's timeless and elegant." —Anonymous

Glossier You

Named You as a nod to the fragrance’s ability to smell differently on each wearer, this blend of floral iris, spicy pink pepper, and warm ambrette seeds became an instant hit for Glossier and remains the brand’s only fragrance.

Key notes: Pink pepper, iris

One satisfied customer writes: "Great scent for any time of day!" —Sheri G.

Daisy Eau de Toilette

The daisy-adorned bottle became an instant sensation, but what’s inside is pretty fabulous as well. With fruity and floral notes of strawberry, sandalwood, and jasmine, Daisy is a light floral that’s become a rite of passage for teens (and teens at heart).

Key notes: Strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine

One satisfied customer writes: "Smells heavenly and very feminine. Not at all overpowering. I think this would be perfect for a date night!" —cyberbratx

Flowerbomb Perfume

As the name suggests, this top-rated fragrance from Viktor&Rolf is a cult favorite thanks to its floral notes of jasmine and rose. And for added depth, its blend of warm vanilla and patchouli notes helps round out its floweriness.

Key notes: Vanilla, jasmine, orange blossom

One satisfied customer writes: "Bought it without even smelling it, I felt it would be great with so many reviews. Absolutely my favorite at this time. It is light but still pleasantly fragrant." —Musse

Angel Eau de Parfum

We don’t know what’s more recognizable: the refillable star-shaped bottle or the perfume that’s inside. Mugler's Angel features a patchouli base and fruity bergamot top notes, and is layered with sweet praline and vanilla—yet somehow never smells too sweet.

Key notes: Calabrian bergamot, praline, vanilla, patchouli

One satisfied customer writes: "Wonderful lite scent! Refillable bottle is great!" —Patty S.

Eau de Parfum

Kai has earned a devoted following over the years for its clean, tropical, gardenia-based fragrance. And for lovers of the best rose fragrances, there’s even a spin-off scent that pairs expertly with this one, known as (you probably guessed it), kai rose.

Key notes: Gardenia, white exotics

One satisfied customer writes: "Love this scent! It's the perfect floral without being dowdy. Get compliments all the time." —Alexandra

Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum

Carrie Bradshaw would probably agree: Carolina Herrera's Good Girl Blush eau de parfum deserves a spot on your vanity because of its shoe-shaped design alone. But for warm floral fragrance lovers in particular, the scent's combination of notes like peony heart, ylang-ylang, mandarin, and vanilla make it extra memorable—and easy to layer.

Key notes: Mandarin, ylang-ylang, vanilla

One satisfied customer writes: "It smells amazing! It's such a warm and enticing fragrance....definitely worth it!" —xSmilesz

Fenty Eau de Parfum

Rihanna has been name-checked as the best-smelling celeb by just about everyone on the planet, so it was only natural that she create her own signature scent. It instantly sold out, but if you’re lucky enough to snag a bottle of this elevated blend of magnolia, musk, tangerine, blueberry, Bulgarian rose absolute, geranium, and patchouli, know that it’s worth all the hype.

Key notes: Magnolia, musk, tangerine, blueberry, Bulgarian rose absolute, geranium, and patchouli

One satisfied customer writes: "It definitely gets me noticed. I love the smell and it's lasts all day and night." —Kesha W.

Sì Eau de Parfum Fragrance

If you’re looking for a sweet, strong floral scent, you may have found it in the Mediterranean-inspired Sì. It starts out fruity with top notes of black currant nectar, followed by freesia and Rose of Mai heart, finishing with a musky, vanilla-tinged base.

Key notes: Rose, woody vanilla

One satisfied customer writes: "This smells like feminine luxury. It’s suuuuch a complex fragrance. Beautifully crafted. I know fragrance is deeply personal, but this one makes me feel like I could take over the world. It balances power and femininity so well." —SofiValentina

Black Orchid Eau de Parfum

Like most things associated with Tom Ford, this scent is undeniably hot and glamorous. The namesake black orchid is surrounded by ylang-ylang and citrus, black plum, patchouli, and vanilla. It’s deep, dark, and elegant, especially for the evening.

Key notes: Black orchid, black truffle, patchouli

One satisfied customer writes: "The absolute sexiest smell ever. Just needs a matching body wash and lotion. I'd never buy a different brand again if it had everything. Tom Ford make a full gift set...fragrance, body wash, lotion, all of it please." —CDM4

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

You don’t have to live by the beach to appreciate this surf-inspired scent (and one of Jo Malone’s best sellers). With notes of sea salt, sage, and ambrette seeds, it’s simple, sophisticated, and genderless.

Key notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage

One satisfied customer writes: "Used this as my wedding scent!! Perfect scent! No regrets!! Will definitely wear this over and over again." —jmango420

Candy Eau de Parfum

With a name like Candy, you might mistake this scent for being cloying—but that's not the case at all. With notes of warm caramel and musk, Candy is sensual and fun: the perfect everyday scent.

Key notes: White musks, benzoin, caramel accord

One satisfied customer writes: "I’ve loved this scent for years, it’s a go to for me. Sweet, but not overpowering. It’s exactly what you think of when you hear 'candy.' Longevity is pretty good, more so on clothes than my skin." —Amandal25

Eau de Parfum

A bouquet of florals—rose, lily of the valley, freesia, magnolia—give way to amber and cedarwood, which lend a sensual, warm air to the overall light scent. Plus, this one is loved equally for the bottle (topped with a hand-tied ribbon) and for what’s inside.

Key notes: Peony, rose, honey, cedarwood

One satisfied customer writes: "Nice clean floral fragrance that's not too strong but lasts all day. I love that this floral gives a slight aquatic feel and is very refreshing. I can see me wearing this more in the summer." —ericatrenise

Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

Not even the fragrance-averse can resist Byredo’s chic, cylindrical bottles, particularly this scent inspired by the Romani, or Gypsy, lifestyle. The woody scent features intoxicating notes of bergamot, lemon, incense, pine needles, and sandalwood.

Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, pepper, pine needles, orris, vanilla, sandalwood

One satisfied customer writes: "One of my new favorites, hard to describe, unusual. Desirable. Alluring." —Anonymous

Jake's House

A gorgeous combination of honeyed neroli, peony, jasmine, and musk, this top seller from Michelle Pfeiffer’s fragrance line smells both crisp and clean, and is made with clean ingredients; in fact, it’s the only fine fragrance line to be verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Key notes: Marine, citrus, musk

One satisfied customer writes: "Really unique and clean scent." —Mariana P.

Meet the Experts

• Michael Carby is a senior perfumer at Givaudan, and a perfumer for Better World Fragrance House.

What are some tips to help your fragrance last longer

According to Carby, there are a few key tips to help scent linger for as long as possible:

• Moisturize before applying your scent. Hydrated skin holds fragrance better, so consider using an unscented lotion or (if it's available) one with the same fragrance before spraying on your perfume.

• Use matching body lotions or shower gels to layer your fragrance, can help extend its longevity.

• Carry a travel-size bottle of fragrance and re-apply your as needed throughout the day to maintain its freshness.

• Choose fragrances with long-lasting base notes like musk, amber, or sandalwood, as these tend to linger longer on the skin.

• Apply fragrance to areas like your pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These areas tend to produce more heat, which can help your scent diffuse throughout the day.

He also recommends spritzing your hair with your perfume of choice to create a sillage (or trail) of lasting scent.

Shop More of Our Go-to Fragrances

• The Sexiest Fragrances of All Time

• The Best Pheromone Perfumes That Shake Up the Laws of Attraction

• The Best Long-Lasting Perfumes You Won't Need to Reapply

• The Best Designer Perfumes to Line Your Countertop With

• The Best Clean Perfumes Worth Adding to Your Rotation

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine