17 best sweet perfumes that are anything but saccharine
You don't have to be a fragrance connoisseur to know that sweet perfumes have always been a cult-favourite scent category. Need proof? #GourmandFragrances has over 90 million views on TikTok, courtesy of the #PerfumeTok community.
As a perfume-obsessed beauty journalist, I find sweet fragrances versatile enough to wear on any occasion – be it for a day in the office, a date night, a day out with my friends or even a pick-me up on the days when I want to stay in and cuddle up with a book.
First off, you have your florals, citrusy and fruity scents that make perfect everyday fragrances. More often than not, they'll feature refreshing yet addicting notes of rose, lavender blossom, juicy pear and bergamot.
My personal favourites have to be the gourmand, mouth-watering fragrances that will have you smelling like walking dessert. Trust me, they'll grant you the most compliments, whether you're heading off to the office or a date night. Think notes of vanilla, cotton candy caramel, praline, coffee and marshmallow – Ariana Grande Cloud, we're looking at you.
The best part? The days of the overly nauseating sweet perfumes for women are well over. Instead, we're met with unique and balanced blends that are everything but sickly. Case in point: one of the best gourmand scents around is one that also happens to be adored by none other than Rihanna herself – enter, Kilian Love, Don't Be Shy.
Best sweet perfumes at a glance – our top picks:
- Best sweet perfume overall: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau De Parfum, £33, Boots
- Best celebrity-approved sweet perfume: Kilian Love Don't Be Shy Refillable Eau De Parfum, £220, Selfridges
- Best floral sweet perfume: Maison Margiela Replica on a Date Eau de Toilette, £110, Cult Beauty
- Best vanilla sweet perfume: Kayali Vanilla 28 Eau De Parfum, £98, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable sweet perfume: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, £22, LookFantastic
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But if you found yourself a tad overwhelmed by the sheer amount of perfumes to choose from – we don't blame you. Below, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the very best options on the market, including viral scents, the all-time classics and new launches that landed on the GLAMOUR beauty desk just earlier this year. Think: Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Lancome, Prada, Armani, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Mugler and Jo Malone London. You'll find pricier options as well as affordable picks (hello, Sol de Janeiro) to fit every budget and preference. We've also broken down all the notes so you can get the idea of what they smell like – after all, we totally get just how hard it can be to shop for perfumes online.
How we tested sweet perfumes
Over the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has tested hundreds of eau de parfums, eau de toilettes and colognes, all ranging in terms of the scent profile, price range and packaging. We've reviewed the fragrances over a minimum period of a week in real life scenarios (in the office/date night/gym/weddings), while judging each scent based on longevity and the complexity of the notes.
Looking to upgrade your perfume collection? Make sure to check out our guides on best long-lasting perfumes, best rose perfumes and best perfume for women (of all time).
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Ahead, your ultimate guide to the very best sweet perfumes that will surprise you in the best way possible…
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: One of the most uplifting fragrances around, this perfume from Ariana Grande is fruity, powdery, happy and warm. And after all this time, it's still a best-seller – and for a good reason too. Definitely one of the best sweet scents around.
Top notes: Lavender blossom, juicy pear and bergamot
Middle notes: Creme de coconut, praline and vanilla orchid
Base notes: Musk and wood
Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy Refillable Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: It's exhilarating, it's tender and it's unforgettable. This sweet fragrance from Kilian is loved by Rihanna and features notes of honeysuckle and rose, making it perfect for everyone who's in the mood for something more delicate. Go ahead, don't be shy.
Top notes: Orange blossom, honeysuckle and rose.
Middle notes: Marshmallow sugar accord.
Base notes: Warm amber and sharp neroli.
Maison Margiela Replica on a Date Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: Love is in the air – at least it is whenever you have this fragrance from Maison Margiela around. Featuring notes of pink pepper, patchouli and musk, this floral fragrance is guaranteed to bring about a feeling of romance.
Top notes: Pink pepper and patchouli.
Middle notes: Musk.
Base notes: Vetiver.
Huda Beauty Kayali Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Rich? Yes. Decadent? Absolutely. Nuanced and perfectly balanced? You bet. This sweet perfume has notes of amber, vanilla and brown sugar to channel your inner sweet tooth. It's particularly great for layering with other perfumes, too.
Top notes: Jasmine and Madagascan vanilla orchid.
Middle notes: Musk, amber, patchouli and brown sugar.
Base notes: Wood.
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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
Why we love it: This body spray mist from the creators of the iconic Bum Bum Cream provides a long-lasting aroma that reminds you of a hot summer day. So good, it's basically a sweet-smelling holiday in a bottle.
Top notes: Pistachio and almond.
Middle notes: Jasmine petals.
Base notes: Sandalwood and salted caramel accords.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: One of the most luxurious premium perfumes around. This iconic scent features notes of wood and amber, making it perfect as a signature scent for virtually any occasion. Oh, and it's unisex too.
Top notes: Jasmine and saffron.
Middle notes: Ambergris.
Base notes: Cedarwood.
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Who said perfumes can't be eco-conscious? This classic perfume comes in a refillable bottle and boasts sweet notes of ripe pear, blackberry, orange flower and patchouli. What's not to love?
Top notes: Pear and blackberry.
Middle notes: Pallida iris concrete, orange blossom and jasmine sambac absolutes.
Base notes: Heart of patchouli essence.
Why we love it: Who doesn't love candy? This daring and playful scent features notes of caramel, making it elegant, bewitching and dare we even say, sensual.
Top notes: Musk.
Middle notes: Benzoin.
Base notes: Caramel.
Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: We know what you're thinking – that is the most adorable bottle you've ever seen. Distinguishable by its caramel base, this gourmand fragrance is seductive and complex.
Top notes: Mandarin, orange and blackcurrant.
Middle notes: Peach, jasmine and orange blossom.
Base notes: Cedarwood, guaiac wood and caramel.
Dior Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Thanks to its floral notes of roses and peony, as well as its ultra-elegant packaging, Miss Dior makes a great treat for you and a great gift for your loved ones. After all, you can never go wrong with a classic. Hands down, the best floral perfume around.
Top notes: Lily-of-the-valley, peony and iris.
Middle notes: Centifolia rose.
Base notes: Musk, Papua New Guinean vanilla and tonka bean.
Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Vegan, cruelty-free and absolutely addicting. With sweet notes of apple blossom, matcha and creamy vanilla, this decadent fragrance works well as an everyday perfume.
Top notes: Passion fruit and apple blossom.
Middle notes: Green matcha.
Base notes: Creamy vanilla, sandalwood and nutty tonka bean.
Tom Ford Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum Spray
Why we love it: Tempting, luscious and beyond iconic. Not only does it smell exactly like real cherries, it also features creamy, nutty hues of almond as well as plum, jasmine, sandalwood, cinnamon and cedar.
Top notes: Bitter almond, liquor and black cherry.
Middle notes: Sour cherry, plum, Turkish rose and jasmine sambac.
Base notes: Tonka bean, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, cedar, patchouli and vetiver.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: There's nothing quite as enticing and musky as YSL's Black Opium. It's perfect for date night, thanks to its sensual vibes and notes of vanilla, white flowers and black coffee.
Top notes: Pear accord and Mandarin essence.
Middle notes: Vanilla, orange blossom and white flowers.
Base notes: Black coffee accord, cedarwood essence, white musk and patchouli.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Perfect for the independent woman, this fragrance carries a strong personality and a surprising freshness. It's absolutely iconic in this day and age, thanks to its memorable notes of fresh orange and patchouli.
Top notes: Fresh orange.
Middle notes: Jasmine and rose.
Base notes: Patchouli and vetiver.
Burberry Her Elixir de Parfum for Women
Why we love it: Fearless and feminine, this perfume from Burberry is a full-on adventure for your senses. It's bold, fruity and features daring notes of blackberry, jasmine and amber.
Top notes: Strawberry and blackberry accord.
Middle notes: Jasmine accord.
Base notes: Vanilla, amber and sandalwood.
Jo Malone London English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne
Why we love it: A firm-favourite of Sofia Richie, this Jo Malone fragrance is probably one of the most unique sweet perfumes around. Featuring an alluring blend of white musk, English pear and sweet pea, this scent perfectly encapsulates the “quiet luxury” trend, so if that's your thing – you know what to do.
Top notes: Williams pear.
Middle notes: Sweet pea.
Base notes: White musk.
Valentino Born in Roma Donna Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: This perfume exudes “cool girl” energy like no other. It's feminine, it's daring and unique – featuring notes of vanilla bourbon, cashmere, wood and jasmine. Long story short, if you want to turn heads, this is your match made in heaven.
Top notes: Black Currant, pink pepper and bergamot
Middle notes: Jasmine, jasmine sambac and jasmine tea.
Base notes: Vanilla bourbon, cashemere and Guaiac wood.
