13 best perfumes for women to find your signature scent
Having been a beauty journalist for half a decade, I can tell you this with certainty: compiling a definitive list of the best perfumes is no easy task. Fragrance is deeply personal – shaped by memory, mood, even the weather – and what feels like your signature scent in the winter might be entirely summer fragrance. Add to that an industry that’s constantly launching, reformulating and reinventing, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by choice.
Whether you lean towards sweet, edible gourmands or prefer something fresher, such as rose perfume, citrus blends or deeper, spicier notes, fragrance often says more about us than we realise. It can mirror our personality, our energy, even the version of ourselves we want to step into that day. For me, putting on my perfume is an integral part of my beauty ritual, and I can sometimes feel ‘naked’ if I step out without it.
My favourite perfumes for women, at a glance:
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It is said that smell is one of our most powerful senses, meaning some scents have a unique effect that can trigger nostalgia, calm our nerves, increase our serotonin levels (much like aromatherapy), and may even act as an aphrodisiac. Some eau de parfums that evoke confidence are great to spritz before a job interview, while muskier skin scents are ideal for a self-care evening, to make you feel as though you are wrapped up in a warm, fluffy towel.
Otherwise, fragrances have also become a form of fashion accessory, helping us complete a certain aesthetic – be it themed around quiet luxury or a “clean girl” vibe. Not to mention, some bottles make the chicest decorations for our dressing tables (cough-cough, Delina Parfums De Marly, anyone?).
So, whether you’re on the hunt for a new signature, building out a fragrance wardrobe, or searching for a gift that feels personal but still foolproof, consider this your starting point. Ahead, our editors have curated the perfumes that truly stand out, from enduring classics to the newer launches that are genuinely worth the hype.
While there are a handful of icons that have more than earned their place (we’re looking at you, Baccarat Rouge), the reality is that the ‘best perfume’ isn’t fixed - it evolves. And so do we. Our aim? To keep this list feeling relevant, updated and genuinely worth your attention, with a curated mix of all-time greats and the standout scents currently making their way across the Glamour beauty desk.
How I tested the best perfumes for women:
I’ve been a beauty writer for over half a decade now, testing products for Glamour, HELLO!, Marie Claire, The Standard and more. So, it’s fair to say I’ve developed a pretty strong sense for what’s worth your time and what’s not. That said, fragrance is incredibly personal, and no two people experience a scent in quite the same way.
As such, I enlisted the help of my fellow Glamour editors to bring multiple perspectives into the mix. Below, you’ll spot reviews, notes and video content from colleagues including Sophie Cockett, Denise Primbet, Fiona Embleton and other experienced editors – each with their own scent preferences, from skin-like musks to bold, statement blends.
Together, we tested a wide range of fragrances and scored them based on a few key factors: longevity (how long the scent lasts on the skin), sillage (how far it carries), and overall wearability - including how it develops throughout the day and how often we found ourselves reaching for it. We also considered the bottle design and overall aesthetic, because a perfume that looks as good as it smells is always a win.
The end result is an edit of perfumes that feels genuinely tried, tested and loved – not just by me, but by a team of beauty obsessives who take their fragrance wardrobes seriously.
Why you can trust me:
As a beauty writer with over five years’ experience across multiple publications, I’ve spent that time consistently testing fragrances in real-life conditions, not just on blotters, but on skin, over full days, across seasons, moods and occasions. I know how a perfume behaves beyond the first spritz: how it develops, how long it lasts, and whether you still want to wear it hours later. Most importantly, nothing here is included because it’s trending - only because it genuinely earned its place through repeated wear and collective agreement.
Ahead, the best perfumes for women that we've tested.
1. Best Jasmine Perfume: Penhaligon’s The Bewitching Yasmine Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: "This is one of those fragrances that stopped the entire team in its tracks – and I don’t say that lightly. Across our editors, there was a unanimous vote of love for this jasmine perfume the moment it was tested, which is no easy feat in a room full of very opinionated beauty writers with very different fragrance tastes.
"There’s something undeniably captivating about it. At its heart, it’s a rich, smoky-spiced fragrance that leans into cardamom, coffee and incense, before unfolding into a deep, resinous oud that gives it its signature intensity. Yes, the oud is strong, but it’s balanced in a way that feels sensual rather than overwhelming, softened by vanilla and lifted by delicate jasmine so it never tips into being too heavy or dense.
"What makes it so addictive is the contrast: it feels dark and mysterious, but still wearable. Powerful, but not shouty. It’s the kind of scent that lingers in a room after you’ve left, leaving a trail that feels expensive and slightly hypnotic.
“There’s also something about the bottle that completes the fantasy – it feels like a perfume that could sit on your mantlepiece, rather than just a product. It does tip into the luxury category with a much higher price point in comparison high street fragrances, but in our opinion, absolutely worth the investment.”
- Tester: Georgia Brown.
- Top notes: Cardamom, coffee
- Middle notes: Jasmine sambac, fir resin
- Base notes: Laotian oud, vanilla, incense
2. Best Date Night Perfume: YSL Libre Eau De Parfum
Why we love it: "The YSL Libre is nothing short of a fragrance phenomenon, offering a chic blend of fruity, floral and musky notes. A true crowd-pleaser, it's a great option to have on your daily perfume rotation – but also my go-to date night perfume. I've used this for almost every dinner and date I've been on with my partner in the past five years.
"This is my ride-or-die perfume – the one I always come back to, no matter what else is sitting on my shelf. It opens with that signature lavender note, but it’s softened by orange blossom and warmed through with vanilla, which stops it from feeling too sharp or herbal. No matter how old I get, something about this perfume always makes me feel undeniably grown-up and sophisticated.
“I'd argue it works best for evenings out, and it has real staying power without ever feeling overpowering. It’s the kind of scent that becomes part of your identity – familiar, flattering, and always reliable. I also love the bottle – it feels really luxurious and heavy (even if it is a little difficult to dust)."
- Tester: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor and Georgia Brown, Freelance Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Tangerine, neroli and lavender.
- Middle notes: Jasmine sambac and orange blossom.
- Base notes: White musk and vanilla.
3. Most Feminine Perfume: Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif Parfum
Why we love it: "One for luxury perfume lovers, the Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly is an unapologetically feminine scent, and my verdict is simple: it fully deserves all the hype that it gets on #PerfumeTok.
“Delina Exclusif is probably my most complimented fragrance, and I find it to perfectly capture my vibe and aesthetic. As a signature scent should, right? Girly girls like me will love it: it has a fresh floral opening, but settles into a stunning musky veil with a touch of vanilla. It feels versatile enough to wear on any occasion and is super long-lasting, too. You can shop more of the best vanilla perfumes this way."
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Vanilla, lychee, rhubarb, bergamot and nutmeg.
- Middle notes: Turkish rose, lily-of-the-valley and peony.
- Base notes: White musk, cashmeran, cedarwood and incense.
4. Best Summer Perfume: Prada Les Infusions Infusion De Santal Chai Eau De Parfum
Why we love it: "There’s something magnetic about this fragrance, and one that on first spritz, I knew would be one of my go-to perfumes for summer. I am by no means an expert in pulling apart my base notes from my top notes, but the sandalwood scent running through this fragrance is particularly strong, paired with a gentle spice that gives just enough warmth without feeling like a festive scent.
"What I love most is how wearable it is, particularly across spring and summer. Spiced fragrances can often feel too heavy for warmer months, but this one manages to stay light on the skin without turning into a sickly sweet scent as the day goes on. It's a very subtle fragrance, so it won't hit you instantly like YSL Libre will, but it is strong enough to linger on your skin all day.
“Longevity is also genuinely impressive - it wears beautifully throughout the day, fading into a soft, skin-like warmth rather than disappearing altogether. And then there’s the bottle: golden, minimal, and reminiscent of sunlight bouncing off sand on an island holiday - understated luxury in its best form.”
- Tester: Georgia Brown.
- Top notes: Citrus accords, soft spice.
- Middle notes: Sandalwood, chai-inspired spices, light florals.
- Base notes: Creamy woods, musk, amber warmth.
5. Best Rose Perfume: Phlur Rose Whip
Why we loved it: “I didn't expect to be a rose perfume kind of girl. Then, Rose Whip landed on my desk and suggested to me that, actually, rose scents aren't always old-lady-like and reminiscent of your grandma. Instead, they can be sexy and sultry, like this one.
"I love the bottle of this Phlur perfume. I don't usually love that Phlur lids are white – and therefore get completed stained when I throw them in my handbag – but this black bottle feels a little more life-proof. The lid is satisfyingly magnetic, and the perfume features top and middle notes of rose, blackcurrant and osmanthus. After settling, it reveals base notes of amber, cashmere wood and musk, serving a welcome contradiction from the sweet rose notes above.
“My boyfriend pointed out how much he loved this scent, which was pleasing, and every time I've worn it I've grown to love it more. Designed to be sprayed generously on the pulse points, neck and wrists, it's a sexy and provocative rose scent which has quickly become my signature. I love it.”
- Tester: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior Commerce Editor.
- Top notes: Rose, Blackcurrant.
- Middle notes: Osmanthus.
- Base notes: Amber, Cashmere Wood, Musk.
6. Best Affordable Perfume for Women: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
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Why we love it: "If you're looking for an uplifting and memorable gourmand fragrance that's bound to turn heads, this is it. Not only is the Ariana Grande Cloud an incredibly affordable perfume, but it's also a surprisingly long-lasting perfume. It comes in an adorable cloud-shaped bottle which looked cute (if a little young?) on my dressing table. Any sweet perfume lover will love that it genuinely makes you smell like a walking dessert, thanks to a variety of sweet olfactory notes such as praline, whipped cream and vanilla.
“Part of Ariana Grande’s broader fragrance line (which also includes Sweet Like Candy and God Is A Woman), Cloud stands out as the most universally wearable. It’s fun, comforting, and a bit like Ari herself, is the kind of scent that feels like a cosy jumper in fragrance form, and has quietly become a modern ‘starter luxury’ perfume for many. If you're looking to introduce a teenager to perfume, this is a great start.”
- Tester: Lian Brooks, Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager.
- Top notes: Lavender, pear and bergamot.
- Middle notes: Vanilla, créme de coconut and praline.
- Base notes: Whipped cream, woods and musk.
7. Best Luxury Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum
Why we love it: "Let's face it, this round-up simply wouldn't exist without the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian - arguably one of the most recognisable luxury scents of the last decade. While the original Eau de Parfum has already reached icon status, the Extrait de Parfum takes everything people know about it and amplifies it into something even more intense, resinous and long-lasting.
"The composition builds on saffron, jasmine and amberwood, but in the Extrait version these notes feel denser and more enveloping. Almond adds a subtle creaminess, while cedar and musk deepen the dry-down, creating that signature “glowing skin” effect the fragrance is so known for. While we love the original version, this more intense Extrait de Parfum iteration managed to surprise us in the best way possible, offering a long-lasting effect and a unique blend of notes that screams “luxury.""
- Tester: Rosie Lai, Glamour's Acting Fashion Editor.
- Top notes: Grandiflorum and saffron.
- Middle notes: Bitter almond and cedar wood.
- Base notes: Woody musk accord and ambergris.
READ MORE: How to apply perfume for long-lasting results.
8. Best Cult-Favourite: Glossier You Eau De Parfum
Why we love it: "Glossier You first launched back in October 2017 as the brand's debut fragrance (nope, I can't believe it either), described as a "skin-scent enhancer" and created by perfumers Dora Baghriche and Frank Voelkl. Over the past (almost) ten years, it has become a mainstay in the perfume collections of countless beauty editors (including mine – a collection which stands at over 30, I may add) – and it's a scent we all come back to time and time again.
"Glossier You is a soft, warm and musky scent with notes of sparkling pink pepper, earthy iris, ambroxan and ambrette – and it smells different on everyone. It's genuinely one of the longest-lasting perfumes I own (if I spritz it over a summer dress, then wash said summer dress, it'll come out of the wash still smelling divine), and I love the nostalgic value of it.
“To be honest, since the fame and success of Glossier You led the brand to launch Glossier You Doux and Glossier You Rêve in 2024 – then Glossier You Fleur in 2025 and Glossier You Soie this year – (all of which are stunning and currently being tested by our editors), something about it feels a little less… exciting? I've most definitely reached for it less, and the times I do, it's because I want to layer it with something else. Phlur Vanilla Skin or Chanel Chance, commonly. That said, it still deserves a spot in this edit thanks to its serious lasting power and the beauty set's universal love for it. Oh, and that accessible price point.”
- Tester: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer, and Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior Commerce Editor.
- Top notes: Pink pepper.
- Middle notes: Ambrette seeds and ambery ambrox.
- Base notes: Iris.
9. Best Unisex Perfume: Le Labo Another 13 Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: “This incredibly sophisticated yet sensual fragrance features notes of earthy moss combined with those of sweet jasmine. The result? A perfect unisex fragrance that's bound to attract an array of compliments wherever you go. It's a great confidence booster too, making it a solid option to wear before an important meeting or a job interview.”
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Jasmine.
- Middle notes: Ambrette seeds and moss.
- Base notes: Ambroxyde.
10. Best Fig Perfume: Phlur Father Figure Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: “Look up ‘cool girl scent' in the dictionary, and you'll find a picture of this fig perfume. I'm convinced. It's one of the most interesting scents I've ever tried (and I've tried a lot) – totally different to anything else in my collection.
“Inspired by hidden gardens, the fig note (as per the name) takes centre stage here – but that note is beautifully complimented by waterlily and cassis, and heart notes of jasmine, iris and orris. Expect to find vanilla and skin musk in there, too – two elements which make this perfume feel like it is simply making your own skin smell better (rather than enveloping it in something totally new). I think this perfume works best as a daily fragrance, rather than a special occasion perfume, and it's a great buy if you're wanting to fragrance layer, too.”
- Tester: Elle Turner, Glamour's Senior Beauty Editor, and Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Fig, cassis and waterlily.
- Middle notes: Orris, iris and jasmine.
- Base notes: Skin musk, vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood.
11. Best Woody Perfume: Byredo Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: “Ah, Bal d'Afrique – also known as one of the most viral Byredo perfumes around. Made as a celebration of African culture, this sophisticated and alluring fragrance exudes notes of bergamot, jasmine petals, amber and cedarwood. All-in-all, it's an incredibly decadent perfume that evokes the feel of a luxurious holiday.”
- Tester: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Bucchu, African marigold, bergamot, lemon and neroli.
- Middle notes: Cyclamen, jasmine petals and violet.
- Base notes: Black amber, Moroccan cedarwood, musk and vetiver.
12. Best Fruity Perfume: Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajad Extrait de Parfum
Why we love it: "Using this perfume felt like such a treat, and a daily ritual I became really obsessed with. It's a beautiful floral and fruity perfume that contrasts the warmth of leather, vanilla and cinnamon with the freshness of rose and mint.
“After a few weeks' worth of testing, I'd say this perfume is ideal for anyone who loves rose, – particularly if you're after a punchy and long-lasting scent that will linger on your skin for hours on end. It easily falls into my top-five most-complimented perfumes.”
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Top notes: Ruby rose and hibiscus tea.
- Middle notes: Pomegranate, blackcurrant, mint and cinnamon.
- Base notes: Vanilla orchid, amber and leather.
13. Best Oil-Based Perfume: Orabella Eternal Roots Eau De Parfum
Why we love it: "I love the ritual of using this fragrance. You shake it before use to activate the oil blend, making a milky consistency when spritzed on the skin. Once applied, the oil-based formula melts in beautifully, doubling up as a subtle body glow that leaves a soft, hydrated sheen rather than any heavy residue.
"Scent-wise, it sits firmly in the woody family, and can lean more into a masculine scent if that's more your preference. It has a grounded, earthy sophistication, but also a softness to it that makes it incredibly easy to wear - especially if you’re someone who finds traditional alcohol-based perfumes a bit harsh on the skin.
"What really stands out is how unique this perfume feels. It doesn’t resemble anything else in my fragrance wardrobe, and that alone makes it memorable. I always get compliments whenever I wear this in the evenings, which is when I tend to reach for it as it's a heavier scent that some of the lighter, floral fragrances in this edit.
“Gentle, nourishing, and genuinely skin-friendly on my sensitive skin, it’s a modern take on fragrance that feels as much like skincare as it does perfume.”
- Tester: Georgia Brown, Freelance Commerce Writer
- Top notes: Soft spice, fresh green accords
- Middle notes: Earthy woods, subtle florals
- Base notes: Deep sandalwood, musk, warm resinous notes
READ MORE: How to choose a wedding perfume.
More perfumes we're currently testing
What is the most popular perfume in the UK?
When it comes to popularity, the UK fragrance landscape is surprisingly consistent, even in a market that’s more saturated than ever. Certain scents continue to dominate year after year thanks to their recognisability, versatility and strong emotional pull.
Right now, classics still reign supreme. Fragrances like Chanel No. 5 and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle remain some of the most enduringly popular perfumes in the UK, sitting alongside newer icons such as YSL Libre Eau de Parfum and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle, which continue to top sales charts thanks to their strong, instantly recognisable scent profiles.
Ultimately, “most popular” doesn’t necessarily mean most modern - it often reflects familiarity, longevity, and a fragrance’s ability to feel like a signature across generations.
What notes are trending right now?
Fragrance trends in 2026, according to beauty retailer Sephora, are leaning into contrast: with layering-friendly formulas. While florals will always have a place in perfumery, they’re being reworked in fresher, more modern ways that pair better with a richer scent - think airy jasmine, dewy rose, and petal-light compositions rather than heavy bouquets.
Alongside this, skin-like musks and clean woods are having a major moment, feeding into the wider “your skin but better” beauty mood. Gourmands are also evolving - less sugary dessert, more grown-up warmth - with notes like vanilla, tonka bean and soft amber creating that addictive, lived-in feel.
There’s also a clear shift towards comforting, mood-enhancing scents. Fragrance is increasingly being used as a form of self-soothing, which explains the rise of softer, cocooning profiles that feel intimate rather than overpowering.
How to choose the best perfume for you
Choosing a perfume in 2026 can feel slightly overwhelming - not because there’s less choice, but because there’s so much of it. The key is to move away from trends and focus on how you want a fragrance to make you feel.
Start with the basics: do you gravitate towards fresh, floral, woody, spicy or gourmand scents? From there, think about how you like to wear your perfume. You might want something light and skin-like for everyday wear, and something richer or more statement-making for evenings, or a solid perfume for travelling.
It’s also worth paying attention to how a fragrance evolves on your skin. The opening notes might draw you in, but it’s the dry-down - how it lingers hours later - that really tells you if it’s “you”.
And finally, don’t underestimate emotion. The best perfume isn’t always the most complex or expensive one, it’s the one you keep reaching for without thinking.
After more new-in fragrance content? Shop floral fragrances, zesty perfumes, vanilla perfumes and perfume gift sets aplenty.
