We get it — finding your signature scent can be tricky. From fresh fruity notes to sweet gourmands, the current fragrance market can seem endless at times.
But as shopping experts, the Shop TODAY team has smelled and tried many perfumes, and rounded up some of our personal favorites. We even come bearing shopping tips from experts, who also shared their suggestions for extending your perfume.
If you're shopping for someone, these fragrance picks might give you some inspired gifting inspo. While exciting to receive, fragrances can be ambitious gifts to shop for — they’re often personal, intimate and usually a gamble. Luckily, you don’t need to roll the dice this time.
Keep reading to discover the highly-praised scents that are personal favorites of our Shop TODAY editors.
Best editor-recommended fragrances
Budget-friendly: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray
- Clean scent
- Long-lasting
- Wish it came in a roller ball
Scent notes: Amber, oakmoss and musk | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 3.4 oz
If you're looking for something fresh and minty, this scent will give you that clean feel. Editorial assistant Annie Shigo loves this one in particular for its refreshing formula.
"I have been wearing this perfume for years and always get compliments on it. It is a very light and fresh scent and every time I wear it I get stopped. It is the perfect scent for on-the-go moments and lasts a long time," she raves.
Most unexpected: Guess Amore Roma Eau de Toilette
- Large bottle for the price
- Cute packaging
- Scent doesn't last long
Scent notes: Black currant, bosc pear, jasmine and sugared rose | Size: 3.4 oz
Although the fragrance notes might look intimidating, commerce writer Danielle Murphy suggests this fragrance from Guess is much lighter than expected. "It’s very pretty and I always get compliments while wearing it," she boasts, calling it "one of my top three fragrances ever!"
A perfume designed for your hair: Gisou Wildflower Honey Infused Hair Perfume
- Long lasting
- Light and pretty night
- Only a few spritzes are needed
Scent notes: Mirsalehi honey, apricot, mandarin and florals | Size: 1.7 oz
It's not healthy for your strands to spray perfume, but Gisou's Honey Infused Hair Perfume was made just for the hair. Thanks to Mirsalehi honey and other delicious notes, you should notice its sweet scent and shine-enhancing perks.
"I no longer care if my shampoo/conditioner makes my hair smell good because I know that this will do the job," raves editor Vivien Moon. "I have been guilty of smelling my own hair and enjoying the scent of this perfume throughout the day."
For your next date night: Perfame Elixir No. 21
- Good quality for price
- Inspired by expensive version
- Doesn't last all day
Scent notes: Mexican chocolate, patchouli, vanilla, incense, amber, sandalwood, vetiver and white musk | Size: 1.7 oz
The mix of fruity and floral notes makes this fragrance an olfactory experience. Moon wears this perfume on special occasions to turn heads.
"I am not one to reach for a sweeter scent but when I am in that mood, I turn to this one," she raves. "It has notes of bergamot, gardenia, jasmine and black currant which are grounded by hints of sandalwood and white musk. I love this for a date night or when I’m feeling sassy and wanting to catch attention because it offers just that."
For a 'unique to you' scent: Snif Me Eau de Toilette
Scent notes: Plum, peach skin, white moss and musks | Size: 1.01 oz
"For a few years, 'skin scents' [fragrances designed to complement your natural scent, rather than overpower it] have been gaining popularity, but this one that just launched from Snif is spritzing new life into the category," claims production associate Audrey Ekman. It has a woody and fruity scent, which Ekman calls a "total compliment magnet."
If you're into warm and spicy scents: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
- Boozy leather scent
- Good performance
- Affordable price
- Less concentrated
Scent notes: Pink pepper, rum absolute and tobacco leaf absolute | Size: 1 oz; also available in 0.34 oz and 3.4 oz
This spicy scent is unisex and appealing thanks to the vanilla blend. Editor Evan Siegel says it's less concentrated than an eau de parfum but still wears well.
He describes it as a "warm tobacco and leather fragrance that’s perfect for a night out on the town. A people-pleaser that smells neither generic nor out-there."
An editor favorite: Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum Spray
- Available in different sizes
- Pleasant scent
- Strong at first, then settles
Scent notes: Ruby red grapefruit, mandarin, spring mimosa, Hawaiian wedding flower and bergamot | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 1.0 oz and 3.4 oz
Associate editors Sierra Hoeger and Allie Wise are fans of this fragrance. Hoeger says this one in particular is her favorite because it reminds her of her mom. “It’s her signature scent and the smell of it brings me back home, getting ready for weddings, dinner and school together in the bathroom,” she says.
“I have been using this perfume since I was a teenager! As someone with a sensitive sense of smell, many traditional perfumes give me a major headache. Clinique’s Happy has a fruity scent that smells delicious and stays on for hours,” adds Wise.
To wear as a base scent: DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum
- A great layering scent
- Adapts to your natural scent
- Long lasting
- Unisex/genderless scent
Scent notes: Amber, bergamot and white musk | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 0.5 oz
I [San Miguel] often reach for musky fragrances for the evening. Although it isn't overwhelmingly spicy and warm, I use DedCool's Xtra Milk as a base scent for my other fragrances because it adjust to your natural scent. I find that it changes the chemistry of your perfume (in a good way) so it becomes unique to you. Xtra Milk is also incredible on its own, and has caused a few people to stop me on the street to ask me what I'm wearing!
Best for those with sensitive skin: Skylar Vanilla Sky Eau de Parfum
- Long-lasting
- Inviting flavor profile
- Hypoallergenic formula
Scent notes: Cappuccino, vanilla and caramelized cedar | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 0.33 oz
If you have sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic fragrance might be for you! Senior editor Jess Bender loves the inviting floral profile and long-lasting formula this inviting scent offers.
“I’m pretty simple when it comes to my preferred everyday fragrance. I tend to gravitate towards something clean yet distinctive, subtly gourmand yet not cloying. This option — with notes of vanilla, cappuccino and cedar — checks all of those boxes and then some,” she says.
An uplifting perfume: The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition Eau de Parfum
- Pretty packaging
- Long-lasting
- Not for everyone
Scent notes: Cherry, saffron and vanilla | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 0.34
This has become my [Espinal] everyday fragrance when I'm on the run and need an instant scent uplift.
I carry a travel-size atomizer in my purse with this scent and I love how sweet it smells. It's hypoallergenic, long-lasting and super refreshing. I love how luxurious yet clean it feels. Plus, I don't have to re-apply since it lasts most of the day.
All about the florals: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
- TSA-friendly
- Fresh scent
- Spray nozzle isn't discreet
Scent notes: Patchouli and vanilla | Size: 1 oz; also available in 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz and 5.04 oz
Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil relies on the floral notes of this popular fragrance. "I’m a fan of this perfume, so I was excited to find out recently that it comes in a relatively affordable travel spray that I can keep in my work bag and take on trips," she explains.
Cocchi Zabouldil adds she prefers subtle fragrances and likes this one for its "fresh floral scent that isn’t overpowering. I could see myself giving this as a gift, too."
A viral favorite: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum
- Unisex scent
- Warm; smells expensive
- Not for everyone
Scent notes: Sandalwood Australia oil, blonde wood and white musk | Size: 1.6 oz; also available in 0.3 oz
"Like a moth to a flame, I cannot get enough of this scent. It has notes of skin and white musk which make it a perfect unisex option that can be layered with a more sweet pick if you want to go for a little flirtier feeling," shares Moon.
This is another favorite of hers for its mix of jasmine and bergamot which help balance out the scent. "That’s why it went viral and sold out multiple times! I had to wait on the waitlist for three months when it first came out because I couldn’t get my hands on it and once I did, I was thrilled. The bottle and quality of the packaging are also stellar," she raves.
For those who want to stand out: Comme des Garçons Blackpepper Eau de Parfum Natural Spray
- Unique, distinctive scent
- Noticable, not overpowering
- Good for year-round wear
- Smells just like black pepper
Scent notes: Madagascan pepper, cedarwood, akigalawood and tonka bean | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 3.4 oz
Siegel calls this truly "spicy black paper" fragrance his "go-to" for daytime. If you're looking for a scent that stands out, he recommends reaching for this one. "I happen to think it’s an extremely wearable scent and distinctive," he details. "After all, who wants to smell like everyone else?"
A perfect balance of sweet and fruity: Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
- Not too pricy for brand
- Fruity yet not too sweet
- A little goes a long way
Scent notes: Jasmine absolute and rose essence | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 0.7 oz, 1.2 oz and 3.4 oz
Chanel’s popularity is indisputable and this fragrance is evidence that the brand continues to be a favorite among perfume lovers. Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she has been wearing Chanel fragrances since she was a teenager.
“It’s my go-to scent. It has fruity notes but it’s not overbearing or too sweet. I just feel like I’m spritzing luxury and class over me. It lasts for a while, too. I apply it on my wrist and neck in the morning and lasts for most of the day,” she adds.
If you love a gourmand: Burberry Her Eau de Parfum
- Has a sweet feminine scent
- Long lasting
- Pretty packaging
- Might be too strong for some
Scent notes: Jasmine absolute and rose essence | Size: 1.7 oz; also available in 0.7 oz, 1.2 oz and 3.4 oz
This fruity gourmand perfume from Burberry has become one of my [San Miguel] all-time favorite fragrances. I've grown a pretty large collection (around 40 perfumes now), and I reach for my Burberry Her every time. It's sweet and feminine (which might not be a preference for some) and truly lasts. I think its the 'adult' version of the sweet scents I loved as a teen.
A conversation starter: Hermès Twilly Eau Ginger Parfum
- Cute packaging
- Nice scent
- A subtle fragrance
Scent notes: Ginger, tuberose, sandalwood and spices | Size: 2.8 oz; also available in 0.5 oz, 1 oz and 1.7 oz
Wise is a fan of all things luxury, including this bottle by Hermès. "I decided to splurge on this Hermès ginger spray last month when I was on vacation. As a lover of ginger, I instantly fell in love with this scent. It is subtle and also comes in a super chic bottle. It is an instant conversation starter for everyone that comes to my apartment."
A scent for fall and winter: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
- Gorgeous bottle
- Long-lasting
- Warm floral scent
- Only need a few spritzes
Scent notes: Lavender, orange blossom and musk accord | Size: 3.04 oz; also available in 0.33 oz, 1 oz and 1.7 oz
"This has become my go-to for the fall/winter season because it leans into the musk in a way that feels rich and mysterious which pairs well with a layered winter look," says Moon.
While she has amassed quite the fragrance collection, this one in particular is a favorite when she goes out because it has earned her multiple compliments. "I love wearing this to work or a night out because it gives me a little more confidence and feels like the final touch to any outfit."
Get ready for the compliments: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum
- A little goes a long way
- Attractive packaging
- High price point for size
Scent notes: Cashmeran, musk, vetiver | Size: 1 oz; also available in 2.5 oz
Parfums de Marly is known for offering an aroma medley of unique ingredients. This scent in particular is another favorite for Murphy and she says it gets her lots of compliments while wearing it.
"The floral scent is rich and rosy, and works year-round. It also has a long-lasting fragrance — I never feel the need to re-apply throughout the day," Murphy claims.
For those who love rose notes: Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum
- Beautiful packaging
- Light and floral
- Long lasting
- High price point for size
Scent notes: Damascena roses, centifolia roses, chamomile, litchi and artichoke | Size: 2.5 oz
One thing that Diptyque doesn't miss is their packaging. Their perfume bottles are like works of art to me [San Miguel] and sit so pretty on my vanity. This fragrance is all about florals, and smells true to a bouquet you might pick up from a store. It's perfect for anyone who adores rose notes, in particular, because it has lots of it!
Most masculine: Initio Narcotic Delight Eau de Parfum
- Intoxicating and strong scent
- Long lasting
- High price point for size
Scent notes: Cherry, vanilla, cognac, black and pink pepper, overdose of hedione | Size: 3.04 oz; also available in 1.69 oz
Initio Parfums is known for mixing natural ingredients into their formula for a unique aroma experience. "Narcotic Delight truly lives up to its name. A boozy cherry scent with a vanilla base, it’s a recent launch from the brand and has gotten me compliments constantly. It smells a little generic on paper, but when applied to skin, takes on a deeper complexity. While it leans masculine, it can be used by people of any gender," says Siegel.
Best editor-recommended travel fragrances
Most unique: 19-69 La Habana
- Unique scent
- Semi-affordable price
- Not for everybody
Scent notes: Vanilla, caramel and golden stone | Size: 0.3 oz; also available in 0.08 oz, 1.01 oz and 3.3 oz
Feel the tropical notes of this smokey fragrance (yes, you read that right). Although unique and strong, Siegel claims this perfume is not for everybody. “A smoky fragrance with notes of incense and saffron. A little confusing at first smell, but I like it! Not for everyone, but definitely, a unique scent for those who don’t want to smell like everyone else.”
Best for spring and summer: Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
- Perfectly balanced
- Great notes
- Good for spring and summer
Scent notes: Amber, vanilla planifolia, musks and coconut | Size: 0.33 oz; also available in 1.7 oz and 3.4 oz
Associate editor Kamari Stewart appreciates the casual and fruity smell of this fragrance. “This stuff smells so good! It’s perfect for spring/summer. I also like to wear it when I’m just going out running errands or keeping things casual.”
Not only is she a fan of this scent, she also raves about other offerings from the brand. “Ellis Brooklyn has so many great fragrances. I’m not a huge apple scent person but the Apple Love fragrance is amazing for fall,” adds Stewart.
If you prefer vanilla notes: Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
- Beautiful packaging
- Sweet scent but isn't juvenile
- Bottle cover an sometimes slip
Scent notes: Blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum absolute and bourbon vanilla | Size: 0.33 oz; also available in 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz and 3.4 oz
If you’re looking for a more grown-up fragrance, Stewart recommends this one. “I received this scent in a package from the brand last year and it was love at first sniff. I wear it practically every day.”
“It’s fruity and sweet without being too juvenile. It smells very much like an adult fragrance. I always get compliments on it when I wear it,” she adds.
To help your fragrance last: Noyz 12:00 The Solid Perfume
- Helps scent last longer
- Refillable
- Easy to apply
- Reapply to maintain scent
Scent notes: Australian pink pepper, jasmine petals, raspberry and saffron | Size: 7 g
2024 was the year of 'scent layering.' The concept behind the trend was layering your products of similar notes to help your fragrance last longer. I [San Miguel] love that Noyz's The Solid Fragrance uses this idea in its design. It's available in five of their signature fragrances (my personal favorite is 12:00), and can be paired with the bottle size or mixed with your desired perfume.
The product is also great on its own when you want to touch up in the middle of the day, but don't want to travel with or bring out a large perfume bottle.
Great for gifting: Tory Burch Sublime Small Perfume Gift Set
- Pretty packaging
- Comes in gift-able packaging
- Has a subtle scent
Scent notes: Mandarin essence, urban ivy accord, upcycled peach and upcycled rose | Size: 0.25 oz and 0.34oz; also available in 1 oz, 1.7 oz and 3 oz
I [San Miguel] appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this perfume, and I'm not just talking about the packing. The vibrant floral notes don't overpower, giving the fragrance a nice subtle scent that feels and smells clean.
This gift set in particular comes with a mini bottle and travel-friendly bottle so you can use on-the-go or gift to someone special.
Most functional packaging: Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Roller Pearl
- Gorgeous bottle
- Light and fresh
- Good applicator
- Needs to be reapplied
Scent notes: Damascus rose, peony, white musk | Size: 0.7 oz
Ekman also likes this all age-appropriate perfume from Dior for its light formula scent.
“I wouldn’t generally consider myself a floral perfume kind of gal, but this Dior perfume is the only exception. It’s more fresh than floral to me, with notes of peony and rose that are light, feminine and universally appealing. This perfume is a total compliment magnet — it truly earns me praise everywhere I go,” she mentions.
How can you make a fragrance last longer?
- Moisturized skin is key. Bee Shapiro, founder and CEO of Ellis Brooklyn, says moisturized skin always holds the scent better as perfume ingredients are attracted to and hold better to oil.
- Spray on pulse points like wrists, neck, behind the ears and décolletage since these areas hold heat and help the scent to linger for longer.
How to find the best fragrance for you
The best way to know if a scent is right for you is to try it on your skin. “The more natural a creation is, the more it will interact with the pH of each wearer’s skin and then smell different on another person, offering the possibility to have your (own) olfactive signature,” says Yvan Jacqueline, president of Parfums de Marly.
“Signature scents take time to discover and some fragrances encourage one to embark on an olfactive journey, experiencing the range of olfactive families and the modern combination of ingredients to fall in love with one or two (sometimes more) fragrances,” shares Jacqueline.
Shapiro advises recognizing what you want the fragrance to say about you. “That would limit your larger perfume categories. From there, I would narrow down by getting to know what types of scents work best with your body chemistry — powdery, warm, floral, etc. Finding a fragrance is a journey and can take a while, so definitely enjoy each step as they are meaningful.”
Frequently asked questions
"Fragrances should be kept in a climate-controlled environment. They should not be stored in direct sunlight, heat or humidity as this can degrade the scent over time. Fragrances should be kept in their original packaging to maintain their quality over time," advises Jacqueline.
Shapiro also recommends keeping your fragrance at a moderate temperature and away from direct sunlight. She also advises against storing fragrances in the bathroom as the steam of the shower can affect the scent composition.
According to Shapiro, perfume formulas change if they have a high alcohol concentration. But it doesn't necessarily expire.
"Certain notes can mature in scents and grow in strength and intensity, for example, which can change the overall composition of a fragrance. Overall, a good rule of thumb is to switch after 3 years from opening," she says.
“I’d go with a scent that reminds you of that person; maybe it’s lavender, vanilla or something floral, like rose or orange blossoms. Or maybe earthy notes of wood or cinnamon. Then search for fragrances with soft hints of these notes and go from there,” says stylist Tara West.
Cyra White, a fragrance enthusiast and YouTube beauty vlogger, who you can also find across #PerfumeTok , challenges us to consider your giftee’s essence when finding the right fragrance. “Is she bold? Is she gentle? Is she glamorous? Pinpointing her general traits will help a lot with finding the perfect scent."
Gift-giving expert Lindsay Roberts Schey adds that if you know your giftee is the type to always try new things, go that route and go wild. “Find them something different and special . Just take note of the return policy in case it’s not exactly what they were hoping for," she says.
Here are some more tips from our experts to make your shopping experience seamless:
Be mindful. West says if you’re choosing a new scent, to think of your fragrance gift as an introduction to the scent. “Choose something that could be worn daily like light notes of florals, soft scents of cotton or bergamot; these attributes make it easy to wear versus saving it for a formal occasion."
Avoid highly potent and overwhelming products. West explains these may not be the best choice for a gift. “Unless you know your recipient likes a certain note, I’d avoid things like patchouli or spicier fragrances as they can overwhelm the senses."
Consider the season. White suggests keeping the season in mind when shopping so that you choose a scent that wears well in the current weather. “For example, florals and fresh perfumes make great picks for the spring time, whereas richer scents wear better in fall,” she says. Overall, it still comes down to personal preference and White encourages everyone to always wear whatever works for them.
Test some scents yourself if you can. If you’re trying out scents in a store, West suggests spritzing the scent and walking around for 15 minutes. “If you’re enjoying the lingering scent for your recipient, go for it,” she says. Remember to use the tester sheets available next to in-store fragrances, West adds, otherwise you’ll end up smelling like an entire perfumery by the time you leave the store. If shopping online, she suggests looking closely at the product descriptions and customer reviews to get the best sense of the final product.
Ask for advice. For in-store shopping, West says it’s best to think of what your recipient likes and share her preferences for scents or what she currently wears with the sales associate. West also reminds us to not be afraid to ask for other opinions. “I like to ask my clients what perfume they wear and how they chose it,” West says. “You can learn a lot about brands and scents from other people. Don't just buy for a label or if it's popular. Take some time to try different scents and see what resonates.”
Find matching items. “Another safe route to go if you know they love a specific fragrance, but know they aren’t running low [on that fragrance], is to gift the complimentary lotion, candle or oil of that scent,” Schey says.
Go shopping (casually) with them. Another option is to take your giftee shopping with you. Schey’s standard piece of advice is to stick with a tried-and-true fragrance favorite of the person you are gifting. But if possible, it’s best to take the person you are gifting casually shopping with you and see which brands they spritz on themselves and enjoy, as well as which ones they avoid. You can even ask for “advice” on their favorites.
You can't go wrong with a restock. “If you have known someone a long time, you most likely know the type of fragrances they typically wear,” Schey points out. “In this case, I’d recommend taking note of what they typically wear and either gifting the same if they are running low or asking a person at the fragrance counter for something similar.”
Meet our experts
- Lindsay Roberts Schey is a lifestyle and gift-giving expert and founder of The Gift Insider, where she's been sharing gifting advice for the past 13 years.
- Tara West is an independent personal stylist, wardrobe consultant and lifestyle blogger based in Boston.
- Cyra White is a fragrance enthusiast and YouTube beauty vlogger.
- Yvan Jacqueline is the president of Parfums de Marly, a fragrance brand focused on delivering scents for men and women.
- Bee Shapiro is the founder and CEO of Ellis Brooklyn, a fragrance brand inspired by Shapiro's career in beauty.
