From department-store fragrance aisles to scrolling through FragranceTok, there are plenty of ways to discover the best perfumes for women. Not to mention, fragrance has evolved quite a bit since the days of ripping popular perfume testers out of magazines. With the rise of social media, perfumes have become more personal than ever. It feels like everyone is on the hunt for distinct scents that reflect their unique style and personal preferences, and we’re here for it. While cult favorites like Chloé and Glossier’s You still hold up in 2025, we’ve noticed that unisex scents have also become more popular, proving that fragrances don’t need to be put in a box.
From musky and earthy notes to tried-and-true classics that will never go out of style, these are the very best fragrances, whether you’re shopping for a great gift for women or looking to spritz them on yourself. And for more options, check out our list of best men’s colognes.
The best perfumes for women, at a glance
Best Overall: Glossier You Eau De Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Anastasia Sanger testing Glossier You Eau de Parfum
Both Glamour senior west coast editor Jessica Radloff and senior social manager Anastasia Sanger are huge fans of Glossier’s signature scent. “While it’s at first a bright, woody, floral scent, it gradually changes on your skin, melting into something deeper and more inviting,” says Radloff. You also comes in two new different scents, Doux and Rêve, that have, respectively, more woody and gourmand notes for a twist on the classic skin fragrance. “One bottle lasts forever—I’m only on my second, and I’ve worn You religiously for years. Just buy it.”
Best Everyday: Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
Prada Paradoxe is at the top of our women’s perfume list due to its pleasant and subtle floral scent. Trust us, you won’t be afraid to wear this one to the office. “Prada Paradoxe is my favorite floral fragrance of all time—hands down,” says Glamour contributor Danielle Sinay. “Fresh, modern, and elegant, it’s the perfect perfume for everyday, as it’s not at all overpowering or reminiscent of your grandmother’s perfume. It smells simply delightful. I’m constantly getting compliments on it!”
Best Fresh: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum
A bestseller on FragranceTok, Missing Person mimics the intimate smell of “your lover’s skin,” through romantic notes of musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, neroli, orange flower, and sandalwood. “There’s something nostalgic and familiar about Missing Person, which makes the name very fitting,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “The smell is comparable to the coziness of fresh laundry and evokes the feeling of a warm hug. Very intimate and addictive—it smells a little different on everyone.” The best part? You can also layer it with the brand’s counterpart lotion.
Most Seductive: D.S. & Durga Debaser Eau de Parfum
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing D.S. & Durga Debaser Eau de Parfum
This seductive pick is a favorite of Glamour contributor Ariel Wodaryck’s, who says she reaches for it year-round. “It’s a lush, tropical fig that blooms into something beautiful and humid in the summer, and takes a sharper, greener turn in the winter. I’ve received endless compliments on it, even by people who don’t typically love fig scents. Putting this on is an instant confidence-booster that makes me feel ready to take on the day,” she says.
Best Vanilla: Henry Rose Dave Eau De Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Henry Rose Dave Eau De Parfum
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary has always been a big fan of vanilla perfumes, so when this bottle arrived on her desk, she was thrilled to test it out. “This fragrance did not disappoint. It has everything you want in a warm, spicy vanilla, but it also has unexpected notes of neroli and tonka bean. It’s comforting and sweet, but also a bit sultry, so I can wear it all day long and well into the evening too.”
Best for Women Over 50: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
“This luxurious eau de parfum spray makes a great gift for your mom, as I recently gifted it to my mom over the holidays. It has warm notes of lavender essence, orange blossom, and musk accords that give off an opulent, almost spa-like scent. It’s also quite long-lasting and blends well with natural skin scent, and it’s become a staple in her everyday beauty routine. If your mom ends up loving it, too, the brand also has a cute gift set that includes a matching lotion and travel-size spray,” says Kilkeary.
Best for Women in Their 30s: Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
This cloudlike fragrance is fruity and feminine, but still captures modernity with potent notes of bergamot and ambrofix musk. This combination makes it a great scent for women in their 30s, as it’s the perfect blend of youth and sophistication. “If you want to smell like an expensive French woman, this perfume is worth it,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “It actually stays on all day—at least eight hours—and even longer on clothes, so you’re guaranteed to smell crisp and fresh.”
Best Year-Round: Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum
.png)
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum
“This scent is so addictive,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco. “Woody and spicy notes of cardamom, sandalwood, and cedarwood give it that earthy, musky vibe that I love, but bright vetiver and papyrus help balance out the heaviness. It reminds me of walking through the woods and the feeling of sunlight on my skin. It’s a great scent year-round—since it’s so earthy, you can’t really associate it with a season.”
Most Long-Lasting: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum
Glamour senior fashion editor Tchesmeni Leonard and Glamour art director Alexandra Folino named this spicy, long-lasting fragrance as their go-to. “Portrait of a Lady includes sandalwood, one of my favorite notes, and I get the most compliments when I wear it,” says Leonard. “It smells timeless, modern, and sophisticated: the type of woman I want to be, but in a bottle.”
Best Unisex: Noyz Unmute Eau de Parfum
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Noyz Unmute Eau de Parfum
If you’re looking for a fragrance you can share with your partner, Noyz’s Unmute fits the bill. “Black plum adds an intriguing layer of fruitiness, while cinnamon, sage, and incense gives it depth and sensuality,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco. “This fragrance doesn’t subscribe to ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’—it simply just smells good and inviting. You’ll want to snuggle in close to whoever wears this scent.”
Best on Amazon: Dedcool Milk Eau de Parfum
Described as a “universal musk,” Dedcool Milk is meant to be layered underneath other fragrances or body sprays but definitely holds its own as is. “Milk is the equivalent of ‘no makeup makeup’ for fragrance,” says Sinay. “It’s barely there but beautiful, and you’ll never want to stop sniffing your skin. It’s no surprise I’ve also purchased it in laundry detergent and body soap.” (PS: You can find our curated list of best Amazon perfumes here.)
Most Popular: Chloé Eau de Parfum
Chloé is a cult favorite for a reason. Glamour contributor Lisa DeSantis has worn the iconic fragrance since high school because of its timeless scent. “Even 15 years later, I still find myself reaching for the powdery floral that somehow strikes the perfect balance between fresh, floral, and sexy,” she says. “And when I smell it on someone else, I’m immediately transported to my younger years and find myself smiling with the memories that come rushing back. If you couldn’t already tell how much I love the peony, rose, honey, and cedarwood juice, there’s more: I named my three-year-old Maltipoo Chloé in honor of my all-time favorite fragrance.”
Best Floral: J’adore L’Or Eau de Parfum
Similar to the original J’adore, J’adore L’Or features delicate floral notes, but with a warm and earthy twist. “I’m a huge fan of the original J’adore, an elegant floral scent that feels timeless no matter the season, but I think I like the earthier, muskier version of the fragrance even more,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco. “L’Or has the same beautiful floral elements by way of centifolia rose, jasmine grandiflorum, and orange blossom, balanced out by heady almond, mango, and banana. Delicious and warm—a perfect perfume for winter.”
Best Sandalwood: Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint German
Glamour editor in chief Sam Barry named Diptyque’s signature fragrance as her longtime favorite scent. The alluring blend of sandalwood, vanilla, and pink peppercorn has earned her “loads of compliments” over the years, from friends to strangers on the street.
Best Splurge: Tom Ford Myrrhe Mystere Eau de Parfum
Although pricey, a Tom Ford fragrance is worth adding to any women’s perfume collection, because it will last you years due to its potent formula. “Myrrh essence, sandalwood, and vanilla come together for a warm and spicy mix that’s ideal for evenings—and best enjoyed with an espresso martini in hand,” says Vogue senior commerce editor Talia Abbas.
