If you need a gift idea that’s sure to impress her, there’s nothing better than treating her to a bottle of luxurious perfume. But how do you find the perfect fragrance among the many tempting and lovely options?
From floral to spicy to light and fresh, we’ve researched the best fragrances for women so you don’t have to. From a great selection of fragrances from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Byredo, you’re sure to find a fragrance that suits you below. Be sure to check out our selection of the best colognes and fragrances for men. Need more gift ideas? Check out our favorite gifts for women, gifts for men, and our favorite Nordstrom gifts.
If you’re completely bewildered by her perfect scent, let us introduce you to a great deal at Sephora. The set contains 13 sample bottles of Sephora’s best-selling fragrances, as well as a certificate that they can trade in for a bottle of their favorite original fragrance. That way you can be sure she ends up with something she likes.
With a 4.6-star rating and over 800 reviews, Maison Margiela’s Replica Jazz Club’s earthy wooden notes recall old Brooklyn jazz clubs.
With notes of rum, pink peppercorn, and tobacco, it’s a sexy choice for a date night—even though it’s touted as a masculine fragrance, Sephora put it in the women’s section for some reason. As one reviewer wrote, “If you’re a woman who prefers ‘spicy’ and ‘exotic’ scents, you need this in your life!”
Gucci Bloom is a classic floral fragrance you will choose again and again. It features Rangoon creeper, jasmine bud and tuberose, creating a scent that embodies Gucci femininity.
Consider it light, soft, and timeless. One reviewer even noted, “Gucci has finally put elegance and sophistication into a bottle.”
Philosophy’s Amazing Grace is a timeless classic floral fragrance. It features bergamot, lily of the valley and musk to create a fragrance that feels ultra-light.
As the name suggests, you’ll love this Dior fragrance (FYI: J’adore means “I love” in French). With nearly 1,000 5-star reviews at Sephora, J’adore has a fresh floral scent and a matching bottle. With notes of ylang ylang, damask rose, and jasmine, you’ll never want to change out of this luxurious fragrance.
A timeless classic, the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is a sexy, contemporary choice for women who like to stand out from the crowd.
With hints of orange, patchouli and Turkish rose, the fragrance is not only selling for its fresh floral scent, but also for its longevity. “If your goal is to smell like a young, hip Parisian, then this is for you,” wrote one reviewer. “It smells great and lasts all day. Definitely gives me a confidence boost.”
One reviewer for Byredo’s Gypsy Water said they “didn’t know serenity” before using the fragrance. Described as woody and aromatic, the fragrance is an ode to the Roma culture of Gypsy Night through notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries and amber.
Combining Lavender and Musk, Libre Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent A truly intoxicating blend, it has amassed a 4.5 star rating with over 3,000 reviewers raving about it.
Critics called it “different, but in a good way”, describing the scent as musky and floral – “smells better with age”. Perfect all day thing.
Multiple reviewers have described Tom Ford’s Soleil Neige as “heavenly,” so it’s easy to see why it’s worth your while. With notes of jasmine, bergamot and benzoin, the fragrance is both fresh and warm – meant to evoke winter holidays at dusk.
Chanel’s Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette is a unique combination of fruity and floral notes with notes of jasmine and citrus to create a light scent, whether it’s a flirty date night at home or running errands during a busy day, Both apply equally.
“I spent a long time trying to find the perfect scent for me. Everything was too sweet, too strong or too horrible,” said one reviewer. “The fragrance is mild, soft, yet so feminine, it’s amazing!”
Donna Born in Roma by Valentino is a woody fruity fragrance inspired by Roman street culture. With a trio of blackcurrant notes, jasmine, vanilla bourbon and guaiac wood essence, it delivers an avant-garde aroma that has mesmerized critics.
Sweet and spicy, Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle It is an earthy fragrance with a hint of vanilla.
La Vie Est Belle translates to “Life is Beautiful” and aims to recreate the carefree spirit of typical Parisians — So if you want to imagine a wonderful vacation without leaving your home, then this fragrance is for you. One reviewer wrote: “It’s soft, sweet, and delicate, yet so sexy and heavenly at the same time. Plus, this lasts forever (especially in the clothes)!”
If citrus scents are more your thing, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette A fresh take on tradition to give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Reminiscent of lazy Mediterranean vacations, its fruity scent may inspire your next trip. “It’s a light and elegant fragrance that’s perfect for everyday use,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s so casual, and the scent changes slightly throughout the day—to an optimal degree. I highly recommend it to anyone who isn’t quite sure which fragrance to buy.”
If you want to smell as sweet as a warm, sunny day, look no further than Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom and Honey. Inspired by the morning markets in London’s Covent Garden, this cologne is fruity with notes of nectarine, cassis, honey and peach, sure to brighten even the dullest day.
Created by three female perfumers, Lancôme’s Idôle Eau de Parfum combines vanilla, rose and jasmine to create a sophisticated yet modern fragrance. One reviewer wrote that they would “recommend this product to anyone who likes floral and/or vanilla scents.”
Chanel N°5 is one of those iconic fragrances that every woman should try at least once, especially as reviewers keep sharing stories of buying this fragrance after seeing other people grow up with it. Originally described by Gabrielle Chanel as an abstract bouquet of flowers, N°5 was the first fragrance and became popular for its floral aldehydes, rose, jasmine, citrus and bourbon vanilla. Even better: This will also give your vanity a timeless look.
If you’ve ever wondered what fragrance Donatella Versace wears herself, Versace’s Bright Crystal will put that question to rest.
Contains unique fruity ingredients Like grapefruit and pomegranate mixed with florals like peony, magnolia, and lotus, the scent sounds fun and sexy—but this is Versace, after all, and nothing is ordinary. Instead, the fragrance adds musk and amber to give depth while still letting in the clean scent. One reviewer wrote, “If you don’t want to disappoint others with your scent, then this fragrance is perfect. It has a light, nice smell that’s perfect for the office.”
Warm and spicy, sweet and sensual, Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb is addictive. With notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli, the fragrance is meant to be a floral explosion; critics say it’s unique compared to other floral scents you’re used to.
Chloé Eau de Parfum is a bold and powdery option inspired by roses, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
Instead, this energizing scent explores the additions of cedar wood, magnolia and lily to ensure a touch of freshness with every puff. With over 123,000 “likes” on the site, it’s a bestseller for a reason. As one reviewer put it, “It’s feminine, sexy, romantic, elegant, and even a little adventurous.”
“Alluring” is the first word that comes to mind when we think of Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium. If you’re looking for a fragrance that smells like pure luxury, look no further. With notes of black coffee, white flowers and vanilla, this is sure to become your date night fragrance of choice.
Not ready to dive into fragrance right away? Consider using a fragrance subscription service like Scentbird. For $17 a month, you pick which fragrances you want to try (from brands like Acqua Di Parma and Versace), and you’ll receive an 8ml bottle in a refillable box. Even better: You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty—perfect for anyone who wants to try out a fragrance before buying an entire bottle.