Presenting: Marie Claire Editors' Favorite Fragrances of All Time
Gourmands, florals, fruity formulas: it's all here.
I don't know about you, but I refuse to leave the house without wearing perfume. In fact, even when I'm working from home or spending an evening in, I love wearing my favorite mood-boosting scents. It’s a ritual that I take very seriously.
Smelling good makes me feel good―a sentiment that's backed by science. According to a study published in the academic journal Scientia Pharmaceutica, scent can positively influence mood, thinking, behavior, and work performance. Another study in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience suggests that scent might be used as a way to treat stress and psychological distress. All of this from just a few sprays of my favorite perfume? Yes, please.
The lesson here is that scent matters, so it might be worth splurging on fragrances that help you feel your best. The best part? There really is something for everyone. Whether you prefer fresh, citrus scents, a light gourmand, or even an edible-smelling fruity perfume, fragrance is almost the only area in the beauty industry that genuinely offers options for everyone.
Perfumes, both new and old, can take you on a myriad of journeys, whether you're aiming to start your day feeling fresh and energized or you want to wind down with your favorite notes before bed. That’s why I believe it's essential for everyone to have a curated list of their favorite perfumes that can help put them in the right headspace for whatever life throws at them.
Ready to revamp your collection? Keep reading to discover the best editor-approved fragrances on the market right now.
The Best Fragrances of All-Time
- Best Vanilla Perfume: Kayali Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum
- Best Light Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian APOM Eau de Parfum
- Best Luxury Perfume: Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum
- Best Musky Perfume: Byredo Bibliotheque Eau de Parfum
- Best Fruity Perfume: Phlur Strawberry Letter Eau de Parfum
If you're a vanilla lover, this perfume is for you. I like to think of this as a grown-up, more nuanced version of the sugary sweet body mists of my childhood. Right off the bat, you're hit with strong notes of vanilla, but it's perfectly balanced with slight notes of musk and amber. After a few hours, the strong scent of vanilla fades just a bit, resulting in a warm, inviting, and luxurious scent.
Key Notes: Vanilla orchids; Tonka absolute; Amber woods
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: A true vanilla; Great for any occasion; Sweet but not intense; Warm amber dry down
What I Don't: Dark-tinted liquid may stain clothes
Review for MC: "This is everything I could want in a vanilla scent, so I consider it one of my holy grails. It's sweet without being overpowering; nuanced while still letting vanilla shine through; and warm and cozy, yet great for any season and occasion. It's one of the perfumes I reach for the most because it's so easy to wear and downright delicious." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger tests Kayali Vanilla 28.
In 2009, Maison Francis Kurkdjian released two separate APOM fragrances: one for men and one for women. Then, just last year, it was re-released as a unisex fragrance and combines the best of both predecessors. The modern APOM (i.e., 'A Part of Me') blends notes of orange blossom, lavender, and amber to create a powdery floral with a warm base, offering a light scent that lingers with you—both physically and emotionally—the longer you wear it.
Key Notes: Orange Blossom; Lavender; Ylang Ylang; Vanilla; Amber
Size: 2.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a very pretty, powdery floral that lasts for hours
What I Don’t: Some might find it too sweet
Review for MC: “APOM smells like the first sleep on newly laundered sheets. It’s sweet, powdery, and clean, making it a familiar scent that just feels like home. It’s comfort in a bottle and a quick favorite of mine this year. ” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests Maison Francis Kurkdjian Apom Eau De Parfum.
I love Hermés's cosmetics (that tinted balm from earlier this year is one of my favorites), so hear me when I say that Barénia from the brand is a true delight. Soft, yet captivating, it truly encompasses everything a luxury perfume should be. After only a few spritzes, I'm left with a glorious, long-lasting scent that's a definite head-turner.
Key Notes: Miracle berry; Butterfly lily; Oak; Patchouli
Size: 3.3 oz
What I Love: It's soft and light, but has staying power
What I Don’t: The round bottle can be difficult to grip while spraying it on; use both hands if this is the case for you
Review for MC: "This is the epitome of a skin scent—lightweight but rich, sensual and velvety. It’s one of my favorite scents to layer, especially with gourmands for a bit of heat. Whenever I’m wearing it, someone inevitably demands to know my fragrance and I’m more than happy to whisper Hermès." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Kayla Greaves tests Hermes Barénia perfume.
For bookworms, nothing smells better than flipping through the pages of their favorite paperback. And if you’re looking for a scent that captures that magical aroma of paper and literature, Bibliothèque is that girl. It opens up sweet with top notes of peony and plum before drying down into a warm musk base of leather and patchouli. One spritz and it will make you want to grab your favorite book, cozy up on a worn leather couch, and get lost in some prolific prose.
Key Notes: Plum; Peony; Leather; Patchouli
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It mixes sweet and wood notes in a unique way
What I Don’t: It might be too potent for some
Review for MC: "As someone who makes dark academia her entire personality (fun fact: I own more books than I do beauty products), Bibliothèque makes me want to move to the French countryside and work on my first novel. The plum and peony add a subtle sweetness to the woodier notes, providing the scent with a romantic aura. It inspires me to write the next ‘The Secret History’...or at least try to get my story picked for the New York Times’s Modern Love section.” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests Byredo Bibliothèque perfume.
Think of diving into a bowl of ripe strawberries in the height of summer—that's the inspiration behind this delectable Phlur fragrance. Brand founder, Chriselle Lim, says she wanted to create a fragrance for her daughter who's obsessed with the juicy fruit, so it's no wonder why this scent is full of joy and sweetness. Plum nectar, woods, and ambery notes add richness and depth, so it's a fragrance you can just as easily reach for on special occasions or everyday wear.
Notes: Cassis leaves; Strawberry gariguette; Plum nectar; Wild lily; Red poppy; Apple blossom; Earthy woods; Tonka bean; Sugared amber
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: Sweet, but not cloying; Mature; Nostalgic
What I Don't: May be best suited for spring and summer
Review For MC: "Strawberry Letter is everything I want in a fruity fragrance and then some. It's sweet, but not too sweet, nostalgic, playful, and doesn't veer into synthetic territory. Despite its sweetness, its ambery, slightly woody base gives it a touch of sexiness, too." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger testing Phlur Strawberry Letter.
For a salty fragrance that’s a bit earthier and captures the feeling of an actual sea breeze, look to Jo Malone’s beloved Wood Sage Sea Salt Cologne (which, FYI, also comes in a hand lotion, diffuser, candle, and more). The scent is light, clean, and quietly addictive—inspired by the rugged British coast. It blends crisp ambrette, mineral-rich sea salt, and earthy sage for a fresh, windswept aroma that smells like you’ve just stepped off the shoreline.
Key Notes: Ambrette Seed; Sea Salt; Sage; Driftwood
Size: 3.4 fl oz
What I Love: Available at multiple retailers; Comes in four different sizes; Unisex
What I Don't: Some reviewers note that it fades faster than they'd like
Review for MC: "For a summery, ocean-inspired fragrance, turn to this Jo Malone cologne. With a heart note of sea salt, just a few spritzes of this instantly transports me somewhere seaside, imagining myself taking a long summer walk along the sand while the ocean breeze flows through my hair. It’s earthy yet fresh at the same time, and it’s a total go-to for me all summer long." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn tests Jo Malone Wood Sage Sea Salt Cologne.
You can always expect the best from Frédéric Malle, and Hope Eau de Parfum is no exception. Hope is perfumer Dominique Ropion’s third creation for the Desert Gems collection, and this juice is radiant, sophisticated, and refined, with a perfect balance of earthy and spicy notes. Oud, vetiver, and smoky amber ground the fragrance, while notes of pink pepper, juniper, and frankincense add a vibrant touch. The result? An uplifting perfume that smells like pure opulence.
Key Notes: Oud, vetiver, smoky amber, pink pepper, frankincense.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
What I Love: The fine balance between smoky and vibrant
What I Don’t: It's the priciest perfume on this list
Review for MC: "If earthy scents are your jam, the latest from Frederic Malle is for you. Oud, vetiver, and smoky amber come together to create a gorgeous, long-lasting fragrance that gets everyone asking what I've spritzed on." —Kayla Greaves, Contributing Beauty Writer
Kayla Greaves tests Hope by Frederic Malle.
If you’ve spent any time over on the perfume side of TikTok, you’ve likely heard of Escapade Gourmand by Maison Mataha. A little less famous—yet completely underrated—is its sister fragrance, Brownie Pop. Like its predecessor, this scent is a beast-mode gourmand and smells like an intoxicating mix of brownies and popcorn. For me, the magic is in the dry down, and even though it’s one of the top notes, that's when the brown sugar in this perfume really shines and just completely takes over the scent. It’s buttery, mouth-watering, and smells like the most decadent dessert—perfect for my sweet tooth.
Key Notes: Chocolate; Brown Sugar; Vanilla; Sandalwood
Size: 3.4 fl oz
What I Love: A true gourmand scent; Gorgeous sillage with just a few sprays
What I Don’t: This is a niche fragrance brand, so it can be hard to track down
Review for MC: “My sweet-treat connoisseurs, step to the front. Brownie Pop by Maison Mataha is a dessert in fragrance form, and I simply will not be told otherwise. It smells like buttered popcorn topped with a caramel and chocolate drizzle, i.e., the perfect sweet and savory treat after a long day. It’s also a true gourmand, so if you’re prone to perfume headaches, keep the sprays to a minimum, or at least test this one out instead of blind buying.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker tests Maison Mataha Brownie Pop perfume.
Mona Kattan, aka the cofounder of Kayali, takes the crown as the queen of gourmands in my eyes. Every one of Kayali's scents is a confectionery delight, and the same can be said of Yum Boujee Marshmallow. It opens with a sugar rush of candied strawberries before it develops into a fluffier, marshmallow-based treat. Think of this scent as a bowl of strawberries, marshmallows, and whipped cream—any dessert lover will find it irresistible.
Key Notes: Freesia; Nectarine blossom; Pink marshmallow; Strawberry, Coconut flakes; Whipped vanilla; Raspberry sugar; Pink musk; Ambrox
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
What I Love: Sweet, but not cloying; A unique take on gourmands; Great for any season or occasion
What I Don't: May be too sweet for some
Review For MC: "To know me is to know my love of gourmands, so this scent ranks high in my collection of all-time favorites. A few spritzes have me feeling like I'm tasty enough to take a bite out of, and I've even been told as much on a date. What I especially love about this scent is that it's light and fluffy, and not too heavy like other gourmands can typically feel. As such, I can reach for it in the daytime, nighttime, or really any time I want to feel like a snack." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor.
Brooke Knappenberger tests Kayali Yum Bougie Marshmallow.
If you love the original Not a Perfume, meet its cool, more confident older sister. Not a Perfume Superdose is made entirely of cetalox—a synthetic note that's clean, slightly woody, and subtly warm. It wears close to the skin and amplifies your natural scent, with a lingering softness that works year-round.
Key Notes: Cetalox
Size: 3.3 fl. oz
What I Love: Slightly stronger sillage than the original formula; Chic packaging
What I Don’t: Some people may find this perfume to be too linear and simplistic
Review for MC: “I love the Not a Perfume range from Juliette Has a Gun, but Superdose has my heart. Whereas I find the original to almost smell a little floral, this one is clean, woody, and super sexy—the epitome of a ‘my skin but better’ perfume.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker tests Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Superdose.
A criminally underrated niche brand, it's no surprise that more people haven't yet discovered the gem that is Yin Transformation. As a floral aquatic formula, it doesn’t lean too much into either category. Instead, it’s musky and slightly lactonic, giving it a fresh, “my skin but much better” quality that I can’t get enough of.
Key Notes: Calypso Orchid; Almond milk; Ylang Ylang; Iris
Size: 1.7 fl oz
What I Love: Floral that isn’t overtly green; Long-lasting; Great sillage
What I Don’t: Expensive
Review for MC: “I actually fell in love with this fragrance from smelling it on someone else, and I’m so glad I did. Once I got my hands on it, I couldn’t believe this was a floral aquatic perfume—those are two of my least favorite scent categories. Still, this formula combines notes like pink peppercorn, orchid, and white musk, and the combination is mouthwatering. It somehow smells musky, powdery, floral, and even a little spicy, all at the same time, without being too busy or all over the place. It’s such an elegant perfume that I actually recommend that anyone of any gender and fragrance proclivity give it a smell. It’s one of those perfumes that has massive crowd appeal.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker tests The Harmonist Yin Tranformation perfume.
Inspired by the valleys and rainforests of Java, Indonesia, this unisex perfume features notes of tobacco leaves, plum, vanilla, and cedarwood for a warm, sexy, and sultry finish. It’s a scent that sits close to the skin—after people catch a whiff, they will 100 percent ask you, “What are you wearing?”
Key Notes: Tobacco; Plum; Vanilla; Tonka Bean
Size: 3.4 fl oz
What I Love: Complex, unique scent; Warm and inviting
What I Don’t: Some wearers may find the scent too subtle
Review for MC: “This fragrance smells so good; at the end of a trip to see me in NYC, my mom tried to sneak it into her luggage. Thankfully, I caught her before she zipped up her suitcase because it’s my new favorite scent. The three key notes—vanilla, cedarwood, and tonka bean—give the perfume a soft, warm essence that lingers on my skin long after I spritz.” — Ama Kwarteng, Contributing Beauty Writer
Ama Kwarteng tests Victoria Beckham perfume.
Crystal Saffron has become my holy grail scent from Matiere Premiere, so of course, the hair perfume had to make this list. Centered around saffron oil from Greece, this fragrance is warm, slightly leathery, and has a soft molecular hint thanks to ambroxan and habanolide musk. I would technically consider this a skin scent—a fragrance designed to smell like a natural extension of your own scent—this version adapts to that intimacy for your hair. It's the perfect unisex fragrance to share with a partner (or not).
Key Notes: Saffron
Size: 2.5 fl. oz
What I Love: Reduced in alcohol content from the original, so it's safer for hair; Simple yet refined scent; Wonderful atomizer for even scent distribution without making hair wet; Smells identical to the eau de parfum
What I Don’t: Can be hard to find in person, so may have to blind buy
Review for MC: “This is another one of those hair perfume options that I love to spray on my body from time to time. Crystal Safrron is my favorite scent from Matiere Premiere, so adding the hair mist to my collection is my equivalent of basically showering in the scent. Yes, I’ve sprayed the eau de parfum and extrait formulas on my body and used the hair perfume all at once. Don’t judge me. I smelled really good.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron Hair Perfume.
Finding the Best Fragrance for You
Fragrance is a highly personal category, dependent upon your preferences, emotional responses, and even your skin type. For that reason, professional perfumer Alexandra Monet says that when shopping for your next favorite fragrance, it's best to throw away the rulebook and do what's best for you.
"A fragrance that you feel comfortable with and that you feel like yourself is really what is important," she insists. Another myth she wants to dispel? The idea that some fragrances are for mature wearers while others are for young ones. "I don’t believe in there being notes that are for specific ages," she says. "I recommend wearing a scent on your skin first to see how it wears on you, because there is no rule when it comes to fragrances."
Meet the Expert
Alexandra Monet is a professional perfumer with Firmenich, a fragrance and flavor company. An urban globe-trotter, she is currently based in Paris, France.
