The Best Perfumes in 2024 for Women – Expert Vetted

As we enter 2024, the world of fragrances is set to captivate us with various scents that promise to uplift our spirits and soothe our senses. The perfume trends for this year reflect our evolving preferences and the changing dynamics of the fragrance industry. From timeless classics like Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium to modern muses like Tocca, the list of popular perfumes for 2024 is as diverse as it is enchanting.

This year, we also see a rise in fragrance discovery sets like Benigna Perfums, reflecting the shift towards variety in the perfume industry. Moreover, focusing on wellness and emotional well-being has led to the popularity of "feel-good" fragrances like Butter by Keba that open your chakras and invigorate your senses. So, whether you're a perfume connoisseur or a novice looking to explore the world of fragrances, here's presenting the best perfumes for 2024 that will leave you spellbound.

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent's LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense is an olfactory expression of elegance and luxury, reflecting the couture fashion of the brand. Like the brand itself, the fragrance is known for its absolute creativity and is tailored for the beautiful women dressed by Yves Saint Laurent.

What we love about it: "This is my go-to for more formal occasions, business meetings and client outings; it's luxurious and smells simply divine; it's a scent anyone would love, and that's why it's perfect for making a good first impression," said Jeanel Alvarado, Founder & CEO of RETAILBOSS.

Editor’s Top Choice: LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense

Robert Piguet

Robert Piguet's Gardenia Eau de Parfum is a chic and audacious fragrance that revolutionized the world of perfumery. It is a part of the iconic French brand's collection, which includes the legendary Fracas, a perfume known for its carnal floral notes that evoke the scent of hot flesh.

What we love about it: "It's perfect, not too overbearing and not too subtle. If you love the smell of flowers but don't want to wear something overpowering for every day, this is a must-have for your collection, said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Gardenia Eau de Parfum

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo's Flash Eau de Parfum is a dazzling, luminous, and feminine fragrance. It opens with fresh notes of mandarin orange, green notes, and pear, turning heavily floral with the introduction of tiger orchid, and finishes with a rich and sweet base of patchouli and toffee.

What we love about it: "Lots of compliments when I wear this fragrance! It's my go-to for holiday parties, one of those iconic scents that sets the mood for the festive, think New Year's Eve!" said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Flash Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford

Tom Ford's Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum is described as an insatiable fragrance with a candy-like gleam of exotic black cherry and liqueur, touched with teasing almond, giving way to a Turkish Rose and Jasmine Sambac blend that penetrates the senses. The full-bodied perfume attains fantasy-like levels of insatiability, making it a standout choice in the Tom Ford fragrance collection.

Editor’s Top Choice: Lost Cherry

Francis Kurkdjian

Editor’s Top Choice: Baccarat Rouge

MCM

MCM Ultra Eau de Parfum is a vibrant, next-generation fragrance for those who dare to push boundaries and awaken their senses. Energizing top notes of pink pepper lead into an addictive heart of tuberose, creating an intoxicating blend grounded by cedarwood and golden amber. This bold composition challenges conventions, fusing brightness and depth to reflect the complexity of the trailblazing individual. MCM Ultra carries the brand's signature of sophisticated rebellion for the fearless, forward-thinking rule-breaker within us all.

Editor’s Top Choice: MCM Ultra Eau de Parfum

 

ARMANI Beauty

ARMANI Beauty Prive Vert Malachite Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz. Introducing the newest Privé Collection, "Les Voyages." A tribute to the countries and cultures that have inspired Mr. Armani. Vert Malachite is a celebration of Russian culture, full of light, extremely delicate yet resistant. White Lily accord, at the heart of this enchanting creation, infuses with Sambac Jasmine and Ylang Ylang essence, revealing a sensual & unique signature.

Editor’s Top Choice: Prive Vert Malachite

Viktor & Rolf

A lavish floral perfume for women with an intoxicating whirl of cattleyas, freesia, sambac jasmine and rose perfumes.Fragrance story: This opulent, sensual and ultrafeminine perfume is a floral explosion anchored by the warm scent of patchouli and a soft vanilla perfume to create a rich yet perfectly balanced women's fragrance.

Editor’s Top Choice: Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

Juliette Has a Gun

This fragrance opens with top notes of raspberry, geranium and neroli. The heart features tuberose, iris, orange blossom and jasmine sambac. The base contains vanilla, caramel, sandalwood, heliotrope, white musk and patchouli. MMMM... is described as an olfactive sweetness that pleases the senses and provokes immediate delight. Its creamy, nutty, buttery scent has a sweet soapiness and warm woodiness, making it velvet personified.

Editor’s Top Choice: Juliette Has a Gun  MMMM…

Floral Street

The Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid is a vegan perfume that encapsulates the essence of being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. This fragrance is a unique blend of creamy vanilla beans, blossom, cassis, and citrus, all dressed in a bouquet of freshly plucked jasmine. The earthy undertones of bamboo and sandalwood beautifully offset the sweetness of these notes. It's a bold, modern scent that exudes confidence and sassiness.

What we love about it: "Blown away! What a lovely and powerful scent; if you love a strong floral perfume, this is the you should add to your collection," said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Wild Vanilla Orchid

Givenchy

Hot Couture opens with succulent top notes of ripe raspberry and juicy mandarin, followed by rich bergamot. Spicy pepper, soft magnolia, woody vetiver and tuberose wrap around the top notes. Base notes of sandalwood, rich amber and soft musk complete this floral oriental fragrance for women. The scent is strong and in-your-face with heavy, dominant base notes that give it an incense-like oriental twist.

Editor’s Top Choice: Hot Couture

Mugler

Muglar's Angel Eau de Parfum is crafted by perfumers Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chirin, Angel revolutionized the perfume world and remains a bestseller decades after its launch. Its daring, edible notes and powerful sillage invite the wearer to stand out and embrace their unique allure. It opens with a bright, effervescent burst of bergamot and red berries, which quickly gives way to the sensual, indulgent heart of praline, caramel, honey and chocolate. The dry down is anchored by earthy patchouli and warm, comforting notes of vanilla and sandalwood.

Editor’s Top Choice: Angel Eau de Parfum Shooting Star

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium is a modern reinvention of the YSL woman. Composed by four master perfumers, it features an overdose of black coffee accord to invigorate the senses, contrasting with voluptuous white floral heart notes and a gourmand vanilla base.

What we love about it: "It's super elevated and a playful sexy scent. It sort of reminds me of walking into Victoria's Secret; this fragrance is perfect for an evening out or nightcap," said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

Chloé

Revealing a luminous rose, this Chloé Eau de Parfum is a floral perfume that is airy and sensual. First imagined in Paris nearly 60 years ago, the Chloé vision of effortless chic lives on in the maison’s ready-to-wear collections, accessories and perfume fragrances. Spritz on your wrists and neck and let the scent transport you to a picnic of honeyed lychee in an intimate French rose garden.

Editor’s Top Choice: Chloé Eau de Parfum Spray

Tocca

Tocca's Colette Eau de Parfum is a classic floral scent that is sophisticated, romantic, and timeless. It features key notes of Bergamot, Pear, and Gardenia, making it a timeless indulgence you'll fall in love with repeatedly.

What we love about it: "All of Tocca fragrances make you feel like royalty;  I'd wear this for an engagement or bridal party as my go-to; it gives off a delicate touch!" said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Tocca's Colette Eau de Parfum

Robert Piguet

Robert Piguet's Fracas Eau de Parfum is an opulent, lush white floral fragrance featuring notes of tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, and sandalwood. Launched in 1948, it became an iconic scent worn by celebrities like Madonna. Fracas is known for its complexity, richness, and sillage. It is a part of the brand's enticing collection, which includes other fragrances like Casbah, V (formerly Visa), Oud Délice, and NoteS.

"It is a crowd pleaser! I would recommend it for date night, as my Husband loves this scent whenever I put it on!"

Editor’s Top Choice: Robert Piguet's Fracas Eau de Parfum

Prada

Prada Candy Kiss Eau de Parfum is a vibrant and intense floriental fragrance that offers an unexpected olfactory balance. It combines the sparkling notes of bergamot with the luscious scent of orange blossom, all wrapped around a powdery vanilla accord.

What we love about it: "It's not just about the scent for me with this one; the small size bottle is absolutely perfect for business travel. I also find the bottle design far more elegant in the 30ml - it's the only size I get it in as I keep it in the purse. It's also a fabulous gift!" said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Prada Candy Kiss

Butter by Keba

Butter by Keba's Utility Code Eau de Parfum is a unique fragrance that combines natural essential oils and synthetic aromatic compounds to create a pleasant smell. It is a part of the brand's innovative collection, which focuses on creating fragrances that are pleasing to the senses and beneficial to the body.

What we love about it: "Hands down the best fragrance that smells like the perfect medley of essential oils; I even wear this perfume to bed because it's so relaxing and soothing," said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Utility Code Eau de Parfum

Chanel

Chanel's COCO Noir is a perfume that embodies a magnetic and uncompromising black mystery. It is intimate, seductive, and intensely brilliant. The top notes of grapefruit and bergamot accentuate the floral accord of rose and jasmine, while Indonesian patchouli and sandalwood add warmth.

Editor’s Top Choice: COCO Noir

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue is a popular fragrance known for its fresh, vibrant, and floral notes. The brand's signature scent reflects its Italian roots and fashion-forward designs.

Editor’s Top Choice: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

Chanel

Chanel's Mademoiselle is a fragrance that embodies the brand's core values of independence, power, freedom, and femininity. Developed by the renowned perfumer Ernest Beaux in 1921, it was Chanel's first and most legendary fragrance.

What people are saying: The scent is timeless, evoking the essence of femininity and fulfilling Gabrielle Chanel's initial request for “a woman's perfume, with a woman's scent.”

Editor’s Top Choice: Mademoiselle

Rosy & Earnest

Rosy & Earnest's Be Rosy fragrance is perfect for everyday wear or whenever one wishes to be in a rosy mood. This fragrance encapsulates the complex aroma of roses, ranging from floral and tea aromas to spicy, fruity, and musky scents, providing a magical experience that instills calm and raises spirits.

What we love about it: "I am usually not a fan of unisex fragrances, but Rosy & Earnest has won me over! The Be Rosy, and Be Earnest smells lovely, it's a great everyday wear fragrance," said Alvarado.

Editor’s Top Choice: Be Rosy

Fragrances by AJ

The No. 8 Perfume is part of the '23 New Collection from Fragrances by AJ, which was introduced in October 2023. This collection is a symphony of scents, meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. The No. 8 Perfume, in particular, stands out with its unique blend of top notes featuring musk, pink pepper, amber, and jasmine. These elements come together to form a fragrance that is both sophisticated and alluring.

Editor’s Top Choice: No.8 Perfume for Her

What we love about it: "What makes this perfume truly special is its versatility! It's a scent that can be worn on any occasion, whether you're heading to the office or attending a formal event." said Alvarado.

Benigna Parfums

Benigna Parfums' Royal Essence collection transports its users to a realm of royalty, splendor, power, and opulence, reminiscent of Kings and Queens. Each fragrance in this set is crafted with the world's finest and most sustainable natural ingredients, offering a luxurious and majestic experience from the first spray.

What we love about it: "Absolutely beautiful! I adore mini perfume bottles, so the royal discovery set is perfect! My set came with six bottles, and they have other sets to choose from," said Jeanel.

Editor’s Top Choice: Royal Essence Discovery Set

Tocca

The Tocca Giulietta Eau de Parfum is a captivating fragrance embodying youthful, feminine charm. This fresh floral scent is an enchanting blend of delicate pink tulips, crisp green apples, and sweet vanilla orchid. Customers have praised the fragrance as a beautifully clean, fresh, and soft scent.

Editor’s Top Choice: Giulietta Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford

Black Orchid Eau de Parfum opens with black truffle and narcotic ylang-ylang, touched with effervescent bergamot and bitter orange. Rum-soaked black plum surrounds the black orchid extract heart. Woody patchouli and creamy vanilla wrap the orchid in rich warmth. This heady, luxurious floral scent blends florals and spices in a hypnotic way. It's the fragrance equivalent of a smoky eye, little black dress, and stiff drink - perfect for a confidence boost. Black Orchid Gold Parfum amps up the original with ylang-ylang and golden rum for an even more intoxicating, intense version.

Editor’s Top Choice: Tom Ford Black Orchid

Christian Dior

Hypnotic Poison is a magic potion for modern times. Audacious and profoundly feminine, the fragrance is an unsettling harmony, a fusion of contrasting olfactory facets. With notes of Bitter Almond, Caraway Spice, Sambac Jasmine, Cinnamon, Tuberose, Vanilla, Musk, Mosses, and Jucarunda Wood.

Editor’s Top Choice: Hypnotic Poison Eau De Toilette Spray

GUESS

Bloom with GUESS Bella Vita Rosa. Its creamy citrus essence balances earthy floral notes, creating a fragrance where the woods meet a blossoming spring. With a dazzling combination of blackcurrant, magnolia and moss, this aromatic scent will take you back to those calming moments spent alongside wildflowers and mossy redwoods.

Editor’s Top Choice: GUESS Bella Vita Rosa Women

DKNY

The DKNY Be Delicious Orchard Street Eau de Parfum, a fruity-floral fragrance inspired by downtown New York.Full of energy and vigor, Pink Lady Apple begins the scent alongside sparkling pink Grapefruit for an invigorating fusion. At the heart, luxurious Jasmine and powdery Orris create a contrast to juicy notes of Black Raspberry and sweet Pomegranate to mimic the complexities of feminine charm.

Editor’s Top Choice: DKNY Be Delicious Orchard St. Eau De Parfum

FAQ: How To Select The Right Perfume for You

Selecting the right perfume for you is a personal journey that involves considering various factors to ensure the fragrance complements your personality, style, and the occasions on which you'll wear it. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to guide you in finding your signature scent:

1. How do I choose the right perfume for my age?

As you age, your preferences and lifestyle may change, and so should your perfume. Younger individuals might prefer lighter, fresher scents, while more mature individuals may opt for sophisticated fragrances with rich and complex notes. However, don't let age limit you; choose what aligns with your personal taste and confidence.

2. What should I consider when selecting a perfume?

Consider the occasion, season, and your personal preference. Daytime fragrances tend to be lighter, while evening scents can be more pronounced. Seasonal changes also influence the suitability of certain scents, with fresh fragrances being ideal for spring and summer, and warmer ones for fall and winter.

3. How do I know if a perfume suits me?

Perfumes interact uniquely with each person's body chemistry. Factors like skin type, pH level, water or melanin content, and natural body odor can affect how a perfume smells on you. It's essential to test the fragrance on your skin and wear it for a while to see how it evolves.

4. Where should I apply perfume?

Apply perfume to pulse points where the warmth of your body can enhance the fragrance. These include the wrists, inside the elbows, behind the knees, on the collarbone, and at the base of the neck.

5. Can I choose a perfume based on my personality?

Yes, perfumes can be chosen to reflect your personality. For example, if you're adventurous, you might enjoy oriental fragrances with notes like ambergris or musk. If you're sporty, green fragrances with fresh-cut grass notes could be appealing.

6. How do I find my signature scent?

Start by exploring different fragrance families to understand what you're drawn to. Spend time with each scent, consider how it makes you feel, and whether it fits your desired image. Sampling before purchasing is crucial, as is not falling victim to trends.

7. Is it okay to have multiple perfumes for different occasions?

Absolutely. Having a fragrance wardrobe allows you to choose scents that match various moods and settings. You might have a go-to daily fragrance and others for special events or to match your evening attire.