Perfume Experts Reveal the Most Compliment-Worthy Scents for Women

• Elegant scent

• May need to reapply

Starting with bright and surprising whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. It’s a must-have for any wild night in or out.

Smells like: A femme fatale

Key notes: Almond, coffee, bergamot lemon, jasmine, orange blossom, tonka bean, cacao, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli and cedar

Size: 2.7 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “ELLE editors made an entire TikTok about our favorite Good Girl fragrance. This one is perfect for your first date with a guy from Hinge. The aroma is warm yet sweet and sexy. I notice that on my friends who tend to run warmer, the sandalwood, vanilla, and orange blossom do a beautiful dance together.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

• Subtle yet enticing

• May need to reapply

Baccarat Rouge 540 is arguably one of the most iconic and coveted perfumes of the 21st century. It smells like pure luxury; the slightly sweet and floral scent settles down into a spicy and earthy aroma as the jasmine, cedar, and saffron take center stage.

Smells like: An exclusive social club

Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris accord

Size: 2.4 fl. oz

Neiman Marcus rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This perfume is a guaranteed conversation starter. The distinct smell either evokes the response of ‘Ahh, I love 540,’ amongst knowing individuals, or ‘What is that smell?!’ to those that are about to be introduced to the reigning queen of the perfume occult. The smell is intense and sultry without being overbearing.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer

• Long-lasting

• Can be strong at first

Narciso Rodriguez’s For Her perfumes are all symphonies of musk and florals, and the delicate For Her is a shining example. “I’ve always loved chypre and musky compositions, and this fragrance is a timeless favorite,” says Watteau. “The blend of rose, patchouli, and musk is perfectly balanced, feminine, sensual, and incredibly sophisticated.”

Smells like: Clean skin in sunlight

Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn

Size: 3.3 fl oz

Bloomingdale’s rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Anyone should feel free to wear any scent, whether or not the fragrance is ‘gendered.’ However, I do feel as though this is an ideal perfume for those days when you want to lean into your femininity. The scent also lasts on both skin and clothes; I can smell it on my blouses days after I’ve spritzed the perfume onto them.”—Carol Lee, beauty writer

• Balanced notes

• May not last on the skin

Perfumer Ben Gorham captured the essence of the color white by combining delicate florals, a woody base note, and a hint of musk; the scent makes you feel fresh, polished, and put-together, even in 90-degree weather.

Smells like: Clean laundry

Key notes: White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our expert says: “Even though I think things like chocolate cake, bonfires, and the sea smell good, I don’t necessarily want to smell like them. But fresh linens? Sign me up! I bury my nose in my cotton sheets when I take them out of the dryer, and I bury my nose in my wrist when I wear this perfume.”—Carol Lee

• Versatile scent

• Can fade quickly

There’s a reason you see this iconic bottle in practically every magazine you’ve ever opened. It’s a classic, and the fruity, floral ingredients never weigh down the luscious elegance of the ylang-ylang, jasmine, pear, and lily.

Smells like: The first warm day of spring

Key notes: Ylang ylang, Damascus rose, jasmine

Size: 5 fl. oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This warm floral somehow smells good on everyone who tries it, and it would be a fantastic gift for any occasion. I gave my roommates (who have very different tastes in fragrance) a bottle each for Christmas, and both of them were beyond delighted.”—Carol Lee

• Not overpowering

• Can fade throughout the day

Is there anything more romantic than a perfume inspired by an ancient love story? The tale of the immortal lovers Psyche and Eros led to the creation of Fleur de Peau, a scent that is slightly fruity and filled with sensual musks, as well as powdery florals.

Smells like: Clean skin after an everything shower

Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn

Size: 2.5 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Powdery scents were never my category of choice, as they always felt too heavy or even too mature for me. Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau helped me see the light, thanks to its floral touches and subtle nature. Here’s a secret I’ve yet to tell anyone: I’ve actually never gotten quite as many compliments on how I smell than when I layered this perfume and Diptyque’s Eau Rose. Do with that information what you will.”—Carol Lee

• Sleek bottle

• Too strong for some

With ambassador Olivia Rodrigo as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole Intense already has star power. However, it’s also the line’s first fruity and woody floral fragrance—a combo that makes for a fully feminine, never overpowering scent.

Smells like: The girl everyone has a crush on

Key notes: Pomarose, damascena rose, creamy sandalwood

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I normally stray away from floral fragrances for fear of smelling like a grandmother’s home. However, this scent combines fresh floral notes with creamy sandalwood and sweet candied apple—a combination I find irresistible. It’s the perfect, elegant scent for a romantic evening.”—Emma Aerin Becker

• Great for teens and young adults

• May not be as long-lasting as other scents

If you wanted to know what Ariana Grande smells like, it’s a sweet and flirty mixture of lavender blossom, pear, coconut, and vanilla. “Cloud by Ariana Grande is one of my all-time favorites,” says Tynan Sinks, a New York City-based beauty writer and the co-host of fragrance podcast Smell Ya Later. “I have been singing its praises since the day it dropped, and I’ve turned a bunch of people onto it.”

Smells like: Your favorite popstar

Key notes: Lavender blossom, juicy pear, bergamot, coconut, vanilla orchid, woods, cashmere

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I get so many compliments—even though, after you initially spray it on in the morning, you physically don’t realize how amazing you smell, everyone else does. It comes in a cute cloud stand with the perfume. It’s worth every penny. The quality is spot on. I will be ordering more real soon. My first bottle is almost gone.”

• Edgy scent

• May be overpowering

For those who crave a little danger in their dress-up, this sexy concoction smelling of coffee, vanilla, and pear is a feast for the senses. A little smooth, a little edgy, this is a fantastic fragrance for evening wear.

Smells like: A sexy little black dress

Key notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla

Size: 3 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This scent gives off a mature, ‘power woman’ aroma. It’s for the city-living financier who is the only woman on the team—but you aren’t wearing this to work. Spritz it on your neck while you’re in downtown Manhattan, and get ready for a New York night. Plus, it’s a great winter scent. ”—Danielle James

• Great for layering

• May be too subtle for some

This perfume is as comforting as slipping on a well-loved cashmere sweater. Sheer notes of white musk, sparkling orange blossom, and blonde wood sit close to the skin, prompting friends and family to lean in and ask, “What are you wearing?”

Smells like: A warm hug

Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot nectar, blonde wood

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars

Our expert says: “I can’t seem to stop recommending this scent. Whenever someone comes over to my apartment and asks for an easy-to-wear fragrance suggestion I beeline toward my Phlur collection and spray Missing Person on their wrist. There’s something undoubtedly nostalgic and warm about the perfume, and the florals add that je ne sais quoi that keeps me coming back to it time and time again.”—Carol Lee

• Classic aroma

• May be too strong of a scent for some

Take a chance (pun intended) on this fruity and floral fragrance. Bursting with notes of jasmine, rose, and grapefruit, it’s slightly sweet yet refreshingly vibrant—prepare to field all of the compliments you’re bound to receive.

Smells like: A flower shop

Key notes: Grapefruit, rose accord

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “Of all the perfumes I’ve tried over the years, Chanel's Chance has remained a constant in my lineup. It’s lighter and more modern than the brand’s iconic N°5 scent, yet is still just as effortlessly classic and long-lasting. In fact, I’ve found it to be such a universal crowd-pleaser that even an Uber driver once asked me what I was wearing.”—Sam Peters

• Long-lasting
• Magnetic cap

• May lean masculine

Who needs a summer trip to Italy when you can smell like one? The Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum by Tom Ford is “bright and fresh, like a floral, citrusy escape that instantly evokes a summer day in Italy,” says Watteau. “It’s sunny, elegant, and effortlessly uplifting.”

Smells like: Euro summer

Key notes: Tunisian Neroli, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon

Sephora rating: 4/5

A Sephora reviewer says: “Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino is a crisp, citrusy fragrance that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. With bright notes of bergamot, neroli, and orange blossom, it’s fresh, clean, and luxurious. Ideal for summer wear, though the staying power is moderate. A refined choice for those who appreciate classic elegance in a bottle.”

• Layers well

• Not as fruity

Fame by Rabanne smells like a sexy night out in a beautiful tropical locale—fruity, spicy, and woody, with appearances from mango, incense, and sandalwood. “Gourmands aren’t usually my thing, but this is the only vanilla perfume I reach for over and over, especially for a night on the town,” says beauty writer Carol Lee. “Nerisha keeps a bottle in the office, and whenever she tries a scent we both can’t stand, she spritzes it all over as a delicious palate cleanser we both enjoy.”

Smells like: A tropical getaway in a futuristic world

Key notes: Mango, jasmine, incense, vanilla, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This sits at my desk and becomes an instant compliment magnet when I spray it on myself and wait for its aroma to permeate our office corner. It's sexy and mysterious, but still inviting. While I don’t typically like to prescribe to day or night scents, this one is for the nocturnal lovers.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

• Affordable

• May not be as long-lasting as other scents

The whole point of this perfume is that it smells like the best version of you. That is, a you that showers with expensive body wash and never sweats a drop. “I adore skin scents, and this one is musky, elegant, and intimate,” says Watteau. It creates a soft second-skin effect that feels personal and addictive.”

Smells like: Peppery florals

Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Our expert says: “If you want to get into scent layering, Glossier You makes a great base scent. It’s familiar on its own, smells like the ‘you’ that just got out of the shower, but better. It's bright, yet soft, and the perfect everyday scent for someone that doesn't want anything too fussy.” —Danielle James

• Warm and sensual

• May be too subtle for some

Buckle up tight because this fragrance takes you on a ride. The yin-yang scent composition unfurls a delicate composition of sensual citrus and florals, then comes the dip—warm almond milk, sandalwood, and white musk.

Smells like: A damp flower in the woods

Key notes: Calypso orchid, mandarin, Bulgarian rose, almond milk, ylang ylang, iris, white musks, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 fl. oz

Neiman Marcus rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “As someone with over 100 fragrances, my signature scent changes daily. However, I almost always begin most of my scent layers with Yin Transformation, which bursts with creamy florals that feel like a balmy spring morning.”—Nerisha Penrose

• Summer in a bottle

• Fades quickly

“I created this fragrance with the idea of vacation in mind,” says Watteau of her scent. “As a French woman living in New York, I wanted to blend the essence of vacation from both cultures.“ It combines sun-kissed notes of monoi and jasmine with hints of vanilla, coconut, and a subtle salty touch. “A warm, sensual ode to travel.”

Smells like: A fresh spring day in NYC

Key notes: Sea salt, Tahitian monoi, vanilla caviar

Sephora rating: 4.8/5

A Sephora reviewer says: “As a fragrance fanatic, I'm loving the sophisticated and seductive vibes I feel when wearing. The layers of floral, orange, and golden vanilla actually define what Golden Muse captures. The bottle itself is absolutely stunning, and I love how secure the cap is and how the nozzle mists a powerful amount that evenly envelopes you. The floral notes are that ‘perfect’ amount, where it's not overwhelming, and the dry down is probably my favorite level of floral meets a creamy sweetness that you crave more of.”

• Soft and sensual

• Will need to re-up throughout the day

Kyoto can be within arm's reach with a few spritzes of this bestseller by Glasshouse Fragrances. Fans of the signature candle will love its eau de parfum counterpart, which bursts with white florals and tickles your nose with tonka bean and musk. “It’s the perfect gourmand-musky scent to cut any stronger perfumes in your layers,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor.

Smells like: A jazz bar filled with floral arrangements

Key notes: Pineapple, cream, orris, lotus, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, musk, vanilla, tonka bean

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Glasshouse Fragrances rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Glasshouse creates fragrances that transport you to exotic locales—Kyoto in Bloom does exactly that. It’s like a gourmet aroma that lingered in a smoky New Orleans jazz bar for a little too long. It’s sweet and sexy.”—Danielle James

• Sweet yet sophisticated

• Not very long-lasting

It’s no secret that 2025 is a "guava girl summer.” Thanks to Ellis Brooklyn, you can now smell just like the sweet pink fruit itself. The Guava Granita Eau de Parfum is like your favorite tropical smoothie, blended with notes of guava, banana, mango blossom, cavaillon melon, and a rich underpinning of vanilla and almond milk.

Smells like: A beach day in the tropics

Key notes: Guava juice, banana, vanilla

Sephora rating: 4/5

An ELLE editor says: “I had to sniff this scent for myself after hearing after hearing all the buzz about its unique guava scent from editors and experts alike. It’s very sweet thanks to its fruity composure, but the sandalwood and vanilla give it a touch of sophistication. It’s officially my go-to summer scent.”—Emma Aerin Becker

Joan Tanis is the national training and events director at Maison Francis Kurkjian.

Tynan Sinks is a New York City-based beauty writer and the co-host of fragrance podcast Smell Ya Later.

Bérénice Watteau is is a fine fragrance perfumer at DSM-Firmenich

Understanding fragrance notes is one of the most effective ways to find your perfect scent. “Very similar to the fashion industry, there can be trends with fragrances as well,” Tanis says. “Choosing a fragrance isn’t always easy, but make the right choice by selecting one that reflects who you are and makes you feel good. My best advice is to let your personality, tastes, and age guide your choice.”

“The most important part of finding a fragrance is, of course, trying it on,” Tanis continues, adding that you can have multiple signature scents, rather than just one, for variety. “Nowadays, it is all about a collection of fragrances. Much like clothing, modern men and women desire a fragrance wardrobe, allowing them the freedom to choose what fragrance to wear daily.”