I’ve Tested Hundreds of Perfumes, But These 9 Win Me More Compliments Than Any Others

Key note: Pink pineapple, palm leaves, coconut water, wild jasmine, plumeria, lily of the valley, tree moss, salted woods, sweet amber woods, vanilla

The epitome of a summer scent, this perfume has been making waves on social media thanks to its crowd-pleasing cocktail of sweet, juicy notes and tropical twists. Despite liking many a fruity perfume, I wasn’t convinced that it would be for me as everyone raving about it online seemed to be, well, young, but I’d defy anyone not to fall in love with this playful perfume. Yes, it’s sweet and tropical, but there’s a warmth to it courtesy of vanilla and amber, and salted woods give it a coastal breeziness which transports it beyond your classic beachside spritz.

Notes: Amber, vanilla orchid, Virginia cedarwood, musk

You’ll notice that there’s no photo of this one in my hand, and that’s because I merrily ploughed my way through an entire bottle of this last year without stopping to take a snap. Bad beauty editor? Indeed. But testimony, I think, to how utterly addictive this perfume is. I love amber scents anyway, but if you tend to avoid the note for its headiness, then rest assured that this is an utterly unique take on the aroma.

Comprised entirely of mid-notes, this elevates the skin-like qualities of amber (that slightly sweet, slightly spicy juxtaposition) and melds it with powdery musk, rich vanilla and a warm cedarwood, which creates the most cosy and comforting perfume. It’s like a skin scent but on steroids—warm, cosseting and designed to be worn close. I must stock up on a new bottle stat.

Notes: Italian bergamot, lemon sfuma, lily of the valley, pear, tuberose petals, golden gardenia, jasmine sambac, honeysuckle, upcycled cedarwood Virginia, sandalwood spicatum, ambrox

The fact that the list of key notes for this perfume reads exactly like a delivery invoice for a flower shop means that this really is a fragrance that smells like it says on the tin—a florist. Not just any florist though, this is a luxury florist. One that you might find nestled in a sun-dappled courtyard in Italy, lined with orange trees. Stepping into the cool shop, you’ll have that fruity freshness still lingering from outside before a cacophony of sumptuous roses, jasmine and honeysuckle rise up to greet you. Yes, it’s a celebration of flowers in all their glory, but it honours blooms in a delightfully modern way. It’s bright, sparkling and fresh—never cloying—and feels like petals floating on the breeze rather than an overbearing bouquet.

Notes: Ylang ylang, violet leaves absolute, Tahitian tiare, magnolia dianica, musk, vegan ambergris, sandalwood

Despite the name, there isn’t a hint of salt in this best-selling scent from Ellis Brooklyn—yet you could have fooled me, for warm, salty, sun-kissed skin is exactly what I smell when I douse myself in this. While it makes a great summer scent for obvious reasons, it’s all tropical blooms and warm sandalwood, I think it’s a great choice for those who want the essence of a holiday scent but without the more saccharine notes of coconut or vanilla. Instead, this is more of a musky skin scent, with a delightfully fresh edge. I adore it.

Notes: Marshmallow, lemon, peach skin, caramel accord, benzoin, vanilla orchid, milky musks, amber woods, patchouli

Gourmand fragrances have always been hugely popular, but this year in particular it’s been fascinating to see how perfumers have really been pushing the boundaries of foodie notes—and marshmallow is one that’s growing in popularity. This hair and body mist is sweet, there’s no denying it, but it’s also creamy, warming and has a surprising citrus edge which stops it from feeling too heavy or rich. I love vanilla perfume anyway, and this has it in abundance, but the dashes of lemon, peach and woods add a level of complexity to the fragrance which makes the whole thing even more alluring. Consider it a shortcut to compliments.

Notes: Bergamot essence, rhubarb, honeydew melon, strawberry leaf, tuberose, white peony, pink pepper, ambrette, galbanum, upcycled cedarwood

I can’t put my finger on exactly why, but this perfume smells almost nostalgic to me—capturing a Y2K optimism of the clean-smelling perfumes that I gravitated towards in my teenage years. It’s a truly joyful blend of fruits and florals that feels both incredibly elegant and beautiful, but also so easy to wear—the exact kind of scent that I’d happily tote around in my handbag to lift my spirits on a drizzly afternoon or before an impromptu dinner with friends. If you like more heady, power scents, then this might not be up your street, but if you’re after something light and bright and positive, then it’s a winner.

Notes: Creamy milk accord, frangipani, peony rose, bourbon vanilla bean, Madagascar vanilla bean extract, upcycled cocoa shell extract, benzoin resinoid, amyris, sandalwood, musk

I have had a soft spot for vanilla perfumes for as long as I can remember, so I knew that this would be up my street from the name alone. However, if you’re not a fan of the classic gourmand note, then hear me out, as this is so much more than a sweet perfume. In fact, I’d describe this as a skin scent first and a vanilla perfume second. It’s musky and creamy with a delicious warmth which seems to get better the more it lingers on the skin. Of course, there is plenty of sweetness to it, but it’s balanced perfectly with deeper notes like sandalwood and benzoin that stick around for hours.

Notes: Guava juice, banana, bergamot, tropical waterlily, cavaillon melon, coconut palm, mango blossom, vanilla, sandalwood, almond milk

Escapist scents are clearly Ellis Brooklyn’s comfort zone, and this juicy delight is another example of how well the brand continually nails the perfect holiday perfume. On the surface, this one reads like another tropical blend, but it feels so fresh and modern thanks to more unusual notes like banana. Along with almond milk and vanilla, it lends this bright perfume a subtle creaminess that conjures images of sun lotion and coconut cocktails. So while it is deliciously sweet and juicy, it’s an exclusive beach resort kind of fruity rather than a girls' weekend on the strip in Magaluf.

Notes: Bergamot, ambrette seeds, cassis, tiger orchid, pink lotus, jasmine petals, patchouli, liquid musks, white cedarwood

The last one on my list of the best Ellis Brooklyn perfumes is a really unique scent that stands in stark contrast to an otherwise fruity lineup. This is a pared-back, grown-up, and subtly sexy perfume that I’ll admit I was unsure about at first. The first spritz, to me, smelled so clean and minimalist that it was almost sharp. However, once it settles into the skin, the more intriguing notes start to come through—a jasmine flower springs into bloom, tart cassis bursts to the forefront and heady patchouli adds an intriguing depth. It’s at once both complex and absolutely minimal, and I think it would appeal to those who love musky skin scents and white floral perfumes as much as those who love woody fragrances and splash citruses.