If someone asked me how many perfumes I have in my fragrance collection as a beauty editor, I'm not sure if I could respond with a number off the top of my head. However, if that same person were to ask me which perfume brands I elevate above others, I'd easily rattle off 16. For anyone who doesn't spend a good number of workdays testing, rating, and reviewing fragrances, that number may seem a little low. In my world, however, it's startlingly accurate.
There are few fragrances that have secured a spot in my beauty cabinet, and even fewer have been used to the last drop before instantly being replaced. Below, I'm sharing with you the perfume brands that I, along with my co-workers, can't get enough of and the best scents from each. There's something for everyone here—from extremely niche, new-age fragrance lines to luxury perfume houses dating back five or more generations.
1. Byredo
Fragrance Family: aromatic woods
Key Notes: ambrette, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, Chantilly musk, amber
This Stockholm-based brand has taken over the vanities of fashion people. One of Byredo's buzziest scents, Mojave Ghost, offers notes of delicate florals against a base of inviting woods and amber. It the ideal option for anyone drawn to perfumes that aren't overly sweet or floral.
2. Nest New York
Fragrance Family: cool spices
Key Notes: lemon, orange bergamot, Moroccan tea, Kashmir wood, and figs
Founder Laura Slatkin introduced fine fragrances to the brand in 2013, and we've been obsessed ever since with what the line has to offer. Its Indigo Eau de Parfum explores the Mediterranean using a blend of bergamot and spices in a bottle inspired by the works of 18th-century British artist Mary Delany.
3. Diptyque
Fragrance Family: warm spices
Key Notes: vanilla, calamus, pink peppercorn, cypriol
The unique and cutting-edge fragrances by this French brand offer elevated olfactory experiences inspired by art, nature, and travel. Diptyque's Eau Delle, a warm and spicy eau de parfum featuring notes of vanilla and pink peppercorn, has quickly become a favorite of mine.
4. Heretic Parfum
Fragrance Family: aromatic woods
Key Notes: lemon, cedar, nutmeg, hinoki, cypress, fir absolute, balsam
Launched in 2015 by founder, perfumer, and Creative Director Douglas Little, Heretic Parfum is a line of fragrances that scream cool meets clean. Its best seller, Dirty Hinoki, combines earthy notes of crushed herbs, Japanese woods, and bright lemon for a scent that's comforting and familiar.
5. Jo Malone London
Fragrance Family: fresh floral
Key Notes: bluebell, lily-of-the-valley, persimmon, white musk
There's truly a Jo Malone London fragrance for everyone. Wild Bluebell Cologne, for example, has been a long-term favorite of Who What Wear's beauty team since it can be worn alone or flawlessly combined with other scents for a whisper of dewy bluebells and luscious persimmon.
6. Krigler
Fragrance Family: light floral
Key Notes: almond, lily-of-the-valley, mimosa, musk, rose, violet
Founded by perfumer Albert Krigler in 1904, this iconic perfume house is known for creating high-quality fragrances over five generations. If you've ever wondered which fragrances Old Hollywood's leading ladies wore, Chateau Krigler 12 was actress Grace Kelly's signature scent.
7. Parfums de Marly
Fragrance Family: fresh floral
Key Notes: bergamot, mandarin, white peach, nymphea, akigalawood
Launched in 2009, Parfums de Marly is an haute parfumerie brand devoted to reviving the splendor of King Louis XV. Valaya, one of its most recognizable perfumes, celebrates the monarch's love for opulent scents with a blend of smooth bergamot, juicy white peach, and nymphea.
8. Chanel
Fragrance Family: warm floral
Key Notes: orange, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine, Turkish rose
Without a doubt, Chanel is one of the most recognizable brands in fashion and beauty. While many may argue Chanel #4 is the most polarizing fragrance, we believe Coco Mademoiselle strikes all the right chords. It's a sparkling, amber fragrance inspired by Coco Chanel in her youth.
9. La Labo
Fragrance Family: warm spices
Key Notes: bergamot, bay leaves, black tea, fig, tobacco, musk
Renowned for its subtle yet striking scents and stylish apothecary packaging, Le Labo's enchanting creations have earned themselves a cult-favorite reputation. Its Thé Noir 29 is an ode to the tea leaf with notes of bergamot, fig, bay leaves, and rustic cedarwood.
10. Prada
Fragrance Family: powdery florals
Key Notes: iris, neroli, mandarin, benzoin
Fragrances by this Italian luxury fashion house are extremely versatile and full of personality. Its Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum, for example, blends soft iris, delicate neroli, and warm benzoin for a sensual, second-skin scent belonging to Prada's Les Infusions collection.
11. Perfumehead
Fragrance Family: amber gourmands
Key Notes: cognac, vanilla absolute, black tea, smoked amber, musk
Who What Wear's beauty director, Erin Jahns, cites Perfumehead as one of her all-time favorite perfume brands. Each fragrance is made from blending fine essential oils, safe synthetics, and natural extracts. Its newest fragrance, La La Love, smells like the excitement of new love.
12. Kilian Paris
Fragrance Family: warm florals
Key Notes: orange blossom, vanilla absolute, luscious marshmallow
Cognac heir Kilian Hennessy launched Kilian Paris in 2009 with a desire to create perfumes that reflected his personality and love for the art of perfumery. The line now carries more that 35 luxury fragrances, including the TikTok-viral Love, Don't Be Shy perfume.
13. D.S. & Durga
Fragrance Family: aromatic woods
Key Notes: cedar, radiant iris, balsam fir absolute, coconut musk, ambergris
This Brooklyn-born perfume house was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kavi and David Moltz. Each fragrance transports its wearer a to a far-off place or moment in time and comes with a dedicated playlist that can be found on the brand's website to help set the mood. How fun is that?
14. Tom Ford
Fragrance Family: warm gourmands
Key Notes: vanilla, mahogany woods, roasted barely
Tom Ford's unique, artisanal fragrances are a must for anyone partial to bold, sensual scents (which happens to be most of Who What Wear's beauty team). One of our top picks from the brand is Vanille Fatale since it offers a striking blend of addictive coffee absolute, dark woods, and smooth vanilla.
15. Guerlain
Fragrance Family: oud florals
Key Notes: oud wood, white almond, raspberry accord, cedar, rose
Guerlain is a beloved French beauty brand that's been around since 1828. According to its website, Guerlain has made over 1100 olfactory creations since then. Our favorite is Oud Nude (part of Guerlain's L'Art & La Matiere collection), which blends raspberry accord with Atlas cedar and delicate rose.
16. Viktor&Rolf
Fragrance Family: warm floral
Key Notes: vanilla, cattleya, rose, jasmine, orange blossom, patchouli
This avant-garde luxury fashion house may be known for pushing limits in its clothing, but its fragrances are just as iconic. Looking for a quick confidence boost? Try Victor&Rolf's Flowerbomb. The warm, floral scent features notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli.
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