12 Best Perfumes and Fragrances of All Time
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Alright, so, confession time: I'm low-key addicted to fragrances. Like, seriously, if there's a new perfume hitting the shelves, I've got to get a whiff of it. Whether it's a swanky vanilla number or a timeless floral vibe, high-end splurge at Sephora or a budget-friendly steal at Target—you bet I'm sniffing it. And hey, if it passes my smell test, it's joining the ranks of my 100+ perfume collection. Judge me, I dare you. A girl's gotta have her hobbies, right?
Now, because of this little fragrance obsession of mine (and my overflowing stash of scents), I've become a bit of a pro at pinpointing the absolute best perfumes for everyone—women, men, grandmas, little brothers, BFFs, you name it. That's why I'm here with this handpicked list of the crème de la crème fragrances, complete with the good stuff and the not-so-good stuff, personal reviews, and all the reasons why I'm head over heels for each one.
So, without further ado, let me present the top-notch perfumes stealing the spotlight in 2023:
1. Delina Eau de Parfum
Pros: It leaves the most irresistible scent trail ever.
Cons: Might be a tad too intense for some noses.
Picture this: You walk into a room wearing Delina, and bam, you're turning heads. The sillage on this thing is next level—it's like leaving a fragrant breadcrumb trail wherever you go. Whenever I've got a work event or need to make a statement, a little spritz of Delina on my pulse points does the trick. The powdery, musky, rose, and vanilla blend makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
2. Missing Person Eau de Parfum
Pros: It smells neutral and clean, like home.
Cons: Could last a smidge longer.
People literally say this perfume smells like a warm hug or home. Why? Because it's not just a perfume; it's like having your favorite person with you. It's subtle, light, with hints of musk, sandalwood, and jasmine blending into this dreamy, skin-like aura. I've even made it my go-to bedtime scent—it's that comforting.
3. Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Pros: It clings to your clothes for days.
Cons: Some say it's a bit too basic.
Smelling like a campfire but make it chic—that's Santal 33 for you. It's Le Labo's golden child, boasting notes of sandalwood, leather, and cedarwood for that smoky, woodsy charm. But wait for it—the dry down brings warm musk and powdery violet, turning the whole experience into something way more intricate than your average bonfire.
4. Love, Don't Be Shy Perfume
Pros: It's decadent and sugary without going overboard.
Cons: Some find it a tad too sweet.
Gourmands these days are the real MVPs, and Love, Don't Be Shy is leading the pack. It's like a heavenly mix of sugar, vanilla, and caramel, delivering the aroma of creamy marshmallows with a hint of citrus and spice. Trust me, you'll be smelling delectable.
5. Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum
Pro: Not overly sweet—just light and fresh.
Con: Some wish it had more staying power.
Bright, fruity, and downright delightful—Ellis Brooklyn's Sun Fruit is like a burst of sunshine with every spritz. Initially, it's all about the sweet mix of pear, fig, and coconut, gradually mellowing into a rich musk. It's basically a happy energy shot in a bottle, perfect for any time of the year.
6. Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
Pros: Surprisingly subtle, avoiding headaches.
Cons: Some might find it a tad too sweet.
Alright, so this Prada gem is a triple threat: firstly, it's Prada—need I say more? Secondly, the bottle is not just cute; it's refillable and comes with eco-friendly packaging, embracing sustainability. As for the scent, imagine snacking on a pear in a field of white flowers—that's the blissful experience Paradoxe delivers. Oh, and fun fact, our social media editor rocked this on her wedding day, so you know it's beyond lovely.
7. Vanilla 28 Perfume
Pros: Elevated and sophisticated compared to other vanillas.
Cons: Some find it a touch one-note and basic.
If florals and musk aren't your vibe, and you're all about that sweet, cozy vanilla goodness, welcome to the club. This Kayali creation is my grown-up version of the classic vanilla—decadent, spiced, and perfect for winter vibes. It's like being wrapped up in a warm, vanilla-scented blanket while indulging in creme brûlée.
8. Under the Lemon Trees
Pros: Layers beautifully with other fragrances.
Cons: Some testers find it a bit too citrusy.
Close your eyes and imagine strolling through Palermo, Italy, surrounded by blooming lemon trees. Now, imagine capturing that essence in a bottle. Voila! This perfume, inspired by perfumer Violaine Collas's memories, is a bright, sparkling citrus blend with notes of coriander, tea leaves, and white musk.
9. Coco Mademoiselle
Pros: It's a long-haul fragrance, going strong from day to night
Cons: saying goodbye in the shower might be a bit of a struggle for some—it's that good.
it's like Chanel bottled up a whole vibe. Think of it as this timeless dance between feeling warm and a touch of sexy. You know, the kind of scent that becomes an experience, sticking with you from the Uber ride all the way through dinner and beyond. It's got this spicy patchouli thing going on, a zesty burst of orange, and a subtle touch of rose.
10. Oud Wood
Pros: It strikes that sweet spot between sensuality and mystery, making it a go-to for those chilly sweater weather seasons.
Cons: it's rich, like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater—some love it, but it might feel a tad heavy for others.
Tom Ford really nailed it with this one. It's like the rockstar of fragrances—sexy, mysterious, and ready to steal the spotlight. Picture this smoky combo of oud, sandalwood, and vetiver creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable night out. It's the fragrance equivalent of a showstopper, whether it's a date night or hitting the town.
11. Acqua Di Gioia
Pros: Refreshingly fresh, capturing an oceanic essence.
Cons: Some long-time fans notice changes in the formula.
Imagine the closest thing to taking a dip in the ocean without leaving your house—that's the magic of Giorgio Armani's Acqua Di Gioia. This iconic perfume brings a breath of fresh air with its feminine, subtly sweet notes. It's a fragrance that's both elegant and modern, subtly captivating those around you.
12. Cloud Eau de Parfum
Pros: One of the best-smelling celebrity scents out there.
Cons: Some testers find it a touch too sweet.
Closing out the lineup is Ariana Grande's Cloud Eau de Parfum—a sweet symphony that's hard to resist. With lavender, pear, creamy coconut, and vanilla orchid, it's like being wrapped in a cloud of sweetness. This celebrity scent isn't just a hit; it's the cloud nine of fragrances.
There you have it—the final duo of olfactory delights to complete your perfume journey in 2023. Whether you're drawn to the freshness of the ocean or the sweetness of a whipped coconut cloud, each fragrance is a unique experience waiting to be discovered. Happy exploring!
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