These 20 Fragrances Will Have You Smelling Like a Dream (2024)

“Fragrance is about the way it makes you feel,” explains Joan Tanis, national training and events director at Maison Francis Kurkjian. “Wearing a scent that works with your specific body chemistry can also enhance your mood and even change behaviors. Fragrance encourages the release of endorphins, which makes us feel good,” she adds. For an even more personalized experience, create your own bespoke scent by layering two (or more) of the scents in your collection.

It’s a known fact that scent has the power to evoke memories, transport you to exotic locales, and affect your mood. One of Louis Vuitton’s latest colognes, Pacific Chill, is an herbal and citrusy fragrance designed to soothe your nerves and replicate the invigorating feeling of a day at the beach. Recently, artist Alex Israel collaborated with the brand to dream up “Ocean BLVD,” an imaginary street in Los Angeles lined with miniature buildings that honor each cologne in the new collection. Fittingly, Pacific Chill’s building was a luxurious-looking spa with an exterior constructed of white cowhide. Plus, the exquisite bottle is meant to last—the perfume is refillable at any Louis Vuitton store equipped with a perfume fountain.

Smells like: A cucumber mint cocktail by the beach

Key notes: Blackcurrant, cédrat, basil, lemon, coriander, carrot seeds

Size: 3.4 fl. oz

Fragrantica rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Fragrantica reviewer says: “This is the best smelling scent. Period. The entirety of it. There is no point in time where Pacific Chill smells bad. Usually fragrances have either an overwhelming beginning, or a [bad] try down. Pacific Chill’s scent profile is perfection, the notes work in harmony so well.”

Starting bright and surprising with 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 on my friends that tend to run warmer, the sandalwood, vanilla, and orange blossom do a beautiful dance together.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

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 is a lovely bright, floral scent that’s lightweight but lasting. It’s easy for anyone to wear. The bottle is gorgeous. This would make a beautiful college graduation gift.”—Danielle James

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

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

An ELLE editor 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, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

This award-winning perfume from Arquiste transports the wearer to the 17th century, when Louis XIV visited the Palace of Versailles’s orangery. The orange blossom evokes the scent of the flowering orange trees, while the woody notes call back to how the gardeners would warm up the trees and enhance their aromas with bonfires.

Smells like: Flowering orange trees with a hint of smoke

Key notes: Orange blossom absolute, pomegranate, bergamot, French jasmine absolute, honey, Florentine orris, musk, cedar wood, firewood smoke, cade wood, oislet de Chypre

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Fragrantica rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’m an absolute orange blossom and neroli convert now, but I wasn’t always this way. In fact, this exquisite scent was the one that made me a believer. There’s something so comforting and warm about it, and the fragrance takes me back to my childhood, although I can’t quite put my finger on why. It truly is genderless, and I would surely lean closer for another whiff if I smelled someone wearing it. The perfume also lasts forever on my skin and clothing, so a little goes a long way.”—Carol Lee

Perfect as a gift for a loved one (or yourself), this fruity and floral fragrance is bursting with notes of jasmine, rose, and grapefruit. It’s slightly sweet yet refreshingly vibrant—prepare for 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

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

An ELLE editor 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

Baccarat Rouge 540 is another woodsy scent with a sweeter edge. The first whiff is sweet, then it evolves into spicy, earthy notes of jasmine, cedar, and saffron.

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

Our expert 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 king of the perfume occult. It seems more genderless at first spritz, but then dries down to a sweet, woody, sexy aroma.”—Danielle James

Summer is coming, and with it, an opportunity for this perfume to shine. Perfumer Ben Gorham captured the essence of the color white by combining delicate florals, woody base notes, and a touch of musk; the scent makes you feel fresh, polished, and put-together, even when you’re sweating 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

An ELLE editor 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

Narciso Rodriguez’s For Her perfumes are all symphonies of musk and florals, and the delicate For Her is a shining example. Warm, powdery, and a little sweet—but not cloying—the feminine scent opens with honey flower before notes of amber and wood come out to play.

Smells like: Clean skin in sunlight

Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn

Size: 3.3 fl oz

Bloomingdales rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor 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

Whatever you guessed a fruity scent would smell like, Fame by Rabanne takes it and turns it into a sultry, seductive embrace of sweet and spicy notes. Mango makes a brief appearance, but the strength of this scent comes via a creamy, deep swing of woods.

Smells like: A tropical getaway in a futuristic world

Key notes: Mango, jasmine, incense

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

You know when you hug someone, or someone flips their hair, and you get a whiff of something wonderful? If you want to guarantee that your hair will smell just as good, it might be time to invest in a hair perfume—after all, our strands are incredible at holding onto scents. Our top pick is the one from Crown Affair, which features the same invigorating and uplifting fragrance you’ll find in all of the brand’s other offerings. The formula also includes glycerin and aloe leaf extract to nourish your mane and fight frizz.

Smells like: Drinking lemon tea by a lake at the crack of dawn

Key notes: Bergamot, yuzu, lemongrass, calla lily, fresh water lotus, green tea, teakwood, sandalwood, cedar and amber.

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Crown Affair rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My favorite compliment in the world is ‘You smell good.’ I’m obsessed with using and layering as many beautifully scented products as possible to ensure that my overall scent is as pleasing as possible. Until I came across this Crown Affair product, however, I had never tried a hair perfume that I really fell in love with. But I fell head over heels for how fresh and calming the fragrance is, and how well it complements any of the other scents I’m wearing at the time. It also doesn’t hurt that I get complimented left and right when I have it on.”—Carol Lee

A little bit spicy, citrusy, and woodsy all in one, this super-affordable fragrance has the depth of a much pricier top-shelf perfume. The scent leans neither too masculine nor feminine, meaning it’s one your boyfriend might just be tempted to use, too.

Smells like: Whiffs of aftershave

Key notes: Salted lemon, pink pepper, musks

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “I’ve always been a sucker for men’s cologne, but have never actually added any to my routine because I don’t want to smell like a full-on dude. However, this Le Monde Gourmand scent strikes the perfect balance. Described by the brand as evoking the ‘comforting embrace of an oversized hoodie stolen from your crush,’ it has an effortlessly musky scent without being too rich or overpowering. It’s so good, in fact, I love to spritz it on every few hours for a fresh whiff.”—Sam Peters

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 doesn’t seem too far away when you have this scent on hand. Orange Smoke smells exactly like its name—a toasty, citrus scent that's as sweet as it is smoky.

Smells like: Summering in Italy

Key notes: Mandarin, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, myrrh, musks

Size: 6.8 fl oz

Fragrantica rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “If I could bottle up what my vacation on the Amalfi Coast smelled like, it would be eerily similar to Orange Smoke by Dries Van Noten. The mandarin, orange blossom, and neroli notes are warmed up under the sun and deepened with musks to create a bright and warm aroma.”—Nerisha Penrose

Drawing inspiration from the Korean word songari, which means an array of flowers or fruit on a single stem, this enticing fragrance is at once familiar and unexpected. Top notes of mulberry and Korea-native Schisandra berry open up to plum blossom and honeysuckle, followed by subtly grounding base notes of amber and sandalwood.

Smells like: Eating fresh fruit in a botanical garden

Key notes: Schisandra berry, mulberry, lily of the valley, plum blossom, honeysuckle, white amber, sandalwood, musk

Size: 50 ml

Fragrantica rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “Elorea’s genderless perfumes are quickly becoming some of my new favorites. The burgeoning K-beauty brand looks to nature and its founders’ shared heritage to create some undeniably divine scents, like the soft yet not overly sweet Inflorescence. If you’re unsure which Elorea perfumes will best suit you, I also love that the label offers a discovery set, which comes with a voucher of equal value that can be applied to any purchase of a full-sized scent.”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor

Kyoto can be within arms 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 locals—Kyoto in Bloom does exactly that. It’s like a gourmand aroma who stayed at a smoky New Orleans jazz bar for a little too long. It’s sweet and sexy.”—Danielle James

With ambassador Zendaya as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole already has a lot going for it. But with its burst of fresh florals—rose and jasmine, in particular—this makes for a fully feminine, but never overpowering scent.

Smells like: The girl everyone has a crush on

Key notes: Jasmine, rose essence, chypre accord

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I love everything about this fragrance. It lasts forever, I get tons of compliments when I wear it, and the bottle is gorgeous. It’s definitely floral and rose-heavy, but I adore anything rose-scented! I will always have a bottle of this in my collection.”

If we had to describe this perfume in three words, they’d be sweet, flirty, and feminine. The blend of lavender blossom, pear, coconut, and vanilla culminates in a gourmand scent that feels light and bright instead of heavy and cloying.

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 love this perfume. Sometimes, I mix it with other favorite perfumes I have. I receive a lot of compliments and get asked what perfume I am wearing all the time. It is long lasting if you put an oil base on your skin before you apply the perfume. I recommend purchasing this product.”