Fragrance is powerful. It can be deeply nostalgic, transporting you to a specific time or place; it can also impact your mood, energizing you when you’re tired or offering relaxation when you need to decompress. The scent you choose becomes an extension of yourself — and that’s why the journey of finding the right one is so important.
When deciding on a signature scent, we recommend identifying your favorite notes and profiles. Noses that prefer the gourmand family, for example, will gravitate toward fragrances rich in “edible,” dessert-reminiscent scents like vanilla and caramel. (You’ll find this in the likes of Lavanila and the TikTok-beloved Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’62.) Others prefer classic florals that evoke the feeling of walking into a fresh garden, with notes of bergamot, pear, and gardenia. (If that sounds like you, give Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum a try.)
And here’s the fun part: You can have more than one favorite. Consider fragrance an accessory that can be swapped to match your outfit or, in this case, your mood. Lavender for work? Great. Amber for date night? Do it.
We’ve done the hard work and streamlined the best fragrances on Amazon, below. And with picks ranging from musky to clean, you’re guaranteed to find a scent (or several) that steals your heart. Spritz away.
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf Eau de Parfum
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf captures the essence of a boutique florist shop, combining the distinct notes of rose, jasmine, orchid, and freesia to create one divine fragrance — the kind strangers will feel compelled to compliment you on. Reviewers attest to its staying power, too, claiming that it fades nicely and lingers the entire day.
Ralph by Ralph Lauren Eau de Toilette
Ralph by Ralph Lauren is a shining example of a signature floral scent: magnolia, apple, and iris provide an energizing burst while musk and pink magnolia ensure it remains sophisticated enough for daily wear. It’s a classic daytime scent for any occasion, from weekday meetings to weekend farmer market hauls.
Dime Beauty Malibu Night Eau de Toilette
Raspberries, rose petals, and coconut cream, are the makings of both a delicious dessert cocktail and also, Dime Beauty’s Malibu Night. It’s a gourmand scent that evokes the spirit of play you have while vacationing at a beachy destination, turning every work commute and errand into a welcome adventure.
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau de Parfum
Like its beloved candle counterpart, the Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau de Parfum embodies the vibe of a speakeasy: sophisticated with a dark academia vibe courtesy of star notes like anise, leather, rum, patchouli, and milk. If an Instagram photo dump from your favorite cool girl content creator had a signature scent, this would be it.
Billie Eilish Eau de Parfum
If you miss the early aughts, when celebrities like Britney and Paris became synonymous with signature perfume lines, then Billie Eillish’s Eau de Parfum is sure to delight — and not just for nostalgia’s sake. Vanilla and sugared petals may seem overwhelming sweet at first, but a hint of musk will settle in a few seconds to create a fragrance that is both outrageously luxurious and affordable at $50.
Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum
You’ve heard of French skin care, but French perfume has especially fancy vibes. Feeling like an extra on the set of Emily in Paris can be achieved through a single spritz of Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum. Inspired by the city of love, this scent combines bergamot, pear, and gardenia for a classic floral finish you’ll never tire of. Plus, the 1920s-esque glass bottle and intricate brass cap won’t look too shabby on your dresser, either.
Panier des Sens Eau de Toilette
Close your eyes and picture running through the purple fields of Provence. Now open your eyes. That’s the feeling bottled up in Panier des Sens Eau de Toilette, a concentrated fragrance with a standout lavender note that smells like a fresh bouquet. This is both soothing and affordable at less than $40, checking off all the boxes on its journey to becoming your new everyday scent.
Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance Pure Vanilla
A good vanilla perfume is to your fragrance wardrobe what a little black dress is to your actual wardrobe — and thankfully, Lavanila makes the hunt for the former easy with The Healthy Fragrance Pure Vanilla’s dreamy blend of Madagascar vanilla and creamy tonka bean. The simple ingredient list is great for folks with allergies, too; reviewers repeat-purchase this perfume because it doesn’t trigger headaches or irritate their skin.
Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum
We don’t know its exact birthdate, but we’re confident that Phlur’s Tangerine Boy is an Aries. Citrusy ingredients like tangerine (of course), apple, and lemon command your immediate attention while hints of amber, ginger, and black pepper provide sensuality and spice. It’s like biting into a juicy fruit and washing it down with a glass of mezcal.
Kopari Coconut Spritz Mist
Take a vacation sans flight delays with Kopari Coconut Spritz Mist, a tropical body spray that doubles as fragrance and skin care. Squalane keeps your complexion soothed, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 provide and retain moisture, and niacinamide minimizes the appearance of pores. This coconut-scented spray is especially useful after sun exposure when your skin is craving gentle hydration.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’62 Fragrance Mist
The beloved Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’62 Fragrance Mist contains gourmand notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla — the result being dessert in a bottle that has understandably taken TikTok by storm. And you can carry the scent into your shower, too; the accompanying Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel is super-nourishing and doesn’t cause body breakouts.
Pacifica Beauty Persian Rose Fragrance Spray
Bouquets may be lovely, but they don’t last. The same can’t be said for Pacifica Beauty Persian Rose Fragrance Spray, a decadent blend of Bulgarian rose, violet, and myrrh that isn’t overwhelming but does provide impressive staying power. This dainty one-ounce bottle is TSA-friendly, too, making it easy to pack for weekend trips or commutes to the office.
Skylar Midnight Moon Eau de Parfum
Competing for the title of signature scent may be tough, but Skylar Midnight Moon Eau de Parfum is ready to face the competition. It’s formulated with exciting notes like an earthy vetiver, which contrasts with the floral notes of Italian bergamot, cranberry, and mandarin. This scent layers well with other fragrances, too, making it easy to craft your own unique blend.
Library of Flowers Perfumed Creme
Library of Flowers breaks up with traditional fragrance by opting for a creamy, lotion-like consistency — and just one or two dabs of product provide the same effect that a traditional fragrance spray would. The scent options are decadent, too, like Honeycomb (sugared fig, ambrosia honey, and royal bee blossom) and Willow & Water (cut grass, lotus, and watercress).