No two perfumes for women are ever the same. There are classic florals, fruity fragrances and spicy, woody blends – among many, many others. There’s no such thing as “one scent fits all”.
The world of perfumery dates back centuries and it’s still evolving as quickly now as it did back then. It has brought us our trusty staples that we religiously restock every year, as well as newer, unconventional and trending fragrances. At this point, perfume has evolved past simply being a way to smell nice. Smell is one of our most powerful sense, and some scents have a unique effect that can trigger nostalgia, calm our nerves and even increase our serotonin levels – much like aromatherapy.
Spritzing ourselves with our go-to scent has become as much of a routine as any of our beloved skincare products. After all, perfumes are a non-negotiable beauty ritual that boosts our confidence and generally sets the mood for the rest of the day. They’re an invisible yet necessary fashion accessory that can tie any look together. Not to mention, some bottles make the chic-est decorations to our dressing tables (cough-cough, Delina Parfums De Marly, anyone?). As such, perfumes make one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for her – so take note.
Best perfume for women at a glance – our top picks:
- Best elegant perfume: Giorgio Armani Si, WAS £83 NOW £66.40, LookFantastic
- Best premium perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, £235, Harvey Nichols
- Best trending perfume: Prada Paradoxe, WAS £83 NOW £73, LookFantastic
- Best cult-favourite perfume for women: Prada Candy Eau De Parfum, £77, Boots
But with the abundance of brands and price points, narrowing down your picks is not the easiest of tasks. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that women’s perfumes can be the toughest category to shop for. There’s so many factors to consider: your personal style, willingness to experiment, budget and the kind of vibe you want to channel. Are you after something that exudes confidence? Consider hints of oud and patchouli. Or are you looking for a seasonal fragrance? Summer is great for fresh, citrusy scents, while winter is all about warm and toasty perfumes.
Whether you want to switch up your signature scent or if you’re shopping for a loved one – we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve put together a full edit of the best perfumes of all time, including all-time classics (hello, Chanel No5), cult-favourites such as the iconic Prada Candy and the latest trending releases like the Prada Paradoxe. You’ll find everything from the long-lasting options and those that are great for layering, as well as premium fragrances and the more affordable alternatives.
And if you’re looking for a fail-proof Valentine’s Day gift, even better. So what are you waiting for? Scroll away…
Want more gift sets in time for Valentine’s Day? Don’t get stuck with gift cards – here are the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him, gifts for girlfriends and even the best Galentine’s Day gifts.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.