After Careful Review, These Are the Best Perfumes for Women of 2025

If we haven’t made this abundantly clear: fragrance is an intensely personal choice. So how does one find the ultimate scent? The answer lies within your reflection. “Choosing a signature fragrance should mirror who you are as an individual,” advises fragrance expert Nwasike, reminding us that scent is an extension of self—intimate, expressive, distinctly you.

On a more pragmatic level? It’s all about testing various scents. Start by spritzing your favorites onto fragrance blotters. Once something resonates strongly with you, proceed to see how it interacts with your skin. This crucial step, Nwasike explains, is to “discern the true nature of the scent” and how it will develop with your body chemistry throughout the day.

If you aren’t quick to make decisions? No worries. Nwasike suggests trying samples or gift sets prior to committing to a full-sized bottle. Think of this as a ‘trial period’ for your fragrance—similar to dating before finding your forever scent.

For those embarking on their fragrance journey, the first query often raised is: what differentiates eau de toilette from eau de parfum? The distinction lies in their concentration—and ultimately, their longevity. “Eau de parfum (commonly EDP) usually contains between 15% to 20% fragrance oil,” elucidates fragrance expert Levy. Thus, it typically endures about four to five hours on the skin.

In contrast, eau de toilette is more ephemeral. “The phrase derives from the French expression faire sa toilette, which means ‘to prepare oneself,’” notes Levy. It is crafted for a quick, refreshing scent, generally lasting around two to three hours and contains 5% to 15% fragrance oil.

For those craving exceptional intensity and lasting power, parfum extract or absolute is ideal—these represent the most concentrated forms of fragrance. “Each perfumer has their own technique for crafting an extract,” confirms Aurélien Guichard of French brand Matière Première in a previous Vogue interview. Regardless, you can anticipate heightened intensity, richness, and lingering notes.

Ensuring your fragrance lasts throughout the day requires more than a simple spritz. “To enhance longevity, your skin must be moisturized,” suggests Nwasike, who prefers to use a rich lotion before applying her fragrance. For an added boost, consider infusing a perfume oil with your body lotion for effective layering. Moreover, while you’re applying, don’t limit it to just your skin; “Always apply your scent to clothing, as fragrance on fabric prolongs evaporation,” Nwasike points out.

Lastly, where you store your fragrance is just as crucial as how you wear it. Nwasike advises keeping your scents in a cool, dark, dry space, as direct sunlight can break down fragrance compounds.

When curating this list, we focus on what makes a scent truly remarkable. Primarily: captivating notes that command attention. Our selections cover iconic blends from established fragrance houses to fresh, contemporary offerings from emerging perfumers shaking things up. Yes, there are beloved staples—Carolina Herrera Good Girl, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Versace Bright Crystal, Gucci Bloom, and Miss Dior—all of which are icons. However, our goal is to guide you to something a little less mainstream—an option that might not already be trending on your TikTok feed.

With insights from industry authority figures and Vogue editors, who shared the fragrances that draw the most admiration, we’ve compiled a carefully curated list that embraces the art of standing out, elegantly.