Long-lasting and evocative, these are the most sought-after scents
Fragrance is a deeply personal and subjective thing. However, there are a few stand-out perfumes that are in a class of their own. Timeless and irresistible, here’s our edit of some of the best perfumes for women (in no particular order) to help you find your new signature scent.
1. Emporio Armani Power Of You Eau de Parfum
Why it's special
With a juicy passion fruit opening, creamy frangipani heart and a warm vanilla base, this tropical perfume is designed to take you effortlessly from day to night. Its sweetness is almost caramel-like, and the ruby-toned jewel-like bottle is an instant mood boost.
Key notes: Vanilla, passion fruit, frangipani
2. Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sous les Pins Eau de Parfum
Why it's special
Prepare for constant compliments with this woody, aromatic scent, evoking a sun-drenched stroll under Mediterranean pines, surrounded by blossoming flowers. The result is a fresh, green and calming fragrance in a vintage-inspired bottle that’s so beautiful you’ll never want to let it go.
Key notes: Eucalyptus, bergamot and pine
3. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Proving that it is possible to be both sweet and sensual, this rich blend of soft vanilla warmth and the deep darkness of cistus labdanum is a genuine case of ‘once experienced, never forgotten’. Complex and elegant, the name means ‘big night’ and it will make you want to put on your finery and go out.
Key notes: Vanilla amber accord, ciste labdanum, lavender
4. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette
Why it’s special
A scent with the power to conjure up memories of blissful Sunday mornings – even when it's a frantic weekday morning – is worth its weight in gold. This ultra-feminine fragrance is brimming with delicate white floral notes that transport you to the tranquillity of lounging in fresh cotton sheets.
Key notes: Lily of the valley, iris, white musk
5. Hermès Hermessence Musc Pallida Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
You’d expect nothing less than shimmering sophistication from a Hermès’ bottle. Inside is a vibrant, musky unisex scent with iris pallida at its heart. Often referred to as the gold of the perfumery world, this exotic note has exceptional staying power without being overpowering.
Key notes: Iris pallida, musk
6. BDK Parfums Gris Charnel Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Inspired by warm evening riverside walks in Paris, this is – as you’d hope, given that inspiration – a superbly textured fragrance. With heady fig and tonka bean on a deep base of sandalwood and vetiver, it’s a well-complimented scent that’s loved by perfume fans around the world.
Key notes: Fig, bourbon vertiver, tonka bean, sandalwood
7. Essential Parfums Bois Impérial Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Freshly crushed Thai basil leaves meet the sparkling spiciness of Nepalese Timut pepper, brilliantly contrasting the bold woody signature of this fragrance. Rich and earthy, this unmistakable and addictive scent falls into the exclusive category of try-once-then-wear-forever.
Key notes: Vetiver, Georgywood, Nepalese Timut pepper, Thai basil
8. Givenchy L’Interdit Narcisse Blanc Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
With a name that translates to ‘forbidden white narcissus’, this is Givenchy’s celebration of the paper-white blooms that are considered one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery. The scent itself is a velvety, floral embrace with the iconic white floral bouquet of orange blossom.
Key notes: Orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, white musk
9. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Pure Musc Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense
Why it’s special
Bold and bright with a clean softness, the new fragrance by Narciso Rodriguez is a powerful update of the brand’s heart of musc signature. Just one spray creates a lingering intensity, meaning an unmistakable fragrance trail that’ll last and last.
Key notes: Jasmine, cedarwood, vanilla
10. Maison Crivelli Safran Secret Extrait de Parfum
Why it’s special
A firmly modern take on saffron, one of the world’s most exclusive and desired scents, complemented by warm spicy cinnamon and ginger, Turkish rose, and a base of leather and creamy vanilla. An intense and sensual composition that’s seriously captivating.
Key notes: Saffron, rose, blonde woods, vanilla
11. Byredo Rose Of No Man's Land Absolu de Parfum
Why it’s special
Bold, mature and luxurious, this is a rose scent like no other. The perfect signature scent, it’s unique and yet wearable, with rosy freshness meeting a smoky, warming base. Compliments? Inevitable – and the striking bottle is the finishing touch.
Key notes: saffron, blackcurrant, peony, trilogy of roses, warm amber
12. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Why it's special
A cult buy that transports you to an open fire in the American desert after the light has gone. Complex and intriguing, this powerful unisex scent weaves cardamom, iris and ambrox into leathery, musky notes; a true forever fragrance.
Key notes: Sandalwood, cardamom and cedarwood.
Scent stacking: 2026’s biggest trend
This year’s trend for layering your perfumes – or ‘scent stacking’ – is a means of creating a unique, personalised fragrance. The art of combining multiple perfumes is mixing complementary notes (such as a floral with an uplifting citrus) or opposing scents (such as something woody with a vanilla perfume or your favourite fresh scent), to develop your own bespoke scent profile. The result is often more than a head-turner, it’s a shoulder-tapper; people will stop to ask what you’re wearing.
