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THE TOP 10 BEST PERFUMES

A products shot of four of the bestselling perfumes, organised in a studio setting, in front of a white background.

Whether you prefer notes that are floral and fruity or woody and oudy, the best perfumes should linger on skin while transporting your senses to somewhere far away and nostalgic. But with so many alluring aromas on our virtual shelves, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find your new signature scent...

From famed fragrances to hidden gems, here at Cult Beauty we’ve curated a collection of the top 10 best perfumes – whatever your mood or occasion.

OUR TOP 10 PERFUMES

  1. BYREDO's Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
  2. NEST New York's Black Tulip Eau de Parfum
  3. Frédéric Malles Portrait of a Lady
  4. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
  5. Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette
  6. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau De Toilette
  7. KAYALI Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum
  8. The House of Creed Néroli Sauvage Eau de Parfum 
  9. Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau du Toilette
  10. Guerlain Habit Rouge Le Parfum

10 BEST PERFUMES

Earthy, enchanting and with a touch of spice, Byredo’s Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum is a simple but sophisticated aroma to suit both day and nighttime events. Crisp and light, the fragrance opens with fresh and zesty lemon, berries and pepper, before drying down to pine needles, amber, sandalwood and vanilla. Inspired by the Romani heritage, it’s the ultimate ode to the country’s spirited, free and nomadic ways.

  • Fragrance family: aromatic
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries
  • Heart notes: incense, orris, pine needle
  • Base notes: amber, sandalwood, vanilla

Inspired by a cruise along the Black Sea, NEST New York’s Black Tulip Eau de Parfum, is the seductive scent that combines the founder’s love for cherries and dark plums. Effortlessly blending Japanese violet with pink peppercorns and jasmine, this dark and fruity fragrance is a decadent olfactory experience that will leave you (or them) wanting more...

  • Fragrance family: chypre
  • Top notes: black amber plum, black cherry
  • Heart notes: Japanese violet, Indonesian jasmine, pink peppercorn
  • Base notes: patchouli

We couldn’t talk about the best perfumes, without spotlighting Frédéric Malles Portrait of a Lady. Dreamt up in 2010 by renowned perfumer Dominique Ropion, the world-renowned fragrance begins with vibrant notes of rose and blackcurrant – to evoke the sense of elegance – before signing off with its warm and earthy finish. Designed for those who appreciate a bold and timeless aroma, it brings confidence, character and charm.

  • Fragrance family: spicy and floral
  • Top notes: bergamot, raspberry, blackcurrant
  • Heart notes: rose, patchouli, clove, frankincense
  • Base notes: sandalwood, musk, amber

Inspired by the wide plains of the American West and its indigo-blue night skies, Le Labo’s Santal 33 Eau de Parfum captures the essence of adventure and individuality. With its distinctive blend of smoky yet milky notes, it melds the vibrancy of cardamom and iris with the ruggedness of violet and leather. Primed for those who seek a bold yet versatile scent, it embodies a modern spirit that allows you to stand out amongst the crowd.

  • Fragrance family: woody
  • Top notes: cardamom, violet, bergamot
  • Heart notes: iris, amber
  • Base notes: sandalwood, cedarwood, leather, musk

Inviting you on an olfactory journey that reflects the natural world, Hermès’ Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette masterfully captures the spirit of earth and sky. Created in 2006 by Jean-Claude Ellena, it’s bursting with the bright notes of citrus grove before revealing its earthy heart of flint and greens. Described as a breath of fresh air, this alluring aroma honours the simplicity and serene of the great outdoors.

  • Fragrance family: mineral and woody
  • Top notes: grapefruit, orange
  • Heart notes: flint, pepper
  • Base notes: cedar, benzoin, patchouli

Maison Margiela’s Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette whisks you away to your favourite sun-soaked getaway – with just a single spritz. Reimagining the moment where the salty breeze meets your body’s sunscreen, it marries seasonal citrus (think: zesty lemon and refreshing bergamot) with the sweetness of coconut milk and ylang-ylang. What’s more, lingering on your skin like the gentle kiss of the ocean’s winds, the aroma grants you that summer feeling come rain or shine.

  • Fragrance family: fruity and floral
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, pink pepper
  • Heart notes: coconut milk, ylang-ylang, heliotrope
  • Base notes: cedarwood, musk, benzoin

Hugging you with its soft, sweet scent, KAYALI’s Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum is just as comforting as your cosy night in. Designed to be layered, it encourages you to customise your own scent story that unique and personal to you. Blending creamy vanilla with a sprinkle of amber and musk, this iconic aroma is housed in a sleek, modern vessel that elevates your vanity table, handbag and cosmetic case.

  • Fragrance family: gourmand
  • Top notes: jasmine, madagascan vanilla orchid
  • Heart notes: musk, amber, patchouli, brown sugar
  • Base notes: wood

Bright, fresh and elegant, The House of Creed’s Néroli Sauvage Eau de Parfum encapsulates the laidback energy of an Italian garden. Enriched with neroli – derived from the delicate blossoms of the bitter orange tree – it harmoniously balances freshness and warmth, courtesy of its subtly green complexities. So, whether you're strolling through a fresh-cut grass or enjoying a breezy day by the sea, this fragrance captures the carefree sophistication that’ll carry you through summer... and beyond.

  • Fragrance family: citrus
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, neroli
  • Heart notes: jasmine, orange blossom, rose
  • Base notes: ambergris, white musk, wood

Immerse yourself in the enchanting essence of the Mediterranean with Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette. The vibrant fragrance captures the sun-drenched beauty of Capri, where citrus coves meet the azure sea. But that’s not all, its bottle just as bright and radiant as it’s blend (think: lemon, neroli and mandarin) with deep blue reflections that evokes the transparency of the sea.

  • Fragrance family: aquatic
  • Top notes: orange, mandarin, lemon
  • Heart notes: neroli, carrot, jasmine
  • Base notes: musk, amber

A staple in the world of perfumery, Guerlain’s Habit Rouge Le Parfum made its debut back in 1965. Just as iconic as it was back then, this olfactory offering is recognised for its rich, warm and woody profile. While its invigorating opening spotlights bitter citrus, its heart notes unveil a unpredictable combination of spices and florals before settling into a deep, luxurious base of leather and vanilla to leave an ever-lasting impression.

  • Fragrance family: fougere
  • Top notes: citrus, bergamot, orange
  • Heart notes: rose, cinnamon, leather
  • Base notes: vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, oakmoss

THE BEST PERFUMES FAQS

What is the most loved smell in the world?

The most loved smell can vary from person to person due to personal taste and preferences. Once of the most commonly adored scents however is vanilla. Treasured for its warmth and comfort it’s not only a favourite in the world of perfumes but in candles and other home fragrances too.

Which perfume lasts the longest?

Perfumes that are renowned to last the longest are typically a parfum or extrait de parfum, as they have the highest concentration of fragrance oils—usually around 20-30%.

What is the most attractive smell in perfume?

The most attractive smell in perfume often varies based on individual preferences, but certain notes tend to be universally appealing including: vanilla, jasmine, citrus, sandalwood and amber.

MORE BESTSELLING PERFUMES

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Trifonia Asmar
Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

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