It can be tough to navigate the wonderful world of perfumes – especially if you’ve been having a love affair with the same scent for the last decade. We know that while every fragrance-lover is different, everyone needs a solid starting point. So, we grilled our experts on everything from timeless bestsellers to the latest drops and compiled this ultimate top 10 women’s perfume list. You can thank us later.
1. Flowerbomb, Viktor & Rolf
Quite literally exploding on the scene back in 2005, Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf was the couture designers’ first foray into fragrance. Fast-forward to the modern day and it’s become every fashionista’s rite of passage and tops international bestsellers lists. Bursting with fancy florals from Sambac jasmine to Centifolia rose, it detonates bragging rights at first spray.
2. Gucci Guilty, Gucci
Blurring the lines between feminine and masculine notes since 2010, Gucci Guilty is for those who don’t like to conform to tradition. Designed to leave a lasting impression and to seduce the senses (hello new date night secret weapon!), it’s characterised by a head-turning Fougère accord of geranium. In other words, it’s a sure-fire head-turner.
3. Alien, Thierry Mugler
Fashion house, Thierry Mugler, doesn’t do things by half measures. So, when the brand set out to create a fragrance that would send our senses out of this world, they delivered us Alien from the intergalactic Gods. A hearty Oriental with a woody heart, this amethyst bottle was lightyears ahead of its time at inception and is still sending us crazy (in the good way!) today. Sold? We recommend going for a refillable bottle that you can top up in our stores.
4. Daisy, Marc Jacobs
A scent that will soon be as nostalgic as the humble daisy chain itself, Marc Jacobs’ Daisy bottles up the feeling of ‘fun in the sunshine’. From the floral notes of white violet and jasmine to the interesting lacing of strawberry, this artful perfume is an icon in its own right. Plus, it looks gorge! Did someone say, #shelfie goals?
5. Black Opium, Yves Saint Laurent
In the same way that a slick of red lippie can make you feel fierce come date night, Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent will shower you in a mist of feel good vibes. Regarded as the ‘rock and roll’ rendition of the brand’s iconic original (Opium), this is confidence in a bottle. We love how the sweet undertones of vanilla are brought to life with a shot of black coffee.
6. Because It’s You, Emporio Armani
A new frontrunner by Emporio Armani, Because It’s You is one of our favourite scents to come out of 2017. Why? Well, first up it had us gushing over the inspo behind it as it’s inspired by Giorgio Armani’s personal love story – an ode to his partner and muse Sergio Galeotti. Totes adorable. Featuring fruity top notes (raspberry, blackcurrant) and Neroli essence, a floral heart and a heady cool down, it’ll be your perfect partner to your everyday.
7. Olympéa, Paco Rabanne
You’ve got the woven sandals, just-got-out-the-sea beach waves and billowing maxi dress. What’s missing from your Grecian goddess look? Paco Rabanne’s Olympéa. Inspired by, you guessed it, mythical goddesses, this fragrance is equals parts rebellious and whimsical. Zeus, eat your heart out!
8. Good Girl, Carolina Herrera
If you live by Marilyn Monroe’s “give the girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” quote, then we bet your shoe-drobe is ultimate goals. Carolina Herrera took the famous quote (and now notorious humble brag caption!) one step further and created a scent that bottles up the spirit of the modern-day stiletto-strutting woman. It’s too good to miss.
9. Angel, Thierry Mugler
Before Alien, there was Angel – an equally powerful perfume that revolutionised the game back in the day. And thanks to its delectable ingredients list including caramel, honey and praline, it’s no wonder it’s addictive – one you can return to time and time again. Oh – and did we mention that we can refill your bottle in-store? Double win.
10. La vie est belle, Lancôme
When A-list babe Julia Roberts puts her face to something, you know you’ve got yourself a sell-out. Cue Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle. As sophisticated as its celebrity ambassador, it’s a whirl of orange blossom, iris and jasmine. And if you thought that it was just a lucky coincidence that the fragrance is so freakin’ fabulous you’re very mistaken. It took more than 5,000 revisions to get it note perfect. We think it’s safe to say that extra effort has definitely paid off!
