15 Perfumes That Instantly Make Me Feel Like I Have My Life Together
If you're anything like me, a spritz of perfume as you're heading out the door can change the trajectory of your day (or at least keep you smelling angelic as you go about your business). While I'm no perfume aficionado, I do appreciate that the power of finding the right perfume for you can totally transform your mindset: from how your carry yourself to what the scent can inspire. With that idea in mind, I've taken the time to round up all the scents that have inspired me in one way or another so I can share them here with you. You can thank me by using this quick guide to help you find your perfect fragrance. Read on to discover which ones have earned a well-deserved place on my vanity.
Natural Fragrances
Reminiscent of delightfully salty sea air and driftwood, this Jo Malone perfume is my choice for when I'm in the mood for something natural and sophisticated. Inspired by the the British shoreline, this one's for anyone looking for a scent perfect for everyday wear with a hint of earthiness.
Byredo's Bal D'Afrique has remained one of the brand's best sellers since its launch in 2009. A unique fragrance that's as woodsy as it is fruity, the perfume is inspired by the strong French fascination of African culture in 1920s Paris. It's also sensual and spicy, making for the perfect nighttime fragrance.
There's absolutely no escaping this perfume if you're on any Gen Z–led social media platform. While the main note of this perfume is that of white florals, it's the base notes of cedar, ambergris, and musk that stand out the most to me.
I'm sure you've heard of Diptyque's award-winning candles by now, but did you know it also has perfume versions of its most popular fragrances? This one is musky, woodsy, and spicy while also offering a delicate balance of powdery florals featuring notes of rose and iris.
Floral Fragrances
Congratulations! You've discovered my signature scent. I've worn it nearly every day since gifting it to myself last December and never miss a chance to recommend it. It offers a fresh, faceted rose with notes of bright citrus, cedar, and black currant. There's a 99% chance this is what I'm wearing when asked why I smell so good.
And now for the best-selling fragrance that recently made it off my wish list and into my basket. This brand-new fragrance from the J'Adore Dior collection boasts a fresh, floral scent with notes of carnal rose, honeysuckle, and neroli. In other words, it smells expensive and I couldn't imagine it any other way.
I have another elegant Jo Malone fragrance on my list! Its Peony & Blush Suede Cologne is floral and warm, with top notes of red apple and middle notes of blooming peony, rose, jasmine, and carnation. Finally, it has calming notes of blush suede; perfect for a day out and about.
Here's another bright, floral scent to put on your radar. With notes like tangerine, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood, this fragrance is one of the few unique fragrances I wear year-round. It also has an unexpected sprinkle of pepper for all my sweet-and-spicy-fragrance lovers out there.
Gucci has always been my go-to for versatile, day-to-night scents that never get old. I've loved this scent since it was first launched in 2017. It features notes of florals and tuberose to create a scent that's undeniable fresh, floral, and altogether green. If this isn't on your vanity yet, now's your chance for a lovely addition!
I've found the most romantic perfume on the market! This one, from Ralph Lauren, is for anyone out there who loves the iconic combination of florals with spices. Launched in 1998, this classic perfume features top notes of sweet rose and chamomile; middle notes of lily, lotus, and violet; and powerful base notes of white musk, patchouli, and oakmoss.
Fresh Fragrances
If you haven't hopped on the Henry Rose train, where have you been? Take a chance on Sheep's Clothing, a perfume just launched in 2022. It boasts notes of African orange flower, amber wood, and Turkish rose for an unforgettable, light fragrance you won't get over anytime soon (pinky swear).
You'll catch me spraying this whenever I get the chance. Not only is the bottle a minimalist lover's dream, but its scent happens to be perfectly fresh with notes of Italian lemon, apply blossom, and raspberry in addition to a selection of powdery florals.
If this perfume doesn't say "I have my life under control," I don't know what will. Burberry's London Dream is another citrusy, fresh scent that I've been loving lately. I didn't discover it until this past month, but I'm already planning to wear it as one of my signature fragrances next spring and summer!
Le Labo's Thé Matcha 26 is infused with calming matcha and balanced by sweet notes of fig, soft vetiver, and bitter orange. I've always been a huge fan of matcha, but this perfume takes everything I love about it and adds notes I would have never thought to pair with it.
And a Fruity Fragrance
Lastly, Burberry's trending, newly launched fragrance. Admittedly, I don't normally gravitate toward fruity scents, but this one's entirely worth the hype. It's both floral and fruity, with notes of strawberry, blackberry, sour cherry, and vanilla in addition to a couple musky notes here and there. How delicious is that?
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