Fragrance shopping can be tough—that's definitely no secret. There are so many factors to consider when selecting a scent, including the notes, lasting power, and how it reacts to your body chemistry. What you shouldn't have to worry about as a consumer when searching for the best perfumes for women, however, is if the ingredients used in your perfume are toxic or disruptive to the environment. Sadly, there are still plenty of fragrances out there that do contain these elements, but I've fallen in love with a brand that doesn't and holds itself to extremely high standards.
Meet Henry Rose, the beautifully crafted brainchild of iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Each perfume from the brand aims to peel back the mysterious layers surrounding unidentified ingredients often used in fragrances. All Henry Rose perfumes are both Environmental Working Group– and Cradle to Cradle–certified, meaning they meet the highest standards of ingredient safety and sustainability. Pfeiffer believes you don't have to sacrifice safety for sophistication, a sentiment I really resonate with and also champion. If you're curious about which of the brand's offerings could be right for you, read on below for Pfeiffer's favorite and a few I can't get enough of myself.
1. Windows Down Eau de Parfum
Key notes: neroli, grapefruit, bergamot, orange flower, jasmine absolut sambac LMR, moss, guaiac wood, musk
This fragrance is so zesty, fresh, and warm. It gives me an instant burst of energy the minute I spritz it on in the morning. It calls to mind the smell of freshly grown fruit on a farm in the morning. Not that I actually know what that smells like on a daily basis, but with this perfume, I can at least pretend.
"I'm known to fall in love with a fragrance, then get tired of it within a few weeks. I'm almost a year into wearing this one and still in love! It's warm, yet fresh, beautifully balanced. I often get headaches or experience my throat tightening up after wearing mainstream fragrances, and haven't had that happen with any Henry Rose fragrances." — Customer review
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Key notes: Italian lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lotus flower, jasmine, rhubarb, musk, peach
"FRESH Hesperides has been one of my favorite scents for over a decade. It's light, upbeat, and very fragrant. This scent, and Sugar Lemon, are the the scents that made me a FRESH customer over a decade ago. FRESH never fails to deliver." — Customer review
2. Sheep's Clothing Eau de Parfum
Key notes: pink peppercorn LMR, rose essential for life LMR, Egyptian orange flower LMR, Turkish rose absolute LMR, orris LMR, amber woods, ambrette absolute LMR, musk
Sheep's Clothing is Henry Rose's newest offering and, I have to say, one of my all-time favorites from the brand. It's so well balanced in its organic and earthy glory. Pfeiffer said of this latest offering, "I'm usually less drawn to overly floral fragrances and instead tend to prefer warmer or spicier scents. But Sheep's Clothing has the best of both worlds—it's a Turkish rose juxtaposed with a soft dusting of pink peppercorn."
"I am always looking for scents that sit well on my skin, don't have a chemically smelling note, and actually smell amazing! I could not believe it when I put on Sheep's Clothing! Right away, I knew this was it. I walked by my husband and he immediately said 'oh, you smell good!'. Compliments at a wedding as well! For evenings, I do 2 sprays Sheep's Clothing, to 1 spray Fog. Incredible. Like other comments, I keep smelling myself!" — Customer review
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Key notes: rhubarb, cardamom, pink peppercorn, rose petals, Turkish rose absolute, raspberry blossom, papyrus, agarwood, sandalwood
"I don't as a rule love rose based perfumes, but this one is really nice. Its floral without being cloying and overly sweet. Its got a woody undertone that balances out the rose, leaving a smooth sophisticated scent behind which has good staying power." — Customer review
3. Jake's House Eau de Parfum
Key notes: fresh marine, neroli, peony, jasmine, phenyl ethyl alcohol, Ambroxan, musk
I've never smelled anything like Jake's House—honestly. It may not be for everyone, as it's almost tough to pinpoint exactly what you're smelling, but it's ultra clean with a heady finish. It's a great offering for those who like something light and unique that doesn't smell too strongly floral.
"This has become my signature scent. I get compliments on it everyday at work! I love the fresh neroli combined with the refreshing musks. This fragrance is easy to wear and goes with every occasion, I'm already thinking of buying my next bottle." — Customer review
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Key notes: aquatic accord, coriander, red seaweed essence
"I’ve never had so many people say I smell amazing than while wearing this perfume. What I love the most about it is that a little goes a long way, and that it stays all day long. It’s been a year since I finished my last bottle and I miss the smell so much. I feel like this fragrance fits me perfectly." — Customer review
4. Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum
Key notes: violet leaf, neroli, freesia, jasmine, vanilla, coco musk, sandalwood
Queens & Monsters is another personal Henry Rose favorite. It's a harmonious union of sweeter elements like vanilla, coco musk, and neroli with woody sandalwood. It does wear on the sweeter side but has this beautiful, almost spicy undertone. It's a gorgeous scent that will definitely grab the attention of others, and it has landed a spot in my (much more exclusive) signature scent rotation.
"This fragrance is an absolute delight. The perfect blend of scents evokes a sense of sophistication and allure. Every spray is a journey to pure bliss! A truly worthy purchase. I love it!" — Customer review
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Key notes: cannabis accord, violet leaf, patchouli
"I always read the reviews before purchasing a new fragrance. The reviews really didn't give enough information to assist in my decision. I blindly purchased and I am quite pleased. This is one of my favorite fragrances. I get a lot of compliments and on me it lasts a long time." — Customer review
5. Flora Carnivora Eau de Parfum
Key notes: orangeflower water absolute Tunisia, neroli blanc, jasmine absolute sambac LMR, tuberose accord, cedarwood Texas, vetiver oil Haiti LMR for life, opulent musks, amber
Flora Carnivora is exactly what you think it is—a truly lush, floral-heavy aroma. Once former New York Times scent critic Chandler Burr told me it's a favorite of his, I knew I had to try. There's a brightness to it that blends seamlessly with grounding vetiver and amber.
"This is the most beautiful perfume I have ever worn. It's a lovely floral scent with an earthy note. I have never smelled another perfume that smells similar to Flora Carnivora and I get compliments when I wear it. It's definitely my favorite perfume and I wear it year round. For me, it truly is perfection in a bottle." — Customer review
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Key notes: mandarin, orange blossom (neroli), labdanum
"This is my wedding perfume! I fell in love with it a long time ago when I picked up the travel size and I new I had to get a full bottle when I was getting married. It reminds me of all of the orange trees back home in California!" — Customer review
6. Torn Eau de Parfum
Key notes: freesia, muguet, rose, violet, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, patchouli, vanilla bean, praline
If Pfeiffer herself had to choose one Henry Rose perfume to rule them all, she would pick this one. "I love them all, but Torn is the first one I developed, and it's my favorite," she says. "It reminds me of how my father smelled growing up—it's a warm, familiar scent."
"The enchanting aura created by this product is simply sublime. Its light yet captivating scent creates a truly unique sensory experience. Left a lasting impression - proof of a great buy! Highly recommended." — Customer review
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Key notes: galbanum, hyacinth, bergamot, neroli, iris, orris root, rose, lily of the valley, narcissus, jasmine ylang-ylang, oakmoss, vetiver, leather, cedar, sandalwood, musk
"My signature scent. I love this fragrance from first spray, to its heart, to dry-down. Uplifts me." — Customer review
7. Smyth Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Granny Smith apple, watery notes, melon-pineapple sorbet, apricot nectar, star jasmine, white tea, sheer white woods, sandalwood, layered musks, amber
This is another crisp, bright, and refreshing Henry Rose perfume. It may be light, but it's still long-lasting and envelopes you in a delicious sweetness that never smells of candy or other desserts (something I personally don't care for at all in a perfume).
"I love this fresh, beautiful smelling perfume. It not too strong or light it is perfect. The balance of all the notes is perfect. I will buy again and again. It is a favorite." — Customer review
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Key notes: bergamot, pineapple, cardamon
"Kilian has quickly become one of my favorite brands to buy fragrances from. this is a perfect scent for me for fall and winter. it's cozy and I love that it feels a bit more unique than a lot of other scents that Sephora carries." — Customer review
