Fragrance TikTok is a part of the internet I will always champion. There are all sorts of perfume lovers, from novices to experts, sharing their love of all things fragrance. That explains why the term fragrance has over a billion views and counting. Yes, a billion. It's a delightful community where everyone is there to learn and find their next beauty buy.
Now when it comes to experts, there are folks with a wealth of knowledge. In an industry that lacks representation of people of color, Dallas-based Funmi Monet—whose tagline reads: Your Fave Fragrance Auntie— is vital to not only dialogue on social media but the fragrance world as a whole. With over 340,000 followers and 12.2 million likes, it’s safe to say she’s a fragrance guru people trust. Not to mention with the launch of her bold, feminine fragrance Exalté by Funmi Monet, she knows exactly what goes into creating an exceptional scent. So who better to give us the rundown on the five fragrances we need in our olfactory repertoire?
Keep reading to get her POV on fragrances she says are must-haves.
1. Armani My Way Intense
"Armani My Way Intense is a modern twist on a classic floral. It packs a punch with tuberose and orange blossom, but has a sweetness and creamy quality in the dry down with vanilla and sandalwood. This is a great daily option and definitely wearable year-round."
2. Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge
"Givenchy L'Interdit rouge is my go-to option for a date nigh. This is a gorgeous spicy tuberose and jasmine scent with blood orange, ginger, and sandalwood. To me, it smells super alluring and sexy. Perfect for cozy fall/winter date nights.”
3. Boy Smells Woodphoria
"Woodphoria by Boy Smells is the perfect woody/creamy scent for the person wanting to throw something on that smells cozy and comforting. In addition, this is a great option for the person who likes their fragrances to sit closer to their skin, especially if you work in an office or close settings with others."
4. Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Fenty
"I'm so glad Fenty Parfum is at Sephora now, because since last year I've been telling people this perfume is worth a spritz or two if you can get your hands on it! This is a perfume that really blooms once it hits your skin, and I love the unusual composition of blueberry, tangerine, rose, magnolia, patchouli, and musk that makes this smell so fresh and playful. This is a great all-occasion fragrance and good to wear year-round as well.”
5. Kayali LoveFest Burning Cherry
"I'm a huge fan of cherry notes featured in fragrances, and LoveFest Burning Cherry by Kayali was one of my favorite releases this year. This succulent black cherry is accompanied by raspberry in the opening and carried through to a sweet Smokey/woody base with praline, Palo Santo, and Guaiac Wood. I love wearing this on a night out and always get a ton of compliments. It's not a loud performing fragrance, but it wafts around my skin and leaves a tantalizing cloud for anyone that is lucky enough to stand close to me!"
Shop More TikTok-Beloved Fragrances
There are entire TikTok videos dedicated to this budget-friendly scent that comes in at just under $20. So if vanilla, feminine fragrances (hence the name) are your go-to, this one's for you.
This warm, floral fragrance is on everyone's TikTok wishlist. Housed in a statement-making bottle that looks great on any vanity with notes of lavender, orange blossom, and musk radiating with each spritz, we see why this fragrance continues to be so beloved.
In candle or perfume form, this scent with notes of fig leaf, galbanum, black currant, orris, and cedarwood is making waves throughout fragrance TikTok.
Inspired by Berlin, this unisex fan-favorite boasts energizing top notes of lemon and blueberry accord and balanced base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and vetiver.
Bringing sexy back? The TikTok fragrance girlies say this vanilla, fresh bergamot, and pear scent is sure to bring all the people to the yard. And the bottle is *chef's kiss.*
Lovers of this playful, fresh fragrance made with top notes of lavender blossom, juicy pear, and bergamot say a spritz or two of this perfume lasts all day and stops people in their tracks to ask what they're wearing.
TikTok didn't make me buy this one. But I can personally vouch for this sweet fragrance bursting with notes of Turkish rose, lily, and peony, beautifully balanced with notes of lychee, rhubarb, and bergamot. And there's one anecdotal piece of evidence that lets me know this is a great fragrance: my sister tried to leave my house with the entire bottle in tow.
The French girl's go-to perfume secret might be out thanks to a certain viral TikTok. Don't tell anyone we told you about this bergamot, tuberose-scented fragrance layered with musk and vanilla.
Years ago, I put this fragrance on my Christmas list solely for the sky-high stiletto bottle. But like the TikTok fragrance community, I stay for the fabulous fruity, floral scent (thanks to notes of rose and lychee) that lasts all day.
At first glance, this might feel like a men's fragrance. However, it's unisex and offers a smoky hint of mystery truly reminiscent of a jazz club.
Honestly, there's nothing quite like unboxing Miss Dior. The design, from unboxing to the perfume bottle, is so thoughtful. And the rose, lily, and peony scent make this a rich sensory experience.
Everywhere I look on TikTok, this edgy fragrance housed in an equally mysterious vessel is all the rage. With notes of vanilla, white florals, and coffee, this perfume manages to be bold and sensual with a sprinkle of sweetness.
Glossier's perfume debuted in 2019 and is still a top-rated favorite—it's one of mine too. I love the solid version, as I can give myself a refreshing warm, spicy scent pick-me-up on the go, and it takes up zero space in a carry-on.
As soon as I closed the door, my Uber driver asked me what I was wearing. So I certainly understand why this woodsy fragrance has me, my Uber driver, and the internet falling in love.
At first spray, I knew I'd found a new fragrance that would always be in my lineup, because as the moody, yet soft scent wears, it just keeps getting better.
Next up, check out the best perfumes of all time, according to our editors.
