10 of the best perfumes ever

It can be difficult to choose a fragrance. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top perfumes.

The most powerful, but often subliminal, influence on emotions and memories can be fragrance. These classic fragrances, as well as some perfume dupes, have an enduring appeal. Contrary to many beauty products, we are loyal to our favorite fragrances and continue buying them on repeat. You’ll see the same perfumes on top sellers lists year after year.

Megan Mosley is a John Lewis fragrance and makeup buyer. “We find that classic fragrances remain to be bestsellers,” she says. “They are essential staples that you can add to your fragrance collection over time. Cheryl, Dior, and Creed are the most loved amongst niche perfume brands like Floral Street or Le Labo.”

This selection of the top perfumes of all times has been based on many factors. We have taken into account hard sales figures, stats, and iconic classics with great consumer reviews. We also include niche scents that are loved by beauty editors and celebrities.

You’ll be able to smell amazing, regardless of whether you’re trying to find a new scent or are curious if your favorite perfume has been included in the top 100. Remember that perfumes should be changed every three to five year.

1. Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum
The best perfume for special occasions

Top notes: Jasmine florals, citrus, may rose.

Chanel No.5 is still the most loved perfume in the world, 100 years after its debut. This powdery floral blend contains over 80 ingredients. It includes jasmine, ylang-ylang and Rose Centrifolia. This blend perfectly balances femininity and strength, and leaves a lasting impression on the skin.

Gabrielle “Coco”, Chanel, had only launched her fashion house in 1910 with the opening of a Paris millinery shop. The fashion designer was ready for the launch of the first house scent in 1921. According to the legend, Ernest Beaux, a perfumer, gave Coco a collection of samples to try. The iconic perfume was named after her choice of sample 5, which she chose.

Celebrity endorsements can often lead to a spike in sales for beauty brands. Chanel No.5 was immortalized in 1952 by Marilyn Monroe, who famously stated that she wore five drops of Chanel No.5 to bed. With this quote, Chanel No.5 is now a household name.

2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
The best perfume for spring

Top Notes: White violet, wild berries and jasmine

Daisy was launched in 2007 by a carefree, summery advertising campaign that captured the fresh and floral juice. The bottle is a classic, thanks to its daisy topper and playful design. It’s not surprising that many imitations of this scent have been created. Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Garber, a model, admitted that she has worn the scent since she was 12 or 13. She said that she has so many memories of Daisy and that every time I wear it, it brings me back to them.

3. Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum
Best perfume for date night

Top notes: Pear, melon, magnolia, Mandarin orange and bergamot.

J’adore is a Dior-inspired olfactory experience. From the elegant bottle with gold tops and rich floral-fruit juice, to the glamourous advertising campaign featuring Charlize Theron, J’adore gives you a taste of luxury. Dior J’adore is therefore the number-one selling fragrance by fashion house Dior.

4. YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum
The best perfume to wear on a night out

Top notes: Mandarin essence and Pear accord.

It doesn’t take much to see a perfume that has received over 13500 5* reviews. This floral gourmand perfume is addictive thanks to its ingredients, which include black coffee, warming vanilla and long-wearing patchouli. It was the second-most popular fragrance in the UK and the most searched for fragrance of 2020. Nathalie Lorson, master perfumer, says that Black Opium is “a shot of adrenaline and energy that a woman requires in her daily life.” I’ve heard Edie Campbell and Zoe Kravitz like Black Opium. Also Arina Sheldon, Jourdan Dunn.

5. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
The best perfume for a special occasion

Top notes: Patchouli, vetiver.

This feminine and spicy fragrance was launched in 2001. It’s actually the most popular fragrance at John Lewis and The Fragrance Shop. It’s a captivating combination of sweet citrus top notes, vanilla, white musk, and lingering patchouli. This fragrance lasts well on the skin. Stephanie Maylor, Beauty Editor, says that this was the perfume she wore to my 2013 wedding. It was the perfume that I wore a decade ago when I met my husband, and I still receive compliments when wearing it today.

6. Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Toilette
For the summer nights

Top notes: Citruses like lemon, ginger, cedar, and Mandarin orange.

Shalimar was created in 1925 by Rita Hayworth and Brigitte Barrot. It is a warm, spicy scent that opens with refreshing Bergamot. You’ll notice rose and jasmine notes as it develops. The base is powdery vanilla with iris. Although Shalimar is nearing its 100th anniversary, it remains one of the most loved fragrances. Fragrantica readers, an online encyclopedia about perfume and fragrance-loving communities, voted it the “best fragrance ever”.

7. Clinique Aromatics Elixir Eau du Parfum
The best perfume for every day

Top notes: Chamomile and clary sage; coriander; geranium; lemon verbena; Brazilian rosewood, bergamot.

Clinique may have made it the oldest perfume in their perfume catalog, but it is their most successful product. They sell 14 bottles per hour! Aromatics Elixir was launched in the seventies and remains one of the most loved perfumes ever. It is rich and intense, with jasmine, oakmoss and patchouli.

8. Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum
Winter’s best perfume

Top notes: Mandarin orange and pear.

Jimmy Choo’s first olfactory release was in 2011. It is warm, woody, and confident, with notes of patchouli, exotic tiger orchid and sweet toffee. “When a first fragrance is launched from a highly sought-after luxury brand, it allows people to have a piece” of the designer world at a lower price,” Sarah Binns (Head of Training, Kenneth Green Associates) says. The fragrance featured many of the house codes, including Murano glass and python print, which created huge excitement for Jimmy Choo. The unique fruity, gourmand scent has been a signature of many and has stood the test of time.

9. Le Labo Santa 33 Eau de Parfum
Soft Everyday perfume

Top notes: Violet accord, cardamom.

This could be your new signature scent. This is the Beauty Editors’ favorite and most loved perfume. It has leathery, smoky, and musky notes. This unisex fragrance is extremely long-lasting thanks to its appealing combination. It was launched in 2011 and quickly became a hit.

10. Lancome La Vie Est Bell Eau de Parfum
Best for women

Top notes: Pear and blackcurrant

It’s not surprising that this is Lancome’s most popular feminine fragrance, with Julia Roberts as the face of the campaign. This is pure, unadulterated happiness in one bottle. It’s bursting with Patchouli, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine Sambac.