The Best Perfumes of All Time, According to Cosmo Editors

ProsDoesn't take the usual fresh-floral route; instead, there's yummy strawberry and vanilla to round things outBottle is so stunning and giftableConsNot for those who don't like fruity scentsWhy we love it: We've been patiently waiting for Miu Miu's return to beauty, and this perfume blew our expectations out of the water. Our beauty editor keeps a bottle at her desk, and the three of us catch ourselves picking up and taking a whiff whenever we feel like it. Strawberry keeps this scent ripe and juicy, while vanilla and florals add a soft, fresh vibe. "Pretty" is how we find ourselves describing it.Features at a GlanceNotesStrawberry, vanilla, gardenia, brown sugarScent familyFruity and sweetSizes available0.34, 1, 1.7, and 3.4 ozCosmo editor's review: “The ad for this fragrance was all over my Netflix (yes, I pay for the cheapest option), and I instantly was drawn to the carefree, yet sophisticated vibes. The scent mirrors the campaign completely: it’s grown-up smelling but still playful and light and the floral notes feel modern and fresh.”—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat for layering with other perfumesSmells warm and comforting (like a cup of tea)ConsSome reviewers didn't like how it smelled in really hot weatherWhy we love it: Of everything in beauty editor Beth Gillette's (hi, me) overflowing fragrance collection, Thé Noir is the one she spritzes on the most. It's also the scent she tells everyone to try at least once, since it has a subdued scent that appeals to a lot of noses. A combo of fig and bergamot add a brightness to the top of the scent, but it's softened by woodsy notes, smokey tobacco, and musk. Features at a GlanceNotesFig, bergamot, cedar, vetiver, musk, tobaccoScent familyWarm and spicySizes available0.5, 1.7, 3.4 ozCosmo editor's review: "I go feral for fig notes in a perfume, so I'm not shocked that this spicy, black-tea fragrance is one of my top favorites from Le Labo. It's fresh and crisp, thanks to the bergamot and fig, but has a smooth, warm finish from musk and cedar. And ooooh, the tobacco note gives it a deep, smokier finish. I wear this when I wanna be wrapped up in a cozy cashmere blanket (or smell like I'm at the Edition—IYKYK)."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPowdery, but doesn't smell too intenseLasts for a very long time on skin (up to 10 hours)ConsSome might find it a bit too matureWhy we love it: Powdery perfumes tend to feel dated. Dusty, some might say. But Power Self is powdery in a clean, just-out-of-the-shower way. It's a different brand of sexy—one that's fresh and smooth. It mixes a bunch of floral notes with ambroxan and musk for a soapy finish.Features at a GlanceNotesPink pepper, white flowers, osmanthus, magnolia, musk, ambroxanScent familyMusky and floralSizes available3.04 fl ozCosmo editor's review: “This is simply epitome of a clean and fresh scent. When I spritz this on, I just feel like the most confident version of myself (hence the name). It's also slightly juicy and sweet, while still being genderless and not overly feminine. When I go on long trips and can only pack one scent, I always choose this one.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSmells very clean, but in a summery, fresh wayAlthough there's a coconut note, it's not gourmand or sweet at allConsWe wished it lasted a bit longer on skin (but makes a great skin scent)Why we love it: A watery, solar perfume might seem like it’s only appropriate for the summertime, but Lore’s Sublimity is completely seasonless while still evoking a windy day at the shore. The mix of coconut nectar and sea salt create a smooth scent that’s still bright. And it’s easily our team’s favorite from Lore’s lineup of unique fragrances.Cosmo editor's review: "I’ve quickly become obsessed with all of Lore’s perfumes (did you know that the caps of the bottles double as a cute candlestick holder?!), but I’ve specifically been spritzing Sublimity on repeat. It’s a fruity and musky scent that’s been getting me through the trenches of winter in NYC." —JHNotesCoconut Nectar, Ylang Ylang, Sea SaltScent familyFresh and aquaticSizes available0.33 and 1.7 fl ozProsOne of the longest-lasting and strongest projections of all the perfumes we testedA floral scent for people who think they might not like floralsConsSome testers didn't like the sweetnessWhy we love it: Delina is one of our favorite fragrances, but when lined up with this extrait, Delina Exclusif, the original is (surprisingly) not our pick. It’s still a feminine, sexy floral, but it’s sweeter and fruitier, pulling in a more jammy profile than a pure powdery rose. It also lasts much longer and has a stronger sillage, so if you want more bang for your buck, the Exclusif is where it’s at.NotesPear, lychee, grapefruit, rosa damascena, incense, vetiver, vanilla, muskScent familyFloral and sweetSizes available1 and 2.5 fl ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLauren Gruber for CosmopolitanCosmo editor’s review: "This iconic rose and lychee fragrance is the whole reason why Parfums de Marly went viral in the first place. And while the OG Delina and La Rosée are also lovely, Exclusif is the clear winner. It's the deepest and most complex of the three, thanks to the addition of smokey incense and tonka bean. This scent is also insanely long-lasting (I'm talking 15+ hours), with a powerful sillage that gets me attention every single time I wear it. Trust me: it's worth the splurge."—LAUREN GRUBER, COMMERCE EDITORPros2026 Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winnerLasts 8+ hours on skinPairs well when layered with many other fragrancesConsA few reviewers found the scent "bland"Why we love it: Among Tom Ford’s fragrances, this fruity fig perfume easily tops our list. It’s sexy, but not too intense or sensual, meaning you can wear it during the day or at the office. But we especially love the fruity fig and bergamot notes paired with yummy brown sugar, earthy patchouli, and mineral-y salt.Cosmo editor’s review: "A sexy, daytime perfume feels like an oxymoron, but this fig-heavy scent from Tom Ford accomplishes it. Instead of a warm, tart fig (like many of my favorite fig perfumes), this one is saccharine and juicy, giving the perfume a sensual vibe without smelling deep or intense. I could definitely wear it at night, but it's been my go-to during the day when I want to feel put-together in a mysterious way. It makes me feel like Yasmin Kara-Hanani walking into the office (IYKYK)."—BGREAD OUR FULL REVIEWNotesKadota fig accord, bergamot, muscovado accordScent familyFruity and warmSizes available1 and 1.6 fl ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMade for layeringSmells good on everyone (we've all tested it and love it)ConsIf you like a heavy, syrupy sweet perfume, this probably isn't for youWhy we love it: A gourmand perfume doesn't have to truly smell like something you could find in a bakery. Actually, the best ones to the Cosmo team don't. Which is why we're so obsessed with this layerable scent from Dedcool. It's undeniably sweet, but in a creamy, soft, delectable way that doesn't veer too cake-y.Cosmo editor's review: "This is actually one of my most complimented perfumes. It gives me that Rihanna effect—everyone I cross paths with can't get enough of my scent.In fact, the first day I wore it, a cab driver immediately asked for the link so he could buy it for his sister."—SAMANTHA OLSON, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Features at a GlanceNotesBergamot, white amber, muskScent familyGourmandSizes available0.5 and 1.7 ozProsCosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winnerSmells like just-showered skinConsCap can be difficult to take offWhy we love it: If you're familiar with Merit's understated makeup products, then you won't be surprised by this minimal scent. Although it's packed with floral notes and juicy pear and bergamot, it smells surprisingly clean. Herbaceous notes (aldehydes, orris, and musk) ground the fragrance for a refined overall profile.Cosmo editor review: "You know when you finally find the perfect (but slightly expensive) white T shirt and you’re like: “holy shit this is worth every dollar—I’ll wear this all the time and a million different ways?” That’s Retrospect. It’s indulgent, but good for everyday and the clean, skin-like scent easy to wear, whether you’re a perfume novice or full-on nose."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORFeatures at a GlanceNotesBergamot, pear, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, orris, violet, vanilla, muskScent familyFloral and muskySizes available0.32 and 1 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowBeth Gillette for CosmopolitanAnother Cosmo editor's review: "I typically hate floral perfumes. Just look at this list—all of my #1 faves are firmly outside of the floral category. But Merit Retrospect is just different. It doesn't smell old or dated; instead, it's chic. I liken it to what I thought I'd smell like as a magazine editor when I dreamed of this job in the early '00s. Sure, the jasmine notes smell flowery, but without the usual powderiness."—BGProsNot overpowering or too intenseFeels like the classic Chanel DNA, just more youthfulConsExtremely common, so you'll probably smell like someone else you knowWhy we love it: Of all the iconic perfumes we've sniffed, this tops our list for its overall likeability and noticeable scent. It's not a bad thing to smell like everyone else, so long as it's as good as this. To us, it's a fruity and delicate scent that smells nostalgic. READ COSMO'S FULL REVIEW.Features at a GlanceNotesOrange, bergamot, orange blossom, rose, jasmine, patchouli, musk, vanillaScent familyFloral and fruitySizes available1.7 and 3.4 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCosmo editor's review: “At first spritz, it’s fresh and a little fruity without being cloying. Hours later, it settles into a warm, sensual vanilla with slight traces of floral. I’m pretty picky about vanilla perfumes (they can oftentimes veer too salty and skin-like for me), but here, the vanilla blends perfectly with the citruses and florals. I know some people may associate Chanel with older, powdery scents—like Chanel No. 5—but Mademoiselle feels ageless.”—JHProsStrong scent has fantastic sillage and longevityTobacco note is front and center to create a soft, smokey frarganceConsVery heavy on the alcoholic notesWhy we love it: Jazz Club didn't put the Maison Margiela Replica fragrance line on the map, per se, but it stands alone as one of their most iconic perfumes. It's packed with all the things you'd expect in a chic jazz club: rum, tobacco, yummy vanilla, spicy pink pepper, warm vetiver, and a jolt of citrus just floating in your drink.Cosmo editor review: “I wore this perfume almost exclusively from 2020 to 2022, and it reminds me of those treasured nights out we got during the pandemic. This makes sense, considering the whole speakeasy vibe of the scent. It’s forbidden and deep—kinda how it felt to finally go get a drink at a bar after we all got vaccinated.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a GlanceNotesRum, tobacco, vanilla, pink pepper, vetiver, lemonScent familySmoky, spicySizes available0.34, 1.7, and 3.4 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBalanced profile of sweet and floral notesExactly how you want to smell on a first dateConsThe bottle isn't the most elevated, in our opinionWhy we love it: Sexy perfumes are inherently subjective. What one person finds enticing, another's gonna think is repulsive. But Carolina Herrera Good Girl is probably as close as it comes to getting objectively sexy. But our team sniffed it next to this flanker, Good Girl Blush, and preferred the softer take of the juice inside this pink bottle. It's still sweet, but with a beautiful powderiness that makes this more delicate and smooth. Features at a GlanceNotesBergamot, bitter almond, peony, ylang-ylang, vanillaScent familyFloral and sweetSizes available0.34, 1, 1.7, 2.7, and 5.1 ozCosmo editor's review: “Even though it’s a best-seller, the original Good Girl is way too much for me. But this Blush version? Much more wearable in my opinion. The warm, floral notes feel fresh and approachable and the stiletto-shaped bottle is absolutely iconic.”—LBAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHas a light, freshness that works v well with strong woodsy notesConsI wish it lasted longer on my skinWhy we love it: I wish this is what my laundry came out smelling like. Soft, lightly floral, with a hint of musk that'd make all my clothes feel lived in. Our team prefers smooth scents that aren't too strong—we do, in fact, all sit right next to each other all week—and Mojave Ghost is one we will happily sniff throughout the office.Features at a GlanceNotesAmbrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedarScent familyFresh and woodsySizes available1.7, 3.4 ozBeth Gillette for Cosmopolitan Cosmo editor's review: "If you’re looking to splurge on a signature scent and don’t know where to start, do yourself a favor and try spritzing yourself in this vibrant and long-lasting scent from Byredo. The fragrance is the perf combo of woody and floral—making it ideal for any occasion," Hyman adds. "Whether it’s date night or a day in the office, I promise this perfume will bring in alllll the compliments.”—JHBeth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.