The Best Travel-Size Perfumes to Spritz on the Go, Hand-Picked by a Fragrance Expert

ProsCrowd-pleasing, universally loved vanilla scent One Cosmo editor says: “Honestly, I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t absolutely adore Phlur’s Vanilla Skin. Its blend of vanilla, pink pepper, and sandalwood is a major crowd pleaser since it manages to be warm and comforting without feeling too heavy. The vanilla note is on the airy side rather than cupcake-esque, and it becomes woodier and more skin-like as it wears throughout the day. Naturally, it’s the perfect scent to keep in your purse for a midday refresh, since it’s alluring yet subtle.”—LAUREN GRUBER, SHOPPING EDITORNotesPink pepper, jasmine, cashmere woods, vanilla, sandalwoodProsLong-lasting scent that's not overpoweringConsThe vessel color wears off over timeOne Cosmo editor says: “You can't really go wrong with any of Glossier's fragrances, but Fleur is a personal fave. I brought it with me on a press trip with a handful of beauty editors, and everyone kept stopping to ask me what fragrance I was wearing. "Wow?! Glossier?!" They couldn't believe their noses. Not because other Glossier perfumes aren't good, but because this is so unique that they thought it'd be from some niche fragrance house. Of every Glossier perfume, this stands out amongst the rest."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORNotesOsmanthus, ylang-ylang, mineral salt, apricot skin, ambroxanAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsComes with a keychain case, plus three 0.2-ounce refillsConsA pricier up-front investmentOne Cosmo editor says: “In my opinion, Chanel Mademoiselle is a classic for a reason. The scent isn’t overpowering, but it’s strong enough to leave a lasting impression. It strikes the perfect balance of warm and musky but also fruity and floral. If you’re in search of a bright perfume that smells fresh and a little like your skin but sweeter, you’ll love Coco Mademoiselle.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORNotesOrange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiverProsTwo scents can be layered together or worn soloConsDabber bottles, not a sprayOne Cosmo editor says: “I’m a sucker for travel sprays that look like a dollhouse version of the OG perfume, and this set comes with two Cosmo-approved minis from Billie Eilish: Eilish eau de parfum, which smells like a fluffy cloud of vanilla, cocoa, and tonka, and Eilish No. 2, which is drier and woodier with palo santo and incense.”—LGNotesRed berries, vanilla, cocoa, tonka (Eilish); Red poppy, black pepper, palo santo, incense (Eilish No. 2)Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUnique tropical scent profileConsSome shoppers find the scent too strongOne Cosmo editor says: “This is one of the most unique tropical perfumes in my collection; rather than your typical sweet coconut and ylang ylang combination, it has fresher notes like ginger, green mango, and sea salt that brighten up its solar floral base. It’s now a staple in my travel bag every time I’m headed somewhere warm and sunny, since it doesn’t overwhelm in hot weather. Not to mention, the marbled cap is downright Instagram-worthy.”—LGNotesGreen mango, ginger, coconut water, sea salt, neroliProsNostalgic fruity scent appeals to most nosesConsTechnically not a spray, since there's no atomizerOne Cosmo editor says: “Miu Miu accomplished with this fragrance what every fashion house wishes they could do with their perfume: It actually smells how you would imagine the brand in olfactory form—a little sweet, a little sassy, and very whimsical yet sophisticated at the same time. That’s Miu Miu in a bottle, and I can’t get enough of the milky fruity floral that screams femininity in an insouciant way.”—CELIA SHATZMAN, CONTRIBUTORNotesWild strawberry, gardenia, brown sugar, vanilla accordAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFestive holiday packagingConsLighter fragrance concentration that wears off quicklyOne Cosmo editor says: “I look forward to Jo Malone’s limited-edition drops every holiday season, and these new additions might be my favorite yet. There’s Vanilla Scotch, which smells like a strong drink by the fireplace, and Tangerine & Honey, which balances bright citrus notes with warm spices like clove. Bonus points for the festive tartan bag, which makes this set a travel-friendly gift.”—LGNotesScotch accord, vanilla, amber (Vanilla Scotch); Tangerine, honey, clove, tobacco (Tangerine & Honey) ProsPretty gemstone-inspired vesselConsOil-based formula can stain clothes if sprayed directlyOne Cosmo editor says: “All of the gemstone-encased Orabella scents are great, but Salted Muse will always be my favorite. It's not super sweet or fruity the way so many celebrity perfumes are; instead, it’s fresh, clean, and a little spicy. I feel like I smell expensive when I wear it, and it's earned compliments from a wide range of people. Men find it sexy on date night, but it's also a scent my mom wouldn't mind smelling on me."—SARAH MABERRY, SHOPPING EDITORNotesSea salt, lavender, fig, olive wood, amberAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLayers nicely with other perfumesConsSome shoppers wish it lasted longerOne Cosmo editor says: “Mochi Milk is one of my favorite scents to take on the go because it’s a soft skin scent. It's not offensively overpowering to spray in confined spaces, and it fades nicely throughout the day. The notes of marshmallow and peach add a nice warmth and sweetness without being too sugary or gourmand.”—SMNotesPeach nectar, marshmallow, rice milk, vanillaProsSolid formula can be applied discreetlyConsSome shoppers say it smells slightly different than the perfume versionOne Cosmo editor says: “You can't go wrong with any of the solid perfumes from NOYZ, but Unmute has a little bit of everything—juiciness from the plum note, spice from the cinnamon, musk from the amber, warmth from the sage, and sweetness from the pistachio—all wrapped in a cozy, comforting vanilla base. There’s something sexy and self-assured about the scent, without feeling too put-on or artificial.”—DANIELLE COHEN, CONTRIBUTING WRITERNotesPlum, cinnamon, pistachio, amber, cashmeranLauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of professional writing experience. She specializes in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and more. Before her time at Hearst, Lauren graduated from New York University and wrote for Shop TODAY, Entertainment Tonight, Self, V Magazine, L’Officiel, and more. When she’s not researching Prime Day deals or testing the latest perfume launches, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater.