The Best Fragrances of 2023

Leave it to Tom Ford Beauty to pair the words “sex” and “vanilla”—and make an absolutely titillating new scent. The wickedly gorgeous notes are warm, deeply sensual, and the flavorful sandalwood and tonka bean notes are fabulous.

This is all you need to wear for date night. Victoria Beckham created this love letter to her favorite hotel in Paris with a beguiling mélange of black cherry, red peppercorn, rose centifolia, melodic midnight violet, and just the right amount of savory tobacco leaf.

This fabulous new iteration of the chic original features a more potent medley of the essential oils, incorporating the most sublime symphony of woodsy notes and herbs with amber, smoky leather, vetiver, and patchouli. The combination elevates the olfactory senses for both day and evening wear.

This delightful, enchanting rose fragrance also has one of the most interesting backstories. Haunted Rose’s hypnotic scent was resurrected from the macrostylis villosa plant, which was last seen in South Africa in 1960. Scientists sequenced the DNA of the extinct flower with samples from Harvard’s herbarium and gave the molecules to world-renowned perfumers who used them as inspiration to create Future Society’s fragrances. Haunted Rose features a symphony of heavenly saffron and passionfruit, with ambroxan and sandalwood as the base.

If you love fresh, clean scents, these melodic flavors perfectly embody a green garden thriving under the sun. The tomato leaf accord, green Mandarin, and woody patchouli combine to give a crisp aroma that is strong upon first application—but trust us when we say it settles magnificently on the skin.

A charming, genderless fragrance with sweet depth at the end. The spicy patchouli base contains a sweet almost boozy scent, which provides wonderful warmth. The mid note is a piquant Sapote Negro, also known as “chocolate pudding fruit.” This one’s on the stronger side, but still has sweet overtones.

One of the most beautiful takes on the magnolia flower we’ve smelled lately, the mesmerizing heart of this scent is treasured throughout Southeast Asia: the champak flower, a delicate floral that often takes up to 15 years to bloom. This is an elegant and timeless essence that will resonate with many people.

Brunello Cucinelli has dabbled in candles, room sprays, even olive oil—but for the first time in its 45-year existence, the Italian luxury brand is launching two new fragrances. Pour Femme and Pour Homme were both inspired by Solomeo, the Umbrian village where Cucinelli himself has taken on a decades-long project to restore and beautify the town and surrounding areas. The result? Two unique scents; we’re big fans of Pour Femme, which contains notes of wood, amber, and orange.

A vibrant olfactory experience from fashion designer Gabriela Hearst, only 355 bottles of this rare scent are available for purchase. Paysandu is crafted from plant botanicals found in and around Gabriela Hearst’s ranch in Uruguay, then extracted at Fueguia’s own facility. The fragrance contains a melodic musk, as well as delicate lemon and jasmine notes intertwined with a deep Palo Santo flair that makes this scent grown up but still festive.

Creed’s newest scent is Carmina, a beguiling fragrance covered in layers of pink pepper, black cherry, exquisite notes of violet, saffron, and warm amber hues. The rose note is muted here, but still has a marvelous presence paired with gentle frankincense on the end notes.

The refined notes in Perfumehead’s latest scent sit beautifully on the skin throughout the day or evening. This newly launched product contains a symphony of warm cardamom, osmanthus Turkish rose, and Indian jasmine, grounded with a musky labdanum and Italian suede base. Founder Daniel Giles’s newest fragrance is a well thought-out masterpiece.

Like nearly all the enticing Hermès fragrances, you need to let this sit on your skin for a few minutes to really capture the scent. In this case, it’s a calm but fruity incantation of ginger blossom, lychee, and silky musk. The notes are overall subdued with a powder essence that keeps this fragrance fall-friendly.

This is a fabulously soft fragrance from Le Labo—a fragrance house that veers more often toward weightier scents. The delicate lavender-based brew contains gentle bergamot and warm wisps of amber, neroli, and vanilla to get you in the mood for fall.

An epic scent sure to become a forever classic. Inspired by Beckhams’s 2007 relocation to Los Angeles, this seriously glam perfume exudes a remarkably accurate take on L.A.’s blooming canyons and seaside roads on the Pacific Coast Highway. Warm amber, saffron, and passionfruit are elegantly enveloped with nuanced layers of citrus.

The woodiest vanilla to come out this fall also happens to be the most appealing one. It’s super crisp, with the loveliest aromatic flecks of cypress root, orchid, pink pepper, and vines. The vanilla and dark patchouli are still present, but the green botanical enhancements really make it a standout launch.

After wearing this scent for a few days, we are absolutely convinced that Bulgari has captured la bella figura in a bottle. The eau de parfum is a fresh floral musk with unique overlays of beautiful ylang-ylang.

A savory new vanilla scent carrying a bounty of orange flowers, cardamom, amber woods, leather, and a perfectly measured portion of citrus, Parfums de Marly’s latest will serve as a beautiful accessory for your fall and winter wardrobe.

Most vanilla scents tend to be generic or overly sweet. This is undoubtedly one of the more sophisticated vanillas, as it beams with an intoxicating cashmere wood, an incense overlap, and a very graceful top note of exquisite saffron, white tulip, and black pepper.

Henry Rose’s newest scent, Menace, is deeper and a bit more “masculine leaning” with rich notes of lime, tangerine, and Mediterranean cypress (a note we love) settled by cedarwood and musk.

If you’re looking for a sweet, candied vanilla that lasts for several hours throughout the day, Dolce’s newest scent is ideal. It has a nice combination of orange blossom and candied citrus that lends depth to the scent.

This is a lovely rose floral for fall, brimming with sprinkles of musk. The refreshing aroma contains layers of magnolia, rose centifolia, geranium, and sandalwood.

This botanical tincture feels otherworldly both in composition and aesthetic. Rapture in Shadow starts out deep and delicately sweet at first, with notes of rose, mandarin, and young violet. The fragrance then intensifies with an intoxicating blend of damania—a medicinal wildflower used for centuries as an aphrodisiac—jasmine, clove, and frankincense. The special batch limited release comes in an onyx glass bottle with a recycled sterling silver dabber.

It’s impossible not to love this absolutely fetching scent. Jo Malone London’s newest brew contains one pear in every bottle (via an extraction process exclusively developed for the brand). And while the formulation makes the concoction sound fruity and sweet, to the nose, it comes off as a delicate and silky.

A scent that sensationally captures the timeless essence of vanilla, Burberry’s latest fragrance launch envelops the senses with delight. This perfume contains aromatic handpicked vanilla beans paired with soft and flowing lavender, divine ginger, and subtle cocoa—giving the notes a savory and refined presence.

Citrus is wickedly intoxicating here, as Chanel works its magic yet again to heighten your olfactory senses. Chance is exuberant yet remains sophisticated with notes of crisp citron, jasmin, and an aromatic teakwood that gives all the zest a grounding substance.

Combining fresh rose aromas with an edge that only Tom Ford can craft, Café Rose’s fragrant Bulgarian rose joins black coffee top notes with the power to transport you to faraway gardens. Cardamom, coriander, patchouli, and ylang-ylang fuse just under the top notes to give warmth and an evening appeal.

An effortless old-world chic pervades every product Santa Maria Novella creates. Their newest fragrance, Gelsomino, is an ode to the exquisite Italian green jasmine flower, which was originally brought over from Goa, India as a gift for Italian nobility. This light and lush scent is understated and sublimely combined with ylang-ylang and geranium. It’s great to pair with summer linens and daytime gatherings.

A sensual floral fragrance we took a strong liking to for more formal summer nights out, this fabulous musk iteration of the precious magnolia alba flower takes a sexier direction thanks to patchouli and musk blends, which lend this scent an air of silky mystery. There are enticing dewberry infusions bearing fruity elements here and there, as well as timeless jasmin sambac.

This rose floral is outstanding—a venerable feat since the flower is so often used for perfumes. The Centifolia rose from Grasse, France used here is very delicately layered with hints of violet to mimic the rose’s foliage and stem, while honeycomb offers a perfect amount of understated sweetness.

A summertime billet-doux for the glam playground of the bronzed and beautiful, Capri Lumière Jaune contains a beautiful take on the Italian island’s love for lemons. This fragrance combines the citrus with Guaiac wood to make it stylish, chic, and ideal for summer afternoons and early evening cocktails.

Another love letter—this time to the beauty of California—Mustang Sally is one of three new body sprays to debut from Henry Rose. The notes are light, refreshing, and, more importantly, satisfy our clean beauty tastes: non-toxic, cruelty-free, and paraben free.

Vanilla lovers will be drawn to this appealing new fragrance launch from Caswell-Massey, the centuries-old American apothecary brand. This is an inviting blend of sweet almond, tart cherry, and powdery tonka bean that feels almost as if it has a creamy coconut top note. We felt the scent was downright relaxing—and although it’s on the sweet spectrum, it is not at all overwhelming.

Perfumer extraordinaire Francis Kurkdjian’s new Dior fragrance serves as the ultimate olfactory love song celebrating the intoxicating aromas of the French Riviera. Inspired by one particularly breezy afternoon that was fragrant with blooming roses and fig trees in the South of France, Dioriviera is one of the most pleasing scents the maison has produced to date.

A cool and refreshing new scent inspired by the wellness culture of the West Coast, the notes behind Pacific Chill are vivacious—blended with fresh lemon and cedrat, as well as fruity undertones of blackcurrant and basil. Apricot comes through beautifully in this brand-new release from LV, and we’re huge fans.

For those who still prefer warmer, spicy scents (even in summer), you must give this new perfume a chance—it’s suitable for even the hottest days of August. You will without a doubt savor the warm-yet-powdery rose tones, which bear the slightest hint of sandalwood. This is truly an ultra-refined fragrance.

An exuberant summer fragrance that remains sophisticated through all its delicious layers, this scent pays homage to the ancient Greek island of Ithaca. Light mandarin, bitter orange, and redcurrant remain fresh and clean on the skin. There’s a vivacious jasmine flavor also present that keeps the scent stable and never sugary.

Citrus notes are often one-note wonders, if you will, but this lovely genderless scent transforms simple notes of verbena and bergamot to become suave, polished, and transportive. From the first mist inhaled, we couldn’t help but envision green crystals and the sound of cascading fountains.

The melodic trio of vanilla, mandarin, and lemon sets beautifully on the skin from the first spray. However, what’s really distinct about this new scent is the addition of a savory black pepper note that gives the overall fragrance an interesting and sexy vibe. It’s an attractive new perfume to carry with you all year long.

Bouquets of euphoric Spanish rockrose wildflowers come together with whispers of fragrant pear and peonies that stay on surprisingly well throughout the day. It’s a softer fragrance, but still makes an elegant statement from day into evening.

Town and Country is a bolder, tasteful, genderless scent rich with deeper notes of cardamom, white tea, and sandalwood. The base notes of gray amber and patchouli peek out later in the day more frequently, while the ever-present top notes of lemon and juniper give it the summer kick it needs to be worn this time of year.

If you often find yourself drawn to lighter, more feminine scents, you will fall in love with this melodic array of whispering notes. It’s a product emblematic of Brochu Walker’s clothing line, which is known for sexy, timeless elegance that always looks effortless. The dominant lavender and citrus hues here are softly rounded out by Iris petals and green tea.

This is a very sexy fragrance, if we’re being honest with you. The main top note is a distinct salt infusion that’s clean—but there’s also silky incense, cashmere, and labdanum that make it hard not to blush when you spray on Côté Maquis.

The French fragrance house launched this playful, fairy-like concoction containing white musk and a steamed rice and blonde wood accord for those who prefer sweeter scents.

A new take on balmy summer florals, luscious frangipani and gardenia fuse with patchouli here—and although it seems like an unlikely pairing, the result is bliss.

Peonies and green floral notes keep this simple but attractive scent an ideal summer fragrance, especially for those who prefer light florals when you need a delicate day-to-evening fragrance. The vegan certified scent is light, pleasing, and embodies what clean simplicity stands for.

This new, bewitching iteration of Gucci Bloom celebrates headier bases of patchouli and crystal moss accord. The orange blossom absolute scent, paired with the most aromatic bouquets of jasmine and tuberose, have the power to transport you to far-flung, fragrant fields. Overall, this perfume has a more serious vibe, with deeper end notes that ooze sensuality.

For decades, Cartier dominated the classic musk scents with Must de Cartier. Now, the French house’s newest scent is even more fabulous—moreover, it’s a scent you will carry with you all year. The sweet vanilla and oud wood is, of course, perfection for winter getaways by the fire just as much as it is for those balmy summer nights by the beach.

Every single note in Whind’s Neroli Bronzé fragrance is gorgeous—making it one of our favorites this season. Rich but certainly not heavy, the orange blossom and neroli combination will be a timeless scent that embodies effortless sophistication.

Inspired by the majestic photography of Hiroshi Sugimoto, Bleu’s aromatics carry you through the artist’s aesthetic vision. Lavender and pink pepper top notes give a serene olfactory experience, rose and geranium dominate the mid notes, and a base of fragrant cedarwood is, in a word, intoxicating.

This is European chic personified. The geranium notes are perfect for spring, and carry this resplendent scent into aromatic bliss. The d’Hubert includes nuanced yet captivating notes that call to mind a cool stream of water dotted with greens, bursts of citrus, (our favorite) geranium, and even mint to add a new layer of flavor.

It’s hard not to fall in love with this fragrance, which evokes warmer temperatures and a chic, head-to-toe, all-white linen ensemble. Allow the fragrant water lily and dragon fruit notes to waft around you, bringing subtle harmony any time you walk into a room. Lemon zest and magnolia lead the flavors of this fabulous and crisp springtime scent, which wears beautifully on the pulse points.

This classic blend beloved by many has been reissued with new packaging: woven Millefiori jacquard bows inspired by the historic Maison Faure ribbon makers. Dior does the ultimate justice in celebrating aromatic damascus rose with a touch of peony that keeps the fragrance clean but seductive. There is a tinge of white musk that envelops the topnotes and grounds the citrus, too.

Even though it veers on the fresh side, this is a particularly alluring scent. Part of Jo Malone’s limited-edition blossom collection, this is one of four creations from the brand that were inspired by native flower-bearing trees in mainland China. While Osmanthus’ notes are on the crisper path, the layers of apricot and soft suede impart not only a stately elegance but a seductive, carnal aura when worn.

Those who love timeless, classic spring scents will love this latest fragrance from Aerin; it will surpass your expectations. It’s crisp, ultra-feminine without being too weighty, and blends honeysuckle, jasmine, and bergamot sensationally. You may just find yourself wearing it all year round.

Even those who love the muskiest scents on the market will fall for Florist’s floral medleys. It’s a harmonious combination of the most attractive florals: golden gardenia, Lily of the Valley, exquisite tuberose petals, and lemon Sfuma.

We loved wearing this perfume for weeks on end. Cowgirl does a lovely job of melding the top notes—bergamot and jasmine—to present a charming scent. It’s unquestionably an upper in terms of olfactory mood-boosting, without being childishly sweet or grandmotherly floral. The middle notes are heavenly jasmine, geranium, and soothing orange blossom.

This is an eau de parfum cologne geared for men, but undoubtedly gives off genderless vibes. Inspired by the healing and emotional powers of rain, the very fresh and woodsy scent infuses notes from green tea, orange essence, white lotus, and crystal musk—making it unique, unforgettable, and enchanting.

This super charming, deeper musk floral fuses together beautifully the signature Killian deep amber base note to perfection. The standout flavors we think however are the cascades of orange blossom, Madagascar vanilla and oak moss that deliver regalness to their newest scent. Additionally, the subtle hues of Somalian incense that you pick up on help balance the florals so they’re not overly sweet.

Unisex and very sexy, this scent’s end notes carry an indelible smokey vibe that lasts all day. Brimming with enticing saffron, white flower bouquets, and even a tinge of apricot grounded by olive and leather, this is an unforgettably divine dark cherry scent.

A silky floral fusion that will resonate with those looking for more intensity in their rose fragrances. Amnesia Rose has bijou woodsy undertones that merge with the perfect proportion of pink peppercorn and saffron to make this a stand-out classic. The notes are luminous to the senses, very clean—yet seductive, which is not an easy feat for rose-based scents.

This erotic scent should be worn with nothing but your own confidence. The fusions of myrrh, black pepper, and Somalian incense will intrigue all who come across this unique aroma—just note that it is on the intense side. Nonetheless, we thought the benzoin resin—a rich, vanilla-like scent—is the most delightful element to Trudon’s latest eau, as it lingers like rich velvet on the skin throughout the day and evening.

Enticing and fragrant apricot, deep violet, and fresh orange notes merge to enhance the jasmine palette in Guerlain’s newest scent. Inspired by Henri Matisse’s 1951 painting Mille Et Une Nuits, this fragrance has just the right amount of sweetness and sophistication to take you through both winter and spring.

An attractive, rich scent that’s layered perfectly for winter nights, the limited-edition relaunch of Unnamed from Byredo summons images of the deepest forest greens, lush with dark flowering violets and wispy soft iris petals, steeped in spicy peppers and fruit undertones that give a subtle jolt of joie de vivre.

If fine powdered sugar had a signature scent, this fanciful creation would be it. A light but sweet floral with a very, very subtle musk, Parfums de Marly’s Valaya was inspired by the 18th-century cotton petticoats that would lay closest to a person’s bare skin. This perfume’s notes are soft, brimming with gorgeous vetiver, mandarin, and orange blossom.

Blissful in every sense of the word, we love this floral creation from Jo Malone London to no end. The newly relaunched limited edition perfume absolutely checks all the right boxes, as a clean and crisp rose concoction that’s still sexy with your daytime apparel as well as your strapless LBD for cocktail hour. The nuanced white musk lends the perfect addition of softness, paired with basil and lychee.

Something a little different from your usual eau de toilette, but totally chic nonetheless: you can now indulge in Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle scent in the form of a hair mist. Spritz this woody-yet-floral perfume all over your coif–and sneak a little bit on your neck and pulse points as well. It’s that good.