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The Best Perfumes of All Time, According to Our HQ'rs

Best perfumes glossier perfume jo malone perfume
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Aerin, Glossier, Chanel
August 14, 2023

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The most underrated accessory of the season? A spritz of your signature scent. If you’re looking to upgrade your fragrance wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place. We asked a few HQ’rs to spill the beans on their favorite fragrances — and they delivered. Read on for their go-to scents for everyday wear, special nights out, and more. These perfumes are just too good to gatekeep.  

Elorea best perfume
Elorea

Be By My Side Eau de Parfum — Elorea

“This one has quickly become one of my favorite scents. It’s perfect for dressy nights out or office get-togethers. It’s got a subtle sweet note to it that I always get compliments on, and the nozzle sprays a perfect amount every time.” -Beck Diaz

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Best perfume
Aerin

Waterlily Sun Eau de Parfum — Aerin

“I discovered this fragrance 10 years ago and I haven’t found anything better since. I use the smaller, roll-on version (perfect for travel — and cheaper!). The scent is light, floral, and fresh. Everytime I wear it, I feel a little more elegant and put together.” -Brittany Doohan

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Myrrh and Tonka
Jo Malone

Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense — Jo Malone

“I love this perfume because it’s a gender-neutral scent that’s both floral and strong. Putting it on in the morning feels like a luxurious treat. Plus, the 100-milliliter bottle has already lasted me over a year, with no signs of running out anytime soon.”  -Lizzy Bryce

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Best perfume
Malin+Goetz

Leather Eau de Parfum — Malin+Goetz

“Every single time I wear this scent, I get asked what it is. It has a gender-neutral scent with base notes of cedarwood and sandalwood and is a conversation starter all on its own. I like to keep the rollerball version in my bag for on-the-go refreshes.” -Beck Diaz

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jo malone perfume
Jo Malone

Blackberry & Bay Cologne — Jo Malone

“This has been my go-to for years. I get the travel size and it still lasts pretty long since a little goes a long way. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever smelled before, thanks to the blackberry. But it also doesn’t smell fruity on me  — the notes of bay leaves and cedarwood make it smell musky and clean. If you’re looking for a unique fragrance that smells fresh and is perfect for every day, try this one.” –Margo Ghertner

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best perfume
Sol de Janeiro

Rio Radiance Perfume Mist — Sol de Janeiro

“This is sunshine in a bottle. I love that this one has notes of warm florals but in the form of a body spray. It reminds me of the ones I used to wear in middle school but with an elevated twist.” –Margo Ghertner

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Glossier perfume
Glossier

You Eau de Parfum — Glossier

“I cycle through new scents pretty often, but I always come back to Glossier You — it’s my fragrance home base. For me, it’s the ideal balance of fruity, floral, and leather: feminine, cool, approachable, and never too sweet. True to the name, it’s what I spritz on when I want to feel the most like myself.” -Caroline Goldstein

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Best perfume
Byredo

Black Saffron Eau de Parfum — Byredo

“I treated myself to a bottle of Byredo Black Saffron for my 30th birthday. Fittingly, it’s what I turn to when I want to embody my most elegant and capable self (even if I don’t actually feel that way). Spicy, leathery, creamy…this is a grown-up fragrance that still knows how to have fun. I wear it to all my evening events.” -Caroline Goldstein

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Chanel perfume
Chanel

Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum — Chanel

“I love this perfume so much; it’s really the only one I consistently wear. I’m sensitive to strong scents so I love how light this perfume smells. I spray it on my neck and chest in the morning, and have always received compliments.” -Alexandra Napoli

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Santal 33 le labo perfume
Le Labo

Santal 33 Eau de Parfum — Le Labo

“I have had this bottle for over three years and I just ran out — even after wearing it every single day. It lasts the entire day and I always get compliments. I love having it as my signature scent.” -Celia Skvaril

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Best perfume
Loewe

001 Woman Eau de Parfum — Loewe

“This Loewe perfume is the perfect scent for summer days and nights. It has notes of musk and a hint of fresh florals — just a sprinkle, nothing overbearing. It really is the happy medium to complement wherever I go throughout the day. The way it settles onto the skin is *chef’s kiss,* and all I need are two little spritzes to last throughout my day.” -Leanna Franco

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