I Have More than 150 Perfumes (Oops), but These 20 Have My Heart (2025)

Winner of the Best Hall of Fame Fragrance in our most recent Holy Grail Beauty Awards, Marc Jacobs Daisy is the essential floral perfume. Jasmine and violet give it a fresh, garden feel, while strawberry adds a juicy, youthful vibe that keeps this from smelling anything but powdery and old school. If you hadn't sniffed this since middle school, stick your nose in a tester ASAP—not only will it bring back some serious mems, but it surprisingly withstands the test of time.

• Key Notes: Strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine
• Sizes: 6.8, 3.3, 1.6, 1, and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "One whiff of this fiercely feminine scent and you’re reminded of just why it’s so iconic. The thoughtful concoction of violet, wild berries, sandalwood, and jasmine makes it super wearable for any occasion and most certainly hall-of-fame-worthy.”—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

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. It's actually the best-selling perfume in the world right now, likely thanks to its newfound fame topping lists that call it catnip for men. The sweet scent, housed in a gorgeous bottle, is packed with a mix of sweet and spicy notes that many say make it addictive smelling.

• Key notes: Almond, coffee, tuberose, jasmine, tonka bean, cacao, vanilla, amber, cinnamon, cedar
• Size: 3.4 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "I now spray Good Girl every time I want a boost of confidence and to feel sexy. I’ve come to think of it as a scent that functions like catnip. 'Here, kitty kitty kitty,' I whisper, doused in jasmine, tuberose, and tonka bean."—IMAN BALAGAM, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

My first-ever whiff of Guidance made me run across the room and practically tackle a fellow beauty editor to ask what perfume she was wearing. Since wearing it myself, I've learned this scent will bring that out in people. I've had people chase me down hallways, approach me on subway cars, follow me down grocery aisles—all because they could smell this beautiful saffron-infused, woodsy floral perfume from across the way.

• Key notes: Frankincense, pear, saffron, rose, jasmine sambac, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla
• Size: 3.4 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "Of everything I've ever worn, this has the most intense sillage ever. One spritz will project throughout practically our entire office for pretty much the entire day."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

I used to think solid perfumes were just another thing my grandma could stuff in her massive purse filled with Werther's and tissues. But they're back in a big way in 2025 and way cooler now (sorry, gram). Noyz is leading the pack, with these gorgeously travel-friendly packaged versions of their award-winning scents. The formula glides across skin, but doesn't feel oily or greasy. Unmute is my favorite—it's warm and woodsy with a fruity hint from plum and pistachio.

• Key notes: Ceylon cinnamon, plum, pistachio, clary sage, cassia, incense, vanilla, amber
• Size: 3.4 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "This perfume smells like the elegant 30-something-year-old woman I hope to become in a few years. It’s got 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 WRITER

I keep a bottle of this at my desk to spritz on before ~very important~ business meetings, and I kid you not, every time I spray it, my coworkers flock to me to ask what smells so damn good. My bottle even went missing recently after associate editor Annabel Iwegbue sniffed it (loljk, I gave it to her, because I'm soooo nice— peep her full review below).

• Key notes: Italian bergamot, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Egyptian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla
• Size: 3 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "I always knew that a sophisticated heiress laid dormant within me, but Atomic Rose's deep bergamot and vanilla formula—which strikes the perfect balance between a feminine and masculine scent—pulled that identity to the forefront. A compliment from my roommate about how I left a wealthy-smelling air in the kitchen confirmed that this Initio fragrance will henceforth be my scent of choice when on days that I want to make a statement."—ANNABEL IWEGBUE, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lots of you are obsessed with this perfume, according to our 2024 Readers' Choice Beauty Awards survey. It took home the gold for best everyday perfume, because y'all are so into how light and fresh it smells. I, personally, was stoked with how well-loved it is, since it's also one of my top favorite perfumes of all time.

Truly, no one smells this and finds it too heavy or intense; it even has an ice note, which just makes this perfume smell like it's been chilled to me. But the magic is in the mix of lotus, musk, and yuzu that completely turns a traditional fruity floral into an aquatic, watery fresh scent.

FYI: The peony note gives this perfume a soapy quality, which some people don't love, but (!) because the rest of the scent is so well-rounded with warm amber and tart pomegranate, it smells way more bougie and chic than a bar soap, IMO. Instead, this just gives it a clean, inviting profile.

• Key notes: Ice, pomegranate, peony, lotus, musk, amber
• Size: 0.34, 1, 1.7, 3, 6.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "Dare I say, this is the lightest, freshest, most pleasant perfume in my collection. I've gifted it to my mom, best friends, cousins, aunts—you name it—because legit everyone loves how it smells since the blend is so simplistic and soft."—BG

I get it: Celebrity perfumes are usually a snooze. But Victoria Beckham's line is comparable to all of the $$$ luxury perfumes on this list. I've been obsessed with Portofino ’97 since it came out, and it's truly the best beachy, summertime perfume. The notes are so rich (I mean, Egyptian jasmine, Turkish rose, and Madagascar vanilla—come on) and offer up a much spicier and chic take on the usual sunscreen-y scent.

• Key notes: Italian bergamot, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Egyptian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla
• Size: 1.69, 3.38 fl oz

One Cosmo editor says: “This isn’t the celeb perfume we know from the ’00s, because Victoria Beckham might have been a perfumer in a previous life. Portofino ’97 is a delicious fresh yet spicy take on a summertime, beachy perfume that lasts forever on my skin. And the gorgeous bottle doesn’t hurt either.” —BG

Sol de Janeiro's famed Cheirosa '62 "perfectly encapsulates the essence of joyful, summer days," says beauty writer Mary Honkus. "It smells warm, nostalgic, and familiar, and though it features just three key sweet notes—pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla—it manages to leave a big impact on the skin without veering into headache-causing territory."

We're both actually biggest fans of this mist, because it's light and airy for summer, but lasts shockingly long. "I can still catch a faint whiff of this hours after I spritz it on," says Honkus. If you're a perfume purist though, of course, you can pick up the Chierosa '62 perfume.

• Key notes: Almond, pistachio, jasmine, caramel, vanilla, salt
• Size: 3 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "Cheirosa '62 perfectly encapsulates the essence of joyful, summer days. It smells warm, nostalgic, and familiar (which makes sense considering it's the same scent found in the iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream). And though it features just three key sweet notes—pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla—it manages to leave a big impact on the skin without veering into headache-causing territory."—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

Hate florals? Hate musk? Hate anything other than the sweet, cozy scent of vanilla? Hi, same. As someone whose signature body lotion scent has been vanilla anything since middle school, I absolutely love this ~grown-up~ version from Kayali. The mix of woody notes paired with ultra-sweet vanilla and brown sugar is legit the perfect combo for a spicy, warm, cozy scent.

• Key notes: Vanilla orchid, tonka absolute, amber woods, musk, brown sugar
• Size: 0.33, 1.7, 3.4 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I love the warm, cozy scent of this perfume and notice a little goes a long way. I'm pretty sensitive to fragrance, so it’s usually difficult for me to indulge in rich perfumes like this one for the most part. Since this scent is so rich, I'll spray just a lil bit on my skin so it's not overpowering or intense."—IB

Francis Kurkdjian (who's behind the beloved Baccarat Rouge perfume, also on this list) is now the creative director for Dior's fragrances, where he's been reimagining and reworking their most iconic scents. My favorite atm? Miss Dior, which got a musky, spicy glow-up to bring this classic O.G. floral into 2024. It's got your usual suspects (floral notes, jasmine, mandarin orange, and peach), but it's rounded out with patchouli and amberwood to add a darkness to this otherwise bright, fresh perfume. And the lasting power is unmatched. I spritzed this on my skin in the morning and could still smell it the next day after taking a shower.

• Key notes: Jasmine, floral notes, mandarin orange, apricot, peach, amberwood, patchouli
• Size: 1.2, 1.7, 2.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "I spritzed this on my wrists before a first date, and she immediately leaned in to ask what perfume I was wearing. It has a really strong sillage even with one or two sprays."—BG

"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," says assistant shopping editor Jasmine Hyman, who is constantly raving about this perfume (and smells damn good, I might add). The sandalwood and cedar notes smell woodsy, sure, but nothing like a campfire. They're balanced with lush magnolia and violet and musky ambrette that give it a light, airy quality.

"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."

• Key notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedar
• Size: 1.7, 3.4 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "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. I really dig the freshness this leaves on my skin."—BG

You've probably seen this (very) expensive perfume on TikTok, as people are legit obsessed with sweet, jasmine perfume (ahem, we're talking millions of views). Prior to an onslaught of Baccarat Rouge 540 dupes, it smelled like nothing else on the market, with a mix of fresh jasmine, salty ambergris, warm cedarwood, and spicy saffron that forms a stunning yet light scent.

FWIW, even Kacey Musgraves told Cosmo she's a fan. "It’s rich and genderless and not too sweet, and it develops differently on everyone," she says. "Plus, the iconic bottle is gorgeous."

• Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
• Size: 1.2, 2.4, 6.8 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "There's a reason everyone is so obsessed with this jasmine-dominant fragrance: It's light and airy yet warm and enveloping—it's really unlike any other perfume (you know, until everyone started making similar versions).Yes, it's extremely expensive, but all you need is one spritz to last all day long, meaning the bottle will last a pretty long time."—MH

Walk in a room wearing Delina and someone is def going to smell ya, because the sillage (or the scent trail the perfume leaves behind) is strong AF. When I have a big event for work and want to make a good impression, I always spritz a lil bit of Delina on my wrists and behind my ears. The powdery, musky, scent—spiked with rose—makes me feel powerful and strong.

• Key notes: Peony, rhubarb, lychee, Turkish rose, musk, cashmeran, vetiver
• Size: 1, 2.5 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "I love everything about Parfums de Marly, from their gorgeous bottles to the longevity of the fragrances, and the Delina scent is my all-time favorite from the brand. It’s floral and fruity (thanks to notes of lychee, peony, and rose) but with musky base notes, it’s not overly feminine. I have put two of my non-beauty editor friends onto this scent and they’re so obsessed."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

I've done the extremely grueling work of testing and reviewing every single Byredo perfume—and Rouge Chaotique quickly rose to my favorites (so much so, we gave it a Holy Grail Award). It's a dreamy night-out scent, with patchouli for a spicy kick, as well as rich plum and sweet praline. it's an extrait, meaning it uses a whole lotta perfume oil to give it major staying power and sillage. I spray this on before going out, and I still smell it the next morning (wild, considering I've probably been in a sweaty bar, followed by an even sweatier subway ride).

• Key notes: Praline, oakwood, plum
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

Glowing customer review: “I’ve spritzed every single Byredo perfume on my body, and Rouge Chaotique is my go-to for a spicy, ~sexy~ night out. Herbaceous patchouli is rounded out by sweet, rich plum and praline. And because it’s an extrait, I smell it on my skin forever.” —BG

Testers literally say this perfume smells like "home," or like hugging a loved one. Why? Well, because it smells like a human and not a perfume, IMO. It's very subtle and light, with notes like musk, sandalwood, and jasmine—all of which just blend together in a dreamy, skin-like way. I actually love wearing this perfume to sleep (along with the body lotion and hand cream) because the scent is so comforting.

• Key notes: Skin musk, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot
• Size: 0.32, 1.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "When I want something that smells *sexy* but not overly strong (especially during the day), I dab on Phlur Missing Person. I’m not typically a fan of musky scents, but there’s something about this one that’s so subtle and interesting. It settles nicely into your skin in an ‘I naturally smell this good’ sort of way, even on a hot, sweaty summer day. Hours after application, people will still be telling you that you smell amazing, and it lingers on whatever you wore for days." —SARAH MABERRY, FASHION AND LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR

Love, Don't Be Shy by Kilian (famously worn by Rihanna before she created her own perfume, Fenty by Fenty Beauty) combines sugar, vanilla, and caramel in a way that smells like decadent, creamy marshmallows to me. But it's also layered with orange blossom for a hint of citrus and pink pepper for some spice. It's basically guaranteed to make you smell delectable. "It reminds me of carnival cotton-candy dreams mixed with a fruity twist while still feeling wealthy AF," Maldonado says.

• Key notes: Neroli, pink pepper, jasmine, sugar, vanilla, caramel
• Size: 0.24, 1.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I’d like to reframe the narrative that sweet perfumes aren’t sophisticated and sexy as hell, thank ya very much. If you need proof, try out this fragrance from Kilian Paris that’s so deliciously rich while also making you feel like you walked straight out of the most luxe candy factory—Timothee Chalamet’s Willy Wonka factory, to be exact."—DAISY MALDONADO, FORMER ASSOCIATE SHOPPING EDITOR