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The Best Perfumes of 2024

Kaitlyn Neese
Written by Ashley Neese
best perfume

Perfume has been around for centuries, making people feel beautiful, glamorous, and confident. Whether you’re looking for something subtle enough to wear to work or something daring that will draw attention, you’ll be able to find a scent that suits your personality in this post. We’ve rounded up the best perfumes of 2024 and reviewed them for their scent, longevity, and even their packaging. The Vera Wang Princess perfume tops our list for its delicate fragrance and that last for hours. From perfumes that stand out or options that are subtle, yet sexy, you’re sure to find your perfect match on our list.

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Perfume: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a perfume that’s both a personal and sensory experience, but finding the right scent can be an overwhelming process, as so many options are available. To help make your decision easier, here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide with detailed information on some critical product features to consider when selecting a perfume.

Fragrance

When choosing a perfume, you must consider the type of fragrance you prefer. Many perfumes have a unique scent that can vary from light and airy to solid and musky. Spicy aromas tend to allude to warmth and create an earthy atmosphere. Musky scents are often heavy and a bit strong. Scents with earthy notes are smokey, woody, and herbal. Lastly, woody fragrances tend to be strong and masculine.

Some perfumes may linger on your skin for a few hours, while others may last for days. If you have an affinity for more heady scents, look for a perfume with an eau de parfum concentration, as these tend to have higher amounts of essential oils and fragrant ingredients.

Ingredients

Carefully check the label of any perfume you are considering buying to determine what types of natural, synthetic, or chemical ingredients are in its formulation. Natural ingredients such as essential oils will typically last longer than synthetic ones but may also be more expensive. Some people may be sensitive to certain chemicals or other ingredients found in some fragrances, so it’s important to be aware of what is in a product before making a purchase.

Concentration

The concentration of perfume can greatly affect its longevity and strength. An eau de parfum has a higher concentration of essential oils and fragrant ingredients, making it stronger and longer lasting than an eau de toilette. Eau de cologne is the lightest concentration and most appropriate for daytime wear.

Packaging

The packaging of a perfume can be just as important as the scent itself. Many brands use innovative packaging designs that influence how desirable a certain fragrance might look on your shelf or dresser. Some perfumes come in bottles with special colors or patterns that can be pleasing to the eye when displayed prominently.

Size

Before purchasing any perfume, consider whether you need a travel-size or full-size bottle. If you’re looking for something to take on trips or use daily at work, a travel size might suit your needs. If you prefer having your signature scent in larger quantities, you may opt for the full-size bottle instead.

Allergens

It’s always important to double-check if any of the ingredients in your desired perfume could cause an allergic reaction before purchasing it. You can do this by reading through the list of ingredients on the product label or by researching any potential irritants in that fragrance.

Gender

It’s essential to consider the gender of the person wearing the perfume when selecting one for purchase. While many fragrances are for men and women, some target only one gender using certain notes or through special marketing campaigns. Knowing who will be wearing the scent ahead of time can help narrow down your choices and avoid running into surprises later on.

The Best Perfumes

1

Vera Wang Princess Perfume

Pros

  • Fun bottle design with crown top
  • Elegant and sophisticated fragrance
  • The aromatic scent lasts hours

Cons

  • The crown top can be easily misplaced

The Vera Wang Princess perfume is an incredibly exquisite and modern scent that will leave a lasting impression. This perfume combines vanilla, water lily, and apricot to create a powerful yet delicate aroma. It's the perfect choice for any woman looking to make a sophisticated and stylish statement. What separates this perfume from other fragrances on the market is its ability to capture the essence of femininity with grace and charm.

The scent is versatile, and it perfectly complements casual and formal occasions. The 100% original designer fragrance combined with the unique packaging makes it one of the most desirable perfumes on the market today. Its staying power ensures you can enjoy its lovely concoction of scents all day without having to reapply. With its fantastic scent, luxurious glass bottle, and affordable price tag, this perfume for women tops our list.

2

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume

Pros

  • Glass bottle for a luxurious look
  • Delicate feminine fragrance
  • Available in different sizes

Cons

  • Scent doesn't last very long

The Versace Bright Crystal perfume is a perfect choice if you're looking for something brighter. It’s an exquisite fragrance created by Alberto Morillas. The signature pink bottle announces a subtle and luminous fragrance, making it ideal for any occasion. This perfume has a soft and delicate aroma that’s neither strong nor subtle.

Its top notes consist of fruity scents like pomegranate, yuzu, and musk mixed with the freshness of floral accords such as lotus flower and magnolia. At its heart, you will find irresistible notes such as acajou wood, raspberry, and palm wood, followed by base notes of amber, musk, and peony.

3

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Perfume

Pros

  • Fresh, floral, and fruity scent
  • Subtle and enticing aroma
  • Elegant and strong bottle

Cons

  • Smaller amount than expected

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume is a fruity floral fragrance from the iconic design house that has been around since 2014. The subtle notes of orange blossom, ambergris, and tonka bean provide a complex scent that uplifts you throughout the day. Additionally, the white musk rounds out the fragrance to leave an alluring trail behind you wherever you go. This perfume smells like a warm summer day, genuinely unique and memorable, radiating innocence and joy.

For those who prefer light fragrances, this one is subtle yet effective. The packaging of this perfume is also noteworthy. The unique mixture of frosted aqua glass and decorative gold accents always remains the same. It's sure to make you feel confident and attractive with its powerful combination of scents and an inviting hint of sweetness, making it an ideal choice for any woman who wants to make a lasting impression.

4

Marc Jacob Daisy Perfume

Pros

  • Light and pleasant fragrance
  • Comes with a beautiful floral cap
  • Makes for a great gift

Cons

  • The lid is prone to breaking

If you want something to add a little oomph to your day-to-day look, this women’s Daisy perfume by Marc Jacob is for you. With a sweet and elegant profile, this spray will indeed become every woman's instant favorite. The scent begins with fruity grapefruit, raspberry, and pear notes, giving you a fresh and delightful aroma. This aroma has floral notes of violet, rose, apple blossom, and jasmine for a warm and inviting fragrance.

The bottle has a modern design that can easily fit in with any vanity or occasion, making it a great choice to gift your loved ones. The spray dispenser ensures a precise and even application, which will help the scent linger all day. In addition to its captivating aroma, this perfume has high-quality ingredients that are safe for your skin. The brilliant combination of these natural elements creates an irresistible scent you won’t get enough of.

5

Lancome La Vie Est Belle Perfume

Pros

  • Modern twist on a spicy fragrance
  • Small travel size bottle available
  • Not too strong or too floral

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other options

Whether in town or attending a special event, the classic Lancome La Vie Est Belle perfume will make you stand out in any crowd. It’s the perfect balance between a modern and complex scent, with notes of iris spring flowers and earthy patchouli and perfume notes of spun sugar and sensual, warm vanilla. These subtle but powerful scents combine to create an energizing, feminine aroma that will linger throughout the day.

The delightful floral and sweet scents make this an ideal women's perfume for any occasion. The classic French expression “life is beautiful” inspires this scent, reminding us to enjoy life daily and radiate joyous femininity. Apply it on your neck and wrist for optimal results, then layer it on your knees and elbows for a long-lasting, strong scent.

People Also Ask

  • Q: How do I choose a perfume for my skin type?

    A:The ideal perfume for your skin type depends on various factors, such as oily or dry skin and even your body chemistry. Generally, if you have oily skin, go for a light, citrusy or floral scent. If you have dry skin, try woodsy scents or anything with musk, amber, and sandalwood notes.

  • Q: What notes should I choose for my perfume?

    A:The notes in a particular perfume can vary depending on the notes used by the perfumer to create the scent. It may include top notes such as citrus fruits or flowers, middle notes like spices, fruits, and herbs, and base notes such as woods, musks, and resins.

  • Q: How long does a bottle of perfume last?

    A:A perfume bottle will typically last up to five years if stored properly away from heat and light. It’s important to note that fragrances have different shelf lives. Therefore, check the bottle's expiration date before using it.

  • Q: How do I wear perfume without overwhelming my senses?

    A:The ideal way to apply perfume without overwhelming the senses is to layer it with lotions and other body products that contain similar notes. It will help diffuse the scent while keeping it light and airy. Only apply a little at one time. Instead, lightly spritzing areas such as wrists and neck for scent distribution.

  • Q: What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

    A:Eau de parfum contains more concentrated oils than eau de toilette, making it longer lasting and stronger when worn on the skin. Eau de parfum has 15 to 20% aromatic compounds, whereas eau de toilette has only 10 to 15%.

  • Q: How do I find the perfect fragrance for me?

    A:Finding the perfect fragrance starts with looking into what type of scents you prefer, whether you lean towards sweet florals, musky woods, etc. Once you narrow down your preference, start sampling different scents until you find one that suits your body chemistry and complements your style.

  • Q: How can I store my perfume for optimal shelf life?

    A:You should store perfumes away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures as this can affect their composition leading to quicker evaporation and loss of potency over time. Ideally, store perfumes in their original boxes in cool dark places like closets or drawers away from heat sources such as windows and radiators for optimal shelf life.

  • Q: Are perfumes tested on animals?

    A:Most fragrance companies have gone cruelty-free, meaning they do not test on animals. Some brands still do tests on animals, so make sure to read labels before purchasing any fragrances to ensure they are cruelty-free.

Why trust Us

At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.

We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.

On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.

Kaitlyn Neese

By Ashley Neese

Hi, I'm Ashley Neese and I graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.  I'm passionate about all things beauty, fashion, and wellness — specifically skin care, makeup, and natural health. I love writing about things that help people feel like their best selves, whether it's finding their perfect lip color or a supplement to alleviate anxiety. In my free time, I am usually reading a romantic comedy or playing with my two dogs.

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