We Smell-Tested *Dozens* of Fall Perfumes. These 17 Picks Are Cosmo-Editor Approved.
Whether you prefer gourmands or alluring woods, there's something on this list for everyone.
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Call me basic all you want, but fall is my absolute favorite time of year—especially when it comes to perfume. The season of pumpkin spice lattes and burning bonfires is basically paradise for fragrance fanatics such as myself. It's *officially* time to trade your solar summer scents for moodier fall perfumes with warm, spicy notes (think: salted caramel, earthy cardamom, and smoky woods)—but since there are literally hundreds of fall-ready fragrances out there, our editors are narrowing down the best ones for you.
The Best Fall Perfumes of 2025, Tested by Cosmo Editors:
Our favorite fall perfumes range from budget-friendly body mists to splurge-worthy EDPs, including buzzy celeb launches and Holy Grail Award-winning classics alike. To put them to the test, we wore each perfume for an entire day in the name of ~science~, noted how it transformed over time and how many hours it lasted on skin, then rated the strength of each on a scale from 1 to 5—with 1 being a barely-there skin scent, and 5 being a beast-mode powerhouse that can fill a room.
Every single fragrance included on this list is a scent we're actually wearing this season, so consider this your Cosmo editor-curated guide to the best fall perfumes of the season.
"The first day I tested this perfume (before it was available to the public, mind you), I went to a concert by myself. And unbeknownst to me, I'd suddenly befriended a gazillion people at the show because they all wanted to know what perfume I was wearing. It smells like burning palo santo at a hot yoga class—woody and a little salty. The creaminess comes through as the day goes on. Guaranteed, if I'm wearing a white T-shirt, I've sprayed this scent on top. It just smells like someone who has their life together."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
- Key notes: Violet, palo santo, frankincense, ambrette, ambroxan
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 6 hours
When we're wearing it: For an everyday pick-me-up
"Sweet but not too sweet—the perfect fall fragrance. It’s warm and cozy with hints of fig, vanilla, and of course, chai. It made me feel like I was sitting in a coffee shop on a cool fall day. It’s relaxing and not overwhelming or “sticky,” which I find some gourmand fragrances can be. I'd wear this to work, or even just at home to relax in sweatpants with a cup of tea!"—VERONICA LOPEZ, SEX & RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR
- Key notes: Violet, fig, musk, lily of the valley, blonde woods
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 4-5 hours
When we're wearing it: To spend an afternoon reading in a coffee shop
"If you're a fan of an elevated vanilla that leans more woody than cake frosting, then this is 100% your vibe. Vanilla Mistral definitely lives up to its price tag, with a rich, long-lasting scent that pairs perfectly with fall knitwear. It's strong and decadent off the first whiff, but the real magic is in the suede-like drydown, which gives it a sensual edge. This scent makes me feel like an heiress, swathed in a cashmere blanket while I wait for my private jet to Aspen."—LAUREN GRUBER, ASSOCIATE COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Pistachio, cardamom, violet, sandalwood, vanilla
- Strength: 4/5
- Longevity: 9-10 hours
When we're wearing it: As a finishing touch before heading out to a fancy dinner
"Celebrity perfumes are a dime a dozen, so I was pleasantly surprised at how elevated the Rare Eau de Parfum smells. I'm impressed with its dynamic scent profile that has a little bit of everything. It's got layers of gourmands that make you smell delicious and a subtle spicy kick that adds sophistication. And it's all perfectly balanced with grounding earthy notes for a natural, skin-like scent. I can truly see myself wearing this everyday, all year long."—ANVITA REDDY, COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Vanilla, pink pepper, ginger, sandalwood, musk
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 8 hours
When we're wearing it: To gab with the girlies over weekend brunch
"I didn’t think I was going to be sold on this fragrance upon first spray, but I absolutely love how it settled! The strong citrus became subtle quickly and the white amber started coming through more. As a fragrance novice who’s been looking for a signature scent, I plan to continue wearing this as an everyday perfume, even beyond fall. I’m not Remi’s only new fan, either: When my sister smelled it on me, she asked to try it and fell in love with it herself. In fact, she requested a bottle for Christmas!"—CRISTINA CORVINO, DEPUTY MANAGING COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Mandarin, white amber, cardamom
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 8 hours
When we're wearing it: To feel put-together at the office
"I owned the OG scent back in the day and it made me feel like a fancy lady. This one is an even more grounded, sophisticated version. It's very chic. Martha Stewart is a spokesperson for this scent and that totally makes sense—it's sexy, timeless, and delicious (like Martha). I love a good gourmand scent but the older I get, the less I want to smell like a cupcake. This strikes the perfect balance of vanilla and wood without being overly sweet!"—HANNAH OH, SHOPPING EDITOR
- Key notes: Jasmine, vanilla, white musk
- Strength: 4/5
- Longevity: 5 hours
When we're wearing it: While hosting a bougie dinner party
"Mrs. Smith is one of those fruity scents you want to smell again and again. The apple notes are reminiscent of the fruit-scented shampoos of the early 2000s, so there's a nostalgia to it that's hard to resist. It's not spicy, but there is a warmth from the musk, especially after it's been on your skin for a few hours. Instead it's fresh and juicy, the perfect fruit scent for fall days."—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Granny Smith apple, pear, violet, musk, praline
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 2-3 hours
When we're wearing it: For afternoons at the orchard
"Inspired by Brooklyn jazz clubs circa 2013, it smells just as its name suggests—like a glass of cognac (with an ambery hue to match), worn-in leather, and just a hint of smokiness. It’s the kind of irresistibly cozy, quiet luxury scent that makes people linger in a hug just to catch another whiff. Best paired with a slinky gown, sharp cat-eye, and a sweeping bouffant updo à la Sophia Loren."—SAM PETERS, SENIOR COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Pink pepper, rum, tobacco leaf, vanilla, leather
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 2 hours
When we're wearing it: For sipping date night drinks at a swanky cocktail bar
"If I could live inside a perfume, Orebella Eternal Roots might be near the top of the list. It make me think of an enchanted garden or a rainy walk through a forest. Its earthy notes combine with fruity touches like raspberry and lychee for an overall aura that's both alluring and familiar. This perfume doesn't have the longest staying power, so you'll want to add a couple extra spritzes throughout the day, but the scent is very alluring even when it dries down."—SAMANTHA JONES, COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Lychee, raspberry, papyrus, suede, vetiver
- Strength: 2/5
- Longevity: 2-3 hours
When we're wearing it: To feel extra-cozy on a dreary autumn day
"It's a pleasing, warm, gourmand scent that captured fall in a way I didn't know I wanted out of a perfume—but don't worry, I wasn't walking around smelling like a pumpkin spice latte. Sometimes gourmands can be overwhelming, especially when they lean sweet like this one, but it had way more of a skin scent quality than I expected. I wore it all day without reapplying and it was still faintly lingering on my clothes before bed."—HEATH OWENS, DEPUTY COMMERCE EDITOR
- Key notes: Caramel, maple sugar, white chocolate, pink salt, milky musks
- Strength: 2/5
- Longevity: 8 hours
When we're wearing it: On a stroll to secure a little sweet treat (caramel apples, anyone?)
"If I could only use one perfume in my collection for the rest of my life (the horror!), this is the scent I would save. Kilian's Angels' Share smells like a fresh-baked apple pie, but also like sipping a stiff drink in a fancy hotel—basically, it's what fall dreams are made of. This warm, seductive blend of cognac, cinnamon, sandalwood, and tonka bean is my absolute *favorite* fragrance of all time, and I get compliments literally every time I wear it"—LG
- Key notes: Cognac, tonka bean, cinnamon, oak, sandalwood
- Strength: 5/5
- Longevity: 12+ hours
When we're wearing it: To make a statement at a holiday soirée
"As the weather gets cooler, I lean towards warmer and 'heavier' scents with depth. Sundays in Rio has two of my favorite fall notes: amber musk and pink pepper. It's a body mist format, so I'd wear it more as a topper or layering agent for a base perfume. I personally love pairing it with Kayali's Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper. It's something I would carry with me to refresh myself after bustling through subways or post-workout class."—AR
- Key notes: Pink pepper, pear, vanilla, amber musk, orris
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 1-2 hours
When we're wearing it: For a post-workout refresh
"Celestial Object is so calming: it makes me feel like I just slipped into a really chic pajama set to rewatch my favorite comfort shows in bed. The almond and rice paper combo is truly ethereal, like you're walking through a cloud of powdered sugar at a French patisserie. Then, the richer notes of labdanum and tonka bean come through. It's soft but persistent—by hour three, you have to lean close to smell it, but it lingers for a long time."—LG
- Key notes: Almond, rice paper, incense, tonka bean, labdanum
- Strength: 2/5
- Longevity: 6 to 7 hours
When we're wearing it: For a night in with our favorite comfort rewatch
"On first spray, this perfume smells *exactly* like a creamsicle, which fades into a much more subtle, woodsy fragrance. I loved spritzing this one on throughout the day for added freshness; its nostalgic notes of vanilla and clementine make it a much more youthful fall perfume than I was expecting—BUT I feel like that adds to the appeal! You could totally layer it with muskier perfumes for a moodier scent profile without it feeling cloying."–SJ
- Key notes: Clementine zest, vanilla cream, blonde woods
- Strength: 2/5
- Longevity: 2-3 hours
When we're wearing it: On still-warm fall days when we're feeling nostalgic for summer
"Smelling like milk sounds a bit strange, but this scent fully convinced me. It's like bathing in a calming milk bath that's been spiked with marshmallows. There's a sugary sweetness that's totally grounded by warm amber and musk, so it feels like a grown-up's gourmand. It lasts really well on skin and projects just enough that I can smell it on myself, but it doesn't cause a headache for my deskmates."—BG
- Key notes: Toasted marshmallow, mahogany, tonka, firewood
- Strength: 4/5
- Longevity: 8 hours
When we're wearing it: To cozy up with a crush by the fireplace
"I usually associate floral perfumes with spring and summer, but this one is undeniably perfect for cooler weather. Odéon is a smooth, rich rose scent, with a hefty dose of amber and cashmeran that gives it depth. It's inspired by Parisian cafe culture—and since I studied abroad there (hold the eyerolls), I feel qualified to say that this scent embodies the city's romantic allure. It smells like window shopping in boutiques I can't afford and moonlit strolls along the Seine."—LG
- Key notes: Rose, dates, patchouli, cashmeran, amber
- Strength: 4/5
- Longevity: 7 to 8 hours
When we're wearing it: To wander around a new city
*this scent is sold out at time of publish (okay, popular!), but you can sign up to be notified on restocks here*
"In the fall, I find myself wanting to mix it up a little with a warmer, deeper fragrance. She Was Here is the perfect seasonal pivot. I love that this fragrance is sophisticated enough to wear to work, seductive enough to make you feel sexy on a date, and low-key enough for daily wear—a true 'take your scent from day to night' fragrance. This scent definitely pairs warm, soothing fall vibes with the touch of sex appeal and seduction I look for in a fragrance."—KAYLA KIBBE, ASSOCIATE SEX & RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR
- Key notes: Rose, pistachio, vanilla milk, amber
- Strength: 3/5
- Longevity: 6 hours
When we're wearing it: For a boost of confidence before a first date
How we tested
I tapped 10 of my fellow editors to help me test fall perfumes for 2025, across a range of scent families, formats, and price points. We wore each scent for at least 12 hours, noting how many hours it lasted on skin. Then, we ranked the strength on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a subtle skin scent and 5 being a powerful, beast-mode fragrance.
Finally, we gave our honest review, considering how the perfume transformed over time, how it made us feel, and when we would wear it IRL.
How to choose the best fall perfume
Think about your scent preferences
Sure, autumn is typically associated with warm and spicy scents, but don't feel limited to only choosing scents that belong in a pumpkin spice candle. To exude truly ~immaculate~ fall vibes, it's all about finding a perfume that smells good *to you* and makes you feel confident.
Not sure where to start? Here's a perfume shopping hack: Take stock of your current favorite scents and look at what notes they have in common (like bergamot, vanilla, or sandalwood). Then, look out for perfumes with those same notes. Odds are, you'll find your next signature scent—and maybe discover some new favorite notes in the process.
Pay attention to the temperature
Scent preferences are highly personal, but it does help to take the season into account when choosing a fall fragrance. Hot weather makes perfume smell stronger and more potent by increasing the rate of evaporation (science!), whereas perfume sits closer to the skin in colder weather. Since fall temperatures tend towards the mild side, you can get away with wearing heavier notes like vanilla, leather, and cedar that might be kiiinda nauseating in the summer heat.
On the other hand, fall weather means you may not get the best performance out of lighter notes like citruses, herbs, and florals, since they evaporate the quickest and won't smell as strong. Want your fresher scents to smell ... smellier? Spring for an eau de parfum concentration for better strength and longevity—trust me, they're worth the splurge.
Consider the concentration
From eau de toilettes to colognes, perfume lingo can get a little confusing—but our editors are here to make it simple. The above terms refer to a perfume's concentration, or how much its fragrance oils have been diluted. They range from extraits de parfum (the strongest and longest-lasting), to eau de parfum intense, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and finally, eau fraiche (the weakest). Generally, higher-concentration scents also come with a higher price tag.
If you're looking for a powerful perfume that you won't have to reapply throughout the day, opt for an extrait or eau de parfum intense. But if you prefer something more subtle, an eau de toilette or eau de cologne might be more your speed.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Gruber is an associate commerce editor at Cosmopolitan with over five years of experience researching and writing about all things beauty. An expert in the perfume space, she uses her knowledge of the history and science of fragrance to analyze the latest trends. She hand-selected each scent featured on this list, and recruited her fellow Cosmo editors for their testing notes.
Lauren Gruber is an commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Country Living, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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