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The Best Perfumes of All Time, According to Cosmo Editors
We risked our noses and sniffed over 60 perfumes to bring you this list. (You're welcome!)
If a new perfume launches, the Cosmo beauty team has to smell it. We're fragrance-obsessed, okay? We don't care if it's a trendy vanilla perfume or a classic floral-scented fragrance; if it's an expensive scent at Sephora or a cheap perfume at Target—we will smell it, and if it's good, we will add it to my ever-growing collections.
Because of our perfume obsession and extensive wardrobe of scents, we're seasoned experts when it comes to narrowing down the absolute best perfumes for women, men, grandmas, little brothers, BFFs, and beyond. So we finally sat down and actually sniffed 60+ perfumes all together to figure out, truly, the best perfumes, according to us. We smell perfumes every day, but this was different: What really is the best, if we had to narrow down our collections to just 23? It would be these, dammit.
Our top picks for the best perfumes of 2025:
Now keep scrolling to find your new favorite perfume, along with tips on how to choose the right fragrance for yourself. Yep, I want to make this as easy as possible for ya.
Pros
- Doesn't take the usual fresh-floral route; instead, there's yummy strawberry and vanilla to round things out
- Bottle is so stunning and giftable
Cons
- Not for those who don't like fruity scents
Why we love it: We've been patiently waiting for Miu Miu's return to beauty, and this perfume blew our expectations out of the water. Our beauty editor keeps a bottle at her desk, and the three of us catch ourselves picking up and taking a whiff whenever we feel like it. Strawberry keeps this scent ripe and juicy, while vanilla and florals add a soft, fresh vibe. "Pretty" is how we find ourselves describing it.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Strawberry, vanilla, gardenia, brown sugar |
| Scent family | Fruity and sweet |
| Sizes available | 0.34, 1, 1.7, and 3.4 oz |
Cosmo editor's review: “The ad for this fragrance was all over my Netflix (yes, I pay for the cheapest option), and I instantly was drawn to the carefree, yet sophisticated vibes. The scent mirrors the campaign completely: it’s grown-up smelling but still playful and light and the floral notes feel modern and fresh.”—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
- Great for layering with other perfumes
- Smells warm and comforting (like a cup of tea)
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't like how it smelled in really hot weather
Why we love it: Of everything in beauty editor Beth Gillette's (hi, me) overflowing fragrance collection, Thé Noir is the one she spritzes on the most. It's also the scent she tells everyone to try at least once, since it has a subdued scent that appeals to a lot of noses. A combo of fig and bergamot add a brightness to the top of the scent, but it's softened by woodsy notes, smokey tobacco, and musk.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Fig, bergamot, cedar, vetiver, musk, tobacco |
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
| Sizes available | 0.5, 1.7, 3.4 oz |
Cosmo editor's review: "I go feral for fig notes in a perfume, so I'm not shocked that this spicy, black-tea fragrance is one of my top favorites from Le Labo. It's fresh and crisp, thanks to the bergamot and fig, but has a smooth, warm finish from musk and cedar. And ooooh, the tobacco note gives it a deep, smokier finish. I wear this when I wanna be wrapped up in a cozy cashmere blanket (or smell like I'm at the Edition—IYKYK)."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Powdery, but doesn't smell too intense
- Lasts for a very long time on skin (up to 10 hours)
Cons
- Some might find it a bit too mature
Why we love it: Powdery perfumes tend to feel dated. Dusty, some might say. But Power Self is powdery in a clean, just-out-of-the-shower way. It's a different brand of sexy—one that's fresh and smooth. It mixes a bunch of floral notes with ambroxan and musk for a soapy finish.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Pink pepper, white flowers, osmanthus, magnolia, musk, ambroxan |
| Scent family | Musky and floral |
| Sizes available | 3.04 fl oz |
Cosmo editor's review: “This is simply epitome of a clean and fresh scent. When I spritz this on, I just feel like the most confident version of myself (hence the name). It's also slightly juicy and sweet, while still being genderless and not overly feminine. When I go on long trips and can only pack one scent, I always choose this one.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Made for layering
- Smells good on everyone (we've all tested it and love it)
Cons
- If you like a heavy, syrupy sweet perfume, this probably isn't for you
Why we love it: A gourmand perfume doesn't have to truly smell like something you could find in a bakery. Actually, the best ones to the Cosmo team don't. Which is why we're so obsessed with this layerable scent from Dedcool. It's undeniably sweet, but in a creamy, soft, delectable way that doesn't veer too cake-y.
Cosmo editor's review: "This is actually one of my most complimented perfumes. It gives me that Rihanna effect—everyone I cross paths with can't get enough of my scent.In fact, the first day I wore it, a cab driver immediately asked for the link so he could buy it for his sister."—SAMANTHA OLSON, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Bergamot, white amber, musk |
| Scent family | Gourmand |
| Sizes available | 0.5 and 1.7 oz |
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
- Smells like just-showered skin
Cons
- Cap can be difficult to take off
Why we love it: If you're familiar with Merit's understated makeup products, then you won't be surprised by this minimal scent. Although it's packed with floral notes and juicy pear and bergamot, it smells surprisingly clean. Herbaceous notes (aldehydes, orris, and musk) ground the fragrance for a refined overall profile.
Cosmo editor review: "You know when you finally find the perfect (but slightly expensive) white T shirt and you’re like: “holy shit this is worth every dollar—I’ll wear this all the time and a million different ways?” That’s Retrospect. It’s indulgent, but good for everyday and the clean, skin-like scent easy to wear, whether you’re a perfume novice or full-on nose."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Bergamot, pear, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, orris, violet, vanilla, musk |
| Scent family | Floral and musky |
| Sizes available | 0.32 and 1 oz |
Another Cosmo editor's review: "I typically hate floral perfumes. Just look at this list—all of my #1 faves are firmly outside of the floral category. But Merit Retrospect is just different. It doesn't smell old or dated; instead, it's chic. I liken it to what I thought I'd smell like as a magazine editor when I dreamed of this job in the early '00s. Sure, the jasmine notes smell flowery, but without the usual powderiness."—BG
Pros
- Not overpowering or too intense
- Feels like the classic Chanel DNA, just more youthful
Cons
- Extremely common, so you'll probably smell like someone else you know
Why we love it: Of all the iconic perfumes we've sniffed, this tops our list for its overall likeability and noticeable scent. It's not a bad thing to smell like everyone else, so long as it's as good as this. To us, it's a fruity and delicate scent that smells nostalgic.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Orange, bergamot, orange blossom, rose, jasmine, patchouli, musk, vanilla |
| Scent family | Floral and fruity |
| Sizes available | 1.7 and 3.4 oz |
Cosmo editor's review: “At first spritz, it’s fresh and a little fruity without being cloying. Hours later, it settles into a warm, sensual vanilla with slight traces of floral. I’m pretty picky about vanilla perfumes (they can oftentimes veer too salty and skin-like for me), but here, the vanilla blends perfectly with the citruses and florals. I know some people may associate Chanel with older, powdery scents—like Chanel No. 5—but Mademoiselle feels ageless.”—JH
Pros
- Strong scent has fantastic sillage and longevity
- Tobacco note is front and center to create a soft, smokey frargance
Cons
- Very heavy on the alcoholic notes
Why we love it: Jazz Club didn't put the Maison Margiela Replica fragrance line on the map, per se, but it stands alone as one of their most iconic perfumes. It's packed with all the things you'd expect in a chic jazz club: rum, tobacco, yummy vanilla, spicy pink pepper, warm vetiver, and a jolt of citrus just floating in your drink.
Cosmo editor review: “I wore this perfume almost exclusively from 2020 to 2022, and it reminds me of those treasured nights out we got during the pandemic. This makes sense, considering the whole speakeasy vibe of the scent. It’s forbidden and deep—kinda how it felt to finally go get a drink at a bar after we all got vaccinated.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Rum, tobacco, vanilla, pink pepper, vetiver, lemon |
| Scent family | Smoky, spicy |
| Sizes available | 0.34, 1.7, and 3.4 oz |
Pros
- Balanced profile of sweet and floral notes
- Exactly how you want to smell on a first date
Cons
- The bottle isn't the most elevated, in our opinion
Why we love it: 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. But our team sniffed it next to this flanker, Good Girl Blush, and preferred the softer take of the juice inside this pink bottle. It's still sweet, but with a beautiful powderiness that makes this more delicate and smooth.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Bergamot, bitter almond, peony, ylang-ylang, vanilla |
| Scent family | Floral and sweet |
| Sizes available | 0.34, 1, 1.7, 2.7, and 5.1 oz |
Cosmo editor's review: “Even though it’s a best-seller, the original Good Girl is way too much for me. But this Blush version? Much more wearable in my opinion. The warm, floral notes feel fresh and approachable and the stiletto-shaped bottle is absolutely iconic.”—LB
Pros
- Has a light, freshness that works v well with strong woodsy notes
Cons
- I wish it lasted longer on my skin
Why we love it: 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. Our team prefers smooth scents that aren't too strong—we do, in fact, all sit right next to each other all week—and Mojave Ghost is one we will happily sniff throughout the office.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedar |
| Scent family | Fresh and woodsy |
| Sizes available | 1.7, 3.4 oz |
Cosmo editor's review: "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. 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.”—JH
Pros
- Major longevity
- It has a simple mix of only three notes, but they're so enhanced that you can smell every single one
Cons
- Some find it cloying
Why we love it: Famed perfumer Francis Kurkdjian (the brains behind Baccarat Rouge 540, btw) made this perfume, and it smells like something he'd do, tbh. It has all the usual suspects of a Dior perfume, but just intensified. And it smells like pure wealth to us. All of the notes are full-bodied and bold, even though you might not picture a jasmine-focused scent as such.
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Orange Blossom, damascena rose, grandiflorum jasmine |
| Scent family | Floral and sweet |
| Sizes available | 1.2, 1.7, and 2.7 oz |
Cosmo editor review: "Upon first sniff, this became my favorite Dior perfume ever. The bottle is dripped in gold, and that's exactly how I smell whenever I wear it. The notes—jasmine, violet, orange blossom, lily of the valley, and rose—all seem so simple, but together, it makes a really decadent, juicy floral perfume. It's saccharine and thick, giving it extra longevity and projection."—BG
Pros
- Unlike anything else we smelled
Cons
- So unique that it could be polarizing
Why we love it: This was the biggest surprise that crossed our desks. 27 87, a new fragrance line creating niche scents, describes this as a "green, faintly bitter" scent. And although we don't disagree, it came off extremely fresh and clean to us. We couldn't stop smelling it, wondering what all the notes inside were since they're so unique and blended. (The answer was shocking when we found out there's absinthe in there.)
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Bergamot, linden blossom, absinthe, almond, iris butter, cashmere wood, grey amber, vetiver |
| Scent family | Aromatic and woodsy |
| Sizes available | 87 mL |
Cosmo editor's review: “I would never gift perfume because it’s so personal, but this is a safe bet. It’s hard to describe the scent honestly, but I’ll tell you how it makes me feel: instantly warm and cozy but kinda sexy and clean. Like I just got out of the shower and wrapped myself in a cashmere robe.”—LB
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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