These are officially the best perfumes of all time

Choosing your perfume is a feat that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, your fragrance is your signature and will evoke memories of your presence for friends and loved ones alike for years to come. And with so many fragrances to choose from, it’s never been such daunting prospect to find the one that, somehow, sums you up in a single spritz.

Whether it’s floral fragrances or zesty perfumes that take your fancy, or, if you’ve only got a nose for sweet smells or the newest perfume, we’ve rounded up the very best perfume – of all time to inspire your search.

From the classics, to the blockbusters, to the niche and artisan, think of this as your definitive guide to the world’s most sophisticated and sensational smells, any one of which would make for a stunning signature scent. You’re welcome.

Byredo La Tulipe Eau De Parfum

Byredo is known for its disruptive take on perfume, producing innovative and intriguing fragrances that have quickly garnered a cult following. La Tulipe is revolutionary in the sense that it embodies a flower that doesn’t have much scent, so it’s an entirely conceptual and imaginative interpretation. The combination of fresh freesia, a floral heart and green base makes it a clean, bright and very pretty fragrance.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum

We all know how evocative the sense of smell can be, as Tom Ford Neroli Portofino is testament to. One spray will transport you to the verdant coasts of the Amalfi, even if you’ve never set foot there before. It’s all down to the perfectly balanced combination of citrus notes – bergamot, mandarin orange and lemon – with lavender, rosemary and amber. A summer holiday in a bottle.

Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau De Parfum

Guerlain is known as the matriarch of French parfumerie, having produced luxurious scents for nearly two centuries. This new edition to the brand’s perfume portfolio is sensual yet delicate, strong yet subtle, making for a stunning scent for every occasion.

Escentric Molecultes Molecule 01

You’ve probably heard stories of people running down the road after this fragrance, but it’s far from some wishful fantasy – they actually do. This fragrance rocked the beauty world and beyond for containing nothing but pure Iso E Super – a synthetic fragrance molecule that envelops the skin in an almost invisible, yet totally irresistible, aroma. In fact, if you spray it, you probably won’t smell it on yourself. But others will come flocking.

Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum

No perfume guide would be complete without a mention of Chanel’s classic and timeless fragrance. No. 5 was revolutionary as it was the first fragrance to rely heavily on synthetic aldehydic notes, which is what gives it its signature champagne fizz upon first spritz. Other notes include jasmine, rose and vanilla, which together with the aldehydes, makes for a fiercely feminine, every-occasion fragrance. It’s little wonder why after almost a century, No. 5 is still one of the best-selling perfumes the world round.

Chloe Eau De Parfum

So fresh and so clean, Chloe Eau De Parfum is a classic in the making. Its main notes are all flowers; rose, lily of the valley, peony and freesia take centre stage but contrary to being a girly combination, the flowers offset each other to create something extremely versatile, playful and confident.

Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, Eau de Parfum

Unapologetically sexy, this fragrance is perhaps the epitome of raw female seduction. In fact, Carnal Flower uses the highest concentration of natural tuberose, which is known for its erotic and lustful aroma, in the entire perfume industry. The tuberose is offset by milky and comforting musk, only serving to enhance its allure.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

Welcome to the dark and mysterious side of perfume. Black Opium is the rock’n’roll equivalent of its more classic processor, Opium, but nonetheless elegant. The dominant notes are coffee and vanilla, giving it a warm yet intense scent.

Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum

The perfume equivalent of marmite, Angel is perhaps the most divisive mainstream fragrance ever made. It’s incredibly sweet, with notes of cotton candy, coconut, honey, and fruits, but is also spicy and enveloping thanks to accords of nutmeg, vanilla, chocolate and patchouli. One thing is for sure, though – it’s totally one of a kind.

Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne

This understated elegant scent is pure sunshine in each spritz; the clementine flower and orange blossom sparkle with a Spring freshness, while base notes of orris and vetiver ground it in endless elegance.

Histoire d’Orangers Eau De Parfum

There’s something utterly luminous about this perfume. One spritz is like opening the window to warm, sun-drenched air that’s rich with the scent of Mediterranean orange blossom and neroli. As it dries down and develops, base notes of tonka bean and almond envelop the skin in a cocoon of silky softness. Simply divine.

By

LOTTIE WINTER