Popular Women's Fragrances
This explains how Time made there selections:
How we chose the best perfumes for women
We researched our selection by smell tests, speaking to friends and colleagues, and reading hundreds of reviews of perfumes and eau de toilettes. When we made our top list, we further analyzed them by conducting more in-person testers and delving into customer reviews. We tried to choose only true perfumes, but there are some eau de toilette and cologne options on the list, and some scents are considered unisex by the perfumer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the right way to use perfume?
How you apply cologne or perfume depends on your personal preferences, but most perfumers will say you should use perfume on your pressure points, wrists, behind the ears, and neck. Some people like to put perfume between their breasts, as well.
What is the best-smelling perfume that people will like?
It is impossible to know how someone will react (romantically or otherwise) to your perfume. One may love the smell of cut green grass and flowers; others are attracted to a dark, musk scent. Wear whatever perfume makes you happy. If you are looking for a universal favorite scent, vanilla is often a top contender.
Which perfumes are suitable for everyday wear?
Scent is personal, so what you want to wear daily is subjective. Perfumes made from natural essences with lightweight scents may be better than heavy musk for a daytime office or school setting.
How do I choose the right perfume that suits my personality?
Shopping for a fragrance is a little trickier than, say, shopping for the best eyeshadow palette—since you’re matching your own mood or personality instead of choosing something that works with your undertones. Some perfumers recommend perfumes based on the elements: air, earth, water, and fire, with scents dedicated to one or the other. Think about what smells you like out in the world. For example, a scent with rich jasmine or gardenia notes might be a good fit if you love rich floral gardens. An earthy scent with moss or sandalwood notes could be a good fit if the forest calls your name. Some shops let you “create” your own perfume, like Olfactory NYC, where scentologists can help you create a signature fragrance.
What is the difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum?
While it may vary from perfumer, overall, eau de parfum usually has a percentage of essences between 10 and 15%. Still, eau de toilette (the least concentrated scent) usually only has 8 to 10% of essences. Perfume or eau de parfum usually lasts the longest of all the scents.
