The Best Fragrances of 2025

This year was all about aroma. Whether you were building out your fragrance wardrobe for the first time, experimenting with avant-garde notes, or indulging in the delicious world of gourmand, we are in the era of having fun with our signature scents. Team Byrdie put dozens of formulas to the Sniff Test to narrow down the fragrances worth every penny. Ahead, explore our 2025 Beauty Award winners in the fragrance category, from luxury eau de parfums to cozy candles.

Best Skin Scent

Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum

“Fittingly, this is the Birkin of skin scents. Timelessly elegant and quietly powerful, Barénia is a captivating chypre that makes its presence known. With notes of akigalawood, patchouli, and miracle berry, it has a sort of crispness that is irresistibly intimate. Think: a sunrise in a serene garden, light gently filtering through oak trees, a worn-in leather bag rich with character. An added bonus: The packaging, which draws inspiration from Hermés’s Collier de Chien bracelet, turns the bottle into a true objet d’art.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor

Best Woody Fragrance

Sage & Salt Moon Ring Extrait de Parfum

“I fell in love with this fragrance over dinner and haven’t been able to stop wearing it since. I smelled it on the Sage & Salt founder, Corbin Chamberlin, and the gentle waft of botanicals (green fig, tomato leaf, lemon, and saffron) grounded with sandalwood, vanilla orchid, and tobacco leaf left me awestruck. It’s warm and earthy while still maintaining a freshness. A little goes a long way, so I spray one spritz every morning and it lingers until I go to bed at night.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Floral Fragrance

Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum

“Glossier Fleur is Glossier You’s springy floral sister, and she is so inviting. Somehow, Glossier made the perfect airy, sophisticated floral blend that could even convert the floral adverse (read: me). At first spritz, it has notes of mineral salt, osmanthus, and ylang-ylang, bringing forth the flowery notes from its namesake. As it dries down, notes of cashmeran and ambrox give it a warm and smooth finish that beckons the OG Glossier You. This is the subtle floral fragrance I never knew I needed without the full bouquet vibe.” — Star Donaldson, social media director

Best Gourmand Fragrance

Les Eaux Primordiales Vanille Supermassive Extrait de Parfum

“Until now, I’ve never been much of a vanilla girl. This warm, creamy—but not too sweet—scent envelops you with hints of wood and spice. It’s grown up, quite sensual, and best suited for romantic days and cozy nights.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Long-Lasting Fragrance

The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition Eau de Parfum

“The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition Eau de Parfum is always in my summer rotation. The initial burst of juicy cherry is beautifully balanced with deeper, warmer notes, making it feel sophisticated and inviting—there’s a complexity to it that’s truly captivating. The scent is positively divine, but what’s really impressive is the staying power. Even on the sweatiest of summer nights, this formula smells like it was freshly applied.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Citrus Fragrance

Granado Citrus Brasilis Eau de Parfum

“I love a citrus scent in the summer, and this fresh mix of orange blossom water, compound lemon spirit, and bitter orange peel syrup is heaven when the weather heats up. It makes me feel like I’m walking along the beach, in a lush garden, or dining alfresco on holiday. It’s magic.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Vintage-Inspired Fragrance

Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden Fiori di Neroli Eau de Parfum

“Picture this: a Mediterranean breeze, magic-hour light, and an Italian cocktail and vintage accessories to match. That’s what this blend of cedarwood and neroli evokes each time you apply it. It’s golden, gorgeous, and vacation-ready.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Sensual Fragrance

Krigler Octave Aurum 25 Perfume

“Even for an editor, this fragrance is impossible to describe. The closest word that comes to mind is sensual—it’s deep, sophisticated, and full-bodied. With notes of bergamot, lavender, black pepper, vanilla, and tonka bean, it expertly tows the line of spicy and sweet.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Earthy Fragrance

Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus Eau de Parfum

“Don’t let the ‘fleur’ moniker fool you: This is a woody fragrance through and through. A blend of warm cedarwood soft musk, and spicy cardamom, this is the perfect blend of cozy and grounded. But that doesn’t mean it’s heavy—it has a softness about it that makes it so easy to wear. And can we talk about that bottle?” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Fresh Fragrance

Maison Margiela Replica When the Rain Stops Eau de Toilette

“Imagine yourself on a New England beach vacation: It rains the entire time, but you like the ambiance. You cozy up under a linen blanket with the windows cracked wide open, and the air feels warm and balmy. That’s exactly what this smells like—wet, earthy, and fresh.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Musky Fragrance

Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum

“As a ’90s baby, this fragrance hits me right in the nostalgia. There is something so familiar—but also completely modernized—about the portfolio. The best way to describe it is really in the packaging: The cool, molded glass bottle has indentations precisely where your fingers might fall. It’s this instinctual comfortability that perfectly describes what Retrospect smells like.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Fragrance Innovation

D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What Eau de Parfum

“The idea of a fragrance enhancer is so exciting, as it allows for layering, experimenting, and building on a scent. Alone, it smells fresh (almost transparent), with lingering sandalwood and bergamot. I use it to top my signature scent when I want some extra oomph.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Diffuser

Hotel Lobby Candle Signature Reed Diffuser

“The Hotel Lobby Candle Signature Reed Diffuser is strong enough to fill my entire (albeit small) Brooklyn apartment without feeling overpowering. It consistently creates a welcoming, elevated atmosphere—like the chicest bathroom in the sexiest New York restaurant. It’s one of those bewitching scents that has my guests asking, ‘Wow, what is that?’ every single time.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Candle

Homecourt Cocomoi Candle

“This candle smells like summer in the most elegant, luxe way possible. With notes of coconut water, cedarwood, vetiver, and cardamom, it’s less so tropical and more so spicy-sweet driftwood on a Hamptons bluff. I’ll be burning the organic cotton wick all summer long to fulfil my Nancy Meyers fantasies.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director