When choosing the best perfume for women, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. What might be sweet-scented for one woman may be pungent to another. As they say, a real woman has her signature scent. A carefully planned outfit, blow-dried hair, and a beautifully made-up face should be finished with a spritz of perfume.
A woman's signature scent completes her look and helps make a statement. Still not sure how to get started in finding that scent for you? We will walk you through the process of choosing the best long-lasting perfume for women with our buying guide with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz!
Quick List - Top Perfumes for Women
Versace
A Classic Floral Scent That Gives You a Delicately Sensual and Charming Feeling
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Ready to find your signature scent? We'll walk you through how to get the best one for you!
Choosing the right perfume can be delightful yet challenging due to the variety of fragrances. Perfumes are categorized by concentration levels, affecting their intensity and longevity. From light Eau de Cologne to rich Parfum, each type offers a unique olfactory experience.
Parfum, or Extrait de Parfum, has a higher fragrance oil concentration and is the longest-lasting form of fragrance. It contains 20-30% fragrance oils, offering a deep and complex scent profile with just a tiny amount and lasting up to 24 hours. This fragrance is ideal for formal occasions such as evening events and is also suited to colder weather, as it can stand out beneath layers of clothing.
Meanwhile, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is slightly less concentrated, with 15-20% fragrance oils. It provides a powerful, lasting scent for 6-8 hours. Since EDP strikes a balance between intensity and wearability, it is a popular choice for those who want a noticeable fragrance that isn’t overpowering.
Perfumes are classified according to their concentration of odorous materials. Since Eau de parfums contain a higher concentration, make sure to patch test that scent way before your special event!
Eau de Toilette (EDT) is a lighter and more refreshing fragrance. It contains 5-15% fragrance oils and a higher content of alcohol and water. This causes the fragrance to evaporate more quickly and usually lasts 3-4 hours, requiring frequent reapplication throughout the day.
Its lighter formulation makes it ideal for everyday use and warmer weather, providing fresh and uplifting scent profiles and creating a relaxed aura for the wearer.
Eau de toilettes contain less concentration of the concentrate. But that doesn't mean you can skip the patch test!
Eau de Cologne (EDC) is known for its energizing and citrusy scent profile, containing only 2-4% fragrance oils. Because of its low concentration, it generally lasts for only 2-3 hours, necessitating frequent reapplication. EDC is perfect for a quick refresh or a light scent during hot weather.
Its bright and airy aroma makes it an excellent choice for casual, daytime use and for those who prefer a subtle, fleeting fragrance. EDC is also typically more affordable compared to EDT and EDP, making it an economical option for daily use.
Eau de colognes have an even lower concentration of the concentrate, but they have a corresponding increased alcohol content (which can also be irritating). Thus, patch test!
Understanding the fragrance notes of a perfume is essential to discovering its unique scent profile. Perfume notes are divided into top, middle, and base notes - each contributing a distinct characteristic to the overall fragrance experience.
Top notes, or head notes, are the initial scents you smell when you use a perfume for the first time. These scents come from lighter ingredients that evaporate quickly, so they only last 15-30 minutes.
Top notes play a crucial role in defining the initial character of the perfume and enticing the wearer with an inviting, refreshing burst of scent. Common top notes include citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot and light florals and herbs such as lavender, mint, and basil.
Fragrances are made of perfume notes which are essentially based on their volatility. The top notes are that first sniff of that perfume. But mind you, the scent evolves as it lasts and mixes with your skin.
Middle notes, also known as heart notes, emerge after the top notes begin to dissipate and typically last longer than the top notes, lingering for several hours. The usual middle notes include jasmine, rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, and various spices.
They balance and enhance the overall scent profile, transitioning from the initial impression to the deeper, more enduring base notes. Moreover, these notes are crucial in defining the perfume's personality and can evoke different emotions as they unfold on the skin over time.
Base notes are the final phase of a perfume’s fragrance journey, appearing after the top and middle notes have evaporated. They contribute to a perfume’s longevity and create the final, memorable essence that remains on the skin.
They are often derived from woods, resins, and musks, imparting a sensuous and lasting impression. Frequently used base notes include sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and musk.
Base notes give the perfume its depth, and it is what lasts for the most part of the lifespan of the perfume.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Try on the perfume, wear it the whole day, and smell whether that lingering scent suits you still.
Perfumes create lasting impressions and complement your style. Each occasion calls for a unique scent profile, from fresh, light fragrances for the daytime to deep, sultry notes for the evening. By understanding scent families and their alignment with settings, you can choose a perfume that enhances your presence and leaves a memorable trail.
Fresh scents are light and refreshing and have appealing citrus notes. They are not overpowering and evoke a sense of energy, making them ideal for daily activities. Floral scents offer a wide range of aromas, from light and airy to rich and abundant, making them suitable for various moods and settings. The diversity of floral notes allows for personalization in every professional and social occasion.
Woody scents, known for their warm, earthy characteristics, balance well with other scents and provide a dependable aroma that resonates with casual and formal settings.
Oriental and spicy perfume scents often contain exotic ingredients like vanilla, amber, incense, and cinnamon, which create a deep and luxurious scent profile. The sophistication of these notes evokes a sense of mystery and allure, making them perfect for evening wear and special occasions.
Moreover, their long-lasting and intense nature ensures a memorable impression, enhancing their elegance further.
Aromatic scents, with fresh and herbal notes like lavender, rosemary, and basil, promote a sense of well-being and relaxation, aligning with self-care and holistic living trends. Fruity scents featuring citrus notes appeal to youthfulness and playfulness, resonating with younger audiences.
Smokey scents, including tobacco, leather, and incense, offer bold and distinctive aromas, attracting those seeking unique and daring fragrances.
Travel-sized perfumes and sampler sets are a smart choice if you're unsure about a fragrance. These options are cost-effective and allow you to explore a variety of scents without a significant investment.
They are also convenient to carry and use, so you can see how the fragrance evolves throughout the day. Additionally, you can experiment by trying smaller sizes to find the perfect scent that suits your preferences.
Locally-made perfumes are readily available in local markets and stores, making them easy to purchase without international shipping or long wait times. Moreover, local perfumers often understand regional preferences and trends, creating scents that resonate with local consumers' tastes and lifestyles.
Local perfumers may also offer customization options, allowing customers to create bespoke fragrances tailored to their preferences or occasions. Meanwhile, buying locally-made perfumes supports local businesses and artisans, boosts the local economy, and promotes sustainability by reducing international shipping carbon footprints.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Duration | Top Notes | Middle Notes | Base Notes | Scent Profile | Net Weight | Best For | |||||
1 | Clinique Clinique Happy | ![]() | The Best-Selling, Signature Perfume That Most Women Come Back to | Eau de Parfum | 5-6 Hours | Orange, Blood Grapefruit, Indian Mandarin, Bergamot, Apple, Plum | Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia, Orchid, Rose | Mimosa, Lily, Magnolia, Musk, Amber | Floral, Fruity | 100ml | Casual Events, Office, School | |
2 | Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray | ![]() | A Green Tea and Floral Notes Perfume for Everyday Use | Eau de Toilette | 2-8 Hours | Bergamot, Caraway, Fruity Rhubarb, Lemon, Orange Zest | Green Tea, Cool Minty Peppermint, Sweet jasmine, Spicy Carnation, Fresh Fennel, Crispy Celery Spice | Amber, Oakmoss, Musk | Fresh, Citrus, Aromatic | 50ml | Casual Events, Office, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, School | |
3 | Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin | ![]() | Elevate Your Mood With an Energizing Classic Fragrance | Eau de Cologne | 1-3 Hours | Lime, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange | Basil, Thyme, Iris, Lilac | Amberwood, Vetiver, Patchouli | Citrus, Aromatic, Fresh Spicy | 100ml | Casual Events, Office, School, Daytime Wear | |
4 | Versace Bright Crystal | ![]() | A Classic Floral Scent That Gives You a Delicately Sensual and Charming Feeling | Eau de Toilette | 6-8 Hours | Yuzu, Iced Accord, Pomegranate | Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower | Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk | Floral, Fruity, Musky | 90ml | Casual Events, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, Daytime Wear, Office | |
5 | Le Labo Santal 33 | ![]() | A Captivatingly Sultry Sandalwood Scent | Eau de Parfum | 5-10 Hours | Violet Accord, Cardamom, Bergamot | Virginia Cedar, Leather, Iris, Ambrox | Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla | Woody, Powdery | 100ml | Casual Events, Office, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, School | |
6 | Prada Paradoxe | ![]() | Captivate Your Senses in Every Spritz With This Perfume's Enchanting Aroma | Eau de Parfum | 5-9 Hours | Fresh Neroli Bud | Sensual Amber Accords | Intense White Musks | Floral Ambery, Woody Floral | 90ml | Formal Events, Daytime Wear, Evening Wear, Office | |
7 | Estée Lauder Pleasures | ![]() | Feel Joyful With the Freshness of Floral Scent | Eau de Parfum | 5-8 Hours | White Lily, Violet Leaves, Green Accents | Black Lilac, White Peony, Karo-Karounde Blossoms, Baie Rose, Pink Rose, Jasmine | Sandalwood, Patchouli | Sheer Floral | 100ml | Casual Events, Formal Events, Daytime Wear | |
8 | Tom Ford Oud Wood | ![]() | A Woody Scent That Exudes Confidence and Sophistication | Eau de Parfum | 4-6 Hours | Rosewood, Cardamom, Chinese Pepper | Oud, Sandalwood, Vetiver | Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber | Woody, Spicy | 50ml | Casual Events, Formal Events, Dates | |
9 | Chanel Coco Mademoiselle | ![]() | A Spicy, Ambery Perfume for Embracing Your Inner Mademoiselle | Eau de Parfum | 4-8 Hours | Orange, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Orange Blossom | Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa, Ylang-Ylang | Patchouli, White Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Opoponax | Floral, Amber | 100ml | Formal Events, Romantic Dates | |
10 | Calvin Klein Eternity For Women | ![]() | Experience Lasting Love and Intimacy With This Romantic Floral Fragrance | Eau de Parfum | 6-12 Hours | Freesia, Mandarin, Sage | Muguet, White Lily, Marigold, Narcissus | Patchouli, Sandalwood, Amber | Floral, Romantic | 100ml | Special Events, Romantic Dates, Everyday Wear |
This perfume feels like an old friend you can always turn to when things get too confusing. Just as advertised, a spritz of this really does bring happiness. The fresh fruity smells balanced with lively florals is a great mood picker-upper. This deserves a space in every vanity for its no-brainer reliability. You can even wear it running errands; you would still smell great without feeling like you overdid it.
On the first spray, Clinique Happy perfume smells very citric and violet with a touch of woodsy notes. After about an hour, the scent becomes sweeter and warmer, featuring mainly all kinds of citrus with hints of orange. The base is musky and slightly powdery. This perfume is a sweet, light, and fresh fruity-floral arrangement.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 5-6 Hours |
Top Notes | Orange, Blood Grapefruit, Indian Mandarin, Bergamot, Apple, Plum |
Middle Notes | Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia, Orchid, Rose |
Base Notes | Mimosa, Lily, Magnolia, Musk, Amber |
Scent Profile | Floral, Fruity |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, School |
If you're looking for a delightful fragrance to bring joy to any occasion, consider Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray. This perfume promises to envelop you in a refreshing and crisp aroma, crafted with a blend of citrusy top notes, elegant floral heart notes, and a musky scent in the base reminiscent of a sunny summer day.
While opinions on its longevity may vary, ranging from two to eight hours, the affordability of this fragrance makes it an appealing choice for any time of year. The versatility of this scent makes it suitable for various occasions, whether it's a day at the office, attending classes, or simply enjoying a casual outing. The thoughtful and practical nature of this fragrance makes it a wonderful gift, adding a touch of luxury to everyday moments.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 2-8 Hours |
Top Notes | Bergamot, Caraway, Fruity Rhubarb, Lemon, Orange Zest |
Middle Notes | Green Tea, Cool Minty Peppermint, Sweet jasmine, Spicy Carnation, Fresh Fennel, Crispy Celery Spice |
Base Notes | Amber, Oakmoss, Musk |
Scent Profile | Fresh, Citrus, Aromatic |
Net Weight | 50ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, School |
Type | Eau de Cologne |
---|---|
Duration | 1-3 Hours |
Top Notes | Lime, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange |
Middle Notes | Basil, Thyme, Iris, Lilac |
Base Notes | Amberwood, Vetiver, Patchouli |
Scent Profile | Citrus, Aromatic, Fresh Spicy |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, School, Daytime Wear |
Versace Bright Crystal is not what you would call loud or brash. It's sweet but not overpowering. Yuzu can be bitter in small doses, but in this case, it's more like an infusion of pomegranate mixed with something minty, only sweeter. This perfume is an excellent choice if you're looking for a fragrance to be your signature scent.
The scent family gives you that smell of a charming, sensual, and delicate woman who knows what she wants. The classic floral scent captures your senses right off the bat! It smells sweet but not irritating to the nose. Upon initial spray, you could smell the floral and fresh aquatic accords together, ideal for everyday use, special occasions, and romantic dates.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 6-8 Hours |
Top Notes | Yuzu, Iced Accord, Pomegranate |
Middle Notes | Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower |
Base Notes | Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk |
Scent Profile | Floral, Fruity, Musky |
Net Weight | 90ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, Daytime Wear, Office |
Santal 33 by Le Labo is a cult favorite fragrance that is sure to captivate your senses with its sophisticated and sultry scent. It opens with notes of cardamom and bergamot before developing into a woodier scent with notes of Virginia cedar and leather. It then dries down to the alluring smell of sandalwood, musk, and vanilla.
Whether you'll wear it to the office or to an event, its unique scent is sure to get you noticed. It's the perfect perfume if you're looking for your own signature scent — instantly recognizable to the trained nose yet delightfully approachable to the uninitiated. This fragrance can even last for more than eight hours, making it a great pick, no matter the event!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 5-10 Hours |
Top Notes | Violet Accord, Cardamom, Bergamot |
Middle Notes | Virginia Cedar, Leather, Iris, Ambrox |
Base Notes | Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla |
Scent Profile | Woody, Powdery |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, Formal Events, Romantic Dates, School |
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 5-9 Hours |
Top Notes | Fresh Neroli Bud |
Middle Notes | Sensual Amber Accords |
Base Notes | Intense White Musks |
Scent Profile | Floral Ambery, Woody Floral |
Net Weight | 90ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Daytime Wear, Evening Wear, Office |
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 5-8 Hours |
Top Notes | White Lily, Violet Leaves, Green Accents |
Middle Notes | Black Lilac, White Peony, Karo-Karounde Blossoms, Baie Rose, Pink Rose, Jasmine |
Base Notes | Sandalwood, Patchouli |
Scent Profile | Sheer Floral |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Formal Events, Daytime Wear |
Tom Ford's Oud Wood is a masterful blend of rare and unique ingredients, including cardamom, Brazilian rosewood, oud, and amber. The result? A sophisticated, warm, and earthy scent that effortlessly transitions from a black-tie event to an intimate night out. As an eau de parfum, it offers a lasting presence of four to six hours—ideal for formal dinners and cocktail parties.
From top to base note, this fragrance exudes depth and complexity. It opens with a bold kick of fiery Sichuan pepper, unfolds into the rich and intoxicating essence of oud, and finally settles into a smooth, sweet amber base. A scent of undeniable confidence and charm, it is the perfect pick for those who appreciate understated luxury and refinement.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 4-6 Hours |
Top Notes | Rosewood, Cardamom, Chinese Pepper |
Middle Notes | Oud, Sandalwood, Vetiver |
Base Notes | Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber |
Scent Profile | Woody, Spicy |
Net Weight | 50ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Formal Events, Dates |
Robust yet complex, Coco Mademoiselle is comprised of a mix of bold and warm notes. It opens with the citrus notes of bergamot, oranges, and mandarins before developing into a more oriental scent with notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and Turkish rose. Finally, it dries down to the enchanting smells of patchouli, white musk, vanilla, and opoponax or sweet myrrh.
It's a stylish and elegant perfume with excellent longevity and projection for those who want to make a statement. It'll easily exude class with its decadence and captivate those around you with its spicy and sweet scent. As its name suggests, you'll feel like a bona fide Mademoiselle!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 4-8 Hours |
Top Notes | Orange, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Orange Blossom |
Middle Notes | Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa, Ylang-Ylang |
Base Notes | Patchouli, White Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Opoponax |
Scent Profile | Floral, Amber |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Romantic Dates |
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 6-12 Hours |
Top Notes | Freesia, Mandarin, Sage |
Middle Notes | Muguet, White Lily, Marigold, Narcissus |
Base Notes | Patchouli, Sandalwood, Amber |
Scent Profile | Floral, Romantic |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Best For | Special Events, Romantic Dates, Everyday Wear |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Once you have decided on what your signature scent is, enhance that fragrance by choosing other essentials with the same aromas. Our mybest team and experts have reviewed the items so far to help you find the best products online. Check out our list below.
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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Clinique|Clinique Happy
No. 2: Elizabeth Arden|Green Tea Scent Spray
No. 3: Jo Malone |Lime Basil and Mandarin
No. 4: Versace|Bright Crystal
No. 5: Le Labo|Santal 33
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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