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!
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!
You should always select perfume depending on the occasion. For example, you should not pick up an evening or night fragrance if you are planning for a casual day out with your friends. The same rule applies to selecting eau de parfum versus eau de cologne. Choose one that is based on the intended purpose.
Perfumes are the most concentrated fragrances that contain more than 20% oil and can last all day long. Eau de parfums contain 15-20% oil content, and the scent can last up to 8 hours, so they are reliable options. They last longer than sprays because they have a low alcohol concentration and are less irritating to the skin.
These are highly recommended for special occasions, formal events, and weddings. It's okay to wear them daily, but save them for special days so everyone who smells them on you will remember your unique scent. Spray some on your pulse points before entering these events and smell great from head to toe.
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 the most popular choice because of its middle price point. It has 5-15% oil content, and its scent can last reasonably well up to 3 hours. Most people like to bring one along with them wherever they go to spritz midday and freshen up.
Eau de toilettes are often worn by young women who want to smell nice or by older women who don't feel comfortable wearing strong perfumes anymore. Even if you're not a big perfume person, you will love EDTs because they are easy to wear and offer up fresh scent that's perfect for everyday wear at school or work.
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 lightweight, making it ideal for warmer weather when you don't want something too heavy on your skin. While some people prefer a stronger scent, this works best as a refreshing pick-me-up option for casual hangouts.
Because of its low price, many people go for eau de cologne (EDC). EDCs contain only 2-4% oil, and it has a higher alcohol content. This type can last for about 2 hours, so you will often need to re-apply. Those with sensitive skin are recommended to avoid EDC because of its high alcohol content.
Eau de colognes have an even less concentration of the concentrate, but they have a corresponding increased alcohol content (which can also be irritating). Thus, patch test!
Your body chemistry has a huge impact on the scent that you choose. A chemical reaction occurs when the ingredients in perfume are activated by your skin's natural oils, hormones, and pH levels. So, let's first take a look at how to choose a perfume based on your skin type.
Having dry skin can make it challenging to wear perfumes like eau de cologne as they contain more alcohol which may further dehydrate the skin. If so, then we recommend you moisturize your skin before spraying perfume. Try to use musk, vanilla, or wood scents to provide moisture and hydration without clogging pores.
Perfumes sit and linger on our skin. Thus, our skin type can affect how it interacts with a perfume.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Regardless of skin type (dry vs oily, sensitive vs resistant), patch test that fragrance!
Your sweat causes a reaction to different scentsーand this could either be good or bad. It is best to avoid musky and woody scents as they smell offensive when mixed with sweat. Choose a more subtle scent of perfume if this is the case. Re-applying perfumes if you have an active lifestyle can help mask the unpleasant smell.
You may opt for a floral, citrus, earthy, and fresh olfactory family to keep you going throughout the day. If you regularly run, keep in mind that most perfumes evaporate quickly because your body is too warm, so re-apply after some time once you have cooled down after a long run.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Perfumes are meant to enhance your natural scent, not mask body odor. For perfumes to work well, one consideration is to keep your sweating at bay and consequently control your body odor at the source.
Perfumes have top, middle, and base notes so you can figure out which sent category your particular fragrance fits into. When buying perfumes, it's best to know the notes so you know what's best for you and what scent you can tolerate. Below is a quick rundown of each note.
Top notes are light, fresh scents that often fade quickly after applying the perfume. They are also known as head notes. These are the first level of scents that you smell when you first open up a bottle. A typical example of a top note inlcude citrus scentsーorange, lemon, grapefruit, pomegranate, and so on.
Fragrances are made of perfume notes which are essentially based on their volatility. 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 consist of more intense smells than top notes and can last longer during the day. The heart of your fragrance lies here, so pay attention to these when choosing new perfumes. Rose, jasmine, and lavender are the typical middle notes since they fit into light/heavy/sweet categories quite nicely.
Middle notes are considered the "true nature" of the perfume. Try out the perfume, and don't base your decision on smelling it straight out of the bottle or on the initial spritz.
Base notes are often deeper smells that come through after the top, and middle notes fade. If you start noticing less intense scents as your day goes on, it could mean there are base notes in your fragrance. Vanilla, musk, and sandalwood are good examples, and these notes can help enhance the overall scent of your perfume.
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.
Experts have categorized the different fragrances into an aroma wheel depending on the different scent notes they have. They have divided it into four major scent families: Floral, Oriental, Woody, and Fresh.
Citrus notes are classified as freshーyour lemon, grapefruit, and orange. These clean-smelling scents also include the smells of herbs and the ocean. A base note of spice is usually paired with fresh scents to give it a fuller fragrance.
It is also best to stick to citrus and fresh scents if you tend to sweat more, as these fragrances have been found to mix well with sweat. It's perfect for post-workout and also great for a pick-me-up for school or work. Citrus scents are recommended to women in their 20s and 30s as they give a youthful vibe.
Citrus scents give off fresh and zesty notes. This is a good option during the summer.
Floral scents are usually light scents, often evoking dreamy landscapes with flowers everywhere and romantic feelings. Floral perfume notes include gardenia, magnolia, lilac, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Some other familiar floral aromas include orange blossom and lily of the valley.
As the name suggests, these are scents that are inspired by flowers. Also under this family are fruity tropical notes such as peaches and apples, soft florals with a little bit of powder and cream, and floral oriental with a subtle layer of spice aromas. These are recommended for women in 20s and up.
Floral notes have a wide array of choices to choose from—ranging from powdery notes to spicy ones. Try to zero in on your note of choice depending on your overall mood.
Think warmth and sensualityーthese perfumes are usually referred to as "amber" fragrances. Rich smells of vanilla and precious wood belong to this category. If you like the earthy smell of patchouli and sandalwood, punctuated with notes of sweetness and spice, this is your scent family.
Often used as a base note for perfumes, woody scents are warm and earthy. Think aromas of sweet soil and moss soaked in rainwater. These are scents that could also remind you of incenseーaromas of sandalwood and cedar. Deep and rich scents are recommended for women in their 40s and up.
Typically used as base notes in perfumes, musky scents range from coppery to mellow to even sensual notes.
The prices of perfumes online and in physical retail stores range from P2,000 to P10,000 or more, depending on the type of perfume, whether it's an eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or eau de cologne. The size of the perfume affects the price, so it's best to buy a small bottle first to try it out yourself.
However, if you have already found your signature scent, you can buy the big bottle with confidence online, and you don't have to think about the scent notes. Meanwhile, if you're buying it as a gift, you can always work around your budget since small bottles are cheaper than big ones.
Perfumes are quite an investment. Thus, it's important to make sure you've chosen the right one.
#AskYourDerma Tips:
With the number of online sellers sprouting from different social media accounts, it could be challenging to find one that sells authentic stocks. Low prices can also be extremely tempting.
It is best, however, to purchase from trusted sourcesーmay it be the brand's flagship store, or a reputable brick and mortar store that has opened an e-commerce website. That way, they can be liable for the authenticity of your purchase.
Fake or counterfeit perfumes are abound. Make sure you get the authentic one by buying from a trusted supplier. Other things to keep an eye out for are flimsy packaging, unreal discounts, and the barcode on the perfume box.
Some scents are offered in as small as 10mL options that you can try. Others are even offered as a set where you can test different fragrances so you can find which suits you best. If you are not ready to commit to a full-sized bottle, this is the best option for your online find.
Try out travel-sized options if you want to test out a scent on your body as you do your day-to-day activities. Remember, scents tend to smell differently on different people, let alone straight from the bottle.
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 a fancy gala, 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 |
---|---|
Top Notes | Violet Accord, Cardamom, Bergamot |
Middle Notes | Virginia Cedar, Leather, Iris, Ambrox |
Base Notes | Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla |
Scent Family | Woody, Powdery |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Casual Events, Romantic Dates, Office, School |
If you're looking for a bright perfume to wear during hot summer days, then look no further than Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea Scent Spray. Featuring citrusy top notes, floral heart notes, and an array of aromatic base notes including soothing green tea, this perfume is sure to keep you smelling crisp and fresh no matter the weather!
While its performance gets mixed reviews, ranging from two hours to up to eight hours, it's more affordable than most designer perfumes so you can spray more on to keep the scent longer. Overall, it's a versatile scent that's great for the office, school, or even just a casual day out running errands!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Top Notes | Lemon, Bergamot, Mint, Orange Peel, Rhubarb |
Middle Notes | Jasmine, Oakmoss, Fennel, Musk, Carnation, White Amber |
Base Notes | Green Tea, Jasmine, Oakmoss, Musk, Celery Seeds, Caraway, Cloves, Amber |
Scent Family | Citrus, Aromatic |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Casual Events, Romantic Dates, Office, School |
Be the belle of the ball with the luxurious Baccarat Rouge 540, a sophisticated perfume that's both spicy and sweet. Featuring extravagant top notes of jasmine and saffron, this fragrance simply exudes class. Its heart notes of amberwood and ambergris lend a sweet and woody aroma while its fir resin and musk base notes add complexity and a dash of sensuality to the scent.
Its price tag is hefty but that's because a spritz or two gets the job done excellently. It'll last for over 10 hours on the skin and even longer if you're spraying it on your clothes. More than just longevity, this perfume offers excellent projection so it's sure to get heads to turn. If you're looking for a perfume to splurge on, this one's definitely worth every cent!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Top Notes | Saffron, Jasmine |
Middle Notes | Amberwood, Ambergris |
Base Notes | Fir Resin, Cedar |
Scent Family | Woody, Amber |
Net Weight | 70 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Romantic Dates |
If you don't want to smell like everyone elseーeven when they are wearing the same scent, then this is the one for you. This perfume adapts to your skin chemistry, making it seem like it was made especially for you! This feminine scent is definitely something you can wear to make you feel sexy.
It has that expensive smell to it, and the romantic floral fragrance makes you feel that nothing else matters except whatever you're doing at the moment. But, the scent isn't that strong to irritate the people nearby. If you love a soft musky floral scent, this is your best bet. You can also wear this every day, on special occasions, and on romantic dates to surprise your partner.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Top Notes | Aldehydes, Pink Pepper, Angelica, Bergamot |
Middle Notes | Iris, Turkish Rose |
Base Notes | Musk, Ambrette, Carrot, Ambergris, Sandalwood, Leather, Amberwood |
Scent Family | Musky, Powdery |
Net Weight | 75 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Casual Events, Romantic Dates, Office, School |
Lost Cherry by Tom Ford is a seductive and daring fragrance to keep you company on romantic dates or an exciting night out on the town. Characterized by a complex mix of floral, nutty, and fruity scents, this perfume is great for women that dare to unleash their inner wild side.
It opens boldly with notes of black cherry and almond before developing into a sexy blend of sour cherry, plum, Turkish rose, and Arabian jasmine notes. The drydown features powerful sweet and earthy notes such as tonka bean, vanilla, cinnamon, and sandalwood to keep you smelling great for up to 10 hours after you've sprayed it on.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Top Notes | Bitter Almond, Liquor, Black Cherry |
Middle Notes | Sour Cherry, Plum, Turkish Rose, Jasmine Sambac |
Base Notes | Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Peru Balsam, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Cloves, Cedar, Patchouli, Vetiver |
Scent Family | Amber, Floral |
Net Weight | 50 ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Romantic Dates |
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. And the base is musky and slightly powdery. This perfume is a sweet, light, and fresh fruity-floral arrangement.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
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 Family | Citrus, Floral |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, School |
Distinguished by its earthy, aquatic, and aromatic scent, Jo Malone London's Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne is perfect for the adventurous and free-spirited. With notes such as ambrette, sea salt, and sage, this invigorating perfume is sure to make you feel refreshed and one with nature.
It is light and airy, making it a great pick for the office and other casual settings. Customers who have tried this fragrance rave about its clean smell, great sillage or trail it leaves behind, and the ability to evoke fun memories from out on the beach.
Type | Eau de Cologne |
---|---|
Top Notes | Ambrette Seeds |
Middle Notes | Sea Salt |
Base Notes | Sage |
Scent Family | Fresh, Aromatic |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Romantic Dates, Office, School |
A popular scented candle-turned perfume, Bibliotheque's signature leathery and papery smell has gained cult fame for its understated and sophisticated fragrance. It's made with fruity top notes of plum and peach, floral heart notes of violet and peony, and warm base notes of vanilla, musk, and leather.
Its drydown can last for up to 10 hours and gives off the sophisticated scent of old books, wooden shelves, and the cozy atmosphere of a library. Altogether, it's an elegant perfume that blends sweet, powdery, musky, and leathery notes excellently— perfect for casual occasions, at work or in school, or even quiet nights in.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Top Notes | Plum, Peach |
Middle Notes | Violet, Peony |
Base Notes | Leather, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk |
Scent Family | Floral, Woody |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Casual Events, Office, School |
The perfume gives you the smell of florals mixed with crisp and musky notes. It will remind you so much of walking around in a summer garden or swimming in an ocean pool with a romantic scent you can indulge in. It's one of those fresh aquatic scents that smell like a spa. With its mild sweetness and watery vibe, this perfume projects aromas of woody sweetness that command attention and hold it still.
The perfection of crystal was the inspiration for Omnia Crystalline. It is as delicate and gentle as a flower petal's touch, and it captures the essence of frosted flowers. This is great for the career woman climbing the corporate ladder who needs a reliable companion to help her get there.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Top Notes | Bamboo, Pear |
Middle Notes | Lotus, Tea, Cassia |
Base Notes | Musk, Guaiac Wood, Oakmoss |
Scent Family | Floral, Fresh |
Net Weight | 65 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Business, Office, School |
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 |
---|---|
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 Family | Amber, Floral |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best For | Formal Events, Romantic Dates |
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.
Author: Laura Mercado
Re-editor: Maria Krisette C Lim
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageBanking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation