9 best perfumes for women, according to beauty insiders

Best Floral Fragrance + [Readers’ Choice] Best Fragrance: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum, $265

Credit: Gucci Beauty

1/9

Why it won: Forget your usual delicate florals. The Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum is a sensual bouquet of jasmine, magnolia accord and mandarin essence that settles into to a base of sandalwood and benzoin.

“It’s like a throwback to what we used to smell on our favourite grandma, but with a modern twist. The rose added more sweetness while the pepper gave a more neutral yet spicy tone. I loved how it stayed so beautifully on my skin throughout the day.” – Larry Yeo, makeup artist

Best Fresh-Floral Fragrance: Bulgari Parfums Rose Goldea Blossom Delight Eau de Toilette, $197

Credit: Bulgari

2/9

Why it won: Reminiscent of flowers blooming in springtime, the Bulgari Parfums Rose Goldea Blossom Delight Eau de Toilette uplifts with its fresh notes of grapefruit, lily of the valley, peony, rosebud, white musk and cedarwood. It’s perfect for everyday use.

“While I’m more of a musky/oud loving person, there’s something about this floral scent that captured me. It wasn’t overpoweringly sweet, yet there was a sweetness and sensuality there at the same time. And I love how long-lasting it was on me – I was on a long flight and I still smelt like it when I arrived at my destination. Plus, the bottle is so pretty too.” – Munah Bagharib, actress and host

Best Fruity Fragrance: Flower by Kenzo Poppy Bouquet Eau De Toilette, $227

Credit: Kenzo

3/9

Why it won: When fruity and floral notes come together in the best way, you get Flower by Kenzo Poppy Bouquet Eau de Toilette. Imagine a stroll through a Japanese flower market with whiffs of green almond, tea leaves, mandarin essence, jasmine sambac, gardenia, damascena rose, white musks and cedarwood.

“The scent was strong throughout the day; it did meld into my skin and own scent, but didn’t lose its essence & in fact was quite pleasant throughout.” – Letty Seah, associate beauty editor

Best Amber Fragrance: Victoria's Secret Bare Eau de Parfum, $109

Credit: Victoria's Secret

4/9

Why it won: As comforting as second-skin, the Victoria Secret’s Bare Eau de Parfum marries notes of Madagascan mandarins, Egyptian violet petals, Australian sandalwood, a proprietary blend of musks together with your body’s unique chemistry to reveal your ideal signature scent.

“I really liked how this scent developed. A light touch of spiciness, a deep sweetness and then pump up body that stays creamy fresh in our heat.” – Larry Yeo, makeup artist

Best Chypre Fragrance: Cartier Declaration Eau de Toilette Haute Fraicheur, $109

Credit: Cartier

5/9

Why it won: Crisp and green, the Cartier Declaration Eau de Toilette Haute Fraicher is as fresh as the first day of spring. It blooms with cedar, citrus leaves and cardamom leaving behind a woody spiced trail.
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“A very elegant, classy fragrance that’s fresh, green and herby. Very unisex and has a very cool, dry quality. Some may find it too “cold” and lightweight but I like it. Works very well in our hot weather.” – Letty Seah, associate beauty editor

Best Fresh Fragrance: Burberry Signatures High Tea Eau de Parfum, $385

Credit: Burberry

6/9

Why it won: Just a spritz of the Burberry Signatures High Tea Eau de Parfum will put you in the mood for a relaxing afternoon tea. With its blend of roman chamomile, clary sage, bergamot, lavender and ambroxan, it leaves an enchanting and refreshing trail.

“It’s a well-balanced, versatile and unisex scent for sure. And I liked that it lived up to its name, as you can smell its tea-like notes and the fresh bergamot. It’s long-lasting and is an unique scent to wear. Plus, I really adored the packaging – simple yet elegant with colours that do represent how high teas are like. The leather knot was such a cute but lovely touch too.” – Tay Ying, actress

Best Nostalgic Bottle Design: Two Lips Sun, $220

Credit: Two Lips

7/9

Why it won: It’s all about good vibrations with the Two Lips Sun. From the bottle design to its mood-enhancing fragrance of bergamot, coconut, rose, sandalwood and vanilla.

“The scent did develop and blend into my skin as the day wore on, and it enhanced my own natural scent, which I found really interesting. I also loved the puff on the perfume bottle – very classic!” – Munah Bagharib, actress and host

Best Alcohol-Free Fragrance: Dior J'adore Parfum d'eau, $284

Credit: Dior Beauty

8/9

Why it won: A new way to wear your favourite J’adore fragrance. The Dior J’adore Parfum d’eau is made without alcohol, but only a floral-infused bouquet of neroli, jasmine sambac and Chinese magnolia.

“The original has been always one of my favourites, so this was instant love. Its light, sweet yet musky scent smelt beautiful. It was a little bit sweeter than the other variants in the range, but it wasn’t overpowering. And the scent stayed on all day on me.” – Munah Bagharib, actress and host

Best New Fragrance Brand: Tory Burch

Credit: Tory Burch

9/9

Why it won: A collection of fragrances, each a reimagined classic with unexpected contrasts and made for self-expression. There’s Divine Moon for peace, Sublime Rose for love, Electric Sky for freedom, Mystic Geranium for joy and Cosmic Wood for magic. More importantly, each Tory Burch fragrance is made using the best quality botanicals and essential oils, by a different perfumer, to bring out its true personality.

“The fragrances were a lovely surprise – richly layered, sublime and unique.” – Letty Seah, associate beauty editor