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Fragrance is the first impression you quietly convey, used to express your ever-changing moods, contrasting personas, and cherished memories. Does the invigorating burst of punchy citrus instantly revive your soul? Or do the depths of damp woods and zingy spices awaken your senses? Welcome to ELLE Noteworthies, a definitive guide to the finest fragrances we’ve encountered this year, poised to accompany you as you create new scent memories.
Our senses bring out the vividness of life—and our sense of smell is no exception. Our noses are portals to the world’s dynamism, opening our brains and being to endless experiences. “Scent communicates so much—whether reviving memories, crafting a signature aroma, or discovering the perfect gift for a loved one. Fragrance allows one to enjoy the quirks of luxury with three spritzes and a deep inhale,” states Nina Garcia, Editor in Chief, ELLE Magazine.
At ELLE, we are privileged to receive the newest and hottest fragrances. Whether it’s a luxury perfume, a tried and true favorite that’s re-released with more intense notes, or the latest trends in aroma, if it’s on the market, it’s in our office. “Fragrance continues to be a growing industry. Consumers view it as a form of self-care, a way to identify oneself, and even a form of escapism. It’s an accessible conduit to luxury. You may not be able to buy a couture dress; however, you can buy a $300 fragrance. It’s the true entry point luxury brands and scent memories last longer than the life cycle of the perfume. A true gift. At ELLE.com, we commit to sharing what’s new in fragrance and exploring the intricacies of scent,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE Magazine.
The best way to find a new fragrance is to smell it yourself. However, we understand that going to a counter (or sometimes, even a different country) may not be an option. Nevertheless, you deserve to smell good. Here at ELLE, we wanted to make it easier for you to find the best perfume or even a home scent. Our Editors tried over 250 new and exciting fragrances, and after months of the office smelling perpetually delicious, we came up with our final list. We also contacted two cosmetic chemists, our “Noses,” to share their expertise. With varying aromas from sweet, spicy, floral, and beyond, we narrowed it down to 21 categories (including, Icon of the Year, Best Perfumer of the Year, and Best Garden) to make perfume shopping a scent-sational, educational, experience.
Ahead, the best fragrances of 2023 that you’ll want to shop right now.
Meet the Noses
Ginger King, Cosmetic Chemist
With over three decades in the beauty industry as a cosmetic chemist, Ginger King has developed a plethora of skincare products and innovations, and has served as a consultant to help brands bring their vision to life from idea to execution.
On her career as a cosmetic chemist: “How many people can truly say, ‘I get paid to play.’ I really do! Making products that make people smell good, feel good, and being paid is awesome. While I am not a “traditional” perfumer, I do know that when you work as a perfumer, you can NOT wear fragrance yourself and you cannot eat spices like garlic that may impair your sensory ability.”
Esther Olu, Cosmetic Chemist
Esther Olu, aka The Melanin Chemist, is a cosmetic chemist and licensed esthetician. The Nigerian-American has built a following on Instagram and TikTok for her straightforward approach to uncomplicating science and beauty using entertaining infographics. Whether demystifying skincare trending topics in her ongoing Myth vs. Fact series or breaking down the skin microbiome, Olu’s platform encourages you to look beyond the hype and ask yourself: Is this product actually good for you?
On her personal scent palette: “It’s a combination of sexy, confident, warm, and flirty. I like [my perfumes] to be sensual and confident, while simultaneously being inviting and playful.”
BEST LUXURY
Christian Louboutin
Notes: Lemon Oil, Sea Salt, Tuberose, Musk
Mirror, mirror on the wall—whose the most luxurious perfume of them all? According to ELLE Editors, Christian Louboutin. While the designer may be known for his red bottom shoes, his latest fragrance, Loubimar, is a shining star. Our Digital Beauty Director, Danielle James shares, “This was one of the first perfumes we smelled and the aroma continuously returned to our memory like a new lover you can’t get off your mind. ‘It’s good, but it doesn’t smell as great as Loubimar,’ Nerisha and I would exclaim between sniffs of fragrance and coffee beans. The floral, aquatic mix smells so distinct, interesting, and divine, both Nerisha and I knew that this regal-looking bottle held the scent that deserved the title of ‘Best Luxury’—and we know you will, too.”
BEST FLORAL
Gucci
Notes: Mandarin and Bergamot Italy Essence, Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute, Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Sandalwood Australia Essence, Patchouli Indonesia Essence
“Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine is a deeply romantic scent that genuinely smells like a walk in a spring garden. It’s sweet but not cloying, and lasts forever.” — Sara Austin, Executive Editor
BEST MUSK
L’Objet
Notes: Salt, Incense, Labdanum, Cashmere Wood
L’Objet is known for its luxurious and quirky home fragrances and design essentials to add an eclectic touch to your personal space. Last month, the brand expanded outside its apothecary and delved into personal fragrances, much to ELLE Editors’ delight. “L’Objet’s apothecary namesake, Côté Maquis, transported me to the Mediterranean Sea. In one whiff, the salty top notes mixed with incense and cashmere wood took me back to a warm, sunny, coastal, Summer day in the Mediterranean,” states Digital Beauty Director, Danielle James.
BEST CLEAN
Leila Lou
Notes: Pear, Jasmine, Fresh Cut Grass, Vanilla
Leila Lou is more aquatic and fruitier than it is floral. “Immediately, grass and water come to mind at the first spritz. As the skin warms up the scent, its fruiter notes float to the surface to engage in a tug-of-war between land and sea,” ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha Penrose says. In this scent, juicy pear and peach roll around in freshly cut grass, leaving a wet, tangy, garden-fresh trail in its wake. It’s a light-hearted, daytime fragrance that doesn’t take itself seriously, and is a great layer base for heartier, stronger nocturnal notes for the evening.
BEST FRESH
13 Stems
Notes: Freesia, Green Pepper, Violet Leaf, Mimosa, Leather, Amber
Relevant: Your Skin Seen by 13 Stems was an overall office favorite, with ELLE Editors remarking how great this scent smelled. This fragrance is serial beautypreneur Nyakio Greico’s first foray into fragrance, and unsurprisingly, with her signature touch, it’s a win. No matter what Editors preferred—whether they leaned toward more floral, more amber, or even gourmand fragrances, everyone loved this scent. Seriously. Senior Digital Designer Leah Romero shares, “I now quite frequently get asked, ‘what are you wearing?’ Certain scents fade after a night out, but 13 stems is long-lasting. I love it so much; I now have the travel size too! My go-to scent for the summer.”
BEST HOTEL SCENT
Lili Bermuda
Notes: Rose, Mandarine, Pink Rose Damascena, White Peonies, Raspberry, Sandalwood
It should be a criminal offense to be miserable while wearing Island Rose by Lili Bermuda. Inspired by the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda, the perfume is an olfactory representation of what a vacation on the island would be like. At the heart lies a medley of soft roses, peonies, and raspberries. “There’s a hint of citrus that peaks through the bed of florals. It’s a fresh-floral fragrance that plays well with others, but shines on its own,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor.
BEST WOODY
Elorea
Notes: Herbaceous Perilla Leaves, Crisp Ginger, Rose, Oak, Vetiver
Even though Elorea is only one year old—it’s a fragrance brand that should be on everyone’s radar because of its distinctive aromas. Co-founded by Wonny Lee and Su min Park, the recently released Forgotten Words Collection sheds light on Korean words that are no longer in its modern-day lexicon. Gentle Shower is the Korean word for jambi [잠비], which describes unexpected rainfall that allows harvesters to rest. This woody, grassy fragrance smells like a fresh rainshower on a green field, intensified by the vetiver and perked up by its ginger notes. The rose gives it more of a sweet musky scent, which is less expected than the typical floral note. “I love when the description of a perfume truly translates the scent, and in two words, Gentle Shower is just that. It’s fresh, yet woody—the remanence of an hour-long rain shower that allows the scent of the forest to shine through. This scent is like connecting to nature,” says Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director.
BEST BIPOC FRAGRANCE
House of Bō
Notes: Kelp, Banana Leaf, Lavender, Magnolia, Ylang Ylang, Tuberose, Oakmoss, Mastic, Sandalwood
“El Sireno mixes popular floral scents with the aroma of the Gulf of Mexico. House of Bo is the Latina fragrance brand introducing the world to the dynamic luxury offerings of Mexico. Introduce your nose to Mexican opulence—it’s a scent your nose needs to know.”— Nina Garcia, Editor in Chief, ELLE Magazine
BEST PERFUME CANDLE
Maison Margiela
Notes: Bergamot, Benzoin, Matcha Accord
“Leave it to Maison Margiela to replicate that relaxing moment right after you take a sip of your Saturday morning matcha. Now you can have that moment seven days a week with Matcha Meditation. “We had a slew of perfume candle submissions and surprisingly, nothing came close to this unique, clean, scent. It’s familiar and simple, yet extremely luxurious. In this high-stress world, Matcha Meditation is the candle everyone needs.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director
BEST WOMAN-OWNED
Brown Girl Jane
Notes: Peach Nectar, Water Lotus, Orange Flower Essence, Tuberose, Jasmine Petals, Golden Gardenia, Vanilla Bean, Cedarwood, Cashmere Musks
Digital Beauty Director Danielle James states, “If a free-spirited woman wants to embody her boundlessness in a signature scent, Bahia is the easy choice. My only call-out is that the bottle is so small for $62.00. I rather pay more money for a larger size.”
BEST FRAGRANCE FOR GIFTING
Burberry
Notes: Strawberries, Blackberries, Jasmine, Vanilla, Amber
What’s the perfect fragrance gift for Mom, a girlfriend, or yourself (come on, you deserve to be treated, too)? Without a doubt, Burberry Her Elixir. This fruity, gourmand scent is bold and for the adventure-seeking. ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha Penrose says, “Her Elixir has a flirtatious, feminine swing. The smooth gourmand swirls with creamy vanilla and strawberry. She eventually matures as she dries down, the sweetness shrinking for a sophisticated finish with sandalwood.”
BEST PERFUME OIL
Being Frenshe
Notes: Fresh Lavender, Milky Sandalwood, Sweet Cardamom
Being Frenshe is a TikTok favorite and the brainchild of early aughts superstar, our very own Teen Queen, Ashley Tisdale. Accessible, affordable, and delightful, Tisdale has created her fragrance apothecary exclusively for Target. While we loved many scents, Lavender Cloud was an ELLE favorite. “Applying this to my skin, I instantly felt calmer and more relaxed. I love the wooden top and the fact it’s a roll-on, making it easy to apply. It’s small enough to throw in your purse, too,” reveals Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director.
BEST GENDERLESS
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Notes: Aldehydes, Calabria Bergamot, White Sandalwood, Egyptian Jasmine, White Musk, Sweet Pea, Mock Orange
“Maison Francis Kurkdjian and sophisticated luxury go hand in hand. TikTok fell in love with him for the luxuriously scented (and expensive) Baccarat Rouge 540. 724 exemplifies that Kurkdjian truly has the Midas touch. If you see me out and about in NYC, there’s a high chance I’m wearing this fragrance. It’s fresh, energizing, and perfect for any urban dweller, particularly as it was inspired by city landscapes.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director
BEST MIST
Sol de Janeiro
Notes: Creamy vanilla, amber, tuberose, ylang-ylang, coconut
No passport is required to travel wherever a whiff of Rio Radiance takes you. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again—summer doesn’t start until Sol de Janeiro says so. Like the cherry blossoms emerging to signal the start of spring, a new Sol de Janeiro mist means summer is on the way,” states Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor. The mist is both comforting and intriguing, almost like a mingling of the salty beach air, coconut-infused drinks, and pasty sunscreen smells that pervade a sunny getaway. Instead, what you’re smelling is creamy ylang-ylang and tuberose ringing coconut milk and vanilla in a gourmet symphony.
BEST MEN’S FRAGRANCE
Carolina Herrera
Notes: Sage, Ginger, Vetiver, Cocoa, Tonka Bean, Patchouli
“Of all the submissions for the men’s category, we opted for a scent that was intriguing from bottle to scent composition. Gold packaging aside, Bad Boy by Carolina Herrera stood out from the crowd because it has unusual note pairings that would keep me glued to my boyfriend all day long because this cologne is guaranteed to yield compliments,” Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor notes. This scent is an exploration of duality; smoky and mysterious, sparkling and vibrant, Bad Boy has an addictive opening of rich chocolate and tingling ginger in tango, a sensual cocktail reminiscent of a whiskey-fueled night in a downtown jazz club.
BEST SPRING SCENT
Hermès
Notes: Grasses, Olive wood, Fresh Pistachio
Un Jardin a Cythere smells like a walk through a botanical garden. “I have allergies, so while I won’t be enjoying a physical garden, Hermes does a great job creating an olfactory version. The airy scent is tinged with tangy twists,” Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha Penrose says. The scent unfurls with a sparkling citrus opening that feels like the first sip of a cold aperitif on a Greek island. As it settles, its woodsy, earthy tones unearth—courtesy of its grasses and olive wood—before it returns to a lemony delight.
BEST SUMMER SCENT
Penhaligon’s
Notes: Blackcurrant, Ylang-Ylang, Cedarwood
Solaris exists somewhere at the intersection of a beachside getaway and a jasmine-filled garden. Neroli and lemon enter a warm embrace that invites its white florals to take centerstage. “Solaris feels like an intimate invitation to a dance-off between woodsy and citrus notes under the warmth of an afternoon sun,” Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor says. However, it’s the citrus notes that come out on top, though the scent is deepened by blackcurrant to evoke the feeling of the sun setting on damp skin. This is undoubtedly, the best summer perfume.
BEST FALL SCENT
Boy Smells
Notes: Pomelo, Jasmine, Peony, Vanilla, Pink peppercorn
Like an adventurous trip down to the neighborhood it is named after, LES by Boysmells takes an unexpected twist. At first whiff, LES is a sultry-sweet delight with pomelo and peonies softly caressing each other. Darker notes like warm vanilla and cedarwood add depth without dominating the scent’s youthful exuberance. “It feels like a fun day with no structured plans—you don’t know where the day will take you, but every twist and turn keeps you wanting more,” Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha Penrose says.
BEST WINTER SCENT
NETTE
Notes: Orange Flower, Coconut Milk, Sandalwood
“Coconuts for winter? Actually groundbreaking! I love that Coco Fleur initially smells like a tropical oasis, but the longer it settles, the more warm and smoky it becomes,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor. Not your typical nocturnal, cold-weather scent, Coco Fleur feels more like a misplaced balmy day in the dead of winter, making it the best winter perfume.
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