13 Sweet Perfumes That Won't Give You a Headache
Sugar, spice, and everything nice.
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I'm not ashamed to admit I own over 150 fragrances. I'm easily swayed by notes that make me smell sophisticated, energetic, and spicy. However, my fragrance collection is as expansive as a department store aisle and my star players are, without a doubt, the sweet scents that leave me smelling edible, fresh, and flirty. Sweet perfumes have always had a bad rap, as the mere thought of anything "sweet" evokes memories of cheap, childish body mists and sprays that smelled like candy, apples, and sugary vanilla.
Shop our top picks for sweet perfumes of 2023
There's nothing wrong with smelling delectable, but sweet perfumes have received a mature update that's inviting, seductive, and alluring enough to leave a trail behind. After perusing my own stash, I scoured the net to find the 15 best gourmand scents to add to your collection.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '68 Beija Flor
Main notes: Brazilian jasmine, pink Dragonfruit, vanilla
My summer body care lineup isn’t complete without the Cheirosa ’68 mist. As a big fan of its Bum Bum cream counterpart, the mist helps intensify the cream by layering its candy-like scent and lasts throughout the day.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Literally obsessed with this scent that I finished the whole bottle and had to buy another large bottle because it’s such a beautiful scent! Even my manager was smelling me at work!!”
Main notes: mandarin, pink rose damascena, sandalwood
Each product in Lili Bermuda’s collection is a nod to the beautiful island it’s named after. My favorite is easily the Island Rose perfume, which smells like walking under swaying trees bearing delectable fruits like raspberry and orange. A floral cocktail of crushed leaves, white orris, and rose provides a subtle smoothness that you’ll want to make your signature scent.
Lili Bermuda rating: 5/5 stars
A Lili Bermuda reviewer said: “A beautiful delicate rose! Subtle hints of raspberry and green. Sits close to the skin, and sadly, fleeting. But worth it to reapply as needed.”
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum
Main notes: vanilla, mandarin, ylang-ylang
I have just about every Good Girl perfume in the Caroline Herrera range, but its newest iteration made me question the stars in my starting lineup. Vanilla-based perfumes can quickly sway childish and overly sweet. However, Herrera offers a grown-up version that marries vanilla’s sweetness with the creamy ylang-ylang and mandarin for a warm, inviting floral.
Ulta rating: 5/5 stars
A Lili Bermuda reviewer said: “A beautiful delicate rose! Subtle hints of raspberry and green. Sits close to the skin, and sadly, fleeting. But worth it to reapply as needed.”
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum
Main notes: orange blossom, pink floral accord, musk, amber
The heart of For Her by Narciso Rodriguez is orange blossom, which immediately bursts with sparkling energy as it makes way for musk and vanilla to take the spotlight.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I am highly fragrance-sensitive and can’t wear most scents, but this one has become my signature. It’s a complex blend with a subtle effect. It doesn’t beat you over the head with its wonderfulness -- it just surrounds you in a light shimmer of scent.”
NEST New York Golden Nectar Eau de Parfum
Main notes: golden orchid, vanilla, musk, amber
Whenever I spritz a deep, overpowering musky scent, I cut it down with this sweet delight from Nest. Golden Nectar is precisely how you’d imagine it to smell; the honeyed aroma takes cues from golden orchid, creamy vanilla, and a hint of musk to warm the body up.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “Amazing fragrance. I get stopped frequently with the question what is the fragrance, it smells so good.”
Valentino Voce Viva Intense Eau de Parfum
Main notes: bourbon vanilla, orange blossom, jasmine
Voce Viva is not for the faint of heart. If you want heads to turn and constant questions about what you’re wearing, this seductive, nocturnal floral scent is the nighttime scent you’ve been looking for. Bourbon vanilla offers the sexy side, while mandarin, orange blossom, and jasmine keep it playful.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I recommend it too much! If you like the floral smell with a touch of citrus, this perfume is for you. I love it, since its smell is impregnated in the clothes leaving a delicious fragrance. I love it.”
CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Main notes: orange, jasmine
Coco Mademoiselle is a mature scent that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It features an exquisite composition of jasmine, patchouli, and rose with a velvety smooth dry down.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I love how strong the scent is and it lasts for such a long time! For me, it is a calming scent. I buy it every year! I 100 percent recommend this.”
Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette
Main notes: bergamot, lily of the valley
My favorite layering hack is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace. It’s the creamiest scent in my collection and an absolute team player. When worn alone, it’s soft, fresh, and feminine. Combined with other scents, Amazing Grace subtly plays in the background, but its bergamot and lily of the valley notes sparkle through without being too overpowering.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I wear almost everyday and get compliments everyday. It is not too heavy or overwhelming. Even people who are sensitive to perfumes love this on me.”
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato 33 EDP
Main notes: pistachio, hazelnut, sweet rum,
If I could climb to a mountain top and sing the praises of this scent, I would. Whatever you thought a pistachio perfume would smell like, Kayali turns it on its head. Yes, it has a gourmand base that sweetens any layering combo, but it also plays tug of war with its spicier notes.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Literally the BEST. I bought it after smelling the tester and spraying it on a strip and sniffing it all night. Literally my summer scent!!”
Parfums de Marly Cassili
Main notes: red currant, Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, vanilla
Cassili is fruity and floral without feeling childish. Thanks to notes like red currant, plum, and mimosa absolute, it's an elegant scent perfect for the warmer months.
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I love this fragrance. I think it is a unique, juicy, sweet, fruity, powdery creation. It smells very fun and summery to me. Peach isn’t listed in the notes, but I think it is peachy, like eating a peach desert at a fancy summer party! And it has good lasting power on my skin.”
Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum
Main notes: fresh fig, jasmine, vanilla
Ellis Brooklyn bottles up a perfect summer vacation in this vibrant lime green bottle. That vacation smells a lot like coconut, vanilla, and flowers. Layer it with the Sun Fruit oil for an intense tropical scent.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “This perfume smells like summer heaven. Based on the scent description, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would like it, but I am so impressed. It’s the perfect scent for the summer months. It’s very rich smelling and reminds me of St. Tropez. It really is one of the best-smelling perfumes I have ever tried.”
Mugler Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense
Main notes: bergamot, jasmine, vanilla
Deep and sensual, sultry and sweet, Alien Goddess is unlike any other Mugler scent offering. The woody notes skip around the brighter earthy additions like bergamot and jasmine to create a warm blanket of youthful exuberance.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Lovely! Summery smell but anytime wear. Very satisfied with this blind buy.”
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
Main notes: pink pepper, iris
Is your perfume collection complete if You by Glossier isn’t included? Don’t judge the perfume by its powder pink bottle. Yes, it leans flirty, but the pink pepper is the star of the show, offering a spicy edge to a bed of creamy woods and musks.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I smelled this once in the store and knew I had to have it. It smells sort of like bubble bath, blackberry, and iris! I put it on in the morning, but it lasts until evening. So glad I bought this <3.”
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