Perfume continues to be one of the best-selling items in the personal products industry. The perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself, perfume sales have been on the rise, with the fragrance industry expected to earn up to $6.4 billion by 2023. That’s a lot of great smelling people.
While some workplaces are going scent-free and banning the use of perfume, there continues to be a big draw for the classic gift, with many people still using perfume for special events, including weddings, date nights, and parties.
Perfume can be a personal purchase, with people’s sense of smell varying in level of sensitivity. Smell is also heavily linked to memories, so while perfume may smell beautiful to you, it could remind your partner of an unpleasant ex or boss that they hated. If you know the type of scents the person has worn in the past, this can help you make an educated guess about what new perfumes they may like.
Buying perfume online without first smelling it can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. We recommend going with trusted and recognizable names, which is why we’ve included Versace, Clinique and Pheromones on our list. It’s also important to take into consideration who you’re buying the perfume for, while some scents have a more romantic slant based on their name and design, others, like Clinique’s Happy, are more universal and can be gifted to a parent, a partner, or a friend.
With such a wide range of options and price points, knowing which perfume to buy can be overwhelming. We’ve narrowed down the list to three of our favorite scents that are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning noses.
1. Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women
Splurge (modestly) on a designer name with Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women.
Pros: The Versace features stunning notes of Yuzu and pomegranate mixed with musky mahogany and peony for a classically feminine scent. Because the product is an Eau de Toilette as opposed to perfume, it’s better suited to a woman who doesn’t like an overpowering smell. This lower concentration also makes the product affordable while still boasting the high-end Versace name.
Cons: The scent does not last all day.
2. Happy By Clinique For Women
For more than 20 years, customers have loved the citrus-infused Happy By Clinique For Women.
Pros: Happy is a bright and bold citrus scent that combines honeysuckle, grapefruit, lemon, Hawaiian wedding flower and more. We love that the flowery perfume is appropriate for all ages, making this an excellent gift for any woman.
Cons: Happy is an Eau De Parfume, which, like the Versace, means that it is less concentrated than traditional perfumes.
3. Pheromones For Women
The number one pheromone blended perfume, Pheromones For Women is a great gift with a scent that lasts for 24 hours.
Pros: Pheromones is alcohol-free and uses natural oils that protect the skin and lasts for hours. We also like that the Pheromones comes in a 1-ounce bottle that makes it airplane-friendly.
Cons: Can leave an oily residue on clothing when sprayed directly.