25 best perfumes and colognes

Publish date: 2024-07-06
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You know a good fragrance when you smell one, and all it takes is one spritz to discover your signature scent.

Just in time for the holidays, Sephora is offering 20% off all of its full-sized fragrances until Dec. 24 so you can gift your loved ones a luxe bottle of perfume or cologne for a refreshing start to the new year.

From YSL to Prada, you’ll enjoy deep discounts with Sephora’s Fragrance for All Event, where dozens of scents aren’t upwards of hundreds of dollars any more thanks to the magical code, FRAGRANCE20.

Not to mention, Sephora is also offering free same-day shipping with code FREESHIP. Each code is limited to one use only, though both can be used at once.

Plus, Sephora’s Fragrance for All Event is heaven-sent for the last-minute shoppers out there (you know who you are).

“Fragrance makes the perfect gift for the holidays because you get to gift more than a material item, you can gift a memory, and that feels so much more special,” Melinda Solares, Sephora’s beauty director, told the Post. “Sephora is the best destination for fragrance — we have a diverse range of options that clients can choose from and the 20% off promotion for Beauty Insider members is the perfect time to try something new or send a gift to someone in your life.”

The Fragrance for All Event is available to all three tiers of Sephora Beauty Insider members: Insider, VIB and Rouge. And, when you sign up for the Beauty Insider rewards program, you’ll also have access to samples and future deals and exclusive experiences.

“If you’re not sure what fragrance to gift someone, or even finding a new scent for yourself, our Fragrance Finder Quiz on Sephora.com is a great way to discover new products,” Solares adds.

Here are the three best fragrances to shop for, according to Sephora’s beauty director:

Below, find our 25 favorite fragrances from Sephora’s Fragrance for All Event. And, remember — shop ASAP; some of the most popular fragrances are already out of stock.

Click to jump to our favorites:

Please keep in mind that there are multiple full-size options available for some fragrances, with some price variations. Please visit the Sephora page for full details.

The best Sephora perfumes

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum, $110.40 (originally $138)

As one of the most cherished fragrances (per a Sephora beauty director), Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum is a scent for lovers of all things fruity floral.

Maison Margiela ‘Replica’ By the Fireplace, $108 (originally $135)

Readers, meet one of Sephora’s most clamored-about fragrances for wintertime: Replica By the Fireplace. It’s essentially the warm woodsy, spicy chestnuts-roasting-by-the-open-fire feeling you want in a bottle.

Burberry My Burberry Blush, $102.40 (originally $128)

Introducing one of Burberry’s finest, recently launched scents: My Burberry Blush. As one of my favorites on my perfume tray, it’s one of those signature fragrances that leave a mark as you enter a room.

OUAI Dean Street Eau De Parfum, $44.80 (originally $56)

Meet the “that girl” fragrance of TikTok that’s widely popular for its fresh and clean scent. If you want one perfume that’s ideal for a morning and midday refresh, it’s this one. And. trust me, it’s one of my most-used bottles on my nightstand.

Aerin Cedar Violet Eau de Parfum, $108 (originally $135)

Out of all the perfumes I own (and there are many), Aerin’s Cedar Violet is the one I always get the most compliments about. It’s one of the most unique floral scents with a hint of amber to make it less overpowering and more natural.

Ellis Brooklyn Myth Eau de Parfum, $80 (originally $100)

I was recently sent Ellis Brooklyn’s Myth Eau de Parfum in the mail and let me tell you, it’s 100% worth picking up for the now-$80 price. It’s versatile for daytime or evening and has been becoming a new time favorite.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum, $104 (originally $130)

Introducing one of Sephora’s bestselling fragrances and one everyone is getting their hands on — Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium. Not only is the packaging enchanting but its warm and rich scent — which is infused with coffee! — is enough to add to your shopping cart.

Chloé Eau de Parfum, $144 (originally $180)

The Chloé Eau de Parfum has a buildable floral scent, one of the most adorable bottles and is a delicate, lightweight fragrance to wear every day.

Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle, $148 (originally $185)

As Aerin’s No. 1 fan — literally, I have four bottles on my nightstand — its Mediterranean Honeysuckle fragrance is especially great to gift for anyone who likes “different” scents — the unique ones that aren’t too worn. Plus, its fresh scent notes make it ideal for vacation travel.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum, $96.80 (originally $121)

Talk about making a statement. Not only is Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl a bedroom showpiece but it’s fitting for the woman seeking a sensual fragrance that will turn heads.

Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum for Her, $110.40 (originally $138)

When I received a sample of Gucci Bloom, my mom instantly stole it and has repurchased it twice. Yeah, it’s that good and makes a fantastic gift for your wife, too — or anyone on your list.

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum, $100.80 (originally $126)

Every time I enter a Sephora, I always reach for Prada’s Candy. Not only is the bottle stunning but there’s something about this fragrance that makes it a sweet treat to wrap up this year.

Marc Jacobs Fragrances Daisy Eau So Fresh, $94.40 (originally $118)

For the woman who loves fresh bouquets showcased in her home, Marc Jacobs Fragrance’s Daisy Eau So Fresh not only has the cutest name ever but is popular for its fruity floral and plum-infused scent that’s oh-so-heavenly.

The best Sephora colognes

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, $115.20 (originally $144)

As one of Sephora’s most-shopped-for men’s colognes, Jo Malone London knows what it’s doing with the Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Plus, it’s a lovely and earthy unisex scent.

Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi Cologne, $152 (originally $190)

Acqua di Parma’s Fico di Amalfi Cologne is unisex, worth the hype and absolutely divine. For a little over $150 during the sale, pick it up for nearly $50 off.

Armani Beauty Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme Cologne, $124 (originally $155)

If you’re looking for a “safe” scent that nearly any guy would love, Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gio is your best bet. I recommend it to everyone IRL, my brother loves it and it makes a nice show with the designer label.

Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Cologne Bleue, $77.60 (originally $97)

For less than $100 during Sephora’s sale, Yves Saint Laurent’s L’Homme Cologne Bleue is a fresh option that’s suitable all year round — and, nearly identical to Giorgio Armani’s fragrance.

Versace Dylan Blue Cologne, $97.60 (originally $122)

With a name like Versace, you can’t go wrong. The brand’s Dylan Blue Cologne looks luxe, honors a woody and earthy scent and has a hint of natural citrus for loveable freshness.

Valentino Uomo Yellow Dream Cologne, $77.60 (originally $97)

Valentino’s handsome bottle features a splash of gingerbread and mandarin for a warm and spicy fragrance blend you won’t get enough of. It’s fresh and fun with a touch of musk.

Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree Eau de Cologne, $105.60 (originally $132)

Ride the fresh, on-trend wave of mandarin mixed into cologne with Hermes. This fun twist is a tad fruitier than Valentino yet incorporates mellow amber to balance it out.

Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette Cologne, $120 (originally $150)

Gift Dior this holiday season with the Sauvage scent that’s riveting, incredibly woody and earthy and all-natural for every day.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Cologne, $97.60 (originally $122)

A concoction that’ll have you dreaming of summer, Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue fragrance is inspired by the sun-drenched Sicilian mandarin (a crowd favorite these days), encapsulated by freshness and makes a great less-than-$100 gift.

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Cologne, $120 (originally $150)

No, Viktor&Rolf isn’t limited to its bestselling Flowerbomb fragrance (which is also on sale). As a special treat for men, the Spicebomb carries with it a cool spicy scent to break away from the tried-and-true warm woodsy scent.

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette Cologne, $75.20 (originally $94)

Let’s cut to the chase — when you see Prada for $75, you run. The Luna Rossa Ocean is a balanced blend of woodsy and citrus that any guy on your list will love. And, it includes the much-loved vetiver scent that’s popular in most candles.

Ralph Lauren Polo Cologne Intense, $72 (originally $90)

For a relatively stronger scent, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Cologne Intense is your winner. It’s shy of $75 during Sephora’s sale and is an elegant blend of cooling sage and earthy notes.

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