I’ve always been captivated by the power of scent. It has a unique way of transporting you back to memories of people and places you love—a spice that reminds you of your grandmother’s signature dish, a flower that echoes your mother’s favorite perfume, or a familiar note that instantly transports you to your favorite hotel or vacation.
I always have candles burning (with a drawer full of extras) and diffusers running throughout our home. But scent isn’t just something I love to be surrounded by; it’s also something I love to wear.
When it comes to perfume, I believe in a signature scent. Whether it’s an everyday fragrance or one reserved for certain seasons or special occasions, scent can leave a lasting impression, boost your confidence, and become an extension of your own personal style.
Here are my favorite perfumes, what they smell like, and when I love to wear them.
My Favorite Perfumes & When I Wear Them
Why Perfume Is So Personal
Believe it or not, perfume is one of the most personal style choices we make. It’s an invisible accessory that lingers long after we’ve left a room, and a sort of signature that becomes part of our presence.
It’s also worth noting that the same scent can smell completely different on different people. Fragrance and essential oils are influenced by body chemistry, so what may smell great to you in the bottle may not smell the same once applied. Our nose also picks up on scents that connect us to a memory or mood, and how it perceives scent varies from person to person. That’s partially why there are so many fragrances out there and why choosing a perfume is so personal. It’s less about the scent itself and more about what feels like you, or entices a certain feeling or memory.
What I Look for in Perfume
I have always gravitated towards fragrances that feel chic, polished, and wearable, with a hint of effortless luxury. I prefer versatile fragrances that can work for everyday or an entire season.
I don’t like perfumes that are too heavy, overly sweet, or overpowering, and I try to avoid anything that’s traditionally girly, floral, or overly powdery.
My favorite fragrances are either clean, fresh, and citrus-y, or on the warmer side with woody notes, amber, and spice.
My Favorite Perfumes
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Without a doubt, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is my most-worn perfume. I don’t know how to explain this perfume, but it has a sweetness to it that lingers on clothing for days, with a warm, woody component thanks to sandalwood and amber. It smells like luxury yet doesn’t feel too uptight or heavy, and perfectly wearable for every day. When I put this on, I feel instantly put-together, and I honestly think I could sniff out this fragrance anywhere.
- Smells like: Cotton candy, a fancy department store, a luxury hotel with a comfortable bed, burnt sugar and vanilla, high-quality silk
- Fragrance notes: Saffron, jasmine, amber, cedar, lemon
Chanel No. 5
I can’t remember if I received Chanel No. 5 as a gift or purchased it on my own, but it was one of the first luxury perfumes I owned and I wore it on my wedding day.
Perhaps one of the most iconic perfumes of all time, this is a classic fragrance that I reserve for fancy dinners, celebrations, or important events. It has a somewhat powdery finish that to some could feel too “grandma,” but I don’t find it too old or musty.
- Smells like: Timeless elegance in a bottle, a vintage silk dress, powdery florals that feel classic and refined, chic older women on the Upper East Side
- Fragrance notes: Aldehydes, neroli, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is a newer perfume in my collection, and it feels like the more modern, younger sister of Chanel No. 5. It’s lighter than Chanel No. 5, but not as light as Chanel Chance perfume. It is vibrant, slightly sensual, and feminine without being overly floral. Given its moody vibe, I like to wear this in the fall.
- Smells like: Smooth vanilla bean ice cream, a refined woman who’s also a little mischievous, a little black dress and diamonds
- Fragrance notes: Orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver
My Favorite Fragrances
Byredo Sundazed
Byredo Sundazed could very well be the perfect summer scent. I originally intended to purchase another fragrance from the brand, but instantly fell in love with how crisp, light, and fresh this one smells. It is my go-to fragrance on a warm, sunny day.
- Smells like: A carefree summer day, sun-tanned skin, fresh lemonade, sweet cotton candy on the boardwalk
- Fragrance notes: Lemon, mandarin, neroli, jasmine, cotton candy, musk
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino is another favorite summer perfume. He is notorious for making unisex fragrances, and although this is more of a cologne style, it’s zesty and fresh and on the lighter side. If you want to feel like you’re on vacation in Italy, a few sprays of this will certainly do the trick.
- Smells like: La Dolce Vita, glittering water along the Italian Riviera, toes in the warm Mediterranean sand while eating fresh citrus, an Aperol spritz
- Fragrance notes: Neroli, bergamot, mandarin, lavender, amber
Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet
Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet was first created for the for the Duke of Marlborough. This is one of their best sellers, and with good reason. It’s a well-balanced unisex fragrance that feels feminine yet masculine with its unique blend of lavender and pine. I find it clean, charming, and sophisticated. For me, it’s a fresh scent that I wear year-round, but it’s a great choice for spring and summer.
Although you can purchase Penhaligon’s fragrances in the US, I highly recommend a visit to one of their standalone stores in London if you have an upcoming trip planned.
- Smells like: a morning walk through an English countryside estate, dry gin, fresh sheets dried in the sun, a lemon tart
- Fragrance notes: Lemon, pine, lavender, black pepper
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
I have been wearing Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt for years. It’s one of those light musky fragrances that seems to always work, regardless of the occasion or season. It’s a great everyday perfume. The sea salt provides a unique freshness to the fragrance but it’s subtle; I promise you won’t smell like ocean water. It’s earthy, woody, and warm with a touch of musky minerality.
- Smells like: A cloudy British coastline, tall grass on a sand dune, herbaceous woods, a touch of salty air.
- Fragrance notes: Ambrette seed, sea salt, sage, grapefruit
Diptyque Orphéon
I’ve been a long-time fan of Diptyque candles. They’re the type of candles that actually fill the room with fragrance when lit. Their perfumes have always been an afterthought for me, but newly recently released Diptyque Orphéon instantly made it onto my list of favorites. I love the story behind the inspiration of this fragrance: an homage to the Parisian jazz club located next to the original Diptyque boutique. And it smells exactly like you’d think—warm, woodsy and slightly vintage. A great fragrance for winter and fall.
- Smells like: A cozy Parisian jazz club, a dimly lit wood-paneled room, old vinyl records, tobacco smoke
- Fragrance notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine
Trudon Elae
Trudon is another historic Parisian candle company that also sells personal fragrances. Trudon Elae is equal parts light, fresh, and sensual, and it’s one of those versatile perfumes that can work year-round, for many occasions. Because of this, I own it in a roll-on, and it’s my go-to perfume I pack for travel. This is probably the most “floral” perfume I own, but on my skin this softens over time, picking up more of the neroli and sandalwood.
- Smells like: Sunshine on a bouquet of white flowers, a bright spring day, a touch of tobacco smoke, an old church with fresh cut stems
- Fragrance notes: Jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang, sandalwood
