JUMP TO OUR PICKS
Buying a perfume for someone else can be a challenge to say the least. Buying a scent for yourself online can also be quite a task – especially because perfume is a highly personal and subjective choice (just like cologne is for guys) so taking the time to understand the recipient’s (or your) style and scent preferences can make all the difference in selecting the perfect fragrance.
Right off the bat, I like to consider the different fragrance families or categories of scents (floral, oriental, woody, fresh, and more). Each fragrance family has its own unique characteristics and appeal, so I try to think about which types of scents the recipient tends to gravitate towards. Maybe they’re ueually more of a floral gal, or maybe their vibe is a bit more exotic and spicy. If you know a few of the fragrances they already own and enjoy, you can explore other perfumes with similar notes and overall scent profile.
And since we’re not at Smell-O-Vision yet (bummer), I find it helpful to rely on descriptions and user reviews to get a sense of the scent profile and performance. Full disclosure, since scent is highly subjective, this can be a miss as well – so what smells amazing on one person may not necessarily suit another. And there’s that pesky body chemistry thing. I’ve been stopped by someone asking what perfume I’m wearing, only to have them say “Weird, that doesn’t smell like that on me, at all.”
So after personally owning, sniffed, gifted, or read countless reviews, I’ve put together a list of perfumes to gift (or keep!). Whether you’re looking for the perfect fragrance for your wife, girlfriend, mom or you’re just looking for something fresh and new for yourself, I’ve got you covered.
BROSTRICK'S TESTING CRITERIA
FAMILY
Perfumes are typically categorized into fragrance families, such as floral, oriental, woody, and fresh. Consider which fragrance family appeals to you most and aligns with your personal style and preferences
LONGEVITY
Perfumes vary in their longevity or how long they last on the skin. Consider the longevity of a perfume, whether you prefer a long-lasting scent for all-day wear or a lighter fragrance for shorter occasions.
OCCASION
Consider the occasion or purpose you have in mind. Some perfumes are more suitable for daytime or casual wear, while others may be better suited for evening events or special occasions. Choose a perfume that matches the vibe
SILLAGE
Sillage refers to the trail of fragrance that a perfume leaves behind. Consider how strong or subtle you want your scent to be, and whether you prefer a fragrance that lingers in the air or stays closer to the skin
OUR TOP FRAGRANCE WINNERS
NOTES:
- TOP: Fig Leaves
- MIDDLE: Fig Tree Sap
- BASE: Fig Tree Wood, Pepper
Fragrance Family: This scent is a captivating fragrance belonging to the woody and fruity fragrance family. Its top notes are green fig leaf and fruity fig, creating an immediate impression of freshness and vitality. In the heart, the fragrance unfolds with a creamy and woody accord of fig tree sap, adding depth and complexity. As it settles, the base notes of fig tree bark and the surprise of pepper emerge, imparting a subtle and comforting warmth to the scent.
Strength: It’s moderately strong, with a delicate balance that I find is noticeable without being overwhelming. Its sillage is moderate, leaving a gentle trail that lingers softly in the air.
Vibe: I think this one is ideal for daytime wear, particularly during spring and summer, this fragrance exudes a laid-back and carefree vibe, perfect for casual outings, a leisurely stroll or a little Sunday brunch.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Bergamot, Ylang-Ylang, Lemon
- MIDDLE: Cinnamon, Rose, Jasmine
- BASE: Patchouli, Vanilla, Powdery Sweet Woods
Fragrance Family: This gem is an enchanting fragrance falling into the oriental and floral fragrance family. At the top, you’ll find bursts of bright and citrusy notes of bergamot, lemon and ylang ylang, which I think feels fresh. Middle notes reveal a rich and exotic bouquet of jasmine, rose, and cinnamon, which gives off a little luxury and opulence. And finally, as it settles, you’ll catch the base notes of patchouli, powdery sweet woods, and vanilla – which adds some warmth.
Strength: When I sampled this one, I found it to be long-lasting, and a bit of an attention-getter, without being too much. And I found the sillage to be pretty substantial, and definitely left a trail – but not in a bad way.
Vibe: I find this to be a more suited for evening wear, particularly during the cooler months of fall and winter. And being a bit more sophisticated, I think it’s perfect for special occasions or a night out.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Strawberry, Blackberry Accord
- MIDDLE: Jasmine Accord
- BASE: Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood
Fragrance Family: This scent falls into the gourmand family. It is a rich and sophisticated scent with a blend of bold and sensual notes. The top notes include bright and sparkling accents of blackberry and strawberry, which add a burst of freshness and energy to the fragrance. Middle notes, you’ll find floral accords of jasmine which infuse the perfume with a bit of romance . At the base of the fragrance is the warmth and sweetness of vanilla, amber and sandalwood. These base notes linger on the skin, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication and allure.
Strength: I learned that most find this one to be a relatively strong fragrance with a decent amount of longevity. The sillage is moderate to strong, so it will probably leave a bit of a noticeable trail of scent as you wear it.
Vibe: I think overall, the vibe of Burberry Her Elixir de Parfum is luxurious, fresh , and confident. It exudes sophistication and femininity, making it well-suited for evening wear or special occasions. Whether you’re headed out for a romantic dinner, attending a fabulous event, or just want to add a touch of femininity to your everyday routine, I think this one is a great pick.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Peach Nectar, Water Lotus, Orange Flower Essence
- MIDDLE: Tuberose, Jasmine Petals, Golden Gardenia
- BASE: Vanilla Bean, Cedarwood, Cashmere Musks
Fragrance Family: Bahia falls into the floral category – a warm floral that blends soft florals and juicy nectar. It opens with top notes of peach nectar, water lotus, and orange flower essence, which I think enter the stage as inviting and refreshing. Middle notes unfold with tuberose, jasmine petals, and golden gardenia, that deepen the floral’s intoxicating bouquet. At the base, this fab scent settles into notes of vanilla bean, cedarwood, and cashmere musks, that I think make this fragrance both, vibrant and comforting.
Strength: I found that the overall consensus on this one is that it seems to have a moderate presence, not too overpowering, and not too faint – so I think this option is ideal for those who appreciate a scent that lingers gently.
Vibe: Evoking feelings of relaxation, comfort, calm, serenity, light, and peacefulness is the plan, Stan. It’s sunny and warm. And since it’s like sunshine with a light breeze in a bottle, it’s suited for any time of the day and just about any occasion. An MVP if you will.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Grapefruit, Quince
- MIDDLE: Hyacinth, Jasmine
- BASE: Musk, Iris, Virginia Cedar, Amber
Fragrance Family: This light Eau de Toilette is floral – a fresh, fruity-floral really. Most find this fragrance to be a youthful scent, combining flowers and powder. It features top notes of grapefruit and quince, middle notes of hyacinth and jasmine, with notes of amber, iris, musk, and cedar at the base.
Strength: The Eau de Toilette version of Chance, is a bit lighter and fresher than the Eau de Parfum. So if you prefer your fragrance to be a bit more subdued, you’ll probably find that here. However, that also means that this one might not carry you through the day. Which might be a plus for some. Since it may not have strong longevity or sillage, this is more suited for close encounters or daily refreshes for most wearers. With that being said, most reviews don’t mind the refresh, because they love the scent so much.
Vibe: The vibe of the fragrance is spring is in the air! It’s youthful and fresh, evoking a soft, clean femininity that’s perfect for daytime wear or any occasion where the vibe would call for a more understated scent.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Bergamot Nectar, Orange Blossom
- MIDDLE: Rose, Lily, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli
- BASE: Musk, Tonka Nut, White Patchouli
Fragrance Family: Kiehl’s Original Musk is a classic musk fragrance, but with a floral, woody musk profile. The top notes start with a cheerful hello of orange blossom and bergamot. Then, middle notes dives into a blend of rose, lily, ylang-ylang, and neroli. At the base is where the magic happens—a cozy blend of tonka, musk, and patchouli that lingers.
Strength: On me personally, I find that the sillage is noticeable but not overwhelming. I also find that this fragrance doesn’t clock out; it really seems to last, and lingers on my clothes as well. It’s versatile enough for sun-ups, sun-downs, and everything in between.
Vibe: Whether you’re in for a day at the office or a night on the town, Kiehl’s Original Musk is a great go-to. It evokes a warm, sensual vibe that’s versatile enough for any occasion, day or night. It’s a great match for those who appreciate a deep, rich, and enduring fragrance.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Lemonade, Sparkling Pomegranate
- MIDDLE: Raspberries, Cranberries
- BASE: Warm Vanilla, Musk
Fragrance Family: I Love Your Smell Baby belongs to the fruity fragrance family, with a bright and interesting mix of top notes like lemonade and sparkling pomegranate, middle notes featuring juicy raspberries and fresh cranberries, and warm vanilla and creamy musk as its base notes. Ta da!
Strength: This scent knows how to make an entrance without taking over the room – moderate sillage that invites closer encounters rather than announcing your arrival from a mile away. But the longevity on this one will require a refresh for most. However, like Kiehl’s Original Musk, it tends to linger longer on your clothes. It’s a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free concoction that’s as kind to your skin as it is to your nose.
Vibe: The vibe here is upbeat and effervescent, making it a perfect plus-one for just about any occasion. It works for day or night, and is a versatile charmer that fits seamlessly into just about any activity – making it a great scent for anyone that enjoys the balance of sweet fruits mixed with the depth of musk.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Coffee
- MIDDLE: White Flowers
- BASE: Warm Vanilla
Fragrance Family: This seductive scent falls into the oreintal fragrance family, which is categorized as being warm and spicy. It opens with coffee and orange blossom, with middle notes of white flowers, like jasmine, and finishes with the warmth and sweetness of vanilla.
Strength: I find Black Opium is not for the faint-hearted, my friend! It’s bold, it’s confident, and it’s here to make a statement. With its moderate to strong intensity, Black Opium ensures you’ll be noticed from across the room. The sillage? Oh, it’s definitely leaving a lasting impression, lingering in the air long after you’ve strutted past.
Vibe: As for the vibe, I think this makes a great accessory for your nighttime escapades. Whether you’re hitting the town, indulging in a romantic dinner for two, this sets the mood. But hey, that doesn’t mean that the night has to have all the fun. Some rebels out there swear by wearing Black Opium during the day, and after all, rules are meant to be broken, right? This unique blend of coffee, vanilla, and white flowers, creates a modern, youthful, and addictive scent.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Bergamot, Chilled Cucumber, Waterlily
- MIDDLE: Dewy White Flowers, Cyclamen, Muguet
- BASE: Patchouli, Rainforest Vetiver, Clean Musks
Fragrance Family: First things first, Rain falls under the Fresh fragrance family. At the top of the fragrance cascade, you’ll get a burst of revitalizing bergamot and dewy white flowers, middle notes also include cyclamen and muguet, further giving lily vibes, while the dry down – or base leaves you with clean musk and sheer woods.
Strength: I’m a fan of the Clean Reserve fragrances and have owned a few over the years. One of my favorite things about them, is how clean and unobtrusive they are. Rain is subtle, yet captivating. It’s not about overpowering the room; it’s about leaving a subtle trail of freshness and mystery wherever you go, right? The sillage here is moderate, just enough to leave a hint of intrigue without stealing the show.
Vibe: The vibe here is simplicity. Reach for this one when you want to feel grounded, and refreshed. It’s suitable for everyday wear – day or night. It’s like a little chameleon that adapts to any situation. Whether you’re heading to brunch with friends, running errands around town, or enjoying your own company during a little self care night.
How Strong Is It?
Feminine Scent?
Masculine Scent?
NOTES:
- TOP: Tangerine, Heliotrope, Orchid
- MIDDLE: Tropical, Gourmand Accord
- Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk
Fragrance Family: Yara falls under the Oriental fragrance family. So, what’s in the scent recipe? At the top, you’ve got a burst of tangerine, heliotrope and orchid, to kick-start your olfactory experience. Then, you’ll encounter a rich blend of tropical notes and gourmand accord, and finally you’re left with the star of the show, the base. At the finish you’ll find a blend of warmth and sweetness with vanilla, amber, sandalwood and musk.
Strength: Yara isn’t here to play games It’s a powerhouse of scent that commands attention wherever you go. Most find that a little goes a long way. And the sillage? Oh, it’s leaving a trail of intrigue in your wake.
Vibe: Yara is perfect for those moments when you want to feel like the queen (or king) of the room. It’s ideal for any event where you want to leave a lasting impression – whether you’re heading out for a romantic date night, attending a fabulous soirée, or just want to add a touch of luxury to your everyday routine. And as for the question of day or night? This one can work for both. It’s equally at home under the sun’s daylight rays as it is basking in the pale moonlight.
