22 Best Perfumes for Women of All Time, According to Beauty Pros
We've spent decades trying hundreds of fragrances to find the top scents, from luxury to affordable buys.

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Over two decades as a beauty editor, I have spritzed and sniffed countless perfumes ranging from bargain body splashes to expensive luxury splurges — and have cabinets, counters and drawers filled with fragrances to prove it. With so many perfumes on the market, finding your holy grail (or just your new favorite) can be a challenge. Thankfully, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab team is constantly trying new perfumes as they hit the market to stay on top of the latest launches.
After many whiffs of fragrances both lovely and not-so-lovely, we've found that while perfume is a personal preference, some scents are universally beloved. So before you douse yourself with every sample in the fragrance department, browse our list of the hottest, most popular perfumes of all time, ranging from fresh, clean scents to sweet gourmands like vanilla, warm musks and soft florals such as classic rose.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or searching for a special gift, these are the best-smelling women's perfumes that get the most compliments, including affordable perfumes that won't break the bank.
April (she/her) is the senior beauty and style director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.


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