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The power of fragrance is undeniable, and that's partly why so many of us integrate perfume into our daily lives.
Of course, at InStyle, we understand how smell can speak volumes when it comes to who we are, our moods, and how we decide to present ourselves to the world. That's why it's important to find a scent that speaks to you and takes you where you want to be.
But let's be real, fragrance can be complex. So for our Best Beauty Buys, we decided to tap a panel of perfume experts to work with us to narrow down the most gorgeous scents to suit everyone's fancy. Then, we divided those winners among daytime and nighttime scents (yes, some of us have been known to wear perfume to bed). And of course there are scents for the home. If we've learned anything since 2020, it's that you simply must have a delectable-smelling domicile.
Whether you lean toward florals, are looking for a new date-night scent to turn on the heat, want a best-kept-secret cult classic spritz, or are in search for a new way to transform your home's scent, we've got you.
Discover our Best Beauty Buys winners in the fragrance category, ahead. And don't miss the rest of our picks across hair, skincare, and more, here.
Home Fragrances
Harlem Candle Co Sugar Hill Luxury Candle
- Winning Category: Candle
For up to 80 hours, make any room smell refreshingly sweet and fresh with this blend of citrus, orange flower, neroli, lemon, vanilla, and lavender.
Diptyque Baies Room Spray
- Winning Category: Room Fragrance
No candle, no problem! A few spritzes of this floral spray will uplift any room you're in — no need to worry about burn time.
Daytime Fragrances
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
- Winning Category: Daytime Scent
Everywhere you go will smell like a fresh bouquet of Lily-of-the-Valley when you spritz on this joyful perfume that adds in notes of peony, iris, and rose.
DS & Durga Jazmín Yucatan
- Winning Category: Clean/Eco-Friendly Fragrance
Inspired by the jungle, this perfume blends notes of bergamot, vetiver, jazmin yucateco, and passion flower for a fresh yet humid effect.
Versace Dylan Turquoise Eau Du Toilette
- Winning Category: Floral Scent
Don't let the medusa on the bottle fool you, this fragrance is as sweet as it gets. Lemon and mandarin balance out the musk and woodsy notes, and at the center, jasmine, guava, and freesia come to full bloom.
CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum
- Winning Category: MVP
Unlike trends that come and go, this fragrance has remained the same since it was created in 1921. It's floral, has hints of vanilla, and is totally timeless.
Glossier You Solid
- Winning Category: Most Innovative
Glossier's signature scent is meant to smell different on everyone as it adapts to your skin's natural smell, and now you can take it on the go thanks to its solid form.
"Moschino Toy 2 Bubble Gum Eau De Toilette "
- Winning Category: Packaging & Design
This is the one time we'll make an exception to the saying "it's what's on the inside that counts." Sure, this fruity and floral scent sparks all sorts of joy, but the gummy bear-esque bottle will make us smile way after we finish the last drop.
Nighttime Fragrances
Fenty Eau de parfum
- Winning Category: Fragrance Launch of 2021
Rihanna took fragrance to the next level by blending notes that seem opposing (such as Bulgarian rose, tangy tangerines, blueberries, musk, and coconut) but together, create a full-bodied and sensual scent.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de parfum
- Winning Category: Date Night Scent
Touted as one of the year's most popular perfumes thanks to TikTok, this French-made fragrance leaves skin with a lingering scent of amber, jasmine, and cedarwood, with a hint of saffron for taste.
Tom Ford Soleil Neige
- Winning Category: Nighttime Scent
Blending white florals and musk with amber and citrus, this fresh-smelling scent is the unexpected, yet perfect, perfume for aprés ski.
Vyrao Witchy Woo
- Winning Category: New Brand
Vyrao was founded to marry perfumery and energy to create good feelings, which is exactly what this earthy scent does thanks to its nutmeg, rose, cinnamon, Orris, frankincense, musk, and black pepper blend.
Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume
- Winning Category: Unisex Fragrance
This fragrance is the epitome of "if you know, you know." This it-scent leaves a lasting impression everywhere it goes thanks to its addictive blend of smoky wood, spice, leather, and musk.