34 Of The Best Perfumes For Women, From Classic Fragrances To New Scents

If you have been to the Liberty of London store, you will know exactly what it smells like when you walk in through the Tudor grade-listed entrance: the smoky smell of its wooden floor, stairs and beams, all mixed in with the scent of urban rainy London with notes of the beauty hall wafting through. This fragrance is the smell of the store, bottled – sandalwood, iris and amber mingle with juniper, ginger and nutmeg. To smell it is to smell a slice of history – and it is divine.

— Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director

Inspired by Africa, this floral scent has long been my go-to for everyday and evening – I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of it. With notes of African marigold, bergamot, Moroccan cedarwood and violet, it’s a fresh – but not overpowering – scent unlike any I’ve tried before. It lasts most of the day, but I like to do another spritz around lunch for better staying power.

— Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor

I didn’t think Prada’s Paradoxe could get any better, but the Intense formula serves as proof that there is always room for improvement. Completely intoxicating, it has the same sensual facets of florals and amber in the original, but with a green twist that takes the gourmand composition into a fresher dimension. New notes of moss and magnetic Ambrofix lend both sophistication and longevity – a light mist is all that’s necessary for it to linger all day long. I’m also obsessed with the simple, stylish and sustainable bottle. An emblematic Prada triangle, it’s infinitely refillable with lots of shelf appeal.

— Tracy Achonwa, contributing beauty writer

Since being lured into a Floral Street pop-up in Covent Garden a couple of years ago, their London Poppy scent hasn’t left my fragrance rotation. Citrusy and fresh, it combines zingy top notes of Sicilian lemon with Florida orange while a salty marine note adds an unexpected (and very welcome) twist. Perfect for those who are after a little extra energy. Plus, thanks to a 20 per cent concentration of aromatic oils, a little goes a long way. This scent is a compliment waiting to happen.

— Ellie Davies, audience growth manager

Over the summer, I was in Canada with my sister and one day in Banff we did a four hour hike and then went to the natural hot springs for a little soak. On the bus back to our hotel I got a compliment about my perfume – it had lasted the whole day. No further proof needed to recommend this perfume.

— Hannah Daly, associate social media manager

I love having more than one perfume on the go and pick them depending on my mood. This year, I added Loewe Solo Ella to my collection – a refreshing scent that reaps compliments every time I wear it. I don’t tend to gravitate towards florals, but Loewe’s take is distinctly different: inspired by “state of grace and equilibrium” and “the balance of oppositional accords” it boasts depth and strength that ensures it lasts all day and night (and the next day).

— Alice Cary, shopping writer