Our 10 Most-Complimented Fragrances (That We’re Willing To Share)

“Marissa Zappas is the most interesting independent perfumer around right now. Her scents are romantic and sensual — she values beauty above all things. Annabel’s Birthday Cake is a celebration of decadence: with rich tuberose, candied rose petals, it’s easy glamour fresh out of the oven.” — Sophia June, culture writer

“Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 is one of those IYKYK fragrances. The original ‘skin scent,’ the single-note scent morphs to your body chemistry and leaves behind a subtle, hard-to-describe, completely intoxicating fragrance. It's the kind of scent that once you smell, you'll recognize instantly — and leave people to stare at you and wonder how your skin smells so damn good.” — Faith Xue, executive beauty director

“A lot of people love this fragrance just because they love pistachio — and that's a good enough reason to buy it, if that's you. But for me, not a lifelong pistachio lover, I love how it's a creamy and sweet gourmand fragrance that still taps into the unexpected, especially with the cardamom note. This makes me feel like a must-have dessert at an impossible-to-get-a-reservation restaurant — absolutely mouthwatering yet somewhat elusive.” — Sam Neibart, beauty editor

“I grew up at the beach, so the coconut-y scent of sunscreen is comforting and nostalgic for me, no matter what time of year. This fragrance comes from the highly Instagram-able sunscreen brand Vacation, and has beach-ready notes of banana, pineapple, and orange blossom that have me longing to book a summer trip back home. If I can't spend a hazy day lounging by the pool, spritzing this on is the next best thing.” — Alyssa Vingan, editor-in-chief

“I'm a sucker for a clean-smelling perfume, which means I'm always reaching for Maison Margiela's Bubble Bath — even right out of the shower. I'll spritz myself with it as a base, get ready, then layer my other favorite perfumes for that ultra-fresh smell. The result speaks for itself; friends and strangers often come up to compliment how nice I smell whenever I wear it.” — Laura Pitcher, beauty writer

“Inspired by the sexy, swanky Chateau Marmont — or rather, whatever happens behind its closed doors — this exquisite fragrance from new brand Perfumhead has become my go-to. It's sexy yet subtle, with notes of bergamot, nutmeg, palo santo, and vanilla for a cozy, come-hither effect. Mark my words: you're going to start smelling this scent everywhere.” — Faith Xue, executive beauty director

“Hilde Soliani is the queen of gourmand fragrances for a reason. No one else could create such a flirtatious yet sophisticated true cherry perfume. I reach for Una Tira L’Altra constantly, especially on a night out, as one spritz leaves me feeling like the cheeky, unforgettable life of the party.” — Layla Halbian, culture editor

“Vyrao's line of ‘high-vibrational' fragrances look like art pieces, and Witchy Woo is what I reach for to conjure up a moody, sensual, powerful version of myself. It has notes of orris, rose, nutmeg, and patchouli, and instantly puts me in a more free-flowing state of mind. Spritz this once to summon your creative powers.” — Faith Xue, executive beauty director

“Baccarat Rouge 540 is probably the best-known-on-the-internet fragrance from this line, but the brand produces nonstop hits. In a landscape of perfume fandom that often focuses on sugary or smoky ‘sexy’ scents (and I love those, too), 724 has an entirely different kind of allure. It's like the chic pantsuit of fragrances. I don't know how it smells like clean lines and sharp creases — but it does. It's fresh and citrusy without feeling like it will evaporate away, and grounded with just enough musk to command attention.” — Sam Neibart, beauty editor