I Recently Hit The Fragrance Counters - And These 8 Scents Impressed
Image by: Liberty London
In search of a new summer signature? Discover the fresh fragrances that passed the sniff test.
Finding and defining my signature scent has been an ongoing struggle. Over the years, I've chopped and changed from off-the-shelf favourites like Glossier You to headier, more grown-up scents courtesy of Le Labo. When you decide you fancy trying something new, it can be impossible to know where to start. What do I like? What don't I like? There are so many factors to consider: your personal style, willingness to experiment, budget, and the kind of vibe you want to channel. Are you after something that exudes confidence? Consider hints of oud and patchouli. Or are you looking for a seasonal fragrance? Narrowing down which one of the best perfumes for women is genuinely worth the hype is easier said than done. Whether you’re a gourmand lover or someone who tends to gravitate towards floral, citrusy, or spicy blends, selecting a signature scent is a high-pressure task.
So I did what needed to be done: shut my laptop and headed into a department store to get my nose into it. Sniffing coffee beans to reset my smelling capabilities between counters, I tested perfumes based on their bottles (La Collection Privee Christian Dior), to names I'd seen trending on TikTok (Maison Francis Kurkdjian), to brands I'd seen sitting on my friend's bathroom shelf last time I was over (Loewe, Byredo, Narciso Rodriguez). In the end, these are the eight scents transcended my nose blindness and lodged themselves in my memory.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Gentle Fluidity Gold Edition
£185.00
Bacharat Rouge may be the name that gets all the TikTok attention, but I urge you to dig a little deeper. Gentle Fluidity is a unisex scent that I'd say veers more towards the feminine, blending vanilla, amber, and musk with spicy coriander seed. It's warm, it's the perfect amount of sweet, and it lasts on the skin. It has the same headiness as Bacharat but not everyone has it. I loved it so much I bought it - my new signature, discovered
Maison Margiela
Replica Jazz Club
£60.00
While Gentle Fluidity will be taking the title of my signature scent, that doesn't mean there isn't room to flirt with others from time to time. Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club captures the ambiance of a smoky, dimly-lit jazz lounge with a rather intoxicating blend of tobacco leaf, pink pepper, and rum. But that nostalgic haze of aged leather armchairs and vintage cocktails is lifted with a coconut and lemon sweetness that is so summery! I had to buy myself a handbag size bottle for
Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum 50ml
£150.00
Delicate yet complex, it mixes notes of pink pepper, jasmine, and vanilla for a subtle but memorable fragrance. There's a reason this is one of the brand's most popular scents.
Vyrao
Free 00 Eau de Parfum 50ml
£135.00
Ooh this was a goodie. Vyrao prides itself on creating high vibrational scents that inspire your mood and intentions. Free 00 is a vibrant, uplifting fragrance that combines the crispness of citrus with the earthy depth of vetiver and moss. You can't help but feel uplifted thanks to lively notes of bergamot and mandarin, while waterlily is there to promote courage of heart. The bottle even comes with a supercharged Hermiker crystal that has been energised by the brand's in-house healer, Louise Mita, to raise your energy. It's different - but definitely good different.
Liberty London
Liberty Maze Eau de Parfum 100ml
£225.00
Throughout my sniff tests, I've definitely learnt that I adore the scent of bergamot. This newly launched fragrance from Liberty sits in a collection of scents inspired by the department stores most loved prints. Liberty Maze takes that hit of bergamot and blends with the rich depth of patchouli and musk. A little rose and jasmine adds a delicate floral touch, while the warm, woody base notes create a lasting impression. Perfect for those who appreciate complexity and elegance, rather than simply a pretty spritz.
Phlur
Solar Power Eau de Parfum 50ml
£99.00
Phlur Solar Power Eau De Parfum shines even brighter than the Missing Person fragrance that catapulted the brand to internet fame. This radiant scent blends notes of neroli, jasmine, and orange flower with a sunny burst of citrus, capturing the essence of a perfect summer day.
Escentric Molecules
Molecule 01
£95.00
This one has been around for a long time now, but it's taken me until now to try it. Molecules 1 is a revolutionary fragrance that centres around the singular aroma-molecule Iso E Super, which adapts uniquely to the wearer's skin chemistry. The scent is subtle yet captivating, offering an almost pheromonic allure that enhances natural scent without overpowering. It can be almost undetectable to you but it'll draw compliments from those around you.
Maison Margiela
Replica From The Garden Eau de Toilette 30ml
£60.00
Another winner from Maison Margiela! This is immediately earthy, almost like a greenhouse or garden centre thanks to the tomato leaf. That then combines with green mandarin notes to create a crisp, juicy effect that feels light, bright and joyful. It feels summery, very grown up and very interesting.