The best Byredo fragrances don't need much of an introduction. Since its inception in 2006, the fragrance, home, makeup, and leather goods line has gained undeniable notoriety and become the It-girl go-to. Gypsy Water, a woody meets citrus fragrance, is a best-seller at every retailer that carries it. The brand boasts celebrity fans ranging from Rosie-Huntington Whitely to Victoria Beckham. And new launches, ranging from floral fragrances to vanilla eau de parfums, continue to delight the loyal fan base (and yours truly). The allure is easy to understand—every new fragrance launch is designed to elicit an emotion or memory.
The unisex range of scents is equal parts unusual and unexpected. You won’t find a “dupe” or layered concoction that rivals the expertly crafted formulas—they’re designed with the highest quality ingredients and, of course, a unique edge that distinguishes them from typical offerings. There are earthy, woodsy blends, fruity-florals, and musky perfumes to choose from, but the best Byredo perfume for you—well, that will have to be your call.
To help guide you on your fragrance journey, the Marie Claire team tested every single Byredo perfume out there—from La Tulipe to Biobiotheque. Here, we’ve rounded up the 14 best Byredo fragrance the brand has to offer.
The Best Byredo Perfumes
- Best Overall Byredo Fragrance: Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
- Best Warm Byredo Fragrance: Byredo Bibliotheque Eau de Parfum
- Best Leather Byredo Scent: Byredo Sellier Extrait de Parfum
- Best Byredo Musk Fragrance: Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum
- Best Sweet Byredo Fragrance: Byredo Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum
I’d go so far as to say Gypsy Water is the brand’s most famous fragrance—and it’s no surprise the blend attracts so much attention; it’s highly unique. Technically, it falls into the woody family, but with notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, and incense, I'm constantly left guessing where the fragrance will land. It’s layered, complex, and filled with whimsy, but grounded all in one. It transcends seasonal constructs and is accompanied by intense staying power, making it one of my favorite long-lasting perfumes. It’s a signature scent if there ever was one.
Fragrance Family: Woody Citrus
Key Notes: Bergamot; Lemon Pepper; Incense; Amber; Vanilla
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love: It’s aromatic woody scent with hints of citrus and gourmand is lovely
What I Don’t: It doesn’t last as long as I’d like
Review for MC: “Maybe it’s the Aquarius in me, but I love this scent purely for the fact that others can’t replicate it. It’s so unique with its random pairings of lemon pepper, incense, and amber that it should theoretically smell more chaotic than it does. To the contrary, the notes work harmoniously to give a bright scent that’s just super fun. ” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests the Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum as best Byredo fragrance overall.
For bookworms, nothing smells better than flipping through the pages of their favorite paperback. And if you’re looking for a scent that captures that magical aroma of paper and literature, Bibliothèque is that girl. It opens up sweet with top notes of peony and plum before drying down into a warm musk base of leather and patchouli. One spritz and it will make you want to grab your favorite book, cozy up on a worn leather couch, and get lost in some prolific prose.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Plum; Peony; Leather; Patchouli
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It mixes sweet and wood notes in a unique way
What I Don’t: It might be too potent for some
Review for MC: "As someone who makes dark academia her entire personality (fun fact: I own more books than I do beauty products), Bibliothèque makes me want to move to the French countryside and work on my first novel. The plum and peony add a subtle sweetness to the woodier notes, providing the scent with a romantic aura. It inspires me to write the next ‘The Secret History’...or at least try to get my story picked for the New York Times’s Modern Love section.” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests the Byredo Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum as the best warm Byredo fragrance.
Sellier is an enigmatic, cool girl personified. It has notes of black tea, leather, and tobacco that provide a burst of smokiness to grab your attention. But it's not too showy; the fragrance settles into a calm leather scent that softly lingers. Effortless and magnetic, this is the scent your girl crush is wearing on the regular.
Fragrance Family: Leather
Key Notes: Black Tea; Leather; Tobacco; Oakmoss
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: A soft leather scent that isn’t too overwhelming
What I Don’t: It does tend to fade
Review for MC: “As someone who grew up super shy and unpopular, this scent is exactly what I imagined my adult self would wear if I ever grew out of that awkward phase. It’s loud in a confident way thanks to the deep leather and tobacco notes, but it has black tea and oak moss to add a layer of mysteriousness that lures people in. I find myself the center of attention when I wear this and lean on it for when I need a boost of confidence. Alternate-universe-cool-girl-me would be proud of this scent.” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests the Byredo Sellier Extrait de Parfum for the best leather Byredo fragrance.
Desert Dawn is calm energy in a bottle. It has notes of cardamom for a subtle spice pick-me-up, along with deeper notes of silk musk, sandalwood, and cedarwood to balance the blend. It’s warm and soothing, like a much-needed hug after a rough day. This is something to reach for when you need your mood lifted or even the tiniest sense of peace in the hectic world.
Fragrance Family: Woody Floral
Key Notes: Cardamom; Sandalwood; Cedarwood; Papyrus; Vetiver; Silk Musks
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a lovely woody floral scent; Lasts a really long time
What I Don’t: It might be too sweet for some
Review for MC: “Usually, I want my fragrance to excite me and get me going, but there’s something so alluring about Desert Dawn’s calmness. Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I can’t help but yearn for the warmth and slowness that this woody floral scent brings. Even in the most chaotic times, this scent grounds me and brings me a bit of happiness—which is all I can ask for.” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests the Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum for the best Byredo musk fragrance.
The biggest callout: this is an extrait de parfum not an eau de parfum, so you can expect it to be more intense, longer lasting, and intensely gourmand. The vanilla bean is warm and toasty, but to my surprise, it’s not intensely sweet. Instead, there’s a smoky hint—almost like a burning marshmallow. I dislike smelling too sweet, but this strikes the perfect balance. It’s the fragrance I want my sweater to smell like when cozied up next to a fireplace in the dead of winter.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Vanilla; Cashmere; Wood; Musk
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: It’s a warm scent that isn’t too sweet; Lasts for hours
What I Don’t: It might be too potent for some
Review for MC: “I love vanilla scents in general, but this just exceeded my expectations. The plum adds a bit of sweetness without being too overwhelming and the fragrance overall feels so good, I just want to sit in it in the cold (and honestly forever) to feel warm and cozy.” — Audrey Noble, Contributing Beauty Writer
Audrey Noble tests the Byredo Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum for best sweet Byredo fragrance.
Other Byredo Fragrances I Love
With a delicate yet distinct smell, this perfectly captures what being in a field of tulips would be like. The scent is bright and has a fresh quality that’s almost unplaceable. Even though it’s a floral scent with notes of freesia and tulip, I’ve yet to find anything quite like this, thanks to the mix of rhubarb and vetiver that elevates it to an other-worldly aroma. I would recommend it to anyone looking to switch things up or find a new everyday scent.
Fragrance Family: Floral
Key Notes: Rhubarb; Freesia; Tulip; Vetiver
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love: It’s a true floral scent, with many saying it smells exactly like a tulip
What I Don’t: It doesn’t last as long as I’d like
Customer Review: “I looooovee this perfume! It has a very accurate tulip smell. It smells exactly like tulips! For spring and summer, this scent is perfect. It also has green notes, reminding me of flower stems so it is very fresh and delicious. I got the body lotion for this too because it just smells so good. I love floral scents in general but this one is the most refreshing and light scent!” — Nordstrom
Described as a “celebration of life,” De Los Santos mixes amber, orris, and sage to give you a lovely mix of earth and leather notes to liven up your senses. It lingers for hours, and chances are high that at least five people will say, “Damn, you smell amazing,” once they catch a whiff of you—which is always a win in my book.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Clary Sage; Palo Santo; Orris; Musk
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a unique mix of earthy and leather notes
What I Don’t: Some say that the sage can be overpowering
Customer Review: “This sent hugs me. It’s so nostalgic and gorgeous. It’s like nothing I’ve smelled before but somehow feels like home.” — Nordstrom
As the name indicates, this sensual fragrance has a primal edge. You can expect a lingering scent reminiscent of raw emotion with base notes including tobacco leaves, amber, and sandalwood. With that in mind, this Eau de parfum isn't entirely rough or masculine. Citruses, suede, and hints of floral round out the complex identity. In the end, you're left with a fragrance that is equal parts fresh and mysterious. I personally like to reserve this particular scent for special occasions or big nights out.
Fragrance Family: Amber Floral
Key Notes: Bergamot; Lemon; Violet; Mimosa; Suede; Tobacco
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a unique mix; Lasts a long time; Statement fragrance
What I Don’t: It’s a divisive scent and can be too much for some
Customer Review: “Animalique is not for everyone. It’s bold and unapologetic, with a personality that might feel overpowering if you prefer lighter, fresher scents. However, for those who appreciate a fragrance that pushes boundaries while remaining wearable, Animalique is all that and more. The dry-down is my favorite part—earthy, musky, and slightly sweet. It lingers on the skin in a way that feels both intimate and mysterious. I don't know why this scent is overlooked in Byredo's suite of perfumes. For me it is the standout!” — Nordstrom
Victoria Beckham (and me!) can be counted as one of this fragrance’s many fans. It was one of the first skus to enter the Byredo family, inspired as an ode to the beauty of Africa. While it's technically unisex, it leans on the feminine floral side. Classic notes like bergamot, vetiver, and sandalwood are at the forefront, but niche additions, like African marigold, which is native to the fragrance’s inspiration, are what differentiates this from the masses of floral fragrances on the market.
Fragrance Family: Woody Floral
Key Notes: Bergamot; African Marigold; Violet; Vetiver; Cedarwood
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love: It’s a light sweet floral that isn’t too sweet or overwhelming; Celebrity fan base; Unexpected floral
What I Don’t: It doesn’t last as long as I’d like
Customer Review: “The smell takes you to a paradise that you have never been to.” — Nordstrom
Does Blanche smell like fresh laundry? Yes, but not I’m not mad about it—and you wouldn’t be either. It mixes notes of white rose, pink pepper, sandalwood, and musk to create a bright, fresh scent that smells so clean and luxe, like that 500-thread count Egyptian cotton of your linen dreams. As someone who admittedly loves to jump into her freshly laundered sheets, this scent gives me the same airy happy feel when I have to be away from my favorite place in the world (a.k.a. my bed).
Fragrance Family: Fresh Floral
Key Notes: White Rose; Pink Pepper; Violet; Sandalwood; Musk
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a clean scent that’s perfect for everyday wear; Unoffensive
What I Don’t: Some say it smells too much like soap
Customer Review: “This was a blind buy, but I do not regret it! I was looking for a fresh, clean scent and read a ton of reviews on this one before deciding to purchase. It is everything I hoped it would be. Such a nice, clean, everyday scent!” — Nordstrom
The most unassuming scents oftentimes make for the ones we’ll remember long after our first whiff. Case in point: Mojave Ghost. There’s nothing too complex about the note structure; you get a lovely mix of ambrette, violet, sandalwood, and magnolia. But it’s the balance of woody and floral notes that work so well together to give you that sweet, but not overwhelming tinge. It makes for a perfect everyday scent that will never disappoint you.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Woody Floral
Key Notes: Ambrette; Violet; Sandalwood; Magnolia
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: It’s a lovely balance of woody and floral notes.
What I Don’t: It doesn’t last as long as we’d like it.
Customer Review: “ I have it and I love it. Mojave Ghost by Byredo is such a unique and captivating fragrance. It's got this soft, airy vibe with a mix of floral and woody notes. You get the sweetness of ambrette and a hint of sandalwood, which makes it feel both light and warm at the same time. It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced, making it a great signature scent that works for any occasion. It feels like a little bit of desert magic in a bottle—elegant yet down-to-earth. Definitely a scent that lingers, but never in an intrusive way.” — Fragrantica
Mandarin is and will always be one of my favorite notes. Its citrus tinge is sweet yet fresh and makes my nose tingle in a way that cannot be replicated. This particular mandarin-infused fragrance is balanced by leather (unexpected, yes), but it adds a depth that’s intriguing and all-consuming. I like to use a small spritz of this extrait and layer it with the Vanille Antique (see above) to create a warm cloud around my person.
Fragrance Family: Citrus Woody
Key Notes: Mandarin; Cumin; Tobacco; Leather; Sandalwood
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: It’s a sweet fresh scent; Balances leather
What I Don’t: Many say that the cumin starts to overpower the other notes the longer you wear it
Customer Review: “This is a really great tobacco fragrance because the orange twist in it just makes it. It turns slightly Powdery on me, but it’s absolutely beautiful. One full spray lasts 8 hours.” — Nordstrom
While having mixed emotions can leave you feeling unsure and even a bit shaky, this fragrance combines deeply different notes from a range of fragrance families and is oddly grounding. The cut of black tea extract sits next to floral violet and sweet casis—it’s nearly impossible to visualize what this will smell like until it’s on your skin. It will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to smell it on your skin.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Maté; Black Currant; Ceylon Black Tea; Birch Wood
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love: It’s a unique smokey scent.
What I Don’t: It may be too smokey for some.
Review for MC: “This scent is incredible. It's not overpowering, but it lasts. Initially it's fairly woody, but then it settles to a very fresh and slightly sweet base. Such a comforting scent.” — Nordstrom
A classic rose with a bit of spice, Rose of No Man's Land will appease any floral fan. The pink peppercorns add brightness and spice, while the amber base notes make for a sensual and easy-to-wear scent. I’ve also found that the scent lingers on my clothes in the loveliest way.
Fragrance Family: Floral
Key Notes: Pink Pepper; Turkish Rose Petals; Raspberry Blossom; Turkish Rose Absolute; Amber
Size: 3.3. oz.
What I Love: It's a classic rose scent that lasts for hours
What I Don’t: It is a bit pricey compared to other very similar rose scents in the market
Customer Reivew: "Great classic rose! No soap, no extras. Long-lasting and a good strength without being intrusive." — Fragrantica
Why Trust Marie Claire
Marie Claire is a perfume authority, having tested over 500 fragrances for the Marie Claire 2024 Fragrance Awards. We have reviewed every fragrance family, reported on fragrance trends, and are constantly staying up to date on emerging notes and innovations.
Audrey Noble and Samantha Holender have more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry and have reported dozens of fragrance stories, including the best woody fragrances, the best vanilla fragrances, and the best citrus fragrances.
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best Byredo fragrances, we scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to find the top-rated options on the market. We also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks and asked independent and staff testers to try a mix of cult favorites and new launches.
For each Byredo fragrance we tested, we assessed the fragrance's notes, how long it lasts, and its overall scent as the day went on.
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