The 15 Best Spring Fragrances Reinvent the Classic Floral Trope

These perfumes are anything but boring.

model with pink spring makeup
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I do not believe you need warm, gourmand fragrances for winter and aquatic, light perfumes in the summer—I'll wear what I want, regardless of the season. That being said, the best spring fragrances, which are known for being light, airy, and floral, have a special place in my fragrance wardrobe. They're a marked diversion from the ouds, woods, and spicy scents that dominate the preceding winter and fall months, effectively bringing me into the fresher (happier) vibe of the season.

While floral profiles—like rose or jasmine—are incredibly popular this time of year, “the most interesting spring scents don’t lean into florals,” says Romy Kowalewski, founder and creative director of 27 87. “They lean into tension. Spring is transitional by nature, so a great spring fragrance captures that in-between.” You'll find fresh takes on peach and cherry, light vanilla perfumes, and even nuanced notes like saffron in the season’s most in-demand scents.

I’ve been testing and finding an incredible variety of scents that I can almost guarantee will give you the best spring fragrance collection you’ve ever had. From traditional floral combinations to stunning molecular fragrances that adapt to your natural scent, these 15 perfumes are unique but still crowd-pleasing—a win-win, if you ask me. Keep reading for tips on how to approach your spring fragrance wardrobe.

The Best Spring Fragrances

The Best Spring Perfume Overall: The Harmonist Yin Transformation

The Best Musky Spring Perfume: Courrèges L'eau Pâle Eau de Parfum

The Best Fruity Spring Perfume: Guerlain L'Art et la Matiere Peche Mirage Eau de Parfum

The Best Floral Spring Perfume: Frédéric MallePortrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum

The Best Gourmand Spring Perfume: Maison Mataha Evasion Bonbon

Ariel Baker testing Yin Tranformation perfume

(Image credit: Ariel Baker)

Ariel Baker testing Courreges perfume

(Image credit: Ariel Baker)

Ariel Baker testing Guerlain perfume

(Image credit: Ariel Baker)

Ariel Baker testing Frederic Malle perfume

(Image credit: Ariel Baker)

Ariel Baker testing Maison mataha perfume

(Image credit: Ariel Baker)

Other Spring Perfumes I Love

What Are Spring Perfumes?

While fragrance isn’t inherently seasonal, there are some notes that fare better in warmer months versus cooler or colder weather. “Spring is never just about softness,” Kowalewski says. “Look for notes with clarity and structure: green banana peel, linden blossom, absinthe, aldehydes, marine accords, or skin-like musks.”

What Type of Fragrance Is Best for Spring?

There are a few notes that are particularly well-suited for spring. “Think of clean, soapy aldehydes that shimmer without sweetness and bright zesty citrus notes that cut through the still-cold air,” Kowalewski says. “Molecules with skin-like elegance can create lift without volume. And if there’s floral, it should clash slightly. A spring fragrance should feel like clarity after noise. Not romanticized. Just radically present.”

Why Trust Marie Claire?

Ariel Baker has over seven years of experience in the beauty industry and is a fragrance fanatic, bringing first-hand knowledge and recommendations to the piece.

Marie Claire is also an expert in fragrance, writing content around fragrance trends, the best perfume releases, and more.

How We Tested

To compile this list of the best spring 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 spring fragrance we tested, we assessed the fragrance's notes, how long it lasts, and its overall scent as the day went on.

Meet the Expert

Romy Kowalewski headshot
Romy Kowalewski

Romy Kowalewski is the creative director and founder of 27 87.

TOPICS
Ariel Baker
Beauty Writer

Ariel Baker is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS and briefly freelance, she has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

Since she started out in the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, music, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her fiancé and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.