It took months of spritzing, spraying, and smelling. There were days of debates over notes of vanilla and endless testing over how long those long-lasting hints of jasmine and sandalwood actually were. We showed up to meetings and dates and sat shoulder–to–shoulder on trains, and took notice: Was the musk too overpowering? Did the gardenia garner glances? Did the layers of wild berries disappear in an instant? But it was worth it to bring you Marie Claire’s first annual Fragrance Awards.
The winners represent our choice for best of the best; a selection of timeless classics and exciting newcomers. And so whether you subscribe to the signature scent ethos and are just browsing or like to mix up your fragrance based on your mood you’ll find these picks have one thing in common: They all smell really, really good.
From left to right: Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle, Bvlgari Allegra Chill & Sole eau de parfum, Cartier La Panthére eau de parfum, Oscar de la Renta Alibi Pop Eau So Charming; Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme
Sweetness from flowers, peach, and vanilla is warmed by creamy sandalwood and white musk.
This fragrance was designed to embody the emotion of optimism and the smell of a perfect day.
Sensual and delicate are the most accurate descriptor for a blend of gardenia and musk.
Described a floral amber rose blend, wild berries add a fizzy sparkle.
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean Sea with spritz of this sun-drenched aquatic scent.
From left to right: Costa Brazil Aroma eau de parfum, Diptyque Paris Set of 5 eaux de toilette, Kilian Paris Angels' Share eau de parfum, YSL Beauty Black Opium eau de parfum
This custom-designed box is made from sustainably sourced white ash with a red oak finish.
Holiday season is upon us, and a set of five olfactory blends is always an appreciated gift.
An art deco bottle from The Liquors Collection is the perfect case for a fragrance featuring cognac oil as a top note.
Noses will tingle with notes of vanilla and coffee for hours on end.
From left to right: Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled eau de parfum, Nette Pear Jam eau de parfum, Donna Karan Cashmere Collection
Confident and contemporary, you'll be met with a light scent epitomizing a successful, driven man.
An unexpected, jammy blend of pear, vanilla, and peach are scientifically proven to boost joy.
Whether Wild Fig, Palo Santo, Tiare Flower, or Tunisian Neroli is on tap, a comforting sensation can be expected.
From left to right: Sisley Paris Izia eau de parfum, Aesop Eidesis eau de parfum, Lake & Skye 11 11 Azure Eau de Parfum, Fragrance Du Bois Oud Jaune Intense
Smells like the perfect bouquet of fragrant red roses, balanced with notes of wood and musk.
A unisex fragrance that combines warm notes of wood, spice, and amber.
This take—using musk made from organic sugar–cane alcohol—is a twist on the brand’s classic fragrance.
With exotic monoi, ylang ylang, and pineapple notes, this perfume not only smells delicious, its scent also lasts.
From left to right: Roan Fragrances Porcelain Pulse eau de parfum, Jennifer Meyer eau de parfum, D.S. & Durga Debaser eau de parfum, Ledda 18 Vanilla Nera eau de parfum, Aerin Beauty Amber Musk, Parfums de Parly Perseus
An afternoon in an English tea parlor was the inspiration behind this blend.
A spray on your wrist conjures up days spent on the beach, enveloped in clean, salty, ocean air.
This small–batch, unisex fragrance of ripe fig, iris, and coconut milk, is an upgrade on the plummy scents of your youth.
When you want to make a statement, reach for this sweet–spicy blend of pink pepper and cardamom.
Hints of coconut water and rose are subtle, but make a big impression.
Spritely notes of grapefruit leave you smelling sweet while invigorating your mind.
From left to right: Burberry Goddess eau de parfum, Tom Ford Beauty Ombre Leather dau de parfum, Chanel Bleau De Chanel eau de parfum, Christian Dior Miss Dior eau de parfum
A classic fragrance that consists of not just one note of vanilla, but three.
The smells of patchouli, vetiver, and jasmine will make you feel like you’re spraying the wild winds of the desert on your skin.
Citrus and cedar are at the heart of this fan–favorite.
In a pretty bottle sealed with a bow, the scent of this fragrance can best be summed up as: happy.
From left to right: Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly eau de parfum, Aman Essentials Alta Fine Fragrance eau de parfum, Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman, Arquiste A Grove by the Sea eau de parfum
Warm and inviting, with scents of black tea.
A sweet celebration of caraway, cardamom, saffron, and orris.
Tap into spiritual energy with the light freshness of ginger and ambery notes.
Notes of pine needles, wild rosemary, and thyme conjure soothing feelings of being in a forest.
From left to right: Nest New York Bamboo Reed Diffuser, Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Room Spray, Homecourt Cece Surface Cleaner, The Laundress Signature Detergent, Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange, Aroma Tech Love Story Essential Oil
Flip the reeds weekly for a sparkling citrus scent that lasts for months.
This plant–based spray brings the earthy, sweet smells of a summer garden into your home.
Your counters will be clean and smell like sweet cardamom and cinnamon after using founder Courteney Cox’s signature scent.
This jasmine scented all–purpose detergent is formulated with bio–based ingredients.
Tangy citrus may be the primary note of this natural wicked candle, but Goji berry and mango are close seconds.
Dry vanilla and orchid come together to create an exotic atmosphere.
From left to right: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair and Body Fragrance Mist, Evolvetogether Deodorant Havana, Tocca Olio Sublime Florence Dry Body Oil, Crown Affair The Signature Scent
This mix of sandalwood, pink pepper, and jasmine works wonderfully as an all–over spray.
The plant–powered formula goes on clear and smells of softly scented violet.
Hydrate your skin with argan, jojoba, and vitamin E, while citrus and gardenia leave a delicately sweet scent.
A spritz of this non-drying hair formula–a blend of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass–provides an instant pick–me–up.
Photographs: Evan D'Arpino
This story appears in the 2024 Changemakers Issue of Marie Claire.
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