/best-perfumes-of-2022-tout-1f66fe014d494aea9ff3062c75729dc3.jpg "Best Perfumes of 2022: Top 12 Fragrances to Try")
There’s something undeniably charming about receiving compliments about your fragrance. In today’s world, a celebrity’s status seems incomplete without a signature fragrance line. While we may not have the definitive answers to these musings, we’re here to guide you in discovering your next beloved perfume.
Research indicates that our sense of smell significantly influences how we perceive one another. Just as trends in fashion, like Ugg slippers and colorful nail art, ebb and flow, so too do fragrances. Current viral trends on platforms like TikTok can introduce you to the latest must-have scents, yet fragrance remains an individual journey; what resonates with one may not with another. To assist you in selecting a timeless scent that won’t fade into obscurity like past trends, we consulted with fragrance authority and podcast host Tynan Sinks from Smell Ya Later.
“We’re transitioning from the era of ‘skin scents’ which are light and barely detectable, to more pronounced, sweeter, and more playful fragrances,” Sinks reveals to PEOPLE.
Fragrance is a thoughtful gift choice for occasions like birthdays or holidays, as it reflects your understanding of someone’s unique preferences. While some brands label their scents as “feminine” or “masculine,” it’s essential to remember that scent is inherently gender-neutral. Feel free to choose whatever fragrance resonates with you the most!
With a plethora of options available at department stores, pinpointing the perfect fragrance can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled an extensive list of the best perfumes catering to various preferences, including distinct fragrance families, formulations, and price ranges.
Unearth your next signature scent with the help of PEOPLE’s carefully curated selection of outstanding perfumes available on the market.
Top Pick for Overall Best Fragrance: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
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Sephora
This enticing fragrance, warm and smooth with a hint of sweetness, is so delightful that you may find yourself irresistibly drawn to inhale your wrists throughout the day (at least, that was my experience!). ‘REPLICA’ Jazz Club by Maison Margiela has rapidly ascended to the status of a holy grail fragrance, becoming a staple in the makeup collections of PEOPLE editors. True to its name, this scent evokes memories of smoky jazz clubs and the cozy sensation of returning home on a chilly day to curl up by the fireplace with a steaming cup of spiced tea. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sensuality, with a depth that leaves you yearning for more.
The fragrance features spiced pink pepper as a top note, transitioning to an alluring blend of neroli oil, rum, vanilla, and smoky tobacco leaf, creating a harmonious, multifaceted scent profile. Jazz Club is elegantly packaged in a minimalist glass bottle that embodies understated luxury, a quality mirrored in the high-grade ingredients used, ensuring impressive longevity. This perfume boasts excellent projection, ensuring that those around you will certainly notice your captivating aroma.
‘REPLICA’ Jazz Club rightfully earns its title as the best overall fragrance for several compelling reasons — it offers a scent that feels both unique and comfortably familiar, plus it truly lasts throughout the day with proper application. The delightful sweetness and warmth are expertly balanced with spicy and smoky undertones (and personally, as someone who typically suffers from headaches caused by synthetic fragrances, this one has never caused me any discomfort!). Feel free to purchase this Eau de toilette spray as a thoughtful gift for your loved ones, but be forewarned — one whiff on someone else and you may find yourself tempted to grab one for your own collection!
Price at time of publish: $144
Size: 1 oz. | Formulation: Eau de toilette spray | Key Notes: Pink pepper, neroli oil, rum, vanilla, and tobacco leaf
Outstanding Runner-Up for Overall Best Fragrance: Dossier Ambery Saffron
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Walmart
What could be more enticing than the question “What fragrance are you wearing?” That’s the captivating effect of Dossier’s Ambery Saffron. This scent exudes deep, spicy, and mysterious vibes that would seamlessly blend into the ambiance of a dimly lit jazz club or an intimate speakeasy. The fragrance opens with top notes of golden saffron and orange blossom, gracefully layered over sweet, lightly floral heart notes like jasmine and plum, and anchored by rich, woody base notes such as fir balsam and amber. The slightly sweet aroma leaves a trailing spicy finish that keeps you intrigued in the most delightful way.
Dossier positions itself as “the affordable alternative to luxury perfumes,” having gained recognition for crafting budget-friendly versions of popular fragrances. Ambery Saffron draws inspiration from the highly coveted MFK’s Baccarat Rouge 540. This profound and intricate perfume stands out as an ideal autumn scent and is an exceptional gift for even the most discerning fragrance enthusiasts.
Price at time of publish: $49
Size: 1.7 oz. | Formulation: Eau de parfum spray | Top Notes: Saffron, orange blossom, jasmine, cedarwood
Distinctive Fragrance of the Year: Glossier You
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.