It’s just really nice (and convenient) to have a signature fragrance—you know, that one perfume that’s just “you” that you can spritz on at any time without a second thought. I’m talking about those everyday fragrances—the ones that when people get a whiff of them, they know you’re around. It’s the scent that you can wear to really complete your look or that you put on when you need a little pick-me-up before you head out the door.
But if you’re looking for a signature or everyday fragrance, you have to choose wisely. You don’t want something that’s way too trendy, because it could go out of style in time, so think of something more timeless, whatever that means to you. You probably want something that transcends seasons and also occasions—nothing that’s just for daytime or nighttime events. And most importantly, you want to find a scent that you won’t get tired of. It’s a tall order, right?
So if you’re looking for a signature go-to scent, to help you shop, I asked my fellow editors for their favorite everyday perfumes. Take a look at their recs below for inspiration plus some other highly rated picks.
“I could wear Glossier’s signature scent, You, every single day (and I do). The formula is made so that once it sinks into the skin, it smells slightly different on everyone, but I’ve found that it’s warm, deep, and very inviting without being overpowering. With bright pink pepper and woodsy ambrette seeds, it’s a balanced and versatile scent that lends itself well to wearing every day and for any occasion, day or night.” — Anna LaPlaca, Editor
“Glossier You is one of the only super-popular, ultra-cult-loved fragrances that I still find completely perfect and somehow unpredictable. It’s a go-to when I want to smell good but don’t have time to go back and forth between my too-large collection of scents. It truly smells unique on everyone, and I just think any fragrance lover needs it in their collection. I especially love keeping the solid form with me when I’m running around town. Trust—you just can’t spend a more worthwhile $30 on fragrance.” — Erin Jahns, Senior Beauty Editor
“Le Labo’s Rose 31 is far from your typical rose fragrance. It has a smoky quality to it that’s really lovely and makes it great for day or night wear.” — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
“I went back and forth between this and Boy Smells Rose Load (which I unequivocally love), but I think I have to go with Ellis Brooklyn Salt. I honestly don’t know how they did it, but this fragrance smells like bottled sunshine and froth from ocean waves. With ylang-ylang, Tahitian tiare, and ambergris, this scent strikes the perfect balance between solar and floral. It seems summery, but I honestly wear this all year, particularly in harsh New York winters when all I want is a beach.” — Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor
“I got Diptyque’s Eau Rose perfume as a gift a little over a year ago, and I’ve been wearing it every single day since. I love how subtle it is and also that it doesn’t feel super seasonal despite being a floral scent. I wear it year-round, even in the fall and winter when everyone’s switching to muskier scents (though, when I do swap scents in the fall, it’s always to Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club).” — Eliza Huber, Editor
“Le Labo just wins in my book. Yes, I love Santal, but Thé Noir is my jam for everyday. It’s so fresh and has those deep notes of cedarwood (my favorite). I legit get compliments on it like every single time I wear it.” — Bobby Schuessler, Market Director
“Confession: I haven’t changed my signature scent in years, and I have no intention of doing so anytime soon. Yes, my Viva La Juicy Couture is peak aughts, but the hints of vanilla and amber are comforting. Plus, every time I throw a few spritzes of it on, I get compliments, so there’s no point in ever removing it from the arsenal.” — Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Editor
“If you want to smell like freshly laundered white linens stretched across a sun-drenched bed on a Sunday morning (very specific, I know), you need Blanche in your life. This scent is so easy-breezy and always feels like an instant mood reset whenever I give myself or my space a spritz. It truly was inspired by the idea of skin on sheets, detergent-scented laundry baskets, and airy-human touch. If you’re ever worried about offending someone with an overpowering scent, this one’s delicate mix of aldehyde, rose centifolia, peony, violet, sandalwood, and musks is a great solution.” — Jahns
If you are drawn to earthy, woody, and more grounded scents, take this one from Maison Louis Marie for a spin. It has key notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and amber wood.
There’s a reason Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb has stayed popular for years. It’s a fresh and floral scent that never gets old because of its dimension. Not only does it have sweet floral notes of jasmine, cattleya, and rose, but it also contains warm notes of patchouli and vanilla.
This daring floral perfume combines lavender essence, Moroccan orange blossom, and a grounding musk accord. So it’s sweet, earthy, and fresh all at once.
Kilian’s Love, Don’t Be Shy is apparently Rihanna’s favorite fragrance, so if it’s her go-to, then it’s good enough for us. It’s a warm floral scent with notes of orange blossom, vanilla absolute, and luscious marshmallow.
Burberry’s Her fragrance is described as being inspired by the attitude that’s “adventurous, spirited, and bold.” So if that’s you, then this might be your new signature scent. It has topnotes of blackcurrant, blueberry, and raspberry; middle notes of jasmine accord and violet accord; and bottom notes of musk and dry amber.
Marc Jacobs’s light fragrance can be worn alone or layered, so it’s great for everyday if you want to mix and match scents. Notes include fruity and floral scents such as strawberry, violet leaves, and jasmine.
This fragrance is fresh, flirty, and chic all at once. The powdery floral perfume features scents of peony, lychee, freesia, rose, magnolia, lily of the valley, cedarwood, amber, and honey. Reviewers also commented on how long-lasting it is.
Here’s another rose option for you. But this one is far from traditional and boring—that’s because in addition to fresh rose petals and rose absolute notes, it’s balanced with spicy pink pepper, fruity raspberry blossom, and grounding white amber.
If you want your everyday fragrance to give an air of expensiveness, I would definitely recommend Baccarat Rouge. It is just so luxe and sophisticated, not to mention unique, with jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and ambergris. Brace yourself for the compliments.
This fragrance from Jo Malone really captures the crisp seaside—it’s earthy and herby, making it a great option if you’re not really drawn to anything floral or sweet. Key notes include ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage.
Next, Just Ask Our Slack Chats—Beauty Editors FTFO Over These 9 Boy Smells Perfumes