We recently announced that designer perfumes are making a comeback. After years of being overlooked in favor of indie perfumes like those from Byredo, Diptyque, and Le Labo, they’re officially being brought back in rotation. It only makes sense. We are, after all, currently experiencing a resurgence of 2000s trends. Claw clips, hair scarves, miniskirts, velour tracksuits, baby tanks, and bucket hats are all back and better than ever, and is there anything more 2000s than collecting designer perfumes and displaying them proudly next to your Chad Michael Murray poster?
While there are countless designer perfumes to choose from—including those from old favorites like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and Valentino—we thought we’d take the time to highlight those from Carolina Herrera, specifically. Why, you ask? It’s simple. We think they’ve been overlooked as of late. Their complex, elegant, and sweet-smelling fragrance combinations deserve more credit. Keep scrolling to see the 12 best Carolina Herrera perfumes to shop now.
This is perhaps the most recognizable Carolina Herrera fragrance, thanks to its dramatic stiletto spray bottle that gives us half haute couture, half Jessica Rabbit vibes. Packaging aside, the fragrance inside is bold, floral, and slightly spicy, thanks to a top note of almond, heart notes of tuberose and jasmine, and bottom notes of tonka bean and cocoa.
Good Girl Suprême is similar to the original, albeit brighter and juicier. That’s because it has a top note of red berries instead of almond. Even though it’s fruitier, it’s not exactly fresh or zesty. A heart note of jasmine and bottom notes of tonka bean and vetiver keeps this fragrance smelling smooth and rich.
Yes, there is a third iteration of the Good Girl fragrance. This one’s called Good Girl Légère, and it’s lighter and creamier than the original. A top note of tangerine mixes with heart notes of jasmine and ylang-yang plus bottom notes of tonka bean and dulce de leche accord. Consider it the original’s fresh and citrusy younger sister.
If you’re like me, then you love citrus scents. They’re just so light, fresh, and summery, which is why I’m drawn to this one called Orange Affair. Notes of mandarin and orange blossom mix with tonka bean and musk for a bright, smooth fragrance.
This fragrance, which is from the same line as Orange Affair, is smooth and spicy. Top notes of grapefruit, pink pepper, and bergamot mix with neroli, cardamom, and nutmeg. Then there’s the star ingredient, vetiver, which rounds out this woody scent.
The sleek capsule design of this fragrance is a departure from Carolina Herrera’s other, more dramatic offerings, but don’t let that fool you about the scent inside. Passion fruit and bergamot mix with gardenia, rum accord, and musk for a sweet and glamorous scent.
Another fragrance, another iteration of the original. This time it’s the 212 VIP Rosé, and it’s elegant and floral. Champagne rosé and pink pepper make up the top notes. Peachtree flowers and roses make up the heart notes, and wood and musk make up the bottom notes. This is a fragrance I wouldn’t hesitate to wear to morning brunch or the office.
This fragrance was inspired by New York City, which explains its sleek and minimalist packaging. As for the scent itself, it’s light, zesty, and slightly herbal, thanks to top notes of flower stems and bergamot. Gardenia and jasmine make up the heart notes, and sandalwood and musk make up the bottom notes.
This fragrance definitely falls in the floral family, with notes of rose, bergamot, grapefruit, and jasmine. That being said, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet or syrupy, thanks to a grounded and earthy base note of patchouli. It’s definitely a good wear-everywhere type of perfume.
Now we’re reaching the brand’s darker, richer fragrance offerings. This unisex scent, called Herrera Tuberose, is bold and intense. It features notes of tuberose (of course), jasmine, orange flower, vanilla, and ylang-ylang.
This heady fragrance was inspired by the ’70s and ’80s. It features notes of rose, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and myrrh. Basically, it smells dark and elegant—kind of like a retro cocktail lounge, and I mean that in the best way.
If Burning Rose is reminiscent of a retro cocktail lounge, then this fragrance is reminiscent of an Italian vacation taken during the height of summer. Notes of citrus, jasmine, and musk combine to create something that’s simultaneously fresh, floral, and spicy.
This warm floral fragrance is made up of lavender essence, orange blossom, and musk accord.
With orange, patchouli, and Turkish rose, this fragrance is fresh, floral, and perfect for summer.
This breezy scent from Chloé is a personal favorite.
Notes of rose and vanilla make this fragrance timeless.
Fans of warm and spicy florals will love this fragrance.
Another personal favorite, this fragrance from Gucci features notes of tuberose and jasmine.
This intoxicating fragrance features notes of blackcurrant, jasmine, and bourbon vanilla.
