I could talk about fragrance until I’m blue in the face. As a beauty editor with a slight perfume mania, I’ve tested tens—if not hundreds—of different perfumes. If you asked me what I think the top ten best perfumes of all time are, I could give you an an answer in five minutes flat with my definitive rankings. You might call me a perfume snob, of sorts.
Even though I have my own perfume convictions, I’m always intrigued to see what perfumes have cemented themselves into the cultural zeitgeist. In a new study, Hey Discount analyzed Google search data and social media figures to find out the most popular perfumes of 2022. These perfumes were widely searched for mentioned on social media this year—and it makes sense, since each of them smells objectively magnetic. Find out what perfumes got the people going this year below.
Key notes: jasmine, saffron, cedar, fir resin, amberwood. -5,967,000 Google searches. -110,700,000 TikTok views. -205,707 Instagram hashtags. This is the kind of fragrance that the most sophisticated person you know would wear. It smells unbelievably luxe, and it complements everyone’s body chemistry.
Key notes: bergamot, pepper, amberwood. -11,941,000 Google searches. -209,000,000 TikTok views. -168,109 Instagram hashtags. This is by far the most popular scent that’s traditionally a men’s cologne. Its warm and fresh notes work seamlessly together.
Key notes: aldehydes, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood. -2,691,000 Google searches. -30,100,000 TikTok views. -195,743 Instagram hashtags. This classic from Chanel will always be popular. With abstract notes that give you a certain air of mystery, it will never go out of style.
Key notes: lily-of-the-valley, centifolia rose, soft musk. -3,690,000 Google searches. -73,000,000 TikTok views. -561,845 Instagram hashtags. Miss Dior is the ultimate floral perfume. With notes like rose and lily of the valley, this scent is like wrapping yourself in a bouquet.
Key notes: apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, bergamot, juniper berries, birch, patchouli, jasmine, vanilla, musk, oakmoss, ambergris. -5,823,000 Google searches. -72,500,000 TikTok views. -117,215 Instagram hashtags. If you Google this scent, one of the most frequently asked questions is “What makes Creed Aventus smell so good?” It’s thanks to its incredibly unique blend of ingredients like fruit, woods, and florals.
Key notes: black coffee, white flowers, vanilla. -4,441,000 Google searches. -88,300,000 TikTok views. -170,108 Instagram hashtags. With coffee and vanilla on the nose, you might be afraid that you’ll end up smelling like a vanilla latte. The reality is quite the opposite: this invigorating fragrance is the perfect mixture of sweet and floral.
Key notes: bergamot, powder, iris, vanilla, amber. -1,388,500 Google searches. -84,200,000 TikTok views. -78,115 Instagram hashtags. It’s tough to go wrong with a hypnotic ingredient blend like this fragrance. Florals, citrus, and amber work together seamlessly to create a perfume that smells like the height of luxury.
Key notes: marine notes, Calabrian bergamot, cedar. -5,329,000 Google searches. -77,800,000 TikTok views. -66,069 Instagram hashtags. Bright, fresh, and captivating, this scent captures the essence of being by the sea.
Key notes: jasmine, orange blossom, patchouli. -1,175,000 Google searches. -50,000,000 TikTok views. -243,521 Instagram hashtags. Yes, this is a floral perfume, but it’s warmer and spicier than most florals, which is why it’s popularity has absolutely exploded. It’s the perfect twist on classic florals.
Key notes: bergamot, green tea, and musk. -1,516,000 Google searches. -24,500,000 TikTok views. -125,132 Instagram hashtags. Designed to be unisex, this scent is incredibly easy to wear. It’s bright, green, and citrusy.
