I’m pretty good at packing my entire life into a carry-on bag, but there’s always one thing that stumps me: my fragrance collection. I’m a die-hard fragrance lover, and my day-to-day life consists of choosing one of my many fragrances and spritzing it on with ease.
When it comes to traveling, I never know how to pack my fragrances. Sometimes, I seriously consider springing for a checked bag just to bring a full-size fragrance bottle or two. Luckily, over the years, I’ve worked on growing my rollerball perfume collection.
Rollerballs are the best perfumes to travel with. Not only are they almost always under 3.4 ounces, but their unique applicator is virtually mess-free, so you won’t have to worry about a Gypsy Water–scented explosion happening in your suitcase. (Although, I think we can all agree that wouldn’t be the worst thing.)
Below, find my favorite rollerball perfumes to take on an airplane, throw in your shoulder bag, or just keep in your bathroom drawer. Plus, rollerballs are also a great way to score a high-end fragrance for a lot less money—you’re welcome.
Key fragrance notes: bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries, incense, pine needles, orris, amber, vanilla, sandalwood. I’d be remiss not to start this roundup with a Byredo rollerball. The iconic fragrance house offers rollerballs of some of its most popular fragrances, including Gypsy Water. One whiff of this intoxicating blend evokes roaring campfires, forests, and wind in your hair.
Key fragrance notes: ylang-ylang, Damascus rose, jasmine. This floral-heavy perfume isn’t your average flowery scent. The blend of flowers is heady and mysterious, making anyone who smells it do a double take.
Key fragrance notes: lily of the valley, musk. Sweet and feminine lily of the valley gets perfectly balanced with a hint of musk for a perfect signature scent.
Key fragrance notes: sandalwood, vetiver, amber wood. Perfect for anyone who prefers their fragrances to be earthy and woodsy, this perfume oil is a skin scent that lasts all day.
Key fragrance notes: cappuccino, vanilla, caramelized cedar. For the gourmand fragrance lovers among us, this scent checks all the boxes. It smells like walking into your favorite coffee shop on a cold morning.
Key fragrance notes: rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, tuberose. This scent is as classically floral as you can get without veering toward powdery territory.
Key fragrance notes: caramel, grapefruit, orange. Take a trip to Capri with this warm, citrusy rollerball that’s basically an Italian vacation in a bottle.
Key fragrance notes: red and dark berries, jasmine, amber. London in a bottle. Wear with Doc Martens and a mug of Earl Grey tea.
Key fragrance notes: amber, santal, vetiver, ylang ylang, bergamot. Designed to become a fragrance uniquely your own, this perfume, according to the brand, is “best applied wherever you want to be kissed.”
Key fragrance notes: strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine, white woods. Daisy will always be one of our favorite sparkling, fruity florals. It’s deliciously feminine with an irresistible edge.
Key fragrance notes: pear, rose, vanilla. This gourmand scent smells like a freshly baked fruit tart, warm and rich with just the right amount of sweetness.
Key fragrance notes: peony, rose, honey, cedar. Powdery florals are perfectly balanced by a dash of honey and grounding cedar.
Next up, Yes, You Can Wear Perfume If You Have a Sensitive Nose—Try These 15 First
