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Finding the right scent can feel like a Herculean task. Amidst the millions of perfumes on the market, you want to find the one that’s playful, but not too girly; musky but still effeminate; warm but with surprising notes that keep it fresh. Most of all, you want to find a scent that feels like you — no convincing necessary.
Below, check out the best perfumes to gift this year. From Byredo and Le Labo to Glossier and Diptyque, this list includes fragrances at every price point (all of which make for perfect Christmas gifts).
If candles are more your thing, we also rounded up the best-smelling candles to buy (and gift) in 2023.
Brochu Walker Morning Light
The luxury brand Brochu Walker released its first-ever fragrance with Morning Light, developed in partnership with leading fragrance designer Firmenich. With hints of lavender, iris and violet florets (alongside notes of bergamot and zesty spices of cardamom) the vibrant and citrusy perfume is the perfect spring scent.
Snif Golden Ticket
The gender-neutral perfumier Snif lies directly at the intersection between perfume and cologne, and just launched an exciting new lineup of scents perfect for sunnier days: Ace Ace Baby, inspired by “spring tennis days and courtside iced tea” with notes of ginger root, rosemary, white freesia and green apple blossom; Tart Deco, which blends black cherry, rose and mimosa with smooth touches of birchwood, vetiver and vanilla; and Sweet Ash, the brand’s most popular fragrance, which boasts eclectic notes of juniper, bergamot and white moss.
Taken by Jane Booke
The Los Angeles-based brand Jane Booke offers a go-to scent for a spring refresh with their new perfume called Taken, a sultry and comforting vanilla scent, layered with complex notes of mango, peach, bergamot, jasmine, muguet, patchouli and cacao.
Creed Aventus for Her
The best word to describe any Creed scent is power. The feminine counterpart to the brand’s legendary Aventus scent for men, this irresistible French-made fragrance has notes of Egyptian green apple, pink berries, Indonesian patchouli, Italian bergamot, with smoky undertones of Indian sandalwood and Musk.
Byredo Velvet Haze
Byredo’s opulent Velvet Haze invites its wearer on an exciting journey of olfactory senses, from the sweetness of coconut water to the feverish musk of patchouli leaves.
Maison Margiela Creed Replica Mini Coffret Set
Try out Maison Margiela’s five most decadent fragrances: Beach Walk (modern, floral), Jazz Club (woody, spicy), Lazy Sunday Morning (classic, floral), By the Fireplace (warm, spicy), Bubble Bath (warm, relaxed).
Boy Smells Exploratory Set
You may have first been introduced to Boy Smells through their aroma-building candles (check out the best ones here) but the LA-based brand has continued to make a name for themselves with their line of sophisticated perfumes. This exploratory set lets you play with seven of their best fragrances: Hinoki Fantôme, Marble Fruit, Rose Load, Flor de la Virgin, Tantrum, Virgin Ends and Suede Pony.
Le Labo Thé Matcha
This dynamic scent from Le Labo (a Daniel Ricciardo fave) packs in notes of creamy fig, soft vetiver and textural cedar woods, brought up by an uplifting taste of bitter orange. The New York-based brand is a Hollywood favorite, it was even spritzed on guests walking down the Emmys carpet this year.
Gucci Bloom
Gucci Bloom is a tried-and-true classic, remaining one of the most popular scents since it hit the market in 2017. The sophisticated fragrance packs in notes of tuberose and jasmine, enhanced by unique undertones of the Rangoon creeper plant.
Glossier You
Glossier’s top-selling and very versatile fragrance is fitting for all types of personalities. At first sniff you smell the sparkling, spicy and bright top notes of pink pepper before getting into the woody, slightly sweet heart that comes from ambrette seeds and ambrox.
Tom Ford Tubereuse Eau de Parfum
If the elegant packaging is any hint, the fragrance housed inside this Tom Ford bottle, which is an ivory iteration of the iconic Private Blend Bottle, is sure to not disappoint. Notes: tuberose absolute India orpur, Szechuan peppercorn and suede accord.