FRAGRANCE is the final touch to complete my look, but it is a luxury beauty item many give as a gift. But what are the best perfume gifts?
Whether you are treating a special someone to the best fragrance gift for Christmas, a birthday, or any other occasion, you are spoilt for choice.
Boots fragrance sale
Shopping the best fragrance can be difficult, not least because of the wide variety of scents out there; from citrus, to floral, sweet notes to heavier ouds, there is a lot to unpick.
A scent not only boosts your confidence, and completes an outfit (for me, anyway as the final step in my beauty routine), but some notes have been said to improve your mood, calm the mind, and even allure a lover.
There’s an overwhelming choice of Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette available, from fresh and floral to warm and woody, in a range of sizes and to suit a range of budgets too.
Brands offer individual scents, miniature perfumes, as well as gift sets, so there is something to suit everyone’s needs, budgets and recipients too.
We’ve done the hard work for you, as we have tested an array of fragrances from renowned beauty brands, including Jo Malone, Tom Ford, YSL and Glossier, to find the best fragrance gifts for women.
Seeking the best perfume sets, check out the John lewis perfume sets and Boots perfume sets that are on offer. Read on for our round-up of the best perfume gifts for women.
Best perfumes at a glance:
- Best overall perfume for women: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
- Best long-lasting perfume for women: Valentino Born In Roma Donna Eau de Parfum
- Best sweet perfume for women: Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
- Best everyday perfume for women: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne
- Most popular perfume for women: Glossier You Eau De Parfum
- Best for teens: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
- Best for older lady: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
- Best for girlfriend: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
- Best for classic lover: Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
- Most iconic perfume for women: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Best live fragrance gift deals
With Black Friday fast approaching there are plenty of beauty Black Friday deals dropping from numerous retailers in advance of the sale extravaganza.
There are new limited edition bundles filled with beauty and fragrance, fragrance gift sets, perfume-filled advent calendars and price reductions on perfume gifts too.
Boots, John Lewis and Lookfantastic, are some of the retailers you can shop the best fragrance gifts for less now.
- Dolce&Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum, £54.50 (was £91) from Boots – buy here
- YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum Extreme, £51 (was £102) from Boots – buy here
- Calvin Klein CK One Unisex Eau de Toilette, £30 (was £55) from Boots – buy here
- Kayali Vanilla, £62.05 (was £73) from Sephora – buy here
- Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum, £55.20 (was £69) from John Lewis – buy here
- Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray, £60 (was £75) from John Lewis – buy here
- DKNY Women Eau de Toilette, £21.84 (was £42) from Lookfantastic – buy here
- DKNY Be 100% Delicious Eau de Parfum, £40.50 (was £81) from Lookfantastic – buy here
- Tea Tonique, £112 (was £140) from Miller Harris – buy here
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
Glossier You Eau De Parfum, £62
Glossier’s You is an iconic scent many know and love. Plus, it is the fragrance in the stores, which is why it is the signature scent from the brand.
Glossier has recently expanded the fragrance collection to include You Doux and You Reve, but the original is still my favourite fragrance.
Glossier You has been described online as a “skin-scent enhancer”, which means it can be layered with any scent to last longer and deeper the fragrance it has been paired with.
Though I manly wear it on its own because it is longlasting, and not too overpowering either.
It boasts notes of warm pink pepper and iris, which adds body but isn’t too warm, heady or too sweet.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 50ml or 100ml
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette
Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette, £44 (was £55)
We have recommended fragrance enhancers, but what about pH fragrance and genderless scents? The iconic Escentirc Molecules 01 is all of theabove, and a fragrance I always get complimented on.
The scent is not too heady or overbearing, but fresh, and longlasting, whether you wear for day or night.
This scent can be layered with other fragrances too.
The charm of it is the molecules work with each wearer’s pH levels to create a bespoke scent for each wearer, which is thanks to the Iso E Super sticks that “magnify the wearer’s natural aroma.”
It is available in 30ml and 100ml, though the price varies depending on the size.
Type: Eau de toilette, Size: 30ml or 100ml
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist , £24
Sol de Janeiro is one of the best fragrance gifts for teens because it is a perfume mist, easy to use, and longlasting. Plus, it’s much more affordable than most.
This scent blends notes of sweet salted caramel and more universal sandalwood, which is more of a subtle sweet scent rather than fruity floral sweetness.
Plus, it has been included in the Love Island villa year after year, which is unsurprising as it smells like holiday in a bottle.
Not only is this a more affordable fragrance, but a little goes a long way too.
Type: Perfume mist, Size: 90ml
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum, £53.60 (was £67)
Coffee and vanilla (sounds like our kind of treat, to be honest) mix together seamlessly to create a super-sexy perfume that’s perfect for a night out. Plus, one spritz will last a whole night on the dance floor.
Citrus notes from mandarin and orange blossom sashay with jasmine to create a fresh, almost creamy musk.
We love the shimmering, smouldering, seductive packaging, too – it’s strong and sassy.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 90ml
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum, £62.50 (was £78)
This vampy, glam black and gold bottle of Tom Ford’s scent-sation is none other than the brand’s Black Orchid perfume.
The rich scent is a blend of black truffle and ylang-ylang plant, blended with bergamot and blackcurrant for a sweet freshness.
Think rich, juicy forest fruits and delicate orchid, floral notes, and you’re halfway there.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and 150ml
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne, £118
Another floral and fruity scent, the English Pear and Freesia cologne is a long-standing favourite from fragrance specialists, Jo Malone London.
The delicate, summery scents of pears and freesias are mellowed by amber, patchouli and wood for a delicious combination that oozes summer.
With complimentary gift wrap when you order online and engraving options, Jo Malone perfumes are a great choice for gifts.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Artiscent Atelier Vetiver Arome Eau de Parfum
Artiscent Atelier Vetiver Arome Eau de Parfum 50ml, £10
We tested Artiscent Atelier Vetiver Arome Eau de Parfum, which smells like Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum, but is a whopping £69 cheaper than the designer fragrance.
Superdrug’s male fragrance dupes have been created as budget homages to more expensive scents and the price difference, with an aroma similar to popular Chanel Bleu, certainly can’t be sniffed at.
The smell of woody aromatics is good but Superdrug’s dupe is less subtle and more abrasive on the nose.
We’d recommend reapplying it throughout the day and night as it’s not as long-lasting, but it’s an enjoyable fragrance that shoppers like.
One Superdrug shopper added: ‘Very nice lovely cologne for the price. Does not last long but can’t complain for the price.’
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 50ml
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Next No.85 Eau de Toilette
No.85 Eau de Toilette 30ml, £16
We tested Next No.85 Eau de Toilette, which smells like Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette and is £71 cheaper than the designer fragrance.
Next’s cost-cutting bottle might not be as dazzling but the spicy neroli niff is excellent quality and definitely ‘in the style of’ Paco Rabanne’s blingy best-seller.
Perhaps not as impressive a spritz to unwrap on Christmas Day but if you fancy an everyday alter-native dupe to save some cash this would be a brilliant cologne switch.
Next shoppers love its ‘great smell’ and say that it’s ideal for ‘everyday’.
Type: Eau de toilette, Size: 30ml, 100ml and 200ml
Armani Si Eau de Parfum
Armani Si Eau de Parfum – 50ml, £71.25 (was £90)
For a floral and fruity fragrance, Si from Georgio Armani has notes of blackcurrant with rose de mai absolute, freesia, patchouli and oakmoss.
Part of the Chypre family of scents, the fruity sweetness is grounded by the oakmoss but it still feels very feminine and light – perfect for long summer days.
One LookFantasic shopper who rated it five stars said: ‘Beautiful scent, the fruity scent makes it an easy wear for work.’
Another added: ‘Been using Armani Si for years and everyone always compliments me on it! Wouldn’t go anywhere else for my fragrance.’
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and 150ml
Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum
Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum 60ml, £71.25 (was £95)
With woody and floral notes, Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum is a comforting, warm, and musky perfume, combining jasmine with Cashmerean wood and white amber to create a radiant scent like no other.
The bottle is a work of art in itself and the perfume is refillable, too, so you can keep your favoured purple bottle and do your bit for the planet, while smelling divine.
It’s a popular pick with shoppers who love its floral and woody scent, with reviews saying that ‘everyone comments on how lovely it smells’,
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 60ml and 90ml
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum 50ml, £83.20 (was £104)
Everything’s coming up roses with this pretty floral scent, complete with a gorgeous square bottle, adorned with a silver ribbon that will take pride of place on your bedside cabinet.
Feminine, lush and sensuous, this scent from iconic fashion brand Dior combines bold Damascus rose with a burst of fresh Calabrian bergamot, finished with a sprinkling of pink pepper from Reunion Island.
It’s fresh and floral, with an uplifting, blissful bouquet that helps you on your way to start the day off on the right foot.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and 150ml
Gucci Bloom Acqua Di Fiori Eau de Toilette
Gucci Bloom Acqua Di Fiori Eau de Toilette For Her 50ml, £69.70 (was £82)
The whimsical floral print of this gorgeous Gucci perfume bottle represents the fresh, youthful and energetic notes of the scent itself.
Cassis buds add a dash of delicate spice, while jasmine offers alluring, soft floral freshness.
Invigorating and feminine, it’s a joy for the eyes as well as the nose.
Type: Eau de toilette, Size: 50ml and 100ml
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Perfume
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, £84
The iconic Chanel fashion house is known for its timeless, chic style, and Coco Mademoiselle certainly follows suit.
A gorgeous oriental aroma, it’s vibrant and fresh, making a statement with its strong character.
Patchouli, vetiver, jasmine and rose combine effortlessly with fresh citrus notes to make a nose-pleasing sophisticated perfume that can be worn from day to night.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 35ml, 50ml and 100ml
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Perfume
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum, from £67
Looking for a youth-boost in a bottle? We’ve found it.
This floral number is fresh, bright and energetic, with sweet-smelling iris, jasmine, orange blossom and patchouli, all wrapped up with an oh-so-pretty moonlight-grey organza ribbon.
A fab fragrance to take you from boardroom-to-bar, with the face of the brand being the original Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and 100ml refill
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Intense Eau de Parfum
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Intense Eau de Parfum 50ml, £63.75 (was £85)
This beautiful bottle and scent is part of the Marc Jacobs series, Daisy – the epitome of springtime freshness.
This captivating fragrance is a deeper, more intense and long-lasting version of the original Daisy perfume though, meaning you can wear it with pride all day and night long.
At first, it’s fresh fruits and berries (think strawberry and pear) then it transforms into a honeyed, floral and vanilla-scented hue which is super indulgent – ending on a grassy, green freshness. It’s certainly a journey.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Jimmy Choo I WANT CHOO Eau de Parfum
Jimmy Choo I WANT CHOO Eau de Parfum, £40.80 (was £51)
Yes, Jimmy Choo – we want you. And not just the shoes, but the perfume, too.
One of the brand’s latest scents, I WANT CHOO, is pretty affordable but doesn’t scrimp on luxury or decadence.
The designer fragrance is a glamorous entry, from its golden, shimmering bottle to its decadent notes of both floral and citrus.
The lingering scent boasts a nose of mandarin and peach, with vanilla, spider lily and jasmine – ideal for office days, and fun-filled nights.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 40ml and 60ml
Byredo Slow Dance Eau De Parfum
Byredo Slow Dance Eau De Parfum, £150
We can’t get enough of Byredo fragrances for men and women, from the intoxicating scents to the contemporary branding and bottles that just look so luxe.
‘Slow Dance’ seems the perfect choice for the love of your life.
They’re sure to get carried away by the heady mix of bitter and sweet notes in this popular fragrance, which includes ginger and vanilla, with notes of amber, patchouli and cedarwood.
Fancy something softer? Gypsy Water may be the other popular alternative.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 50ml
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, £170 at Cult Beauty
If you prefer a more masculine, woody scent that you can share with your other half, Le Labo Santal 33 is a classic from Le Labo’s range of iconic perfumes.
This unisex perfume is spicy and musky with notes of cardamom, iris, violet and ambrox – a woody base note.
You can also layer it up if you wish, with matching shower gel and body cream for a more long-lasting, all-over scent.
This luxurious brand comes with a price tag but a little goes a long way and this eau de parfum comes in three sizes, starting from just 15ml.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 15ml, 50ml and 100ml
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette, £51 (was £60)
This Replica eau de toilette is another unisex option with a more masculine scent that’s so delicious, you and your partner will be fighting over who gets to wear it.
The scent is warm and spicy – including a mix of pink pepper, neroli oil with rum, leather, smoky tobacco and vanilla – ideal for cosying up on a cold, winter’s day.
As one Look Fantastic customer says: “It smells like a jazz club. Smoky (but not in a gross cigarette way), sweet from the rum, woody. One of my go-to winter scents.”
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml and 100ml
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum, £53.55 (was £63)
This feminine perfume from Fashion Icon Narciso Rodriquez is fruity and floral with notes of rose and peach but grounded by amber and musk and undertones of patchouli and sandalwood – an all-around winning combination.
We love the musky scent, while the pretty baby pink bottle and branded packaging make this a gorgeous gift idea too.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette
Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette, 50ml, £95
For the ultimate floral fragrance, Diptyque Eau Rose has a delicate mix of rose and cedar.
It also has ‘green’ notes, which means you should smell all parts of the rose, such as the stem and leaves as well as the flower.
You can’t really go wrong with a Diptyque fragrance and if you or your partner loves Eau Rose, there’s also a hair mist, hand and body lotion, shower foam and more – you’re onto a winner.
Type: Eau de toilette, Size: 50ml and 100ml
Burberry Her Eau de Parfum
Burberry Her Eau de Parfum 50ml, £71.25 (was £95)
Burberry Her is an intoxicating mix of floral and fruity with notes of blackcurrant, blueberry and raspberry combined with jasmine, violet and base notes of musk and amber.
It has received plenty of five-star reviews with one customer saying “It’s a great mix of sexy and mature” and another commenting: “The smell is so fresh and fruity!”
If you like this, you might also want to try other fragrances in this collection such as Burberry Her London Dream.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, from £67
This designer perfume for women looks as luxurious as it smells with a diamond grenade glass bottle in rose gold.
As the name suggests, the scent has plenty of floral notes – such as jasmine, freesia, orchid and rose – but the undertones of amber and patchouli provide balance and depth.
It is well reviewed with one customer stating “One of my favourite fragrances of all time” – and the packaging and bottle receive plenty of compliments too.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Valentino Born in Roma Donna Eau de Parfum
Valentino Born In Roma Donna Eau de Parfum 50ml, £55.20 (was £69)
Born in Roma is a bold and luxurious fragrance with a sweet combination of floral, fruity and woody undertones.
The scent includes jasmine, vanilla and bergamot with a woody base and is powerful enough that a little goes a long way and it lasts well too.
It has received a whole load of rave reviews and we’re a little bit in love with the edgy bottle and packaging design.
Surely as a gift, this is going to be on the money.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Hugo BOSS The Scent Absolute For Her Eau De Parfum
Hugo Boss BOSS The Scent Absolute For Her Eau De Parfum, £49 (was £70)
A warm and spicy scent, Hugo Boss The Scent Absolute For Her has a distinctive blend of honeyed peach, coffee and vanilla and the earthiness of vetiver for a deliciously addictive fragrance.
It looks chic and sophisticated with a purse-friendly price tag to boot.
The five-star reviews say it all. One customer commented: “Really nice scent that lasts all day” and another said: “Very nice perfume for winter I recommend!”
Debenhams has plenty of other fragrance gifts to shop, and for less, online. To shop the best Debenhams perfume sets check out the dedicated shopping page here.
Type: Eau de parfum, Size: 30ml and 50ml
Where to shop the best perfume gift sets for her
There are plenty of beauty retailers, both online and in store, to shop the best perfume gift sets.
What we love about gift sets is they are much better value for money.
Perfume gift sets usually include the fragrance, either in eau de parfum or eau de toilette, as well as a miniature version, or a body wash or body lotion – depending on the set.
In some instances the set may also include a toiletry bag to keep your valuables in, make-up products or skincare, though some may even include a rucksack or larger bag, which is even better as you can double it up as a gym bag in some cases.
- Experimental Perfume Club Creation Set Collection, £95 from Lookfantastic – buy here
- Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Summer Jet Set Bodycare Gift Set, £24 (was £30) from John Lewis – buy here
- Lady Million Eau de Parfum 50ml Fragrance Gift Set, £68.80 (was £86) from John Lewis – buy here
- Acqua di Parma Selection Set Fragrance Gift Set, £31.20 (was £39) from John Lewis – buy here
- YSL Black Opium Eau De Parfum 50ml Gift Set, £85.85 (was £105) from Boots – buy here
Where to buy perfume for women in the UK?
Perfume for women is widely available in high-street stores, specialist retailers and online. Many department and chain stores sell popular designer brands, such as Chanel, YSL, Gucci and Dior, as well as lesser-known names and own-label fragrances.
Online, the choice is huge – from specialists such as The Perfume Shop, Fragrance Direct and The Fragrance Shop to beauty giants including Look Fantastic and Sephora.
Don’t forget supermarkets too, they often stock popular perfumes, as well as dupes of big names. We found the fragrances for our round-up at:
- Amazon
- Boots
- Cult Beauty
- Debenhams
- Feel Unique
- Harrods
- Jo Malone
- John Lewis
- Look Fantastic
- Marks & Spencer
- Sephora
- Superdrug
- The Perfume Shop
How much do perfumes in the UK cost?
Designer fragrances can cost hundreds of pounds. Obviously the larger the bottle the more expensive the product, but generally a 30ml size perfume will cost around £50, maybe a little more or even a little less.
You may find own-label scents by well-known stores such as M&S or Next at a much cheaper price and they can smell eerily like their expensive counterparts. Supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl also sell perfume seasonally, these cost just a few pounds and are often considered dupes for designer brands.
Finally, don’t forget beauty specialists such The Body Shop, which both sell their unique fragrances which are incredibly popular.
How long does perfume last?
It’s pretty devastating when you spend your hard-earned cash on a new fragrance and, upon first spritz, realise that it wears off in a matter of hours.
If staying power is the most important aspect of perfume for you, stick to an eau de parfum rather than an eau de toilette.
Eau de parfums are more oily, so tend to stick around and linger longer on the skin.
In terms of how long you can keep a perfume, you can expect a quality perfume to keep its scent for three to five years – but you may have used it all up before then if you love it!
Can you take perfume on a plane?
Yes, but it needs to be under 100ml and in a clear plastic bag like other liquids in your hand luggage.
What’s the difference between perfume and eau de toilette?
The distinction lies in the concentration of perfume oil. There’s 8% – 12% perfume oil in eau de toilette and more like 12% – 18% in eau de parfum.
So generally, you may not need to wear as much perfume because it’s not as diluted.
Why is perfume so expensive?
There are different factors, which include the packaging, marketing and distribution, but primarily it is the ingredients that make perfume expensive.
Many perfumes use rare ingredients such as flowers or an essence that isn’t widely available.
Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes from hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, Adidas, Marks & Spencer and more.
