With Mother's Day on the horizon, shopping for a new perfume might be top of the agenda.
You might be looking at this feature because you want to see the new perfumes that are out in 2025, or you might be shopping for a timeless classic, I'm here to guide you on choosing the best perfume for women.
Personal preference plays a big part in this, and obviously it's ideal to try before you buy, but some popular fragrance brands include Chanel, Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Jo Malone London. It's essential to choose a fragrance that suits the person.
Below you'll find some new scents that have been trending with fragrance lovers in recent months, as well as some iconic scents from Chanel and Dior. And if it is a gift you're buying, we've included some tips on how to choose a perfume for a gift.
How to choose a perfume for a gift
Think about what type of scent she likes: Consider whether she prefers floral, fruity, woody, oriental, or fresh scents.
Think about the occasion: Some scents are more suitable for daytime or casual wear, while others are better for evenings or special occasions. If you're buying for someone who rarely goes out in the evenings, stick for the daytime scents.
Test fragrances: You could visit a fragrance store or department store and try out different perfumes, or you could request miniatures online.
Understand the notes: When testing a fragrance, first smell the top note, which is the initial scent you detect. Wait for a few minutes to allow the middle (heart) and base notes to develop, as they can be quite different.
Consider longevity: Pay attention to how long a fragrance lasts on your skin. Some perfumes have better longevity than others.
Read reviews and seek recommendations: Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can provide valuable insights into a perfume's quality and performance.
"I bought this for my daughter. It has a lovely deep rose aroma. The bottle is stunning and, as always, the Jo Malone packaging delightful."
Editor's Note:
"I'm not usually a fan of rose scents but there are a few out right now that are making me rethink some things. This one is so moreish, which is probably down to the Taif rose."
This new scent from Jo Malone London celebrates the humble rose. Taif Rose takes its name from a precious rose indigenous to Taif, a city where the flower fills the streets, markets and fields with its scent and vivid hue.
"Nothing takes me to spring quicker than when I put this on. It’s light, elegant, and so very feminine! I receive all the compliments from men and women alike!"
Editor's Note:
"You can't go wrong with a Dior fragrance, and Miss Dior dominates the world of floral fragrances for women. I tend to wear this when I'm wearing florals (I like to match!), or when I'm feeling prim and girlie."
Miss Dior's fresh and floral notes are composed like a bouquet of countless flowers. François Demachy, Perfumer-Creator of the House of Dior, wanted to create an iridescent Rose for this fragrance that is lit up by a myriad of fresh and floral notes.
The iconic Miss Dior couture bow harnesses an exceptional artisanal savoir-faire that transforms each embroidered ribbon into a unique piece, that of a true high fashion creation.
"This scent is just perfect. I find myself lifting my wrist to my nose just to catch a whiff of pure pleasure."
Editor's Note
"Pomelo is a classic Jo Loves scents, and I think it's one that most women would love."
Jo Malone CBE loves this scent, and says it's the fragrance that causes people to stop her in the street to ask what she's wearing.
The fragrance is inspired by memories of summer holidays, white sandy beaches, fresh linen sheets and sparkling iced water. The grapefruit-infused citrus is sharp, refreshing, and instantly energising. If you're after a citrus scent, this is for you.
"I bought this for my daughter for Valentine’s Day and I love the fresh feminine aroma so bought one for myself and my mum! Treat yourself."
Editor's Note:
"M&S perfumes always seems to go viral and fans love getting their hands on the newest scent. This is just very pretty and I love the new romantic packaging."
M&S has given a new pretty packaging update to its Amore eau de toilette. Its romantic floral scent combines fresh iris and rich jasmine with a zesty touch of bergamot, making it the perfect gift for a loved one.
"This feels like a Tom Ford fragrance which I admire, because it is daring. It's a challenging wear, but fascinating and unisex."
Editor's Note:
"I tried this on while shopping one day, and the intriguingly sexy rose deepens as you wear. Also, it's just a cool perfume and would make a great gift."
Rose is one of the most sought after ingredients in perfumery and it's anything but ordinary — and far from innocent. This stunning scent of floral leather excellence features an exclusive rose-on-rose co-distillation note of rose absolute and rose water extract.
"Oh wow! This is actually so beautiful! I’ve never found a perfume that i’ve been a huge fan of from Narciso Rodriguez, but this one is gorgeous!"
Editor's Note:
"I've been a fan of Narciso Rodriguez for years and I reach for my favourite Narciso scents time and time again and I just know this one will not disappoint."
If you love a classic fragrance, you'll love the feminine notes of Narciso Rodriguez. Celebrating the for her signature heart of musc, the scent layers notes of peach, Calabrian bergamot, white flowers, amber and vanilla. The result is an intensely addictive fragrance, that gives each wearer an enveloping aura of mystery and attraction.
"If you love Vanilla 28 (Let’s face it who doesn’t) then you need this all over body spray. It’s a softer take on the original eau de parfum, and perfect to keep at your desk or in your bag for top ups anytime! It’s a versatile spray perfect for layering or as a top up post gym or if you’re heading out after work or as a gift for anyone getting intro fragrance."
Editor's Note:
"This has been permanently in my work bag - if you remember the hysteria of Impulse spray, this will be your new obsession. The continuous mist makes it perfect for spraying on the go. I've tried the vanilla scent which is sweet and delicious, and oh so addictive. It has a harmonious blend of rich vanillas, warm brown sugar and velvety tonka."
KAYALI has launched new limited-edition All Over Body Sprays as a soft take on the original, best-selling eau de parfums. These limited sprays are available in a convenient, easy-to-use format, that envelop you in a powerful, continuous mist.
Available in four of the brand's popular scents, they're housed in sleek, luxurious 125ml aluminium bottles.
"I love this fragrance. A hint of flowery meadows and sophistication. Flows through the air."
Editor's Note:
"I look at this perfume every day because it sits pride of place on my dressing table, and it brings me joy at the sight of it. Well, it is Chanel darling. This is the kind of scent people decide will be their signature scent - it's rich and powdery and oh so decadent. I don't think you'd ever tire of it. It smells like quiet luxury in a bottle."
This is the first Les Exclusifs that Chanel has launched since Le Lion in 2021 and it's a big one for luxury lovers. Inspired by the stars, CHANEL's In-House Perfumer Creator, Olivier Polge, said: "At the beginning of each creation, you need an inspiring element, and for Comète, the starting point was the idea of stardust. The comet is a strong symbol for CHANEL, and I’m thinking in particular of the Comète necklace from the 1932 High Jewellery Collection, which is worn open, laying right on the skin, and reminds me of the enveloping trail of a skin fragrance.”
9/11
INITIO Parfums Privés Psychedelic Love Eau de Parfum
"This is the best fragrance I have ever smelt in my life. I don't know what it is, but this scent makes me want to make it a part of my DNA. This stuff is also strong, and I mean REALLY strong, I am not kidding when I say that it stayed on my shirt for a over a week, and I could detect it as if I just sprayed it. I get a lot of attention when wearing this, and its for a reason. This fragrance is both very sensual, and very comforting. I like how its under the radar."
Editor's Note:
"Could this be more gorgeous? I am obsessed with this new fragrance. It would make a great first date fragrance. It makes me feel sophisticated and sexy!"
This scent combines the power of Hedione, a molecule scientifically proven to activate the region of the brain linked to libido, with sensual carnal notes to awaken pleasure and stir physical attraction. Ooh err!
"Just love this perfume, I know it's expensive but it literally lasts all day and night. The perfume smells gorgeous, this is definitely top of my list."
Editor's Note:
"I love Creed. In do wonder if my house burned down, whether I'd stop and take my Creed perfumes on my way out. This one is definitely my favourite right now, it just smells so utterly divine and addicting."
CEO of Creed Sarah Rotheram and team have created an intoxicating fragrance inspired by the elegance of silk. The fragrance combines the heady flowers and fruits of Chinese osmanthus, Javanese patchouli and tuberose with the complex woods of cedar and agar, suffused with the smouldering softness of Madagascan vanilla and rich ambers.
Queen of Silk is presented in The House of Creed signature bottle, in a rich purple hue that honours the treasured purple silks once reserved for the highest echelons of the nobility—a fitting colour for this most majestic of perfumes.
Seductive sexual accord (ambroxan, sexual musk, aldron)
Velvety musk
Sparkling Review:
"Seductive scent, very light, warm sensual scent. I've asked my boyfriend if the fragrance is sexual and he agreed and liked it. I am a fan of the very sweet scents but this leathery warm scent nicely surprised me, it's very close to the skin so perfect for some hot night in, definitely boost confidence.
Editor's Note
"I was thrilled when I saw Charlotte Tilbury's line-up of fragrances - they were all just so on brand. I could tell - mainly by the name - that this one would be a real hit with shoppers, especially for gifting. Charlotte worked with Master Perfumer Anne Flipo on this scent and it really is a seductive perfume."
Charlotte Tilbury's fragrances are powered by emotion-boosting molecules and infused with magic fragrance notes, decoded and distilled by some of the best noses in the world. More Sex works to boost positive feelings. Designed to be sensual and alluring, this fragrance aims to leave the wearer feeling more empowered.
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