Anyone who has dashed out the door only to realize they forgot to spray on their favorite fragrance (or worse, deodorant) knows the uneasiness that comes with not feeling confident about the way you smell. In fact, research shows that physical attraction may actually be based on smell. When it comes to the best perfumes for women, it’s definitely all about the juice — not trends — which is why we consistently see that the best-selling perfumes usually aren’t new launches. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, for example, launched in 2001 and takes the top position this year, with Chanel Chance – last year’s top-seller – close behind.
“The top women’s prestige fragrances do not often change as they are juices that have appeal to diverse consumers,” says Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. “Many have been established scents in our lives for years and the majority of these brand franchises have a dominant presence with major distribution plus in-store and e-commerce support, as well as creative marketing, social campaigns and promotions. All these factors help keep the brands in the Top 10.”
That said, she notes that there are some newbies that may soon be creeping their way onto the list. “Although I think it is a big challenge to crash this prestigious list, there are those that continue to gain momentum and could break through: Gucci, YSL, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany and Coach.”
Here are the top five perfumes for women for 2019:
- Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
- Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette
- Lancôme La Vie est Belle
- Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette
Scroll through the slideshow above for the complete ranking of the 10 best perfumes for women for 2019, based on popularity and sales.
Source: Source: The NPD Group/ U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Women’s Fragrances by Parent Brand, 12 months ending January 2019
[ Next: 10 Quirky Perfumes That Smell Surprisingly Amazing ]
We Rank the 10 Most Popular Women’s Fragrances of 2016
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Chanel
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, $105 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
This fragrance, meant to channel the young spirit of Coco Chanel, targets younger Chanel fans. It was introduced in 2001 and is still consistently ranked on top. (Those Keira Knightley ads probably don't hurt, either.)
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Chanel
Chance Eau de Toilette, $85 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
Chance means luck in French and this fragrance has clearly proven lucky for the brand. It's Chanel's only scent that's housed in a round bottle (to symbolize a wheel of chance) and has been a best-seller since it launched.
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Lancôme
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum, $96 for 1.7 oz at Lancôme
"La vie est belle" is a French expression meaning "life is beautiful" and with a juice that blends iris and patchouli, it becomes less surprising that a brand best known for its skin care also makes one of the best perfumes for women.
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Marc Jacobs
Daisy Eau de Toilette, $104 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
This adorably packaged fragrance is fresh, feminine and in keeping with the playful bottle and name. It’s a fruit-floral blend with notes of strawberry, violet leaves and jasmine.
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Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Eau de Toilette, $102 for 3.2 oz at Nordstrom
Described as "Italy in a bottle," notes include citron, lemon, Granny Smith apple, jasmine, rose, bamboo, cedarwood, amber and musk. The fruity-floral is light, making it a particularly popular warm weather choice.
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Dior
J'adore Eau de Parfum, $100 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
While the rose and jasmine notes may make J'adore seem like more of a spring-summer scent, its approachability makes it a year-round best-seller.
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Philosophy
Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette, $50 for 2 oz at Sephora
A clean, classic and feminine scent, this is the perfect fragrance to give someone as a gift.
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Chanel
N°5 Eau de Parfum, $135 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
Given its iconic status, it may surprise some that N°5 isn't Chanel's best-selling scent. One explanation may be that it's considerably more complex than Coco Mademoiselle. Released in the early 20s, only minimal changes have been made since its creation.
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Viktor & Rolf
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $165 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
Its ready-to-wear business may not be much to speak of, but the brand's fragrance business is booming. A straightforward floral, this scent has notes of patchouli, freesia, rose and orchid and consistently ranks as one of the best perfumes for women.
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Estée Lauder
Beautiful Eau de Parfum, $95 for 3.4 oz at Estée Lauder
This rich flower scent is a new addition to the list. Über romantic and feminine, it’s the perfect spring scent.
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We Rank the 10 Most Popular Women’s Fragrances of 2016 #11
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The top perfumes for women for 2018 ahead...
Image: Chanel
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Chanel
Chance Eau de Toilette, $80 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, $100 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Philosophy
Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette, $49 for 2 oz at Sephora
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Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Eau de Toilette, $100 for 3.2 oz at Nordstrom
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Marc Jacobs
Daisy Eau de Toilette, $84 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Lancôme
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum, $72 for 1 oz at Lancôme
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Dior
J'adore Eau de Parfum, $100 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
N°5 Eau de Parfum, $135 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Viktor & Rolf
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $165 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Juicy Couture
Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum, $78 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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We Rank the 10 Most Popular Women’s Fragrances of 2016 #22
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Image: Chanel
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Chanel
Chance Eau de Toilette, $78 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, $94 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Philosophy
Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette, $48 for 2 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
N°5 Eau de Parfum, $132 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Lancôme
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum, $69 for 1 oz at Lancôme
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Marc Jacobs
Daisy Eau de Toilette, $80 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Viktor & Rolf
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $165 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Dior
J'adore Eau de Parfum, $94 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Juicy Couture
Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum, $76 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Eau de Toilette, $98 for 3.2 oz at Nordstrom
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We Rank the 10 Most Popular Women’s Fragrances of 2016 #33
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The top perfumes for women for 2016 ahead...
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Chanel
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, $94 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette, $78 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Eau de Toilette, $98 for 3.2 oz at Nordstrom
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Lancôme
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum, $69 for 1 oz at Lancôme
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Viktor & Rolf
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $165 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Dior
J'adore Eau de Parfum, $94 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Philosophy
Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette, $48 for 2 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
N°5 Eau de Parfum, $132 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Yves Saint Laurent
Black Opium Eau de Parfum Spray, $69 for 1 oz at YSL Beauty
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Thierry Mugler
Angel Eau de Parfum Shooting Star Refillable Spray, $120 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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We Rank the 10 Most Popular Women’s Fragrances of 2016 #44
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Chanel
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, $92 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Marc Jacobs
Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette Spray, $80 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Chanel
Chance Eau de Toilette, $78 for 1.7 oz at Sephora
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Tom Ford
Private Blend Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum, $225 for 1.7 oz at Nordstrom
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Viktor & Rolf
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, $165 for 3.4 oz at Sephora
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Bobbi Brown
Beach Eau de Parfum, $76 for 1.7 oz at Nordstrom
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Michael Kors
Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum Spray, $102 for 3.4 oz at Macy's
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Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Eau de Toilette, $98 for 3.2 oz at Nordstrom
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Victoria's Secret
Bombshell Eau de Parfum, $52 for 1.7 oz at Victoria's Secret
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Thierry Mugler
Alien Eau de Parfum Spray, $120 for 2 oz at Sephora
