8 of the most popular perfumes ever—from Chanel to Jo Malone London

Looking for a new scent? We've compiled a comprehensive list of the most popular perfumes of all time

Three of the most popular perfumes in rectangle boxes on a pink background
(Image credit: Future)

Never underestimate the way a spritz of your signature perfume can help you feel ready for the day. If you’re yet to establish your go-to, one of the best perfumes for women will give you a lasting, delightful scent that lingers wherever you go. 

Despite diverse tastes and the subjective nature of fragrance, there are some truly iconic fragrances whose popularity has stood the test of time with their classic and irresistible aromas. 

Which ones, we hear you ask? We’ve scoured the archives to bring you an edit of some of the most popular perfumes of all time...

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

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1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

Specifications

RRP: from $108/£65 for 30ml
Top notes: Orange and bergamot
Heart notes: Jasmine and rose
Base notes: Patchouli and vetiver

Perfectly balanced and beautifully complex, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum is easily one of the most popular fragrances year in, year out. 

It combines mandarin, jasmine, Turkish rose, tonka bean, and vetiver perfume notes to an elegant effect. Its light formula gives off sparks of a vibrant orange, which perfectly befits the summer.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir cologne on template

(Image credit: Future)

2. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne

Specifications

RRP: from $74/£55 for 30ml
Top notes: Pomegranate
Heart notes: Casablanca lily
Base notes: Guaiacwood

Thanks to the pink pepper and patchouli, coupled with pomegranate and lily, Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne is aromatic, elegant, and captivating—it’s no wonder it’s the brand’s best selling scent. 

As with all the best Jo Malone perfumes, it layers wonderfully with their other products from the range, especially Lime Basil & Mandarin and is great if you're looking for the best long-lasting perfumes.

Dior Miss Dior perfume on a template background

(Image credit: Future)

3. Dior Miss Dior

Specifications

RRP: from $82/£54 for 30ml
Top notes: Lily of the Valley, peony, iris
Heart notes: Centifolia rose
Base notes: Musk, vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean, sandalwood

This classic scent is as sophisticated as it is seductive. Considered one of the most delicate options on the market and a favorite of famous faces like brand ambassador Natalie Portman. This perfume exudes the femininity of sensual floral fragrance to rival the best floral perfumes, woven with rosewood and pink pepper to achieve a heightened character.

The good thing about Miss Dior is that it can be worn on pretty much any occasion, all year round. This is all thanks to a blend of feminine and sensual ingredients, including Grasse rose and Damascus rose, all wrapped up in fresh notes of Calabrian bergamot.

Armani Sì Eau de Parfum on a template background

(Image credit: Future)

4. Armani Sì Eau de Parfum

Specifications

RRP: from $98/£59 for 30ml
Top notes: Blackcurrant liquor
Heart notes: Rose de Mai absolute, freesia
Base notes: Patchouli, oakmoss

Sweet, green and fresh, it's not hard to understand why this Giorgio Armani fragrance is one of the most popular feminine perfumes of all time. 

The spray smells of blackcurrant nectar, a heart of freesia, and Rose de Mai, making this seductive aroma a classic hallmark of sophistication and elegance.

YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum on a template background

(Image credit: Future)

5. YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum

Specifications

RRP: from $30/£59 for 30ml
Top notes: Coffee
Heart notes: White flowers
Base notes: Vanilla

We love this spicy scent from Yves Saint Laurent! And we are not alone; Black Opium is among the most popular perfumes in the world, and is loved by so many celebrities all over the world. 

It has a warm fragrance with sweet blends of coffee and creamy vanilla notes with a hint of white flowers for a bit of a twist on the best vanilla perfumes.  

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume on a template background

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6. Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

Specifications

RRP: from $48/£59 for 30ml
Top notes: Tea, bergamot, freesia
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine, cattleya orchid, centifolia rose
Base notes: Amber, cashmeran, patchouli

We can't get enough of Flowerbomb! It has a fresh floral scent that opens up with slight traces of mandarin and bergamot, leading to an explosion of floral notes, including freesia, sambac jasmine, osmanthus, and centifolia rose. Patchouli notes, amber, and wood combine with praline and warm vanilla to produce the unique scent, which will fast become one of your most complimented fragrances

It can be worn at any time of the year – florals are perfect for spring, but it's also spicy and warm, which brings out a cozy feel during the winter season.

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum on a template background

(Image credit: Future)

7. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum

Specifications

RRP: from $30/£47.20 for 30ml
Top notes: Pear, blackberry
Heart notes: Orange blossom, Jasmine sambac
Base notes: Heart of Patchouli

Named after the French for "life is beautiful," and this is the exact feeling you get when you spritz this gorgeous fine perfume, considered a wonderful girly perfume for both evening and day wear. We’re talking a delicate balance of patchouli, iris and vanilla, layered with Arabian jasmine sambac and Tunisian orange blossom – perfect for those who love sweet scents of the best floral perfumes.

Coming from a brand that is famous for skincare and makeup, La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum became a cult hit in its own right, thanks in part to celeb ambassador Julia Roberts.

Donna Karen Cashmere Mist Eau de Toilette on a template background

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8. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Toilette

Specifications

RRP: from $66/£53 for 50ml
Top notes: Bergamot
Heart notes: Jasmine, Lily of the Valley
Base notes: Sandalwood, vanilla

We love perfumes that not only smell great, but whose bottles also work as a piece of art to accompany the tiktok bathroom trends or dressing table staples. 

This classic Donna Karan fragrance doesn't disappoint with its jasmine, vanilla, and cashmere notes, all seamlessly contained within its stunning, sculptural bottle. You really can’t go wrong!

Aleesha Badkar
Former Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life

Aleesha was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. Previously she was Shopping Writer at woman&home and gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team. She earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London in 2017 and has since worked with a number of brands including, Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto. When she’s not testing all the new beauty & lifestyle products on the market, Aleesha spends her time soaking up the newest bestsellers and Netflix releases, watching everything Marvel, learning about different wines, attempting new languages and traveling as much as she can.