17 March 2025

11 Luxury Fragrances That Are Totally Worth The Price

11 fragrances: Rouge 540 Perfume | YSL Handbag | Gucci Bronzer

11 Luxury Fragrances That Are Totally Worth The Price

… and a pro-tip: how to make your perfume last longer

Most of us love perfume. Over the years, through purchasing and receiving (after asking 😉) as gifts, I’ve collected quite a few. I’m not sure why, but the ones I wear happen to be a little on the expensive side! Maybe it’s because of all the years I worked at Nordstrom — I got hooked. I was able to try a new ones regularly and really got to figure out what I liked and what I didn’t like … always in search of that special signature scent.

Having a signature scent (or two) is one of those little luxuries in life that we all appreciate. Perfume is so personal, and unique to each of us, since it smells differently on everyone. So, when you find one you really love, I believe it’s worth the splurge! And, here’s a little pro-tip: buy a travel size of the one you like since it costs less, and test it out. Or, you may be able to get complimentary testers, which I always do before spending a lot of money on a full bottle.

Today’s post is a round-up of luxury fragrances that are totally worth the price. I’m sharing my tried-and-true favorites, along with some best-sellers some of my trusted resources absolutely love. I’ve also included a few that are on my wishlist! And, right now, you can get 15% off beauty at Nordstrom! Plus, members get triple points on beauty purchases. So now is a great time to pick a new perfume or candle and test it out!

 

Pro-Tip: How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer

Outfit: Silk robe | Fragrances: Celine bag | Delina fragrance | Glossier candle | Oud Satin Mood | Tom Ford Rose Prick | Stool

Pro-tip: According to perfume experts, here’s the trick: dab a little petroleum jelly or lotion on your skin before applying perfume. You can also layer it with the sister oil. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after spritzing because it makes it evaporate faster. If you need to, you can press your wrists together gently. The best places to apply perfume are your wrists and neck, as well as inside your elbows and behind your knees. Always spritz first, then get dressed. You will look and smell amazing 🤍

 

 

01. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Lately, the fragrance I wear all the time is Baccarat Rouge 540 (the #1 fragrance everywhere). If you’re not quite sure, try the body oil — it’s about half the price of a bottle and it smells lovely — that’s what I did. I also added the Oud Satin Mood to my collection this year.

Why everyone loves it: it’s a little bit sexy, and you’ll get compliments left and right! Here’s a typical review of this scent: “I LOVE IT. Every time I wear it I get way too many compliments. And, it stays on for the longest time. I love this. It’s worth every single dollar.”

 

02. Parfums De Marly Delina

I had read a lot about this perfume. I first smelled it at Stanley Korshak in Dallas, but wasn’t ready to commit to a full bottle. So I followed my own tip, and bought a travel sized bottle to try it out! After wearing it for a while, I decided to upgrade, and purchased the Exclusif which is a little less floral because of the addition of vanilla.

Why everyone loves it: the floral scent is addictive and it’s one of the top 5 best-selling fragrances in the world

 

03. Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady

This is a recent purchase after years of reading about it, and I just love it. With patchouli, geranium and a little cinnamon, it’s their #1 selling perfume. It’s one of the more modern and elegant fragrances, and named after the heroine of a Victorian novel.

Why everyone loves it: even though it was released in 2010, it remains timeless, it’s the “the perfume of all perfumes

 

04. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

My daughter says this one by Jo Malone is her signature scent — and I wear it as well. You can always share perfume with your loved ones 🤍 With jasmine, rose and a little apple, this best-seller really draws you in. Not to mention, I love their beautiful packaging.

Why everyone loves it: the more you wear it, the more you love it

 

05. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

This Chanel one is such a classic, with Its delicate, floral scent of sweet rose and jasmine — it’s instantly recognized the world over. The bottle also make for a pretty bathroom counter display.

Why everyone loves it: when you dab it on, you feel like you’re French 😂

 

06. Byredo Reine de Nuit

“Reine de Nuit” means Queen of the Night — and this blackcurrant-rose-patchouli-amber scent is indeed sexy and dark. It’s a good winter fragrance.

Why everyone loves it: a spicy floral blend that’s perfect for a long night out or a special date

 

07. Le Labo Santal 33

Santal 33 was my signature scent for years and it’s a unisex fragrance. Plus, you can personalize the label so you feel special every time you use it. My favorite hotel in my sweet hometown of McMinnville, the Atticus Hotel, has Le Labo products in the bathroom which is how my husband got hooked on the shower gel. Now he’s a fan and uses it everyday! So do I, but he has his own bottle 😉

Why everyone loves it: this one is a classic and just makes you happy when you smell it. It makes a great gift as well

 

08. Tom Ford Rose Prick

My friend describes Rose Prick as “enchanting,” and I agree with her. I’ve seen it described as a “rose patchouli bomb,” and it is — but in a good way. This was a go-to of mine for several years.

Why everyone loves it: if you love a strongish scent of rose, this is the perfume for you. Prepare for compliments

 

09. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

Soleil Blanc is literally the most perfect perfume to wear during the summer months. The vibe is beachy, sunny and seductive with cardamom and ylang ylang. It’s different from the others — lighter and definitely refreshing. Love. Don’t forget the shimmering body oil – when the sun hits, your skin will be glowing!

Why everyone loves it: due to it’s summery nature, it makes you feel like you’re lying on the beach in a lounge chair sipping something nice 😉

 

10. Amouage Guidance Eau de Parfum

A dear reader DMed me on Instagram to recommend I had to smell this one. I immediately put it in my cart along with the sister lotion. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I can’t wait to give it a try. This one is reminiscent of Delina.

Why everyone loves it: wears well for hours on end – I read up to 16 hours!

 

11. Penhaligon’s Changing Constance Eau de Parfum

After a nice dinner spent admiring her perfume, I just had to ask what my friend was wearing. She told me it was Constance and I loved it! Plus, if you know me you know I love anything English, so I was delighted to learn Penhaligon’s is an esteemed fragrance house that dates back to the 19th century. The bottle is so unique.

Why everyone loves it: the scent is long-lasting, beautiful, and unique with notes of cardamom, salted caramel, vanilla, and tobacco

 

Other Fragrances and Honorable Mentions

I have too many candles to count in my house and wanted to share some other fragrance-related items I love. The Diptyque scented ovals are great to hang in a closet to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Trudon is a brand I’ve long admired – this is a great reed diffuser and I have both the rose and leather + tobacco candle as well.

 

Thank you for reading xx

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