These 8 Expensive Perfumes Are Worth Every Penny
Buying a perfume is like buying a chic gift for your best friend: It doesn't need to be expensive, but sometimes spending a few extra bucks makes the whole experience super special. Perfumes for women come in all shapes and sizes, from vanilla-scented yummy fragrances to woodsier colognes that make anyone feel extra edgy and cool. My kryptonite is an expensive perfume that makes me feel like I'm carrying a luxurious secret with me all day.
But let's be honest: Sometimes the hefty price tags on fragrances might feel confusing. What makes one perfume more expensive than another? There can be several reasons, ranging from how laborious it is to harvest ingredients, to designer labels, to the cost involved in the beautiful bottle you're paying for. Here, we've sniffed around and discovered the best expensive perfumes that are actually worth the price. From luxurious scents in hand-blown glass bottles to fan favorites worldwide, find your new signature fragrance that says, 'I smell expensive.'
Apparently, the folks over at Frédéric Malle found a way to bottle cool girl energy. It's definitely a woodsier scent, but it also contains hints of rose, raspberry and cinnamon for that sweeter edge.
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Love it, love it, loooooove it! This is a very nice rose fragrance. Leaves a sweet taste in my mouth after I smell it. So glad that I purchased the large bottle. This is my favorite fragrance right now. It's very unique.'
I recently invited friends over to root through my perfume inventory, and no joke; people fought over this one. My male friends begged me to give it to their girlfriends, but in the end I kept it, because any perfume that almost starts a riot is one I need to own.
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'You just know from the first spray that it's the one. And after a few minutes, it's even better. It's light and fresh with a sweetness, feminine and sophisticated. Just cannot stop smelling it. I'm in love!'
When I received this perfume, I immediately posted it on my Instagram to brag about my connections. No fewer than four so-called 'friends' asked if they could have it. As if. That being said, if you don't know what to buy for someone, I have yet to meet a human being who doesn't like Santal 33.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I'd take a bath in this scent if I could afford it. I hope I'm buried with a bottle when I die.'
As a bride-to-be, this perfume feels like it was made for me–literally. Its inspiration is a bouquet you walk down the aisle with, complete with floral notes from violets, tuberoses, ylang-ylang flowers, and irises. Not to mention, it looks like something a Bridgerton character would put on their vanity.Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 starsA Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Clearly the most beautiful fragrance on the planet. Subtle and complex.'
Take it from me; the bottle alone justifies the hefty price tag for this perfume. Anyone who enters my apartment is instantly enthralled with the star shape, but the truth is that the scent inside is even better. Inspired by New York City, the fragrance is the perfect mesh of sweet, fruity, and deep.
Saks rating: 5/5 stars
A Saks reviewer says: 'This smells wonderful! I love love love it! I love the longevity of this. It's an excellent scent for fall/winter months.'
This is a superb gender-neutral scent or at least that's what I've been led to believe since my brother constantly attempts to steal the bottle from my apartment. If you're considering a trip to Italy this year, save yourself a few bucks and buy this perfume instead.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I ordered this on a whim without smelling it first. It was a gamble that paid off. I don't think I will ever be without this perfume. It is so different, without being overpowering. It last a decent length of time on my skin. I'd highly recommend this.'
Truthfully, designer fragrances (perfumes created by fashion houses) can be really hit or miss. Gucci transcends that stereotype with a range of exceptional fragrances that increase the eye-candy factor of any vanity.
Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'The notes are crisp and fresh. Such a delightful fragrance.'
Also known as everybody's favorite perfume, this scent pays for itself in the abundance of compliments you'll accrue. It's also a favorite of A-listers like Olivia Rodrigo, which is an endorsement that makes me click 'Add to cart.' Believe the hype—there's a reason why you smell it everywhere.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I am constantly stopped on the street, in stores, elevators, in meetings, EVERYWHERE and told 'You smell INCREDIBLE, what are you wearing?!?''
Tatjana Freund is ELLE's former Beauty E-Commerce Writer. She has interviewed countless industry-leading professionals and always smells delicious.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.
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