You're Going To Smell Like A Slice Of Heaven With These Finds

Best skin scent: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Over the last several years, the concept of “skin scents” exploded in popularity on the fragrance scene. It’s the “no-makeup-makeup” of perfume: It’s supposed to smell like you, just a bit more elevated. It’s achieved by blending together light musks, grounding woods, and a dash of airy florals. In Phlur’s viral sensation that was Missing Person, they use white musk, skin musk, jasmine, neroli, and sandalwood. 

What our reviewer says:

An absolute delight of a fragrance, this airy-yet-warm perfume feels like you have nothing on. It’s inviting, but not obvious. Phlur creative director and influencer Chrishelle Lim once told me that this is her go-to for day-to-day, as it’s not overpowering and can blend in with any occasion. I very much agree. 

Best fresh: Clean Reserve Rain Eau de Parfum

Best white floral: The Maker Wild

Best fruity floral: Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum

Juicy florals—once the reigning scent of the early aughts—got a major makeover with this launch from Bee Shapiro’s cult favorite brand Ellis Brookllyn. This one’s elevated and surprisingly creamy. The bergamot is a bright, sunny citrus that instantly inspires images of driving a two-seater, top down, on winding roads on the Italian coast. Jasmine fills out the fragrance with its unmistakable sweet and musky floral scent. Finally, the fig and vanilla add some warmth and depth, giving the scent some thickness. 

What our reviewer says: 

When I smell it, I have visions of warming my skin on terracotta bricks, soft morning sunshine with a lavish fruit plate for breakfast, and coastal blooms filling the air. I grew up loving the candied fruity florals that were so popular in my youth. This one feels succulent like the perfumes of my past, but significantly more refined. 

Best citrus: Phlur Solar Power

Citrus scents are endlessly popular because they just feel happy: They’re reminiscent of summer days, warm weather, and vacations. Perhaps even a cocktail or two. This sun-drenched scent layers together bergamot, neroli, jasmine, driftwood, and a sprinkling of sea salt.

What our reviewer says:

It's as if a perfume was made just for me. It’s bright with citrus, warmed with musk and coastal woods, lightly sweetened with airy florals, and freshened with marine notes. There's a very specific sensation that I often long for: The body warming in the sun just after getting out of the ocean—skin, cradled in salt and sand, gently bathed in light. One spritz of this, and I'm there.

Best spice: Henry Rose Char

Warm, sultry, and just singed with sophistication. Michelle Pfieffer’s EWG-verified fragrance brand, Henry Rose, makes some of the best clean fragrances out there—as well as some of the most creative. This blends together tonka bean, ginger, vetiver, and Moroccan orange flower for a blend that’s smoky yet somehow still fresh. 

What our reviewer says: 

“I tend to gravitate towards spicier, muskier fragrances like this one as opposed to crisp, citrus-y scents, and Char is perfect for everyday wear. It gives just enough depth that makes you smell subtly mysterious. Michelle Pfieffer herself told me she layers it with her brighter Windows Down—I tried it, and I’m just as obsessed with the combo.” — mbg beauty editor Jamie Schneider

Best gourmand: by Rosie Jane Dulce

The gourmand fragrance category is actually one of the most popular in the world. It consists of perfumes that prioritize sweet, edible notes like sugars, vanilla, caramel, chocolate—things so mouthwatering you could eat it. This number uses two kinds of vanilla, a drizzle of chocolate, elegant hinoki wood, and subtle nude musk.  

What our reviewer says: 

“If you, too, have been influenced by the Y2K craze, you need this gourmand fragrance in your life. You’ll definitely notice the soft vanilla, but it’s not too syrupy like the sugar-spun aromas you might have bathed in back then. With hinoki wood and nude musk, this one’s a little more complex for the nose.” — Schneider

Best green scent: Relevant 13 Stems

At its core, this is a green scent—or a perfume that evokes grass and lush botanicals—but it’s rounded out by white florals and grounding woods. The end result is balanced and welcoming, yet invigorating and sharp. It does so by mixing together cucumber, bamboo, and green peppercorn, with a bouquet of freesia, mimosa flower, and violets. 

What our reviewer says:

I’ve never smelled a fragrance that balances herby greens with floral so well. Typically when you’re using herbal, earthy notes (par for the course in green scents), they can be overpowering. But this lets the floral and cashmere accords sing. It’s enchanting. Not for nothing, but my bottle (pictured) was hand painted at the launch event—which I think only adds to the charm. A lovely reminder that perfumes are truly little masterpieces.

Best rose : Kai*Rose Eau de Parfum

In the past, rose scents had a bad rap. They’re often thought of as stuffy, powdery, and dated. But this is thoroughly modern. The second fragrance from Kai (a natural fragrance brand with a devoted following), is like stepping into a rose garden. It’s fresh and full of life.

What our reviewer says: 

This is the rose scent that made me love roses. It totally reimagined what the traditional floral could be. It should come as no surprise, considering the brand itself is known for being quite the disruptors in the fragrance industry. The signature fragrance has amassed a cult following which includes Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, and Charlize Theron.

Best moody: Abel Black Anise

Like putting on your deepest playlist or cracking open your journal, sometimes you just want to feel something. This dark, sensual fragrance evokes the more mercurial side of life. And it has the fragrance notes to match. The namesake top note black anise, while the middle notes (black currant and cocoa) bring a smooth richness, and then it’s rounded out by a bold tobacco base. 

What our reviewer says: 

“This is, hands down, the sexiest perfume I own. Upon first spritz, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the licorice-like top notes (which stem from star anise), but it actually develops beautifully on the skin. Now, I can’t get enough! The tobacco base and vibrant, smoky amber mingle together to create something so sophisticated and just plain sultry. The verdict? This is my official date night perfume.” — Schneier

Best aquatic: The Nue Co Water Therapy

Best genderless: CK Everyone

The pinnacle of clean chic, Calvin Klein fragrances are some of the most universally beloved scents available. And this Eau de Toilette uses ingredients of natural origin—such as bright organic orange essential oil and ginger for the top notes. The middle is a fresh, herby blue tea accord, and then it’s grounded with earthy cedarwood and patchouli. Together, it makes a flattering blend that lives up to the CK fragrance legacy.

What our review says:

I was pleasantly surprised to see Calvin Klein venturing into clean and natural fragrances, and then was absolutely charmed once I got a whiff of the tonic. It’s balanced, fresh, polished, and even a bit playful. 

Best multitasking: Being Frenshe Lavender Cloud

Best beginner: Skylar Pink Canyon

Best organic: The 7 Virtues Santal Vanille

Best oil: Kindred Black The Fall Of Immortal

Perfume oil is like anointing yourself—it’s a ritual, and practically sacrosanct. This elixir from the sustainable artisanal haven Kindred Black blends together coconut oil and several organic essential oils, such as bergamot, lavender, rose, and ylang ylang.   

What our reviewer says: 

“If you’re a fan of incense, you’ll love this perfume oil. The scent is warm, seductive, and exotic. It’s one of those fragrances you keep on hand for the occasion where you want to channel a spicy edge. The tiny bottle may make you question the price point, but just know this oil is concentrated, so you only need a drop or two. Plus, the unique bottles are perfect for shelf decor after you use your last drop.” — assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye

Transparent ingredients

Ingredient transparency is notoriously challenging in the fragrance world, as these recipes for these precious nectars are often under tight wraps. But these brands are open about what goes into their bottles.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of what we do at mbg beauty, but it's especially important in the world of fragrance where ingredient sourcing should be top of mind.

Variety

Everyone has unique tastes and scent preferences. We included a wide range of options that include most fragrance categories so you can find something that will work for you.

Tried & tested

These fragrances and brands have been personally vetted by me and tested by the mbg beauty team. We also use real user reviews to help inform our decisions.