These are the 23 best perfumes of all time

A definitive list of the "23 best perfumes of all time" can vary greatly depending on the source (fashion magazines, industry experts, best-seller lists, etc.).

However, several iconic and highly-rated perfumes consistently appear on lists of the best and most influential fragrances ever created.

Here is a selection of perfumes frequently cited as all-time classics, best-sellers, and highly-rated scents, drawing from various sources to give you a strong list of top contenders:

Iconic and Timeless Classics

1. Chanel No. 5 (Women's) - The ultimate classic, known for its aldehydes, florals, and timeless sophistication.
2. Guerlain Shalimar (Women's) - A legendary "oriental" fragrance with notes of vanilla, iris, and bergamot, launched in 1925.
3. Dior J'adore (Women's) - A modern floral icon, often noted for its blend of floral notes like ylang-ylang and jasmine.
4. Thierry Mugler Angel (Women's) - A groundbreaking gourmand scent with sweet, edible notes like patchouli, chocolate, and caramel.
5. Dior Sauvage (Men's) - A massively popular, modern classic for men, known for its fresh, spicy, and ambroxan-heavy profile.
6. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio (Men's) - A classic aquatic/fresh scent that defined a generation of men's fragrance.

Modern and Highly Popular Must-Haves

1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 (Unisex) - A viral, universally-loved scent with notes of saffron, jasmine, and amberwood.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium (Women's) - A modern, addictive scent featuring coffee, vanilla, and white florals.
3. Yves Saint Laurent Libre (Women's) - A popular modern floral with a distinctive lavender and orange blossom blend.
4. Tom Ford Black Orchid (Unisex/Women's) - A rich, dark, and luxurious scent with black truffle, orchid, and spice.
5. Creed Aventus (Men's) - A high-end favorite known for its smoky, fruity (pineapple) scent.
6. Le Labo Santal 33 (Unisex) - An influential woody and leathery scent with notes of sandalwood and cardamom.

Other Acclaimed and Bestselling Perfumes

1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (Women's) - A fresher, younger take on the Chanel DNA with patchouli and citrus.
2. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (Women's) - An explosive, sweet floral-gourmand scent.
3. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (Women's) - A fresh, citrusy, and crisp scent reminiscent of the Mediterranean summer.
4. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille (Unisex) - A warm, spicy, and inviting blend of vanilla and tobacco leaf.
5. Byredo Mojave Ghost (Unisex) - A light, woody, and floral scent with a subtle, airy quality.
6. Glossier You (Women's) - A popular "skin scent" designed to smell like "you, but better," featuring musky, powdery notes.
7. Calvin Klein CK One (Unisex) - A defining gender-neutral scent of the 90s, fresh and clean.
8. Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady (Women's) - A opulent, intense rose and patchouli composition.
9. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle (Women's) - A widely popular gourmand-floral with iris, patchouli, and spun sugar.
10. Dior Miss Dior (Women's) - A cheerful and elegant floral scent with various modern iterations.
11. Narciso Rodriguez For Her (Women's) - A modern musk masterpiece, often featuring a heart of musk, with florals and woods.