In my experience, there are two types of perfumes. The first is what I call a “slow burn” smell. You might not be sure about it at first, but slowly, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Eventually, you realize you are in deep, and it becomes one of your favorite scents. The second is the instant-connection type. You fall in love the first time you smell it, and you might even adopt it as a signature scent. However, recently, I have realized that there is a third type. I call it the compliment-magnet category.
These perfumes will fetch you endless compliments from friends, family members and even strangers walking by on the street. Whatever you want to call it – effortless popularity or universal appeal – these fragrances have it. And it just so happens that some of the most tried-and-true, attention-grabbers can be found at Nordstrom. That’s why I thought it was time we provided a shopping guide of sorts. Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 Nordstrom perfumes with the potential to earn the highest praise, according to five scent-obsessed WWW editors.
byredo
Casablanca Lily Extrait De Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Plum, Gardenia, Carnation, Indian Tuberose
If we see this perfume plastered on your vanity, we’ll know you’re a total fragrance connoisseur. Byredo’s Casablanca Lily is an IYKYK perfume that doesn’t get as much hype as its other blends (notably Gypsy Water, Mojave Ghost and Bal d’Afrique), but still earns All Praise. That’s according to WDW Beauty Director Erin Jahns, who considers it one of her all-time favorite Byredo elixirs.
It is part of the brand’s highly focused Night Veils collection. The brand says it exudes mystery, sensuality and the beauty of the night. As such, notes of plum, gardenia, carnation, Indian tuberose, rosewood and honey ‘slowly reveal themselves like petals opening in the silence of the night.’ It’s modern, unique and intoxicating.
Amouage Guidance Eau De Parfum
AMOUAGE
guidance eau de parfum
Fragrance Notes: Pear, Frankincense, Hazelnut, Saffron, Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Osmanthus, Cistus, Sandalwood, Akigalawood, Ambergris, Vanilla
If you like perfumes that are rich, elegant and statement-making, yet not intoxicating or overwhelming, then you will love Amouage’s Guiding Eau de Parfum. It is an impressive blend of fruity, nutty, woody and floral notes: pear, hazelnut, vanilla, sandalwood, rose and jasmine. I think the brand says it best (albeit lyrically) when it says that the mesmerizing scent “sounds like a poem, smells like a hug, and feels like words of wisdom.” Jamie Schneider, WDW’s senior beauty editor, says this is one of her favorite scents, and she can smell it on anyone. No wonder it won the prestigious Who What Wear 100 Beauty Award.
DS and Durga I don’t know what
DS and Durga
I don’t know what
Fragrance Notes: Bergamot Essence, ISO E Super, Vetiver Acetate, Civatone, Fircentol, Ambrox Super
Technically a “fragrance enhancer” rather than a traditional perfume, this formula is layered with other fragrances to create a certain scent that is, as the French say, “je ne sais quoi,” or “I don’t know what.” See what they did there?
Even though it’s designed to be layered with other perfumes, the WWW Beauty team doesn’t hesitate to wear it alone. It opens on a burst of bergamot (a floral-citrus note that evokes an expensive Italian villa IMO), before drying down to a refreshing, your-skin-but-better scent. It’s barely there, the ideal formula for someone who wants their fragrance to whisper rather than shout.
perfumehead
Cosmic Cowboy Extract De Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Cinnamon bark, tobacco leaf, coco blanc, black musk
Both Jahns and Schneider consider Cosmic Cowboy one of the most admired perfumes in their (very extensive) fragrance wardrobes. It’s smoky, hazy and muggy – a scene from the Sunset Strip in the 70s. “Shine and grit in equal measure,” this is a decadent fragrance with an edge.
Warm cinnamon bark, velvety suede, and creamy tonka bean notes create a playful smile that’ll make you skip the line at the venue. Notes of smoky tobacco leaf, sultry black musk, and heady whiskey are the rebellious edge that takes you backstage with the band. This is a fragrance that is like nothing else. Or, as the brand says, “an invitation to come through a velvety mist, where the neon is visible through the smoke.”
Parfums De Marly Delina Eau De Parfum
perfumes de marly
Delina Eau De Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Rhubarb, Lychee, Bergamot Essence, Turkish Rose, Peony, Vanilla, Cashmere, Musk, Vetiver
WWW’s Associate Beauty Editor, Alyssa Brascia, cites this iconic perfume as one of her favorite and most admired elixirs. Even though it’s probably one of the most recognized perfumes on the market (thanks to Instagram and TikTok), it still constantly gets compliments every time we wear it. Brassica calls it “powder chic” because of the fruit-floral notes of lychee, bergamot, rose and peony. If that descriptor puts you off, it shouldn’t. It’s not powdery in the ancient, old way. It’s soft, feminine, like Sofia Coppola in powder. marie antoinette way.
Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusive Perfume
perfumes de marly
Valaya Exclusive Perfume
Fragrance Notes: Almond, bergamot, mandarin, orange blossom, white blossom, powdery aspect, akigalawood, sandalwood, ambroxan, vanilla
Honestly, this perfume is on the same level as Delina, or, dare I say… even better. It has light, airy qualities, thanks to notes of almond and white flowers. Then, there’s a splash of citrus from bergamot, mandarin, and orange blossom. Finally, warm, creamy notes remain, namely akigalawood, sandalwood and vanilla. it’s soft! It’s soft! This is supernatural! As one Nordstrom reviewer said, “I’m convinced that’s what angels smell like.”
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau De Parfum
chloe
Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Cardamom, crushed leaves, lemon, rose, cypriol, sand vetiver, cedar wood, ambrofix, akigalawood
You know a perfume is exceptional when a beauty editor personally endorses it. You know it’s extraordinary when a beauty editor wears it on her wedding day. Dear reader, such is the case with Chloé’s Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau de Parfum. Schneider, who was a dazzling bride in every way, wore it to walk down the aisle. It’s Chloé-girl chic, equal parts bright, woody and musky.
perfumehead
some extract de perfume
Fragrance Notes: Nerolia, Galbanum, Jasmine, Oakmoss
I would like to present another perfumehead selection for consideration. Let me introduce you to Somewhere Extrait De Parfum. It’s inspired by having an LLC in an unnamed location (not here, but somewhere!). It is lush, lush, and has a “feeling of escape.” For me, this perfume is a contradiction. It’s sparkling yet “dense”, fresh yet moist. It smells like sunlight filtering through leaves and warming your skin. Or, lying in a dew-covered cabana outside a luxury resort. Warm, sunny, and pleasing, this is an underrated perfume that gets me lots of “your scent is incredible” compliments.
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
joe malone
Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
Fragrance Notes: Ambrette Seed, Sea Salt, Sage
The WWW Beauty team loves this iconic English perfume, as does the entire Internet. It’s always a popular selection due to its refreshing, crisp and airy quality – something that Jo Malone does exceptionally well. I wear this whenever I want to smell fresh and clean, yet in a sophisticated (not detergent like) way. Jahns once famously described it as smelling like “a sea-salty nymph living off the coast of England”. It was such an accurate description that I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since.
Bvlgari Eau Parfumée The Imperial 150 Eau de Toilette
Bvlgari
Eau Parfum The Imperial 150 Eau De Toilette
Fragrance Notes: Sri Lankan Black Tea and Italian Citrus
It’s a study in the perfume empire—no, really. It is inspired by the historical tea rituals of China and the citrus fruits of Imperial Rome. The collision of “East and West” is simple, yet impactful. It’s sparkling, radiant and downright regal, which is why Brescia cites it as one of her favorite perfumes.
Prada Lace Infusion Infusion De Santal Tea Eau De Parfum
prada
Les Infusions Infusions de Santal Tea Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Chai Latte Accord, Sandalwood, Musk
Brescia also loves this tea-inspired perfume. Prada’s Infusion de Santal Tea is a woody, spicy scent that is warm and comforting, just like the drink that inspired it. First, you get the spicy warmth of the Chai Latte Accord. Then, you detect creamy sandalwood and second-skin musk. Fresh citrus and a touch of cardamom give it a vibrant glow. The lovely scent will definitely attract people and earn you more than a few compliments.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum
carolina herrera
good girl eau de parfum
Fragrance Notes: Sambac Jasmine, Tuberose Crystal, Velvet Almond, Tonka Bean, Cocoa, Coffee
Sabrina Talbert, WDW’s assistant beauty editor, recommends this perfume, and I agree. Sure, the signature stilettoed packaging is worthy of display, but I guarantee you’ll be mesmerized by the nectar found inside. The warm floral scent is based on the intense notes of jasmine. Beautiful tuberose, velvety almond, and creamy tonka bean round it out. On the drydown, expect dark cocoa and coffee notes to blossom; They take a provocative wink at the name “good girl.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau De Parfum
maison francis kurkdjian
Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau De Parfum
Fragrance Notes: Juniper Berry Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Coriander Seed Oil, Musk, Ambery Wood, Vanilla Blend
Vanilla seems to be an almost universally loved scent, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau de Parfum is an example of an exceptional vanilla-based fragrance. The smooth vanilla blend of the perfume is enhanced with notes of musk and ambery woods, so it feels warm, inviting and inviting. It may not get the same publicity as MFK baccarat rouge 540But it’s worth it. In fact, Brescia says it’s “much better than IMO.”
