20 Long-Lasting Fragrances That Won’t Overwhelm You
These scents really go the distance.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Unearthing a beautiful perfume you absolutely love is a challenge in and of itself, and discovering that it fades away before anyone else gets to smell it is a special kind of heartbreak. However, if you know how to look for a long-lasting perfume, you’ll never have to deal with that issue again, no matter whether you prefer floral perfumes, vanilla perfumes, or niche indie perfumes nobody else in your social circle knows about.
There are actually a few tricks to finding a perfume that’ll last all day, even if you’re shopping for one online. “Fragrances that offer greater longevity typically include eau de parfums, extraits, and intense colognes,” says Autumne West, the national beauty director at Nordstrom. “These are more concentrated forms of fragrances, which means they have stronger scent profiles that stay with you longer.” Meanwhile, body mists and eau de toilettes typically have a much lower concentration of oil—great choices if you’re easily overwhelmed by fragrance, but not ideal for longevity. Another tip? Go for scents with potent base notes like musk or sandalwood. “The lasting power of a perfume often comes from its base notes. Warm, musky scents usually have a longer presence,” explains West.
Even still, according to West, your particular body chemistry, hair type, and the kinds of clothing you wear can extend or shorten the lifetime of a scent. Testing fragrances for a day or two is probably the best way to see how long it lasts on you. But if you need a jumping-off point, below, you’ll see perfumes that have all been vetted by ELLE editors. The 20 best long-lasting perfumes for women are just a scroll away.
In the pool of the best oud fragrances, Amber Oud stands out from the crowd. The deep, woodsy oud has a strong projection that lingers on your skin and clothes for hours. Vanilla offers a tinge of sweetness, but this scent is dark and musky.
Size: 4 oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I wore this fragrance for a night out and received so many compliments that a friend ordered Amber Oud right at the dinner table. By the time I got home, I could still smell the scent all over my clothes, even the next day. Talk about a strong sillage!”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Parfums de Marly Cassili Eau de Parfum
Cassili wraps you in a soft, plush bed of sweet white flowers. Tonka beans and sandalwood deepen the bouquet, but they linger in the background to keep the composition flirty and feminine.
Key scent notes: Bulgarian rose, transparent white flowers, mimosa absolute, plumeria, sandalwood, tonka beans
Size: 2.5 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My introduction to Parfums de Marly was through Cassili. As someone who detests juvenile-like floral scents, I was thoroughly happy that Cassili is a sexy, mature floral scent that settles into a powdery sweetness.”—Nerisha Penrose
Hermès Oud Alezan Eau de Parfum
Layering an oud perfume is an easy cheat code to an elevated scent palette, but here’s one that can shine on its own. “This fragrance was inspired by the scent of a show-jumping chestnut horse—but smells nothing like a stable,” shares Danielle James, an NYC-based beauty expert. Oud Alezan blends soft, sugary roses with oud to create an aroma that feels like a sunset on a spring day.
Key notes: Oud, roses
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Fragrantica rating: 3.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’m a sucker for rose fragrances, but this one brings something new to the table. The presence of oud gives it a depth and intensity that’s hard to forget. I just feel so expensive after dousing myself in the scent. Once, while wearing this perfume at a post-work event, all I heard was, ‘You smell so good’ everywhere I turned. At least one person vowed to go out and purchase a bottle the next day.” —Carol Lee, associate beauty commerce writer
Penhaligon’s Solaris Eau de Parfum
An ELLE.com Noteworthies winner, Solaris by Penhaligons smells like freshly squeezed citrus basking under the sun’s rays. On the skin, the florals take the spotlight as jasmine and ylang-ylang dance around awakening Neroli and lemon oil.
Size: 3.4 oz
Key scent notes: Blackcurrant, neroli, lemon oil, ylang-ylang, jasmine, tiare flower, cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This effervescent fragrance says, ‘hello, summer!’ in aroma form. This is an office favorite. I highly recommend.”—Danielle James
Bond No.9 New York New York Gardenia Eau de Parfum
Smelling this fragrance is like burying your nose into a bouquet of blooming flowers. Like all of its other scents, Bond No.9 designed the perfume to evoke an aspect of New York City—and this one will remind you of that glorious first day of spring in the city.
Key notes: Jasmine, tuberose, peony, gardenia, rose, vetiver, vanilla
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Fragrantica rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Gourmands are probably my least favorite type of scent. I avoid them like the plague, but once in a while, one surprises me. I adore this one because the vanilla is folded into some of my favorite florals, including rose, peony, and jasmine. The vetiver helps ground the fragrance, and I catch whiffs of it all day until I head to bed.” —Carol Lee
Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum
“Maison Francis Kurkdjian and sophisticated luxury go hand in hand. TikTok fell in love with him for the luxuriously scented (and expensive) Baccarat Rouge 540,” says James. “ 724 exemplifies that Kurkdjian truly has the Midas touch.” You’re not alone if you think Maison Francis Kurkdijan’s 724 fragrance immediately smells aquatic. The opening whiff is fresh and crisp, clean before the darker side rears its head with a blend of musks and sandalwood.
Size: 6.7 oz
Key scent notes: Aldehydes, bergamot oil, white floral accord, jasmine, sandalwood accord, white musks
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I always want to smell like a load of clean laundry. 724 is in my oeuvre of ‘fresh linens’ scents, but its aroma is especially elevated and chic, thanks to creamy sandalwood and white musks. I’ve had multiple people ask me what it was, including an Uber driver who vowed to gift one to his wife.”—Carol Lee
Carlos Huber, the fragrance architect behind Arquiste, draws from specific moments and places in history for each of the brand’s scents—they’re like time machines that transport you across space and time. L’Or de Louis allows you to feel like a member of Louis XIV’s court, visiting the Palace of Versailles’s orangery with the 17th-century king of France. Just as the 24-karat gold glimmers in the perfume’s vessel, the scent’s orange blossom sparkles on the skin, settling down to reveal warm notes of honey, pomegranate, and firewood smoke.
Key notes: Orange blossom absolute, pomegranate, bergamot, French jasmine absolute, honey, Florentine orris, musk, cedarwood, firewood smoke, cadewood, Oislet de Chypre (a resinous accord dating from the 17th century)
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Fragrantica rating: 3.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I receive compliments nearly every time I wear L’Or de Louis. If I didn’t have such an extensive perfume collection, it’d be a strong contender for my signature fragrance. Something about it is so comforting to me, and it’s just the right mixture of floral and smoky. I’m heavy-handed with my fragrances, but even if I weren’t, it’s just strong enough that it’ll latch onto your skin and last for an indeterminate amount of time.” —Carol Lee
Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum
Amazing Grace wraps you in a creamy blanket of soft florals. The fresh scent feels like a sweet caress of powdery musks that swells with emotive blooms like jasmine and freesia.
Size: 2 oz
Key scent notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, freesia, neroli, orange blossom, musk blend
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is one of those classic scents that’ll never go out of style. It’s refreshing and comforting all at once, and I love to layer it with other fragrances. I’ve also been known to spritz a little on myself before bed to help myself get nice and cozy.”—Carol Lee
Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum
This award-winning fragrance is as original and show-stealing as the star-shaped vessel it’s housed in. There’s a reason it has garnered a cult following—fruity, floral, and gourmand notes swirl together for an intoxicating blend that’s hard to forget.
Size: 1.7 oz
Key scent notes: Melon, coconut, mandarin orange, cassia, jasmine, bergamot, cotton candy, honey, apricot, blackberry, plum, orchid, peach, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, red berries, rose, tonka bean, amber, patchouli, musk, vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I discovered Mugler Angel years and years ago, back when I was a beauty intern. I found a sample in the closet and spritzed it, and I instantly understood why it was so popular; it smells sexy and complex, and like anyone who wears it would ooze confidence. The scent is an attention grabber for sure, and it’s a true compliment magnet.”—Carol Lee
Boy Smells LES Eau de Parfum
LES is no typical floral. Jasmine and bergamot intermingle with cedarwood, amber, and pink pepper, making for a clean, fresh, and slightly spicy skin scent that will have you sniffing yourself all day long.
Key scent notes: bergamot, pink peppercorn, jasmine,peony, vanilla
Size: 2.2 oz
Boy Smells rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “LES in NYC may be dirty, but this scent, eponymously named after the downtown neighborhood, smells fantastic. I’m a big fan of Glossier You, so if you like that scent, you'll love this one—it's like a more grown-up version. Every time I wear this, I get countless compliments.”—Danielle James
Dries Van Noten Orange Smoke Eau de Toilette
Incense and myrrh give this Dries Van Noten gem a smoky quality (hence the name), but those notes quickly settle down to give orange blossom, neroli, and jasmine room to play.
Key scent notes: Mandarin, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, incense, myrrh, musk
Size: 6.8 oz
Fragrantica rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Orange Smoke stopped me in my tracks the moment the last mist settled on my skin. I felt like I was immediately transported to the South of France or the Amalfi Coast, somewhere sunkissed with salty sea breeze brushing against my skin.”—Nerisha Penrose
Many skin scents either fade quickly or sit so close to the skin that everyone else can barely smell them. This fragrance oil, however, completely sidesteps those issues; its creamy, musky, slightly floral aroma projects far enough for others to ask about the perfume you’re wearing. Although many choose to wear it on its own, layering it with other perfumes will actually help the other scents stick on longer and even intensify them.
Key scent notes: Lily petals, sandalwood, amber, soft musk
Size: 0.35 oz
Maya rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I will never shut up about how much I love musky scents. They smell so different and beautiful on everyone, and I love that even after the top and middle notes have evaporated, the musk stays on the skin and (in my opinion) smells even better with time as my body temperature warms it up. Base is the epitome of my perfect musk-heavy fragrance, and I roll it on all over my pressure points at least once a week.”—Carol Lee
White florals, petitgrain, and bell pepper combine to form a punchy, green scent that makes you feel like you're trekking through a verdant, thriving rainforest.
Key scent notes: Bell pepper, petitgrain, pink pepper, tuberose, coriander leaf, mango, patchouli, amber woods
Size: 1.7 oz
Fulton & Roark rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Fulton & Roark was one of my favorite perfumery discoveries of 2024, and if you’re looking for a luxe yet unique fragrance only those in the know will recognize, I’d suggest checking it out. Thousand Palms is refreshing and invigorating, like drinking a tall glass of water when you’re really, really thirsty.”—Carol Lee
Everything that makes an Italian vacation memorable is pretty much bottled up in this fragrance. This perfume evokes images of sticky limoncello and salty sea air, built around lemon and bergamot with a smidge of soft rose.
Key scent notes: Bergamot, rose grapefruit, lemon, jasmine
Size: 100mL
Fragrantica rating: 5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “There’s nothing I want more than to lounge in a villa on the coast of Italy, devouring a limoncello gelato melting under the beaming sun. Every time I wear Villa Bordighera, I’m transported to that happy place. Lemon and fresh florals—what more could I ask for in a scent?”—Nerisha Penrose
Just as tantalizing as the iconic singer it’s named after, Josephine by Harlem Candle Company is not for the faint of heart. The floral blend strays away from softness and leans all the dark and warm, courtesy of bergamot, incense, vanilla, and more.
Key scent notes: Tonka beans, amber, jasmine, amyris
Size: 50 mL
Harlem Candle Company rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Harlem Candle Company has forayed into fragrance and Josephine (yes, named after the Josephine Baker) is a sexy scent that will last you through drinks, dinner, and dessert—no need to reapply. The patchouli and sandalwood give this perfume a mysteriously sweet yet musky scent.”—Danielle James
Relevant Your Skin Seen 13 Stems: Scent Meets Soul
The green packaging gives away what the first spritz reveals: 13 Stems is a bright, earthy scent that smells like dew drops peppered on fresh grass on a spring morning.
Key scent notes: Cucumber, woods, violet leaf
Size: 50 mL
Thirteen Lune rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I now quite frequently get asked, ‘what are you wearing?’ Certain scents fade after a night out, but 13 stems is long-lasting. I love it so much; I now have the travel size too! My go-to scent for the summer.”—Leah Romero, senior digital designer
Maison Margiela 'Replica' Beach Walk
Considering how many “beach” perfumes smell like sunscreen, fresh linen, or saltwater, it's easy for you to want to skip out on yet another one. However, Replica Beach Walk is a worthy addition to your collection, thanks to its musky-fresh composition that smells like a more mature, sexy beach walk than the one you remember from your childhood.
Key scent notes: Bergamot, heliotrope, coconut milk
Size: 3.4 oz
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “I consider Replica’s Beach Walk to be my olfactory security blanket. The creamy, citrusy scent instantly reminds me of my seaside California hometown, and since it lasts on my skin all day, I can sneak a comforting whiff of my wrists whenever I’m feeling extra nostalgic.” — Sam Peters, senior commerce editor
Bvlgari Allegra Ma'magnifica Eau de Parfum
Bvlgari Allegra Ma’magnifica takes woodsy notes and lays them alongside vibrant, invigorating florals to ignite warmth. It has a sharp, musky edge that makes its way to the forefront for a moment, then eases into the background for the florals—rose, patchouli—to settle.
Key scent notes: Bergamot, rose, patchouli, vanilla, sandalwood
Size: 3.4 oz
Bloomingdale’s rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “There’s a difference between strong and long-lasting, and I like that this perfume is soft, while still lingering on the skin all day. I don’t want a perfume that screams, I want one that is quietly confident, that only me and someone I’ve chosen to let into my personal space (or squeezed next to me on the subway) can smell. Although the packaging makes it look like a fancy bon-bon, this scent isn’t sweet at all but woody and floral, and has me smelling like the kind of person who goes on woodsy hikes regularly, all day long.”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Kilian Paris Born to be Unforgettable Eau de Parfum
Picture yourself on an island, sipping on an ice-cold Cola. The fizz is invigorating, and the sweet tinge of vanilla settles on your tongue. This is exactly how the Born to Be Unforgettable experience is. Warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon meld seamlessly with tangy lime for an energy boost.
Key notes: cola accord, cinnamon, cedarwood
Size: 1.7 oz
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I was pleasantly surprised by the first whiff of Born to Be Unforgettable, especially after reading about its Cola note. How does the perfume version of this fizzy drink smell? Well, it’s spicy and sweet but tickles the nose with a limey edge. I dream of sun-soaked beaches and, well, a cola soda every time I wear this scent.”—Nerisha Penrose
Punkstar is an energizing fragrance that leaves you guessing. A few spritzes spark intrigue—What is that note that is pulling me in? The dark, sultry fragrance melds blackcurrant, raspberry, incense, wood, and more to create a blend that starts off as a summer day and settles into a fall night.
Key notes: Apple, blackcurrant, raspberry, incense, saffron
Size: 1.67 oz
Moodeaux rating: 4.7/5 stats
An ELLE editor says: “PunkStar has easily become my favorite new fragrance because it's so mysterious and warm. The incense pulls more on my skin initially, but tonka bean and patchouli make for the perfect dry-down pairing.”—Nerisha Penrose
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