Best Perfumes & colognes According to r/fragrance (December 2025)

tldr; Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady is highly praised for its strong sillage, sophisticated, and graceful scent, often noticeable from a distance.

tldr; Diptyque Eau Duelle is a highly praised, versatile vanilla scent, described as gorgeous and cozy, suitable for layering and often recommended for year-round wear.

tldr; Reddit users have mixed opinions on Nishane Wulong Cha, with some praising it as a fresh, daytime favorite, while others find it too feminine or not working for them.

tldr; Acqua di Parma's line, including Colonia, is known for its diverse "smelly waters," with specific variations like Mandorlo di Sicilia offering distinct gourmand experiences.

tldr; 'Your skin but better' scent - ambroxan-forward, clean, intimate. Some love the subtle mystery, others find it boring. Not a projector.

tldr; Diptyque Philosykos is widely celebrated as a definitive fig scent and a favorite for many, especially in spring, though some find its green and sweet notes clashing.

tldr; Guerlain Shalimar is an iconic and historic perfume, celebrated for its unique vanilla notes and rich, sometimes controversial, past, with L'Essence being particularly praised.

tldr; Narciso Rodriguez for Her EDT is a popular musky fragrance, often described as sexy, which can be a favorite after trying it on skin.

tldr; Dark iris bomb - polarizing and seductive. Not a mass-pleaser but devotees obsess over it. Better for dates than office. Reformulation debates ongoing.

tldr; Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb is a widely recognized and popular fragrance, frequently encountered in public, though some users have developed an aversion to it over time.

tldr; Prada L'Homme is a popular, fresh, and powdery iris-based scent, often seen as versatile and amazing, though some users initially found it challenging.

tldr; Louis Vuitton Imagination receives mixed reviews, with some finding it complimented, but others strongly disliking its scent, comparing it to soap or urinal cakes.

tldr; Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a well-liked, clean, sea-inspired fragrance, appreciated for its unique scent and surprisingly good longevity for a cologne.

tldr; Terre d'Hermès is celebrated as a classic, elegant fragrance, often described as a unique blend of desert, citrus, and woody notes.

tldr; BDK Parfums Gris Charnel is a highly popular, year-round sandalwood-forward scent, praised for its creamy, woody profile, though some note low projection for the EDP.

tldr; Tom Ford Noir Extreme is considered a unique, sweet fragrance with good performance, but some find its sweetness can become sickly and not suitable for everyday wear.

tldr; Creed Silver Mountain Water is a popular and versatile fragrance, often described as cold, professional, and discrete, though some note potential formula changes.

tldr; Dior Fahrenheit is an iconic, unique fragrance often associated with a gasoline scent and violet-laced leather, appreciated for its distinctiveness.

tldr; Fresh aquatic king. Incense and patchouli depth. Office safe, compliment getter. Universal appeal.

tldr; Serge Lutens Chergui is a popular, outstanding, and cozy fragrance, praised for its great value and warm, woody tobacco, hay, and amber notes, especially in cold weather.

tldr; Britney Spears Fantasy is a very sweet, classic celebrity fragrance from the 2000s that is still enjoyed by many and can be a crowd-pleaser.

tldr; Creed Green Irish Tweed is a timeless, pleasant, and professional "green" scent, often chosen for special occasions or spring wear, despite its high price.

tldr; Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is a widely recognized and popular "fruitchouli" scent, often considered a classic "grown-up" perfume with nostalgic appeal.

tldr; Tom Ford Ombré Leather is considered a classy fragrance, though its strong leather scent might require skin testing as initial impressions can be polarizing.