Editor’s Picks: Best Perfumes of 2025

Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Being a fragrance journalist is rewarding in many ways, but mainly – it allows me to sample countless new perfume releases and to keep my finger firmly on the pulse of what is happening in the fragrance industry. This year alone, according to the database of Parfumo.com, there were 9,902 new releases – just slightly fewer than last year. While it is, of course, impossible to try every single perfume, I feel confident that I have explored a broad and representative selection. From this rich pool, I’ve identified the creations that truly stood out and left a lasting impression, and can be easily named my personal favorite perfumes of 2025.

Photo credit: Instagram / @kristinakii.scents

After thorough consideration, I selected ten perfumes that moved me the most –scents I kept returning to, smelling again and again, and that I would recommend with my eyes closed. These are fragrances that impressed me not only on first encounter, but also over time, revealing depth, character, and craftsmanship. So, without further ado, here are my favorites of 2025, in no particular order.

Puredistance Divanché

A pure gardenia beauty, elegantly contained in a bottle and composed by Nathalie Feisthauer. Divanché is refined, classy, and slightly fresh – perfect for sunny spring days. It is not pretentious or loud, yet it speaks volumes through its quality. Rather than shouting, it whispers with confidence, embodying the timelessness and sophistication that Puredistance is known for. A quietly luxurious fragrance that feels effortlessly chic.

Jacques Fath Musc Couture

Fruity perfumes were everywhere this year, but not all of them managed to strike the right balance. Many became overly sweet, juvenile, or simply overwhelming. Musc Couture avoids these pitfalls entirely. Despite featuring notes of cherry, raspberry, and even red banana, it never smells synthetic or childish – quite the opposite. Paired with musk, iris, and woody accords, the composition leans powdery and clean, with a subtle and intriguing fruity nuance rather than a loud fruity statement. It’s elegant, modern, and beautifully executed.

Nishane Meant to Be Seen

True to the omen its name carries, this perfume has been impossible to miss on social media lately – and for very good reason. I too, fell deeply and unconditionally in love with this creation by Jordi Fernández. Iris and violet create a soft, powdery foundation, but the composition feels thoroughly modern thanks to ambroxan, akigalawood, and a discreet, almost secretive touch of animalic civet. It diffuses beautifully in the air and feels incredibly satisfying to wear. Sometimes, I find myself at a loss for words when trying to describe just how beautiful this perfume truly is.

Boadicea the Victorious Lannosea

I first encountered Lannosea at Pitti Fragranze in Florence, and it has stayed in my memory ever since. While it opens with a generous burst of citrus, this is anything but a predictable citrus fragrance. The opening feels almost candied, enriched by sweet date and a splash of rum. As it develops, the scent becomes warmer, woodier, and more ambery, adding depth and versatility. Suitable for any season, it carries the unmistakable DNA of the brand and exudes luxury. A perfect choice for an elegant dinner out.

Floraiku Gong

Floraiku is a brand I deeply admire for its uniqueness, meticulous attention to detail, and consistently beautiful compositions. Gong is no exception, instantly transporting me to a serene Japanese tea ceremony. Fresh, juicy yuzu is paired with pink and black pepper, woody notes, and a touch of benzoin. What truly sets this fragrance apart, however, is the Dorayaki accord – an olfactory nod to the beloved Japanese sweet snack. The result is intriguing and slightly exotic, yet remarkably wearable and harmonious.

Thomas De Monaco Parfums Jade Amour

Jade Amour is a delightful, creamy fragrance inspired by an incredibly beautiful flower that paradoxically has no scent: Liane de Jade. The perfume borrows sweetness from ylang-ylang, creaminess from sandalwood and vanilla, and a subtle green freshness from jasmine. Created by David Chieze, this composition feels enveloping, intimate, and deeply romantic.

Le Persona Whispering Kiss

Le Persona is a Korean brand I have loved from the very beginning. This year, they introduced two new perfumes, and Whispering Kiss is their refined take on gourmand fragrances – without leaning into obvious trends. This is not a simple, cookie-like gourmand. Boozy accords are spiced with cardamom and softened with vanilla, but the true intrigue lies in the rarely used adzuki bean note. It adds a rich, sweet, almost nutty depth that feels both comforting and unexpected. An incredibly well-crafted and memorable perfume.

Sarah Baker Velvet Vendetta

Velvet Vendetta is a bourbon vanilla fragrance that tells a far more complex story than your typical vanilla-centric perfume. It opens smoky, with gunpowder nuances and dried fruits adding sweetness and depth. Just as it begins to feel comfortably sweet, an unexpected salty note appears – hinted at by black olive in the note list. A boozy accord follows, before vanilla returns once more, this time, wrapped in smoky tobacco. This is not merely a fragrance; it is a journey, masterfully executed by Margaux Le Paih-Guérin.

Xerjoff Louis XV 1722 Rosé

This perfume is a perfect example of how elegantly fruity notes can be executed. Raspberry and pear sparkle like champagne bubbles, accompanied by hints of plum and a generous dose of rose. Although I am not usually drawn to rose fragrances, this one is handled with such creativity and refinement that I simply cannot resist. It’s graceful, celebratory, and endlessly addictive.

Goldfield & Banks Amber Tales

Ever since I was introduced to Amber Tales in Milan – nearly half a year before its official launch – I found myself counting the days until it would finally come to life. This fragrance is a unique interplay between warm amber and dusty, clean, almost cool iris. An ambergris accord adds depth, cinnamon brings a gentle sweetness, and there’s even a subtle hint of oud. Yet to my nose, the true star of the composition is the iris, presented in a way that feels both beautiful and surprisingly unexplored. Trust me – it smells absolutely incredible.