It's True: Wearing These Elegant Perfumes Will Prompt People to Tell You How Good You Smell

Key notes: Cedar, fig tree, fig leaf and black pepper

If you have ever had the joy of experiencing a Diptyque perfume, you'll know that talking about specific notes doesn't really help in describing the overall scent. Diptyque has a way of blending notes to create something entirely new and indescribable, but I'll do my best. Coconutty and exotic but far from sweet, it has an earthy but milky freshness that can't be compared to anything else out there.

Key notes: Orris, white lilac, balsamic vetiver, orange blossom, water lily and clementine flower

It's rare that you come across a perfume that smells as good as it looks. I'm a big fan of citrus scents, so I was instantly drawn to this Jo Malone perfume. Like fresh orange juice but with a warmth to it that gives off a sort of sun-cream scent, it's the most delicious citrus I have come across in some time. It's one of the best orange blossom perfumes around.

Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, white peach, orange flower, nympheal, vetiver, akigalawood, ambrofix, musk

"Valaya is one of the most stunning fresh perfumes I've tried," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden of the Parfums De Marly scent. "To me, it's the embodiment of spring, with citrusy mandarin and bergamot paired with soft, juicy white peach. It's a fruity-floral that never fails to make me feel ethereal. It's easily my most complimented perfume ever."

Key notes: Aldehyde, rose centifolia, peony, violet, musks, sandalwood

Think of Byredo's Blanche as the scent of crisp, air-dried bed linen on silky soft skin and the soft scent of laundry softener. It's the perfume to reach for if you want to smell fresh and clean, without leaving an overpowering impression. It's the kind of scent that wears close to the skin, so only you and those closest around you will notice it. It's the perfume equivalent of a perfectly tailored white shirt.

Key notes: Aldehydes, rose, peach, vanilla, sandalwood, musk

"Ask our beauty team about their favourite fresh perfumes and they'll undoubtedly mention this one by Frédéric Malle," says Eleanor. "Imagine the fanciest of laundrettes, soapy bubbles and clean laundry, and you have this ultra-fresh scent. It has incredible projection and longevity compared to other fresh perfumes, and it makes you feel like you're bundled in clean laundry."

Key notes: Italian sweet orange, Italian mandarin, Italian lemon, petit grain, cardamom, caramel, musk

"Spritzing this fresh perfume is akin to feeling a breeze on the Capri coastline that is dotted with citrussy orange trees," says Eleanor. "It's zesty, invigorating and mouthwatering all at once, delivering a fresh aquatic quality that makes you feel like you're diving into a sparkling sea. It's one of my favourite Acqua di Parma perfumes."

Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox 

"We can't talk about fresh perfumes without mentioning Glossier You," says Eleanor. "It now has multiple flanking fragrances that are all beautiful, but I regard the original You as the best Glossier perfume. It's creamy, skin-like and fresh, making it effortless and easy to wear for any occasion. I can always tell when someone is wearing this fragrance—it's so long-lasting."

Key notes: Black current blossom, jasmine, hedione, mimosa, lily of the valley and musk

I am a big fan of Maison Francis Kurkdjian's iconic Baccarat Rouge 540, which is warm, floral and a little bit spicy. So it's safe to say I was shocked when the brand launched this fresh spritz inspired by the beach, sea and summer, and I actually liked it. It has the familiar notes of lemon, mint and lime, but when combined with a bouquet of florals and musk, it becomes an intoxicating dose of fresh sea air that has you longing to jump on a plane to the lush marine coastlines of the Mediterranean with a one-way ticket.

Key notes: Lemon, spearmint, rosemary, basil, petitgrain, lavandin, mandarin leaves, cedarwood leaves, amber, white musk

"Acqua di Parma's latest launch smells like breathing in fresh morning air in Tuscany," says Eleanor. "It's fresh, herby and a little soapy. If you like fresh, aromatic scents and want to feel like you've stepped foot in a luxe, Italian spa, then you'll love this."

Key notes: Pear, bamboo accord, white peony and musk

I shouldn't like a single thing about this, but I do. First of all, the aesthetic is not something I usually champion in my perfume bottles. Second, it's floral in every single sense of the word—like a strong bouquet of every flower you've ever come across. However, it has a richness to it that leaves you smelling, well, rich. It's sure to be my go-to for long party-filled nights (hopefully) spent out on the town.

Key notes: Apple, pink grapefruit, white floral

This Zara perfume is freshness in a bottle. Its name couldn't be more apt. Crisp and crunchy, it has a light, fragrant payoff that will keep you coming back for more. And the price is rather attractive too. 

Key notes: Lily of the valley, pear, aldehydes and patchouli

You've just pulled your crisp, white linens out of the wash, and you're hanging them on the line to dry in the spring breeze. Lazy Sunday Morning is the epitome of a crisp-white-shirt perfume. 

Key notes: Citron, jasmine and teak wood

Okay, I know this is not a unique perfume, but Chance Eau Fraiche goes totally unrivalled when it comes to luxe freshness. It's botanical and rich and makes me go all fuzzy whenever I smell it on someone. It showcases the brilliance of perfume in a way that only Chanel perfume can. 

Key notes: Bergamot, warm amber, tiare flower, vanilla combined and coconut.

Again, a popular choice, but Bronze Goddess can't be ignored when it comes to the most beautiful fresh perfumes around. It smells like liquid gold glimmering under tropical sunshine. To me, it's reminiscent of summer holidays in Greece and carefree relaxation.

Key notes: Vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, geranium and grapefruit

I don't particularly like giving fragrances genders, but I can't ignore that certain notes are more prominent in male colognes. So, for the sake of painting a picture (which we're going to have to rely on until smell-o-vision exists), this is light and uplifting and harnesses traditionally masculine notes.

Key notes: Pink pepper, rose, cedarwood and vanilla

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about hair perfumes, but this stuff is an exception. With rose and vanilla, it just smells fresh. For days when I don't much fancy making a statement, a light misting of this through my lengths has me wafting a sense of expensive freshness all day long.

Key notes: Green pear, ambroxan and musk

If you don't like the fresh, fruity scent of pear, it's worth noting that you probably won't like this. At first, I was a little worried it might smell a bit fruity and cheap, but wow was I wrong. Yes, it's pear-like on first sniff, but it leaves a lingering scent on the skin all day long that leaves you smelling like you have just stepped out of the shower after a long day at the beach.

Key notes: Magnolia, cedarwood, vetiver and musk

This floral-sweet scent with a combination of woodiness and ambrette is a middle passage scent for those of us who prefer our florals with a bit of a bite. There are also notes of powdery violet and crisp amber and with a sandalwood finish for balance. A lesser-known scent from the cool fragrance brand, spritz this Byredo scent for the ultimate spring scent.

Key notes: Coconut, lime, white bergamot, mandarin, ginger, ylang-ylang, jasmine, hibiscus, white rum, sugar cane, musk

The perfect summer holiday scent—Virgin Island Water was inspired by a sailing trip near Ginger Island in the Caribbean. It's fresh and uplifting, but with hints of sweetness and spiciness. It's one of the best Creed perfumes.

Key Notes: Juicy pear, warming ambrofix, creamy cedar wood, fresh bergamot

"Ask anyone with a commitment to smelling clean and fresh, and they'll tell you that fragrance is only one part of their routine," explains SEO writer, Ava Gilchrist. "The Us Pheromone+ scent from The Nue Co. embraces this ethos by offering a holistic approach to perfume," she adds. "The smell itself is a borderline gourmand, thanks to the rounded top notes of lush pear and vibrant orange that envelop you from the outset, but is quite transformative through the addition of Italian bergamot and Indonesian patchouli. Transcendent and bright, with a focus on functional beauty? Sign me up."