Honestly, Subtle Fragrances Are the Most Memorable—10 to Convince You

Don’t get me wrong. I love a heady, strong perfume more than anyone. Perfume is the perfect way to make a lasting impression. But here’s a totally counterintuitive notion: Subtle perfumes make the biggest impressions. I rotate perfumes pretty much every day, and I’ve found that when I wear a subtle, inconspicuous scent, people are always the most intrigued. 

I think it’s because subtle scents inherently have a bit more mystery to them. They’re not in your face, but they’re definitely still making a quiet statement. That’s what makes them so appealing. A subtle scent will leave someone thinking about how good you smell, and it doesn’t seem like you tried too hard to smell good. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite subtle scents, which are guaranteed to get you at least one "You smell so good” comment per wear.

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(Image credit: @michellerosedrumm)

1. Escentric Molecules Molecule 02 Eau de Toilette

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2. Glossier You Eau de Parfum

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3. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume

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4. D.S. Durga I Don't Know What Fragrance Enhancer

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5. Ellis Brooklyn West Eau de Parfum

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6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau de Parfum

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7. Maison Margiela Replica When the Rain Stops Eau de Toilette

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8. Byredo La Tulipe Eau de Parfum

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9. Clean Classic Skin Eau de Parfum

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10. Boy Smells Marble Fruit Genderful Fine Fragrance

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Up next, Tom Ford Tried to Find the "Perfect Flower," and This Cult Perfume Is the Result

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over Wholesale Replica Bag skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.