When it comes to perfume, there are a select few scents that everyone seems to love. Take Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540. I am yet to meet someone who doesn't like the smell of this cult fragrance, and I'm always seeing fellow beauty journalists write about how much of a best seller it is. Other brands that spring to mind are Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, but lately I've been wondering what else people have been spritzing and loving this year.
I don't know about you, but with so many different fragrance brands on offer lately, I can find it difficult to know which new scents to try. So, I always like to ask my friends, family and colleagues about the perfumes that they're currently obsessed with. However, after deciding to make it my mission to find the most popular perfumes of 2023, I thought I would take it one step further and reach out to the retailers themselves.
Luckily for me, one of my favourite online beauty stores, Cult Beauty, was more than happy to help. In fact, the team shared the nine bestselling perfumes of the year so far, and some of the scents were quite surprising.
If you're interested to find out which perfumes Cult Beauty's in-the-know shoppers are currently adding to their baskets, then keep on reading for all the details. After checking out the online reviews, I'll definitely be giving some of these fragrances a go, and I'm so excited to update my perfume collection for the new season ahead.
So, let's get scrolling, or should I say, smelling…
1. Le Labo Santal 33
First up? Le Labo Santal 33. This perfume comes as no surprise to me. It has quickly become somewhat of a cult fragrance thanks to the chic branding and the subtle yet intoxicating scent. It features notes of warm and woody ambrox, leather and musk, combined with floral, powdery iris and violet. It's definitely on the pricier side, but thanks to its long-lasting powers, it should keep you going for quite a while.
2. Le Labo Another 13
Next up is another Le Labo scent, which just proves how good the perfumes really are. This particular one was originally meant to be a limited-edition fragrance, but it actually became one of the brand's best sellers and is still available to shop today. Similarly to Santal 33, this perfume contains lots of beautifully warm, musky notes, but a hint of jasmine adds a sweet, fruity element for a delicious finish.
3. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62
Speaking of sweet, say hello to Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist. You may have heard of this brand thanks to it's famous Bum Bum Cream (one of the best body moisturisers out there, in my opinion), but the body sprays are just as good. This one combines notes of pistachio, almond, salted caramel and sandalwood, making it smell like a mouthwatering dessert. I love using this in the summer months, and thanks to the more affordable price point, I'm not scared to spritz it throughout the day when I'm in need of a top up.
4. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
This perfume is really something special. It's what's known as a "skin scent", and contains a chemical compound called iso E super which makes it smell different on everyone who wears it. Interestingly, everyone I ask says it's their most complimented perfume, so if you like something a little bit more clean and natural with an alluring finish, then I would highly recommend giving this a go.
5. Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
Another perfume brand that seems to have blown up in recent years is Frédéric Malle, and Portrait of a Lady is definitely one of it's most iconic scents. This bold fragrance features a blend of earthy patchouli, creamy sandalwood and woody frankincense, with fruity notes of blackcurrant and raspberry adding a fun twist.
6. Huda Beauty Kayali Vanilla 28
The clue to this perfume really is in the name. If you want something warm yet deliciously sweet, then this is the fragrance for you. Notes of vanilla are complemented by amber and brown sugar, which makes spraying this perfume feel like a warm, cosy hug.
7. Le Labo Thé Noir 29
Yes, that's right, another Le Labo perfume has made the cut. This woody fragrance is a perfect evening choice thanks to notes of tobacco, cedar, fig and bergamot. If the first two perfumes weren't enough to convince you to give this brand a go, then let this scent be the one to draw you in.
8. Kilian Love Don't Be Shy
This perfume is focused around that feeling of falling in love for the first time, and all the emotions that come along with it. Much like your first love, it really is an unforgettable fragrance. It includes fresh orange blossom, sweet honeysuckle and marshmallow accord, which are balanced out by warm amber and powdery rose.
9. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68
If you like Baccarat Rouge, then you will love this perfume mist by Sol De Janeiro. It has the same sweetness and warmth thanks to notes of jasmine and vanilla, and every time I spray it I'm reminded of long summer days spent admiring the sparkling ocean.
Next Up: I'm a Perfume Snob, But These High-Street Fragrances Smell So Expensive
