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 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. 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. "To me, it's the embodiment of spring, with citrussy 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: PearPear, fresh rose and musk

I'm not a huge fan of rose perfumes. I'm attracted to the freshness of them, but I don't like the powdery headiness. If you can relate, can I please turn your attention to this new launch from Aerin? It was blended with a younger wearer in mind, so it's light, soft and full of happiness.

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 and sea, 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 Mediterranean with a one-way ticket.

Key notes: Petitgrain, black pepper, frankincense and cedar

Eidesis requires an equally open mind. On first sniff, the notes of black pepper (it's a strong hit of spice) smack you straight in the face. But finding unique notes that might not be typical of luxury fragrance and spinning them in a way that makes you weak at the knees is exactly what Aesop does best. It's totally unconventional, but after a few minutes, it starts to grow on you. It paints a picture of country walks, lazing in fields of the British countryside with the sun beating down on your skin and an all-encompassing carefree nature. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's wonderfully unique.

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 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: Bergamot, petitgrain and neroli

If you ask me, no notes are fresher than those of orange and neroli. This perfume is essentially neroli in a bottle. Zesty and orangey but with musk that makes it smell clean and crisp, it's mouth-wateringly yummy.

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 that 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 girl brand, spritz this for the ultimate 'spring in the city' vibe. 

Key notes: Bourbon vanilla, jasmine and coconut water

Flirty, feminine and oh-so-sweet are probably the last words you would associate with both Mugler (and a scent name with nods to the E.T). However, this is otherworldly as this scent leans on jasmine and vanilla along with Italian Bergamot to deliver a sensually scented spritz. *Adds to date night rotation*. 

Key notes: Grapefruit, pear, wild rose, apple blossom and musk

With notes of grapefruit and pear, this is a fresh, uplifting take on the Marc Jacobs classic. What's more, these perfume capsules are perfect for topping up fragrance while on the go.

Key notes: Pomelo, artemisia, pimento, osmanthus, water lily, jasmine sambac, musk, vetiver, cedar, and French labdanum

Whereas most scents would lean either floral or citrus, this is an evenly balanced bright and vibrant blend of both citrus and floral notes.

Key notes: Coconut, lime, white bergamot, mandarin, ginger, ylang-ylang, jasmine, hibiscus, white Rum, sugar cane, and 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.