Images courtesy of Diptyque/Neiman Marcus/Credo Beauty
Here at Bazaar, we’re completely fragrance-obsessed. Our editors keep close tabs on the all-time best perfumes and colognes, top date-night scents, natural fragrances, and more that beauty enthusiasts are raving about. With what seem like endless eaux de parfum and eaux de toilette available, it’s important to occasionally take inventory of what’s new—which is why we’ve pulled together some of the best new fragrances of 2023 that we’ve spritzed on just about every pulse point.
From woody, spicy options by top brands like Tom Ford Beauty and Diptyque, to dreamy, floral favorites, like Bond No. 9’s New York Flowers and Dior’s Dioriviera, these recent launches are worth the hype. Read on for what we already consider some of the most noteworthy scent picks of the entire year.
“Looking for a scent that instantly gets you compliments? Dior’s new Dioriviera is it. Created by the house’s perfume creative director, Francis Kurkdjian, the eau de parfum blends together all the best scents of the French Riviera: the coastal sunlight, fig trees, and fresh roses (not your grandmother’s rose perfume).” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor
“Ceremonia is widely known as a hair care brand, but I consider their first entry into fragrance a hit. I’ve never had the opportunity to experience the smell of humidity in a rainforest, but one spritz of this perfume mentally takes me there. The genderless Perfume de la Tierra nicely blends South American tonka bean with pink pepper, vetiver, and driftwood, and is not only vegan, but also features a post-consumer recycled bottle, which makes me feel better about using it.” —TD
Armani Beauty’s more intensive perfume iteration of its My Way fragrance is next on our list, featuring floral, woody, and gourmand notes. “I think My Way truly signifies carving up my own path, doing things my own way, and being as fearless and free-spirited as possible as I do so,” brand ambassador Sydney Sweeney told Bazaar.com in January. “That was one of the biggest reasons that I loved this collaboration, because I truly felt like it was genuinely me as a person.”
“As part of this year’s summer fragrance collection, Diptyque released the Mediterranean Ilio—Greek for sun—eau de toilette, a prickly pear, bergamot, and iris-forward scent that’s perfect for warmer months. Did I mention the scent is also available as a hair mist?” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
“Some summery scents lean too heavy on cloying coconut and sunscreen notes to conjure up the beach. What I love about Mediterranean Honeysuckle Clementina is how citrus-forward it is. It smells zippy, like the first sip of fresh-squeezed juice on a sunny day.” —Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
“If there is one message that we have today, it is to be happy. Be chill,” multimedia artist Alex Israel told Bazaar in May of Louis Vuitton’s latest costal-inspired summer scent. “And the chill is starting here.” Featuring a blend of notes stemming from ingredients like carrot seed oil, basil, and apricot, the fruity yet earthy fragrance is made to be worn beachside.
We didn’t anoint Ariana Grande the last great celebrity perfumer for no reason. Her latest drop is Mod Vanilla, a musky vanilla scent that smells sophisticated—expensive, even. If you’re a fan of vanilla perfumes but prefer softness to sweetness, you have to try this.
“Even on the hottest, muggiest days in New York, Loewe Arie Anthesis has a way of making the air feel lighter. With notes of pear, sandalwood, and peony, this scent mimics a salty ocean breeze wafting past a lush herb garden in the Hamptons. This eau is also the first fragrance from the brand to feature the new Loewe Accord, which is an amber-y accord meant to embody the brand’s identity and aesthetic.” —KI
“Inflorescence from Korean brand Elorea’s second collection, the Forgotten Words, is a soft floral scent. It opens with notes of schisandra berry and mulberry before transitioning to plum blossom, lily of the valley, and honeysuckle, and drying down to reveal base notes of sandalwood, white amber, and musk. I love that this unisex scent sits close to the skin to create a fragrance experience that isn’t overwhelming.” —Jamie Wilson, beauty editor
“Phlur fragrances are a hit for a reason: They are simple, yet well-rounded, and induce a wave of déja vù. The brand’s newest scent, Solar Power, instantly transports me to weekends spent at the beach with my family as a child. From the salty air—courtesy of musk, sea salt, and driftwood notes—to lying under the warm sun for hours—which is perfectly replicated by a solar floral accord with neroli, jasmine, and orange flower—this fragrance is sheer summer perfection. Plus, it’s so soft, you can build it up for staying power or keep it light on muggy days.” —KI
“I’m addicted to just about every perfume and cologne crafted by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris, but one of their newest releases, the woody-fresh Aqua Media Cologne Forte, is one I’m keeping in mind for my husband to test-drive this summer. Its fresh combination of verbena, sweet fennel, and patchouli stands out in a sea of deeply musky colognes.” —TD
“Ourside launched earlier this year with three scents made right here in New York. After testing out their discovery kit, I kept coming back to Dusk. It’s soft and fruity before drying down to warm amber and musk notes. Dusk is a fragrance that isn’t overpowering, and I love that it’s best noticed by those in close proximity.” —JW
Rihanna was rumored for years to have worn By Kilian’s Love Don’t Be Shy perfume before creating her own under her Fenty Beauty label. If you’ve tried Love Don't Be Shy and are looking for a fresher iteration, let us introduce you to Can’t Stop Loving You. The warm floral fragrance contains seductive notes of orange blossom, honey, vanilla, and incense.
“The signature scents Aesop uses in its beauty products are often among my favorites, and its Gloam Eau de Parfum is no exception. I’m not sure how a fragrance can be almost equal parts floral, earthy, and spicy, but this one pulls it off effortlessly, combining notes of pink pepper, mimosa, and iris for an irresistible scent that works year-round.” —TD
We’re betting you’ve smelled a freshly cut bouquet before, but have you experienced New York Flowers? Bond No. 9’s latest fragrance release takes floral scents up a few notches with the addition of fruity and earthy notes, like clementine, Kir Royale accord, and green ivy leaves.
Trudon’s spicy and sensual Mortel Noir eau de parfum is ideal for date night, or anytime you’re looking for an easy confidence boost. Just like its cult-y candle offerings, this black pepper, incense, and myrrh-noted fragrance is all-consuming, as well as long-lasting.
“Floral, fruity, and woody, Mediterranean Peach 15 from Krigler expertly bottles the Riviera in each spritz. While peach is the star of this scent, honey, mandarin, and jasmine from the Mediterranean—along with white musk—amplify it. The scent itself is a modern revival and re-interpretation of the 1915 fragrance, making it the perfect ode to nostalgia.” —JW
Fans of Versace’s coveted Dylan Blue and Dylan Turquoise perfumes should consider the brand’s latest release: the fruit-forward—and Iris Law–approved—Dylan Purple eau de parfum. “I created this scent as an invitation to travel,” perfumer Christophe Raynaud said of the sparkling bergamot, orange, and pear fragrance.
This gourmand and floral perfume pick from Salvatore Ferragamo contains notes of velvet pear, rose absolute, and Italian orris butter for a robust scent that’s not overly sweet. Plus, how can you resist its stylish, feminine-inspired bottle design?
“Only Diptyque could turn paper into the chicest scent. The fragrance is the best of both: clean and subtle, but rich and comforting. White musk, powdery mimosa, and a rice steam accord—which mimics the grain of paper and gives the juice a creamy effect—is extremely universal and captures quiet luxury at its best.” —KI
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.