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The 10 Most Expensive, Splurge-Worthy Perfumes
From the bottles to the scents inside, these fragrances are the definition of luxury.
Fragrance is a little luxury that can appeal to all budgets. If you're a fan of jasmine, lavender, or even ever-popular vanilla perfumes, it's comforting to know you can walk into any drugstore or Ulta and find your new signature scent for under $30. But what if your budget is bigger? Like, way, way bigger? Well, there are plenty of options for you too.
On this list of the best expensive fragrances, a 6.8-ounce, limited-edition bottle of Oud Satin Mood from Maison Francis Kurkdjian will set you back $1,250—not just for what's in the bottle but because each vessel also took eight hours to hand-engrave with an intricate design in a Parisian workshop. Money also buys you exclusivity: There are only 350 pieces of this offering. And that's not even the most expensive perfume in this round-up.
So if perfumes, and luxury ones at that, are a need for you, take a look at this list of 10 most expensive scents to splurge on if you're ready to shell out some serious cash on a fancy fragrance. And even if you're not ready to commit to such a big purchase, a little (browser) window shopping never hurt
Related: The 23 Best Perfumes of All-Time
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood
Pros
- For Oud Lovers
Cons
This woody floral scent is intoxicating for oud lovers. Each 200ML bottle took eight hours to engrave with a gold pattern inspired by mashrabiyas.
| Size | 6.8 Fl Oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Violet |
Shalini Parfum Jardin Nocturne Parfum
Shalini Parfum Jardin Nocturne Parfum
Pros
- Gorgeous Bottle
Cons
This scent—a blend of oud, jasmine, and saffron—rings up at $3,000 a bottle. The intricate Lalique crystal flacon "Le Tourbillons" is a representation of moonlight in a garden and is a sure way to elevate your vanity.
| Size | 1.7 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Oud, Jasmine Blossoms, Saffron |
Roja Parfums Roja Haute Luxe
Roja Parfums Roja Haute Luxe
Pros
- Infused with Gold
Cons
Infused with gold flakes, this warm and spicy scent uses a hefty dose of classic notes like bergamot, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, patchouli, and more.
| Size | 3.4 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Bergamot, Rose de Mai, Jasmin de Grasse, Ylang Ylang, Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Amyris, Benzoin, Vanilla, Orris, Styrax, Labdanum, Ambergris. |
Tiziana Terenzi Assoluto Extrait de Parfum
Pros
- Bottle Makes a Great Keepsake
Cons
A third-generation Italian candle and perfume company, Tiziana Terenzi knows a thing or two about fine fragrances. This scent combines vanilla with bergamot, lemon, amber, blackwood, and musk for a fragrance that smells great on all genders.
| Size | 3.38 Oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Cassis, Green notes, Anis, Jasmine grandiflorum, Australian Sandalwood, Heliotrope, Amyris, Amber, Vanilla bean, Oakmoss |
Krigler Chateau Krigler 12
Krigler Chateau Krigler 12
Pros
- Great Signature Scent
Cons
If you've ever wondered what an American actress turned Monegasque royal would smell like—look no further. This floral scent was a favorite of the late Grace Kelly and for good reason.
| Size | 3.4 fl Oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Almond / Lily of the Valley / Mimosa / Musk / Rose / Violet |
Tom Ford Rose Prick Eau de Parfum Decanter
Tom Ford Rose Prick Eau de Parfum Decanter
Pros
- Lasts for Years
Cons
This giant 250 mililiter decanter is a must-have for anyone who truly can't get enough of rose fragrances. Plus, it just looks like the ultimate objet d'art on any vanity.
| Size | 8.5 oz/250 ML |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Rose de mai, Bulgarian rose, Sichuan pepper. |
Creed Les Royales Exclusives Jardin d'Amalfi Fragrance
Creed Les Royales Exclusives Jardin d'Amalfi Fragrance
Pros
- Great Summer Scent
Cons
This scent is a (very expensive) invitation to travel to the Amalfi coast. Notes of citrus, apple, and rose make this fresh scent perfect for summer.
| Size | 250ML |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Mandarin, Bergamot, Pink pepper, Petitgrain, Cedar, Apple, Rose, Haitian Vetiver, White Musk, Cinnamon. |
Clive Christian No.1 Feminine
Pros
- Best Fruity Scent
Cons
If you're a fan of complex fruity scents, this fragrance from Clive Christian opens with a burst of plum, bergamot, and white peach.
| Size | 50ML |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Pimento, Plum, White Peach, Madagascan Vanilla, Ylang-ylang |
Amouage Love Tuberose Woman Eau de Parfum
Amouage Love Tuberose Woman Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Perfect for Tuberose Lovers
Cons
This fragrance is meant to tell the story of unrequited love with gourmand notes of tuberose, chantilly cream, and vanilla.
| Size | 3.3 Oz./ 100 ML |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Tuberose, Gardenia, Jasmine, Chantilly Cream, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Sandalwood |
House of Bo Rosario Parfum
House of Bo Rosario Parfum
Pros
- Made with Recyclable Glass
Cons
This fragrance smells as good as its hand-sculpted bottle looks. Citrus notes give way to a floral heart before drying down to reveal a sensual incense. It's a rose scent everyone needs in their collection.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Notes | Pomegranate, Lemon Primofiore, Coriander, Rose Centifolia, Freesia, White Peony, Ambergris (SY), Vetiver, Incense |
What makes perfume so expensive?
The difference between a $20 perfume and a $200 perfume comes down to the design and raw materials used to craft the scent. A bottle that's flecked with gold or crystals and hand-crafted by an artisan glassmaker will, obviously, cost more than one far simpler. Many of the expensive fragrances on this last also utilize large amounts of expensive notes like rose, jasmine, and oud.
How-to shop for an expensive fragrance
- Look at the labels: While not all designer or fine fragrances will cost you a pretty penny, starting with a designer or heritage brand will more times than not mean a higher price tag. From there, think about the notes or scent families you love best.
- Go custom: Take signature scent to a whole new level by going custom. Making a custom scent with a perfumer isn't going to come cheap, but you will end up with a creation that's unique to you that you can cherish and wear for years to come.
- Think about the retailer: If you're at a high-end department store, chances are you're going to be around more expensive fragrance options. Experts there can help you test the waters to find the luxe perfume that's perfect for you.
- Research perfumers: Creating a perfume is an art, a skill, and a science. Do a little research on some of the most sought-after perfumers and try out a few creations of theirs.
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