With a big year for fragrance about to wrap up, we’re taking a look back at the launches that got us the most attention. From gorgeous floral creations to earthy and rich animalic blends, we’ve worn it all. And in a year packed with amazing launches that are reinventing perfumes, these are our most-complimented fragrances of 2024!
The Fragrance Trends of 2024
Undoubtedly, this year was dominated by the gourmand category. These fragrances layer bakery and dessert scents with delicate spices and rich skin scents for long-lasting appeal. And twists on the genre have quickly gained traction. These fragrances have the goal of an elevated and sophisticated gourmand, driving innovative scent combinations that have left us in awe.
But that wasn’t the only big hit in fragrance this year.
Surprising trends like mint and matcha caught our noses this year. And of course, the dominance of woody scents like warm sandalwood and even mysterious incense have had a big impact, too. All the while, more traditional notes like rose and jasmine have gotten major updates, helping to modernize the floral category.
Our Most-Complimented Fragrances of 2024
KEY NOTES
Bergamot, Jasmine AI Accord, White Musk
WHY WE LOVE IT
“This scent totally turned me into a floral girl which I never saw coming. I feel so sophisticated every time I wear it.”
—Isabelle Buneo, asstistant editor
KEY NOTES
Jasmine Petals, Creamy Blonde Woods, Ambroxan, Spun Sugar
WHY WE LOVE IT
“This is a spiced gourmand that layers intoxicating spun sugar and ambroxan over pink pepper and a hint of raspberry for a sophisticated sweetness that lasts all day long. This is the scent that gets me the most compliments, and elevates sweet notes of a gourmand to something really elegant and grown-up.”
—Rowan Lynam, staff writer
KEY NOTES
Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla Flower
WHY WE LOVE IT
“It smells so warm and comforting to me. Sweet, but still sophisticated, and I love the perfume oil. One dot lasts all day.”
—Leiana Foye, senior digital content producer
KEY NOTES
Galangal Root, Fossilized Amber, Coriander, Vetiver
WHY WE LOVE IT
“I had heard of this distinctive roll-on earlier in the year, but didn’t think I was adventurous enough to wear it. It is, in a word, unique, with an exotic smoky-spicy scent that settles over “animalic” earthy notes, leather, roots and an essence extracted from 35-million-year-old fossilized tree resin. It’s also loaded with powerful plant-based aphrodisiacs—vetiver, patchouli, galangal root, carrot seed, tagetes, cardamom and coriander—so be prepared to be posed with the question: ‘What are you wearing?’”
—Liz Ritter, executive editor
