Emily Maynard

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1. TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID: Sephora/  2. KAI: Nordstrom/ 3. VIKTOR & ROLF FLOWERBOMB: Nordstrom/  4. JO MALONE LIME BASIL & MANDARIN: Nordstrom/ 5. ARMANI PRIVE PIERRE DE LUNE: Armani/ *A huge thank you to my sweet friend, Bianca, for the cutest Kate Spade ring holder! 

My All-Time Favorite Perfumes

February 20, 2014 by emily 78 Comments

As a girl, most of us have a vanity full of perfumes that we’ve collected over the years. Some we bought because we love the way it smells and some just because we like the way the bottle looks sitting on our counter. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that has a “signature scent”, but the problem is I love too many! One of my favorite childhood memories was giving my mom a hug before she went out to dinner with my dad, smelling her perfume in her fur coat, and thinking she was the most glamorous lady to ever walk the earth.

So, even though I’ve found my “signature scent”, I figured I’d share with you a few of my favorites! I found most of these by asking people who I thought smelled good what kind of perfume they were wearing, so let me know what others I need to try in the comments!

1. TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID: (description from Sephora) The custom grown (and über rare) TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID is the show-stopping note in this incredibly luxurious scent. Sultry woods and rich fruit accords help to bring out the skin’s natural perfume, and the jet-black, art-deco inspired bottle adds to the fragrances overall glamour.  *This is one of my all time favorites and I always get compliments when I wear it. Just be careful not to use too much because it’s strong! 

2. KAI: (description from Fragrantica.com) Kai is a gorgeous fragrance based on white flowers with dominance of gardenia, fresh and very natural.*If you love gardenias, you’ll love this scent. I carry the oil roller in my pocketbook. 

3.  VIKTOR & ROLF FLOWERBOMB: (description from Sephora) This floral explosion releases a profusion of flowers that has the power to make everything seem more positive. Magically evocative notes immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden, away from reality. Sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia bloom on a base of patchouli. *Flowerbomb should be in every girly-girl’s collection! 

4. JO MALONE LIME BASIL & MANDARIN: (description from Nordstrom) Reminiscent of the scent of limes carried on a Caribbean sea breeze, Lime Basil & Mandarin has become a modern classic for men and women. Fresh limes and zesty mandarins are undercut by peppery basil and aromatic white thyme in this alluring signature blend. *One day I told my mother-in-law how good she smelled and the next day she surprised me with it as a gift! I use this one as my everyday scent and always get a ton of compliments. It’s definitely a more masculine scent. 

5. ARMANI PRIVE PIERRE DE LUNE:  (description from Neiman Marcus) Pierre de Lune boasts the floral nobility of Cassie Flower, green and penetrating, enhanced with a hint of Belambre, a customised synthetic note with vibrant amber undertones. A fragrance hewn by Giorgio Armani himself with precision, enhanced with the ultimate refinement of a French garden. *I really don’t even know how to describe this one, other than I absolutely love it. It’s also one of my all-time favorites, but I probably won’t ever buy it again because it’s so expensive. I bought it without asking the price because I thought there was no way it was more than $60 or so. Needless to say, I was way wrong. Lesson learned. Why does perfume have to be so expensive??

 

Filed Under: Beauty

Comments

  1. Courtney Gillies says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Michael Kors by Michael Kors. The best ever.

    Reply
  2. Jodi says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    I’ve worn Clinique Happy for 20 years! I love it. I always get compliments and it lasts all day! I love their seasonal version of Happy called Happy Summer Spray. I am ready to try something new and I love fruity scents so I may try the Tom Ford Black Orchid! Thanks Emily….I love your blogs!

    Reply
    • Emily Maynard says

      February 20, 2014 at 5:32 pm

      Thank you! If you’re looking for something fruity I’m not sure I’d go with Black Orchid. It’s strong, so a little goes a long way!

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    So what is your “signature scent” then? Please share 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily Maynard says

      February 20, 2014 at 5:30 pm

      I still haven’t found it! I can’t pick my favorite out of all of these! What’s yours?

      Reply
  4. Shannon says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Emily, I too have tons of perfumes, but my very favorite that I always go back to is Ralph Lauren Blue. I am not great at describing perfumes, but it really does smell so good and it’s not too strong. Sort of sweet and clean if that makes sense! Another that I have been wearing lately is Prada Candy. I get lots of compliments on this one. Also, I wore Flower Bomb for years and I finally got sick of it. I now try to wear a variety of things so that I won’t tire of them like I did that one. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    I need to try those! My favorite and pretty much my signature is Chanel coco madammoiselle and I just got a small bottle of Chloe and it smells wonderful! I love your blog, Emily!

    Reply
  6. Traci says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    If I’m wanting a more “girly” smell I love Miracle by Lancome. If I want a more musky smell then I got with Burberry Brit. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kelly Griffith says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    I’m a fragrance girl and my all time faves are the Chanel fragrances in the Chance line called Eau Frachai or Fresh. It is a green shade and Eau Tendre is a pink liquid. I get compliments when I wear those scents. I’m also a fan of the Gucci Guilty fragrance and the D & G “Rose The One’ and “The One”.

    Reply
  8. Amanda says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    Lady Million by Paco Rabanne & my boyfriend wears their men’s cologne “One Million!” Smells so elegant without being overbearing. Plus it lasts all day. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Amy says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana. I never wear it without getting a compliment. It’s amazing!!

    Reply
  10. B says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Do you switch it up based on the seasons? Sometimes I feel like I want something a touch more flowery for summer and more masculine for winter … although sometimes going against what you’d expect is a welcome change when the weather is nasty!

    PS – the Jo Malone Wild Bluebell is my absolute favorite. A big bottle on my vanity and a small one in my purse!

    Reply
    • Emily Maynard says

      February 21, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      I try to especially with stronger scents. In the summer the Tom Ford is WAY too strong! I need to try the Wild Bluebell!

      Reply
  11. Sara says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    My absolute favorite is Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, but I also like Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir, Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Heavenly, and Victoria’s Secret Incredible. I get compliments on each of these scents and I switch them out based upon my mood or what I’m wearing that day. I like my scent to go with my outfit. I’m excited to check out your recommendations!

    Reply
  12. Whitney Thompson says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Dior Pure Poison! Definitely my favorite. Very clean yet romantic, but not overbearing!

    Reply
  13. Andrea says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    I will definitely be checking out these scents! It’s always fun to mix them up. My favourites to this day are the following:
    1)DKNY-be delicious (green apple bottle that is fruity amazingness!)
    2)Alfred Sung-Shi (classy and worth a double take)
    3)Clinique-Happy (timeless scent)

    Reply
  14. Dori says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Elizabeth and James and Nirvana available at Sephora.

    Reply
  15. Sarah says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and White pair are FANTASTIC! You can wear them separate or spritzed on together!

    Reply
  16. Jasmina says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    You should try Hanae Mori – it’s the one perfume I always get complimented on. I keep trying other ones but always go back to it.

    Reply
  17. Lindsay says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    I tend to lean toward sweet scents.

    My favs for summer:
    -Miss Marisa (by Ebba) and Miss Marisa Tropical
    -Hanae Mori Butterfly…my husband’s favorite on me

    For winter I also love Flowerbomb and TF Black Orchid

    For a reasonably priced everyday perfume I wear Michael Kors by Michael Kors

    Reply
  18. Charity Flynn says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    My favorite is D&G 6 L’Amoureux. I’m obsessed with it and my boyfriend loves it too – always a plus 😉

    Reply
  19. Mary says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    Thanks for your suggestions! I love Van Cleef & Arpels Oriens and the new Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede! I’ve been wanting to try Flowerbomb for a while, so I think it’s time! 😉

    Reply
  20. Whitney says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    Burberry “London” and Marc Jacobs “Lola” are my two faves! 🙂

    Reply
  21. Wianca says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    You have to try Bottega Veneta it smells so good!!

    P.S love it you like flowerbomb from our Dutch duo Viktor & Rolf

    Reply
  22. Erin says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I love Michael Kors original scent. It smells sexy. Some of the Benefit perfumes are great, as well. I really want to try some of these above! Especially Black Orchid and Flowerbomb. One question, though–you said “mother in law.” Is there something you’re not telling us? Did you elope? 🙂

    Reply
  23. Joseph says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    If you are wearing a scent for women then okay, I don’t know what to tell you, but if you are wearing it for a man, choose KAI. I know I’m just one guy, but unless your man smokes and has burnt our his ability to smell, he’s going to like it – a lot. Don’t believe me? Ask Tyler J.

    Reply
  24. Michelle says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    You should try Thierry Mugler Alien — I will never get tired of it, always get compliments

    Reply
  25. Michelle says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Thierry Mugler Alien is a must try. So unique. I always get so many compliments.

    Reply
  26. Stacey says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    Jivago 24k is my all time fave!

    Reply
  27. Sabrina says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    I wear Flower Bomb every day and that is my signature scent. I can’t seem to find anything else I like better!! I will make sure to smell some of your other recommendations above. I’d like to find something else that I like as much as Flower Bomb. Thanks for all of your posts. I enjoy reading them and finding out about new products!

    Reply
  28. kirsi says

    February 20, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    I have plenty of perfumes. I just love them. One day I use someghing light and the other day stronger. My favorites are Victoria’s Secret perfumes and Dolce & Gabbana Pour Elle. I love sweet scents. 😉 I also have the Victor&Rolf ‘Flowerbomb’

    Reply
  29. Dana says

    February 20, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    Dior Hypnotic Poison. Best vanilla scent in existence

    Reply
  30. eva-linn says

    February 20, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Ralph by Ralph Lauren

    Reply
  31. Mackenzie says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    Versace Bright Crystals is absolutely amazing! It’s a floral and a light hint of amber scent that lasts all day, and smells even better on your clothes the day after. You won’t regret this one!

    Reply
  32. Cj says

    February 20, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    My all time favorite is Aqua Di Gioia….the female version of Aqua Di Gio. It is not overwheming and has a soft sweet smell. My man says it is “delicious” and that he could just sit and breathe me in. I have had strangers both men and women stop and ask me what I am wearing. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Lauren Johnson says

    February 20, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    Stella by Stella McCartney! I have worn it since my freshman year of college! I found it because one of my closest pledge sisters always wore it!! 🙂 you will love it! Also Lola and daisy by Marc Jacobs and Hot by Givenchy…a few of my other favorites!!

    Reply
  34. Cynthia says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    I love bombshell by Victoria Secret. It’s an amazing scent.
    Will you ever come up with your own perfume?? 🙂 that would be amazing! Pretty sure everyone would love to smell like you haha.

    Reply
  35. Katie says

    February 21, 2014 at 1:56 am

    Coco mademoiselle by Chanel is one of my all time favorites. It’s such a lovely and girly scent!

    Reply
  36. Melissa says

    February 21, 2014 at 2:05 am

    I love unique scents and have been searching for a new signature scent for awhile. I was thrilled to finally find Odin perfumes.. I ended up buying the 09 version.. Posala: Smoky bourbon and star jasmine surface in a blend of Perique tobacco, resinous amber and purple iris for a floral bouquet.
    Divine.

    Reply
  37. Lindsay {Everistta} says

    February 21, 2014 at 2:17 am

    Love Jo Malone! My go to!

    Reply
  38. Patricia says

    February 21, 2014 at 3:29 am

    Hello emily this is the first time ever i have made a comment. But i visit your website daily, I have always loved you since bachelor/bachelorette. Anyway this blog stuck out to me cause I love my colonge’s. My all time favorite is Thierry Mugler Alien or Alien essence. It is just a sexy smell and you will love it. Also the new Coach is awesome.. So try them out.. Thx for blog i have been wanting some of the Viktor&Rolf.

    Reply
  39. Amy says

    February 21, 2014 at 4:09 am

    Elizabeth and James Nirvana in white!
    Like yourself, I never did find my signature scent until just two days ago at Sephora. I tried it only because of the name “nirvana” as it’s one of my all time favorite bands. I also had a sample made for me to last me a while and I’ve been loving it! I would describe the scent as flirty with a bit of an edge.

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    February 21, 2014 at 4:18 am

    Elizabeth and James Nirvana in white or black!
    I’ve never had my signature scent until just two days ago while shopping at sephora. I tried it only because of the name “nirvana” as it’s one of my all time favorite bands. Turns out I really love the scent! I also had a sample made for me to last me a while to make sure I really like it.
    It’s got a flirty but edgy scent to it so I hope you try this one out and love it!

    Reply
  41. Monica Smith says

    February 21, 2014 at 5:15 am

    I go through favorites every couple year. So my favorite right now and cannot get enough is… BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline. It smells like your on a sandy coconut beach! Delicious!

    Reply
  42. Jenni says

    February 21, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Emily! I love Ralph Lauren Blue and Vera Wang Princess most of the time, but in summer I wear Philsophy Summer Grace. It’s amazing! You should try it out 🙂

    Reply
  43. Vangela Clark says

    February 21, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Pink Sugar is ThE BEST if you like vanilla/bakery style smells!

    Reply
  44. Bianca says

    February 21, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    Thierry Mugler innocent! The best ever! They stopped selling it but you can still get it online.

    Reply
  45. Jeannie Cahill says

    February 21, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    Dior Midnight Poison is Amazing and Mysterious. ( They don’t hold it on the shelves anymore, but you can still find it on amazon.) It’s captivating, and every guy I’ve ever hung around always remarks how I smell better than any other girl they’ve met 😉 It smells woodsy and rosey and just spritzing it makes me feel more desirable. I love it and can’t wear anything else now!

    Reply
  46. Brittany says

    February 21, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    I agree with some of the above comments. I LOOOOOVE Ralph Lauren Blue and I also like Clinique Happy. I recently fell in love with Coach’s Poppy Flower. All three of those perfumes smell so good!

    Reply
  47. Whitney says

    February 22, 2014 at 2:32 am

    Escada is flirty and fruity! I always get compliments on it and it’s not too expensive! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Judy says

    February 22, 2014 at 8:36 am

    I am currently wearing Manifesto by YSL. I work in a bank in open plan and always get compliments from women and men when I put it on. It’s jasmine and vanilla and woody – it’s very strong but really feminine. I am not wild about the bottle – but love the scent. My signature scent is however Opium which I love as well. Congratulations on the engagement Emily!

    Reply
  49. Amy says

    February 23, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I just bought Burberry Body and it’s wonderful. Very pretty but subtle, which is what I like!

    Reply
  50. Maggie says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:18 am

    Hi Emily, what is your favorite scent for Spring? Just wondering since it’s almost that time of the year… my favorite is Oh Lola! You should try it out, it’s very girly and fruity.

    Reply
  51. Suhana says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I wear perfume by Guess (Guess Eau de Parfum for Women). It’s in pink bottle. I always get compliments. It’s not strong or heavy. It has this fresh fragrance for someone to walk by and be like “What’s that?”

    Reply
  52. Kelly says

    February 25, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    Try Molecule One! It’s sold at Barneys…and sure you can find it online. It’s actually developed to act as a pheromone! Description from Barneys “Enticing the wearer with an almost pheromone-like fascination.” The refill size is plenty big enough (Molecule 01)
    Amazing. Compliments every time.
    And you can layer with your current favorite!

    Reply
  53. Jenna says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    I think you would love Calvin Klein Eternity Moment! Very fresh and girly! I have others I like and other I want, but this is my go to 🙂

    Reply
  54. Tam says

    February 28, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    Issey Miyake :: L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
    I’ve worn this men’s fragrance since 1997.
    Sephora Notes: Verbena, Tangerine, Cypress, Yuzu Zest, Coriander, Clary Sage, Geranium Bourbon, Blue Water Lily, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cinnamon Bark from Ceylon, Amber Tobacco, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Musk. Style: A fresh herbaceous scent with warm, woody undertones.

    Reply
  55. Sherri Lewis says

    March 1, 2014 at 9:54 pm

    I love Mackie by Bob Mackie.

    Reply
  56. Rolanda says

    March 3, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    I have always wondered, where/how exactly should you apply perfume. I have heard about 3 different ways such as the following: on your clothes, misting spray all over after you get out of the shower, or on specific spots such as behind the ears, knees, and wrist (but not to run the perfume in)? Please help with this one Emily?

    Reply
  57. Sherry says

    March 10, 2014 at 12:43 am

    Creed-Love in White (soft and delicious ). I always get compliments.
    Creed- Imperial (could be unisex but more on “feminine”)

    Reply
  58. Jenna says

    March 10, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    My all-time favorite is Fracas by Robert Piguet but…it is so strong. So I only wear it for special occasions. Otherwise, my favorites are: Chanel no 19, Chloe (I never liked rose until I wore this), Pure Grace from philosophy (for the gym and outdoor activities) and Jo Malone Wild Bluebell (I love love it for spring/summer).

    Reply
  59. Amanda says

    March 10, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    For spring/summer my go to is I Love love by Maschino…you cannot find this is stores anymore only specialty perfume shops…. Reminds me of light blue, but this scent stays on me…if you like LB but it doesn’t work for your body type, try this! I just found my fall/winter scent at Anthro…. Made by Royal Apothic, it’s called Noble Carnation…. Im not a carnation type of girl but this scent is addicting!

    Reply
  60. Kyndal says

    March 10, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    I love and own Dolce and Gabbana Light blue, Burberry Brit, Burberry, and Guess by Marciano (all sweeter smells especially the guess one). The only floral-ish scent I own, is Coach Poppy. I also recently got a sample of Prada Candy and like it as well.

    Reply
  61. Dawnn says

    March 11, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I love perfumes too, and it depends on my mood which one I reach for. Lately my staples have been: See by Chloe, Exceptional (can only seem to find it on FragranceNet.com) and Villain by Ed Hardy. Am looking forward to trying out your colognes and some of the others mentioned too!

    Reply
  62. Christine says

    March 18, 2014 at 12:55 am

    I’ve gone through stages of signature scents, all my favorites below!

    1. Flowerbomb
    2. Jimmy Choo – “Jimmy Choo”
    3. Christian Dior – “Addict”
    4. Versace – “Bright Crystal”
    5. Van Cleef & Arpels – “Feerie”
    6. Lolita Lempika (purple)

    Always get compliments whenever wearing one of these!

    Reply
  63. Karen Goodman says

    April 12, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Hi Emily, I have now followed up with another of your recommendations and I absolutely love it! It is the Tom Ford Black Orchard perfume and it smells amazing. Do you know whether a body lotion or cream comes with it as I always feel like something is missing if I don’t have that to go with it? I also have the Vicktor Rudolf Flower Bomb which does have an awesome body lotion to go with it. I have so MANY perfumes it’s not funny but I always seem to wear about 5 out of maybe 75 that I have. I’m so tempted to get the Armani Prive Pierre De Lune one, I am fast discovering that my love for all things Emily is costing me a lot of money! Thank goodness we can’t get your jewellery over here yet, do you plan to branch out internationally or not just yet? I know your schedule is crazy busy!! Thinking of you. Love Karen.xoxo

    Reply
  64. Kristin says

    June 19, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    I love Unconditional Love by Philosophy…it’s really sweet, but not overboard and still a light scent. For a not as sweet scent, the newest Coach fragrance, Love, is really nice!

    Reply
  65. Kristin says

    June 19, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    I tend to fall for sweet smells….one of my favorites is Unconditional Love by Philosophy! If I’m going for something not so sweet, I really like Coach’s newest fragrance, Love. It’s really nice and not overpowering!

    Reply
  66. Kristin O'Neal says

    June 19, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    I tend to fall for sweet scents and one of my current favorites is Unconditional Love by Philosophy. If I’m going for something not so sweet, I really like Coach’s newest fragrance, Love. It’s really nice and soft.

    BTW, I’m an SC girl, good choice to get married in the Palmetto State! 🙂

    Reply
  67. Stacy says

    September 23, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    So Emily , yes what is your signature scent?? would love to know xoxo

    Reply
  68. Sofia says

    February 1, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Sí by gorgio armani 🙂 I actually found it By asking this woman in froNt Of me at checkout in gap what perfume she was wearing and ran over to the parfumania store and got it right then and there. Its amazing

    Reply
  69. tINA mCfARLAND says

    March 7, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    CHANEL Chance Eau Fraiche is the absolute best in the world! every where i go, I get compliments.

    Reply
  70. Desereah says

    July 30, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    EuphoRia is my all time favorite!!

    Reply
  71. neysa harrold says

    August 6, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    hi I do like flower bomb but when it dries it smells like musk.,which I don’t like at all. is there a scent similar that does not do that?

    Reply
  72. angela says

    December 20, 2016 at 5:26 am

    MY alltime favorite perfumes in no particular order are:

    1. Issey miyake pure
    2. Michael kors by michael kors
    3. Mugler Alien
    4. Mugler Angel
    5. Dior addict

    I always get loads of compliments with any of these. They are statement perfumes..not for ladies who don’t want to be noticed 🙂

    Reply

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