As mentioned in my last fragrance post, not only do the French make some of the best beauty products in the world, but also some of the most iconic perfumes of all time.
Here are my picks of the top 10 best French perfumes for women, in no particular order – I’m positive you’ll find your next favorite here!
1. Lolita Lempicka Le Premier Parfum. I start with one of the most loved fragrances in France that I too am obsessed with – this is the most unique fragrance I’ve ever tried. There is something so strange, unique, quirky about this one, and if you’re a quirky girl – or love all things Tim Burton – run, don’t walk, to this perfume. Buy internationally on FragranceNet and Amazon.com and Amazon UK.
2. Givenchy Very Irresistible. Talk about a romantic scent. With notes of 5 different roses, this is a ‘classic’ date night scent and one of my favorites that I tried early on in my perfume journey. Feminine, flirty and slightly powdery, this is sure to be loved by your significant other. Buy at Sephora (US), internationally on Nordstrom, Amazon.com and Perfume.com.
3. Dior Poison. I was first introduced to this scent by my Danish grandmother. It’s sophisticated, dark, mysterious… and slightly dangerous – what else with a name like Poison? I always thought Poison was a perfect name for a perfume, and this is a must-have for hot date nights. Buy at Sephora (US), or internationally at Amazon.com and Perfume.com.
4. Cacharel Anais Anais. Ah, the French girl’s first perfume. So nostalgic of our childhood playing in the sunny, airy fields wearing frilly dresses and just being a little girl. Now that we’re older it might be a little “too” young, unless you have a Lolita fetish. Either way, this is one so sweet and innocent and perfect for girly girls. Buy at Walmart (US) and internationally at Amazon.com and Perfume.com.
5. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture. The “Little Black Dress” fragrance from Guerlain is one of their most popular to date, but sometimes it too sweet for me – it really smells likes cherry coke in a bottle. But I’ve always loved the softer middle and base notes, and the latest release, Couture, smells exactly like that. Fun, flirty and daring, this is the perfect scent for the feisty young girl and the young at heart. Buy at Sephora (US), Debenhams (UK), Harrods (UK), and internationally at John Lewis, Amazon.com and House of Fraser.
6. See by Chloe. A fairly new release but it’s already one of the best in my eyes (nose?). While Chloe too have many other iconic fragrances, this one is my personal favorite. This fragrance has a bitterness, a boldness to it yet is still very feminine – it reminds me of the saying “sugar and spice, and everything nice, that’s what girls are made of”. Buy at Sephora (US) and internationally at Nordstrom, Amazon.com and Perfume.com.
7. Thierry Mugler Alien. While Theirry Mugler’s Angel is the ‘iconic’ perfume of the brand, I much prefer Alien. Alien is, without being so obvious, OUT OF THIS WORLD. The bottle embodies the scent perfectly – this perfume is not for the faint of heart, yet there is still a softness to it. I can see a feisty young woman wearing this while conquering the world. Buy at Sephora (US), Escentual (UK) and internationally at Boots, Amazon.com and Perfume.com.
8. Jean Paul Gaultier Classique. This iconic scent has been a “must have” for years, but I only really paid attention when it was given to me many years ago. I think the perfect evening scent for the sophisticated, classy woman – it smells like expensive champagne in perfume form. Also, that bottle just looks so beautiful on your dressing table. Buy at Sephora (US) and internationally at John Lewis and Amazon.com.
9. Balenciaga Florabotanica. This perfume is definitely in my top 5 all-time favorite perfumes. I even dare say that this is the best release in the industry in the past 10 years. A mix of rose and mint, it is a green, fresh fragrance with excellent staying power. There is something so feminine and edgy about this scent, and can we please talk about the bottle? I also dare say this is my favorite perfume bottle of all time. Stunning all around, you gotta try this one out. Buy internationally at Sephora (US) or internationally at Amazon.com and John Lewis.
10. Chanel Chance. I know, I know, I should have Chanel No. 5 on this list. And make no mistake, it is a great scent. But it is a clear example of what I was saying about why you should not wear the same perfume as your mother. Chance is a lighter, softer version from Chanel that will suit any young girl way better. The other release, Eau Fraiche is also a personal favorite. Buy at Sephora (US) or internationally at Nordstrom and House of Fraser.
