These beauty editors only wear perfumes that guarantee compliments—these are the 12 they're wearing on rotation this spring

I don't leave the house without a spritz

Woman wearing pink outfit and carrying flowers
(Image credit: Getty Images / Edward Berthelot / Contributor)

I find selecting the best perfume to wear on any given day a relatively easy task. When the days are hot and balmy, I naturally reach for milky, citrus scents that drench me in rays of sunshine with every spritz. For cold and grey days, I like to opt for cosy, long-lasting perfumes that fill me with comfort. For autumn, I like to reach for invigorating and fresh perfumes that clear the senses. When it comes to spring perfumes, however, I'm not quite so prescriptive with my choices. 

Truth be told, for times like now, when the weather switches between warmly optimistic and bitterly drab, I like to be more fluid with my perfume choices. However, as a beauty editor whose job it is to test every perfume that comes my way, my collection is somewhat vast. With my collection inching closer towards three figures with every working day that passes (believe me, I know it's grotesque), I'm spoiled for choice.

Right now, the only criteria I have for my spring perfume is that it must get me compliments. As much as I like to wear perfume for myself, whether it be to boost my mood or make me feel more myself, I also wear perfume for work purposes—so I can make sure I'm only recommending you the very best products. My testing process for perfumes is, to put it bluntly, wear whatever new formula that's come my way and see whether it gets me any compliments.

Personally, I think the making of a great perfume is its ability to pique interest. In my opinion, if my perfume smells intriguing enough to stand out in a sea of sweet, floral crowdpleasers, I know I've done something right by giving it a go.

And of all the fragrances that have come my way of late, there's only 12 spring perfumes which have won me enough compliments to justify reaching for them regularly. In fact, these are the only perfumes I plan on wearing until summer arrives...

1. Glossier You Fleur

Glossier You Fleur

(Image credit: Glossier)

Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum

Best overall spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 50ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Mineral salt accord, osmanthus, ylang ylang, apricot skin, cashmeran, ambrox

"The latest addition to the iconic Glossier You scent franchise, Fleur is the epitome of spring-time joy—from the beautiful lavender bottle to the juice inside. Although it's musky and skin-like, just like the original, it has a sweet optimism to it which acts as an instant mood booster. The subtle saltiness captures that excitement of the first trip to the seaside once the weather warms, while a juicy apricot pulp adds a childlike sweetness. It's perfect for the arrival of spring, yet I think I'll be wearing this well into the summer and beyond." - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor.

2. Loewe Aire Anthesis

Loewe Aire Anthesis

(Image credit: Loewe)

Loewe Aire Anthesis Eau de Parfum

Best marine-like spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 50ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Loewe accord, lily of the valley, pear, peony, sandalwood, rhubarb

If you want to understand what Loewe Aire Anthesis smells like, avoid getting too caught up in the notes. The blend contains 'Loewe accord', an olfactory note created by the brand. It's deep, earthy and raw, based on the rockrose, a Spanish wildflower. Around it are various floral and fruity notes. Together though, they create one of the most stunning aquatic and salty fragrances I've ever smelled. Like waves crashing down on wild shores, Anthesis is sense-clearing and refreshing in every way possible—it holds all of the optimism spring should bring.

3. Creed Eladaria

Creed Eladaria Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Creed)

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Flora Verde Eau de Parfum

Best floral spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 75ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Mandarin, pink pepper, rose, lily of the valley, peony, cashmere wood, vanilla, musk

"The ultimate spring spritz, Creed's new Eladaria fragrance is a masterpiece in how to blend the perfect floral perfume. A homage to the beauty of the classic English rose, this smells like taking a walk through a majestic stately garden at dusk. It's soft and lingering, yet has a romantic edge thanks to spiciness from pink pepper and skin-like notes of musk and warm woods. A dream." - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor.

4. The Body Shop Full Iris

The Body Shop Full Iris Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: The Body Shop)

The Body Shop Full Iris Eau de Parfum

Best affordable spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 75ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Juniper berry, iris concrete, cedarwood

"If you're after a fresh new scent that won't break the bank then The Body Shop's Full Flowers collection is guaranteed to put a spring in your step (pardon the pun). Full Iris is my pick of the bunch—green, floral and bright it captures the aromatic wildness of a sun-soaked forest with the bright powdery nature of iris petals. A floral for those that don't love heady bouquets, this has an aromatic depth that lingers for the entire day." - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor.

5. Parfums de Marly Perseus

Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Parfums de Marly)

Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum

Best luxury spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 75ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, blackcurrant bud, dry woods, cashmere wood, amber gris accord, balsam fir, woody spices, tonka bean

The latest fragrance from Parfums de Marly, Perseus, is the ultimate late-spring scent that will also carry you into summer. It is bright, zesty and punchy, but there is a prominent earthiness to it that paints a picture of rolling Italian hills on the hottest of days. I have worn it a handful of times this month already and someone has commented on it each time. My fiancé has become so infatuated with it, in fact, that I noticed he has moved it onto his side of the fragrance shelf. 

6. Tocca Lucia

Tocca Lucia

(Image credit: Tocca)

Tocca Lucia Eau de Parfum

Best sweet spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 50ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, marine accord, fig, fig tree leaves, upcycled rose water, geranium, vetiver, cedarwood, tobacco

This is, hands down, one of the most crowd-pleasing spring perfumes in existence. Luminescent, bright and sweet, it also has a creamy floral base that smells like a bouquet of flowers has melted into your skin. While it's light on the nose, it's not sugared or citrusy in the slightest—just an expensive-smelling delight.

7. Bibbi Fruit Captain

Bibbi Fruit Captain Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Bibbi)

Bibbi Fruit Captain Eau de Parfum

Best fruity spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 100ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Peony, pink pepper, strawberry, jasmine, gardenia, plum, raspberry, green apples, ambroxan, sunny musks

"If you hate smelling like everyone else and like your scents to feel unique then, in my opinion, Bibbi is a brand that you should get to know. There isn't a single scent in their lineup and when it comes to perfumes that generate compliments, I don't think In ever wear one from them without being asked about it. Their latest launch is like sunshine in a bottle—a fresh and fruity gourmand that is truly delicious. At the heart, a crisp green apple and the lush juice of ripe strawberries and plums. However, the beauty of this scent lies in the fact that it never veers on saccharine. Instead, there are delicate florals and warm musks that add an alluring complexity." - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor.

8. Aqua Di Parma Buongiorno

Aqua Di Parma Buongiorno

(Image credit: Acqua di Parma)

Aqua Di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum

Best aromatic spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 100ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Lemon, spearmint, rosemary, basil, petitgrain, lavandin, mandarin, cedarwood, amber, white musks

"If you're a fan of sparkling, uplifting scents then this one is for you. An ode to the Italian art of living, this is the kind of perfume that you'll want to drench yourself in for its mood-boosting benefits. It's deliciously aromatic with a herbaceous hit of rosemary and basil pairing perfectly with the more sparkly notes of lemon and spearmint. For me, it feels like stepping out on a sun-drenched patio and taking a breath of fresh air." - - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor.

9. Elie Saab Le Parfum Bridal

Elie Saab Le Parfum Bridal

(Image credit: Elie Saab)

Elie Saab Le Parfum Bridal Eau de Parfum

Best spring wedding perfum

Specifications

Size: 30ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Ylang-ylang, orange blossom, Madagascan vanilla, ambroxan

It's wedding season, and this perfume is wedding in a bottle. Without being overly floral and pretty, it manages to capture the soft beauty of a wedding day. It's like layers of delicate tulle—powered, musky and skin-like, all while being beautifully delicate.

10. Hermès Hermessence Rose Ikebana

Hermès Hermessence Rose Ikebana

(Image credit: Hermès)

Hermès Hermessence Rose Ikebana Eau de Toilette

Best rose spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 100ml
Blend: Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Rose, rhubarb

Light, effervescent and heart-warmingly sparkling, this is one of the best rose perfumes I have smelled in years. It isn't obviously rosy, so rose-haters might actually see the appeal here. With rhubarb, it is bitingly juicy and somewhat water-like—akin to stepping out of the shower after using the most expensive body care you own.

11. Dries Van Noten Mystic Musk

Dries Van Noten Mystic Moss

(Image credit: Dries Van Noten)

Dries Van Noten Mystic Moss Eau de Toilette

Best green spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 200ml
Blend: Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Green mandarin, clary sage, cardamom, algae extract, geranium, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, incense

This one is green to its core—and it's one of the most beautifully unique scents I've come across in ages. It is like sticking your nose into a pot of sea salt flakes. Having said that, there's a green mossiness to it that keeps it fresh and inviting. It's expensive, yes, but the 200ml bottle could last a lifetime, which for me it's going to need to if my fiancé continues to pinch it from me.

12. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Maison Francis Kurkdjian)

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky Eau de Parfum

Best gourmand spring perfume

Specifications

Size: 70ml
Blend: Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Peach, raspberry, tutti-frutti accord, white musk, vanilla

"Spring is a season that feels innately joyful to me, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian's latest launch really captures that youthful wonder of this time of year. Undeniably playful, it's a fruity gourmand that bursts with brightness. From the medley of peaches and raspberries to the zingy tutti-frutti accord (side note—tutti-frutti ice cream was my absolute favourite as a child) it's a vibrant delight with a sweet vanilla twist. Even better though, once all that mouthwatering sweetness has dried down, you're left with a comforting nostalgia from a creamy musk that lingers on the skin. A modern spring icon." - Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor

Shannon Lawlor
Executive Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is the Beauty Director at Who What Wear UK. With nearly a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire UK, Who What Wear, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof make-up products and does-it-all skincare.

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