I love writing about perfumes. I love scents, and I love what they bring.
It is more than just a smell: it evokes memories, and it makes a place, and a moment, something else entirely. That is why I write so much about them.
And, when speaking about perfumes that you wear everyday, a perfume that lasts all day is important.
It needs to stay from the moment you spray it to go to work to the time you get back home.
With that in mind, I thought about writing about perfumes that I know for sure, even though some are expensive, stays throughout the whole day.
Besides, I always wished people would think “Oh, what is that smell? What perfume is this?”, and I know everyone does too (do not lie to me), however, I never seemed to find a good enough fragrance, they always lasted too little, or it didn’t project enough.
Yes, I know, it all depends on your body and the way it works, but here I am talking about those perfumes that work for almost everyone.
Don’t feel bad if they don’t work for you, you will find what’s best for you, I promise!
In this post, I selected the best long lasting and good projection perfumes, but I will stay away a bit from the ones people use the most (individualism much?) in order for you to discover a new fragrance that you can call your own and gatekeep.
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Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker
Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker is a woody floral musky perfume, launched in 2005 (oldie), created by Clement Gavarry and Laurent Le Guernec.
Its top notes are Lavender, Martini, Bergamot, Mandarin and Jacaranda, while the the heart notes are: Patchouli, Orchid and Narcissus.
The base notes are:
- Musk,
- Woody Notes,
- Cedar,
- White Amber.
Firstly, the bottle is extremely elegant. In my opinion, as I bought it blind, I didn’t have high expectations and was actually kind of scared. Lucky me, it really surprised me, in a good way.
On the nose, the lavender opens beautifully, the martini note makes it slightly sour, the flowers intertwine, nothing overlapping, round.
In the background, a soft patchouli, but still striking and lots of musk. Soft, very chic and really passionate. Lasts all day for me! Reminds me a lot of our top favorite Narciso Rodriguez For Her.
Durrat Al Aroos by Al Wataniah
Durrat Al Aroos by Al Wataniah is a Women’s Amber perfume, making its debut in 2022 with a burst of newness in the fragrance world.
This scent opens with a blend of top notes of White Musk and Nagarmota (or Cypriol Oil).
Initially, it may remind you of the popular Good Girl fragrance, but it swiftly transforms into a comforting woody aroma, likely thanks to the cypriol infusion.
As it settles into its drydown, you’ll experience the gentle embrace of vanilla-infused wood, accompanied by a subtle saffron undertone.
The result is a remarkably creamy and utterly delightful olfactory experience.
Moreover, its impressive longevity is worth noting. Even after hours and a couple of washes post-application, this fragrance still lingers beautifully, leaving a lasting impression that speaks volume.
Luna by Nina Ricci is a delectable Amber Vanilla fragrance, first introduced in 2016. The talented perfumers Christophe Raynaud and Marie Salamagne collaborated to craft this enchanting scent and I couldn’t be more thankful for it.
The opening notes offer a hint of
- Wild Berries,
- Orange Blossom,
- Tangerine,
- Lime
which gently give way to a captivating heart of Caramel, Immortelle, Pear, and Jasmine.
Luna truly shines in its base notes, where the warmth of Madagascar Vanilla, Licorice, the grounding essence of Sandalwood, and White Musk create a harmonious smell.
The initial burst of wild berries is a delightful prelude, but it swiftly transforms into a rich medley of caramel, green apple, coffee, creamy vanilla, and licorice.
This gourmand masterpiece is a must-have for autumn and winter, evoking the spirited atmosphere of a Halloween carnival.
Luna excels in longevity without becoming overly sweet, making it a versatile and irresistible choice for those seeking a unique olfactory experience.
Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette by Diptyque
Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette by Diptyque is a truly shareable gem in the world of Amber Spice perfumes. Introduced in 2010 and crafted by the perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, this fragrance exudes the essence of winter in a bottle.
Its warming, full-bodied sweetness is a sensory journey, with rich notes of black tea, an exquisite blend of spices, and a dominant presence of vanilla.
While there are subtle hints of woodiness, even for those who aren’t typically fond of woody fragrances, Eau Duelle proves to be an exception, offering a mature and delectable character.
This creamy and enveloping scent stands out as a unique olfactory experience, defying convention with its exclusivity.
Eau Duelle’s longevity is impressive, making it the perfect choice for cold weather or those enchanting rainy nights when you seek to wrap yourself in its beguiling aroma.
It’s a perfume that truly captures the essence of winter in a sophisticated and unforgettable manner.
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum Intense by Guerlain
This perfume is a captivating woody amber fragrance. Launched in 2019 and expertly created by the perfumers Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk, this scent boasts a harmonious blend of top notes featuring Lavender, Mandarin, and Bergamot.
In its heart, it reveals a luxurious combination of
- Tahitian Vanilla,
- Madagascar Vanilla,
- Iris,
- Jasmine Sambac,
- Rose.
imparting a sweet and pleasing uniqueness.
The base notes, including Coumarin, Patchouli, Licorice, Benzoin, Australian Sandalwood, and White Musk, provide a rich and enduring foundation.
It beautifully showcases the interplay of vanilla and lavender, making it a revelation for those who appreciate lavender in well-crafted compositions.
This fragrance offers excellent projection and longevity, making it a versatile choice for both day and night, ensuring you’re perfumed with a sweet, pleasant, and distinct allure wherever you go.
Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée Eau de Parfum by Hermès
Released in 2019 and crafted by perfumer Christine Nagel, it features Pink Pepper as the top note, with a heart note of Rose, and a base note of Patchouli.
I distinctly remember the initial burst of pure pepper, a unique and intriguing sensation that drew me in immediately.
However, what truly sets this perfume apart is its remarkable evolution on the skin, a transformation that defies verbal description. It stands as unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or encountered in the world of fragrances.
Notably, Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée is a magnet for compliments, projecting scent without overwhelming, and it boasts impressive longevity. I reserve it for moments when I go out for dinner, or a party, as its longevity quality will not let me down.
Fashionably London was launched in 2021. The perfumer behind this fragrance is Jo Malone (yes, Jo). The top note is Bergamot, heart note is Rose and the base note is Musk.
This perfume is AMAZING it smells very much like roses and something citrusy on the way out, it lasts a long time and projects well at first.
At first it seems more like a masculine perfume because it smells more of citrus and musk, but once it settles it feels floral on the skin.
Musk Therapy was launched in 2021. It’s a wonderful scent, citrus, floral (white) and with a musky, slightly woody background, it’s shareable but I feel it’s more feminine (that’s precisely why he’s here!).
This perfume opens very citrusy and effervescent because of the blackcurrant, very quickly evolving into the white floral heart, which persists for almost the entire life of the perfume along with the musk.
Due to this very high load of musk the perfume is very comfortable and has an excellent performance. However, the only issue with him is its price. I believe he is the most expensive one on this list, but I couldn’t leave him out!
It is impossible not to fall in love at first spray.
It opens with a burst of freshness, characterized by fruity pear notes combined with Italian Mandarin and red berries, which gracefully give way to a sweet and subtly complex base, where the presence of brown sugar is discernible, and patchouli plays a discreet yet important role.
While I may not be an expert in identifying individual floral notes, I can confidently say that the gardenia element harmonizes the floral and sweet aspects of the fragrance beautifully, with the pear note remaining delightfully prominent throughout.
This perfume exudes a versatile and eclectic character that can effortlessly appeal to individuals of all tastes and ages.
Launched in 2022, this scent opens with a blend of Musk, White Musk, and delicate Floral Notes, lending it a musky vibe with a touch of stylized floral and citrus accents.
It strikes a perfect balance, offering a light yet distinctly noticeable presence. Pure Musk exudes comfort, elegance, and remarkable versatility, making it a suitable choice for any occasion and setting.
While it may not be your go-to for a lively party or a seductively evening, it possesses a unique charm and sophistication that’s ideal for those moments when you seek comfort and ease.
This fragrance boasts a pleasant and well-balanced performance, neither overwhelming nor fleeting, ensuring you remain subtly fragrant throughout the day, like a gentle mist that wraps you in its appealing aura.
Conclusion
The pursuit of a signature scent is a desire shared by many, including myself, and it is very personal.
Some of the choices here maybe will smell like hell for some, and heaven for other.
However, at the end, we all yearn for that distinct fragrance that leaves an indelible impression on those around us.
In this post, I have endeavored to curate a selection of exceptional, long-lasting, and high-projection perfumes, stepping away from the common choices to encourage the discovery of new olfactory experiences.
