10 of the most interesting perfumes to wear in 2023

It's time to update your fragrance collection with these new scents

Credits: 123rf
Credits: 123rf
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Perfumes can have a different effect on our moods and our emotions. Oftentimes, we find ourselves associating these scents with our different recollections and experiences. Some prefer olfactories with woody notes like sandalwood, cedarwood and agarwood while others prefer scents that are more floral and tend to be enhanced with notes such as intense jasmine, rosy peony and gardenia. 

But there’s just something about these scents that transport us to a different sense of place or time. A prime example of this would be Maison Margiela’s iconic Replica perfume collection – a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods. Some of our favourite scents include Lazy Sunday Morning and By The Fireplace, which is reminiscent of the smell of clean sheets and cuddling up by the fireplace respectively, as their name suggests. 

Now, with the current fragrance landscape, more Gen Zs and millennials are shifting away from in-store scent discovery. In fact, according to a recent piece by The Straits Times, they are more inclined to make their purchase decisions based on what they see on social media platforms like Instagram and on TikTok. Of course, this is also because we’re exposed to a bevvy of options, and like many fragrance newbies, a lot of them prefer to trust the recommendations that they can find online, so they can skip the hassle of going down to brick and mortar stores to sniff out a perfume themselves. 

Which is why we’ve decided to narrow down the oversaturated market of fragrances to the very best scents for this year, just for you. From cult classics like the YSL Libre fragrance to unisex fragrances like D by Diesel which was recently launched, ahead, we’ve sussed out some of the best fragrances to get your hands on this year. 

English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne, $242, Jo Malone London

Credit: Jo Malone London
1/10

If you've been a fan of Jo Malone London's most iconic scent (read: English Pear & Freesia), this new iteration will be right up your alley. Boasting a scent that's less sweet than the former, the English Pair & Sweet Pea has a powdery finish which leaves behind a mellow finish that lasts you throughout the day.

Paradoxe Intense Eau de Parfum, $300, Prada Beauty

Credit: Prada Beauty
2/10

Launched under the new Prada Paradoxe Collection, the Paradoxe Intense is a captivating, warm, floral fragrance, that has sweeter notes notes than its predecessor (the Prada Paradoxe), with notes of jasmine, amber and moss.

Away Weekend Women Eau de Parfum, $114, Abercrombie & Fitch from BHG

Credit: BHG
3/10

The Abercrombie & Fitch store may no longer be in Singapore, but that doesn't mean you can't get your hands on their iconic scents. Adding to its well-loved AWAY collection, Abercrombie & Fitch has just released its Away Weekend line which boasts two new fragrances for men and women. With top notes of White Tea, Fig Leaves and Rhubarb, the women's fragrance opens with notes of Lavender Diva, Clary Sage and Jasmine Petals. The sparkling and vibrant scent is also infused with Ambrox Super, Tonka Bean and Musk for added warmth.

YSL Libre, $252, YSL Beauty from Sephora

Credit: Sephora
4/10

Made for the strong, bold and free woman, the YSL Libre fragrance is one worth considering if you like a scent that’s bold yet feminine. With top notes of mandarin oil, lavender, blackcurrant and petitgrain this is a beautiful long lasting fragrance that’s very classy, feminine and pleasing to the nose.

D by Diesel, $94, Diesel Fragrances from BHG

Credit: Diesel
5/10

Made with a unique blend of sustainably sourced ingredients including Bourbon vanilla and Diva lavender heart, D by Diesel is a fragrance perfect for those looking to make a strong impression. At first spritz, the scent comes across as masculine, but as the cool cotton and vanilla accords come out, the scent is a little more universally appealing, making it an excellent option for those who are looking for a gender-fluid scent.

The Yulong, $242, Armani Prive from Tangs

Credit: Tangs
6/10

Clean and fresh, with a hint of green tea, black tea, mandarin orange and cardamom, it’s no wonder Jackson Wang loves this scent. At a press conference held in Singapore late last year, the singer revealed to his fans that this was his favourite perfume. The scent was first launched in 2020 and is well-loved for its smoky, woody, yet fresh and citrusy scent.

Flower by KENZO L’Absolue Eau de Parfum, $127, Kenzo from Sephora

Credit: Kenzo
7/10

If floral scents are up your alley, then you’ll definitely love Flower by KENZO L’Absolue Eau de Parfum. Sweet yet not too overpowering, this invigorating floral scent blends well with the freshness of Mandarin Essence and adds a warm touch of seduction with Saffron. While it does have a very strong sillage at first spritz, the longevity of the scent is rather weak so you’ll have to keep reapplying it after a few hours.

Diptyque Paris Eau Rose EDT, $196, Diptyque from KrisShop

Credit: Krisshop
8/10

Nothing says romance quite like roses, and that’s exactly what Eau Rose manages to encapsulate. Delicately fresh with a light touch of spiciness, these fragrance notes are what you need to reel in a second date.

Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Edp Poudree, $182.41, Narciso Rodriguez From KrisShop

Credit: Krisshop
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If you love powdery fragrances, then you’ll definitely want to consider this number from Narciso Rodrigues. Boasting top notes of white jasmine and woody vetiver at the base, with the addition of black cedar and vetiver, this sweet and addictive scent will have you coming back for more.

Eidesis Eau de Parfum, $255, Aesop

Credit: Aesop
10/10

Whether you’re looking for a clean and minimalist fragrance or for a scent that will whisk you away into its own story, Aesop has what you need. While they offer an extensive range of fragrances for you to choose from, we personally like the Eidesis Eau de Parfum for its woody, spicy and ambery aroma. The perfume opens up with notes of petitgrain, black pepper, and frankincense that fades into notes of cumin and cedar, finishing with base notes of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver.

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