The best perfumes to try in 2026 – editor’s selection
Perfume is more than just a scent – it is personal identity captured in a fragrance. With new products, revived classics, and innovative formulas, 2026 promises to be one of the biggest years for perfumery. Whether you love warm gourmand scents, airy floral fragrances, woody musk blends, or bold unisex scents, this guide introduces you to the best perfumes to try in 2026.
Our editorial selection includes long-lasting perfumes, luxury fragrances, affordable new releases for 2026, and stylish selections for men and women. If you’re planning to refresh your favorite scent, consider this guide your ultimate perfume roadmap.
Why 2026 is an important year for perfume trends
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand why perfume trends in 2026 are so special. The global perfume industry is focusing on biotechnology, sustainable ingredients, and mood-lifting fragrance compositions. This year, you can expect:
- Longer-lasting formulations with clean fixatives
- AI-developed fragrance blends
- Gender-neutral fragrances leading the mainstream
- Environmentally conscious packaging
- Layering-friendly perfumes that combine well
Editor’s recommendations: The best perfumes to try in 2026
Below, we present our top fragrance recommendations. These were selected based on their fragrance intensity, longevity, uniqueness, popularity, and overall value.
1. Valentino Voce Viva Intensa 2026 Edition
Best suited for: Women who love bold, glamorous fragrances
Keywords: Best perfumes for 2026, women’s perfumes 2026
2026 brings a fresher, richer reimagining of the iconic Voce Viva line. This version is creamy, floral, and deliciously addictive.
Top notes include: orange blossom, jasmine absolute, and bourbon vanilla.
Why we love it:
- Excellent longevity (8–10 hours)
- A perfect evening perfume for special occasions
- The luxurious bottle design makes it an ideal gift
If you’re looking for the best women’s perfumes of 2026, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.\
2. Dior Sauvage Elixir 2026 Reformulation
Best suited for: Men who prefer strong, masculine signatures
Keywords: Men’s perfumes 2026, best perfumes for men 2026
Dior Sauvage continues to dominate, and the reformulation for 2026 intensifies the classic spicy-woody profile.
Expect notes of:
- Cinnamon
- Sandalwood
- Amber accord
- Fresh citrus fruits
What sets it apart:
- Powerful fragrance
- Ultra-masculine yet wearable
- Ideal as an evening or winter perfume
A must-have for anyone looking for the best perfumes for men in 2026.
3. Le Labo Santal 33 “New Molecule Edition” 2026
Best suited for: Lovers of unisex fragrances
Keywords: Unisex perfumes 2026, long-lasting perfumes 2026
The legendary Santal 33 gets a technologically advanced update with new sustainable molecules.
The result? A purer, softer, and more wearable version without losing the iconic charm of sandalwood.
Look forward to warm notes of:
- Cardamom
- Iris
- Cedarwood
- Leather
Why it’s an editor’s favorite:
- Perfect gender-neutral perfume
- Long-lasting and subtle
- Ideal for everyday wear
This is one of the best unisex perfumes to try in 2026.
4. Kayali Vanilla Royale Intense 2026
Best suited for: Fans of sweet, lush fragrances
Keywords: lush perfumes 2026, vanilla perfumes 2026
Vanilla is trending in 2026, and Kayali offers a royal sweet experience with the following notes:
- Vanilla orchid
- Caramelized amber
- Crème brûlée
- Tonka bean
Why it’s trending:
- Well-known brand on Instagram
- Sweetness that is addictive without being overpowering
- Excellent for layering
If you love desserts in a bottle, this is the best gourmand perfume of 2026.
5. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 2026 Parfum Intense
Best for: Women looking for a timeless classic with a certain something
Keywords: timeless perfumes 2026, luxury perfumes 2026
Chanel refines this bestseller with richer patchouli and tonka bean undertones in the 2026 Parfum Intense edition.
It offers:
- Improved longevity
- Greater depth
- A more seductive aura
Why it’s worth trying:
- Ideal for work and evening wear
- Universally popular
- A perfect luxury perfume for 2026
6. YSL Libre 2026 Luxe Extrait
Best suited for: Women who love sophisticated floral fragrances
YSL launches the most intense and rich version of Libre yet.
With intense lavender, orange blossom, and warm vanilla, this 2026 extract edition promises:
- Long-lasting wear
- Stylish complexity
- A bold, confident aura
A must-have on the list of the best perfumes to try in 2026.
7. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 “Crystal Edition 2026”
Best suited for: Luxury lovers
Keywords: Luxury perfumes 2026, Trendy perfumes 2026
This modern classic continues to enjoy cult status.
The Crystal Edition contains purified ingredients for a brighter, more intense fragrance profile.
What to expect:
- Radiant saffron
- Amber wood
- Jasmine
- Fir balsam
Why people love it:
- Distinctive luxury aroma
- Incredible sillage
- The perfect statement perfume
8. Zara x Jo Malone 2026 Collection
Best for: Affordable fragrances
Keywords: affordable perfumes 2026, budget-friendly perfumes 2026
High-quality perfumes don’t always have to be expensive. Zara’s collaboration with Jo Malone returns in 2026 with new products under $30.
Top recommendations include:
- Amber Fusion 2026
- Magnolia Dream 2026
- Cedar Mist 2026
Why the editors recommend it:
- Affordable yet high-quality fragrance
- Fantastic for everyday use
- Great for layering
If you’re looking for an inexpensive but impressive fragrance, this is the best affordable perfume in 2026.
9. Tom Ford Lost Cherry Intense 2026
Best for: Evening events and confident personalities
Keywords: Cherry perfumes 2026, intense perfumes 2026
Tom Ford expands his cherry universe once again with a darker, richer, and irresistible version.
Expect:
- Black cherry
- Bitter almond
- Plum
- Roasted tonka bean
Special characteristics:
- Seductive and unique
- Perfect for the evening
- Long-lasting
10. Burberry Her Blossom 2026
Best suited for: Spring and summer freshness
Keywords: Floral perfumes 2026, fresh perfumes 2026
This year’s edition offers an airy, fruity-floral blend that is perfect for warm weather.
Notes include:
- Peony
- Pear
- Musk
- Mandarin
Why it’s perfect for 2026:
- Light, pure, and universally appealing
- Ideal for all-day wear
- Perfect as a signature summer perfume
How to choose the best perfume in 2026
With so many new releases, choosing the right fragrance can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find your perfect perfume:
✔ Choose scents that match your personality
Fresh scents for minimalists, gourmand scents for romantic moods, woody scents for self-confidence.
✔ Test perfumes on your skin
Every fragrance smells different depending on your body chemistry.
✔ Choose according to the season
- Floral & citrus → Summer
- Spicy & woody → Winter
- Gourmand & musk → Evening
✔ Don’t overlook longevity
If you’re looking for a long-lasting perfume in 2026, look for formulations such as extrait, intense, or parfum.
Conclusion: The best perfumes to try in 2026
The world of fragrances in 2026 is full of exciting innovations and unforgettable scents. Whether you want to upgrade your favorite perfume or discover something new, this selection of the best perfumes for 2026 guarantees you an unparalleled experience.
From luxurious icons to affordable treasures, there’s a perfect fragrance for everyone this year.
