Top 10 Cult Fragrances
Meet The 10 Cult Perfumes You're Currently Smelling Everywhere
Although something's "cult status" can make shopping seem easy—think Golden Goose sneakers and Urban Decay Primer Potion—applying the philosophy to fragrances can be a little more complex. Sometimes choosing a scent happens naturally, but other times, finding one that suits you takes a bit more digging. We all have varying preferences and tastes, and the buzziest scents don't always please our personal senses.
If you've found yourself struggling to find your signature scent, we're here to simplify the process. Ahead, we've broken down the differences between 10 cult-favorite fragrances that appeal to a variety of preferences, which all have been approved by our data-driven algorithm as well as the noses of perfume experts everywhere.
Our Method For Finding The Best Cult Fragrances
Fact: not everything that's popular is worth the hype. This is why we used our data-driven algorithm to pinpoint the Top 10 cult-favorite fragrances on the web. Our algorithm factors in real user reviews, editorial mentions, and social media buzz to discover, rank, and score products, delivering recommendations that are approved by the masses and backed by genuine data. From Le Labo's iconic Santal 33 to the incredibly buzzy Baccarat Rouge 540, we're giving you the lowdown on the 10 most in-demand fragrances so you can find the one that's right for you—no coffee beans or department stores required.
July 23, 2024
Written By:Kate Ferris
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.85
10
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
4.05
2771 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Smokey Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
With notes of violet, accord, cardamom, iris, and ambrox, Le Labo's Santal 33 is a true icon. Woody and smoky but somehow still gentle, it's the kind of perfume that always stands out in a crowd. It's also unisex, so it's made for everyone.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Le Labo debuted in just 2006 and gained immediate renown for its subtle, striking scents, apothecary packaging, and distinctive naming convention. Each name consists of a word and a number: the most prominent note and the number of notes in the composition.
Chanel N°5 Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.85
09
Chanel N°5 Eau De Parfum
4.11
3636 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Powdery Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
If you've only heard of one fragrance on this list, it's most likely Chanel No. 5. Created in 1921 and worn by Marilyn Monroe herself, it's one of the most iconic scents on the list. With key notes of aldehydes, jasmine, neroli, and sandalwood, it's floral and powdery and unlike any other popular perfume out there today—it was created 100 years ago, after all.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
In honor of Chanel No. 5's 100th birthday, Chanel released a collection of bath and body products in their signature fragrance. If you've ever wanted to bathe in Chanel No. 5, you officially can.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.9
08
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum
4.2
2661 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Woodsy Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Light, fresh floral notes meet a warm woody aroma in Maison Francis Kurkdijian's Baccarat Rogue 540. The sophisticated blend of jasmine, ambergris, and cedar notes manages to capture people's attention without feeling overpowering and creates a universally flattering scent that can be worn by anyone day or night.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This sensual fragrance is highly condensed, so one spritz on the wrist will last all day.
Glossier You
Overall Score
4.9
07
Glossier You
4.22
7426 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Adaptable Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Balanced by notes of iris, white floral, and creamy freshness, Glossier's iconic fragrance is designed to adapt to your natural human scent. The coolest part about this fragrance is that it will grow with you no matter where you are in your personal evolution.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"I’ve tried many perfumes. But this one. I get SO many compliments. I’ve strayed from You before. Thought I found something better. I was young and dumb. I came back, and I won’t stray again. Like I said, I get so many compliments—more than any other perfume I’ve tried."
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
Overall Score
4.95
06
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
4.45
5060 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
With every spritz of Jo Malone London's Wood Sage & Sea Salt Colgone, you're transported to the oceanside. The fragrance evokes walks along the beach, fresh salt water air, and the mineral scent of rugged cliffs and earthiness sage.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
All of Jo Malone fragrances are meant to be combined. Layer with bath and body products or mix them with more than one fragrance to create your own unique individual scent.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum
Overall Score
5
05
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum
4.59
10853 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Bottle Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Freshly light and moody dark, Carolina Herrera's Good Girl Eau de Parfum balances delicate floral notes with richly sweet, intoxicating scents of cocoa, tonka, almond, and coffee. Housed in the form of a sleek high heel, this fragrance is one you'll want to keep on your vanity
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Housed in the form of a sleek high heel, this fragrance exudes effortless elegance in every way and doubles as a home decor accent.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
Overall Score
5
04
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
4.62
12261 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Fruity Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Though its name and bottle may give off a youthful vibe, Daisy practically smells like sophistication. With a blend of wild strawberry, violet, gardenia, and jasmine, it has an unexpected feel that's equal parts fresh, feminine, and fruity.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Because this is an eau de toilette (meaning it only has 4-8% of pure fragrance), it's a lot subtler than other scents. It always feels light and airy—never overwhelmingly floral—no matter how many times you spritz it.
Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
5
03
Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum
4.64
37506 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Floral Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
A warm floral scent with fresh notes of lily-of-the-valley, spicy peony, and powdery iris, Miss Dior embraces you with a fresh smelling scent of a floral bouquet that's ideal for wearing anytime but especially during the spring.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The iconic Miss Dior perfume bottle features a handwoven box from 346 threads for a special touch of Dior craftmanship.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Overall Score
5
02
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
4.67
26245 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Spicy Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
While there are many versions of YSL's Black Opium, the OG scent is the true winner. Made with unexpected notes of coffee plus delicate vanilla and white flowers, it's powerful, sexy, and sweet all at the same time.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"This smells... amazing. It’s the perfect combo of sexy and sweet. It’s really hard to describe. Kind of like the intoxicating effect of a really good men's cologne, but then there’s warm and sweet vanilla which balances it out perfectly. It’s my favorite scent I’ve ever smelled."
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray
Overall Score
5
01
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray
4.76
29247 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cult Fragrance Overall
ABOUT THE SCENT
Housed in an instantly recognizable grenade bottle, this reviewer-favorite fragrance boasts notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli that are captured within every spritz. It's inspired by the fresh feel of a summer garden party but offers a slightly warm vibe thanks to a base of vanilla cologne.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Bonus points for its status as an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner.
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