These 30 Long-Lasting Fragrances Are Worth Every Penny

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Choosing a signature scent should be as thorough and meticulous as picking a suitable Hinge date. Sure, looks matter, but longevity is truly what you’re after (or is it?). True fragrance connoisseurs understand that the hallmarks of a fragrance range from notes to projection to sillage. Number one on that list, however, will be staying power—Who wants to spend money on a perfume that’ll wear off by the time you head out the door?

The best long-lasting fragrances should be able to leave a lasting impression in their wake and don’t need constant re-application. Between work days, social nights, and gym sessions, the fragrances you invest in should never leave you hanging. So, where to start? Eau de parfums are a great entryway into the world of long-lasting fragrances, as EDPs have a higher oil concentration than mists and toilettes, which allows for a stronger projection and long wear. Plus, perfumes with strong notes, such as musk and wood, will add more depth to a scent that is composed of “fresh” or “clean” ingredients.

After perusing my own stash, I looked to customer reviewers and polled a few ELLE editors to share their picks for the best long-lasting fragrance on the market. Shop the 30 best ones ahead.

Oud Alezan Eau de Parfum

Layering an oud perfume is an easy cheat code to an elevated scent palette, but here’s one that can shine on its own. “This fragrance was inspired by the scent of a show-jumping chestnut horse—but smells nothing like a stable,” shares Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director. Oud Alezan blends soft, sugary roses with oud to create an aroma that feels like a sunset on a spring day.

Key notes: oud, roses

Size: 3.38 fl oz

Fragrantica rating: 3.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I’m a sucker for rose fragrances, but this one brings something new to the table. The presence of oud gives it a depth and intensity that’s hard to forget. I just feel so expensive after dousing myself in the scent. Once, while wearing this perfume at a post-work event, all I heard was ‘you smell so good’ everywhere I turned. At least one person vowed to go out and purchase a bottle the next day.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty commerce writer

Born to be Unforgettable Eau de Parfum

Picture yourself on an island, sipping on an ice-cold Cola. The fizz is invigorating, and what settles on your tongue is the sweet tinge of vanilla. This is exactly how the Born to Be Unforgettable experience is. Warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon meld seamlessly with tangy lime for an energy boost.

Key notes: cola accord, cinnamon, cedarwood

Size: 1.7 oz

Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I was pleasantly surprised by the first whiff of Born to Be Unforgettable, especially after reading about its Cola note. How does the perfume version of this fizzy drink smell? Well, it’s spicy and sweet but tickles the nose with a limey edge. I dream of sun-soaked beaches and, well, a cola soda every time I wear this scent.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Carby Musk

Sweet florals and deep amber lift the musks in this composition—and it took a lot of lifting, as this formula combines 13 different types of musk ingredients. While not an actual perfume, this oil kisses the skin as long as an EDP, if not longer. Roll on your pulse points to create the perfect scent bubble.

Key notes: lily of the valley, ambergris, amber woods

Size: 10 ml

Better Home Fragrance House rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “No joke, I rolled this on my wrists and neck before going to bed and still smelled its remnants once I woke up. I was not convinced, so I applied it again on a different day and showered, and the scent still lingered post-shower. I don’t know what sorcery is in this formula, but I love it and need more. It has a soft musk scent that’s not too masculine or overpowering, but definitely bold enough to turn heads.”—Nerisha Penrose

Liquid Love Eau de Parfum

Here’s an olfactory companion to accompany you on your next night out on the town. In Liquid Love, turmeric and ginger are the first notes to awaken your senses; the spicy turn arrives via pink peppercorn and chili.

Key notes: pink pepper, ginger, turmeric, chili, cashmeran, sandalwood, musk

Size: 3.4 oz

Fragrantica rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Turmeric is already my go-to wild card in all my meals, so I was immediately drawn to Liquid Love, which unfurls an intoxicating dose of turmeric and ginger. As it settles, the musk emerges but not enough to steal the shine of the aforementioned spices.”—Nerisha Penrose

Queen of Silk Eau de Parfum

Silk makes you feel hot, and that’s exactly the vibe Queen of Silk encourages. Though it’s built on a bed of aromatic florals and plants, the sweetness deepens with the help of musks and oud.

Key notes: magnolia, saffron, passion fruit, agarwood (oud), Javanese patchouli, vanilla from Madagascar, myrhh, musk

Size: 2.5 oz

Neiman Marcus rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I told myself I’d finally succumb to the silk bed sheets craze, and while I haven’t (yet), this perfume is basically the next best thing. Sounds crazy, but Queen of Silk softly caressing your skin with a sultry blend of sweet florals, subtle spices, and deep musks to create a scent you’ll never want to wash off.”—Nerisha Penrose

Cassili Eau de Parfum

Cassili wraps you in a soft, plush bed of sweet white flowers. The bouquet is deepened by tonka beans and sandalwood but lingers in the background to keep the composition flirty and feminine.

Key scent notes: Bulgarian rose, transparent white flowers, mimosa absolute, plumeria, sandalwood, tonka beans

Size: 2.5 oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “My introduction to Parfums de Marly was through Cassili. As someone who detests juvenile-like floral scents, I was thoroughly happy that Cassili is a hot, mature floral scent that settles into a powdery sweetness.” — Nerisha Penrose

Orange Smoke Eau de Toilette

Whatever you thought a Mediterranean escape smelled like, allow Dries Van Noten’s Orange Smoke to change your mind. The smokiness of this fragrance is fleeting to make way for the tangy sweetness of orange blossom, neroli, and jasmine.

Key scent notes: Mandarin, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, musk

Size:

Fragrantica rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Orange Smoke stopped me in my tracks the moment the last mist settled on my skin. I felt like I was immediately transported to the South of France or the Amalfi Coast, somewhere sunkissed with salty sea breeze brushing against my skin.” — Nerisha Penrose

Solaris Eau de Parfum

An ELLE.com Noteworthies winner, Solaris by Penhaligons smells like freshly squeezed citrus basking under the sun’s rays. On the skin, the florals take the spotlight as jasmine and ylang-ylang dance around awakening Neroli and lemon oil.

Size: 3.4 oz

Key scent notes: Blackcurrant, neroli, lemon oil, ylang-ylang, jasmine, tiare flower, cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla

Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This effervescent fragrance says, 'Hello, summer!’ in aroma form. This is an office favorite. I highly recommend." — Danielle James

Mango Skin Eau de Parfum

Mango Skin is as juicy and vibrant as the freshly picked ripe fruit the fragrance is built around. Patchouli and pink sugar add a creamy kiss to the rather fruit composition, which marries mango, blackberries, and black pepper together for a spicy-sweet dry-down.

Size: 3.4 oz

Key scent notes: Blackberries, mango, black pepper, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla, pink sugar

Saks Fifth Avenue rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Saks Fifth Avenue reviewer said: “Gorgeous, fruity, sparking in the opening. Dries to a warm, sweet skin scent.”

Oud Ispahan

Ouds can typically lean super strong and masculine. Christian Dior’s iteration is still potent and exhilarating, and a little warm and bubbly but still sensual and mysterious.

Size: 4.25 oz

Key scent notes: Labdanum, rose, patchouli, saffron; agarwood (oud), sandalwood

Dior rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Dior reviewer said: “I have been using this for the past 6 years. Always been a fan of Oud Isphan. Best one for me. Great smell. Last longer. Ladies love it.”

Dare

Don’t let the soft pink bottle fool you—Dare isn’t as innocent as it looks. This scent is hot and sultry, thanks to dark cherry and Italian leather, that’s formulated to evoke intimate passion.

Size: 50mL

Key scent notes: Cherry, lychee, black pepper, pink peony, rose Damascena, musk, woods

Brown Girl Jane rating: 5/5 stars

A Brown Girl Jane reviewer said: “I’m not much for leaving reviews, but I absolutely loved this fragrance. It’s enticing and mysterious and has staying power on my skin.”

724 Eau de Parfum

You’re not alone if Maison Francis Kurkdijan’s 724 fragrance immediately leans aquatic. The opening whiff is fresh and crispy clean before the darker side rears its head with a blend of musks and sandalwood.

Size: 6.7 oz

Key scent notes: Aldehydes, bergamot oil, white floral accord, jasmine, sandalwood accord, white musks

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Maison Francis Kurkdjian and sophisticated luxury go hand in hand. TikTok fell in love with him for the luxuriously scented (and expensive) Baccarat Rouge 540. 724 exemplifies that Kurkdjian truly has the Midas touch. If you see me out and about in NYC, there’s a high chance I’m wearing this fragrance. It’s fresh, energizing, and perfect for any urban dweller, particularly as it was inspired by city landscapes.” — Danielle James

Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum

Amazing Grace wraps you in a creamy blanket of soft florals. The fresh scent feels like a sweet caress of powdery musks that swells with emotive blooms like jasmine and freesia.

Size: 2 oz

Key scent notes: bergamot, lemon, jasmine, freesia, neroli, orange blossom, musk blend

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Amazing Grace is the softest, creamiest fragrance in my collection that I would buy 10 times over. Whenever I spray a scent that's too strong or masculine, I cut it with Amazing Grace for added softness. It pairs well with others but smells even better on its own.” — Nerisha Penrose

Costa Azzurra Parfum

A guaranteed conversation starter, Costa Azzurra is a harmonious medley of citrus and woods, dancing around the Mediterranean Sea.

Key scent notes: Cypress oil, lemon, oakwood extract, amber

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

Size: 3.4 oz

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I purchased this fragrance when it was first released. I wore it a couple of times and thought it was “nice,” but as the weather warms up and I wear it a little more consistently, I’ve realized how beautiful this fragrance truly is. The blend of the notes is masterful and makes it a new favorite of mine.”

Bella Eau de Parfum

Fruits and ouds make for the perfect marriage in this composition. Bella’s allure can be credited to the first impression of orange, raspberry, and pear. The gourmand edge kicks in and settles into a musk that’s not too overbearing.

Key scent notes: Orange, raspberry, pear, caramel, jasmine, musk, vanilla, sandalwood

Size: 2.8 oz

Parfumo rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “An oud is my fragrance cheat code because it can play well with others. However, Bella shines on its own. The sillage is strong enough to guarantee compliments and sticks onto your clothes even post-wash.”— Nerisha Penrose

PunkStar Eau de Parfum

Punkstar is an energizing fragrance that leaves you guessing. A few spritzes spark intrigue—What note is that pulling me in? The dark, sultry fragrance melds blackcurrant, raspberry, incense, wood, and more to create a blend that starts off as a summer day and settles into a fall night.

Key notes: Apple, blackcurrant, raspberry, incense, saffron

Size: 1.67 oz

Moodeaux rating: 5/5 stats

An ELLE editor says: “PunkStar has easily become my favorite new fragrance because it's so mysterious and warm. The incense pulls more on my skin initially, but tonka bean and patchouli make for the perfect dry-down pairing.” —Nerisha Penrose

Amber Oud Gold Edition

In the pool for the best oud fragrances out there, Amber Oud stands out from the crowd. The deep, woodsy oud has a strong projection that lingers on your skin and clothes for hours. Vanilla offers a tinge of sweetness, but this scent is dark and musky through and through.

Size: 4 oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I wore this fragrance for a night out and received so many compliments that a friend ordered Amber Oud right at the dinner table. By the time I got home, I could still smell the scent all over my clothes, even the next day. Talk about a strong sillage!”— Nerisha Penrose

LES

Pink pepper can be overwhelming in some fragrances, but in LES, it swirls with jasmine, bergamot, cedarwood, and amber for a vibrant mix that smells like a run through a floral garden.

Key scent notes: bergamot, pink peppercorn, jasmine,
peony, vanilla

Size: 65 ml

Boy Smells rating: 4.18/5 stars

A Boy Smells reviewer said: “LES in NYC may be dirty, but this scent, eponymously named after the downtown neighborhood, smells fantastic. I’m a big fan of Glossier You, so if you like that scent, you'll love this one—it's like a more grown-up version. Every time I wear this, I get countless compliments.” — Danielle James

13 Stems: Scent Meets Soul

The green packaging gives away what the first spritz reveals: 13 Stems is a bright, earthy scent that smells like dew drops peppered on fresh grass on a spring morning.

Key scent notes: Cucumber, woods, violet leaf

Size: 50 mL

Thirteen Lune rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I now quite frequently get asked, ‘what are you wearing?’ Certain scents fade after a night out, but 13 stems is long-lasting. I love it so much; I now have the travel size too! My go-to scent for the summer.” — Leah Romero, Senior Digital Designer

Dylan Purple Eau de Parfum

Dylan Purple leans fruity and fresh, with a delicate feminine scent that serves as the perfect laying base for similar notes. The bottle feels as elegant and royal as the fragrance housed in it.

Key scent notes: Bitter orange, freesia, cedarwood

Size: 3.4 0z

Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “The moment this arrived at my door, it has been in close contact with my skin. I also use this to scent layer, it makes a great base scent in the summer.” — Danielle James,

Josephine Eau de Parfum

Just as tantalizing as the iconic singer it’s named after, Josephine by Harlem Candle Company is not for the faint of heart. The floral blend strays away from softness and leans all the dark and warm, courtesy of bergamot, incense, vanilla, and more.

Key scent notes: Tonka beans, amber, jasmine, amyris

Size: 50 mL

Harlem Candle Company rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Harlem Candle Company has forayed into fragrance and Josephine (yes, named after the Josephine Baker) is a hot scent that will last you through drinks, dinner, and dessert—no need to reapply. The patchouli and sandalwood give this perfume a mysteriously sweet yet musky scent.”—Danielle James

Allegra Ma'magnifica Eau de Parfum

Bvlgari Allegra Ma’magnifica takes woodsy notes and lays them alongside vibrant, invigorating florals to ignite warmth. It has a sharp, musky edge that makes its way to the forefront for a moment, then eases into the background for the florals—rose, patchouli—to settle.

Key scent notes: Bergamot, rose, patchouli, vanilla, sandalwood

Size: 3.4 oz

Bloomingdale’s rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “There’s a difference between strong and long-lasting, and I like that this perfume is soft, while still lingering on the skin all day. I don’t want a perfume that screams, I want one that is quietly confident, that only me and someone I’ve chosen to let into my personal space (or squeezed next to me on the subway) can smell. Although the packaging makes it look like a fancy bon-bon, this scent isn’t sweet at all but woody and floral, and has me smelling like the kind of person who goes on woodsy hikes regularly, all day long.”— Kathleen Hou

Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum

Vanilla can overpower a scent arrangement. However, Donna Born In Roma uses vanilla bourbon to add depth to the jasmine-heavy fragrance, which blends jasmine grandiflorum absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, and jasmine tea.

Key scent notes: Blackcurrant, bergamot, jasmine grandiflorum, bourbon vanilla

Size: 3.4 oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This is a true luxe perfume. The bottle is very chic and stylish to keep on your vanity. The scent is spring-ish and slightly sweet. It's a very versatile perfume that you can use throughout the day.”

Villa Bordighera 20

Everything that makes an Italian vacation memorable is pretty much bottled up in this fragrance. This perfume evokes images of sticky limoncello and salty sea air, built around lemon and bergamot with a smidge of soft rose.

Key scent notes: Bergamot, rose grapefruit, lemon, jasmine

Size: 100mL

Fragrantica rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “There’s nothing I want more than to lounge in a villa on the coast of Italy, devouring a limoncello gelato melting under the beaming sun. Every time I wear Villa Bordighera, I’m transported to that happy place. Lemon and fresh florals—what more could I ask for in a scent?”—Nerisha Penrose

Aurum Winter Eau De Parfum

Although perfect for the colder months due to its warmth and depth, Aurum Winter can be worn year-round. It melds fruit, floral, and earthy notes, but the ouds and musks take center stage. There’s a tinge of powder for a subtle softness, but this fragrance has a strong throw that captivates anyone who passes by.

Key scent notes: Citrus, amber, musk, moss

Size: 75 mL

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’m a big lover of Ajmal collection!!! This is my 3rd perfume, and I’m in love with it! If you prefer a bit hard and sweet smells, this is really for you! Highly recommend!”

Yin Transformation Parfum

Yin Transformation is all about contradictions. Sweet and powdery notes connect with deep-seated musks and woods to deliver a burst of freshness that kisses your skin all day.

Key scent notes: Mandarin, Bulgarian rose, almond milk, ylang-ylang, white musks, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 oz

Bloomingdale's rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Bloomingdale’s reviewer said: “Gorgeous scent. Lasts all day and into next day. A beautiful powder light scent that’s fresh. I have many fragrances, this! tops them all. Definitely worth purchase I’ll purchase again. 10 stars.”

Yum Pistachio Gelato 33 Eau de Parfum

Whatever you thought a pistachio perfume smelled like, Kayali’s iteration flips it on its head. This perfume smells like melted pistachio ice cream, one whipped to perfection with vanilla, hazelnut, and whipped cream to top it all off.

Key scent notes: Pistachio, cotton candy, hazelnut, whipped cream

Size: 3.4 oz

Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “BEYOND YUMMY!!!!!! I am so glad I took the risk on this!! I can’t get enough of this gorgeous smell. It’s a true Gourmand fragrance! Just the right amount of everything and has lasting power that so many fragrances today do not offer. 10/10!!!!”

New York Flowers

Summer in New York can sometimes feel like a movie; trees bloom with an assortment of botanicals that add a joyful vibrancy to the populated streets. Bond No. 9 New York bottled up that feeling to create New York Flowers—a sparkling, fresh medley of creamy florals and juicy fruits.

Size: 3.3 oz

Key scent notes: Anjou pear, clementine, rose de Grasse, jasmine

Bloomingdale's rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Bloomingdale's reviewer said: “This is gorgeous soft floral scent. The bottle is stunning too. I love it.”

Beauty Eau De Parfum

A fragrance that needs no introduction, Calvin Klein Beauty has a sophisticated, ambrette-jasmine base that warms up to a honeyed floral swirl when it caresses the skin.

Key scent notes: Ambrette, jasmine, Virginia cedar

Size: 3.3 oz

Fragrantica rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Fragrantica reviewer said: “This is an absolutely beautiful Jasmine perfume. It’s clean and sensual, my husband adores this on me. It’s a perfect fragrance for all occasions and all seasons. Great as a gift, safe blind buy if you love Jasmine. it’s so affordable and the bottle is beautiful on your perfume tray as well.”

'REPLICA' Beach Walk

Considering how many “beach” perfumes smell like sunscreen, fresh linen, or saltwater, it's easy for you to want to skip out on yet another one. However, Replica Beach Walk is a worthy addition to your collection, thanks to its musky-fresh composition that smells like a more mature, hot beach walk than the one you remember from your childhood.

Key scent notes: Bergamot, heliotrope, coconut milk

Size: 3.4 oz

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “I consider Replica’s Beach Walk to be my olfactory security blanket. The creamy, citrusy scent instantly reminds me of my seaside California hometown, and since it lasts on my skin all day, I can sneak a comforting whiff of my wrists whenever I’m feeling extra nostalgic.” — Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor

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