How we choose and compare perfumes
Our comparisons are research-based. We don't run lab tests, and we never present research as hands-on testing.
The shortlist
We start from fragrances with public evidence of strong sales or wide editor and retailer recognition: Circana sales data (as reported by Puck and GCI Magazine), Harper's Bazaar's most-purchased list, Allure and Glamour lists, Ulta Beauty's everyday picks, and Jump Accelerator's brand rankings.
Badges
- Best overall: the strongest cited sales evidence in the group (for example, a top Circana franchise rank), then the most independent popularity signals.
- Best value: the lowest price per ounce we saw for a stated size at a named retailer on the check date.
- Best for… / Best splurge: our editorial call, based on the notes and who the scent suits. We say so.
Popularity signals
A simple count of independent sources (sales data, editor lists, retailer lists, news reports on sales) cited for a fragrance. It's a count, not a score out of anything.
Prices
We show only prices we saw ourselves at non-Amazon retailers, with the size and the date. We never show Amazon prices or star ratings. Amazon links are paid links: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See how we make money.
Last reviewed: · Prices checked Oct 28, 2026