Best Perfumes for Women

YSL Libre vs Flowerbomb

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YSL Libre and Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb are two of the more popular fragrances for women on the market. If you look at the notes alone, they do share quite a bit of overlap, but are actually very different fragrances from one another. Still, as popular floral based perfumes they are often on people’s list to try out. Which is better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: YSL Libre vs. Flowerbomb

Libre EDP

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 90ml/3oz, clear

Read my review: Libre EDP

Flowerbomb

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

viktor rolf review

Opening

Libre starts off not with the strong lavender note, that it is known for. Instead, the main note early on is the orange blossom. This is paired with a slight spritz of the citrus fruit itself, also.

Underneath that, is of course the lavender which will take over later. Along with, musk and some vanilla creaminess.

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower gives you a jammy sort of aroma, sweet almost-peach like that is put with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but very early stages it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Which is better? I usually really like orange flower in perfumes, but I’m not a fan of it in Libre’s opening act. In fact, I think Libre’s lavender stage is much better.

Meanwhile, I really like that fruit-chouli sweet start of Flowerbomb. Sure, it can be intense, but it’s much more attractive.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Projection

Both of these fragrances do have some power and it’s not a huge gap between them.

With Libre, I’d call it an upper moderate fragrance in terms of its sillage. What’s nice about its performance, is that it has consistency during the wear before it trails off at the end. Very solid.

However, Flowerbomb is a tad better at projecting and creating a scent trail behind you. The opening has a higher peak and the Viktor & Rolf perfume is also quite consistent.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Longevity

With Libre, I get 8-9 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s good and definitely doesn’t disappoint.

But, it again doesn’t hit the same level of performance as Flowerbomb. With that, I get double digit hours of wear easily. It’s at least 10 and I’m not sure when it quits, maybe 12-ish or slightly more.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Versatility

In terms of when it can be worn, I think Libre has more of an edge seasonally. Neither is best in the height of summer, but Libre can go further into the warmer weather than can Flowerbomb.

Both can go daytime or nighttime, but Flowerbomb is better at the latter. Libre probably has more of an edge in the former, as it is probably better in a work environment than something like Flowerbomb.

It’s not much of an edge, but I think Libre does have somewhat of one here.

Edge: Libre

Overall Scent

When it comes to the overall smell and performance of these perfumes, I think the clear winner for me is Flowerbomb.

The aroma itself is sexier and just more pleasant to my nose. I like the sweetness, the orchid/patchouli/musk dry down, and vanilla touches throughout.

Libre does have its positives, especially if you’re a fan of lavender. It’s actually the more floral of the two, in a pure sense. The orange flower and lavender play a much larger role than the orchid or rose in Flowerbomb.

The Viktor & Rolf is floral/patchouli/sweet, while Libre is lavender/musky/vanilla. More of a soapy clean type of perfume, with a heavy emphasis on its main note. So, if that’s more along the lines you’re looking for, you should probably look at trying the YSL.

To me, it’s just not as good.

Winner: Flowerbomb

Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf

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Flowerbomb is a women’s scent that I’ve really enjoyed coming across over the years. Yes, it got super popular almost to the point of being annoying, but that’s because it was actually good versus most of the rest of the market. I’m finally getting around to doing my full review, even after having samples of it for months. How does it actually smell? Is it still worth a buy?

What does Flowerbomb Smell Like?

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

flowerbomb review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Viktor & Rolf describes Flowerbomb: An explosion of floral sensations, Flowerbomb enchants the world. An exceptional trail of volume. Sublime, delicious and addictive.

The opening of Flowerbomb is awesome. As far as popular women’s fragrances go, it has to be among my favorite.

The osmanthus floral sweetness with the bergamot citrus, gives it a fruity/floral start with bits of the patchouli and vanilla already wafting up to give it a short sense of being a gourmand scent.

The fruity quality from the osmanthus does have a jam-like smell.

That initial sweet citrus blend will pass and it will start to resemble its name, much more accurately. It’s more of a sweet floral tea, at this stage. As the tea note that was sitting underneath the initial blast, really starts to reveal itself more.

The initial wave of floral notes, will be the main orchid. Rose has its moment in first or second place, followed by the jasmine.

It’s kind of weird how the rose really trails off on my skin. Like, nearly non-existent towards the end, after a fairly big start.

The vanilla and orchid combination really helps to make this perfume what it is, in my opinion. Now, that vanilla note isn’t heavy, but it just adds that layer of consistent edible sweetness that allows Flowerbomb to become something special.

I’ve always enjoyed that this one isn’t a straight up green bouquet or garden. It’s a layered and pretty blend of sweet, spice, and musk, also. That sweetness at the heart of the fragrance is key, though.

The middle act does have a slightly powdery finish that comes in about 45 minutes after spraying. At least, that’s when it becomes apparent to me.

The dry down is about the patchouli. The orchid and remaining floral notes. With bits of musk and vanilla floating about.

viktor rolf review

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this stuff still packs a punch. Perfumes generally get weakened over time, with massive success. Flowerbomb has still got it though.

This will absolutely leave a scent trail in your wake and projects extremely well off of your skin. It’s not the most massive fragrance out there, you just don’t need to overspray it, because it absolutely is strong.

The longevity can hit 10+ hours easily. I’m not exactly sure when it quits, but it certainly isn’t early and easily eclipses a standard workday.

Seasonally, this is at its peak in late autumn through winter. It’s a bit too cloying in the summer heat, but for most places, it’ll work in the springtime.

While this is a sweeter scent, I don’t find it immature. It can work for younger women, but also can come across as more mature. Flowerbomb isn’t an overly complex fragrance, but it isn’t a teenager’s super sugary perfume either.

This can serve as a daily wear and/or a nighttime scent without issue. I’d go easy on the sprays during the day, in confined spaces.

During the evening, Flowerbomb is sexy and has that appeal and power to be something that is seductive or even a nightclub beast. It’s pretty unique, in the way, it can fit in these different molds.

Not really something that’s a serious or completely formal perfume, though. So, have something else to go with, if you want low key or understated.

Overall Impressions of Flowerbomb

Overall, do I still like this perfume? I do. Though, I do like sweeter perfumes. As a guy, there’s something about Flowerbomb that just clicks for me, especially on a woman. It’s fine on me, also.

Some people do tend to think that the opening is overwhelming. To me, it works well. However, this might be one that you need to wait for that initial phase to pass, and let Flowerbomb truly reveal itself.

The performance is still great, even with these new batches. Strong sillage and lasts a long time. No worries there.

Why shouldn’t you get Flowerbomb? Well, if sweetness isn’t your thing, you may want to skip it. Bothered by patchouli? It’s mass appealing here, but can still not be everyone’s favorite note to experience.

That being said, I do think this Viktor & Rolf scent is one that everyone should give multiple tries to, and see if it works or not for them.

Un Jardin Sur La Lagune by Hermes

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Un Jardin Sur La Lagune is a part of the Jardin series of fragrances by Hermes. I grabbed samples of these perfume a while back and have been getting re-acquainted with each, in order to do reviews. Lagune is today’s entry. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Un Jardin sur la Lagune Smell Like?

Notes include: magnolia, Madonna lily, pittosporum, wood, sea notes

Click here to try: Un Jardin sur la Lagune

sur lagune review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A dream escapes through a half open door, Un jardin sur la Lagune is a secret garden where nature comes into its own again.

Wow. Sur la Lagune certainly has an interesting start. A very blue-ish style sea notes, which is more of a general freshness than the ocean itself. It actually sort of reminds me of how the men’s fragrance Luna Rossa Ocean starts.

Except this one is way fresher in how it comes across and has a strong magnolia note, right from the get go. But, even stronger at the beginning is the Madonna lily. That’s already a powerful floral note, with the blueish notes backing it, the flower seems massive.

It comes across as kind of powdery within that watery vibe, which is why it reminds me of the Prada cologne.

Pittosporum is apparently a type of shrub that produces an aroma similar to orange blossom. I do pick up something similar in smell to orange blossom. Not too strong, I don’t really have an experience with this note, but that’s as close as I can get.

As this dries down, it’s a white floral soapy aroma. Very clean with a bit of dry wood in the base, some salt, and just a generally cool feeling. Fresh soap bar is what I’m left with.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one does start off with a nice amount of power that will leave a fragrance trail in your wake. That lily and initial oceanic sort of blast really does pack a pretty nice punch.

It’ll project maybe, 7-8 feet from the skin, at its peak. That’s a little less than what it did on clothing, when I first tested it out. However, that’s not a super long period of time, when it is at that level.

Lagune will be 3-4 feet from the skin, for most of the wear.

That wear is a nice amount of time, though. On me, it went for 7-8.5 hours. One time, it got to that 8.5 hour mark, the other around 7. So, it’s somewhere within that range.

Seasonally, stick to the spring and summer with this one. Too fresh and floral for the colder weather. Great in the warm air, during the daytime. It really works well in an outdoor environment, early on.

This is more of a daily wear. Pretty safe, if you avoid over-spraying. Not really sexy or a nightlife beast.  Just clean and one for those who really like the smell of lilies.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Sur La Lagune

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of this Jardin series from Hermes, however.

I like it more than Apres la Mousson. Though, not as much as Monsieur Li or Le Nil.

The opening with the blue-ish aquatic vibe and the Madonna lily is my favorite part and where I feel that this one stands out. Lagune really pops up front.

The dry down is more of a generic soapy kind of fragrance. However, it isn’t bad as a perfume. Just kind of a standard issue fresh and clean scent.

The performance is also good. This one lasts well on my skin and the opening does have that fairly strong sillage, which then stays moderate for most of the wear.

Is it ground breaking stuff? No, but it’s a solid perfume all around. Probably not going to be a must have for most, just one that’s definitely worth trying, if it all sounds appealing to you.

Some will absolutely detest this Hermes scent or find it completely boring, so maybe test before you buy it.

Eau So Sexy EDP by Victoria’s Secret

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Victoria’s Secret has a seemingly endless catalog of fragrances that it has put out over the years. Some get discontinued and never come back. Others routinely do get brought back for periods of time, again and again. Eau So Sexy is one of the latter perfumes. I recently grabbed a rollerball version of the EDP to give a full test. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Eau So Sexy EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: apple, bergamot, whipped cream, vanilla, fruits

Click here to try: Eau So Sexy EDP

eau so sexy review

My Full Review

The opening of Eau So Sexy is a candied apple mixed with bergamot citrus, and other sugary fruits. It’s not a complete Jolly Rancher’s style apple note, but more like a juicy/crisp green apple that’s been rolled a bit in sugar.

From the start, you can tell that this is going to be a very edible and delicious sort of fragrance. The bergamot gives it a bright sparkle.

While it is sugary, it isn’t heavy at all. In fact, this one does have a fresh and upbeat vibe, rather than being a cloying mess of scent.

The initial random assemblage of fruits will start to fade. There might be some pineapple in there? Strawberry? I’m not sure, aside from the citrus, but it fades and the whipped cream plus vanilla start to take shape in the base.

It’s pretty simple from here on out. The crisp candied green apple with whipped cream. The vanilla feels like an added flavoring to the whipped cream note. Not too prominent, but adds a nice touch.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one does start off with some moderate strength, enough to create a nice scent trail with decent projection from the skin.

But, it will mostly be a softer scent, creating a more intimate bubble. To me, it’s not a complete skin scent until it gets closer to the four hour mark. Before that, it’s decent.

The longevity here isn’t great. 4-5.5 hours before it disappears. This is really the weak spot of Eau So Sexy. Not something that’s going to last all day. Bottles are usually affordable, so reapplying isn’t too burdensome.

However, you do wish it could go for longer.

Seasonally, this is actually better in the moderate to warm weather of springtime. It can venture through summer and into early autumn as well. Again, not a thick or heavy sweetness here, so it’s not going to be a winter scent.

It’s sexy in a pretty and playful way. This isn’t a sultry or dark seduction. It’s youthful without being too girlish, but also isn’t a formal wear.

Casual, dates, daytime wear mostly.

Overall Impressions of Eau So Sexy

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I really do. It is a very attractive smell. I like the freshness of the apple mixed with the creamy sweetness of the rest of the perfume notes.

Apple and whipped cream together are really great. It’s not the most mature scent out there, but doesn’t come across as being solely for teenagers either. It’s much in the same vein as the Ariana Grande line of perfumes.

It really doesn’t get too involved. Eau So Sexy is a straightforward release from Victoria’s Secret. Though, I do enjoy its simplicity.

The performance is the biggest issue. 4-5 hours really isn’t great. Not the worst, but certainly not above average either. If you go into this knowing that you’re not getting a massive long-last scent, this is a perfume that smells wonderful.

Spell on You by Louis Vuitton

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Spell On You is one of the many perfume releases, that Louis Vuitton has brought to market over the past few years. This one came out in 2021 and the ad campaign features actress Lea Seydoux, as the face of the fragrance.

What does Spell on You Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, violet, iris, peach, jasmine, acacia 

spell on you review

My Full Review

Here’s how Louis Vuitton describes it: Imbued with sophistication and sensuality, Spell On You expresses this thrilling tension of attraction as a magnetic floral composition. Like a love potion for the senses, upon contact with the body the fragrance releases an enveloping, euphoric warmth.

So, this has a lot of overlap with Rose des Vents, while not being the same at all. In fact, I rather prefer Spell On You versus that Louis Vuitton perfume.

Which is sort of odd, as I’m not a huge violet fan and would think that’d I’d like the fruitiness found in that scent when compared to what is on offer here.

The rose note will eventually be the main focus of Spell. However, at first, it kind of splits duties with the other floral notes. Violet and iris give this a slight powdery quality. It’s strange, I’ll catch a whiff of that, then it disappears, and comes back.

The opening is green, violet, that bit of powder, juicy peach, and the rose. The whole thing comes together as a semi-aquatic floral and peach fest.

The violet seems to fade the most on my skin. The iris will have more of a role to play, but the rose takes the lead, without ever becoming too heavy in the mix.

The final dry down will be less powdery and more soapy with the florals and the emergence of the white musk note. The ending is more of a generic soapy floral than anything special. The opening and middle are the strong points here.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, with a normal amount of sprays you will get a nice projection and scent trail coming off of the skin.

I’d say at it’s peak it’ll project about 7 feet from the skin. Somewhere within that radius thereafter. The peak isn’t too long and it’ll be a more intimate scent bubble at less than half that amount for much of the wear.

On my skin, I get close to 7.5 hours of wear from Spell. Not a complete performer, but it at least clears the hurdle of what I would expect for a perfume at this price point.

Seasonally, this is best in the moderate to warmer temperatures of spring. Can also be a summer scent and even into the early part of autumn. The energy is really nice during the warm weather.

It is a versatile fragrance. It can fit in almost anywhere during the daytime. Not really nightlife scent, but wouldn’t be out of place either. It actually has a youthful sort of vibe, without being childish.

As a man, I find it to be more pretty than sexy. I wouldn’t mind smelling it on a woman, but I don’t think that it would ever ‘cast a spell on me’. It’s more of a clean, enjoyable floral fragrance, and that’s it.

Overall Impressions of Spell On You

Overall, do I like Spell On You? I do. I don’t think that it is an amazing or groundbreaking must have sort of perfume. It is light and enjoyable, though.

The rose, iris, and sweetish peach mix is attractive for the entirety of the wear. While it doesn’t develop all that much, I don’t really think that it has to, since it smells good enough for what it is.

Spell does become muskier in the dry down.

The performance is pretty good. Not amazing. It doesn’t have a huge sillage, which really doesn’t need. Stays on the skin for over seven hours. Good, but for $300? Kind of a wash.

I don’t think that this is one that you need to rush out and buy a full bottle of. For some, it would rank among the top of the Louis Vuitton offerings. For others, they’d be massively disappointed.

I lean more towards the former camp. In my top 10, from LV (women’s), possibly a bit higher 7-8th maybe…I still need more time with it to decide. I like it more than Rose des Vents, this is worth sampling if you can.

If you’re not a huge rose or iris fan, I sincerely doubt this would change your mind.