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2025 proved to be one of the most influential years for fragrance in recent memory. From headline-making, celebrity-endorsed launches to the rise of influencer-driven ASMR fragrance reviews, the industry experienced a cultural moment that blurred the lines between hype and craftsmanship. At the same time, the ongoing rivalry between niche perfumers and commercial fragrance houses reached new heights—giving enthusiasts more choice, conversation, and creativity than ever before.
This year also marked our first time attending SCENTXPLORE, New York City’s premier niche fragrance convention. Between countless sprays, deep dives into raw materials, and more than a little scent stacking, we immersed ourselves in the artistry behind modern perfumery. After narrowing it down from dozens of standouts, the following ten fragrances are the ones that truly left a lasting impression—and earned a permanent spot on our radar.
Every fragrance on this list is Unisex!
Eight & Bob – Belvedere Eau De Parfum $225
Eight & Bob is a brand that was famously worn by former President John F. Kennedy, so there’s a bit of heritage there. Their Belvedere fragrance captivated me from is first spray and I honestly pick it up every time I walk into Perfumology.
There’s a sexy, boozy quality about it that pulls you in with the plum and honey notes. And, the combination of caramel, vanilla and patchouli gives Belvedere a gourmand finish that’s highly wearable. It’s a luxe fragrance with an incredible dry down that gets better throughout the day.
NOTES:
Patchouli, Caramel, Vanilla
Bergamot, Lily-Of-The-Valley, Rum
Honey, Plum and Ambre 84 Dl
YSL Y Eau De Parfum – $155
If you’re looking for an everyday fragrance that is highly wearable, memorable but not overbearing, YSL Y Eau De Parfum is perfect for you. With a bright, citrusy top of bergamot and ginger — the initial hit is refreshing.
Y settles into a deep, warm finish with ambergris, cedar, musk and geranium absolute. The dry down is that makes everyone ask, “what are you wearing?”.
Top notes of white aldehydes, bergamot & ginger
Heart notes of sage, geranium absolute & violet leaf
Base notes of ambergris, incense, fir balsam, cedar & musk
Boutique Extrait De Parfum – Perfumology $185
Boutique has been my favorite fragrance for the last 2 years and I still stand by it. From the in-house line of the luxury niche fragrance house – Perfumology in Philadelphia.
This is a fragrance that’s juicy (see Red Apple note), creamy and refreshing. Boutique manages to hit every major note in perfect balance. It’s sophisticated, sexy, refreshing and warm.
Personally, I’ve gone through three bottles in the last year and a half. And, this would be the ONE fragrance that I could wear, everyday for the rest of my life.
Notes: Red Apple, Ambrettolide, Grapefruit, Amber, White Flower, Jasmine, Magnolia, Dry Woods, Vanilla, Musk, Atlas Cedar, Virginia Cedar, Orris
Born in Roma Uomo Intense Eau De Parfum – Valentino – $160
Of all the Born In Roma Uomo fragrances, Intense by Valentino is the standout. It’s warm, spicy, creamy and a touch green with vetiver. The top hit is bright and refreshing but the dry down has a beautiful spice.
Lasts about 8 hours on my skin and I love it.
Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy
Key Notes: Vanilla, Lavandin, Vetiver
Widian Black Collection V – $295
Obsession isn’t a word that I use lightly and I’m completely obsession with Black Collection V by Widian. At first whiff, a bold citrus yet floral note of orange blossom and tart lemon draw you in. But, there’s this tuberose, vanilla and cedar mixture that give a cognac finish that is quite possibly the best thing I’ve smelled in years.
Ralph’s New York Club Eau De Parfum – $185
Ralph’s Club was a hit straight out the gate and the New York Club iteration is the damn near perfect. It’s juicy and sweet upfront with blackcurrant with a creamy sandalwood and vanilla finish. When people ask, what type of fragrance do you wear for an evening out — this is the one.
FRAGRANCE FAMILY:
Woody
KEY NOTES:
Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Sandalwood
House of Cosmo Nova Parfum – $215
During my visit to SCENTXPLORE, I met the team from House Of Cosmo and their booth was packed. After taking a whiff of all their fragrances, I came back to NOVA. The best way to describe this fragrance is sweet, oudy and full of captivating energy.
Nova projects like crazy and the wear on my skin was easily 7/8 hours.
Top Notes: Melon, Cardamom, Starburst Candy, Pink Pepper and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Rum and Monoi Oil
Base Notes: AMBROX SUPER, Virginia Cedar, Vanilla, Oud and Sandalwood
African Rooibos Intens by Chris Collins – $325
When you ask your A.I. what should you wear to a black tie event or when you want to be the sexiest person in the room, the answer with be African Rooibos Intens by Chris Collins.
This decadent fragrance rides the way of the Rooibos tea accord to a lush vanilla bourbon, cedarwood and tonka bean heaven. It’s one of the few fragrance that actually smells and wears like luxe scent.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Black Pepper
Heart Notes: Rooibos Tea Accord, Orris Butter, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Tonka Bean, Immortelle Flower Absolute, Ambroxan Overdose
Azzaro Forever Wanted Elixir – $155
In my honest opinion, Azzaro Forever Wanted Elixir is the best commercial fragrance on the market. This fruit, leathery, woody masterpiece is made to be worn by everyone. With a solid wear of about 8 hours (on my skin), Forever Wanted has a beautiful warm dry down that still raspberry-forward and the leather accord comes through even better after a few hours.
FRAGRANCE FAMILY:
Woody
KEY NOTES:
Top: Raspberry, Green Mandarin, Bergamot;
Middle: Clary Sage Heart, Lavandin Essence, Heart of Cardamom;
Base: Leather Accord, Vetiver Heart, Wolfwood
Akro Glow Extrait De Parfum – $210
I had to save one of the best for last with Akro Glow. It’s a fresh, peppery and seductively warm fragrance. A true compliment getter, Glow projects a warm energy that’s hard to find in many fragrances.
What I love most about Glow is that during the dry down it feel like it projects this sweet yet peppery warmth that lasts for hours. This fragrance is inspired by partying and if I’m partying and smell like — I’m thrilled.
TOP: Pink Pepper
MIDDLE: Rose
BASE: Incense, Benjoin, Vanilla
HONORABLE MENTION
WAVE CHILD by Room 1015
Wave Child has become one of my daily go to fragrances because I love that salty watermelon and coconut combo. Even though this fragrance is inspired by west coast surf culture, it’s get a lot of love on the east coast during every season.
Head Note: Orange, Mandarin, Lemon
Heart Note: Watermelon, Coconut
Base Note: Amber Woods, Cocoa, Ambergris
