Sorry Grandma, But These New Floral Perfumes are Way Too Cool For You (2025)

When you think of floral fragrances, I’ll bet big money that Marc Jacobs Daisy is one of the first scents that comes to mind. This isn’t just one of the most well-known flowery scents—it’s one of the most iconic perfumes of all time, period. (Yep, it even won best hall of fame fragrance in our Holy Grail Beauty Awards.)

Regardless of how old you are, this effervescent perfume spans generations. It makes for a wonderful entryway perfume, thanks to the juicy strawberry facet, but also feels mature (courtesy of the powdery violet), which means it will grow with you through all of life’s eras.

• Key Notes: Strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine
• Sizes: 6.8, 3.3, 1.6, 1 and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “One whiff of this fiercely feminine scent and you’re reminded of just why it’s so iconic. The thoughtful concoction of violet, wild berries, sandalwood, and jasmine make it super wearable for any occasion and most certainly hall-of-fame-worthy.” — Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

I get that April showers bring May flowers, but I want the floral summer vibes all year round, dammit! Luckily, a spritz of Sunlit Blooms makes every ounce of seasonal depression wash away (well, sorta). It's really reminiscent of a summery, sunshine-filled day. You get the aroma of garden fresh blooms with notes of orange blossoms and white florals, but then a touch of salty vanilla adds a solar quality and crisp sweetness.

• Key Notes: Orange blossom, white florals, salty vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 and 0.5 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “This fragrance is the perfect blend of warm and floral notes. I loved that the floral scent wasn’t too overpowering apropos of its coupling with warm layers of vanilla and citrus. If someone bottled up a bright sunrise and made it into a perfume, the result would be a few spritzes of this long-lasting scent.” — Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor

I love a good bouquet as much as the next person, but I don’t always want to smell exactly like fresh-picked flowers, ya know? This perfume strikes a solid balance between fresh and warm, and it all comes down to an expert blend of delicate jasmine and velvety rose essence that’s deepened with vanilla, amber, and a hint of balsamic for added richness. It’s one of those scents that stops people in their tracks and leaves them thinking about you for hours. Not like I have experience with that or anything...

• Key Notes: Jasmine sambac, organic rose essence, vanilla
• Sizes: 3.3, 1.6, 1 and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “This is the ultimate It Girl scent. It is sweet and light but actually stays on your skin all day long. If you’re looking for a floral perfume that leans more pretty and fresh than nose-crinkling garden vibes, this is for you. Plus, the bottle is chic as hell and will elevate any bathroom counter in a matter of seconds.” — Maddie Hiatt, former senior social media editor

Fruity and floral notes are a match made in heaven in Majesty Rose Royale. For those who consider flowery perfumes to smell a bit dated, this potion proves that they can be deep, layered, fun, and extra seductive. Opening with a juicy blend of mandarin, pear, and peach, it starts off jammy before softening with the prettiest garden florals—a mix of delicate rose, creamy magnolia, and sweet peonies. The longer it wears, the more sensual it becomes as base notes of vetiver, vanilla, praline, and musk emerge.

• Key Notes: Pear, royal rose, musk
• Sizes: 3.4, 1.7, and 0.34 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “This feels like it’s fit for royalty—not in a stuffy way, but more of like a Mia Thermopolis, princess of Genovia way. It’s vibrant, fun, exciting, and leaves a lasting impression. I love how the fruity top notes brighten up the rose, magnolia, and peony heart.” — Mary Honkus, contributing beauty editor

Gucci knows florals—they have a full collection of scents dedicated to different blooms. That said, Gorgeous Gardenia is by far the best, and continuously tops Sephora’s best seller list. This sweet, dreamy floral marries creamy gardenia (which smells a bit like coconut) with ripe pears and rich brown sugar. The result? An intoxicating fragrance that will make you feel free-spirited and infinitely happy.

• Key Notes: Pear, white gardenia, brown sugar
• Sizes: 5.07, 3.3, 1.6, 1, and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo reader says: “This has become my newest favorite fragrance. I like that I can wear this all day and night and that it lasts for hours. Despite it having gardenia notes, it’s not overly floral or stuffy. I find it to be an easily wearable fragrance and have received more compliments on it than any other perfume I’ve ever worn.”

If you want to smell like a fresh spring breeze, Ellis Brooklyn Florist will make that dream come true with just a spritz. This modern floral features more robust botanical notes, including gardenia, honeysuckle, jasmine, and tuberose that lean sweet and heady, almost like candied flowers that are dripping in honey. Don’t worry, it doesn’t smell overly sweet, thanks to a tangy touch of lemon and pear to brighten and warm it up.

• Key Notes: Tuberose petals, golden gardenia, honeysuckle
• Sizes: 1.7 and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo editor says: "Fine, I'll speak my truth: I kinda hate floral perfumes. I'll wear basically anything else! BUT! I've actually loved this one from Ellis Brooklyn since it launched. (IK, shocking.) It's not a powdery floral at all, but rather extremely green and garden-like, so it really feels like I'm just spraying on a beautiful spring day." — Beth Gillette, beauty editor

If this rose-scented fragrance is what the South of France smells like, please forward all my mail because I’m moving there, STAT. The notes of romantic rose (which, by the way, smell juicy and freshly picked and not like dried-up, powdery potpourri) make up the heart of this fragrance, while the musk and bergamot give it a hint of warm citrus to make it feel fresh and inviting.

• Key Notes: Grasse rose absolue, Italian mandarin, white musk accord
• Sizes: 3.4, 1.7, 1, and 0.7 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “Leave it to Dior to create a rose perfume I actually like. Sure, as all rose scents do, it's a lil powdery, but this one also has a soft sparkling vibe that reminds me of a dew-coated flower on an early morning. The musk also rounds out the profile a lot for more subdued floral." — BG

If walking through a garden in the spring makes your allergies act up (relatable), you can experience the feeling—sans sneezing—with just a spritzy spritz of this gorgeous scent. Springtime in the park smells just like a blooming greenhouse with sweet, green notes of lily of the valley, pear, and a hint of musk. Best of all? You’ll finally be able to enjoy the springtime blooms without the itchy eyes and runny nose.

• Key Notes: Pear accord, lily of the valley accord, musks
• Sizes: 3.4 and 1 oz

One Cosmo reader says: “This lovely floral scent from Maison Margiela is an everyday scent for me. It is fresh and light, not overwhelming. It even gets compliments from people who are perfume sensitive.”

Leave it to Tom Ford to take a classic scent like rose and completely upgrade it from old school to cool girl. This fragrance features a blend of three different roses (Bulgarian, Turkish, and May) melded with woodsy, spicy notes of patchouli, Sichuan pepper, and tonka bean, which makes it a good choice for a winter scent too. Floral fragrances are inherently polarizing, but if you’re on Team Rose, you’ll love to add this one to your rotation.

• Key Notes: Rose de mai, Bulgarian rose, sichuan pepper
• Sizes: 3.4, 1.7, 1, and 0.3 oz

One Cosmo reader says: "Rose Prick is the freshest, lightest rose scent I've ever found—period. It's very subtle, and I barely get any powderiness. Instead, I pick up on the spicy sichuan pepper and turmeric, plus the herbal patchouli note. It veers more medicinal—like a rosewater skin mist—instead of my grandma's rose perfume (sry, grandma)." — BG

If you prefer flowers of the tropical variety, put down the roses and head straight for this beachy bottle. The amber base warms up this blend of white florals, like gardenia, orange blossom, and tuberose for the perfect summer fragrance. Add in a little coconut and frangipani (aka plumeria... aka a flower), and you’ve got yourself a rich vacation scent that your after-sun lotion only wishes it could smell like.

• Key Notes: Golden amber, frangipani, creamy coconut accord
• Sizes: 1.7 oz

One Cosmo reader says: “This smells so good, it is my new favorite scent, summery with a hint of hibiscus but not too much. I have gotten so many compliments and the size of the bottle is perfect.”

You’ve got your special occasion scents and your seasonal fragrances, sure, but if you’re on the hunt for something you can wear every day, try this simple, clean, floral fragrance right here. Equal parts fresh and floral—thanks to notes of grass, vanilla, pear blossom, and jasmine—this blend is perfect for the person who doesn’t want to smell straight-up like a flower. Oh, and bonus: It's under $100.

• Key Notes: Juicy pear, sweet jasmine, fresh cut grass
• Sizes: 1.7, and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo reader says: “I've worn this fragrance for many years. It's fresh and clean and just perfectly feminine. The fragrance also lasts an incredibly long time, which is different for me. I can spray it on in the early evening and still enjoy a faint scent in the morning. Love it!”

Flowers typically evoke a sense of innocence and girl-next-door vibes, but this sexy fragrance—which has warm, spicy, and sweetnotes of cacao, tonka bean, and tuberose—basically comes equipped with an eyebrow raise and a wink. There's no wonder Carolina Herrera Good Girl constantly tops lists like "scents that make your date go crazy." The bottle is also undeniably nostalgic and sultry. Hello? The potion is housed in a tall ass stiletto, after all!

• Key Notes: Tuberose, jasmine, tonka bean
• Sizes: 5.1, 2.7, 1.7, 1 and 0.3 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I now spray Good Girl every time I want a boost of confidence and to feel sexy. I’ve come to think of it as a scent that functions like catnip.” — Iman Balagam, contributing beauty writer

Layers of lavender, musk, orange blossom, and jasmine create something that’s not your grandmother’s floral. Some call this famed scent sexy and glam, while others say it reminds them of a men's fragrance because it's so musky (granted, perfume is genderless, so take with that what you will). Wear this on a date night and your S.O. will be begging to take you home.

• Key Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord
• Sizes: 5.07, 2.7, 1.7, 1 and 0.33 oz

One Cosmo editor says: “I’m a vocal floral perfume hater, but this scent changed me. It doesn’t smell like a garden, but rather has a sultry good-girl-gone-bad vibe to it that makes me feel irresistible when I wear it.” — MH