As beauty editors, one might say we always have our finger on the pulse when it comes to what the absolute best perfumes on the market are. More specifically, we also tend to know which designer perfumes are worthy of a spot on your vanity. You name it, we’ve probably tried it. Although every designer label has its own unique set of fragrances, there are always those that manage to remain a cult-loved item even years after its release.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue ($62) is one of them. The classic, timeless scent has remained a best seller for the brand (and beauty-editor favorite) since its release in 2001. Although I love the fresh, fruity, and woody scent myself, I think there are a few other Dolce & Gabbana perfumes out there that absolutely shouldn’t be slept on. Keep reading below—I’m breaking down all my favorites in no particular order because who can manage the impossible task of ranking them all?
Key Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, lychee, peach, Madonna lily, lily of the valley, jasmine, vanilla, amber, musk, plum, vetiver. This warm and slightly spicy fragrance is heavy on florals, but not in a bad way. Each floral note is perfectly complimented by the juicy scent of plum and earthy vetiver. It makes for a truly exquisite and unique scent that (IMO) smells refreshingly different from a lot of other perfumes out there on the market.
Key Notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, black currant, petitgrain, lily of the valley, cedarwood, musk
Key Notes: Citrus, violet, coffee. One of my favorite things about perfume in general is its ability to surprise me. I love giving new scents a sniff with an unusual combo of notes because sometimes it just really works. The Only One is my case in point. Normally, I’d say notes of citrus, violet, and coffee don’t sound like they would mix well together, but this scent smells divine. The coffee notes add a lot of sweetness and warmth to the other airy, floral notes.
Key Notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla
Key Notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose. Pour Femme is a true floral scent heavy on jasmine, orange blossom, and tuberose. I know tuberose isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you do like those kinds of scents, this one has a rich, creamy smell to it as it’s topped with other notes like sandalwood, musk, and green mandarin.
Key Notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, labdanum
Key Notes: Watermelon accord, kiwi, pink cyclamen. Fruity, floral, and sparkling perfectly describe this delicious fragrance. There are juicy notes of watermelon, kiwi, red currant, and rhubarb. It has a freshness to it but is also soft, playful, and sophisticated.
Key Notes: Watermelon, red currant, jasmine
Key Notes: Citrus, apple, bamboo. A Dolce classic, Light Blue has been around for years and still manages to captivate wearers to this day. It’s completely addicting and smells like a vacation off the coast the minute you give it a spritz.
Key Notes: Lemon, jasmine petals, musk
Key Notes: Patchouli, cedarwood, pimento, Sicilian lemon, blood orange. This is definitely an earthier and woodier fragrance with notes like amber, cedarwood, and green vetiver, but if that’s your scent MO, this one’s for you. It’s elegant and makes a statement but isn’t overly serious since the woodier notes are complimented by the fresh scent of blood orange and lemon.
Key Notes: Citrus accord, labdanum, sandalwood cedar
Key Notes: Red currant, mandarin EO, green apple. Dolce Rose opens with crisp notes of green apple—it reminds me of DKNY’s Be Delicious in the best way possible (I was a huge fan growing up). After you sit with the aroma for a while though, you start to get the tangy notes of red currant, fresh mandarin, and creamier notes of soft musk and white wood. It smells fruity, a bit milky, and totally inviting.
Key Notes: Sandalwood, tonka bean. Although this is a traditionally “masculine” scent, it has some softer notes like lavender, mandarin, and bergamot that give it a breezy feel. It almost smells like fresh laundry but with a hint of earthiness to it since notes of sandalwood and tonka bean are at the base.
