Each one tells a story.

I don’t wear perfume every day. I realize that might sound strange coming from a beauty editor, but it’s true. In fact, there’s only one fragrance that I wear often enough to call my “signature scent.” All others I save for special occasions because I like the idea of a scent becoming intermingled with a memory. For example, I recently wore Nette’s Rose Parade ($30) to my brother’s wedding. Going forward, I know it will always remind me of that day.  Still, I love collecting new bottles to reach for on the days I do feel like wearing perfume. The most recent ones I’ve had my eye on are the debut fragrances from Victoria Beckham Beauty. That’s right, Posh Spice recently released three scents, and they’re each based on specific memories from her past. That’s right in line with my personal fragrance philosophy, so I knew I had to test them…and rank them from most to least favorite. Keep scrolling!

Fragrance notes: Bergamot, cedrat, black pepper, amber, incense, vetiver, and patchouli. This one—Portofino ’97—is my favorite one. In fact, it was love at first sniff. But before I get into fragrance notes and what sets this one apart, let’s talk about what inspired it.  In 1997, Victoria and David Beckham took a vacation to Portofino before they made their relationship public. That trip inspired this fragrance. There’s the scent of fresh flowers mixed with the scent of candles and, most importantly, the fresh breeze coming off the Italian coast.  I can totally see how this fragrance was inspired by Portofino. It starts off strong with bright floral notes that are quickly curbed by a warm and slightly powdery base (I think that’s the incense and vetiver). It smells like summer without being too obvious, which is why I think it can work year-round. Like I said, this one is my favorite, and I plan on making it a permanent part of my perfume collection. 

Fragrance notes: Passion fruit, rose, jasmine, black amber, and agarwood. This fragrance was inspired by the Beckhams’ move to Los Angeles. More specifically, it was inspired by canyon hikes, surfing in Malibu, crystals, and the fresh breeze coming through the car window on the Pacific Coast Highway. Essentially, it’s supposed to SoCal in a bottle.  As someone who used to live in LA, I appreciate the inspiration behind this scent. While I’m not automatically reminded of the SoCal, I am, funnily enough, reminded of a specific coffee shop I used to go to while I lived there. I smell an airy cleanliness that reminds me of the freshly washed drinkware and a fresh, woody note that reminds me of the newly constructed barstools. It’s neither traditionally feminine nor masculine; I would describe it as genderless. I like it, but I don’t think I’d wear it very often. 

Fragrance notes: Black cherry, red peppercorn, rose, midnight violet, and tobacco leaves.  This one was inspired by another trip the Beckhams took. This time, it was in 2004. David Beckham surprised Victoria with a vow renewal and a second honeymoon in Paris. They stayed in Suite 302 at a “storied hotel.” As such, it’s reminiscent of glamour and luxury, taking inspiration from fine wine, cosmetics, leather goods, and expensive cologne.  To me, this smells like a classic, designer fragrance—albeit a fruit-forward one thanks to the top note of black cherry. The following rose and violet notes add a touch of sweet florals, and the tobacco leaves add a subtle smokey quality. It’s a rich and strong scent, and while I like it, I think I’d be hard-pressed to find an event to wear it to, as I tend to choose warmer, subtler scents instead. 

This warm and spicy scent is my all-time favorite. 

Notes of blackcurrant, jasmine, and bourbon vanilla make this fragrance warm and sophisticatedly sweet. 

This subtle scent smells like skin, but better. 

You can’t go wrong with this fresh and floral fragrance. 

If you love a classic vanilla scent, you’ll love this.

A comforting, slightly smoky fragrance, this one instantly evokes being fireside in winter. 

A genderless scent, this is equal parts earthy and woody. 

This delightful scent is equal parts fresh and floral.