Top 10 Cult Fragrances
Meet The 10 Cult Perfumes You're Currently Smelling Everywhere
Some perfumes (such as Chanel No. 5) are iconic. Others are considered “cult favorites,” beloved by a small, dedicated group of fans. If you’re looking for the latter, you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve rounded up 10 fragrances that have achieved cult status.
Even with promising options to choose from, we know that shopping for fragrances online can be complex. If you’re lucky, choosing a scent happens naturally, but most of the time, finding one that suits you takes a bit more digging. We all have varying preferences and tastes, and the buzziest scents don't always please our personal senses.
If you've found yourself struggling to find your signature scent, we're here to simplify the process. Ahead, we've broken down the differences between 10 cult-favorite fragrances that appeal to a variety of preferences, which all have been approved by our data-driven algorithm as well as the noses of perfume experts everywhere.
Our Method For Finding The Best Cult Fragrances
Fact: not everything that's popular is worth the hype. This is why we used our data-driven algorithm to pinpoint the Top 10 cult-favorite fragrances on the web. Our algorithm factors in real user reviews, editorial mentions, and social media buzz to discover, rank, and score products, delivering recommendations that are approved by the masses and backed by genuine data. From Prada’s Paradoxe to Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl, we're giving you the lowdown on the 10 most in-demand fragrances right now—no coffee beans or department stores required.
January 8, 2025
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
Overall Score
4.75
10
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
4.26
14955 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
With every spritz of Jo Malone London's Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, you're transported to the oceanside. The fragrance evokes walks along the beach, fresh salt water air, and the mineral scent of rugged cliffs and earthy sage.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Jo Malone's fragrances are meant to be combined. Layer with bath and body products or mix them with more than one fragrance to create your own unique individual scent.
Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.8
09
Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum
4.23
10886 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sensual Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Paradoxe Eau de Parfum is described as a sensual, warm scent. With notes of neroli, amber, and white musk, this scent balances intensity with femininity. Reviewers say it's sweet, floral, and sure to rake in the compliments.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The bottle behind Prada's Paradoxe is beautiful, but it's also refillable. You can purchase a 3.4-oz refill and cut down material use by up to 40%.
Chloé Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.85
08
Chloé Eau De Parfum
4.11
27698 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Light Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
If you're drawn to light, floral fragrances, you need Chloé's Eau De Parfum. Peony, rose, and honey make this a powdery, sweet scent. Sandalwood adds a spicy, woody note to finish it all off.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I love this perfume! It has a light, floral scent with the added complexity of cedarwood—perfect for spring and summer. A new go-to that I'm grabbing for girls' nights and date nights!"
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' By The Fireplace
Overall Score
4.9
07
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' By The Fireplace
4.24
21801 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Unisex Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Maison Margiela's REPLICA line is a perfect example of a cult favorite collection. Each fragrance is formulated to bring back memories of precious moments, and By The Fireplace is the brand's nod to wintery nights. Chestnuts, vanilla, and clove come together to create a warm, spicy scent.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This scent is unisex, making it a good option for those averse to overly sweet, feminine fragrances.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray
Overall Score
4.9
06
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray
4.11
40683 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Warm Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Combine a little bit of citrus with a dash of patchouli, and you've got Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray. Reviewers describe this as a long-lasting, fresh, and woodsy fragrance, with many noting that a little goes a long way.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"What stands out most to me is how versatile the scent is—perfect for both daytime wear and special occasions. It feels timeless yet modern, which is hard to find in a fragrance. Plus, the sleek Chanel bottle is a stunning addition to my collection."
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.95
05
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum
4.14
31464 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Bottle Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Moody and fresh, Carolina Herrera's Good Girl Eau de Parfum balances delicate floral notes with richly sweet, intoxicating scents of cocoa, tonka, almond, and coffee. Housed in the form of a sleek high heel, this fragrance is one you'll want to keep on your vanity.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The high-heel-shaped bottle behind this fragrance is iconic. It's an ode to the brand's founder, Carolina Herrera de Báez, who once said, "give a girl the right shoe and she can conquer the world."
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
4.95
04
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum
4.17
43962 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Spicy Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
While there are many versions of YSL's Black Opium, the OG scent is the true winner. Made with unexpected notes of coffee, delicate vanilla, and white flowers, this scent is powerful, sexy, and sweet all at the same time.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This smells... amazing. It’s the perfect combo of sexy and sweet. It’s really hard to describe. Kind of like the intoxicating effect of a really good men's cologne, but then there’s warm and sweet vanilla which balances it out perfectly. It’s my favorite scent I’ve ever smelled."
Gucci Bloom Eau De Toilette
Overall Score
4.95
03
Gucci Bloom Eau De Toilette
4.4
5527 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Floral Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
The name "Bloom" says it all: This is a floral, fresh scent with layers of natural notes. In the middle, you can find hints of orange blossom, jasmine, and tuberose, while the base is made up of sandalwood and musk.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I was given a sample to take home. Omg! I couldn't order the full-sized bottle fast enough! This perfume smells so delightful. It's a light, fresh, and fragrant scent, not overwhelming. A small amount lasts all day."
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
Overall Score
4.95
02
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
4.29
28347 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Fruity Cult Fragrance
ABOUT THE SCENT
Though its name and bottle may give off a youthful vibe, Daisy practically smells like sophistication. With a blend of wild strawberry, violet, gardenia, and jasmine, it has an unexpected feel that's equal parts fresh, feminine, and fruity.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Because this is an eau de toilette (meaning it only has 4-8% of pure fragrance), it's a lot subtler than other scents. It always feels light and airy—never overwhelmingly floral—no matter how many times you spritz it.
Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum
Overall Score
5
01
Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum
4.55
35367 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cult Fragrance Overall
ABOUT THE SCENT
A warm floral scent with fresh notes of lily-of-the-valley, spicy peony, and powdery iris, Miss Dior embraces you with a fresh-smelling scent of a floral bouquet that's ideal for wearing anytime but especially during the spring.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The iconic Miss Dior perfume bottle features a handwoven box from 346 threads for a special touch of Dior craftmanship.
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