New data from Cult Beauty ranks the top 10 fragrances that get the most compliments, based on a review of 50 best‑selling scents and the frequency of positive remarks in customer feedback.
How the ranking was built
The research team gathered user comments from the retailer’s website, isolating each mention that praised a scent. Reviewers who highlighted a fragrance were counted, and the total number of compliments was divided by the number of people who had purchased that perfume. This calculation produced a percentage that reflects how often a scent sparks a positive reaction from strangers.
Because the sample included only best‑selling items, the list reflects both popularity and the ability of a fragrance to stand out in public settings. The methodology excluded neutral or negative remarks, focusing solely on moments when a passerby asked about the aroma.
Leading the pack
Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum tops the list with a 33.04% compliment rate – 38 of 115 reviewers said strangers stopped them to ask about the scent.
The perfume blends blackcurrant, cinnamon, patchouli and incense, creating a dark, velvety rose that lingers long after the wearer leaves the room.
One reviewer wrote, “Prepare to be stopped by strangers and asked about your parfum! A well‑defined rose scent, truly a classic.”
Le Labo THÉ NOIR 29 Eau de Parfum follows at 25.86%, with 15 of 58 reviewers noting frequent compliments.
Its profile blends black tea leaves, cardamom, cedarwood and a whisper of tobacco for something cosy without tipping into sweet, ideal for anyone who’d rather their fragrance feel like a signature rather than something that is just trending.
Reviews include comments such as, “I wore this perfume for the first time this weekend and received compliment after compliment, with strangers asking me what perfume I was wearing.”
Mid‑range favorites
Le Labo Another 13 Eau de Parfum earned a 20.19% rate, 21 of 104 reviews mentioning praise.
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The scent relies on ambroxan and musk for a clean, magnetic aura, layered with citrus and jasmine to avoid a soapy impression.
Reviews mention, “I get the most compliments from this than any other perfume and it lasts all day.”
Le Labo SANTAL 33 Eau de Parfum matched a 20.00% rate, with 21 of 105 reviewers highlighting its recognisable blend of sandalwood, cardamom and leather.
BYREDO Animalique Eau de Parfum recorded an 18.71% compliment rate, 26 of 139 reviews.
Animalique leans into musk and orris root, offering an intimate, skin‑close experience.
These middle‑range picks illustrate how a balanced composition—neither overly sweet nor stark, can attract consistent positive attention.
Other notable scents
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette achieved an 18.52% rate, 10 of 54 reviewers mentioning it.
The fragrance uses notes of rum, tobacco leaf and vanilla to evoke a nostalgic evening.
Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette secured a 17.85% rate, with 12 of 67 reviewers noting compliments.
Rose and lychee combine with fresh green leaves, creating a bright yet sophisticated bouquet.
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Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum earned a 17.33% rate, 14 of 81 reviewers sharing positive remarks.
The rich blend of tobacco leaf, vanilla, dried fruits and spices produces a warm, enveloping aura.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne posted a 16.90% rate, with 9 of 53 reviewers mentioning it.
The airy mix of sea salt, sage and grapefruit evokes a breezy coastline.
Why the numbers matter
Each percentage reflects a real‑world interaction, turning a private choice into a public conversation.
When a scent consistently draws attention, it can influence buying decisions for others who value social feedback.
The data also highlights how different fragrance families, floral, smoky, gourmand, perform in everyday settings.
Understanding these patterns helps both consumers and creators anticipate which notes are most likely to spark dialogue.
The survey covered 50 fragrances in total.
