And we are continuing on with the best of series with my top five favourite fragrance discoveries of 2025. I will say, this was an interesting year for fragrance. I didn’t buy as many new fragrances in 2025 as I had in previous years. As a result, I had a much easier time putting this top five together. And I truly believe that this is my best list to date. Any one of the fragrances I have in my 2025 list could easily stand toe to toe with any of my previous favourites. So, let’s get into the list!
In fifth place, I have the SOL DE JANEIRO AGUA MYSTICA PERFUME MIST – $48.00* (Notes – Tangerine, Pineapple, Neroli, Jasmine, Peony, Salt, Skin, White Cedar). This was a scent that I actually saw in a lot of worst lists at the tail end of the year. And while I understand that fragrance is subjective, with this one, I really don’t get it. I went into my thoughts on Agua Mistica in a post a few months ago (you can find that here. But short version, this fragrance reminds me so vividly of my childhood and happy summer memories. I guess people found it to be a little basic. But I’ve never once said I wasn’t a basic bitch.
*And before anyone gets up me, yes, I know that this collection was limited edition. You can still find this mist if you know where to look.
Fourth place, we have PARFUMS DE MARLY ORIANA EDP – $529.00 (Notes – Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange Blossom, Raspberry, Black Currant, Marshmallow, Whipped Cream, Musk, Ambrette, Vanilla). Oriana had been on my wish list for literal years. And now that I own it, it’s worth every single penny I paid for it. I described this as girly pop personified in a fragrance. I stand by that assessment. It’s sweet, fluffy, fruity, and an absolute knockout of a fragrance. I don’t regret a thing.
My third place is another fragrance that I noted on a few of the worst lists of the year. RARE BEAUTY RARE EDP – $124.00 (Notes – Caramel, Pink Pepper, Pistachio, Vanilla, Ginger, Cocoa, Sandalwood, Musk, Tonka Bean). The main criticism that I saw about Rare was the fact that it’s effectively another Burberry Goddess clone. Here’s the the thing, though. I hate Burberry Goddess. Burberry Goddess is a dreamy, warm vanilla that I come so close to liking. But it has the most awful, screeching lavender note that stops me every time. And if I have to choose between the warm vanilla with the lavender note and the warm vanilla that doesn’t have the lavender note? I’m choosing no lavender every time. Rare is sweet, a little spicy, zesty, and just so comforting. I can’t wait to wear this during the Autumn.
You knew there would be a Kayali release somewhere on this list. KAYALI YUM BOUJEE MARSHMALLOW 81 – $179.00 (Notes – Freesia, Italian Lemon, Nectarine Blossom, Apple, Marshmallow, Strawberry, Coconut, Orange Blossom, Whipped Cream, Sugar, Vanilla, Musk, Raspberry, Ambroxan) is my second place getter for 2025. It was a weird year for Kayali. With many of the launches missing with me more than hitting. But Boujee Marshmallow was an immediate home run. What can I say? I’m a gourmand girly for life. Also a baseball analogy fan. But I digress. This is a fragrance that has stayed top of mind throughout 2025 since it’s launch. It’s easily the biggest dent I made this year. The strawberry jam milkshake quality is so luscious and sticky. And it was so, so close to being my number one.
But if you saw my most recent five faves, then you will already know. SETSUNA IN LOVE SOMEDAY PERFUME ELIXIR – $120.00 (Notes – Candied Iris, Vanilla Milkshake, Marshmallow) was going to be my number one for 2025. As soon as I spritzed this onto my wrist for the first time, I knew this was going to be my number one. My god, I cannot put this one down. It’s basically a gourmand powerhouse. Sugary, fluffy, intoxicating, creamy. All in all, the right amount of too much. Steph, come to the front and collect your fragrance baddie chain. You deserve the world. And I won’t lie, I’m slightly terrified to see what you launch next. But just know that I will be first in line to see what that is.
And that is a wrap on the fragrances. Quick honourable mentions to Phlur Soft Spot and Setsuna Dancing In The Moonlight. Two fragrances that I thought would be locks for the list were it not for some recent additions to my stash. Let me know in the comments what your go to fragrances for 2025 were. And on Tuesday, it’s skincare time!
Cheers and love
Emily xo
Ooh nice collection