The 10 Best Perfume Oils for Just Enough Scent

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Finding your best perfume is a journey, and more and more of us are discovering that the "signature scent" may be giving way to a fragrance wardrobe. But if collecting dozens of delicate bottles isn't conducive to your space (or your bank account), there's another option: perfume oils. Not only do perfume oils tend to be less expensive, they also often come in petite rollerball packaging, making them much more convenient to keep on hand or in your bag for touch-ups. Many people also prefer to use oils, as their targeted application makes it easy to control how much scent you're actually wearing.

However, there are a couple of things to know about perfume oils: The scent tends not to last as long as traditional eau de toilettes or eau de parfums, so that convenient packaging is also necessary for reapplication purposes. Another thing to note: Because the fragrances are suspended in a carrier oil as opposed to alcohol, they expire faster than traditional fragrances. The good news is that these 10 scents are so obsession-worthy, you'll easily use them up before that happens. Read on for the best perfume oils to add to your collection.

 

 

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kai Perfume Oil

 

 

BEST FLORAL PERFUME OIL

 

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This gardenia-forward scent boasts a long list of celebrity fans, including Jennifer Garner and Cher.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“I'm a transplanted Hawaiian and often miss home. This scent took me right back to Hawaii. It is a light scent and works with your own body chemistry.” —NalaniMS

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Costa Brazil Aroma In Oil

 

 

BEST EARTHY PERFUME OIL

 

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This perfume oil has a grounding, earthy quality inspired by Breu, natural resin found in the Amazon rainforest.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“I feel like I have been craving a smell like this my whole life! It’s supposed to emulate the smell of the Amazon at dawn. And although I’ve never been there to experience that, this scent has me fantasizing about it constantly.” —thebrittanyverse

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By / Rosie Jane Dulce Perfume Oil

 

 

BEST SWEET PERFUME OIL

 

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With vanilla, nude musk, and Hinoki wood, Dulce is an elevated take on your favorite '90s sweet scents.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“This is my favorite vanilla scent! The Hinoki wood and musk notes support and complement the vanilla, but still let it take center stage. It's a sweet, warm scent that smells delicious without being too sugary. Like all the other by Rosie Jane perfume oils I've tried, this one lasts throughout the day.” —Juliana W.

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Lake & Skye 11 11 Fragrance Oil Rollerball

 

 

BEST MUSKY PERFUME OIL

 

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If you're drawn to barely there perfumes, 11 11 should be on your radar. It's inspired by the color white—just go with it—and the musky blend adds a special something to your natural scent.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“I would give this 10 stars if I could. The scent is so unique and hard to describe. It smells so effortless, kind of like you just naturally smell amazing. Definitely a 'your skin but better' scent.” —Ash

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MOST MYSTERIOUS PERFUME OIL
Child Perfume Mini Rollerball Perfume

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According to lore, celebrities—and famous men, in particular—are drawn to this relatively under-the-radar scent (and according to reviews, they may be onto something).

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“I read how so many A-listers wear it and that it drives men wild. The hype is true. People will literally stop you and ask what you're wearing.” —paulaweiser

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BEST FLORAL PERFUME OIL

Apothia IF Roll-On Oil

 

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A crisp blend of white florals and bright citrus, IF is an IYKYK kind of fragrance.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“This roll-on stays on all day and smells like you just got out of a shower. Really touches all senses and make you feel fresh and clean!” —Kimberly

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BEST WOODY FRAGRANCE OIL

Byredo Mojave Ghost

 

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It's true: You can snag the woody Mohave Ghost—and all of Byredo's covetable fragrances—in convenient oil formats.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“I fell in love with this fragrance over the summer, but it is transitioning nicely into the autumn and winter months. This is a unisex fragrance (well, aren't they all?), which suits my tastes—not too floral, mediated with some more earthy or woody notes. This scent lasts a long time on my skin.”

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BEST VANILLA PERFUME OIL

NEST New York Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil

 

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For the vanilla lovers, this oil is made with preciously harvested Madagascar vanilla and a hint of sweet coconut.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“This smells exactly like coconut and vanilla but in a unique way and it’s sooo good. I put this on a few hours before bad and woke up and could still smell it. It’s strong and lasts very long on me. Love it!” —ashlynnepaigee

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BEST CULT CLASSIC PERFUME OIL

Le Labo Santal 33 Liquid Balm

 

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Santal 33 devotees can breathe a sigh of relief that their beloved genderless fragrance is offered in a safflower-oil roll-on, perfect for travel and reapplication.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“Santal is sexy and classy with a strong sandalwood note. I smelled it on a young lady at brunch who was sitting next to me and had to ask her what it was. I wrote it in my notes in my phone so I could go get it—it was that serious. The roller is perfect because it’s an oil and stays on.” —Rashidat

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BEST SWEET AND SPICY PERFUME OIL

MALIN+GOETZ Dark Rum Perfume Oil

 

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The brand's best-selling Dark Rum candle, with its deep amber and leather notes, also comes in a perfume oil.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

“If anyone asks what you're wearing: lie. Say you don't know what they're talking about and that you just naturally smell that good.” —pixiemac