The 13 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Perfume Oils Of 2024
One whiff of these seductive fragrances, and you will be coming back for more!
Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beaut... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
medha debIntegrated MA
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Image: Shutterstock
All of us have a favorite perfume scent. But they don’t last for very long. However, all that changes with perfume oils. We handpicked some of the best perfume oils and made a list with pros and cons, just for you! For those of you who don’t know, perfume oils are absorbed into the skin. So the fragrance lingers the entire day! It has also been said that these oils radiate their scent outwards, so you don’t struggle with an overbearing fragrance. Your body has pulse points that produce warmth that push the scent away from your body, so the oil’s fragrance does not overtake your aura.
These perfumes are considered great alternatives to eau de perfumes and eau de toilettes that do not dry out the skin as they are oil-based. Instead, they hydrate and moisturize the skin. And you can find perfume oils in any scent, from sweet and smooth vanilla to a woody and piney musk fragrance. They are easy to apply and last way longer than traditional perfume sprays and deodorants. If you’re hooked, scroll down and check out 13 sweet-smelling perfume oils. You are guaranteed to be flooded with compliments! Keep reading to know more and find your signature scent!
In This Article
13 Best Perfume Oils For Long-Lasting Fragrance – Our Top Picks
1. Best Unisex:Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil
Pure Instinct is a lightly fragranced perfume oil made with a proprietary blend of natural ingredients and gender-friendly pheromones. This fragranced oil is absorbed quickly and leaves your skin soft to the touch. Its fragrance is a succulent blend of Australian mango, cinnamon, mandarin, and honey with a well-rounded base note of white musk. The aroma of this natural perfume oil is alluring enough to wear on its own, a fragrance pleasing to both sexes, but light enough to wear in combination with your favorite perfume or cologne. So, what’s stopping you from creating your own scent? Check out this video featuring the tester’s experience to better understand the functions of this unisex perfume oil.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Glycerin-free
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- May have to be reapplied frequently as the scent fades
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 56,454 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Non-Greasy:Quality Fragrance Oils Our Impression Of Designer Fragrances
If you have always hankered after designer perfumes but have had neither the resources nor opportunity to buy them, we have the right product for you. This perfume oil comes in a pack of 5 top selling women’s fragrances that are impressions of the original brand. They are YSL Black Opium, La Vie Est Belle, D&G Light Blue, Viva La Juicy, and Prada Candy, and just a few drops of any of these perfume oils will give you the nostalgic scent of the original perfume. Now, isn’t that just amazing! Though not associated with the designer counterparts, this product has perfected their formula to ensure every perfume bottle smells just as great. Its non-greasy, long lasting, and concentrated scent ensures that just one application is enough to take you through the day. So, if you like the original designer fragrances, you’ll love the impressions!
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Long lasting
- Smell like designer perfumes
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- Some feel the fragrance could be more authentic.
3. Best Multipurpose:Nature’s Oil Fresh & Clean Linen Fragrance Oil
Don’t you just love the smell of fresh and clean linen? This fresh perfume oil is custom blended by a team of perfumers that are industry veterans with the knowledge and experience to give you just that experience. This versatile oil-based fragrance can be used in diffusers, soap making bases, candle waxes, perfumes, unscented incense sticks or cones, bath bombs, lotions, body care and hair care formulations, diffuser refill oils, homemade cleaning products, linen sprays, and many other unscented products— the list is endless. This oil is beautifully packaged in a 10ml amber glass vial with an easy dispensing, European style inset dropper and safety seal cap. Definitely worth trying!
Pros
- Very versatile
- Tamper-proof cap
- Convenient dropper
- Glass amber bottle to protect the oil
Cons
- Some may feel it has a slightly chemical smell.
| Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil Best Unisex | Quality Fragrance Oils Our Impression Of Designer Fragrances Best Non-Greasy | Nature’s Oil Fresh & Clean Linen Fragrance Oil Best Multipurpose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.25 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 1.28 Ounces | - | - |
| Item Volume | - | 10.35 Milliliters | 10 Milliliters |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 56,454 | 121 | 1,056 |
| Price | $16.95 | $34.95 | $5.95 |
4. Best Potent:NaaQin Nag Champa Perfume Oil
This little bottle of magic can transport you to a mystical world with its fragrance of the champa flower. Don’t be misled by the minute size of the bottle, as this oil is not diluted with carrier oil and is extremely potent. It can be diluted to be used in oil burners and diffusers and can also be used to make fragrant soaps, sprays, incense sticks, and candles. Just a drop of this long-lasting perfume oil made from the fresh scent of white flowers, it also works great as a daily perfume or in your bath, and it’s like wearing a crown of flowers throughout the day. You may also check out Amazon for multiple reviewer’s experiences and positive reviews on the product.
Pros
- Versatile
- Natural ingredients
- No harmful chemicals
- Highly potent
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance too intense.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,063 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
5. Best Alcohol-Free:Swiss Arabian Layali Perfume Oil
With top notes of black currant, orange flower, and plum, heart notes of ylang-ylang, rose, and jasmine, and base notes of agarwood and amber, this exotic perfume oil can romance your senses. Layali means ‘night’ in Arabic, and the fragrance evokes the powerful charm of night with its fantasies and mystery. This professional-grade and high-quality perfume oil is a blend of floral and fruity sweet fragrances, and it has a slight underlying woody perfume fragrance. Its fragrance lasts for 8-10 hours but as it is a concentrated perfume oil, do not smell it straight from the bottle. Apply to your wrist and allow the gorgeous scent to settle for 2 to 3 minutes before getting its true, sweet smell.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Natural ingredients
- No toxic chemicals
- Long lasting
- Concentrated perfume oil
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance too sweet
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,027 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
6. Best Oil-Based:Auric Blends Egyptian Goddess Fine Perfume Oil
Egypt is considered as the birthplace of perfumes by many and this is one of the best perfume oils that pays homage to its history. It has a musk based fragrance with notes of subtle florals and powder. Perfect scent for both day and night, the versatility of this exotic perfume oil can be enjoyed by women of all ages. This oil-based and hand-blended perfume oil should be applied to the pulse points with your finger tips to get its true fragrance. It comes in a 1.87 oz bottle and has a warm, sensual fragrance. Do try this seductive perfume for that special evening out.
Pros
- Oil based
- Hand blended
- Long lasting
- Suitable for both morning and night
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance mild.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,665 rave reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Hypoallergenic:Zoha Jasmine Bloom Perfume Roll-On
Feel joyful and vibrant with this jasmine perfumed oil that you can just roll onto your pulse points for the best effect. This alcohol-free, oil-based perfume has a fresh, lingering, and subtle scent and is ideal for daily and party wear. The sensual sweetness of jasmine blooms gives you an aura of sweet mystery. This white flower perfume oil does not have separate top, middle, and base notes. Instead, it’s a special blend of aroma compounds and essential oils in a dry-oil base to make a unique fragrance that combines with your own skin chemistry to evolve into a personal scent. Based on each person’s unique skin chemistry, the intensity of the perfume will range from very light to medium. This perfume oil is made in micro batches to ensure its quality and consistency.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No mineral oils
- No artificial colors
- Hypoallergenic
- No alcohol
Cons
- Some may find the scent too heavy.
8.Best For All Skin Types:The Body Shop White Musk Perfume Oil
The signature fragrance of The Body Shop White Musk perfume oil is soft and sensual with notes of velvety musk, floral lily, ylang ylang, and subtle hints of fresh basil and galbanum. As it’s free of alcohol and doesn’t evaporate, this natural perfume oil has a very long lasting fragrance. It’s suitable for all skin types and completely safe to use as it contains no harmful chemicals and is 100% vegan. This video sharing a tester’s experience will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Silicon-free
- Alcohol-free
- 100% vegan
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance too subtle.
9. Best For Long-Lasting Fragrance:Kai Perfume Oil
The fragrance of this oil-based perfume is very floral and feminine— reminiscent of a tropical garden in full blossom. The scent is dominated by gardenia and jasmine but has subtle hints of other tropical white flowers as well. Though the bottle is small, it will last a very long time as once applied, due to its impressive longevity, the scent will linger until your next shower. The intoxicating scent is dominated by gardenia and jasmine but has subtle hints of other tropical white flowers as well. Though the bottle is small, it will last a very long time as once applied, due to its impressive longevity, the scent will linger until your next shower. Plus, it also saves you from the hassle of collecting delicate bottles of perfumes that take up a lot of space on your dressing table. The fragrance of the light and intoxicating blend of gardenia wrapped in exotic white flowers is produced from essential oils and does not contain chemicals or irritants. This floral perfume oil will not leave a greasy residue or overpower your senses. It comes in a convenient and easy to use roll-on vial, so just apply it to your wrists, behind your ears, or along the side of your neck.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Phosphate-free
- No greasy residue
- Long lasting fragrance
Cons
- Some may find the gardenia scent overpowering
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,009 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
10. Best Woodsy Fragrance:Parfums De Coeur Skin Musk Perfume Oil
Be prepared to receive compliments from acquaintances of all ages if you decide to use this best musk perfume oil. This perfume oil for women was originally produced by Bonne Bell, and the original formula of Skin Musk is now officially being produced by Parfums De Coeur. With its slightly woodsy fragrance, this perfume oil has a very pleasing scent and lasts for a long time. It comes as a thick oil and just a drop on your pulse point is enough to keep you smelling your absolute best.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Woodsy fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may not find it long lasting.
11. Best Quick-Absorbing:Eternal Essence Oils Her Secrets
Pleasant fragrances can uplift your mood and help you relax after a long day. The Eternal Essence Oils Her Secrets are infused with a titillating aroma and you can add them to soaps, lotions, and creams for a personalized scent. Not only are they fast-absorbing, but this set comes in a pack of 6, so you can add a touch of your mood to every day. These essential oils are non-greasy and long-lasting and can also be added to your hair care and body care products.
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Made with pure oils
- Can be added in cosmetics
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
12. Best Highly Concentrated:Ktbean Kuumba Made Amber & Sandalwood Fragrance Oil
This beautiful fusion of amber and notes of sandalwood in this perfume oil results in a woody, rich, spicy, and earthy scent with a subtle hint of citrus.. It has a deeply sensual and soothing oriental-type fragrance that celebrates the gift of the trees. As it’s oil-based, it smells stronger and lasts longer than traditional alcohol-based perfumes since it doesn’t evaporate. It’s convenient to apply due to its roll-on applicator, and just a swipe is good enough. Due to its versatility, this citrusy perfume oil can also be used as an air freshener, cologne, or a few drops can be added to your favorite body lotion, massage oil, or bath oil. Its refreshing scent can also help enhance meditation and increase relaxation.
Pros
- Versatile
- Long lasting
- No alcohol
- Oil based
- Highly concentrated
Cons
- Some feel the amber scent overpowers the sandalwood scent.
13. Best Chemical-Free:Cabot Labs The Original Natural Musk Oil
If you want to surround yourself in an aura of mystery and grandeur, this is one of the best musk perfume oils to pick. This original natural musk oil smells different on everyone. It’s so light and clean that you may not even be aware of its fragrance. This oil based perfume doesn’t contain alcohol, so just a few drops are enough to last for a long time. So, apply it on your pulse points and indulge your senses as its pleasant fragrance wafts to your nostrils.
Pros
- Oil based
- No alcohol
- Long lasting
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- Some may not find the fragrance long lasting.
Selecting the right perfume oil can be tricky. You want a fragrance that reflects your personal style, is subtle, and not overpowering. You may also want one that offers aromatherapy benefits. Now that you have been through our review of the 13 best perfume oils of 2024, let us give you a few tips on what to look for while choosing a perfume oil for yourself.
How To Choose Perfume Oils
- Do your research
You need to figure out which fragrances you really love. Search for fragrances like the ones you love in other products. If you’ve found a scent or a note you like, there are a few online resources that will show you fragrances that include that particular scent or note. Resources like this can be invaluable when discovering what scents you are drawn to, and finding other scents that include them.
- Sample scents the right way
The most important part of finding your new favorite fragrance is, of course, trying it on. Spray it on a pulse point where your skin is naturally warm, like your wrist or elbow, so the fragrance heats up and reveals its true fragrance. Don’t buy a perfume oil on the first impression as the essence of the scent is revealed only after it mingles with the wearer’s body chemistry, which takes time.
- Chemical makeup and ingredients
The chemical makeup of your scent has effects on the longevity of your fragrance. While the concentration of the oil concentration affects sillage and scent strength, the ingredients used in a fragrance formula often matter more. NNatural citrus ingredients have an invigorating scent but they tend to last a shorter time than notes like patchouli, vanilla, and different woods. Natural and synthetic elements also affect not only the length of the wear but also the smell of the scent itself and how it interacts with your body. Also, ensure to go for natural ingredients if you have sensitive skin and opt for expert-recommended perfume oils.
- Packaging
Choose oils sold in blue or brown colored bottles as they protect the contents from damage caused by light exposure. Always store your perfume oil in a dark and cool place. Avoid perfume oils sold in plastic bottles or with rubber squeeze lids. Both plastic and rubber can react with the oil, changing the fragrance and rubber can also degrade over time.
- Buy from a reputed source
Often when you find a great bargain or a marked down perfume oil, the retailer could be unloading an old product that may not have been stored properly. You could end up paying for damaged goods, even though the price looks like a bargain.
Concentrated perfume oils contain no alcohol and are therefore much stronger and should be used sparingly. Just a few drops of the concentrated oil are enough for a beautiful perfume, but for best results you should know how to use them.
How To Use Perfume Oils
- Apply perfume oil after you’ve taken a shower as fresh, clean skin will help your perfume stick to you and last longer. It will also help the perfume to blend well with your natural scent or body odor. Sweaty or sticky skin makes it harder for the perfume oil to adhere properly.
- Rub unscented moisturizer on the skin of your wrists, elbows, or other areas where you’re going to apply the perfume oil. Let the moisturizer dry before you apply the perfume. It’s important that you use an unscented moisturizer so that its smell doesn’t interfere with your perfume oil.
- Use roll-on perfume and apply it directly onto your skin. They are super easy to use and the perfume will roll onto your skin in an even, thin line.
- If the perfume oil is in a bottle, rub it onto your body using your fingers. Dab 1-2 drops of the oil onto your fingers and use your fingers to rub it onto your skin.
- Apply perfume oil minimally as it’s more concentrated— just a few dabs will do. You may need to experiment with how much perfume oil you should use.
- The most popular pulse point for perfume are the wrists because your hand movements make it easy to enjoy the smell. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after you apply the perfume oil as it may ruin the fragrance. Other pulse points that you can apply it to are the crease of your elbow, back of your knee, or behind your ears.
- Always read the directions before using any perfume oil you buy. Though it’s nice to make your own hand lotion, using too much of a pure perfume oil can actually do more harm than good. Perfume oils are fun to use, but they are also very potent ingredients, so you need to handle them with care.
Now let’s see what ingredients make some perfumes last longer than others. When you want to purchase a perfume that costs an arm and a leg, the least that you want is a fragrance that lasts at least a day.
What Ingredients Make Perfumes Last Longer?
- Oud
Oud is one of the world’s most desirable and costliest ingredients for perfume. It has a strong, heady, and intoxicating musky scent and has been used for centuries in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Oud is most commonly used as a base note in perfumes.
- Lavender
Lavender has a calming and stimulating fragrance and is probably the most well known of all perfume ingredients. Based on the area where it has been grown, the same lavender can contain various aromatic notes.
- Jasmine
Jasmine and rose perfume oils are considered to be the 2 ‘base stones’ for perfumery. There is not a perfume that doesn’t have some kind of jasmine in its formation. With their gentle fragrance, these flowers remain an ever-precious addition to perfumes. Jasmine gives richness and intensity to fragrances.
- Orange blossom
Orange blossom is a beautiful and complex perfume ingredient and its citrus scent is often used as a top note. Uplifting and calming, this refreshing fragrance complements its floral counterparts.
- Cedarwood
2 different types of cedarwood are commonly used in the perfume industry— Atlas cedarwood that has a warm, woody, and resinous fragrance, and Virginian cedarwood that usually has a dry fragrance with a subtle hint of spicy scent.
- Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a classic, creamy, robust, rich oriental woody note, with a nice lingering aroma and a green top note. Owing to the lack of natural material as the plant is protected from cultivation because it is an endangered species, its use is presently drastically reduced to the point of extinction from perfumery. Being versatile, its soft woodsy scent mixes wonderfully with lavender, clove, geranium, jasmine, galbanum, frankincense, jasmine, black pepper, and patchouli.
Infographic: 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Perfume Oils
Perfume oils are a great way to add scent and style to your outfit. They come in a variety of scents, and not only do they deliver an attractive aroma, but they are also beneficial and appealing in several ways. Check out the infographic below for some interesting benefits of using perfume oils.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Perfumes are an extension of your personality. They help you to keep calm, composed, and relaxed throughout your stressful schedules. But unfortunately, most of the perfumes do not stay long, and they evaporate. Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, adds, “Perfume oils are long-lasting because they contain a high concentration of fragrance oils compared to alcohol-based perfumes, which contain a higher percentage of alcohol and water. The high concentration of fragrance oils in perfume oils allows the scent to last longer on the skin, as the oils evaporate more slowly than alcohol.” The best perfume oils are, however, a game-changer. These oils drop into the skin, offering you a great fragrance throughout the day. In addition, these oils are alcohol-free, and hence they are irritant-free. The Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil is a delightful choice for those looking to enhance their natural allure and attractiveness. The well-known The Body Shop White Musk Perfume Oil is loved by many. Its soft and alluring musk scent appeals to a wide range of occasions. If you like the blend of musk and floral notes, then opt for the Auric Blends Egyptian Goddess Fine Perfume Oil. It offers a captivating and exotic fragrance inspired by ancient Egyptian allure. The products listed above offer you a mesmerizing feel. They come in sweet floral fragrances to exotic musk scents and from woody fragrances to basil hints. The containers range from simple to elegant designs to keep your green room minimalistic or aesthetic as per your choice. Do consider the fragrance notes present in each formula and your preference to find your ideal fragrances. And, always remember to do a quick patch test before regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are perfume oils good?
The alcohol and other chemicals that are found in most perfumes can be irritating and can dry out the skin. Perfume oils, on the other hand, are moisturizing, which not only increases longevity but also makes them suitable for any skin type. They are also convenient, have greater precision, are more intimate, and creating a customized scent is very simple.
Do perfume oils expire?
Usually a perfume expires because of a chemical change caused by hot storage conditions or direct sunlight. This increases when the base of a perfume is alcohol as it tends to have a low heat threshold, which causes it to evaporate and react with the perfume oil, which gives it the actual scent.
How long does fragrance oil last on skin?
The higher the perfume concentration, the longer your fragrance should last on your skin. A perfume oil would usually last between 6-15 hours on average.
Can you put perfume oil in your hair?
You could put a few drops into a hair oil and then run your fingers through your hair but perfume has the potential to dry out your hair and damage it. If you want to deeply nourish dry hair, try a perfumed hair oil or serum. You’ll probably only need to apply it from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair as a little goes a long way with these products.
Are perfume oils better than perfumes?
Perfume oils are more concentrated and their fragrance lasts longer than a general perfume. While the scent in a perfume tends to change over time due to the presence of varying degrees of alcohol, the scents of perfume oils are much more constant. Perfume oils also have a longer shelf life and are less likely to cause allergies. They are also the more affordable option. However, they should be patch tested before topical application and daily usage to prevent possible allergic reactions.
Are perfume oil and perfume the same?
No, they are not the same. They differ in terms of formulation, concentration, shelf-life, fragrance longevity, packaging, and price range. While perfume oils are more affordable and last longer with a better shelf life, perfumes are better packaged and contain alcohol and a lesser concentration of oils.
How do I apply perfume oil to last all day?
Apply perfumes oils on pulse points after you have taken a shower and applied your unscented moisturizer.
Are oil perfumes affordable?
Yes, perfume oils are affordable, especially in comparison to perfumes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Krati Darak, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast. She suggests using the perfume oils mentioned on the list for various reasons. She conducted extensive research on these fragrances and their reviews to make sure you only see the best products available online. Then, she picked her final list based on merits like fragrance notes, ingredients, absence of harsh elements, skin-friendliness, and packaging.
