10 Unique Fragrances For the Mom Who Loves Perfume

Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Eau de Parfum ($170)

There are countless interpretations of rose in the world of fragrance, many of which veer into an old-fashioned territory that can read more powdery or cloying than a modern mom might like. Not this version, which highlights the famous flower's fresh notes by pairing it with juicy lychee, grassy vetiver, and a wisp of grounding vanilla for a scent that's far more jammy and joyful than its femme fatale falcon would suggest.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky Eau de Parfum ($245)

Remember play-filled days when senses were heightened by sticks of Fruit Stripe gum, pool towels drying in the sun, and soapy baths? So does perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, who captured the wholesome smells of his inner child for his latest launch (named after his childhood nickname no less). The combination of scents might seem questionable, but on skin, it plays out like good, clean (and fruity) fun.

INFINIMENT COTY PARIS APRÈS L'AMOUR Parfum ($290)

Dominated by tobacco and cushioned by amber and a touch of ginger, this spicy new release will resonate with lovers of heady scents. It contains a mighty 20 percent concentration of fragrance oils and carries impressive longevity for the price point, thanks in part to novel tech that extends wear through controlled evaporation of molecules. No matter how fancy the tech inside, fragrance is about feeling and this one is declaratively seductive and plush, ideal for the power player in your family.

BVLGARI Allegra Insieme Eau de Parfum ($295)

Few of us can give Mom the kind of walk-in closet that marks every celebrity home tour (and is actually a dressing room, by the way). But with dry cedarwood and peony centered with a touch of musk and patchouli, this fragrance makes her smell like she lives in a world of cedar-lined drawers filled with cashmere knits and fresh blooms that take residence atop a marble island. Bonus: the perfume is made to mingle with a family of topper scents (such as BVLGARI Allegra Magnifying Neroli Essence Eau de Parfum) that makes expanding her fragrance wardrobe a no-brainer.

Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum ($390)

If Mom cut her teeth on fruity florals that dominated the pop star-fronted fragrances of Y2K, then this sophisticated and grown-up take on the genre is bound to become her new signature. The fragrance has earned its cult following with a bright opening of lychee and peppercorn that develops into a pulled-together and pretty bouquet of rose and peony — you know, the kind that commands top-tier pricing at bougie floral shops.

Bond No. 9 New York Greenpoint ($470)

In actuality, the waterfront Brooklyn neighborhood of Greenpoint is a place known for its one-time factories, rich Polish heritage, and thriving creative community. But in the imagination of Bond No. 9, Greenpoint conjures sipping gimlets aboard a yacht, teak underfoot and briney breeze in the air. The aquatic scent is spiked with the essence of lemongrass (thanks to bright, sharp, and spicy bergamot, pear, pimento leaf, and cardamom top notes) and is just the thing for the preppy mom who likes her scents clean, but not soapy.

Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum Intense ($175)

If Mom is a foodie who would prefer to take her flakey pastries and coffee in an Italian piazza, get her there instantly with this fragrance made to simulate the best of Italian indulgences. At first, the scent presents itself like a deep inhale taken while sipping hazelnut coffee (a speciality of Campania), but after a bit of wear, the frothy gourmand moves into a clean citrus territory, thanks to a whiff of orange blossom water (often used to flavor Italian pastries). A hit of vanilla helps merge the elements for a bright and light gourmand that encapsulates the best of what Italy has to offer.

Veronique Gabai Ready for Rosé Eau de Parfum ($260)

The founder of this brand was raised in a tiny French Riviera town sandwiched between Nice and Cannes — and with this fragrance, it shows. The floral perfume mixes Mediterranean blossoms (jasmine, orange, and freesia) with a salty, oceanic element for a true-to-life replica of fresh bouquets mixed with coastal air. If your mom carries Cote d'Azur dreams and an aversion to synthetic smells, this biodegradable formula is a no-brainer: it's made with 97 percent natural ingredients and no chemical preservatives.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum ($155)

Consider it an olfactory take on the moody cherry red aesthetic that's trending in design. This fragrance showcases rose at its center, but musk, vanilla, and plum give the classic floral scent a twist that nimbly touches on fruity and spicy elements while remaining light. It's an excellent choice for moms looking for a fruity-floral fragrance without a hint of adolescent sweetness.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray ($130)

As a fashion designer, Donna Karan is known for bringing sophisticated bodysuits, cashmere sweaters, and cold-shoulder dresses to the masses. But the longtime yogi also introduced the philosophy of "urban zen" living, something that effortlessly merges holistic wellness with chic sophistication. The notion is perfectly captured in this 1990s fragrance that evokes wood-lined dry saunas, cozy sandalwood, soapy, refurbished suede, and, of course, soft cashmere. The result is a warm hug of a scent that transcends masculinity and femininity — and never goes out of style.