Life Style

Head-Turning Fragrances Are Our Specialty—We're Eyeing These 12 for Black Friday

Shawna Hudson  Tue, 14 Nov 2023  Who What Wear

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and I wouldn't be a beauty editor if I didn't have an extensive list of items I'm keeping an eye on for the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Sure, I like to keep a handy wish list of skincare, makeup, and haircare, but I often overlook the fragrance category altogether, which feels like a serious crime.

For anyone else who can never have enough fragrances in their collection, this one's for you! I'm sharing 12 cult-loved perfumes below that I'm keeping a serious eye on in the hopes that they'll be majorly discounted. Keep scrolling (and praying)—the powers that be are bound to discount at least some of them, right?

Key notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla. This decadent YSL fragrance is a TikTok favorite for a reason. It's a warm gourmand scent that's bound to suit any coffee lover. Don't worry, though—it doesn't smell like your morning Starbucks. It's elevated with additional floral notes and vanilla that give it a lighter, creamier finish.

Key notes: Orange, patchouli, Turkish rose. This is one of my all-time-favorite perfumes, so best believe I'll be watching it like a hawk for any type of Black Friday discount. It's sophisticated, warm, and playful. The notes of orange really give it more of a youthful energy that some rose fragrances can lack.

Key notes: Blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum, bourbon vanilla. Donna Born in Roma is fruity, floral, and downright delicious. I wish it had a bit more staying power, but it's a beautiful scent nonetheless.

Key notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord, musk. This cult-classic Le Labo fragrance needs no introduction—but what it does need is a slightly lower price tag (a girl can dream). At least Black Friday presents the possibility of a hefty discount. Keep a close eye on this one as the sales start to roll in.

Key notes: Lavender blossom, juicy pear, bergamot, crème de coconut, praline, vanilla orchid, musk, creamy blonde woods. Psst, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Cloud smells like Baccarat Rouge 540 with a twist of lavender. If that sounds like your cup of tea, I'm almost certain Ulta will come through with a discount on this one next week.

Key notes: Black orchid, black truffle, patchouli, bergamot, bitter orange. Black Orchid is unique and so mysterious. It's definitely not for the gourmand lovers out there, but it is for anyone who likes scents that are unexpected and powerful.

Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds, ambrox. You smells slightly different on everyone—that's the appeal. It's warm and familiar, smelling like a light, fresh, more enhanced version of your own natural scent.

Key notes: Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, marine accord. This classic Diptyque fragrance was one of the first I added to my collection. It always makes me feel like I'm on a gorgeous European vacation, and I think everyone deserves to have a bottle in their arsenal too. While it's already currently 15% off at Nordstrom, there might even be a bigger discount once Black Friday rolls around. 

Key notes: Bergamot, lychee, peach, jasmine, peony, orange blossom, transparent wood, moss, musk. As far as luxury fragrances go, I'll be eyeing this floral, fruity scent from Ex Nihilo. I haven't had the opportunity to give it a sniff for myself yet, but based on the notes, I'm pretty sure I'll fall in love instantly.

Key notes: Magnolia, musk, Bulgarian rose, vanilla, blueberry. This fragrance blends so many different delicious notes. Fruity notes like blueberry give it a juiciness while rose, patchouli, and coconut round it out and make it a truly unique scent. It's sold out often, so hopefully if it does go on sale, we'll be able to act quickly.

Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris. Honestly, the cynic in me is not expecting this cult-loved perfume to be on sale, but I have hope. I'm keeping several eyes out this week and next.

Key notes: Bergamot essence, jasmine grandiflorum, bourbon vanilla. This scent smells so good that I sometimes douse myself in it when I'm working from home. To say it's a favorite is an understatement.