Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 Olya (R) and Steven Gavrielatos aka Redolessence (L)

Now that you have heard from Ermano and me, (our best fragrances of 2023 here) and (The Top Ten Perfumes of 2023 here), Ida and Lauryn, J WeareScentient  and Nicoleta, Karl and Michael, Danu and Rachel, and Sandi and Hernando we wrap-up our Top Ten Best Perfumes of 2023  with Editor Olya Bar and Steven Gavrielatos, Video Contributor and leading YouTube  fragrance channel, Redolessence. There are two overlaps in their top 10 between them (and one in Olya’s honorable mentions). Now it’s time to reveal their respective top ten best perfumes 2023 –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023

This year has indeed been a remarkable one in the world of fragrances. The industry, spanning niche and designer sectors, has been prolific, unveiling many imaginative scents sprinkled with a perfect dose of nostalgia and delightfully wearable. Narrowing down this bounty was challenging, as the initial list was nearly double in size. It’s as if the industry shook off all previous constraints, simultaneously releasing a cascade of noteworthy compositions. As a millennial, I’ve observed the resurgence of my adolescent fads with a blend of nostalgia and bemusement. It’s exciting and perplexing to witness these trends coming back. This year’s narrative was beautifully crafted, with a dominant theme of luscious fruits, savory facets of nuts that found their way into many compositions, and a poignant homage to vanilla. This beloved ingredient was transformed in myriad ways, showing varied intensities, sweetness, and a bold edge across numerous houses. Ai has entered the chat in a more mainstream way, and as the conversation unfolds about fear of it taking over the world, I have a more optimistic outlook, seeing it more as a tool we can use when it comes to research, visual creation, and so many other creative areas. We noticed a shift away from skin-like aromas to perfumes that make a statement, a change that was refreshing to experience. There’s an undoubtful surge in the global interest in perfumery, which is now diverging paths. Some enthusiasts continue to seek detailed insights through long-form content on YouTube and blogs, while many newcomers prefer the quick, vibrant presentations on Instagram reels and TikTok. One thing is sure: regardless of where the market chooses to consume their content and get their information, the industry is growing at the speed of light.

With it comes both innovation and a degree of market saturation, with an unavoidable amount of repetition. However, our olfactive duty remains to explore, assess, interview, and review. This way, readers, viewers, and anyone eager to delve deeper into the world of fragrances can find a reliable reference and a valuable tool in their olfactive journey. With that in mind, for our annual summary, here are my top ten fragrances of 2023, along with five honorable mentions I look forward to wearing and adding to my ever-growing and evolving perfume archive. My top ten best perfumes of 2023 are in no particular order:

Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 collage by Olya©

Thameen London Bravi Cologne Elixir (Bruno Jovanovich): Thameen London Bravi Cologne Elixir truly stands out as one of this year’s most luxurious releases. It’s a masterful blend where the heady scent of tuberose flowers is elegantly entwined with the sweetness of honey and the rich, creamy essence of walnut milk. This fragrance marks a grand finale to a year of triumphant launches at Thameen London. It’s celebrated by the fragrance community for its lush, intoxicating character, infused with a hint of boozy warmth and delicately balanced with a touch of spicy ginger. A festive ode to sensory indulgence. @thameenfragrance @cchonguk @brunojovanovichperfumer

Akro Bake (Olivier Cresp): The latest gem in the Akro collection, “Bake,” has been all the rage on social media lately. It’s like everyone’s talking about this addictive scent that smells just like a lemon cupcake with a meringue topping – and let me tell you, I’ve totally fallen for its gourmand charm too. When it comes to creating mouth-watering fragrances, Olivier Cresp is definitely the guy you want on the job. “Bake” is this perfect mix of comforting, balanced, and it almost feels like you could eat it! It’s like a celebration in a bottle for those of us who can’t resist a bit of sugar. @akrofragrances @oliviercresp

Parfums De Marly Althair (Hamid Merati-Kashani and Ilias Ermenidis): Surprisingly fresh take on vanilla – think elegant, generous, and oozing with boozy orange blossom charisma. Imagine the zest of orange flower and bergamot, paired with the warmth of cardamom and a hint of cinnamon. At the heart, a lavish overdose of vanilla beans creates a rich, textured allure. @parfumsdemarly @hamidmeratikashani @ilasermenedis

Amouage Guidance (Quentin Bisch): Guidance has been a real talk of the town this year. It’s like a masterful interpretation of sensuality, all wrapped up in a gorgeous blend of fruits, flowers, and resins. An ivory tower, right in the middle of shreds of clouds. There’s this delicate, dewy mist of pear, the inviting richness of almond milk, and those little beads of frankincense that just outline what feels like a dreamy haven. It’s like the olfactory version of the most heartwarming, poetic embrace you can imagine. @amouageofficial @quentinbischperfumer

Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja Extrait De Parfum (Jordi Fernandez): Thibaud Crivelli is like a global wanderer, and his travels are nothing short of extraordinary. He’s got this knack for weaving his adventures into his fragrances. Oud Maracuja teases your senses with the tantalizing tartness of passion fruit set against the smokiness of slightly animalic oud. Playing with contrasts and shadows, it feels wildly untamed, yet intoxicating and oddly addictive. It’s like each bottle holds a piece of his adventurous spirit. @maisoncrivelli @thibaud.crivelli @jordi.perfumer

Arquiste L’Or de Louis Rodrigo Flores-Roux): In the heart of Versailles, in the arms of the Orangerie, Arquiste L’Or de Louis weaved a fragrant tale—a testament to the enduring romance that has graced this historic palace for centuries. A scent that whispered of timeless love stories, intoxicating betrayals, and passion, where every note was a tribute to the eternal beauty of Versailles and the heart of Louis himself. A delicate blend of aldehydes, slightly bitter brightness of bergamot set against the dry down of smoky firewood. Its resinous, balsamic grip creates a perfect balance to the animalic sweetness of orange blossom dripping with honey. Bravo Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Carlos Huber. @arquiste @rodrigofloresroux

Blocki Brazilian Lily (Michelle Bruckmann): Blocki Brazilian Lily was spot on with the fig trend which seemed to take everyone by storm. It’s a fragrance that begs to be deeply inhaled, filling your lungs with its airy essence. With each spritz, a cascade of vibrant red currants and lush white figs comes to life, weaving seamlessly with the noble scent of driftwood, evoking the enchanting forests near Brazil’s captivating shores. The gentle caress of amber and musk adds depth to the woody base, complementing rather than overshadowing the heart’s fruity floral notes. Crafted with the finesse of an artist and the soul of a poet, Michelle Bruckmann has created Blocki Brazilian Lily not just as a fragrance, but as a portal to the jungle’s soul, a narrative in every drop, speaking volumes of heritage and whispered stories.@blockiperfumes

The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition (Barb Stegemann and Julie Pluchet): Cherry Ambition, a viral TikTok hit is the juicy, olfactory delight of a ripe cherry, each bite(spritz) bursting with flavor that dances on your taste buds. The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition kicks off with a playful mix of mandarin and cherry blossom, creating a scent that feels like a light touch on the skin. As the scent unfolds, osmanthus steps up, bringing its own fleshy fruity twist, reminiscent of suede like leather. But then, there’s a hint of saffron, adding just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Warm vanilla and marshmallows swirling together, with cherry blossoms popping up in between – it’s like a sweet, gourmet dance. This blend then cozies up with warm amber and musky guaiac wood, wrapping you in a scent that feels like a sweet victory. @the7virtues @barbstegemann @julie.pluchet.perfumer

Lilanur Parfums Zafran Boise (Honorine Blanc): Perhaps one of my favorite releases from LilaNur which was staged as an immersive dinner experience for the launch. From the jasmine of Madurai to the roses of Aligarh, sustainably sourced precious Indian ingredients are at the heart of every LilaNur perfume bringing it even closer to the origin of all its olfactive stories. Inspired by Kashmiri Kahwa Tea, the latest fragrance symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and a sense of community as the smoky tea elixir’s tale dates back to the 15th century. As the scent unfolds, a decadent honeyed praline note emerges, tantalizingly hinting at the gourmand territory. The scent transports you to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kashmir, floating down the lake in the early morning hours when the fog was covering the lake, making it hard to see too far ahead. Brava Honorine Blanc, who has masterfully crafted an unforgettable story that resonates deeply with the soul of Indian heritage—a fragrance that captivates, enchants, and leaves an indelible mark on the senses and a decadent trail behind it. @lilanurparfums

 M. Micallef GNTONIC (Sidonie Grandperret and Geoffrey Nedjman): The most refreshing release of the year. If you tried it you would agree. M. Micallef GNTONIC is the olfactive equivalent of a gin and tonic, just as refreshing and invigorating. Encased in a stunning light green, frosted glass bottle, it’s a shot of a rare aromatic vivacity to be savored anytime. The opening is slightly masculine due to its cologne-like structure, yet it quickly switches flavor gears into something softer and gender neutral. It’s stimulating, mouth-watering, revivifying on a hot day and feels effortless. Like an oversized white button-down, it equally works its refreshing magic on anyone, anywhere, anytime. @parfumsmicallef @geoffreynejman

 Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 Honorable Mentions

 Electimuss Vanille Edesia (Cecile Zarokian): A deep complex vanilla, structured with so many ingredients layered and woven together into a perfect blend. Centered around a vanilla absolute that is rich, dark, and intriguingly salty, its lavish feast for the senses, blending the richness of creamy vanilla with a medley of exotic fruits and zesty citrus, complemented by the sharpness of bitter almond. It’s seasoned with an array of exotic spices like warm cinnamon and zesty pink pepper, creating a captivating aroma. The heart of the scent blooms with the opulent notes of ylang-ylang, the comforting sweetness of heliotrope, and the delicate allure of rose centifolia. Underneath it all lies a seductive, carnal base that combines the deep resonance of amber and musk with the refined boldness of leather, enriched by indulgent gourmand and woody undertones. @electimuslondon @cecilezarokianparfumeur 

Snif Citrus Circus (Gino Percontino, Patricia Choux and Ugo Charron): Guess what? The perfect orange popsicle fragrance does exist, and it’s all thanks to a trio of perfumers: Gino Percontino, Patricia Choux, and Ugo Charron. Ugo, especially, is making waves as an up-and-comer on the Mane team. He’s already left his mark on multiple Snif fragrances and adds a unique twist to his work. When he’s not in the lab, he’s traveling the world with his band, Cosmic Gardens, putting on these incredible music shows that blend the scents with the music’s concept and visuals. ‘Citrus Circus’ is one very bright citrus scent that strikes this perfect balance between warm woods and the freshness of ocean air. The mix is spot-on: a creamsicle accord, tangy grapefruit, a zing of lime zest, the fizz of sparkling water, cozy white amber, and a hint of cedar. It’s like they’ve bottled the essence of a summer day – ultra-realistic and just perfectly balanced. @snif.co @ugoartperfume  @patriciachoux @cosmic.gardens.official

Personal message to perfumer Patricia Choux, Happy Birthday December 30th-Michelyn

Mancera Tonka Cola: This fizzy celebration of cola’s nostalgic taste warmed my heart. A spot-on recreation of a blissful first sip of a sparkling cola on a sun-drenched summer day. It’s a vibrant, jubilant splash of Sicilian lemon, bursting with life, reminiscent of my childhood days when cola was a treasured treat reserved for special occasions. Not only did the brand focus on the trendy direction of beverages we saw starting to pick up strength last year, but it also played on the concept of the cherry accord, which was all the craze in 2023 in fashion, beauty, and no fragrances.@mancera

Vilhelm Parfumerie Faces of Francis (Bertrand Duchaufour): Truly one of the most noteworthy toasted pistachio releases this year, paying ode to the artistic mind and boundless creativity. In his studio, the artist’s mind wanders to a volcanic island in the Mediterranean. He reminisces about the vibrant colors and intoxicating smells of Tangier, where the scent of pistachio mingles with the richness of saffron. He reflects on his travels, both real and imagined, that continue to stir his senses. For him, inspiration is a journey that dances between the memories of the past and the desires of the present (review coming soon). @vilhelm_parfumerie

Parfums Dusita Rosarine (Pissara Umavijani): Rosarine by Parfums Dusita is like a dreamy stroll through a rose garden, the inspiration came from Pissara’s first enchanting encounter with the rose gardens at Bagatelle Park in Paris. I wore it on my skin through multiple outings in Milan and it made me feel like I was in a personal cocoon of roses dusted with cocoa. The weather was quite crisp and it morphed into a sensual, comforting and transportive scent trail. @parfumsdusita

 Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 Best Trend of 2023

The standout trend of 2023 in the fragrance world has been the inventive use of nutty accords. It’s a fascinating shift, bringing an intricate savory twist to many scents. Take, for example, the hazelnuts in Amouage’s Guidance, artfully blended with Omani frankincense, or the toasted pistachios against salty driftwood in Vilhelm Parfumerie’s Faces of Francis. And Thameen London’s Bravi is a particularly delightful creation, with its rich walnut milk infused with ginger and honey. It even showed up in the more commercial brands like Kayali with Olivier Cresp behind its pistachio based Yum. This trend has expanded the horizon way beyond the usual nutty players such as almonds and coconuts, and introduced a new layer of depth and complexity to fragrances, marking several as my personal favorites for the year. It seems the perfume industry has gone ‘nuts’ in the best way possible, and I’m definitely on board with this evolution.

Disclosure bottles and samples were gifted me throughout the year, but opinions are my own

Olya Bar, Editor

Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023

2023 has been an eventful and transformative year to say the least, especially when it comes to the perfume industry. While many flankers have been released, we have also observed both niche and designer brands put out some highly original creations. There have been some reinterpretations to classics such as Jubilation 40 and Ganymede Elixir. On the flip side of the same coin, original creations such as Jany and GNTonic have graced us with their olfactory splendor. Finally, it is time to go over some of the favorite releases of 2023, and here we have some true gems in what seemed to be an interminable sea of releases. My top ten best perfumes 2023 are in no order.

Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 collage of Steven’s selections by Olya Bar©

Parfums de Marly Althair (Hamid-Merati Kashani and Ilias Ermenidis) While Parfums de Marly is no stranger to the note of vanilla (Carlisle, Oriana, etc.), Althaïr is a gourmand expression of vanilla with spicy accents of cinnamon and cardamom. A gourmand touch of praline is present in the base, and elemi resin joins the vanilla to create one of the most unique amber accords. This highly anticipated release proves the consistent quality of the Marly brand. @parfumsdemarly  @hamidmeratikashani @ilasermenedis

Guerlain Tobacco Honey (Delphine Jelk): Honey and tobacco are notes in perfumes that have been presented as a pair many times in the past. However, this special release by Guerlain throws vanilla, anise, and sesame seeds into the mix for a gourmand experience like no other. Oud and tonka bean occupy the base for a finish that is both mysterious and tenacious. It takes a drastic turn for a tobacco fragrance to be unique in today’s olfactive landscape, and Guerlain managed to create magic once again.@guerlain @delphinejelk

Sora Dora Jany (Perfumer Undisclosed): Gourmand perfumes seem to be ubiquitous. However, Jany crafts some unique accords of puff pastry and baked apple for a perfume so delicious you’d want to eat it. This warm apple sensation marries nutty notes, caramel, and vanilla for a medley of sweet tones that will leave you salivating. Jany is a novel gourmand experience, and with this holiday season being the perfect time to wear such a fragrance, it’s hard to resist owning a bottle! @sora_dora

Creed Absolu Aventus (Jean Christophe Herault): Absolu Aventus is the much-anticipated flanker that is released 13 years after the release of the original. This new expression of the Aventus DNA spotlights notes of grapefruit, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and patchouli. The darker twists make this what many people call the “sophisticated older brother” to the iconic Aventus. One thing is for sure: consumers did not wait to sample this new release from the niche giant, and most have found a new love in their olfactory wardrobe. @jeanchristopheherault @creedfragrance 

Amouage Jubilation 40 (Bertrand Duchaufour): Jubilation 40 is a reinterpretation of the classic Jubilation XXV. This perfume combines the iconic blackberry and opoponax opening with a tart and lively blackcurrant ingredient. The smoothness of the blend is noticeable at first sniff, and the oud dry down provides strength and sustenance. Spices like clove and cinnamon intermingle to pique our interest with their enigmatic charm. The allure of patchouli and ambergris are present in the dry down. Jubilation 40 is a modern masterpiece with longevity and intrigue. @amouageofficial @renaudsalmon

Electimuss Vanilla Edesia (Cecile Zarokian): Perfumer Cecile Zarokian has utilized vanilla in some of the most enchanting ways in the past. One example of this is Ani from the Turkish brand Nishane. However, in 2023, she combined vanilla with frankincense for an experience that is meditatively sweet. An abundance of spices occupies the heart, and they include cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Pink pepper combines with rose for a floral and spicy sensation. Vetiver and patchouli establish the verdant qualities in the base. Vanilla Edesia is the best vanilla composition released in 2023. @electimusslondon @cecilezarokianparfumeur @jovoymayfair

Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede Extrait (Quentin Bisch): Immortelle is such a unique floral ingredient. While it doesn’t smell floral in a typical or expected sense, it instead adopts aromas of honey, tobacco leave, and even dry hay. This is used in Ganymede Extrait, and this unique flower is joined by incense, myrrh, and saffron. The experience of this fragrance is altogether enigmatic, mysterious, meditative, and harmonious.@quentinbischperfumer @marcantoinebarrois

Aaron Terence Hughes Hard Candy Elixir (Aaron Terence Hughes): Hard Candy Elixir is the follow-up to the ever-so-popular Hard Candy. This sweet perfume opens with honey and strawberry. A pairing of mint and lavender is both bright and aromatic. The sweetness in the base is comprised of sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla. If you’re in the market for a fragrance with unparalleled longevity, you will find precisely what you are looking for with Hard Candy Elixir! @aaronterencehughes

Navitus Parfums Ambrosia Imperiale (Bertrand Duchaufour): Leave it to perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour to craft a unique composition spotlighting some of the most unorthodox and unexpected ingredients. That’s what you will get with Ambrosia Imperiale. This amber fragrance opens with a banana note that is soaked in spicy and intoxicating rum. Dates add to the fruity and exotic sweetness while vanilla, caramel, and whipped cream offer a medley of sweetness in the dry down. This fruity amber perfume is a testament to the originality in the perfume industry. @navitusparfums #bertrandduchaufour

Micallef GNTONIC (Sidonie Grandperret): With a name like GNTONIC, one expects refreshment, relaxation, fizziness, and perhaps even intoxication! You will get all of the above with this summer release by M. Micallef! An opening of tonic water is effervescent and bubbly. Hints of mint add to the brightness while the citrus zest is inviting and charismatic. The green base is comprised primarily of vetiver and moss, which both also add to the longevity and the complexity. @parfumsmicallef

–Steven Gavrielatos, Video Contributor

Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 Finale Giveaway

Mille Mercis to the team at Parfums M. Micallef for a 100ml bottle of GNTONIC for one registered reader in the USA, EU, UK or UA

Thanks to the largesse of Navitus Parfums we have a 125 ml bottle of Ambrosia Imperiale for one registered reader USA ONLY

Please leave a QUALITY comment with your thoughts on Olya’s and Steven’s Top Ten Best Perfumes 2023 where you live and which you would like to win. You must be a registered reader. Draw closes January 3, 2024.

Please check the giveaways that are still open to enter. Part 4 includes giveaways from Nicoleta and J Wearescentient picks Francesca Bianchi Byzantine Amber and Parfums Artimique sampler, Karl and Michael’s Part 5 with Electimuss London Vanilla Edesia and Gallagher Fragrances Purple Powder. Part 6 with Danu’s and Rachel’s choices of Kajal IV and Stora Skuggan Hexensalbe and Part 7 with Hernando’s and Sandi’s selections Parfums Quartana Forest of the Golden Dream and Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Iris Médicis Intense.

On behalf of the entire team at ÇaFleureBon, we wish all our readers and viewers a healthy, prosperous and fantastic smelling 2024.

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