Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The 10 Best Amber Perfumes for a Seriously Sexy Spritz
Amber is extremely versatile and can be paired with everything from florals to woody notes to musk.
With many notes in perfumery, you know precisely what they are outside of the bottle. The best citrus perfumes all have, well, citrus. Ditto for the best lavender perfumes. But amber perfume is a bit more complex.
"Amber refers to a fragrance family primarily incorporating vanilla and soft, powdery notes. These elements give Amber scents their characteristic warmth and softness," explains dsm-firmenich perfumer Alexandra Monet. And like true vanilla, amber can add a "sensual, enveloping feel," says the perfumer. This note is also extremely versatile and can be paired with everything from florals to woody notes to musk. "You can use it in a traditional sense or take a more modern approach by combining it with gourmand notes like cotton candy, brown sugar, or nuts," explains Monet.
If you're looking to add amber to your fragrance repertoire, consider it done. Ahead, we've rounded up the 10 best amber perfumes, with selections from Monet herself, along with Bazaar editors' own favorites and more.
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pricey
If some of Chanel's fragrance offerings are on the powdery side for you, consider this stunner: The ultimate blend of spicy, floral, and sweet, Chance is a classic fragrance that never fails.
Notes: Pink pepper, jasmine, and amber patchouli
Ellis Brooklyn Super Amber Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Not overly sweet
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn't last long
For deep, sensual amber straight-up, no chaser, you can't go wrong with this elixir from Ellis Brooklyn. The accord is strengthened by notes of vanilla and musk, which give it an overall warmth that tames the sweetness.
Notes: Amber, vanilla orchid, Virginia cedarwood, musk
Pros
- Soft and elegant
Cons
- Pricey
If you love the scent of rose, consider this elegant Dior blend. “I wouldn’t exactly call myself a connoisseur of amber perfumes, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would likely be Dior’s Ambre Nuit eau de parfum," says Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor. "Along with an amber top note, the fragrance also contains Damascus rose that expertly rounds out its spiciness."
Notes: Amber, Damascus rose
Lake & Skye Apaaray Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Soft and clean
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn't last long
Try this genderless scent from the brand that brought you the popular 11 11. fruity and floral notes open up the senses before settling into grounding amber and a blend of woody base notes.
Notes:
- Top: fig, lemon
- Middle: orris, violet, creme de musk
- Base: sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, cedarwood
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May be too strong for some
Alien is mysterious, sexy, and bold—the perfect date night scent, though we love it for daytime too. It's on the intense side, but those who love this fragrance can attest that it will earn you daily compliments.
Notes: Jasmine sambac, Cashmeran wood, white amber
Pros
- Lovely for evening
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as a traditional eau de parfum
Originally introduced as the limited edition "After Hours," this mist was so popular that Sol de Janeiro brought it back full-time. A sweet (but not saccharine) amber floral, it can be spritzed on head to toe for a night out—or the morning after.
Notes:
- Top: Black currant, pear nectar
- Middle: Midnight jasmine, vanilla crème, lush freesia
- Base: Amber woods, caramelized patchouli
Pros
- Not overly sweet
Cons
- Pricey
A favorite of Monet's is Le Labo Vanille 44, which the perfumer describes as "a very chic and elegant amber fragrance where the vanilla is associated with woody notes and olibanum," adding that the blend "gives a lot of mystery to this perfume."
Notes: vanilla, amber, incense, mandarin orange
Pros
- Sultry and deep for fall and winter
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn't last long
In addition to having one of the most beautiful bottles, Bazaar Beauty Director Jenna Rosenstein personally loves this musky amber perfume, raving that it "makes me smell like a hot person!"
Notes: Rose centifolia, amber, musk
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pricey
The rose and raspberry notes in Chloé's legendary perfume are iconically French and feminine. As it settles into your skin, the warmer amber and woody notes take over for something just as lovely, but a little sultrier.
Notes:
- Top: Raspberry
- Middle: Rose
- Base: Ambrox, cashmeran, cedar
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May be too dry for some amber purists
Amber may naturally lend itself more to gourmands, but this dry fragrance takes things a bit upside down with grassy, woody, and leather notes.
Notes:
- Top: Japanese cedar, incense, sawara cypress
- Middle: Asahi zuru maple, patchouli, iris
- Base: Hinoki, leather, tree moss
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Monet is a perfumer at dsm-firmenich.
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
