Kim Kardashian's perfume (Photo by Everett Collection on Shutterstock)
In a world of luxury fragrances dominated by designer houses, celebrity perfumes have carved out their own captivating niche, offering both star power and surprising sophistication at accessible price points. From red carpet icons to pop culture royalty, these celebrity-backed scents have evolved far beyond simple marketing ploys, with several becoming legitimate competitors to high-end brands. Our extensive research reveals which star-studded fragrances actually deliver on their promises – and which ones are truly worth your money. This list of the best celebrity perfumes is based on the consensus top scents among fragrance experts. Let us know if you agree with the list in the comments below!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Smell like a star with these celebrity perfumes
1. Fame by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s Fame fragrance, launched at New York’s Guggenheim Museum in 2012, made history as the first-ever black eau de parfum that becomes invisible when sprayed, according to Prestige Online. Her Haus Laboratories later followed up with Eau de Gaga, a unisex scent featuring sparkling lime, wood, and musk notes.
Pure Wow describes Fame as a sweet, musky blend of honey, apricot, and florals, presented in a striking gold-accented bottle that reflects Gaga’s artistic vision. The scent is designed to embody the very essence of fame itself.
You may have to search high and low for this fragrance because Rolling Stone says that Fame has become scarce in major retail stores. This avant-garde fragrance – with its sophisticated blend of honey, apricot, belladonna, orchid, and jasmine sambac – remains available through online retailers and resale platforms, preserving its status as a collector’s item among fragrance enthusiasts.
2. White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor
White Diamonds, launched by Elizabeth Taylor in 1991, remains the highest-selling celebrity fragrance of all time. Style Craze details its complex composition, from bright top notes of orange and bergamot through a floral heart of jasmine and rose, down to a sophisticated base of musk, amber, and oakmoss.
The fragrance has achieved cult status, with Pure Wow pointing out its impressive 9,600+ reviews and loyal following spanning decades. Its enduring blend of gardenia, lilies, and Narcisse continues to captivate longtime fans.
While Byrdie acknowledges the scent’s iconic status and memorable bottle design, they note its vintage character might not appeal to those seeking more contemporary fragrances. However, this classic quality is precisely what has cemented White Diamonds’ place in perfume history.
3. Killer Queen by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s Killer Queen marked a sophisticated departure from her earlier fragrances. Harper’s Bazaar loves its rich gourmand profile of spicy chocolate and berries, grounded by jasmine sambac, patchouli, and praline.
Pure Wow says that the fragrance’s unique blend of dark berries, plum, bergamot, patchouli, and cashmere has earned devoted fans who appreciate its distinctive but not overwhelming presence. The striking bottle design adds to its appeal, though Byrdie points out it requires horizontal storage.
Despite the impractical packaging, Byrdie commends the perfume’s excellent value. The generously sized bottle delivers a playful, modern fragrance. The Queen of Hearts-inspired design reflects Perry’s evolution from whimsical cat-shaped bottles to a more sophisticated presentation.
4. Glow by Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s Glow, launched in 2002, sparked the celebrity fragrance boom of the early 2000s. According to Rolling Stone, this bestseller combines orange blossom, neroli, and grapefruit for a fresh, citrusy floral aroma.
Now, this is a fragrance with a cultural impact. Refinery29 says it embodies Lopez’s early-career glamour and inspired a generation of young fans to explore more sophisticated fragrances, despite its relatively simple composition.
Pure Wow calls Glow a nostalgic classic that balances citrus and fruit notes with vanilla for an unexpectedly harmonious blend. The scent has maintained its popularity long enough to transition from trendy to timeless, though it remains distinctly evocative of its early 2000s origins.
5. Scent From Above by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton‘s debut fragrance, Scent From Above, made a splashy entrance during a Super Bowl Squarespace commercial. Prestige Online details its blend of mandarin, jasmine, pear, and patchouli, housed in a pink bottle topped with a crystal butterfly.
Pure Wow notes that the fragrance’s fruity-floral combination, featuring vanilla and amber woods alongside its core notes, evokes the whimsical spirit of Dollywood. Edge Beauty partnered with the country icon to produce this signature scent under her personal brand. It’s nothing short of iconic.
6. Ariana Grande Ari Eau De Parfum Spray
Ariana Grande’s Ari perfume, launched in 2015, has earned a devoted following for its addictive blend of pear, raspberry, and rosebuds, topped with a distinctive marshmallow note. Fabbon notes how the playful fragrance strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sexy.
Refinery29 particularly praises Ari’s more mature character compared to Grande’s other fragrances. The sophisticated combination of pink grapefruit, raspberry, vanilla orchid, and rose, while the signature marshmallow adds a gentle sweetness that’s become a hallmark of Grande’s scent collection.
Accoridng to Elle, this third fragrance from Grande’s line has demonstrated impressive staying power in the celebrity perfume market. Its charming pom-pom-adorned bottle design proves as appealing as its fruity fragrance profile.
7. Kim Kardashian Eau De Parfum Spray
With its luxurious blend of creamy florals and exotic woods, Kim Kardashian’s signature fragrance has proven its staying power in the celebrity perfume market. Fabbon raves about the sophisticated composition of mandarin orange and honeysuckle layered with tuberose, gardenia, and jasmine, all grounded by sandalwood and orchid.
The subtle hint of orchid gives the fragrance an exotic touch, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique scent profile. Harper’s Bazaar emphasizes the fragrance’s ability to withstand blind testing, with its sophisticated tuberose-forward composition rivaling much more expensive perfumes.
Users are drawn to the luxurious depth provided by the gardenia and jasmine, creating an elegant and sophisticated aura. Elle says this highest-rated scent from Kardashian’s collection has achieved longevity through its light, creamy, and sensual character that remains perpetually stylish.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
