Lately I’ve been reaching for perfumes depending completely on my mood and where I’m going. Some scents make me feel elegant and confident, while others feel fresh, playful, or comforting.

I also love perfumes that leave people asking, “Wait… what perfume are you wearing?” because those are always the scents that end up becoming my favorites. These are the three perfumes currently living rent-free in my head.

Penhaligon’s — Empressa

Price: $380

This perfume feels luxurious from the very first spray. The mix of peach, vanilla, blood orange, and warm notes creates such an elegant scent that feels rich without becoming overpowering. Whenever I wear this on dates or fancy dinners, people always ask about it. There’s something addictive about how warm and feminine it smells.

It gives off confident, classy energy while still feeling soft and attractive at the same time. I honestly feel like this perfume leaves the strongest impression out of my collection.

Jo Malone — Sea Daffodil (Limited Edition)

Price: $229

This perfume feels bright, airy, and refreshing in the prettiest way. The citrus opening mixed with floral notes and soft vanilla makes it smell very clean but still memorable. I love wearing this during casual outings because it smells effortless and fresh without trying too hard. It’s the type of scent that makes people turn their heads because it smells different from typical sweet perfumes.

Every time I wear this outside, someone ends up asking what I’m wearing. It has that fresh “clean but expensive” kind of vibe that works so well during warmer weather.

Guerlain Paris — Aqua Allegoria Rosa Rossa

Price: $169

This perfume feels playful, fruity, and cheerful. The pear, grapefruit, and lemon notes make it smell juicy and bright, while the floral base keeps it soft and feminine. Compared to the other two perfumes, this one feels lighter and sweeter in a very effortless way.

It’s the kind of scent that instantly lifts your mood and makes everything feel a little more fun and relaxed. I especially love this for daytime plans because it feels youthful, fresh, and easy to wear without becoming too intense.

I’ve realized the perfumes I end up loving most aren’t necessarily the trendiest ones — they’re the scents that match certain moments and moods so perfectly that they almost become part of the memory itself. And honestly, finding a perfume that people remember you by is one of the best feelings ever.