Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
Do you remember a world before Byredo perfumes took over our vanities and beauty routines? Founded in 2006 by Ben Gorham, Byredo quickly became one of the most instantly recognizable fragrance lines of the 2010s, popping up in magazines, blogs, and countless styled Instagram flatlays, and wafting through the air in the world’s most fashionable cities. The bottles were sleek, chic, and minimalist; the scents were light, fresh, and unique; and they seemed to be the fashion crowd’s new obsession. Naturally, the world wanted in. Since then, Byredo has become an icon of the fragrance world alongside 2010s peers like Le Labo.
The Best Byredo Perfumes
- Best for Everyday Wear: Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum, $235
- Best Unconventional Gourmand: Future Memories Eau de Parfum, $235
- Best for Cozy Season: Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum, $235
- Best for the Office: Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum, $235
- Best Leather: Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum, $235
While Byredo was acquired by Puig in 2022 and eventually expanded into color cosmetics, the scents are what keep us coming back. Mojave Ghost, Rose of No Man’s Land, and Gypsy Water are practically legendary, and Byredo’s candles are just as beloved as its perfumes. Byredo’s fragrance line has grown to encompass nearly every genre, including woody and leather scents, coconut and vanilla gourmands, and unique florals, all with the signature cool edge that is so distinctly Byredo. Ahead, discover the best Byredo perfumes to adorn your vanity and elevate your perfume rotation.
Best for Everyday Wear: Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: One of the brand’s most popular scents is the woody-floral Mojave Ghost, inspired by the persistent blooms of the famous Mojave Desert. Instead of a lush, creamy floral, Mojave Ghost is crisp and dry: It opens with the unique tang of magnolia, which is softened by sweet, powdery violet and a base of musks and woods. I often call scents like this “shampoo florals,” which is a total compliment! They smell clean and fresh, like you washed your hair with an expensive shampoo and the scent followed you around all day.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
LargeChevron
“An icon in my fragrance wardrobe! I've been wearing Mojave Ghost for years, and the warm, woody scent never gets old. It opens with sandalwood and cedarwood, with magnolia and violet flowers poking through, and then dries down to the coziest musks. Compared to the fruity and floral perfumes in my collection, this wood-forward eau de parfum is definitely an enigma—and that's why I love it so much.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: ambrette, magnolia, violet, cedarwood
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz
Best Unconventional Gourmand: Future Memories Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Future Memories
Byredo
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Byredo Future Memories Eau de Parfum
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: Fragrance is deeply tied to memory; simply smell your high school perfume and chances are it’ll send you right back to algebra class or junior prom. Byredo’s Future Memories wants to be part of your nostalgic scent journey for this chapter of your life, and it’s certainly memorable, with a unique, almost bitter green opening of galbanum—a resin with a sharp, earthy scent—soapy aldehydes, and blackcurrant. Future Memories relaxes with wear, sinking into a warm, cozy heart of iris, amber, and plush, pillowy vanilla. If syrupy gourmands aren’t exactly your thing but you like the idea of a vanilla scent and prefer something a little more down to earth, this green, ambery vanilla is probably right up your aromatic alley.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
LargeChevron
"There's a lot of perfume spritzing happening in the Allure office on any given day, so it's rare that multiple people would notice one fragrance in the same day. Yet, that's exactly what happened when I wore Future Memories to the office for the first time. I had the pleasure of experiencing multiple people swiveling their desk chairs around and going, "Someone smells so good, what perfume is that?" If you're vanilla-curious but err on the side of the woody and green, this fragrance strikes the perfect balance. The vanilla fades into something earthier after a bit, but it's a crowd pleaser the entire time." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: galbanum, blackcurrant, aldehydes, iris, amber, musks, vanilla
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best for Cozy Season: Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin spritzing the Eyes Closed eau de parfum
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Eyes Closed is instantly comforting, like slipping into the embrace of someone you hold very dear to your heart. It captures the peaceful feeling of being fully enveloped in love and softness, breathing in the moment with your eyes closed to savor every second. Cinnamon and cardamom blend with carrot—which perfumers often use to create the illusion of warm skin or ease—and orris, another popular skin-scent note. Wear it for your next romantic getaway or one of those stay-in-bed weekends.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
LargeChevron
“This is the fragrance that stops people in their tracks when I wear it—particularly when it's pitch-perfect in fall. If you read reviews, you might think that you’ll smell like a walking carrot cake, but there’s so much elegance and depth balancing out the just-baked vibes. Eyes Closed walks the gourmand-spice line so deftly that it’s not a saccharine or cloying scent at all. I think that’s thanks to the woody notes and moody patchouli. I recommend it for anyone looking for a late summer, early fall, or all-winter fragrance. Oh so cozy.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: cardamom, cinnamon, carrot, orris, patchouli, papyrus
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best for the Office: Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Allure manager of consumer revenue Hannah Brower applying the Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
Hannah Brower
Why it's worth it: Gypsy Water was Byredo’s breakout hit; I remember seeing it everywhere after it launched in 2008. And while I initially eschewed the scent for being too popular, I now see the error of my ways. Gypsy Water is an era-defining scent: a spicy, sparkling, peppery citrus perfume with a woody warmth. Bergamot and lemon radiate on the skin straight out of the bottle, with the incense and pepper combo adding depth and intrigue and a base of amber, woods, and vanilla singing backup. Gypsy Water is a timeless scent that would’ve been a hit in the swinging ‘60s and groovy ‘70s, but feels just as relevant today.
Tester feedback from manager of consumer revenue Hannah Brower
LargeChevron
“Clean girls who want a little edge, this one’s for you. Gypsy Water is like a jack of all trades—bright, cozy, and genderless. It blends fresh citrus with the spice of pepper and the warmth of sandalwood and amber. I typically don’t gravitate toward citrus fragrances, but this one has an unexpected depth and a little mystery that keeps me coming back. Somehow, it works year-round.” —Hannah Brower, manager of consumer revenue
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: bergamot, lemon, pepper, incense, amber, woods, vanilla
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
Best Beachy: Alto Astral Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Alto Astral Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Alto Astral Eau de Parfum
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: According to the brand, Alto Astral was named for “a vibrant Brazilian Portuguese expression that evokes an elevated state of mind.” The joyful, beachy scent is an ode to Brazilian culture, opening with an intriguing combination of coconut and aldehydes (notes that make a fragrance “sparkle” or feel soapy and light), balanced by jasmine, incense, woods, and musk. It’s the kind of elixir you spray on in the dead of winter to cheer you up, or apply before one of those hot, humid nights on vacation.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
LargeChevron
“During the day, I gravitate toward lightweight, fresh floral scents. This one is for a date night out—it’s a memorable, full-bodied jasmine scent that’s milky, musky, and bright all at once.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: coconut, jasmine, incense, musk, sandalwood, amber
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best for Date Night: Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Allure contributor Kara Nesvig applying the Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land
Kara Nesvig
Why it's worth it: Rose is the main character of this popular floral fragrance. To be specific, it’s damask rose (also known as rosa damascena), a flower with a warmer, spicier, and almost honeyed fragrance versus the light, soft rose scent you notice from grocery store or bodega flowers. The star note imparts a gorgeous richness that is then uplifted by the sparkle of pink pepper and a generous squeeze of juicy raspberry. Rose of No Man’s Land is one of Byredo’s bestselling scents because it encapsulates the brand’s ethos: taking familiar notes and elements and bringing them to life in a new way.
Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig
LargeChevron
I love rose. I love pink pepper. Thus, I love Rose of No Man’s Land! I’ll try pretty much any rose-centric fragrance, but the scents that stick around tend to have something special about them. In this case, it’s the pink pepper and raspberry combo, which takes rose from sweet garden flower to pop star cool. If you, like me, are a rose lover, don’t miss Rose Noir, which is like Rose of No Man’s Land’s slightly edgier, punk cousin.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: rose, pink pepper, raspberry, amber
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
Best Leather: Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Why it's worth it: Bibliothèque actually debuted as a candle, and fans were quick to beg Byredo to make it a personal fragrance. They listened and created this leathery, woody scent inspired by antique leather-bound books in an historic library—the kind with shelves carved from rich mahogany and long, sweeping tables where generations have studied and fallen for the written word. But you won’t smell musty or dusty while wearing Bibliothèque; plum and violet warm up to the heavier leather and patchouli notes for a bookish blend that begs to be paired with a soft sweater and your TBR stack this fall.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: plum, leather, violet, patchouli
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Viral Favorite: Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Why it's worth it: Bal d’Afrique comes with a lot of hype from PerfumeTok, but we’re happy to say it lives up to those enthusiastic kudos. The warm floral scent has a lush, creamy sweetness that makes it feel almost addictive, driven by blackcurrant, jasmine, musk, and tonka. As it wears, however, it shapeshifts into something woodier and more complex with a base of vetiver and cedarwood; the cedar notes are particularly prominent here. Because of this wide-ranging mix of fruity, floral, and woody elements, Bal d’Afrique is the kind of scent that appeals to a vast variety of fragrance lovers and would also be a great entry point into the world of Byredo. It’s easy to wear and easy to love. (And so is the Absolu version, just FYI.)
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: bergamot, violet, blackcurrant, jasmine, musk, tonka, vetiver
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
Best Vanilla: Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum
Byredo
Why it's worth it: Vanilla people really love vanilla and want to wear it 24/7. If that’s you, may we present Vanille Antique? It’s an extrait de parfum versus an EDT or EDP, which means it has a higher concentration of fragrance oil for greater projection and longevity—in other words, more vanilla goodness to sink your teeth into. Madagascar vanilla, which has a rich, intensely creamy scent, is the star of the show, framed by a fruity-floral mix of freesia and plum up top and a complex base of amber, woods, and cistus, a resin with a warm, ambery fragrance profile.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: freesia, plum, amber, woods, vanilla
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best for a Wedding: Blanche Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
Blanche Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Why it's worth it: You simply cannot have a roundup of the best Byredo perfumes without Ms. Blanche! Its name, which translates to “white,” conveys clean sheets, fresh skin, quiet moments, and bar soap—and the fragrance does, too. As you might expect, Blanche is an aldehydic scent with a powdery soapiness enhanced by squeaky-clean rose and violet notes, set atop a cashmere-soft musk base. Pair it with a white linen dress or a crisp dress shirt when you crave a reset or fresh start—or wear it as your wedding-day fragrance for a very literal interpretation of the whole “white dress” thing.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: aldehyde, rose, peony, violet, musk
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
Best Out-All-Night Party Scent: 1996 Eau de Parfum
Save to wishlist
Byredo
1996 Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Why it's worth it: Ahh, leather jacket weather! This iconic Byredo scent, inspired by a photo taken by legendary fashion photographers Inez & Vinoodh, is the fragrance equivalent of your favorite worn-in, slouchy leather moto jacket—the one you splurged on years ago and still reach for year after year. It’s spicy, smoky, and sexy, the kind of scent you want to get very, very close to, especially in cooler weather. Despite its peppery leather opening, 1996 is actually more snuggly than standoffish, thanks to a heart of powdery violet, woody patchouli, and luxurious amber.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key notes: pepper, leather, violet, amber, patchouli
- Sizes: 3.4 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our review of the best Byredo perfumes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
