Beauty editors concur: These 13 fragrances from Nordstrom are the most likely to earn you compliments.

      (Image credit: Original art by Audrey Hedlund)

      In my opinion, there are two main categories of perfumes. The first type I refer to as a "slow-burn" scent. At first, it might not captivate you, but over time, you find yourself drawn back to it. Eventually, you discover that you've developed a deep affection for it, making it one of your favorite fragrances. The second type is the instant connection. You fall head over heels with it right from the first whiff, and it might even become your signature scent. Recently, I've come to identify a third type: the compliment-magnet category. These fragrances are guaranteed to earn you endless praise from friends, family, and even strangers on the street. Whatever you call it—innate popularity or universal attraction—these scents possess that quality. And coincidentally, some of the most reliable and attention-grabbing options can be found at Nordstrom. That's why I believed it was the perfect moment for a shopping guide. Below, we've compiled a list of 13 Nordstrom perfumes known for their high potential to garner compliments, as highlighted by five fragrance-enthusiastic WWW editors.

      BYREDO

      Casablanca Lily Extrait De Parfum

      Fragrance notes: Plum, gardenia, carnation, Indian tuberose. If we spot this perfume on your vanity, we'll recognize you as a true fragrance connoisseur. Byredo's Casablanca Lily is an IYKYK scent that may not receive as much attention as its other offerings (like Gypsy Water, Mojave Ghost, and Bal d'Afrique), yet it consistently wins compliments. That's according to Erin Jahns, WWW's beauty director, who considers it one of her all-time favorite Byredo scents. Part of the brand's concentrated Night Veils collection, it is said to convey mystery, sensuality, and nighttime elegance. The notes of plum, gardenia, carnation, Indian tuberose, rosewood, and honey "unfold gradually like petals opening in the calm of night." It's modern, distinctive, and captivating.

      AMOUAGE

      Guidance Eau De Parfum

      Fragrance notes: Pear, frankincense, hazelnut, saffron, rose, jasmine sambac, osmanthus, cistus, sandalwood, akigalawood, ambergris, vanilla. If your taste leans towards perfumes that are rich, sophisticated, and statement-making without being overpowering, Amouage's Guidance Eau de Parfum will delight you. It’s a vibrant mix of fruity, nutty, woody, and floral notes: pear, hazelnut, vanilla, sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. The brand poetically describes the enticing fragrance as one that "reads like a poem, smells like an embrace, and feels like a word of wisdom." Jamie Schneider, WWW's senior beauty editor, shares her love for it and claims she can detect it on anyone. No wonder it received a prestigious Who What Wear 100 beauty award.

      D.S. & Durga

      I Don't Know What

      Fragrance notes: Bergamot essence, iso E Super, vetiver acetate, civetone, firsantol, ambrox super. Technically a "fragrance enhancer" rather than a conventional perfume, this formula is designed to be layered with other scents to create a certain "je ne sais quoi." Although intended to be layered, the WWW beauty team often wears it alone. It begins with a burst of bergamot, a floral-citrus note reminiscent of an extravagant Italian villa, and then settles into a fresh, elevated scent that feels "your-skin-but-better." It's subtle, ideal for anyone who prefers a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts.

      Perfumehead

      Cosmic Cowboy Extrait De Parfum

      Fragrance notes: Cinnamon bark, tobacco leaf, cacao blanc, black musk. Both Jahns and Schneider regard Cosmic Cowboy as one of the most complimented perfumes in their extensive fragrance collections. It has a smoky, hazy, and sultry character—reminiscent of the Sunset Strip in the 1970s. Described as "glitter and grit in equal measure," it's an opulent scent with a rebellious edge. The warmth of cinnamon bark, luxurious suede, and creamy tonka bean notes offer a flirty smile that helps bypass the line at events. Meanwhile, the hazy tobacco leaf, sultry black musk, and boozy whisky notes provide the daring edge needed to sneak backstage with the band. It's a truly unique fragrance. As the brand eloquently states, it's "an invitation to pass through a velvet haze where neon shines through smoke."

      Parfums de Marly

      Delina Eau De Parfum

      Fragrance notes: Rhubarb, lychee, bergamot essence, Turkish rose, peony, vanilla, cashmeran, musk, vetiver. Alyssa Brascia, WWW's associate