How we rank
Every ranking rests on four criteria. Influence comes first: a perfume that set the model for a family, like N°5 or Angel, weighs more than a passing hit. Composition is next, judged on the clarity of the idea rather than the length of the notes list. Versatility counts too, since most people wear one perfume day to day. Finally, presence on skin is rated 1 to 5 in our fact sheets. No single criterion wins: a very strong perfume can finish low if it only works on winter nights. We ignore price and sales figures, and no brand pays to appear on a list. Every pick links to a perfume fact sheet where you can check the notes, the perfumer and the year. When a bestseller is missing, we say why.