There’s nothing like finding the fragrance that captures a mood, a moment, or a memory. This season, I’ve teamed up with my friend Sofia from YouTube’s @SofiaSeesBeauty to bring you our most-loved scents of the year — a mix of sensual, sophisticated, and downright addictive picks that make the perfect holiday gifts.

If you’re not already following Sofia, you absolutely should. She’s an accessible luxury enthusiast with a keen eye (and nose!) for high-end beauty, mid-range handbags, and everything that adds a little extra luxe to everyday life.

With holiday shopping in full swing, we thought it would be fun to each share our Top 3 fragrance picks — whether you’re shopping for your mom, your bestie, or yourself (because self-gifting totally counts).

Click on the images for links*

Amit’s Pick: Initio Parfums Privés Lift Me Up

A radiant burst of sunshine in a bottle. Lift Me Up channels pure positivity with bright notes of Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, and Magnolia, grounded in warm Musk, roasted Tonka, and creamy Vanilla. It’s your instant mood elevator — think “summer forever,” bottled. $430 / 90 ml

Sofia’s Pick: Merit Retrospect

Sofia fell in love with this one the moment it launched — and it’s easy to see why. It opens with bright bergamot and pear, unfolds into a delicate floral heart of jasmine, rose, and violet, and settles into a soft base of vanilla, musk, and moss. It’s modern, romantic, and endlessly elegant — the kind of scent that makes you feel put together, even on casual days. $92 / 30 ml

Amit’s Pick: Bond No. 9 Good Oud

Where spice meets sophistication. Good Oud is a modern love letter to smoke, spice, and sensuality — with notes of sumac, magnolia, cinnamon bark, pomegranate seeds, vanilla, and smoky red oud. It’s opulent but approachable, mysterious yet magnetic. $600 / 100 ml

Sofia’s Pick: Tom Ford Lost Cherry

The name says it all — Lost Cherry is equal parts playful and provocative. Sofia calls this one her go-to date night fragrance when she wants something alluring, addictive, and unmistakably luxurious. Think juicy cherry wrapped in sweet almond and tonka bean — rich, warm, and impossible to forget. $405 / 50 ml

Amit’s Pick: Guerlain Shalimar L’Essence

A reimagined icon. Shalimar L’Essence honors 100 years of Guerlain’s most legendary scent, with a creamier, vanilla-forward twist. It’s cozy, elegant, and endlessly wearable — the kind of fragrance that earns compliments everywhere you go. $175 / 90 ml

Sofia’s Pick: YSL Libre Intense

If warm florals are your love language, this one’s a must. With lavender essence, orange blossom, and creamy vanilla, Libre Intense is sophisticated yet inviting — a scent that feels both powerful and comforting. The slightly deeper lavender note adds an intoxicating twist, making it perfect for fall and winter wear. $185 / 90 ml

Final Thoughts

From luminous florals to sultry vanillas, these are the scents that defined our year — and they’ll make unforgettable gifts for the fragrance lovers in yours. Which one are you adding to your wishlist first? Let us know on Instagram — and don’t forget to check out Sofia on YouTube for more beauty chat!

*This website may contain affiliate links, meaning Sofia or I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.

**Fragrance images courtesy of fragrantica.com