The Best Bedtime Perfumes for a Better Night’s Sleep

This exclusive scent was made in collaboration with AnOther Magazine.

Key notes: Ambroxyde, jasmine, moss, musks

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “It smells like the best sample you’ve ever come across in the pages of a magazine.”—Claire Stern Milch, senior digital director

DedCool’s Mochi Milk has a perfectly fitting name as it’s formulated with sweet rice milk, marshmallow, peach nectar, white musk, and amber among other captivating notes. A spritz or two feels like a sweet treat right before bed.

Key notes: Sweetened rice milk, peach nectar, marshmallow

Size: 1.7 fl oz

DedCool rating: 5/5 stars

A DedCool reviewer says: “I am obsessed. I love this marshmallow scent. As a woman in her early 40s I don’t feel juvenile wearing it either which is a true achievement. I’ve gotten lots of compliments since wearing it. Will definitely be repurchasing in the future.”

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Pros

• Beautiful dry-down

Cons

• Some users note the floral notes can be too strong for some

This perfume is basically the olfactory equivalent of the first day of spring. While the powder-pink packaging accurately depicts the softness of the scent’s juicy fruits and soft florals, a blend of cozy woods deepens the bright and invigorating aroma.

Key notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, apricot, jasmine, peach, white flower bouquet, ambergris, cedarwood, musk

Size: 8.1 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I got a sample of this and got so many compliments I had to go and buy a bottle. It’s fresh and feminine, but not sweet like so many perfumes out right now. An easy everyday wear, but I might just wear it on my wedding day, too.”

Pros

• Not too overpowering

Cons

• The scent doesn’t linger long

A waft of Dream evokes a feeling true to its name—a soft, delicate, and warm embrace of gourmands and white florals that’s as comforting as it is alluring.

Key notes: Vanilla bourbon, cinnamon, magnolia, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “As of late, Dream is the one perfume I don’t mind wearing on its own. I love sophisticated vanilla scents, ones that feel sexy, soft, and inviting, instead of the childish ones that lean more sugary and bakery-sweet. Dream is soft enough to spritz on before bed because its delicate aroma feels as comforting as a duvet cover.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

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Pros

• Gentle ingredients suitable for hair and skin

Cons

• Scent doesn’t last too long

As its name suggests, the Find Comfort mist feels like a warm embrace of fruits and flowers that can instantly calm your spirit. The most relaxing part of the mist isn’t the scent, but the ashwagandha root extract, which soothes and protects the skin.

Key notes: Peach nectar, lemon, jasmine, lavender, skin musk

Size: 3.38 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The best thing Rare Beauty did was expand into body care. The Find Comfort line is my absolute favorite way to wind down after a long day, thanks to this fragrance mist. I skip spritzing it on my hair and focus solely on my body (and a little bit on my pillow). The scent bursts with tangy peach and bright flowers that make me feel so incredibly giddy and happy before I slip into bed.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

Pros

• Not too overpowering

Cons

• Some users note it smells like alcohol at first

Popcorn isn’t exactly a scent most people would enjoy smelling like, but Let The Good Times Roll is just the body spray to change your mind. Think less buttery and more gourmand, like the caramel candies you reach for to eat along with your bucket of popcorn.

Key notes: Butter, caramel, cinnamon

Size: 6.7 fl oz

Lush rating: 4.1/5 stars

Our expert says: “If you’re looking for a more calming scent, I’d recommend Let The Good Times Roll. It’s a light, musky, and slightly sweet body spray that won’t overwhelm your senses.”—Emma Vincent, perfume expert and Lush perfumer

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Pros

• Long-lasting

Cons

• Can stain pillows and sheets

If you want a scent that will last from the minute you sleep until wake up, skip the perfumes and stock up on essential oils. Typically used to calm during a massage or as a home freshener, applying a tiny bit of your favorite essential oil (lavender is a clear favorite) is the perfect way to invite relaxation into your room ahead of bedtime.

Key notes: Orange, tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender

Size: 0.6 fl oz/ each

Our expert says: “Essential oils in eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, or tea tree are perfect to dab on to wrists or neck or to add to a home diffuser or humidifier to scent the room before bed.”—Jennifer Capuano, Macy’s vice president of fragrance

Pros

• Great staying power

Cons

• Some users note it leans more masculine

If I could have Jo Malone fragrances in every corner of my home, I would, but having this scent permeate my bedroom is good enough. An invigorating aroma of oak, grapefruit, lavender, and silver birch creates a blanket of ease, whether sprayed on your skin or lightly misted over your bed.

Key notes: Grapefruit, lavender, silver birch

Size: 1 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This scent is perfect for a quick spritz onto your pillow. It’s fresh with a hint of grapefruit, but it’s grounded in lavender and the warmth of silver birch roasted oak.”—Jennifer Capuano, Macy’s vice president of fragrance

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Pros

• Soft dry down

Cons

• Floral notes pull stronger than the other notes

If ever there was a perfume to excite you about smelling like a marshmallow, it would be this one from Kayali. Not for the faint of heart, this perfume combines the most delectable notes—marshmallow, coconut, and vanilla—with a hint of musk to create a mix that smells like the most yummy dessert on the menu.

Key notes: Strawberry, coconut, freesia, vanilla, and pink musk

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I get stopped so often when I’m wearing this scent it’s so, so good. It lasts so long, too. Never get rid of this scent, I’ll wear this forever. Omg.”

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Pros

• Long-lasting

Cons

• Musky notes are strong

A cabin in the woods on a cold winter night is exactly what this perfume evokes. It's warm, toasty, and woody, anchored by sandalwood and oakwood.

Key notes: Sandalwood, oakwood, turmeric essence

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is perhaps one of my favorite woody scents to wear to bed because it feels as cozy as a sweater fresh out of the dryer.

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What type of notes should you look for in a bedtime fragrance and why?

The more calming and soothing the notes, the better—think of the scents you enjoy smelling during a relaxing massage. “When I think of a bedtime fragrance, notes like lavender, eucalyptus, neroli, and chamomile all come to mind. These have calming and soothing properties to help you wind down from a long day,” says Jennifer Capuano, vice president of fragrance at Macy’s.

Lush perfumer Emma Vincent adds that she tends to gravitate towards “comforting notes of gourmand scents.” If you want your bedtime scent to last, Vincent suggests starting the scent profile in the shower. “To enhance your nighttime routine, consider using scented bath and shower products. This allows the fragrance to be absorbed into your skin, providing a longer-lasting and more personalized scent experience,” Vincent explains.

How do the notes differ from your day-to-day fragrance?

“The best bedtime scent is one that suits your personal preferences. Many find that calming fragrances like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood help to promote relaxation. If you prefer a more delicate aroma, a musky perfume can be a soothing choice. Woody or patchouli-based scents can offer a grounding and comforting experience. To optimize your sleep routine, consider using a separate fragrance for bedtime. This can help differentiate between your waking hours and sleep time, leading to a more restful night,” Vincent shares.

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled fragrance experts to discover the best bedtime perfumes for a comforting sleep.

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