When Marc Jacobs moved into perfumery in 2001, few people could have predicted the massive success the fragrance line would enjoy. The best Marc Jacobs perfumes blend classic floral notes with sensual soft fruits such as lychee and pear that creates a sense of vintage glamour combined with a modern vibe.
After graduation from Parsons School of Design in New York, American designer Marc Jacobs turned his lifelong love of fashion and beauty into a successful luxury brand in 1986.
This led to his winning the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent in 1988, of course working as creative director for Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014 ensured he mixed with the right crowd. Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, becoming a household name synonymous with fresh clothing designs and exciting fragrances.
10 Marc Jacobs Perfumes Reviewed
We have selected 10 of the best Marc Jacobs perfumes to review from his phenomenal fragrance collection. Each delights the senses by combining the old with the new & unusual for an exciting fragrance experience.
1. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
Review
Daisy Eau de Toilette is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic perfumes that Marc Jacobs has produced. In fact, it has become somewhat of a classic choice for brides to wear on their wedding day thanks to its fresh, almost sparkling character.
Woody and floral, this perfume opens with a balance of sharp and sweet thanks to the top notes of strawberry, violet leaf, and blood grapefruit. The heart, however, is a classic floral bouquet of gardenia, violet, and jasmine which gives Daisy Eau de Toilette a powdery undertone. It fades beautifully into the woody and sweet base featuring white woods, vanilla and musk.
Lasting around 4 hours on the skin, but much longer when applied to hair or clothes, this is a reasonably strong scent with a moderate sillage. Its staying power can be boosted when worn with the accompanying scented moisturiser. Ideal for spring and summer days, this is nonetheless a versatile perfume which can be worn whenever you want a touch of classic, girlish fragrance in your life.
Daisy is presented as a short, cylindrical bottle with a tapered top edge and an ornate topper adorned with stylised daisies. Daisy Eau de Toilette is guaranteed to look amazing on any dressing table. In short, this is a classic feminine fragrance with a sophisticated twist.
Top Notes:
Strawberry, Blood Grapefruit, Violet Leaf
Mid Notes:
Gardenia, Jasmine, Violet
Base Notes:
Musk, White Woods, Vanilla
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Daze Limited Edition Eau de Toilette
Review
Launched in 2019, Daisy Daze Eau de Toilette is the youngest sibling to the 2007 icon Daisy. As an overwhelmingly aromatic and fruity fragrance, this iteration of the Marc Jacobs classic makes a surprisingly complex scent out of a limited array of notes.
The opening wave of mandarin orange gives Daisy Daze Eau de Toilette an almost spicy citric scent at first. Soon a heart of mirabelle blooms and gives it a fresh, green and juicy note before fading down to the base layer of white musk.
Lasting an impressive 5 to 7 hours, this is a durable perfume with a strong sillage. Don’t worry, though, the initial sillage dies down quickly and mellows into a juicy, well-rounded citrus scent. Ideal for summer and spring wear, this perfume does best during the day as it lacks the more potent, spicy notes to make it stand out amongst traditional evening perfumes.
This perfume, presented in a pale pink version of the classic Daisy bottle with translucent pink and blue daisies on the topper, feels a little more youthful in both appearance and scent. To sum it up, this is a simple but effective citrus scent with a solid, musky base.
Top Notes:
Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Mirabelle
Base Notes:
Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Debenhams:
3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette
Review
An unusual and sophisticated take on the original scent, Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette is an ethereal perfume. Made in collaboration between Alberto Morillas and Ann Gottlieb, which makes use of unusual fruity and floral scents.
Opening with sharp and juicy top notes such as grapefruit, blackberry, and pear, the first wave of this fragrance is a little overwhelming, but undoubtedly pleasant. When this fades, however, the heart notes of lychee, jasmine, and wisteria bloom to give it an elegant, soothing scent that embraces the senses. Base notes of white wood, musk, and coconut soon come into their own lending it a sweet, woody finish.
With an enormous initial sillage, Daisy Dream can be a little overwhelming, so do apply it cautiously at first. Once it fades, however, it becomes pleasant and surprisingly soft. Lasting just over 3 hours when applied to the skin, this is quite a fragile scent. I did find that applying it to my hair or clothes helped immensely, however, as did using the scented moisturiser. Like most of the Daisy family, this perfume is best worn in summer and spring, especially during the day!
Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette is one of the few scents in this line which doesn’t come in the original bottle design. Taller and almost teardrop-shaped, this bottle has white daisies laid onto the glass while the round topper is pearlescent blue with raised daisies on it. As a result, it’s a little more whimsical and elegant than its sisters.
In conclusion, this is an elegant and sensual perfume which produces a curious ‘blue effect’ thanks to the unusual fruit and floral note combinations.
Top Notes:
Blackcurrant, Grapefruit, Pear
Mid Notes:
Lychee, Jasmine, Wisteria
Base Notes:
White Wood, Musk, Coconut
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
4. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette
Review
Girlish, floral, and unashamedly feminine Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette takes the spirit of the original and turns it up to 11. Sweet, powdery, and fresh this scent makes use of unusual notes and mixes them with classic ones to stunning effect.
The top notes are a symphony of fresh and fruity notes consisting of grapefruit, raspberry, pear, and green notes. This balance of sweet, refreshing aromas gives the first wave of fragrance light and airy feel that slowly deepens and blooms as the heart notes come into play. The succulent heart of delicious fruits and florals give it a nostalgic feel. The unique base scents not only support the top and middle notes, but actually revive them thanks to the mix of plum, musk, and cedar.
With an incredibly soft but durable sillage, Daisy Eau So Fresh won’t stop traffic. Still, it’s gentle, fresh aroma will stick with you for a solid 5 hours after application making it a perfect workday perfume for spring and summer.
This heady perfume is presented in a tall version of the original tapered bottle, its topper peppered with yellow, white, and pink daisies, a cutesy that invites the touch. These words, in short, sum up the whole perfume. Use of classic ingredients in a unique, unusual way makes it a cutesy and whimsical.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Green Notes, Raspberry, Pear
Mid Notes:
Lychee, Apple Blossom, Jasmine, Violet, Rose
Base Notes:
Cedar, Musk, Plum
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Amazon:
5. Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau de Toilette
Review
A woody, musky fragrance with a floral heart and a sophisticated soul Daisy Love Eau de Toilette is a wonderfully grown-up love letter to the original. With a touch of vintage charm and glamour, it is reminiscent of the classic fragrances of the 50s. That’s not to mean that it is old fashioned… far from it!
The incredibly unusual use of cloudberry as the opening accord makes this perfume stand out. This almost herbal berry gives a zesty and green, fruity note which is complex all on its own. Once it blends into the heart note, which is a daisy, it becomes a fresh and invigorating scent which feels both sophisticated and youthful. The base notes of driftwood and cashmere musk give it a dry, rich finish that gives the whole perfume a clean and refreshing smell.
With a moderate sillage and so-so staying power (expect around 4 hours wear from Daisy Love) this is a perfect perfume for summer and spring afternoons in a beer garden.
Held in the classic signature bottle, the main twist to this iteration is the oversized daisy decoration which uses the gold topper as the centre of the flower. Simple and elegant yet beautifully bold, you won’t be able to resist looking at this perfume.
In short, Daisy Love Eau de Toilette injects a touch of vintage Hollywood glamour into day to day life with its musky, sweet scent and pretty presentation.
Top Notes:
Cloudberry
Mid Notes:
Daisy
Base Notes:
Cashmere Wood, Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
6. Marc Jacobs Daisy Black Edition Eau de Parfum
Review
Launched in 2008, Marc Jacobs Daisy Black Edition Eau de Parfum was the first variation of the iconic fragrance which Marc Jacobs released. Designed to be a more luxurious version of the original formula, there isn’t too much of a difference between the two.
The top, heart, and base notes in Daisy Black Edition remain the same as in the original formula, but the scent is undeniably more potent. Whereas the original top notes saw a balance of sharp and sweet, fading slowly into the heart and base notes, this perfume comes at you with guns blazing.
The immediate scent is potent, almost overpowering, and the sharpness of grapefruit is the most noticeable scent. When it fades, the heart and top notes bloom together creating the curious sensation of déjà vu. The result is a scent that is incredibly familiar in a way that you can’t quite place.
The heavy sillage is, sadly, not matched by improved staying power. You can still expect around 4 hours of wear from Daisy Black Edition, and it remains best for summer and spring days.
The presentation is probably the most striking thing about this perfume. A solid black iteration of the original bottle and block gold-tone daisies on the topper make it stand out from the crowd pretty much anywhere it is placed.
If I was to sum this up in one sentence, it would be this: a punchy take on the classic fragrance with a seriously cool new look.
Top Notes:
Strawberry, Blood Grapefruit, Violet Leaf
Mid Notes:
Gardenia, Jasmine, Violet
Base Notes:
Musk, White Woods, Vanilla
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
7. Marc Jacobs Woman Eau de Parfum
Review
The Woman Eau de Parfum by Marc Jacobs is one of the very first fragrances launched by the brand in 2001. It is sadly under-appreciated (or at least I think so) white floral fragrance with a warm, spicy twist.
The top notes of gardenia and bergamot are not as potent as you might imagine. Well blended and balanced, they come as one, elegant scent rather than two notes fighting for dominance.
As they fade, the citric spice of bergamot definitely sticks around longer, bolstered by the heart note of pepper and white florals. As time wears on, the base notes come through in a woody and spicy blend of musk, cedar, and ginger that is truly sumptuous.
With one application, I get around 5 hours of wear from this perfume (longer if using the scented moisturiser as a base), yet the sillage is relatively mild. Neither soft nor overwhelming, it is simply pleasant.
Presented in a clear, rectangular bottle with a black, matching shape topper it has a clean-cut and elegant look which is understated without being too plain.
In short, Marc Jacobs Woman Eau de Parfum is a clean, floral fragrance with animalic undertones and a classic presentation.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Gardenia
Mid Notes:
White Pepper, Jasmine, Tuberose, Honeysuckle
Base Notes:
Ginger, Cedar, Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Amazon:
8. Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum
Review
Floral, fruity, and cute Dot Eau de Parfum is somewhat of the spiritual successor to Daisy in many ways. In both design and scent, the fragrance leans into the unabashed femininity and whimsy that make Marc Jacobs perfumes stand out.
Opening with tropical notes of dragon fruit, honeysuckle, and red berries this is an unusual perfume with quirky top notes. The heart notes of coconut, jasmine, and orange blossom are a little more traditional, but blend with, rather than subsuming, the high notes. Finally, base notes of vanilla, musk, and driftwood give the finish an almost savoury, dry feel that is both elegant and rich.
With a mild sillage, this is a surprisingly lasting perfume. Giving around 4 hours of wear from a single application, it’s neither fragile nor incredibly long-lasting. It is perfectly suited to summer and spring afternoons in the sun when the notes will bloom.
The cute, red-tinted round bottle is peppered with black dots, as is the topper. Decorated with stylised flowers (though I think they look a little like ladybird/butterfly hybrids).
To sum it up, this is a cute and quirky perfume that will take your nose (and heart) by storm.
Top Notes:
Dragon Fruit, Red Berries, Honeysuckle
Mid Notes:
Coconut, Jasmine, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Driftwood, Vanilla, Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
9. Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau de Parfum
Review
Each Marc Jacobs pillar fragrance was designed with a specific kind of woman in mind. If Daisy is for the girl next door, Decadence Eau de Parfum is for the sophisticated and sexy mature woman in us all.
The top notes of plum and iris are beautifully blended, if a little generic, but the addition of saffron gives the first wave complexity and depth that is absolutely seductive. The floral heart of rose, orris, and jasmine sambac, and when they blend into the top notes, they give the perfume a truly luxurious, floral scent. The base notes of amber, vetiver, and papyrus are rich, warm, and dry, providing the perfect foundation for the fruity and floral body of the fragrance.
Decadence Eau de Parfum is an incredibly tough perfume with a huge sillage. Expect 5 to 6 hours wear out of a single application, and use it on autumnal and winter evenings when the fresher air will prevent the sillage from being cloying.
Presented in a stunning green and black bottle which has been designed to look like a handbag. The snakeskin effect on the topper is, in my opinion, one of the most effective touches deployed by the designers at Marc Jacobs. However, the chunky gold chain really finishes the look. All in all, this is an elegant, vibrant, and seductive fragrance presented in a stunning bottle.
Top Notes:
Saffron, Plum, Iris
Mid Notes:
Rose, Orris, Jasmine Sambac
Base Notes:
Amber, Vetiver, Papyrus
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Amazon:
10. Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent
Review
A slightly gentler take on the potent and mysterious original, Decadence Eau So Decadent is a sumptuous floral fragrance which embodies a luminous sensuality.
While the top notes are pear, black currant, and ivy, it is amber which shines through most clearly in this mix, even at first application. In fact, it’s noticeable through every stage of its development. As the heart notes of jasmine, magnolia, and lily-of-the-valley bloom, amber is still evident in the mix. The unusual choice of raspberry as a base note gives this a sweet and juicy finish that offsets the dry cashmere wood beautifully.
A guaranteed 4 hours of wear makes this an average perfume in terms of staying power, and the moderate sillage means it can be worn at any time. Despite this, it is best worn on blustery fall days.
A paler and more colourful version of the original bottle, this iteration has a touch of green and pink in the snakeskin effect topper and a frosted touch to the glass. All in all, this is a sensual and pretty perfume for those who like a touch of luxury.
Top Notes:
Pear Black Currant Ivy
Mid Notes:
Jasmine Magnolia Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes:
White Amber Raspberry Cashmere Wood
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
Conclusion
The best Marc Jacobs perfumes we have reviewed today all have one thing in common; they combine classic chic with an edgy, modern vibe. From the classic fruity/floral notes of Daisy, quirky Dot, seductive Decadence, and not forgetting the deep and mysterious Daisy Black edition, there is a fragrance for every mood and occasion.
Before you go, I have put together a review of the most elegant perfumes ranging from timeless classics to modern-day sophistication that I think you will enjoy.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
These perfumes are perfect for any occasion, and I can’t wait to try them all!