I'm Afraid of Commitment—23 Perfume Minis and Discovery Sets I'd Buy Before Graduating to Spendy Full Sizes
Chanel, Byredo, Miu Miu, and more.
Not to get too deep too fast, but I'm scared of commitment—not in the relationship sense, but in the perfume one. You see, I've never been a signature scent person. (The closest I've come to having one is Phlur's Missing Person Eau de Parfum.) I prefer switching scents based on season, mood, and situation. It's why I'd rather have a wide variety of sample sizes than a stand-alone bottle. And anyway, buying a full-size bottle is a big investment. They're expensive, and they last a long time.
All that's to say I don't want to be tied down. Luckily, perfume discovery sets help keep my options open. They also have high gifting potential, which is why I always come back to them during this time of year. Ahead, see my favorites, from Chanel to Byredo, Prada, and beyond. Whether it's a temporary flirtation or a long string of love affairs, I guarantee you'll find multiple new scents to crush on.
How chic is this Chanel set? It contains six travel-size scents: Paris, Biarritz, Deauville, Venise, Riviera, and Édimbourg. Mix and match to your heart's content.
These mini Diptyque bottles are works of art, and I strongly believe they belong in the Louvre. Beyond the aesthetic, though, this set contains a mix of floral, woody, and aquatic fragrances. My favorite? Lunamaris Eau de Parfum, a dreamy scent inspired by mother-of-pearl. It's ethereal, "delicate," and "iridescent."
Byredo's La Grande Découverte brings together 20(!) fragrances, ranging from cult classics like Bal d'Afrique and Mojave Ghost to newer elixirs like Alto Astral and Desert Dawn. It even includes a keychain holder to carry your preferred vial. If you find a new, forever favorite, know that you can cash in a $235 voucher redeemable for a 50ml or 100ml version, valid for six months after purchase.
If you want to stick to the brand's most iconic scents, I recommend this mini fragrance set. It includes Bal d'Afrique, Blanche, Mojave Ghost, Gypsy Water, and Rose of No Man's Land. Only the essentials!
A full-size Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance will set you back $400+. Before you commit, I recommend this mini discovery set. It brings together five iconic house scents, including the internet-viral Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum.
This Le Labo set includes the iconic Santal 33, Thé Noir 29, and Another 13.
I love Miutine Eau de Parfum. This mini duo set is so cute. You can keep both or share one with a friend—it's like the grown-up version of friendship bracelets.
Burberry's stylish Mini Perfume Set is so giftable. Although I'd consider being selfish and keeping the Goddess Eau de Parfum for yourself… It's so good.
It's no secret that I love Phlur fragrances. They're modern, unique, and so wearable. This set contains my four all-time favorites: Cherry Stem, Father Figure, Vanilla Skin, and Missing Person (the semi-signature scent I mentioned earlier).
If you want to smell like a chic Londoner, I suggest investing in this Jo Malone sampler set. It contains five travel-size fragrances—all brand signatures. My favorite is either Wood Sage & Sea Salt (a classic!) or English Pear and Freesia.
Who doesn't want to be a Prada person? This mini set includes the original Paradoxe Eau de Parfum and the Paradoxe Virtual Flower perfume.
These mini Chloé perfumes look like little petit fours you'd see in the window of a French patisserie. I keep them on display on my vanity (for easy reach).
What's chicer than Bottega Veneta? Until I can afford an Andiamo bag (a girl can dream!), I'll invest in this 10-piece perfume set. I can't wait to spritz scents like Always Now, which mingles Italian basil with Madagascan vetiver and Bourbon essence. Or Montebello, a luxe elixir with Italian blood orange and neroli.
Don't miss out on Tom Ford's Signature Luxe Discovery Set. It includes four editor-favorite scents: Black Orchid, Noir Extreme, Ombré Leather, and Café Rose. It's limited edition, so I suggest acting fast if you want in on it.
The 7 Virtues is one of my favorite clean fragrance brands. This discovery set contains seven layerable scents, including two of my all-time favorites: Coconut Sun and Clementine Dream. Wear them together, and you'll smell like an Italian citrus grove in the best way.
If you're a gourmand person, I recommend this set. It includes the brand's Buttercream Haze, Cherry Ambition, Strawberry Jam, and Candied Lychee scents.
Collect all four versions of Carolina Herrera's now-iconic Good Girl Eau de Parfum in this chic discovery set. The mini high-heel-shaped bottles are next level.
I'm sorry, but what's more luxurious than Hermès? The answer is nothing. This discovery set contains four of the designer's most notable fragrances, including Twilly d’Hermès, Eau des Merveilles, Un Jardin sur le Nil, and Barénia.
Cartier's La Panthère perfume centers on smooth gardenia and velvety musk. It's timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. Snag all four versions in this chic mini set.
Don't forget Gucci's limited-edition Flora & Guilty Mini Perfume Sampler Set.
This set includes Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle perfume, along with three new versions: La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude, La Vie Est Belle L'Elixir, and La Vie Est Belle L'Elixir Very Cherry. It's the ideal gift for anyone who loves a timeless scent.
Juliette Has a Gun is an editor-approved, IYKYK perfume brand. This Mini Coffret Sampler Set is the perfect introduction to the brand, as it contains its four top-selling scents: Not A Perfume, Banana Rush, Miami Shake, and Pear Inc.
Marc Jacobs's Daisy Eau de Parfum never misses. It's sweet, fresh, and breezy—the ideal wear-everywhere scent. This discovery set includes the original, as well as Daisy Wild, Daisy Eau So Fresh, and Daisy Love.
