11 Strong Perfumes That Roar Rather Than Whisper

There are perfumes that sit close to the skin, whispering gently as you move through the day, and then there are perfumes that well… make an entrance before you’ve even said hello. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the latter. I’m a layering type person, and my perfume wardrobe is rich in strong, oudy, woody, scents that represent exactly how I want the world to perceive me—strong, balanced and uplifting.

If you ask me, there is something irresistible about scent that announces you with confidence and that lingers in a room long after you’ve left, that makes people stop mid-conversation just to ask, “Wait, what are you wearing?” Oh, the power this holds.

Strong perfumes have a kind of personality all their own. They’re bold, they’re unapologetic, yet they remain inoffensive to the untrained nose. To me, they scream instant power, instant presence. Sometimes, scents aren’t just simply about smelling nice; they can really be about claiming space, so we should all have a scent that does exactly that, for when the time calls.

So, in the spirit of fragrances that don’t whisper but roar, I’ve rounded up the strongest, most statement-making scents from the brands that do them best. From oud-rich masterpieces to decadent cherries and smoky woods, these are the perfumes to reach for when you want to feel and smell unforgettable, and that you probably have yet to try (in no particular order).

1. Best overall: YSL Libre
2. Best daytime strong scent: Dior Dioriviera
3. Best night time strong scent: Tom Ford Cherry Smoke
4. Most long lasting strong scent: Initio Oud For Greatness
5. Most affordable strong scent: Zara Red Temptation & Vanille