Macy's Perfume Buying Guide

Department stores like Macy’s are the perfect fragrance destination if you’re looking for a new perfume. But it’s pretty tricky to suss out your next signature scent through a mask. It’s easy to grab a solid deal on a scent you already love thanks to Macy’s perfume sales, but what if you’re looking for something new?

That’s where our curated shopping guide comes in! We're Groupon, so you know we've got some tips on how to save on perfume, but we also have a few pointers on perfume lingo (what’s the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette again?). Then we help pair some of your favorite scents to Macy’s vast selection of top-shelf fragrances. As always, check out Groupon Coupons’ collection of Macy’s promo codes to get the absolute best deal.

Save On Perfumes When You Shop at Macy’s

Smell that? Is that the scent of easy ways to save when you shop perfumes at Macy’s?

• Three words, gifts with purchase. Get the biggest bang for your buck by shopping brands that offer great gifts when you purchase their fragrances. You can receive scent samples, travel sizes, skincare and more for free. 
• Purchase value sizes of your go-to perfumes. The larger size comes with a larger price tag, but the price goes down by ounce as the volume goes up, and your purchase will last longer. 
• Join Star Rewards. Macy's free loyalty program is a great way to save without much effort on your part. When you shop, you'll earn rewards that can be turned into Star Money that you can spend on anything at Macy's (except gift cards, services, and fees), including brands and categories that don't go on sale very often. Learn more about this Macy's Savings Hack: Star Rewards.
• Sign up for Macy's emails. You won't be able to use the initial 25% off promotional code on cosmetics or fragrances, but you will be notified when these categories do go on sale.

Looking for Macy’s perfume samples? ask an expected fragrance specialist for help testing the scent you like. Sometimes take-home samples are available. 

Secrets to Finding Your Signature Scent

While Macy’s does offer a scent quiz, sometimes it’s hard to trust those things. Make your own educated discussion by taking our quick perfume master class. Let’s start with a brief introduction to the types of perfumes: 

Eau de Cologne

Eau de cologne has about 2–4% perfume oil in a mixture of alcohol and water. It is typically cheaper than other types of fragrance. However, the scent generally only lasts for up to 2 hours.

Eau de Toilette

Eau de toilette contains a slightly higher percentage of perfume oil than cologne, around 5–15%, and is mixed with alcohol instead of water, making it more fragrant. It is one of the most popular types of fragrances available and can last for 2 to 3 hours. Most consider this form of fragrance to be ideal for daywear. 

Eau de Parfum

With a higher percentage of perfume oil, roughly 15–20%, mixed with alcohol, eau de parfum will typically last for 4 to 5 hours. It is also generally less expensive than perfume. If you have sensitive skin, this type is better than other types.

Perfume

With 20–30% perfume oil mixed with alcohol, perfume contains the highest percentage of oil. This higher percentage makes it the most concentrated and potent. It often comes in smaller bottles, with higher price tags, and can last 6 to 8 hours. 

Notes: What Makes a Scent

Like a glass of wine, scents have many layered notes. The top note is the most potent scent you’ll notice when you first spray and it fades after a few minutes. Next will come the middle note, also known as the heart note, the perfume’s body that lasts a few hours. When the middle fades away, you’re left with the bottom note, which can linger until the end of the day.

Citrus Notes

Floral Notes

Made for a true feminine hopeless romantic. Floral fragrances are flirty, classic, and can range in intensity. Some floral aromas are like putting your nose in a fresh bouquet and others incorporate other elements to mellow the scent out for a playful effect. 

• Try Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum Women's Fragrance 
• Top Notes: Sambac, Jasmine, and Tunisian Orange Blossom

Fresh Notes

Fresh scents usually smell clean. Not the smell of your apartment after you’ve scrubbed it with cleaner. Instead, clean scents are subtle, airy, and open up for a dash of other notes like floral or citrus. These are perfect if typical fragrances are too overpowering for your sensibilities. 

• Try Estée Lauder Pleasures Jumbo Spray
• Top Notes: Sheer Floral with White Lily and Violet Leaves

Fruity Notes

Spicy Notes

There is one word that comes to mind when we think of spicy scents: sultry. Warm, decadent, sensual notes like cardamom, incense, and pepper are common. These perfumes will make you feel mysterious and sexy. 

• Try Dior J'adore L'Or Eau de Parfum Spray
• Top Notes: Jasmine, Almond, Pepper, and Honey

Sweet Notes

Woodsy Notes

Nature lovers will live for perfumes with woodsy notes. Imagine the smells of sitting around a campfire or taking a hike in a forest—a mix perfect mix of femininity and masculinity for a unique finish. 

• Try Tom Ford Fabulous Eau de Parfum
• Top Notes: Clary Sage and Fresh Lavender

Are you looking for a Macy’s perfume coupon? Most coupons are not applicable on fragrances, but stay up to date with Macy's deals, sales, and promo codes.