The 10 Best Happy Fragrances Are Pure Joy, Bottled

This scent was released in 1992, and came to be because Issey Miyaké wanted to create a scent "as clear as spring water." The mood board included waterfall spray, flowers, and a springtime forest, which makes a lot of sense—the word I'd use to describe L'eau D'issey, first and foremost, is "misty." There's an aspect of freshly cut lily stems in water to this aquatic scent that you might find at the local florist if you're not lucky enough to live by a lilypond. It's clean and musky, too.

You can tell just how lovely La Tulipe, or The Tulip, is by its simple name. That's the power of the first blooms of the season. Opening with notes of rhubarb, cyclamen, and freesia, this beauty's middle note is all tulip before the fragrance settles into a base of blonde woods and vetiver.

Super green and citrusy up top with notes of green tangerine and fresh Japanese yuzu, Orphéon Eau de Toilette has an aperitif quality when you first apply it that kindly fades to a blooming floral heart and vibrant, woody base. Named after the founders of Diptyque's favorite Parisian jazz bar, the Eau de Parfum version of Orphéon is already beloved, but this new, lighter take is what I'm turning to this spring. The brand says it "captures pure energy and balance in every breath," which is how I'm trying to take on the season.

If you're someone who prefers things a little spicier, take this party-in-a-bottle (and party-of-a-bottle) out for a spritz. Or, use it as the basis for an entire reinvention. Ultra-cool Discotheque, whose offerings are perfect for a night out but deserving of daily use, formulated this aptly named perfume to capture LA circa 1986. Think palm trees, a wild sweet breeze, loose lips, and "sandalwood embers in warm amber sunsets." The snow has melted, people. Anyone want to hit the road?

The first time I wore Solar Drip, my fiancé said it was giving "urban picnic." How perfect is that? Spreading out in a city park is the best springtime activity and how I'd like to be spending all my time, always—especially when the sun starts shining again. While my first thought when I smelled Solar Drip was "candy," there's a freshness to it that evens things out and makes it really stellar (solar?). You get hits of pomelo, mango, orange blossom, fresh linen, and solar musk.

Another important spring moment: rolling the windows down while driving and sticking your arm out the window for a touch of warmth. That's literally what this fresh citrus scent (you could also put it in the tea fragrance category) is about. Inside the clean, clear bottle, you'll find zesty notes of bright grapefruit and bergamot, plus a hint of Earl Grey tea. Sure, I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. If you need some, you'll find it in my fragrance cabinet.

There's certainly an undeniable sweetness to Athénaïs (it's an amber floral scent, after all), but it's not at all saccharine. Instead, the newest Parfums de Marly offering will allow you to settle into the season of florals on a gentle, mellow breeze. That doesn't mean it's light, though. This is a full-bodied scent, expertly blended and nuanced because of it. I couldn't love her more, and would like some roses in the exact color of her bottle, please and thank you.

All of Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria scents scream happiness and warmth, but this one—inspired by a walk through a field of wildflowers—really sets the scene. Soft, fruity, and floral, the gentle Eau de Toilette has top notes of violet and watermelon, a middle layer of jasmine, wildflower accord, and orange blossom, and a base of white musk and iris. That light purple bottle is also perfectly pastel.

I've been nursing a sample of XINŪ's Monstera since my last trip to Mexico City. I made a promise that when I returned, a full bottle would be waiting for me. Inspired by the jungle, this fragrance is described as "astonishingly juicy and lush, like a leaf that has been snapped open, allowing droplets of the plant juice to seep out."

Now, let's head to Paris. Rich in notes of basil, wild herbs, and lemon, Sisley's iconic Eau De Campagne marries citrus and grassy notes with a chypre base and was made to "symbolize the French art of living" with a "fresh and invigorating bouquet that inspires a feeling of well-being and elegance." Printemps! Je t'aime.