What do Madonna [1], Shania Twain, and Diana Ross have in common? Besides decades-long careers [2] in music and a titular look that is uniquely theirs, not much — which is precisely why they make for perfect Halloween costume inspiration [3].
But if you're the type to plan your every wig, scrunchie, and leopard print detail, don't overlook the most important part: fragrance. A good, timeless scent tailored to your inner diva might be what takes your overall look from overdone to eau, yeah.
Below, we've rounded up the spritzes that leave a lasting — dare we say, legendary — impression.
Madonna
Who: Madonna [4], reigning Queen of Pop, actress, and skincare entrepreneur [5]
Art Meets Art Like A Virgin
Whether you're going as cone bra-wearing Madonna [6] or virginal Madonna (or, you know, something in between) no costume would be complete without a scent as complex as its inspiration. Luckily, the Art Meets Art Like A Virgin Eau de Parfum [7] ($95) delivers in more than its name: its contrasting blend of citrus and musks make it playful yet sexy — which feels very befitting of any kind of Material Girl.
Aretha Franklin
Who: Aretha Franklin, the late, great singer, songwriter, and actress
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Essence
She taught you to demand some R-E-S-P-E-C-T from everyone around you, so it's no surprise you'd want to pay tribute to the late singer on All Hallow's Eve. The only requirement in finding a mist to match? It must be both commanding and cosy, like Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist Essence [8] ($126) — which, despite the name, would pair nicely with Franklin's big, fur coats.
Mariah Carey
Who: Mariah Carey [9], singer, music producer, and Guinness World Records holder [10]
Narciso Rodriguez Rouge
Why dress up like Santa when you could be the diva who stole Christmas? Bring your holiday swagger with the deliciously addictive Narciso Rodriguez Eau de Parfum Rouge [11] ($97), which marries black cedar with notes of rose and vetiver, and even comes equipped with the telltale red bottle to match.
Shania Twain
Who: Shania Twain, country singer and songwriter
Cartier La Panthère Eau de Parfum
No other fragrance could evoke the illustrious Queen of Leopard Print herself quite like Cartier's La Panthère Eau de Parfum [12] ($140). Its muskier notes feel especially primal, giving way to hints of gardenia for a larger-than-life elixir that'll have you ready to pounce on Halloween [13].
Diana Ross
Who: Diana Ross, former lead singer for The Supremes, actress, and record producer
Diamond Diana Diana Ross
In Ross's world, bigger is always better — and that goes for her jewellery collection, performances, hair, and yes, her fragrance. The Diamond Diana Diana Ross [14] ($95) comes bottled in diamonds du jour, which makes it the spot-on accessory to your sparkly costume.
Cher
Who: Cher, singer and Oscar-winning actress
Viktor&Rolf Magic Liquid Diamonds
Anyone who's seen the iconic singer in concert — which is probably many a people, considering she's been performing for nearly 60 years! — knows that Cher is straight-up magic on stage. The show-stopping scent equivalent: Viktor&Rolf Magic Liquid Diamonds [15] ($190), a sexy blend of pink pepper, ylang-ylang, and amber that will make you believe in life after love.