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The 19 Sexiest Fragrances, According to Bazaar Editors and Experts
Editors and experts consider these picks the best for date night and beyond
The sexiest perfumes can get your heart racing with a single spritz or spray. There's something intoxicating about their unique combination of sensual notes, whether musky, gourmand, or floral, that draw us closer to each other, something experts say is by design.
"Fragrances which belong to the narcotics olfactive family, for their addictive aspect, are the sexiest," Kilian Hennessy, founder of Kilian Paris, tells Bazaar. "Because ultimately, when it comes to seduction, you want to wear a scent that is intoxicating to your partner." The perfumer advises sticking with notes like tuberose or orange blossom, but we also love anything featuring notes of musk, wood, and vanilla.
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While what we consider the most alluring fragrance notes can be subjective, Nordstrom national beauty director Autumne West says most shoppers tend to gravitate toward earthy, woody scents for ultimate sex appeal. "I find that when most people describe a scent they think is ‘sexy,’ it's almost always one with hints of vanilla mixed with something woody, spicy, or sometimes rose," she explains. "It’s usually the balance of sweet and strong that can bring forth those moody vibes with extra appeal. Our customers generally love to mix their already-known favorite fragrances with a new refresh on a classic. We expect they will love scents for Valentine’s Day from Dior, Jo Malone, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Creed, and Valentino."
For those looking for a quick confidence boost or to entice a current (or potential) beau, Hennessy notes that the best spots on the body to spritz on a fragrance are "everywhere you want to be kissed." Here, we've rounded up a few standout scents that professionals and Bazaar editors consider among the sexiest fragrances of all time.
"Notes of vanilla, lavender essence, orange blossom, and orchid accord combine in the intense version of YSL Beauty's intoxicating Libre eau de parfum. The scent is the perfect addition to your date night outfit since it not only has amazing sillage, but also is even more addictive up close." —Tiffany Dodson, beauty commerce editor
"I was never one for sugary scents, but there is something so addicting about Phlur's Vanilla Skin. It's sweet (not cloying) but also delightfully warm and cozy, thanks to notes of cashmere wood and vanilla, naturally. It gets better and better the longer you wear it, and just begs to smelled up close and personal." —Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
"The signature Ambrox base of Glossier You gets an energizing upgrade with notes of plum butter, sandalwood, and toasted almond—perfect for the gourmand lover who prefers a subtle, skin-like scent." —JR
Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum
"With just three popular and simple notes—hazelnut, orange blossom, and vanilla—this bright gourmand scent packs a mouthwatering punch that lasts all day and all night." —JR
"Sometimes the sexiest scent a person can wear is next to nothing, which is exactly what this gourmand perfume evokes. Notes of cardamom, magnolia flower, and vanilla combine to create a warm blend that smells like your skin, but better, once it dries down." —TDD
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
"Le Labo Santal 33’s woody earthiness demands to be noticed, yet manages not to be cloying. It’s also the only fragrance I’ve ever worn that my husband routinely compliments—and even requests I wear. I think its appeal lies in the fact that the scent is sensual and warm, but understated, with a vibe that’s more crackling fire and cashmere PJs than high heels and red lipstick." —Genevieve Monsma, contributing editor
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Intense Eau de Parfum
"Valentino Donna Born in Roma is popular for a reason—it's sexy, powerful, and perfect for vanilla lovers. The floral-amber scent reveals a darker side to traditional florals, with jasmine, vanilla, and benzoin." —JR
Maison Margiela Paris Replica Jazz Club
"This woody fragrance smells true to its name in that it has the warm hazy scents of mezcal cocktails and smoking cigars. I originally bought it for my boyfriend, who loves jazz clubs so much I thought he might like to smell like one too. I recently started to wear it as well because it feels a little bit more unexpected on a girl, which in my opinion makes it even more sultry.
There's something so sexy about a scent that smells like a place. It makes me feel like maybe I could be the woman who stays out at a jazz performance in a New York basement somewhere until 3am and then rolled out of bed miraculously on time to make it work the next morning—with perfectly tousled hair and an air of spicy mystery." —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor
"Parfum de Marly's tonka bean- and cinnamon-scented Herod fragrance provides a more mysterious take on vanilla perfumes. Its blend of heart notes, like tobacco leaf and incense, add depth and a slight spiciness to its warm, musky finish." —TDD
"Have you ever wondered what a sultry night out smells like? Diptyque bottled a smoky, late-night jazz club with its Orphéon fragrance, which was inspired by the lively night life of Paris' Saint Germain quarter in the '60s (where the brand's boutique was at the time). It's woody from the cedar and patchouli, yet warm from the tonka bean, and ends with a subtle jasmine note that will make you feel sexy and alive." —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor
"Creed Aventus is oh so smooth with its base note of oakmoss, musk, vanilla and added hints of jasmine, apple and bergamot. This complex scent is spicy yet not abrupt with its hint of fruit, strong but inviting, almost masculine and then hits you with a fresh softness that cannot be replicated. This fragrance is addicting, you will want to keep smelling this on whomever is wearing it or wear it yourself." —AW
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
"This fragrance is like a viral TikTok song you can't get out of your head—in a good way. Its woody and floral notes of ambrette, magnolia, cedar wood, and violet are deeply intoxicating, and it's perfect to wear year-round." —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
Armani Beauty My Way Eau de Parfum
"Another extremely sexy scent is Armani Beauty’s My Way. It also includes vanilla and bergamot, but its bright sweetness from the orange blossom gives it a sweet juiciness. It's airy, petal soft, and not overpowering, but distinct. I personally feel pretty, confident, and sexy whenever I wear it." —AW
"Rihanna's Fenty Eau de Parfum is equal parts spicy and sweet. You only need the most subtle spritz of the musky amber fragrance to leave a lasting impact that allows the scent to memorably linger. (And who doesn't want to feel—and smell—like Rihanna at all times?) I love it for date night." —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
"J'Adore is my go-to for fashion parties and evenings when I want to just feel really great in my skin." —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
"I fell in love with the intoxicating scent of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille because one of my chicest, sexiest friends drenches herself in it—and it’s magic on her. I’m not sure I carry it with the same aplomb, but I do adore the fragrance’s spicy, warmth—especially during the winter months—and it’s also terrific in candle form." —GM
Kilian Paris Love Don't Be Shy
"This fragrance is one of the first scents I created while launching Kilian Paris 15 years ago, and today is still one of my absolute top sellers. There’s a reason Love, Don’t Be Shy is completely irresistible: it’s a tasty gourmand dream. Marshmallow, vanilla, and orange blossom combine to create a scent reminiscent of a heavenly dessert. I really wanted the perfume to make the wearer smell like something you just wanted to take a bite out of. " —KH
"Coco Mademoiselle is my daily casual-sexy scent. Even if I'm just in jeans and a T-shirt, I always put it on before leaving the house, and it makes me feel elevated and ready for the day." —RS
Aerin Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
"My sexy fragrance pick is Aerin Amber Musk. It smells like when my husband wears a cashmere sweater, and I pick it up three days later and it still has that lingering cologne smell. It's cozy, simple, lightweight, and not overpowering. It smells like a snuggle on a cold day with someone you love." —JR
What's the best way to wear one of the sexiest fragrances?
Experts suggest layering fragrances to extend the life of your scents while creating a totally new olfactory experience. According to Bond No. 9 founder Laurice Rahmé, "Amber, patchouli, and vanilla notes layer well, and last for hours.” She also adds that floral fragrances are among her brand's top sellers around February 14 in particular. "For Valentine’s Day, we sell many rose-noted scents, like Nolita and Gold Coast," Rahmé explains.
Whatever your combination of choice, it's ultimately based on what makes you feel best. "Fragrance layering comes down to personal preference. There are no rules in fragrance, but it must work for the individual, and give them a feeling of pleasure," Hennessy continues. "Layering products from the same line is an effective way to make a fragrance last." West agrees, noting that this kind of scent customization is also an easy way to take a signature fragrance up a few notches on special occasions. "Layering is a great way to differentiate you scent, especially if you love a classic," she says. West advises starting with a scented lotion or cream, and finishing with its companion parfum, colonge, or eau de toilette for longer wear.
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