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Images courtesy of brands / Design by Sarah Olivieri Beauty Mind & Body The 18 Sexiest Scents of All Time, According to Perfume Experts The 18 Sexiest Scents of All Time, According to Perfume Experts Consider favorites from YSL Beauty, Phlur, and more the best for date night and beyond
What makes a perfume smell universally sexy? “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.
Sensuality is subjective, but Nordstrom's 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.”
For those looking for a quick confidence boost or to entice a current (or potential) lover, Hennessy notes that the best spots 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.
"YSL Beauty's intensive and intoxicating Libre eau de parfum deserves a place in your date night rotation. The sexy scent is practically an aphrodisiac, and the cherry on top of any outfit. Libre Intense is not only long-lasting and has amazing sillage, but is also even more addictive up close." — Tiffany Dodson, beauty commerce editor
Key notes: lavender essence, orange blossom, orchid accord, warm vanilla
“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.” — Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
"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 be smelled up close and personal." — JR
Key notes: sugar crystals, cashmere wood, vanilla
“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
Key notes: buttercream, plum butter, toasted almond, iris, sandalwood, ambrette, ambrox
“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
Key notes: candied citrus, orange blossom, vanilla
“Since Oud Velvet Mood is an extrait de parfum, a couple of spritzes are plenty to make a lasting impact. The long-lasting scent is perfect for date n…