Scent is sexy. The powers that be say pheromones—the body’s one-of-one signature odor—double as an invisible attraction string. Scientifically speaking, your soon-to-be romantic partner (wherever he/she/they may be) will be enticed by your natural smell. That’s all well and good, but there’s nothing wrong with enlisting a little assistance ahead of Valentine’s Day. Enter: Man-eater fragrances.
These extra-special perfumes pair seduction with long-lasting staying power—working like Cupid’s arrow, but for the nose. Whether you’re after love, lust, or a little spice (literally and figuratively), a deliberately placed spray can go a long way when trying to attract The One. As dating expert Tiffany Baria eloquently explains, “Having a signature scent makes it so your potential date or partner remembers you everywhere they go—and it’s a Flirting FastPass to getting them hooked.”
Gourmands and spicy scents are inherently steamy. I wore Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille Eau de Parfum on a date this week and was told I smelled “delicious.” But man-eater scents don’t have to be so straightforward. You can find an aphrodisiac-inducing scent with florals, citrus, and boozy blends. But don’t just trust me—dating experts and hot New York City singles are sharing their go-to man-eater fragrances to amp up intrigue.
Best Man-Eater Fragrances
While I wait for Mr. Right to casually bump into me at a coffee shop (manifesting!), I’m thoroughly enjoying my love affair with this vanilla-meets-woody perfume. I first smelled this during a trip to Paris a few months back, and I have genuinely worn it every day from then on out. It has a warm, cozy feel that clings to my clothes and stays glued to my skin all day, without a suffocating heaviness.
Notes: Vanilla; Rum; Cedar; Jasmine; Pink peppercorn; Bergamot
Fragrance Family: Gourmand
What I Love: Long-lasting; Skin scent; Gorgeous bottle
What I Don’t: Expensive
There’s a reason this designer fragrance is such a classic—it’s every bit as sophisticated as it is sexy. Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe is said to have worn this (and nothing else) to bed every night, and everyone from Beyoncé to Audrey Hepburn has claimed it as a favorite.
Notes: Aldehydes; Jasmine; Neroli; Sandalwood
Fragrance Family: Powdery Floral
What I Love: Classic scent; Very feminine
What I Don’t: I wouldn’t choose this if you have a powder fragrance aversion
Without fail, men compliment me when I wear this addictive fragrance. I abide by a full routine. The Baccarat Rouge 540 Body Lotion and Oil post-shower, followed by a spray of the eau de parfum on my wrists and neck. Then, I do a little hair perfume for good measure and seal the deal with the rollerball behind my ears and along my collarbone. It sounds like a lot (I know) but because the concentrations are a mix of light to rich, it just leaves my entire being slightly scented.
Notes: Jasmine; Saffron; Cedarwood; Ambergris
Fragrance Family: Woody floral
What I Love: Truly addictive; Clings onto fabrics (yours and theirs)
What I Don’t: Expensive
“There is not a day that goes by where I wear that scent and don't get a multitude of compliments,” says Sir Candle Man. “The alchemy of the pear, hazelnut, rose, sandalwood, and vanilla, combined with the sexy, leathery, and smooth osmanthus, creates something that is flirty but deep, sexy but contained, mystical and good, addictive but polished.” People will definitely chase you down if you wear this scent.
Notes: Pear; Hazelnut; Rose; Sandalwood; Vanilla; Osmanthus
Fragrance Family: Floral
What I Love: Unique smell that’s unlike others on the market; Smells slightly different on everyone
What I Don’t: Heavy bottle
Fragrance expert Abby Cadet's go-to man-eater scent? This if-you-know-you-know floral oriental blend. “It’s sweet, sensual, and utterly irresistible,” she says. “It’s the kind of scent that draws compliments like a magnet and leaves people wondering what you’re wearing. It’s flirty, delicious, and perfect for when you want to make an unforgettable impression.”
Notes: Saffron; Egyptian jasmine; Madagascar vanilla
Fragrance Family: Oriental Floral
What I Love: Elegant fragrance; Ginger adds a spicy hint that lasts on the skin
What I Don’t: Smaller bottle
I’ve been following Lindsay Metzelar since she first launched her now-classic dating podcast “We Met at Acme.” So it only felt appropriate to learn what fragrance has seen her through life's many milestones. “Burberry Brit is my go-to for date night,” she tells me. “I’ve been wearing it forever and it feels regal and sexy to me—or, at least I tell myself that.”
Notes: Icy pear; Sugared almond; Vanilla
Fragrance Family: Gourmand
What I Love: Addictive; Long-lasting; Good for day or night
What I Don’t: Has a bit of a younger, more youthful flare
Introducing: the ideal day date fragrance. “Orange blossom always strikes a high note with men for me,” says fashion influencer Rebecca Vanyo. “It’s so subtle you might miss it if you're not very close to the person wearing it.”
Notes: Clementine flower; White lilac; Orris wood
Fragrance Family: Fresh Floral
What I Love: Refreshing; Unoffensive; Good for layering; Light fragrance
What I Don’t: Nice if you want something light, but it doesn't last long
If you want a rich fragrance that is only noticeable when you’re really close to your date, a perfume oil, like this one, is the way to go. “It’s sexy and understated,” says E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. “Amber, musk and yes, cedar, give me a your-skin-but-better fragrance that’s undeniably sexy. It also gets stronger as your skin warms, so use it on pressure points for the longest-lasting scent.”
Notes: Amber; Musk; Cedar
Fragrance Family: Woody
What I Love: Great for travel; Layers really nicely with regular fragrances
What I Don’t: Can’t put it on your clothes for a more powerful throw
“Every time I wear this perfume I literally get stopped by men and women alike to ask where I got it and what it is,” says “Drinks First” founder Ariana Nathani. “Scent is tied to memory for me, so I bought this perfume at a boutique while I was traveling in Marfa, Texas. There is something about it that feels ethereal, and I think that’s what makes it so intriguing and seductive.”
Notes: Fig; Neroli; Tobacco
Fragrance Family: Green
What I Love: Very fresh scent; You can buy an oil for a longer-lasting finish
What I Don’t: Not available at major retailers
“For Your Love by Mizensir is romance in a bottle. I’m not exaggerating when I say that on one literal sniff I immediately knew that it would be my wedding day perfume and it’s probably the only wedding day beauty decision I’ve never once wavered on,” says Beauty Writer Ariel Baker. “Notes of raspberry, musk, ambergris, and more combine to create a fragrance that is equal parts sweet and sensual, and I will never stop shouting from the rooftops how much I love this scent.”
Notes: Raspberry; Musk; Amber accord; Patchouli
Fragrance Family: Woody
What I Love: Sweet and sensual balance; Skin scent
What I Don’t: Only available at Bergdorf Goodman
“I always tell people, wear this to the club if you want 10 people asking for your number by the next song,” says Baria, host of “Street Hearts” and “NYC’s Official Cupid.". “Its seductive floral tones are literally unreal. I’d imagine Jessica Rabbit or Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street would wear this. If you want to get laid this Valentine’s Day, wear this.”
Notes: Coffee; White flowers; Vanilla
Fragrance Family: Spicy
What I Love: Long lasting; Unique scent; Not super heavy on the coffee note
What I Don’t: Bottle has glitter that rubs off
“Apple Love has been my recent obsession as we inch closer to Valentine’s Day. It’s a sweet gourmand, but not in a baked good-like way,” says Associate E-Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger. “Instead, it bursts with the juicy deliciousness of apples before drying down to a warm, sugary sweet floral scent. This is one perfume that’s gotten me compliments in the wild, and for that, it’s obsession-worthy.”
Notes: Peach Skin; Muguet; Plum Blossom; Sugar Cane; Vanilla
Fragrance Family: Fruity Gourmand
What I Love: Constantly evolving on the skin; Attracts compliments; Warm
What I Don’t: Might be too sweet for some
“Phlur’s Missing Person is comfort in a bottle. Every time I wear it, I feel sentimental—like I’m being hugged by a loved one,” says Knappenberger. “It’s warm, intimate, and sits near to the skin, too, which begs others to inch closer to get a whiff. On days whenever I need a pick-me-up, this scent does the job.”
Notes: Musk
Fragrance Family: Skin musk; Bergamot nectar; Sheer jasmine; Neroli blossom; Orange flower; Sandalwood
What I Love: Available in a lotion and body wash, too; Skin scent
What I Don’t: Clings to clothing better than skin
“I love this scent specifically for my baddies who don’t want to drop $100 on a tiny bottle of perfume. This is my go-to spritz, and I literally can’t leave the house without someone telling me I smell amazing,” says Baria. “It’s rich, indulgent, and instantly transports your date to a sexy beach getaway. The salted caramel gives off a warm, bakery-like vibe—but in a hot way, I promise.”
Notes: Salted caramel; Pistachio; Vanilla
Fragrance Family: Warm and Spicy
What I Love: Affordable; Great for all seasons
What I Don’t: Can smell a bit young
Beauty Director Hannah Baxter swears by this lush, flirtatious unisex scent. "Anytime I wear this, I have someone comment that I smell incredible, no matter their gender. It's the type of second-skin sexiness that draws everyone in to breathe deeper and enjoy. Anything woody blends with my body chemistry amazingly well, but I truly think this perfume is the secret to entrancing everyone within a five foot radius of you. I've flown through my first bottle and can't wait to pick up the second."
Notes: Fig; Jasmine Sambac; Oud; Sandalwood; Vetiver
Fragrance Family: Earthy and Woody
What I Love: Sensual; Warm and sexy, but not overpowering; Develops slowly
What I Don’t: Could last slightly longer
What to Look for in a Valentine’s Day Fragrance
Fragrance Family
There’s no “right” way to smell sexy—a handful of fragrance families can emit an seductive scent. Historically, gourmands with deep vanilla tones have been considered very sexy. “The idea of being edible or chased down the street because you smell so delicious has been associated with vanilla in a strong way,” says fragrance influencer Sir Candle Man.
While that may be the most obvious, boozy notes, like rum and cognac, as well as patchouli-based fragrances, ouds, roses, and light fragrances can also be undeniably sexy. “Today, sexy can be clean and fresh (like a crisp white shirt), gourmand and edible (think marshmallows and caramel), or even bold and experimental with unisex woody or smoky notes,” adds Cadet. “The modern landscape celebrates individuality—sexy is about confidence and personal expression through scent.”
Staying Power
It’s personal preference, but it’s worthwhile to pay attention to the type of perfume you’re spraying. An eau de toilette will be fleeting, an eau de parfum will typically provide a few hours of wear, and an extrait is more powerful. Perfume oils—like the new Cyklar collection—also provide long-staying power, but not a far through (i.e. your date will only smell it when you’re really close).
Where to Spray Fragrance on Valentine’s Day?
For a regular date night, the usual spots like the neck, wrists, and chest are recommended, using just enough to be noticeable but not overpowering. But if you’re looking to add a little spice to the mundane, “you could also add some locations your partner may be more familiar with, like the small of your back and behind the ears,” says Sir Candle Man. “Some would go so far as to say that you should spray the ankles.” Whatever scent you choose from this list, you'll be guaranteed to have a very enjoyable Valentine's Day.
Why Trust Us
Samantha Holender has nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry, and has a prominent focus on fragrance. She was responsible for testing over 200 fragrances for Marie Claire's Fragrance Awards in 2024, and has reported on all fragrance families.
Marie Claire is also an fragrance authority, having reporting on citrus, spicy, vanilla, gourmand, and spicy fragrances.
Meet the Experts
Meet Abby Cadet, also known as TheCherysTv, an Orlando based content creator. She loves all things fragrance, beauty and skincare.
Sir Candle Man is a fragrance expert and content creator.
-
Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber Clash in Very Different Date-Night OutfitsThe two have always embraced their differences when it comes to street style.
-
32 Truly Immortal Celebrity Comebacks"It looked hot. Period. Bye."
-
Fashion's Hooked On Spring's Whimsical Fisherman AestheticFrom duffle coats to boat shoes, here’s how to master the trend.
