Whether you’re planning a cosy night in, gearing up for a hot date or wanting to draw the attention of a new crush, aphrodisiac scents can lend a helping hand. It’s time to switch from chocolates and flowers and dive into something a little more aromatic like notes of cocoa, jasmine or rose. After all, smell is the most powerful of all our senses.
But what are aphrodisiac scents? Well, think of it this way–when we smell something we like, we want more of it. And aphrodisiac scents have the power to arouse. It’s like having your personal love potion in a bottle! So, from the earthy vibes of sandalwood to the flirty floral notes of rose, the sugary sweetness of vanilla and the spicy kick of cinnamon, we’ve got a scent for every mood.
Bergamot
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Bergamot has a citrusy and slightly floral scent that is uplifting and refreshing. It is believed to have mood-enhancing properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it the perfect aphrodisiac fragrance for a first date.
Try: Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot. With top notes of bergamot that bring a citrusy freshness, heart notes of cedarwood that ground the scent and base notes of oud that add a dark accent, this perfume is truly hypnotic.
Musk
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Musk has a warm, animalistic scent that is believed to have pheromone-like properties that can enhance attraction and desire.
Try YSL Libre. With invigorating notes of musk, lavender, orange blossom and vanilla, this is one of the sexiest perfumes on the list. It’s a bold yet floral-first fragrance that is sure to fetch you a lot of compliments.
Vanilla
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With its sweet and comforting scent, vanilla is often used to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. This aphrodisiac scent is believed to have a comforting effect that can help with intimacy.
Try Kayali Vanilla 28. This one is my personal favourite. While being sweet and velvety because of the vanilla and caramelised brown sugar in the mix, it also has an intoxicating hint of rum, musk and amber. Imagine a sweet, delicious cocktail!
Ginger
The warm and spicy scent of ginger is an energising one that promotes feelings of excitement and arousal.
Try:Â HERMES Twilly Eau Ginger. With warm and sensual notes of candied ginger, peony and cedar, this sparkling yet sensual scent is sure to put you in the right mood. Not to forget, the cute little bottle is reason enough to fall for this one.
Rose
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You can’t go wrong with roses on Vanlentine’s Day. This delicate floral scent has long been associated with love and passion, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions.
Try Givenchy Irresistible Rose Velvet. This fragrance is, as the name suggests, simply irresistible. It has top notes of crackling pink pepper balanced by the freshness of blackcurrant buds and neroli essence and heart notes of four roses.
Jasmine
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The exotic and intoxicating scent of jasmine is often associated with passion and seduction.
Try Gucci Flora. This is the ultimate jasmine scent. It is a fresh floral one featuring jasmine and magnolia accord with fruity elements of mandarin essence. It also has a woody base of sandalwood and benzoin to give it a touch of spice.
Ylang Ylang
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This sweet and floral scent is known for its aphrodisiac properties and is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting feelings of sensuality and relaxation.
Try Tom Ford Black Orchid. This is the ultimate attention-grabbing and seductive scent. With notes of chocolate mixed with a combination of ylang-ylang, patchouli and vanilla, this is a rich, mysterious perfume.
Sandalwood
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Known for its warm, rich and woody aroma, sandalwood is believed to have calming properties that can help reduce anxiety and, in turn, enhance intimacy.
Try Diptyque Tam Dao. With rich notes of sandalwood and cedar, this luxurious scent will make you smell like old money all the way.
Cinnamon
The spicy and warming aphrodisiac scent of cinnamon is often used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of warmth and sensuality. It is also believed to have stimulating properties that can increase blood flow and arousal.
Try Christian Dior Paris Spice Blend. With head notes of rum and ginger, heart notes of six different spices including cinnamon and pink pepper, and base notes of bay leaf, this perfume feels like a warm hug.
Cacao
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When all else fails, cacao comes to the rescue. This scent has a rich, warm and slightly sweet scent that is often associated with indulgence and pleasure.
Try Mugler Angel. This oldie but goodie has a sweet blend of chocolate praline, caramel, bergamot, vanilla and patchouli–all of which are in some way or another, aphrodisiac scents!
