The 18 Sexiest Scents of All Time, According to Perfume Experts

“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

Key notes: vanilla, jasmine, amber

"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 night, since it combines the coziness of its woody oud notes with vibrant, spicy notes like cinnamon and saffron to keep your partner locked in all night.” —TDD

Key notes: cinnamon, saffron, copaiba balm, oud wood

"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 3 am and then rolls out of bed miraculously on time to make itto work the next morning—with perfectly tousled hair and an air of spicy mystery." —Tara Gonzalez, contributing fashion editor

Key notes: pink pepper, rum absolute, tobacco leaf absolute

"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 whoever is wearing it or wear it yourself." —Autumne West

Key notes: lemon, pink pepper, apple, bergamot, black currant, pineapple, jasmine, patchouli, birch, ambroxan, cedarwood, oakmoss, musk

"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 nightlife 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, beauty market and commerce editor

Key notes: juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine

“Guerlain’s first feminine fragrance in a decade, L’Heure Bleue, is somewhat polarizing, but I personally find its crisp and airy blue hour-inspired scent completely captivating. Not only is it long-lasting, but its olfactory composition changes over time, which makes it easy to keep your partner curious.” —TDD

“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

Key notes: vanilla, green tea, salt accord

“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.” —TDD

Key notes: ambrette, naseberry, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musks, vetiver

"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 linger memorably. (And who doesn't want to feel—and smell—like Rihanna at all times?) I love it for date night." —Bianca Betancourt, contributing culture editor

Key notes: musk, Bulgarian rose absolute, patchouli, tangerine, magnolia

“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

Key notes: ylang-ylang, damascus rose, jasmine

“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

Key notes: orange, patchouli, Turkish rose

“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

Key notes: tobacco leaf, vanilla, ginger

“This fragrance is one of the first scents I created while launching Kilian Paris 15 years ago, and today it 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.” —Kilian Hennessy

Key notes: neroli, orange blossom, rose, marshmallow

"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

Key notes: rose centifolia, amber, musk

• Kilian Hennessy is the founder of Kilian Paris.
• Autumne West is the national beauty director of Nordstrom.

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 application strategy, the right combination ultimately comes down to 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 your scent, especially if you love a classic,” she says. West advises starting with a scented lotion or cream, and finishing with its companion parfum, cologne, or eau de toilette for longer wear.