Nothing Says Romance Quite Like These 7 Swoon-Worthy Scents
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
When it comes to romance, I look to heady skin-scent musks to impart confidence and find juicy gourmands always set the mood. I associate the good dates with sparkling notes of champagne and bad dates with, well, Lynx Africa.
You get the picture. Fragrance plays a powerful role in both setting the tone and bookending those romantic moments for us.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may also be on the hunt for some romantic olfactory inspiration. Whatever 'romantic' means to you, that is.
Whether you are exploring traditionally feminine notes like vanilla, caramel and powdery florals or leaning into sexier, smokier woods, the best Valentine’s Day fragrance is ultimately the one you associate with "love".
Here are some of our favourite perfumes to gift yourself, your Valentine or a loved one.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Mandarin. Petitgrain. Lavender. Blackcurrant.
- Heart: Lavender. Jasmine. Orange Blossom.
- Base: Madagascan Vanilla. Cedarwood. Ambergris. Musk.
Why we love it: Laced with expensive-smelling orange blossom, white musk and vanilla, this rich blend oozes both sensuality and confidence.
It will rise to the occasion - whatever that may be - so prepare for many, many compliments.
who is elijah NOMAD.
Notes:
- Top: Egyptian Jasmine. Saffron. Almond.
- Heart: Amberwood. Bulgarian Rose. Ambergris.
- Base: Fir Resin. Cedar. Moss. Dry Amber. Musk.
Why we love it:
"Fragrance is such a personal choice, but I will say, this is one of the scents I get most complimented on. It’s sultry, spicy but also a little sweet. A killer trifecta for the perfect Valentine's Day fragrance.
Its staying power is also 10/10 lingering on clothes long after your first spritz, and there’s nothing more sexy than that! " - Sadaf Razi
Kylie Jenner Fragrances Cosmic EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Star jasmine, blood orange
- Heart: Golden amber, Red peony
- Base: Vanilla musk, Cedarwood
Why we love it:
Picture the coolest girl you know - that's Cosmic.
Glimmering notes of golden amber, jasmine and red peony unfurl onto the skin to create a warm, addictive aroma. There's an undoubtedly cool, laidback appeal to this one.
Burberry Hero EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Pine needle
- Heart: Benzoin
- Base: Cedarwood trio
Why we love it:
Burberry describes it as "an explorative spirit, with a centred sensibility" - and yes, that rings true.
The trio of warm cedarwood oils provide anchor and depth while pine needle exudes a vibrant crispness. Think earthy and fresh, rather than Christmas-esque.
The fragrance is spirited, woody and (like all good V-day scents) a little bit sensual.
Prada Infusion D'ylang EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Bergamot, cardamom
- Heart: Ylang-Ylang
- Base: Sandalwood
Why we love it:
Upon first spritz, you'll notice zesty citrus and the subtle spice of cardamom, before a lush (and rather tropical-smelling) ylang-ylang transports you to your next vacation.
Though, it's heady base of sandalwood makes this perfume work year-round. Equal parts inviting and warm.
BDK Parfum Impadia EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Pear, Italian mandarin, Italian bergamot
- Heart: Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose absolute, orange blossom absolute
- Base: Akigalawood, vanilla absolute, sandalwood
Why we love it:
"I’m a huge fan of niche fragrance brands, and there are two I already own from BDK that smell so opulent and unique (Tabac Rose and Pas Ce Soir, in case you’re wondering), and I always feel more confident and sexy when I wear them. So if I were receiving a fragrance this Valentine’s Day, I would love to be gifted their Impadia scent.
It sounds like an olfactory delight with its citrus-leaning notes of Italian mandarin and orange blossom but still offering depth with notes of sandalwood and Turkish rose absolute." - Sadaf Razi
Juliette Has A Gun Powder Love EDP.
Notes:
- Top: Marshmallow, cotton candy
- Heart: Sugared almond, orange blossom
- Base: Tonka, ambroxan, powdery musk
Why we love it:
The ultimate grown-up gourmand.
Weightless notes of marshmallow and cotton candy drift into a heart of sugared almond and orange blossom (for a hit of freshness), striking a clever balance between nostalgic sweetness and a refined, clean edge.
It's velvety base of tonka and musky ambroxan lean into a soft and indulgent 'powdered donut' aroma. It's feminine, silky and comforting to a tee.
If you're looking for some more fragrance and scent inspiration, check out some of our other fragrance articles below:
