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The 17 Sexiest Fragrances of All Time
Editors and experts consider these picks the best for date night and beyond.
The sexiest perfumes and colognes are easy to wear again and again—by design. "Fragrances which belong to the Narcotics olfactive family, for their addictive aspect, are the sexiest," founder of Kilian Paris Kilian Hennessy tells BAZAAR.com. "Because ultimately, when it comes to seduction, you want to wear a scent that is intoxicating to your partner." For anyone who finds picking out a sexy scent as difficult as choosing a new polish color at their local salon, the perfumer advises sticking with notes like tuberose or orange blossom that share particularly addictive aromas.
While what we consider the most alluring fragrance notes can be subjective, Nordstrom 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 Valentine’s Day, we expect they will love scents from Dior, Jo Malone, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Creed, and Valentino." Bond No. 9 founder Laurice Rahmé says floral fragrances are among her brand's top sellers around the 14th. "For Valentine’s Day, we sell many rose-noted scents, like Nolita, Gold Coast, and Perfumista Avenue,” she says.
And to extend the life of your scent of choice, or create a new olfactory experience altogether, experts suggest layering your fragrances. "Amber, patchouli, and vanilla notes layer well, and last for hours,” Rahmé adds. But whatever your combination of choice, it's ultimately based on 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 you scent, especially if you love a classic," she says. West advises starting with a scented lotion or cream, and finishing with its companion parfum or eau de toilette for longer wear.
For those looking for a quick confidence boost, or to entice a current (or potential) beau, Hennessy notes that the best spots on the body 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.
"Le Labo Santal 33’s woody earthiness demands to be noticed, yet manages not to be cloying. It’s also the only fragrance I’ve ever worn that my husband routinely compliments—and even requests I wear. I think its appeal lies in the fact that the scent is sensual and warm, but understated, with a vibe that’s more crackling fire and cashmere PJs than high heels and red lipstick." —Genevieve Monsma, contributing beauty director
Replica Jazz Club
"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 3am and then rolled out of bed miraculously on time to make it work the next morning—with perfectly tousled hair and an air of spicy mystery." —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor
Orphéon Eau de Parfum
"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 night life 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, associate beauty editor
Mon Paris Eau de Parfum
"One of the sexiest perfumes I own is Mon Paris by YSL. It has berry and floral fragrance notes that aren't overwhelming because the perfume also has a bit of musk in it as well. It's great for date night, but has also become my signature daily perfume. Anytime I wear it, people always stop me and ask what perfume I'm wearing, and I've convinced so many of my friends to buy their own bottle." —Mariah Morrison, senior social media editor
"Creed Aventus is oh so smooth with its base note of oakmoss, must, 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 whomever is wearing it or wear it yourself." —AW
Marque-Page Eau de Parfum
"I don't know what scientifically makes a scent sexy, but this musky-yet-citrusy fragrance from Ormaie is it for me. I'll dab it on my wrists and neck when I have a special date or simply want to feel a little more confident." —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor
Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
"In the mid-nineties, I worked evenings at a Parisian department store, and the cosmetics floor was perpetually doused in Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme, which had just launched. It smelled expensive, sexy (in a clean, classic way) and grownup. It also smelled nothing like the Phish-loving fraternity boys I’d just gone to college with, which was a good thing. And though it’s been more than two decades, I still think this crisp blend of citrus, bergamot and lavender spiked with sandalwood is an under-the-radar sensual star." —GM
Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
"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." —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
My Way Eau de Parfum
"Another extremely sexy scent is Armani Beauty’s My Way. It also includes vanilla and bergamot, but its bright sweetness from the orange blossom gives it a sweet juiciness. It's airy, petal soft, and not overpowering, but distinct. I personally feel pretty, confident, and sexy whenever I wear it." —AW
"I have worn Lily by Roja Dove for eight years now as my special occasion perfume. I first bought it after the worst breakup of my life, and then I wore it on my wedding day this past fall. The fragrance is just that romantic and sensual and transportive and deep and SEXY!" —Rachel Tashjian, fashion news director
"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 memorably linger. (And who doesn't want to feel—and smell—like Rihanna at all times?) I love it for date night." —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
"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
Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum Spray
"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
Love Don't Be Shy
"This fragrance is one of the first scents I created while launching Kilian Paris 15 years ago, and today 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.
I created a new fragrance named Can’t Stop Loving You, launching this February for Valentine’s Day. It’s a scent celebrating love—a true love declaration—so hope it to be a success just in time for this special moment of the year." —KH
"A friend was wearing this years ago and I became obsessed. I tracked it down and it quickly eclipsed any other fragrance I used to wear. There's something very alluring about its scent—somehow both floral and musky and woodsy and masculine and feminine—and people often stop me to ask about it." —Leah Chernikoff, executive editor
Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
"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." —Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
"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
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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