Cupid draws his bow with golden bolts at the ready—captivate with sensual scents this Valentine’s Day. Whether you are a loyal user of a long-time signature perfume, or a fragrance enthusiast with a collection that rivals Sephora’s, Valentine’s presents itself with the opportunity to discover a new favourite fragrance. While sultry stars like YSL Black Opium, and Giorgio Armani Si, have taken the stage over the past few years, there’s no shortage of sexy fragrances waiting to win your heart—and theirs.
Sensual scents for Valentine’s Day and beyond
An alluring fragrance is the perfecting finishing touch to a stellar beauty look. And yet, hunting down the perfect perfume is much like seeking the worthy partner, a compatible fit may be elusive and hard to find. Here, the gap between you and your next signature scent narrows with Vogue Singapore’s curation of fragrances, inspired by nature’s most seductive ingredients.
Vanilla-based perfumes
Risqué, syrupy goodness—ever experienced the addictive aroma of vanilla? This classic ingredient exudes a warm, sultry aroma, making it our best bet for a first date. For a juicy, lush scent, reach for La Belle Jean Paul Gaultier as vanilla dances in unison with amber, pear, and leather. For a sugary sensation that tastes like that first bite of Turkish delight, opt for Jo Malone London’s Rose Water & Vanilla. Neroli, petit grain, rose, and vanilla, swirl together to deliver a warm, multi-layered scent.
Seductive jasmine-led scents
Small yet potent, jasmine is often praised as one of aromatherapy and perfume’s most sensual characters. With a mouth watering, floral scent delivered by its indole, this captivating scent holds the power to soothe stress and anxiety. Ease into your next date night with the comforting aroma of this aphrodisiac, best delivered by Byredo’s Flowerhead. The radiant, balanced blend of white florals allow for jasmine to shine through in this perfect accompaniment to a springtime romance. For an aquatic take on the blossom, opt for Armani Privé’s Jasmin Kusamono. A polished fragrance to deliver that classy touch.
Best romantic rose fragrances
More than just a mere symbol of love, rose-scented perfumes bring forth a nostalgic element on a passionate night. The multi-faceted ingredient can warp to be presented in many ways—from powdery, and musky, to fruity and floral. But our favourite tribute to the bud is in Rose 31 Le Labo. While top notes are rose and cumin, the musk, vetiver and agarwood rise up to present an alluring woody facet. If you prefer a sweeter note, turn to the all-new Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. Here, rose rises in unison with peony as soft musk ties together the perfect burst of flora.
Whimsical violet notes
If you’re looking for sensual Valentine’s Day scents that are out of the ordinary, consider one with violets. A reigning favourite from the 19th century, this sophisticated blossom creates a powdery smell that beckons a closer whiff. Delight in the pretty aroma of bright violets with Penhaligon’s The Favourite. This sweet scent paints a cosmic scene for romantic nights at the opera with your favourite person. But if you’re up for an adventure, Loewe Earth delivers an interesting blend of violet, pear, truffle and mimosa. The unisex fragrance delivers a moreish aroma that will definitely turn heads.
Passionate Oud fragrances
Chasing a multidimensional scent? Take a spritz of oud. The black gold hails from Southeast Asia’s rainforests, delivering an intoxicating woody fragrance. From the maison that created the famous Baccarat Rouge 540, comes this creamy take on oud—Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood. This clean yet complex fragrance makes the perfect date night accessory with its strong sillage. Or keep it classy with Tom Ford’s Oud Wood—featuring a soft yet spicy take on oud.
Clean skin scents
Sometimes, less is more. If you’re one to shy away from bold fragrances, perhaps a perfume that enhances your skin’s natural scent could be the way to go. Light yet noticeable, consider this as perfume’s ‘clean girl’ make-up look. To capture the piquant taste of a salty day at the beach, Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt does the job. Dress your skin with the scent of crashing waves, crushed sand, and dancing branches with this blend of aromatic accords. If you’re looking for a softer scent, opt for Philosophy’s Pure Grace. A therapeutic mix of lavender, bergamot, water lily, and musk achieves the perfect soapy clean scent.
