Editors Agree: Of All Our Go-To Date-Night Scents, These 13 Smell the Most Beguiling

Scent Type: Amber floral | Notes: Neroli essence, bergamot essence, yuzu essence, jasmine sambac, orange blossom absolute, mahonial, tonka bean absolute, tonka bean resinoid, vanilla accord, amber accord

“I’ve been recommending this pretty floral to everyone I know lately, though it’s less of a strict “date night” scent and more of a ‘so addictive you can’t stop wearing it’ blend. It makes the busiest work days feel just a bit more magical, and I swear it’s downright addictive for a romantic outing. Sparkling and feminine, it’s straight-up elegance in a bottle.” — Schneider

Scent Type: Floral woods | Notes: White tea, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, rose, ginger, sandalwood, amber

It’s been a couple years since I was first introduced to this fragrance, and I find myself drawn to it every time I think a fresh, floral scent could elevate an outfit (which is especially useful for when I want to feel more confident for a date night). It opens with a powdery white tea note offset by a burst of playful citrus. The soft florals and smooth sandalwood is dripping with elegance, but the yummy addition of ginger is what takes the unique composition to the next level. While I wouldn’t say this one is a date night option in the most “traditional” way, Juliet In White is multifaceted and utterly romantic.

Scent Type: Amber floral | Notes: Neroli bud, moss accord, amber, musk

“I polled nearly 350 New Yorkers about the best/most memorable scents in one of the hardest dating markets, and the Intense iteration of Prada’s famous Paradoxe perfume was called out more times than I ever would have suspected. (Which, why wouldn’t I? It’s stunningly floral, seductively warm, and deepened by amber-y moss—a recipe for effortless sensuality.) This scent was spotlighted for its compliment-attracting powers, with everyone from passersby on the street to Uber drivers (and, of course, dates) stopping to tell the wearers how good they smelled. It’s an aphrodisiac, for sure.” — Brascia

Scent Type: Woody floral | Notes: fig, black pepper, Gurjun balsam, vanilla, narcissus, suede, jasmine sambac, cedarwood, oud, vetiver, white sandalwood, musk

If you’re in the mood for a sensual sandalwood-forward perfume that’s the definition of hypnotic, consider spritzing yourself with this one before you head out. It evokes a warm embrace and shared whispers between lovers with an enchanting, woody scent featuring luscious fig, sparkling vetiver, and creamy sandalwood. I’m obsessed with how beautifully its dry-down is, with the scent developing like a dream on he skin over several hours of wear. In fact, I believe it has historically been the cause of several stolen glances.

Scent Type: Warm Gourmand | Notes: Tangerine heart, neroli, pink pepper, lavandin, orange flower, almond blossom, vanilla bean chantilly, cocoa shell, tonka bean

“The fragrance industry is full of complicated and inconspicuous names for its scents. Henry Rose’s Dave, on the other hand, is refreshingly simple. Then, there are its warm and inviting notes of vanilla, tonka bean, and cocoa shell. It’s a fragrance that feels honest, intimate, and inviting. Funnily enough, these are all the things you want to feel in a long-term relationship.” — McLintock

Scent Type: Gourmand floral | Notes: Tart cherry, rum, cacao, jasmine, tuberose, Gurjun balsam, myrrh, tolou balsam, vanilla

When I’m in the mood for something playful, flirty, and a little boozy, this is the first perfume I reach for. Abel’s The Apartment offers an opulent blend of lush fruits and florals with sensual tart cherry, rum, and cacao softened by blooming white florals, warm woods, and a splash of smooth vanilla. It’s inspired by the feeling of sipping rum in a sun-soaked Parisian apartment, but I’ve worn it on enough dates to know that it’s also idea for a candlelit dinner, stroll in the park, and cocktails.

Scent Type: Amber floral | Notes: Coconut-milk accord, bergamot, tiger-lily accord, jasmine grandiflorum super infusion, freesia, mango, benzoin

Romantic perfumes can take many forms, but I’m partial to heady, amber floral fragrances that’s are unabashedly bold. Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb has been a favorite of mine for years, but the tropical twist that Flowerbomb Tiger Lily brings to the mix is stunning. Reminiscent of tropical getaways defined by days spent on sunny beaches and nights dedicated to dancing under the stars, this sensual solar blend is addictive (and I think it has everything to do with the opening note of coconut-milk accord coupled with mango).

Scent Type: Amber gourmand | Notes: Vanilla tincture, vanilla absolute, sandalwood essence, jasmine absolute, orris accord, animalis accord

“A classic! I have yet to meet a fragrancehead who doesn’t fawn over this warm and spicy gourmand—my husband included, who offers me a ‘you smell incredible’ compliment every time I wear it out to dinner. Pro tip: Layer it with Tom Ford’s Oud Voyager to amp up the rich, seductive magic.” — Schneider

Scent Type: Amber floral | Notes: Green pear, white nectarine, gardenia, Indian jasmine absolute, orange blossom, tuberose infusion, crystallized patchouli, cashmere woods, sandalwood, vanilla

White floral fragrances are stunning no matter when you wear them, but once they’ve been paired with crystalized patchouli and warm vanilla, they become the answer to all your date night desires. Kayali’s Déjà Vu White Flower | 57 Eau de Parfum opens with bright and juicy fruity notes before transitioning into soft florals set against a woody, amber base. There’s literally nothing better than a perfume you can’t stop spraying (and this is at the top of my list for ones that exceed all expectations).

Scent Type: Woody floral | Notes: Rhubarb, lychee, bergamot essence, Turkish rose, peony, vanilla, cashmeran, musk, vetiver

“Yes, this perfume is pricey, but it’s one of the most elegant scents I’ve ever detected on others and worn myself. It was also one of the top results (next to Paradoxe, of course) from my NYC dating poll for earning the most compliments, and knowing its makeup, it’s not hard to see why. A delicate blend of rose, peony, and lily of the valley makes this perfume feel fit for a princess, and its gorgeous gathering of lychee, bergamot, and rhubarb leaves a delicious sillage. If you want to feel classically beautiful on your next museum, fancy dinner, or live show date night (or are looking for a great wedding scent), this is the one I’d suggest.” — Brascia

Scent Type: Amber gourmand | Notes: Safraleine, frangipani scenttrek, coffee absolute, mahogany wood accord, roasted barley orpur, vanilla resinoid

“My failsafe date-night fragrance is Tom Ford’s (highly underrated) Vanille Fatale. It’s dark and robust—like a vanilla macchiato. Notes of dark woods, coffee absolute, and roasted barley pull the otherwise traditionally sweet vanilla scent down, making it deeper and richer. It smells expensive, mysterious, and sophisticated without being too heavy or cloying.” — McLintock

Scent Type: Fruity floral | Notes: Mandarin oil, raspberry accord, lavender essence, orange flower absolute, solar coconut accord, vanilla bourbon absolute, dry amber accord, musks

“Newest on the scene (and my personal Valentine’s Day pick) is YSL Beauty’s Libre Berry Crush Eau De Parfum. This scent includes the signature orange blossom and lavender Libre elixir that we all know and love, this time injected with a fresh dose of raspberry for a juicy, playful touch. It’s sexy without leaning too far into musk or vanilla, and sweet without smelling saccharine. Just a few light spritzes at your pulse points will envelope you in a stunning, romantic cloud.” — Brascia

Scent Type: Fruity floral | Notes: Black currant liquor accord, bergamot oil, pink pepper oil, Isparta rose petal essence, geranium oil, davana oil, patchouli essence, vetiver oil, moss accord, musks

If I were to be faced with the challenging choice of selection one fragrance that instantly makes me feel like I’m the leading lady in a 2000’s RomCom, this would be my pick (I mean, how much more on the nose can you get than a scent called ‘On a Date?’) Inspired by the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence, it captures the sparkling nature of ripe grapes with sweeping, wild roses, luminous bergamot, and sensuous patchouli. It’s the perfume to wear the next time you’ve made plans for a springtime picnic and are planning on wearing gingham.