Scent of love: 10 romantic fragrances for couples, plus tips on how to smell more attractive

It’s been said that fragrances are like liquid memories, connecting scents to certain events, moments and places in our lives. But why is there so much emphasis placed around the perfume you wear and give as gifts, especially during Valentine’s Day?  

“Fragrances are everywhere, they accompany our day-to-day and every big event throughout our lives. They are the link to our past and are directly connected to our memories, and therefore our emotions, which is a big factor when it comes to Valentine’s Day,” explained Josephine De Longueville, fragrance evaluation director at Puig, a family-owned fragrance business that operates L’Artisan Parfumeur, Byredo, Penhaligon’s and more.

After all, “a scent has a power on attractiveness between people because it creates a subconscious link between two persons”, said De Longueville, which is the whole premise of Valentine’s.

“And on Valentine’s, a day overflowing with emotions, fragrances serve as emotional enhancers. They elevate the significance of moments, intensify connections, anchor unique memories and craft an atmosphere that amplifies your romantic experience. Choosing the right fragrance becomes an essential part of setting the stage for a memorable and emotionally charged encounter for Valentine’s Day,” shared Johanna Monange, founder of Maison 21G.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FRAGRANCE NOTES TO ATTRACT LOVE

De Longueville recommended choosing “warm” notes such as amber, incense, vanilla, tonka, oud, honey, cashmere wood and heavier white florals, as these are often considered to be sensual in perfumery.

If you’re still unsure, Monange also advised opting for oriental, floriental, woody, leathery, musky scents. “These perfumes contain heavier heart and bottom notes, which take longer to evaporate, and as such, will stick to the skin.” Plus, its heavier molecular weight and low level of volatility will also keep your perfume lingering longer throughout your Valentine’s Day date.

And of course, you can never go wrong with roses. Known for its delicate scent and symbolic importance, De Longueville shared that roses are also often used in addictive fragrances to attract as well.

3 TIPS TO WEAR YOUR FAVOURITE PERFUME AND MAKE IT LAST LONGER

1. Apply your fragrance to your pulse points, hair and clothes

Both De Longueville and Monange advised applying perfume to pulse points, like the neck and wrists. It is where the body naturally radiates heat and where blood flow is close to the surface. And this, in turn, helps maximise the scent’s sillage (how long it lasts) for a longer time.

But that’s not all. Monange also recommended spraying your perfume to the arms, tips of ears, chest and even the back of your knees if you’re wearing a short outfit.

For the hair, De Longueville suggests spraying your perfume directly onto your locks which will help create a scent trail and allow the people around you to catch a whiff of it as you walk by.

And don’t forget to spritz some fragrance onto your clothes as well. “The fibres of your clothing will trap the perfume compounds very effectively, allowing it to last longer, no matter the weather or climatic conditions,” said Monange.

2. Moisturise your skin before applying your perfume

According to Monange, while dry skin will rapidly absorb the fragrance, it will also result in it fading more quickly. A well-moisturised skin, on the other hand, “gives the fragrance a surface to adhere to, increasing its presence and longevity”.

For the best results, apply a body lotion or cream in the same scent before spraying your perfume over. Alternatively, go for an unscented option to avoid clashing with your perfume.

3. Choose a perfume with a higher scent concentration

GET IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE WITH THESE 10 HIS AND HERS FRAGRANCES

For Her:

1. Jo Malone London Rose Blush, S$175

A soft rose-centric scent that combines notes of charming pink rose petals, vibrant basil, juicy lychee and embracing white musk. Also comes in a limited edition designed bottle and complemented with a special packaging to make this gift even more loved.

Available at www.jomalone.com.sg

2. Penhaligon’s A Kiss of Bliss, S$380

Infused with musks, addictive rose and warm patchouli, making this the perfect “second-skin” scent to draw your love interest closer.

Available at Penhaligon’s boutiques, #03-16 ION Orchard.

3. Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Eau de Parfum, from S$195

With its blend of citron, jasmine, teak wood accord, amber and hint of aldehydes, this sparkling fresh and woody scent is luminous and full-bodied, making it easy to wear every day or for that special occasion.

Available at www.chanel.com/sg/

4. Chloe Rose Naturelle Eau De Parfum, from S$150

A delicate rose scent that captures the essence of love. Its comforting bouquet fills the senses with notes of organic rose, sparkling blackcurrent, Moroccan neroli and sensual mimosa.

Available at www.sephora.sg.

5. Hermes Hermessence Oud Alezan, from S$458

Harmonising notes of oud with a delicate petal-like rose hydrosol and rose oxide, this woody-floral scent warms the senses – body, mind and soul. It’s also perfect for sharing with your partner so you’ll always smell each other throughout the day.

Available at Hermes boutiques, counters and www.hermes.com/sg/

For Him:

1. L’Artisan Parfumeur Cuir Grenat Eau de Parfum, from S$185

An interplay of leathery and suede notes alongside a sweet touch of raspberries reveals an unexpected yet addictive fragrance. Best bit? It can also be shared by your partner too.

Available at L’Artisan Parfumeur boutique, #B1-33A Ngee Ann City.

2. Maison 21G La Creation Oud Outshine & Sage Supreme, S$140

Love woody scents? This is the perfect combination of two woody and aromatic scents – oud and sage. The former boasts intense woody and leathery notes while the latter is fresh and green that provides a clean and crisp vibe.

Available at www.maison21g.com and www.sephora.sg

3. Gucci Guilty Elixir De Parfum Pour Homme, S$255

Spicy and smoky, bold and sensual, this amber-y woody fragrance attracts with warm notes of orange blossom, pimento seeds, nutmeg, orris, vanilla, benzoin and patchouli.

Available at Gucci Beauty store and www.sephora.sg

4. Burberry Hero Eau de Toilette, S$230

A luminous and bold scent that marries the bright and sparkling notes of bergamot with herbaceous juniper and spicy black pepper. And to add warmth, a trio of cedarwood oils rounds up the bouquet for a masculine and sensual finish.

Available at Burberry Beauty counters and www.sephora.sg

5. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, from S$130

Inspired by the desert in the magical twilight hour, this sensual and mysterious scent is enriched with juicy Calabrian bergamot paired with woody amber and smoky vanilla absolute from Papua New Guinea.

Available at www.shop.dior.com.sg