Scent is sexy. The powers that be say pheromones—the body’s one-of-one signature odor—double as an invisible attraction string. Scientifically speaking, your soon-to-be romantic partner (wherever he/she/they may be) will be enticed by your natural smell. That’s all well and good, but there’s nothing wrong with enlisting a little assistance ahead of Valentine’s Day. Enter: Man-eater fragrances.
These extra-special perfumes pair seduction with long-lasting staying power—working like Cupid’s arrow, but for the nose. Whether you’re after love, lust, or a little spice (literally and figuratively), a deliberately placed spray can go a long way when trying to attract The One. As dating expert Tiffany Baria eloquently explains, “Having a signature scent makes it so your potential date or partner remembers you everywhere they go—and it’s a Flirting FastPass to getting them hooked.”
Gourmands and spicy scents are inherently steamy. I wore Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille Eau de Parfum on a date this week and was told I smelled “delicious.” But man-eater scents don’t have to be so straightforward. You can find an aphrodisiac-inducing scent with florals, citrus, and boozy blends. But don’t just trust me—dating experts and hot New York City singles are sharing their go-to man-eater fragrances to amp up intrigue.
Best Man-Eater Fragrances
What to Look for in a Valentine’s Day Fragrance
Fragrance Family
There’s no “right” way to smell sexy—a handful of fragrance families can emit an seductive scent. Historically, gourmands with deep vanilla tones have been considered very sexy. “The idea of being edible or chased down the street because you smell so delicious has been associated with vanilla in a strong way,” says fragrance influencer Sir Candle Man.
While that may be the most obvious, boozy notes, like rum and cognac, as well as patchouli-based fragrances, ouds, roses, and light fragrances can also be undeniably sexy. “Today, sexy can be clean and fresh (like a crisp white shirt), gourmand and edible (think marshmallows and caramel), or even bold and experimental with unisex woody or smoky notes,” adds Cadet. “The modern landscape celebrates individuality—sexy is about confidence and personal expression through scent.”
Staying Power
It’s personal preference, but it’s worthwhile to pay attention to the type of perfume you’re spraying. An eau de toilette will be fleeting, an eau de parfum will typically provide a few hours of wear, and an extrait is more powerful. Perfume oils—like the new Cyklar collection—also provide long-staying power, but not a far through (i.e. your date will only smell it when you’re really close).
Where to Spray Fragrance on Valentine’s Day?
For a regular date night, the usual spots like the neck, wrists, and chest are recommended, using just enough to be noticeable but not overpowering. But if you’re looking to add a little spice to the mundane, “you could also add some locations your partner may be more familiar with, like the small of your back and behind the ears,” says Sir Candle Man. “Some would go so far as to say that you should spray the ankles.” Whatever scent you choose from this list, you’ll be guaranteed to have a very enjoyable Valentine’s Day.
Why Trust Us
Samantha Holender has nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry, and has a prominent focus on fragrance. She was responsible for testing over 200 fragrances for Marie Claire’s Fragrance Awards in 2024, and has reported on all fragrance families.
Marie Claire is also an fragrance authority, having reporting on citrus, spicy, vanilla, gourmand, and spicy fragrances.
Meet the Experts
Meet Abby Cadet, also known as TheCherysTv, an Orlando based content creator. She loves all things fragrance, beauty and skincare.
Sir Candle Man is a fragrance expert and content creator.