beauty

'My partner constantly compliments me on it': 11 women share their go-to date night perfumes.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

Let me just say — there's something undeniably captivating about a perfume that makes you feel sexy, confident, and completely tapped into your higher self.

For me, perfume is a lot more than a finishing touch; it's a secret weapon.

Over the past few weeks, I've asked the women in my circle what their go-to sexy perfume is — you know, the one that receives compliments from strangers and makes their partner do a double-take?

The answers were equally diverse, as they were delicious!

Watch: Our verdict on the viral Selena Gomez fragrance. Post continues after video.


Mamamia

Some of the women swore by a classic that's been in their rotation for years, while others have only just embarked on a new fragrance fling that has become their date night staple.

From deep, musky vanillas to bright, flirty florals, they all have a signature scent that makes them utterly irresistible.

ADVERTISEMENT

And yes, a few mentioned how their partner goes wild for it, but let's be real: while it's fun to hear which scents make your partner swoon, the sexiest part about wearing perfume is how it makes you feel.

It's about stepping into your sensuality and feeling like the main character in your own rom-com, even if the only date you've got is with your couch and a glass of wine.

Hence, whether you're looking to spice things up with that special someone or you're solo and just want to smell like a snack, these perfumes are about to become your new obsession.

1. Burberry Beauty Her Elixir.

burberry-her-elixirImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Strawberry and blackberry.

Heart note: Jasmine.

Base notes: Vanilla, amber, and sandalwood.

Why she loves it:

"Every time I wear this one, he goes wild. My boyfriend says it's the hottest thing he's ever smelt. If sweetness, cheekiness, and seduction had a love child, it would be Burberry Her Elixir. Last time I spritzed this one on before a night out, he literally leaned in to me and said, 'This one's dangerous.'"

2. Tom Ford Black Orchid.

tom-ford-black-orchidImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Black truffle, bergamot, black currant, ylang-ylang, gardenia, mandarin orange, and lemon.

Heart note: Black orchid, spices, fruity notes, lotus, and jasmine.

Base notes: Patchouli, vanilla, incense, sandalwood, amber, Mexican chocolate, and vetiver.

Why she loves it:

"My husband is obsessed with Black Orchid. The mix of dark chocolate and florals drives him crazy. He jokes that it's the reason I caught his attention when we first met, and now, a solid few years on, he still says I'm impossible to ignore when I'm wearing it."

3. Charlotte Tilbury Calm Bliss.

charlotte-tilbury-calm-blissImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Fresh bergamot oil, sweet neroli oil, and lavander oil.

Heart note: Orange flower absolute and a watery accord.

Base notes: Tonka bean accord, pure white musks, and orris concrete.

Why she loves it:

"As someone in a long-distance relationship, I'm constantly packing my beauty bag for trips to Newcastle. I'd thrown several travel-sized Charlotte Tilbury fragrances into my bag, and when I discovered this one during a weekend away, I quickly sprayed it on before heading out."

"My partner couldn't stop complimenting me! It's fresh and aquatic — completely different from what I'd usually wear — but it was such a lovely change that I find myself reaching for it regularly now."

ADVERTISEMENT

4. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Intense.

narcisco-rodriguez-for-her-intenseImage: Supplied

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Juicy peach and Calabrian bergamot.

Heart note: Musk and white flowers.

Base notes: Vanilla and vetiver.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why she loves it:

"I don't know what exactly is in it, but damn does it make me feel unstoppable. It's clean, but definitely not boring; it's a classy kind of sexy scent."

"My husband says it's low-key intimidating… and he loves it. Every time I've worn it when I come home from work, he brings me in for a cuddle, takes a whiff, and tells me how attractive I am. Coincidence? I think not."

5. Giorgio Armani Privé Santal Dan Sha.

armani-prive-santal-dan-shaImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Guatemalan cardamom, Calabrian bergamot, and violet leaf.

Heart note: Elemi, olibanum, and musk.

Base notes: Sandalwood, Virginia cedar, and Dreamwood™.

Why she loves it:

"This Armani one is my ride-or-die date night perfume. The second I spray it, my boyfriend is like, 'Okay, we are going home, and how fast can we get back?' We're both big fans of the creamy sandalwood vibe, and he's told me before that the subtle spicy kick is 'ridiculously hot.'"

6. Dolce & Gabbana My Devotion Intense.

dolce-gabbana-my-devotion-intenseImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Pear blossom and blackcurrant.

Heart note: Peony and orange blossom.

Base notes: Madagascar vanilla, ambroxan and amberwood.

Why she loves it:

"I've only had My Devotion Intense for about a month, but it's now my official first date perfume. I'd say almost every guy I've gone out with has complimented it."

"Pne said it smelt expensive and yummy, and another told me it was distracting him in the best possible way. I'd say it's sweet but not sugary, and warm without being too heavy or old school. I like that it doesn't scream for attention, but somehow always gets it."

7. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium.

ysl-black-opiumImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Pink pepper and pear.

Heart note: Orange blossom and jasmine.

Base notes: Black coffee, vanilla, patchouli and cedarwood.

Why she loves it:

"I don't care what my boyfriend says about this one because it makes me feel like the ultimate snack. Yes, it's a perk that he loves it too, but I think I'd be looking for a new man before I'd change perfumes. I'm in awe of the sweet and smokey combination. I've never smelled anything like it and the way it settles on my skin is to die for!!!"

8. Jean Paul Gaultier Gaultier Divine.

jpg-gaultier-divineImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Calypsone, bergamot and red berries.

Heart note: Lily, ylang-ylang and jasmine.

Base notes: Meringue, musk and patchouli.

Why she loves it:

"I discovered this puppy at fashion week last year when a model I am mutual friends with was wearing it. Not long after she told me the name, I went out and bought myself a full-size bottle — it's quite literally heaven in perfume form. I feel like a sexy, silky goddess when I spray this on after a shower and I always get compliments whether I'm on a date or just in an elevators lol."

ADVERTISEMENT

9. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist.

sol-de-janero-cheirosa-68Image: Supplied

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Pink dragonfruit and lychee essence.

Heart note: Brazilian jasmine, ocean air, and hibiscus.

Base notes: Sheer vanilla and sun musk.

Why she loves it:

ADVERTISEMENT

"My boyfriend thinks one sniff of this perfume is enough to trap a man. Nuff said. It's an intoxicating mix of jasmine, lychee, ocean air and vanilla (otherwise known as catnip for men), that I think perfectly toes the line between floral, sweet and musky. I have a sneaking suspicion the 'salt' element also mimics natural sweat, which is kind of sexy if you think about it."

10. Who Is Elijah Nomad.

who-is-elijah-normadImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Egyptian jasmine, saffron, and almond.

Heart note: Amberwood, Bulgarian rose, and ambergris.

Base notes: Fir resin, cedar, moss, dry amber, and musk.

Why she loves it:

"This fragrance went viral for its similarities to the very expensive, very divine Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. It's the perfect combination of woody, amber and floral notes — my husband and I actually both wear this one!"

11. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.

chanel-coco-mademoiselleImage: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

Fragrance notes:

Top notes: Orange, mandarin orange, and bergamot.

Heart note: Turkish rose, jasmine, mimosa, and ylang-ylang.

Base notes: Patchouli, white musk, vanilla, vetiver, opoponax, and tonka bean.

Why she loves it:

"I don't spray myself with Chanel until I know if the date is going well — I refuse to waste it on a man that I'm not super interested in. This perfume is my sexy secret weapon when I want to make a lasting impression — so I use with caution."

"Guys always ask what it is, and IMO, it gets bonus points because even saying 'coco mademoiselle' sounds sexy. The initial citrus hit settles so beautifully into the warm patchouli. It's the epitome of flirty fragrance and I refuse to part ways!"

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Calling all women aged 30+! We want to hear how you take care of yourself! Complete our 3 minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

00:00 / ???