7 of the best date night perfumes that really leave an impression

When it comes to the best perfumes, some scents evoke those sexy vibes more than others, making them ideal for a first date when you want to leave an unforgettable first impression. So, if you want to be a total knock-out on your next romantic venture, these are the best date night perfumes to spritz before you head out the door...

It's no exaggeration to say that our scents are a powerful thing and are definitely key to attraction. While your personality, looks and overall vibe are, of course, all important factors, being drawn to someone's scent is a chemical thing. It taps into our animalistic senses and elicits emotions such as comfort, nostalgia and even arousal—like we said, powerful.

Hence why selecting your perfect date night fragrance is just as important as your outfit. So—whether you're a lover of vanilla perfumes or oud scents—we've rounded up all the best date perfumes, bursting with the perfume notes that the experts say are synonymous with attraction and are bound to score you that second date...

What are the best date night perfume notes?

So first thing's first, what are the best notes to look out for? According to Natalia Ortiz, Chief Commercial Officer at The Fragrance Shop, floral perfumes are the ultimate date companion.

Ortiz says: "Scent is a primary factor when it comes to the initial attraction stage. Perfume notes of lavender, jasmine and florals are linked to attraction, as well as musk and sandalwood notes," adding that these are often associated with 'skin scents.'

"On a first date, you want to smell as good as you look, without overpowering your suitor. Florals are a safe bet as they are subtle, have mass appeal and tend to make people happy," before adding that "florals are particularly great for outdoor dates as they evoke a sense of fresh air combined with sweet-smelling blooms, such as jasmines, roses, orange blossoms. The payoff is sweet, romantic, and fresh—the perfect first date impression."

Oritz also recommends fragrances with notes of tuberose and lavender. Tuberose, Ortiz explains, "is arguably the sexiest scent of all time. It may look like a beautiful, delicate flower, but Tuberose is one of the most subversive scents in the fragrance industry. 

"It is heady, heavy, super sweet and incredibly full-bodied. Like jasmine, its alluring appeal comes down to the idoles which give it a potent appeal. Indole is also produced in small amounts by our skin and released during lovemaking, which goes to explain why most people are attracted to the scent - it comes down to chemistry." Now, that's one sexy flower...

Lavender on the other hand, Oritz describes as 'sexy' with an 'androgynous edge,' adding: "Lavender is also known as the 'herb of love,' and has been used as a scent to attract the opposite sex before bottled perfume even existed." The scent is also proven to be both comforting and a de-stressor, so it could help to put you and your date and ease. 

Rebecca Herd, fragrance expert at The Perfume Shop also notes that spicy notes like amber are perfect for a date. Herd says if you're headed out for a dinner date perhaps, "we would suggest fragrance notes such as neroli and amber. These give way to a musky base with a hint of mystery."

If you're after a more seductive vibe, Herd says: "When we think of seductive scents, warming notes such as amber and musk come to mind. However, seductive doesn’t always have to mean dark and mysterious! Romantic fragrances could also incorporate delicate floral notes such as rose or aromatic notes like pepper or cinnamon to add a hint of spice."

MIL's edit of the best date night perfumes

So, if you're looking for more of a romantic, whimsical persona on your first date, it's florals all the way—from jasmine to lavender. But if you're after something altogether sexier, musks, amber, sandalwood and especially tuberose notes (the rowdiest of roses it seems) are your best friend...

TOM FORD Tubéreuse Nue

RRP: $395 for 50ml

This perfume option is on the pricer side but features a truly alluring concoction of florals and white musks.

It boasts notes of tuberose absolute India orpur, Szechuan peppercorn and suede accord for a soft and spicy aroma.

• View at Sephora

Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense

RRP: $160 for 50ml

Another rose perfume, this one from Jo Malone is as floral as it is rich and smoky, with notes of Damask rose, oud, clove, and praline.

• View at Nordstrom

Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ On A Date

RRP: $85 for 100ml

Literally named 'On A Date' this perfume features a blend of blackcurrant liquor accord, Isparta rose petal and patchouli, it's floral but warm.

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Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

RRP: $205 for 50ml

This scent is already a cult favorite, but thanks to its base notes of amber, vanilla and sandalwood it's also the perfect date night scent.

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Paradoxe Eau de Parfum

RRP: $95 for 30ml

Prada's Paradoxe scent features a dreamy mix of neroli, amber and musk making it a seriously tantalizing scent to wear on a first date.

• View at Ulta

Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum

RRP: $95 for 30ml

Not only is this Dua Lipa's favorite perfume, but it's also the ultimate scent for manifesting love thanks to its combination of lavender, orange blossom and musk accord.

• View at Sephora