11 sexy scents to build up or incite desire

In the French movie “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” starring Ben Whishaw, his character Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is driven by an all-consuming passion to create the ultimate perfume. That obsession took him on a murderous journey, culminating in a movie climax that is as disturbing as it is seductive.

Now, we’re not going to the extremes of emulating that movie, but we do want to explore scents that capture the heady sense of desire in a bottle. But first, we will need to digress into the sexier bits of science: The smell of sex.

How does sex smell like

Sex smells differently in men and women. Men should smell musky with a hint of spice during or post-coitus, while women should smell musky and indolic. Add some saltiness that comes with the exertion (cough), and the kind of notes you’re looking for to invoke or remind you of desires should be:

• Animalic musks: Musk, Civet, Castoreum

• Plant musk: Ambrette

• Indolic flowers: Jasmine, Tuberose, Lily

• Spicy notes: Spices such as Caraway, Cumin, Cloves

• Salty note: Salt, Fig, Seaweed

Now that we know the science behind it, let’s look at some perfumes on popular sites such as Sephora, Tangs, Robinsons, Amazon, LookFantastic, Selfridges and more to see where you can obtain a bottle of desire. Of course, scents do translate differently depending on the chemical makeup of your skin. If you get the chance to, head down to a store to try a spritz or two, and see how it sits on your skin after a couple of hours.

Related:
The smell of a strong, independent person: House of Creed's Wind Flowers

The best new perfumes of 2023 (so far)

And then, like all smart shoppers, you can then hunt around online to find the best deals for the fragrance you're looking for. So, without further ado, here are some of the best scents we love that are designed to evoke desires. They are not arranged by gender – you’re free to choose a scent that most appeals to you!

[Click on images for product links]

1. Amaris Liquid Imaginaires Dom Milliseme

Notes: Champagne, Pomelo, Pear, Damask Rose, Olibanum, Cloves, Vetiver, Guaiac Wood, Cedar

Available in 100 ml.

2. Maison Francis Kurkjidian Baccarat Rouge 540

Notes: Saffron, Jasmine, Amberwood, Ambergris, Fir Resin, Cedar

Available in 70 and 200 ml.

3. YSL Kouros

Notes: Musky, Aromatic, Animalic with Aldehydes, Orris, Leather, Amber

Available in 50 and 100 ml.

4. Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Notes: Woody, Green with Driftwood, Coconut, Yellow Florals

Available in 50 ml.

5. Dior Oud Ispaphan

Notes: Oud, Rose, Woody, Amber, Spicy

Available in 40 and 125 ml.

6. Gucci Rush

Notes: White Floral, Patchouli, Aromatic with Peach, Coriander, Vetiver

Available in 75 and 100ml.

7. Maison Margiela REPLICA By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Notes: Cloves, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Chestnut, Guaiac Wood, Juniper, Vanilla, Peru Balsam, Cashmeran

Available in 100 ml.

8. Serge Lutens Fleurs d'oranger

Notes: White Floral with Cumin, Musk, Woods

Available in 50 and 100 ml.

9. Hermes Poivre Samarcande

Notes: Woody, Fresh Spicy, Paprika

Available in 100ml.

10. Roja Fetish

Notes: Leather, Citrus, Amber, Warm Spicy, Animalic/Musky

Available in 50ml.

11. Bonus: Layer with Jo Malone's Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Get Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt here

Find your perfect fragrance

Sephora | Tangs | Robinsons | Amazon | LookFantastic | Selfridges