How to Use Fragrance to Be Seductive

Co-authored by Laura Bilotta

Last Updated: September 20, 2022 References

Scent and sensuality are powerfully linked. Wearing just the right fragrance can be incredibly alluring and leaves a lasting impression. For a seductive effect, choose an appealing fragrance, hydrate your skin to deepen the scent, and spray the fragrance on the warmest parts of your body, like your pulse points.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding Fragrances that Appeal to Men

1
Find a perfume with a warm base note. We smell perfume in notes—top notes, middle/heart notes, and base notes—and a scent’s base note is what lasts longest on your skin. Make sure to pick a sexy, warm base note that will continue to smell seductive.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Vanilla is warm and sensual, making it a perfect base note.
2
Choose a spicy scent. Spicier base notes are deep, warm, and proven to arouse men. Look for a scent with notes of sandalwood, musk, or cinnamon.

Advertisement
3
Pick a clean, fresh scent. Sweet, fresh citrus scents are known to be extremely appealing. Choose a perfume that balances out a fresh orange scent with a light floral to keep the fragrance mature and sophisticated.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Other clean scents include gardenia, white freesia and dewy greens.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
4
Refresh your natural scent. Sometimes simple is best—just refresh your natural scent by taking a shower.^{[4]
X
Research source} Use natural soap and shampoo products that don't contain strong fragrances. Smelling clean and freshly showered is incredibly appealing.
- Take into account what type of date you’re going on. Is this a day date or an evening date? Will you be spending time outside? Will the date last all day? These are questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a natural or a different fragrance.
5
Avoid overly floral scents. Floral fragrances are said to remind men of elderly women, such as their grandmother—and any scent that reminds a man of his grandmother is a definite no! If you’re drawn to florals, you can still avoid this pitfall by choosing a fragrance that incorporates florals with different notes.
6
Choose a spicy floral fragrance. This combination creates a sexy, sophisticated effect and is proven to make men perceive you as up to 12 pounds lighter, which can be a big confidence boost.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Choose a floral scent like vanilla orchid infused with pepper or white woods to give it a spicy edge.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
7
Look for lily-of-the-valley scents. This is one floral that men find extremely attractive, so look for this scent in a fragrance’s layered notes. The scent is soft and subtle, but not overpoweringly floral.
8
Use a scent with notes of lavender. Lavender is another great option—it’s a relaxing and alluring scent, proven to draw men in. It’s natural and lightly floral, but not too strong. One of the most effective scents to attract a man is, oddly enough, a combination of pumpkin pie and lavender. While this may sound like a strange combination, you can replicate it with a more subtle mix of vanilla and lavender notes.^{[7]
X
Research source}
9
Don’t be scared off by a masculine-sounding perfume. If the label describes it as musky, spicy or woodsy, people often assume the fragrance will be more masculine. However, these multidimensional scents smell great on women as well and have proven to attract men.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding Fragrances that Appeal to Women

1
Choose your scent carefully. Scent is especially important for women because they have a stronger sense of smell. ^{[9]
X
Research source}In fact, scent is the number one factor for women when picking a partner. Be intentional and thoughtful about the fragrance you choose.
2
Pick a scent with warm notes. Warm scents with woodsy, spicy, and amber notes are enticing and invigorating. Women will be drawn to the depth and warmth of the scent.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Spicy scents, such as cinnamon and patchouli, engage and excite the senses.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- Woodsy scents like oakmoss, leather, and cedar are perfect for creating a musky and rich fragrance.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
3
Wear natural scents. Natural scents like almond, licorice, and peppermint are proven to attract women and increase sex drive.^{[13]
X
Research source} Choose a fragrance with subtle notes of these natural scents.
- Peppermint is also an exciting, invigorating scent that will give you a boost of energy.
4
Choose a scent with a hint of musk. Musky scents are linked to attraction, so choose a fragrance with musky undertones. However, too much musk can cross the line into smelling dirty and sweaty, so don't overdo it.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Fragrance

1
Rub on some lotion first to hydrate your skin. Dry skin won’t hold scents for very long, so make sure your skin is moisturized before putting on your perfume or cologne.^{[15]
X
Research source} Your skin best holds fragrance when it’s exfoliated, hydrated, and moisturized.^{[16]
X
Research source}
2
Use unscented lotion or a lotion from the same scent line. Make sure your lotion won’t clash with your perfume or cologne you don’t apply clashing scents. Too many fragrances at once can be overwhelming and unappealing. Use unscented products or lotion or shower gel from the same scent line to help deepen the fragrance and make it even more radiant.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
Apply fragrance to damp skin after your shower. Apply fragrance after a shower, when your skin is damp and moisturized. This will help the fragrance absorb and last longer.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Never apply perfume right after working out, as it will muddle the scent and any sweat will make the perfume evaporate quickly.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
4
Apply fragrance to your pulse points. These areas of your body are warmer, and the heat intensifies the fragrance. Apply scent to pulse points like your wrists, the backs of your knees, the space behind your ears, or your neck.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- Applying fragrance to warm areas like your chest and navel will also help retain the scent.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
5
Don’t rub your perfume. Rubbing activates the top notes of the perfume too quickly, making the perfume evaporate quickly. Let your perfume settle and absorb naturally after spritzing.^{[22]
X
Research source}
6
Spray fragrance through your hair. Lightly spritz some perfume onto your hair so when your hair moves, it releases a fresh wave of scent. When you hug someone, they’ll be able to smell the fragrance, creating an alluring and lasting impression.^{[23]
X
Research source}
7
Don’t over-apply. It’s much more seductive to smell fragrance in whiffs than to smell it continuously. One or two sprays of fragrance should last you 12 hours. If your fragrance is especially strong, spritz it in front of you and walk through the mist. This will give you a more natural overall scent rather than a concentrated area.
8
Use fragrance throughout your house as well. To be even more seductive, spray a spicy, enticing scent on your bedsheets and pillow. Light candles with spicy, woodsy scents like cinnamon, amber, or jasmine.^{[24]
X
Research source}