Whether you’re looking to attract the perfect man through the power of pheromones or build a don’t-mess-with-me-bubble that wards off potential suitors, fragrance can do it all—at least according to TikTok. To save you critical time, we dove deep into the world of fragrances, curating a list of fragrance options that attract and selections that repel, looking for the most consistent recommendations and glowing reviews. What we found might surprise you; check out our picks ahead.
How Does Fragrance Attract?
Let’s be clear from the start: there’s not a lot of evidence to back up the effectiveness of pheromone perfumes. While humans do emit chemical signatures that communicate a lot, they aren’t scents we can consciously detect. Plus, there’s limited data to suggest that pheromone fragrances have any significant impact on sexual desire.
But there’s more to attracting a man with perfume than pheromones, and we do know that scent has been proven to have an impact on mood. Studies have shown that the most attractive fragrance note for both men and women is vanilla, which has been used in fragrance for centuries but enjoyed a popularity surge in the 1990s. And luckily, vanilla perfumes are trending again, with gourmand fragrances and nostalgia back in vogue.
“I often say fragrances are like bookmarks in your life in that they are attached to your memories, so it doesn’t hurt to be intentional about choosing a fragrance or fragrances to mark a special occasion,” says Mona Kattan, founder of Kayali. “Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be a specific perfume, but perhaps it’s your favorite fragrance note.”
In other words, you’re more likely to inspire romance in your partner if you can find a scent note that reminds them of you. It might be the smell of baked goods from a first date or a campfire burning in the evening. If it’s special to you, it’s likely to attract your man.
Our Favorite Fragrances to Attract
These are the best in sweet, gourmand and romantic scents to turn your man on or invite that first date of your dreams.
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Cashmere woods, vanilla, sugar crystals
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Candied pear, rock sugar, vanilla cream
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Cherry, pepper, incense, moss
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Black cherry, tonka bean, almond
How Does Fragrance Repel?
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While the idea of a “repelling” fragrance might sound a bit unconventional, we’re not talking about unpleasant scents or anything off-putting. Instead, think of it like magnets—opposites attract, but similar ends don’t. Simply put, fragrances with traditionally masculine notes may not appeal as much to those who prefer more feminine or neutral scents.
There’s no way we can say with certainty that any of these scents will keep guys from hitting on you. After all, there are plenty of men who like the smell of woods, spice and amber on their partners. And those traditionally masculine scents are also some of the sexiest, especially when balanced with enchanting and mysterious notes like smoke and incense.
Nonetheless, a bold fragrance can communicate that you’re too busy being at the top of your game. Fragrances do communicate a lot about your personality and mood, and there are definitely those scents that say, “Don’t mess with me.”
Our Favorite Fragrances to ‘Repel’
These are the strong scents that will make you seem untouchable. Notes of tobacco, incense and warm wood notes define these traditionally masculine fragrances, making them the ideal “don’t need a man today” scents.
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Hookah flavour, tobacco absolute, bourbon vanilla
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Cedar wood, coriander essence, italian citrus zests, cypress woods
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White honey, tobacco, oud
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Sandalwood, vetiver, amber wood
