When a first date rolls around, confidence is key. And what better way to show the best version of yourself than with a head-turning scent? Whether you’re after a fresh and fruity fragrance for a daytime adventure, or something soft yet seductive to suit an evening soiree, we’ve got just the scents up our sleeve. Check out our top first date perfumes guaranteed to get the pulses racing, no matter where your date takes you!
Should you wear perfume on a first date?
In short: yes! First dates can be nerve wracking at the best of times, so we recommend spritzing a sensual scent to help ease those pre-date jitters. Plus, choosing a first date perfume that matches the vibe and location of the date is a sure-fire way to make a great impression.
As part of your pre-date ritual, be sure to focus your first date perfume in areas known as your pulse points (think: insides of the wrists, elbows and even the backs of your knees!). Why? Well, these are areas where the blood is closest to the skin and spritzing here helps to amplify your fragrance and ensure you and your date can smell it lingering on your skin.
Usually, when we think of seductive scents, warming notes such as amber and musk jump to the top of the 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. But as you know, fragrance is totally subjective, so the best port of call is wearing a first date perfume that makes you feel sexy and confident!
Best perfumes for first dates coming right up…
Scenario 1: Daytime adventure
Let’s begin this first date perfume guide with scenario one – a romantic daytime adventure. A daytime date is a wonderful way to create a more relaxed, fun and less formal atmosphere.
Whether your date involves a sunny stroll around the park or heading to your nearest city for a spot of sightseeing, you’ll need a dreamy daytime scent to match the occasion. We recommend fresh and fruity scents to pair beautifully with the great outdoors and keep you energised for your daytime adventure.
For her: Daisy Ever So Fresh by Marc Jacobs
Light, refreshing and almost good enough to eat? Tick, tick and tick! Daisy Ever So FreshfromMarc Jacobs (to be honest, any scent from the Daisycollection) will be the invigorating scent you’ve been searching for. The sparkling blend of mango, pineapple and mandarin essence gives a sweetness bound to put a spring in your step. Plus, the woody base won’t be out of place whilst out and about in nature! Woodland walk, anyone?
For a scent that fits the ‘daytime date’ bill, please turn your attention toCool Water Man by Davidoff. Bursting with freshness from the outset, your senses will awaken with uplifting notes of peppermint and lavender before the warmth from the woody heart and amber base starts to take hold. The perfect outdoorsy scent if you ask us!
Scenario two may require a bit more time and effort to get ready for. Because when cocktails at a swanky bar are on the cards, you’ll want to dress to impress! You’ll also want a sensual scent that lingers on the skin all night long.
For those that consider themselves a cocktail connoisseur, you’ll first want to head over to our blog: Match Your Perfume to Your Cocktail Choice to help you smell as amazing as your drink of choice.
Want to ooze confidence from the moment you enter the bar? Add a few spritzes of Libre from Yves Saint Laurentto your pre-date ritual. This beautifully bold scent opens with sunny orange blossom and punchy lavender before mellowing into a delicious base of creamy vanilla and musk. Trust us, Libre has got ‘best perfume for first dates’ written all over it!
Does your dream first date involve swirling your cocktail while the sweet sounds of the saxophone fill your ears? Yep, us too! Jazz Club from Maison Margiela takes you on a journey to a jazz bar in times gone by with its rich notes of rum absolute, tobacco leaf and gentle hum of vanilla bean. The best part? It’s a unisex scent that we guarantee will appeal to anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their fragrance rotation.
This first date scenario involves bonding over your caffeine fix of choice, typically during the day. So, you’ll want a warming scent that can rise to the occasion.
For her: Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
When thinking of the best perfumes for first dates,Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic fragrance, Black Opium, is a stellar choice in our books. This empowering scent takes you on an adrenaline-fuelled journey through fruity and floral notes of mandarin and orange blossom before a strong black coffee and musk finish. The result? A scent that’s bound to get heads turning at your local café.
Coffee Break by Maison Margielacaptures everything you love about a coffee shop and bottles it up to create a warm and nostalgic scent. With dreamy notes of pear, vanilla and black coffee accord, this unisex scent transports you to a cosy café where you’re watching the world go by with a creamy coffee and pastry in hand. The perfect scent to kick off any budding romance!
If you’re on the coffee hype and want more perfumes with a kick, read our blog: The Best Fragrances with Coffee Notes for a line-up that’s guaranteed to put a pep in your step.
Scenario four is perfect for the active, competitive types. Whether you’re thrill-seeking at the theme park, showing off your skills with a game of mini golf or getting your heart rate racing at a salsa class, you’ll need a scent that can keep up. Check out the best perfumes for first dates that are a little more active.
For her: Angel Nova by Mugler
For a flirty floral scent that ticks all the boxes, Angel Nova by Muglerwill not fail you. Bright notes of lychee, magnolia and rose oil intertwine to create a scent that’s perfect for some high-octane fun. Notes of musk and cedarwood sneak in at the end to give an addictive edge that’ll take you well into the night-time.
Bold, bright and refreshing are three words that come to mind after a spritz of CK One from Calvin Klein. This iconic scent (adored since the ‘90s) oozes energy with its confident formulation. Comprised of a medley of citrus fruits that entrance before the musky amber dry down, this unisex scent is guaranteed to leave a trail of seduction on your date.
If you’re more traditional when it comes to dates, then our final scenario is for you. Nothing says romance quite like a reservation at a fancy restaurant. You’ll be wearing your Sunday best, so why not complete the look with a scent that’s just as elegant?
For her: Prada Paradoxe by Prada
For an exquisite evening scent, look no further. Prada Paradoxe by Prada wows from the outset with a bold blend of neroli and amber that gives way to a musky base for a hint of mystery. A scent of this calibre is best paired with a candle-lit setting and some good company!
Timeless, classic and oh-so sensual, Code by Armaniticks all the date night boxes. This scent commands attention through a crisp harmony of bergamot and clary sage that reveals an enticing masculine aroma. And that’s not all, this assertive scent finally fades into a tonka bean and cedar wood base that’s as bold as it is seductive.
Rosa is a creative copywriter who has been writing about luxury beauty, fragrance and her personal interest, sustainable fashion, for over two years. When she’s not hunting in her local charity shops for vintage homeware, she’s testing out the latest beauty trends. Her favourite perfume? Chance by CHANEL.
The best first date perfumes
When a first date rolls around, confidence is key. And what better way to show the best version of yourself than with a head-turning scent? Whether you’re after a fresh and fruity fragrance for a daytime adventure, or something soft yet seductive to suit an evening soiree, we’ve got just the scents up our sleeve. Check out our top first date perfumes guaranteed to get the pulses racing, no matter where your date takes you!
Should you wear perfume on a first date?
In short: yes! First dates can be nerve wracking at the best of times, so we recommend spritzing a sensual scent to help ease those pre-date jitters. Plus, choosing a first date perfume that matches the vibe and location of the date is a sure-fire way to make a great impression.
As part of your pre-date ritual, be sure to focus your first date perfume in areas known as your pulse points (think: insides of the wrists, elbows and even the backs of your knees!). Why? Well, these are areas where the blood is closest to the skin and spritzing here helps to amplify your fragrance and ensure you and your date can smell it lingering on your skin.
Has all this talk of pulse points piqued your interest? Here’s our article for even more of the lowdown: Which Pulse Points to Apply Perfume On?
What are the most seductive fragrances?
Usually, when we think of seductive scents, warming notes such as amber and musk jump to the top of the 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. But as you know, fragrance is totally subjective, so the best port of call is wearing a first date perfume that makes you feel sexy and confident!
Best perfumes for first dates coming right up…
Scenario 1: Daytime adventure
Let’s begin this first date perfume guide with scenario one – a romantic daytime adventure. A daytime date is a wonderful way to create a more relaxed, fun and less formal atmosphere.
Whether your date involves a sunny stroll around the park or heading to your nearest city for a spot of sightseeing, you’ll need a dreamy daytime scent to match the occasion. We recommend fresh and fruity scents to pair beautifully with the great outdoors and keep you energised for your daytime adventure.
For her: Daisy Ever So Fresh by Marc Jacobs
Light, refreshing and almost good enough to eat? Tick, tick and tick! Daisy Ever So Fresh from Marc Jacobs (to be honest, any scent from the Daisy collection) will be the invigorating scent you’ve been searching for. The sparkling blend of mango, pineapple and mandarin essence gives a sweetness bound to put a spring in your step. Plus, the woody base won’t be out of place whilst out and about in nature! Woodland walk, anyone?
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Ever So Fresh
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £50.15
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For him: Cool Water Man by Davidoff
For a scent that fits the ‘daytime date’ bill, please turn your attention to Cool Water Man by Davidoff. Bursting with freshness from the outset, your senses will awaken with uplifting notes of peppermint and lavender before the warmth from the woody heart and amber base starts to take hold. The perfect outdoorsy scent if you ask us!
Davidoff
Cool Water Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – £21.24
Davidoff
Cool Water Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
200ML – £33.99
Scenario 2: Cocktails at the bar
Scenario two may require a bit more time and effort to get ready for. Because when cocktails at a swanky bar are on the cards, you’ll want to dress to impress! You’ll also want a sensual scent that lingers on the skin all night long.
For those that consider themselves a cocktail connoisseur, you’ll first want to head over to our blog: Match Your Perfume to Your Cocktail Choice to help you smell as amazing as your drink of choice.
For her: Libre by Yves Saint Laurent
Want to ooze confidence from the moment you enter the bar? Add a few spritzes of Libre from Yves Saint Laurent to your pre-date ritual. This beautifully bold scent opens with sunny orange blossom and punchy lavender before mellowing into a delicious base of creamy vanilla and musk. Trust us, Libre has got ‘best perfume for first dates’ written all over it!
Yves Saint Laurent
Libre
Eau de Parfum Spray
90ML – £114.76
Yves Saint Laurent
Libre
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £55.25
Unisex: Jazz Club by Maison Margiela
Does your dream first date involve swirling your cocktail while the sweet sounds of the saxophone fill your ears? Yep, us too! Jazz Club from Maison Margiela takes you on a journey to a jazz bar in times gone by with its rich notes of rum absolute, tobacco leaf and gentle hum of vanilla bean. The best part? It’s a unisex scent that we guarantee will appeal to anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their fragrance rotation.
Maison Margiela
Jazz Club
Eau de Toilette Spray
30ML – £62.00
Maison Margiela
Jazz Club
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £125.00
Scenario 3: Coffee date
This first date scenario involves bonding over your caffeine fix of choice, typically during the day. So, you’ll want a warming scent that can rise to the occasion.
For her: Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
When thinking of the best perfumes for first dates, Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic fragrance, Black Opium, is a stellar choice in our books. This empowering scent takes you on an adrenaline-fuelled journey through fruity and floral notes of mandarin and orange blossom before a strong black coffee and musk finish. The result? A scent that’s bound to get heads turning at your local café.
Yves Saint Laurent
Black Opium
Eau de Parfum Spray
90ML – £106.26
Yves Saint Laurent
Black Opium
Eau de Parfum Spray
150ML – £136.01
Unisex: Coffee Break by Maison Margiela
Coffee Break by Maison Margiela captures everything you love about a coffee shop and bottles it up to create a warm and nostalgic scent. With dreamy notes of pear, vanilla and black coffee accord, this unisex scent transports you to a cosy café where you’re watching the world go by with a creamy coffee and pastry in hand. The perfect scent to kick off any budding romance!
If you’re on the coffee hype and want more perfumes with a kick, read our blog: The Best Fragrances with Coffee Notes for a line-up that’s guaranteed to put a pep in your step.
–
–
Scenario 4: Activity dates
Scenario four is perfect for the active, competitive types. Whether you’re thrill-seeking at the theme park, showing off your skills with a game of mini golf or getting your heart rate racing at a salsa class, you’ll need a scent that can keep up. Check out the best perfumes for first dates that are a little more active.
For her: Angel Nova by Mugler
For a flirty floral scent that ticks all the boxes, Angel Nova by Mugler will not fail you. Bright notes of lychee, magnolia and rose oil intertwine to create a scent that’s perfect for some high-octane fun. Notes of musk and cedarwood sneak in at the end to give an addictive edge that’ll take you well into the night-time.
–
Mugler
Angel Nova
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £63.75
For him: CK One by Calvin Klein
Bold, bright and refreshing are three words that come to mind after a spritz of CK One from Calvin Klein. This iconic scent (adored since the ‘90s) oozes energy with its confident formulation. Comprised of a medley of citrus fruits that entrance before the musky amber dry down, this unisex scent is guaranteed to leave a trail of seduction on your date.
Calvin Klein
CK ONE
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £21.24
Calvin Klein
CK ONE
Eau de Toilette Spray
200ML – £62.91
Scenario 5: Dinner Date
If you’re more traditional when it comes to dates, then our final scenario is for you. Nothing says romance quite like a reservation at a fancy restaurant. You’ll be wearing your Sunday best, so why not complete the look with a scent that’s just as elegant?
For her: Prada Paradoxe by Prada
For an exquisite evening scent, look no further. Prada Paradoxe by Prada wows from the outset with a bold blend of neroli and amber that gives way to a musky base for a hint of mystery. A scent of this calibre is best paired with a candle-lit setting and some good company!
Prada
Paradoxe
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
50ML – £82.46
Prada
Paradoxe
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
90ML – £114.76
For him: Code by Armani
Timeless, classic and oh-so sensual, Code by Armani ticks all the date night boxes. This scent commands attention through a crisp harmony of bergamot and clary sage that reveals an enticing masculine aroma. And that’s not all, this assertive scent finally fades into a tonka bean and cedar wood base that’s as bold as it is seductive.
Armani
Code
Parfum Refillable Spray
50ML – £69.71
Armani
Code
Parfum Refillable Spray
125ML – £106.26
Want to get pulses racing with your perfume of choice?
Read all about the top aphrodisiac scents to set the mood!
About Rosa Morell
Copywriter
Rosa is a creative copywriter who has been writing about luxury beauty, fragrance and her personal interest, sustainable fashion, for over two years. When she’s not hunting in her local charity shops for vintage homeware, she’s testing out the latest beauty trends. Her favourite perfume? Chance by CHANEL.
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