One of the most romantic gifts you can give, fragrance has long been intertwined with love, desire, and attraction. Some scents are undeniably more alluring than others—and when it comes to romantic perfumes, it’s all in the notes.
From freshly cut flowers and creamy vanilla to enticing musk, perfumers blend carefully chosen ingredients to create fragrances designed to seduce the senses. Read on as we explore some of the most traditionally romantic perfume notes, and the fascinating history behind them.
Rose
When you think of roses, occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and first dates instantly come to mind. Often regarded as the ultimate symbol of romance, it’s no surprise that rose tops our list.
Linked in classical mythology to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, roses have been associated with romance for centuries and were once used in love spells and potions. Different varieties offer their own unique nuances, but rose is generally sweet yet delicate -sometimes powdery, sometimes musky, but always unmistakably floral.
A true cornerstone of perfumery, rose is said to feature in up to 75% of modern feminine fragrances.
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Black Pepper & Sandalwood: Deep and warming, Black Pepper & Sandalwood harmonises spicy cinnamon with delicate hints of Damask rose and fresh bergamot, creating a rounded, long-lasting fragrance.
Jasmine
Creamy and richly floral, jasmine adds a luxurious sweetness to any fragrance. A member of the “white floral” family—alongside tuberose and gardenia—it has long been associated with affection, eternal love, and sensuality.
Balanced by subtle wood and musk notes, jasmine is ideal for those who enjoy florals without overwhelming sweetness. Often described as comforting and relaxing, jasmine is also one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery: it takes roughly 8,000 hand-picked flowers to produce just 1ml of jasmine absolute.
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Calycanthus: At the heart of Calycanthus Eau de Parfum, jasmine takes centre stage. Sweet, delicate, and softly fruity, it’s enhanced with peach and orange blossom honey for a sumptuously rich, creamy scent.
Tilia Cordata: A lighter, more citrus-led interpretation, Tilia Cordata evokes freshly cut grass on balmy summer days. Bright lemon top notes lift a floral heart of magnolia, rose, and jasmine for a refreshing yet romantic fragrance.
Vanilla
Rich, comforting, and irresistibly warm, vanilla is a staple of gourmand—or “edible”—fragrances. According to Totonac mythology, the vanilla orchid was born from a tragic love story involving a princess and her forbidden mortal lover, transforming into a plant destined to bring pleasure and happiness.
Often considered an aphrodisiac, vanilla lingers longer than lighter citrus or floral notes, making it a popular base note. Its ability to “hold open” our vanilloid receptors allows us to savour the scent slowly, deepening its sensual impact.
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Vaniglia Fior di Mandorlo: A beautifully indulgent fragrance where rich vanilla adds warmth and gourmand depth for a comforting, heavenly sweetness.
Dolce Treviso: Opening with enveloping notes of chocolate and coffee, vanilla soon emerges, softening and completing this deliciously addictive symphony of scent.
Musk
Present in nearly every fragrance, musk is one of the most versatile tools in a perfumer’s palette. It balances and softens compositions while extending longevity—ensuring a scent lasts for hours rather than minutes.
Elusive and difficult to define, musk is subtle yet undeniably sensual. Today, perfumers work with a wide array of synthetic musks, ranging from sweet and powdery to metallic and clean. Hypnotic and mysterious, musk’s aphrodisiac power lies in what it suggests rather than what it reveals.
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White Moss: Opening with gentle citrus notes, White Moss blends floral lavender with aromatic woods. Clean white musk adds a comforting, inviting quality reminiscent of freshly laundered linen.
