If you are going on a date, and plan to leave a great first impression, there are two golden rules to remember. By definition, being confused about choosing the right sexiest men’s fragrances shouldn’t be one of them.
The first one is to be confident, and the second is to choose the right attire. While women may forgive you for being nervous, you should increase your chances of leaving a positive impact by pulling off a good scent.
According to Her article, the average woman will kiss 15 men, enjoy two long-term relationships, and have her heart broken twice before she meets ‘The One’.
Truth be told, if you are a nice and positive person with a great selection of interesting themes to speak about, romantic perfumes just add that little bit of positive extra 10% to the whole package.
Thankfully, most of the time dates take place during the night, making it easier for you to choose the right fragrance.
When I do these kinds of perfume lists on Scentgrail, I always try to offer you something more for your time and in the quality department.
That’s why this list will be partly educational and separated into designer and niche categories. Daytime and nighttime romantic perfumes are included.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing via provided links/banners comes at no additional cost to you. Scent Grail only recommends products and/or services that are insightful and helpful to readers. For more info please read Affiliate Disclaimer.
What Should Sexiest Men’s Fragrances Smell Like?
Now that you have picked your favorite clothes, it’s time to choose one of the best men’s colognes, and you ask yourself, how should I smell on a date?
If you want an honest answer, that would be your signature perfume. Many men make a common mistake by choosing a random perfume, and in case the date succeeds and turns into something more, you’ll be always remembered for that perfume.
Those who want to learn more can check out my articles about finding a signature perfume and the best signature scents men can wear.
But, if you are still searching for your own signature, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Date fragrance has different functionality than scents we associate with seasons and occasions.
In this scenario, you are meeting someone you don’t know for the first time that you want to impress. Thus, I recommend something that will serve as an extension of your personality, and as a set of tone you want to achieve.
Remember, not every perfume will work great as a date fragrance. For example, if it’s cold outside, don’t think that spraying Amouage Interlude would be a great idea.
A date fragrance should be sensual and alluring with a little bit of mystery. Something to say: “Hey I’m interesting, but you cannot know all my secrets just yet!”
Common notes found in romantic perfumes:
- Tobacco
- Tonka Bean
- Spices
- Vanilla
- Light Woods
- Citruses
- Aromatic Notes
- Sweet Notes
Here are some perfume notes to avoid when going on a first date, but could work well when you get to know more that person:
- Agarwood
- Heavy Musks
- Oakmoss
- Heavy Florals
All being said, you should wear whatever you like and what makes you confident. Going on a date is exciting, and should be fun.
Just like men, every girl is different, and perfumes are one of those rare things that are completely individual choices. So, before you get confused, let’s break down one more thing.
The difference between designer and niche fragrances
This list includes both designer and niche perfumes separated into two chapters. No matter how much you plan to spend on your perfect date scent, opting for either of these is a good choice.
Companies such as Chanel and Dior are considered designers in the perfume world since they started as designer clothing companies, and as time went on, offered perfumes as a product extension to their brands.
Often, designer perfumes are cheaper than a niche, last less, and include lesser-quality indigents. While this is not always the case, one should be pickier when choosing a designer scent.
On the other hand, brands that offer perfumes exclusively are considered niche. This rule could be applied to any kind of product as well.
However, don’t think that just because something costs more, it immediately means it’s better. In most cases, it’s not. Personal tastes, personal preferences.
In the end, and as mentioned a few paragraphs above, choose and wear what you like since it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Both sides have positive and negative sides.
Those who wish to learn more about this topic can read my article about designer vs. niche fragrances here.
Now, let’s check out the sexiest men’s fragrances you can wear on a romantic date.
Designers
Shopping for affordable scents for your next date? Well, great then. You’ll enjoy each and every fragrance listed below.
I have tested these ones out, and they have my Scent Grail Tribe Stamp Of Approval. Don’t worry. Affordable and more expensive stuff included.
1. Tom Ford Ombre Leather
Why choose Ombre Leather: Do you like Tuscan Leather, but don’t want to pay Tuscan Leather price?
Well, you are in luck. Ombre Leather is exactly the same fragrance, without the harsh opening, and for a designer price.
The leather is smooth, sexy, and ideal for romantic scenarios. Personally, along with Dior Fahrenheit, I consider Ombre Leather and Tuscan Leather to be the best leather fragrances ever created.
- Fragrance Type: Leather
- Perfumer: Sonia Constant
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2018
- Age group: 30+
- Main Notes: Raspberry, Leather, Amber
- Longevity and Projection: 24 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Romantic, and Leisure
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
2. Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature
Why choose Uomo Signature: If you like sweet, but not overbearing gourmand fragrances, you’ll like Signature which is an upgrade from the original Uomo.
Beautiful sillage is created around coffee, Tonka, and leather notes.
Additional citruses and spices provide interest through the development. Long-lasting and mass-pleasing. Affordable upgrade and not just a cash-grab based on the popular original release.
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Gourmand
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2018
- Age group: 20+
- Main Notes: Coffee, Tonka Bean, and Leather
- Longevity and Projection: 12+ hours with great projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Romantic and Clubbing
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 8/10
3. Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb Extreme
Why choose Extreme: Don’t get fooled by kitschy-looking “hand grenade” flacon.
Spicebomb Extreme is sexy, and alluring which is hard not to enjoy. The opening and the development stages are pleasant and smell like peppery baked cookies or a vanilla dessert.
The fragrance dries down to an amazing tobacco vanilla scent, reminiscent of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, and Bvlgari Man in Black.
- Fragrance Type: Oriental Spicy
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2015
- Age group: 20+
- Main Notes: Tobacco, Vanilla, and Black Pepper
- Longevity and Projection: 12+ hours with great projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Romantic and Clubbing
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 8/10
4. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense
Why choose Light Blue Eau Intense: if you have ever traveled to the Mediterranean coast during the summer vacation, you know how Eau Intense smells.
Not just your typical summer “freshie”, and run-of-the-mill fragrance. The opening is filled with zesty citruses and backed up with aromatic juniper berries.
Salty sea marine comes during the middle stage which stays fresh and pleasant. During the late dry down, there is also a slight musk note which becomes a little more noticeable, but not too much.
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Aquatic
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2017
- Age group: 20+
- Main Notes: Juniper, Sea Notes, Grapefruit
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Romantic
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
5. Montblanc Explorer
Why choose Explorer: Let me just say it straight. Montblanc Explorer is at this time the best universal perfume for its price that you can buy.
There is nothing at this level of quality that could be used in any season and on any occasion. Ambroxan, pink pepper, and bergamot are the most dominant opening notes and the perfume dries down to smooth leathery woods.
The perfume smells natural and lasts for more than 20 hours, and it resembles Creed Aventus and Dior Sauvage.
Check out the full Montblanc Explorer review.
- Fragrance Type: Fruity Aromatic
- Perfumer: Jórdi Fernandez, Antoine Maisondieu and Olivier Pescheux
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2019
- Age group: 18+
- Main Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, and Ambroxan
- Longevity and Projection: 20 – 24 hours of longevity with average sillage
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any ocassion
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
Niche
So, you have decided to spend a little more money on your next date fragrance, and don’t know where to start. That’s ok. I have selected carefully five fantastic scents that’ll work great.
On this list, I’m not including Creed Aventus, which seems to pop up in every other perfume list on the internet, and this time, offer you a sexy Creed alternative.
Nonetheless, the commercial above is sleek and worth checking out. Also, don’t forget that for a tenth of the Aventus price, you can get Montblanc Explorer as well.
6. Creed Original Santal
Why choose Original Santal: The fragrance opens up with heavy sandalwood and cinnamon spice, underlying with hidden middle and base stages.
As the fragrance develops, the composition gets smoother and Lavender, Vanilla, and Tonka Beans remain, giving the perfume a high-end esthetic, a well-known Creed’s trait.
Classier and higher quality from Montblanc Individuel and Joop Homme. Just keep in mind that those two fragrances were the main inspiration for Original Santal.
- Fragrance Type: Oriental Spicy
- Perfumer: Erwin and Olivier Creed
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2005
- Age group: 25+
- Main Notes: Cinnamon, Sandalwood, and Lavender
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Leisure and Romantic
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
7. Escentric Molecules Escentric 01
Why choose Escentric 01: I find Escentric 01 to be a less sweet version of Molecule 01 bundled up with a couple of other interesting notes.
Even if you were anosmic to the original because of the super dose of Iso E super, you’ll be definitely able to smell yourself this time.
If you like the idea of fragrance smelling like freshly shaved pencil sharpening, backed up with additional citrusy and spicy notes, you’ll like Escentric 01.
Unoffensive and great for any situation.
- Fragrance Type: Woody Spicy
- Perfumer: Geza Schoen
- Perfume Concentration: Edt
- Release Date: 2006
- Age group: 25+
- Main Notes: Iso E Super, Lemon, and Pink Pepper
- Longevity and Projection: 12+ hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Any Season
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 9/10
8. Mancera Cedrat Boise
Why choose Cedrat Boise: Mancera’s Cedrat Boise is one of those rare examples of fragrances that I still like to come back to after all these years.
It is unique, super wearable, and works in almost any season and occasion.
The fragrance is very fruity and juicy which comes from a combination of lemon and black currant. As the fragrance progresses to the base, Cedrat Boise becomes woodier and muskier.
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Perfumer: Pierre Montale
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2011
- Age group: 20+
- Main Notes: Black currant, Lemon, and Cedar
- Longevity and Projection: 8+ hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Occasions: Any ocassion
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
9. Montale Intense Cafe
Why choose Intense Cafe: a jammy rose/coffee fragrance that transports you straight to the Paris cafe lifestyle.
Just be warned. The Intense Cafe is an incredibly addictive scent. The rose note is most prominent, but that creamy vanilla and subtle coffee note give it a depth that balances the composition out.
Performance is outstanding, and you’ll project like the best cup of cappuccino ever made.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Oriental
- Perfumer: Pierre Montale
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2013
- Age group: 25+
- Main Notes: Rose, Coffee, and Vanilla
- Longevity and Projection: 24+ hours with great projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Leisure and Romantic
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
10. Parfums de Marly Layton
Why choose Layton: Layton opens up with a freshly cut green Apple and transitions to an aromatic and herbaceous heart. The base is a combination of wonderful spicy cardamom and intoxicating vanilla. Ideal for people who want to take clubbing fragrances to the next level.
All in all, this is addictive spiced vanilla, it smells absolutely fantastic, and garners compliments like crazy.
Smells classy and elegant, and has a fantastic presence that never overpowers your senses.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Woody
- Perfumer: Dominique Ropion
- Perfume Concentration: Edp
- Release Date: 2016
- Age group: 18+
- Main Notes: Cardamom, Vanilla, and Apple
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with great projection
- Seasons: Autumn and Winter
- Occasions: Clubbing and Romantic
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 9/10
Conclusion
These were my choices for the sexiest men’s fragrances you can wear on a romantic date. Hopefully, you have found something for yourself that will boost your confidence and make a great first impression.
If possible, I recommend trying these best men’s colognes on your skin before the purchase. But, if you can’t, I have created an easy and the most relevant S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide that you can check out when searching out for new romantic perfumes and potential finding your signature perfume.
Now, it’s your turn to tell me what are your favorite romantic perfumes you use on dates? Join the Scent Grail Tribe community and leave a comment down below.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via links below:
REVIEWS
PERFUME LISTS
- Best Women’s Perfume Christmas Gifts
- Best Men’s Perfume Christmas Gifts
- Best Cheap Perfumes For Men
- Best Winter Fragrances For Men
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
Until next time, have a great time and choose your scent wisely!
Best, Marin!
#scentgrail #scentgrailtribe
Scent Grail on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Your number one resource for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristic
Hi…I just wanted to say I was glad to view your Summer scents. Interesting that Vetiver and Oakmoss were included. I have Guerlain’s Vetiver and now hope to add it to my summer use. I enjoy the Scent Grail letters-keep ’em coming!
Hi Paul! I’m glad you liked the article! I always include fragrances that work great on me, and if possible, I’ll also test those scents on my brother to get a better picture of how a particular fragrance performs. Guerlain Vetiver is an all-time classic that will never get obsolete. Thanks for your support! <3