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Here's how it all works: The olfactory bulb (which controls smell) is part of the brain's limbic system, which regulates memory and emotion, explains Erika Shumate, co-founder of luxury fragrance brand Pinrose. We humans are complex beings, and as we collect experiences, our emotional lives become richer and more complicated. "Because scent's emotional impact is so powerful, it can help create context," adds Demeter Fragrance Library CEO Mark Crames. "Sometimes scent can give us the clearest and strongest signals of all."
In other words, the right fragrance worn on a first date, or on the night you first exchange "l" words, can enhance the romantic experience and create a memory that will live in your emotional brain forever.
Obviously, that's a lot of pressure to put on your date-night perfume choice. So how do you go about the decision? According to Shumate, the most romantic perfumes are historically "floral forward," and each note evokes a slightly different mood. For example, plumeria and jasmine are "more energetic romantic scents." Earthier elements like patchouli and tobacco create darker, more sensual vibes.
To make your sexy perfume selection a little easier, we've rounded up the best picks for every kind of date. Whether you're planning a hot night in or a casual day out, let this olfactory guide lead the way.
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For a Candle-Lit Dinner
The vibe: This is not an evening to keep it casual. You have nonnegotiable plans to split a bottle of champagne, a plate of oysters and an Uber Black Car back to your place. You're wearing a dress with a slit up to there and have a secret tin of breath mints in your clutch. Your cheeks are dusted in a generous highlight. You made these reservations six months ago.
It's all underscored by this rich, tempting fragrance. Addictive notes of salty caramel and crystalized amber guarantee a zero percent chance that the night will end before 2 a.m.
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For a Casual-But-Not-Too-Casual First Date
The vibe: You've never gone on an official "date" date with this person before, so you want to keep things cool, a little distant even. A whisper of the old "hard to get" strategy, if you will. That said, you still want to charm the pants (or at least the blazer) off them. But not like you're trying to or anything.
That's where this playful perfume comes in. Ironically packaged like an everyday bottle of household cleaner, the perfume, just like you, doesn't take itself too seriously. But spritz it onto your wrists, and you're suddenly met with a fun, fresh allure. Notes of bergamot, raspberry and white patchouli communicate that while this little tryst may not end in nuptials, you are open to the possibility of making out.
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For a Steamy Night In
The vibe: Dinner, movies, weekend getaways -- you've done it all with this paramour of yours. This time, you're curious to see what happens when you keep it behind closed doors. The evening's agenda includes cooking your signature dish, breaking out your record player and playing footsie (and then some) under a chenille throw.
Your cozy night is underscored by this fiery, jasmine-based fragrance, inspired by elegant fashion legend Diana Vreeland. The icon once said, "If it isn't a passion, it isn't burning, it isn't on fire, you haven't lived!" Featuring heady, erotic components like red sandalwood, musky cashmeran and "voluptuous" jasmine sambac, this fragrance was designed to stimulate just that kind of heat.
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For a Girls-Only Night Out
The vibe: Romance, shmomance. Platonic girl-dates can be just as sexy with the help of this unexpected, vintage-inspired perfume.
Offering a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind combo of powdery iris, vanilla bourbon and tonka bean, the scent paints the picture of a glamorous woman in her boudoir, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. It smells like martinis and silk robes with a hint of that distinctive, waxy smell of red lipstick. It's a scent only your best girlfriends could truly appreciate.
