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Any perfumer will tell you that scent is utterly personal. After all, myriad factors—from skin’s pH to memories and emotions—affect the way you smell scent and the way a scent smells on you. That being said, there’s no denying the popular appeal of certain fragrances in seducing and delighting both wearers and passersby alike. What is it about specific olfactory notes that get our hearts to flutter and our heads in a tizzy? And which perfume makes you more attractive?

“For me, it’s a fragrance that brings me back to a happy moment or reminds me of someone I love,” says Lake & Skye CEO Courtney Somer. “It’s like a personal time machine, making the scent that much more special whenever I wear it.” When choosing a fragrance, “It’s important that it reflects your personality, your character, your skin, and your mood,” adds perfumer Nina Friede. To find out more, we tapped Somer and Friede who revealed a few key ingredients that many of their clients keep going back to. Keep scrolling for the 10 most attractive scents and shop the fragrances that match up with them.

Patchouli

Patchouli is a “warm” ingredient, says Freide, but it’s also got a hint of gourmand to it. This perfect mix of sweet and spice makes patchouli a popular base note in fragrances, including Chanel’s Chance. Formulated with vanilla and powdery orris, it’s sexy without being overpowering—no wonder it’s a bestseller.

Vanilla

“I’ve always loved the warm, slightly sweet scent of vanilla,” says Somer. “It’s comforting and classic, instantly making any space feel cozy and inviting. Whether it’s in a perfume or a candle, vanilla adds this irresistible homey feeling.” For a “grown-up vanilla scent,” reach for ‘Ôrəbella Nightcap by Bella Hadid.

Rose

While many associate rose with being a mature scent, it would be more accurate to say that it’s European. Freide reveals that the French love a floral fragrance most—see Dior Miss Dior Rose N’Roses Eau de Toilette as proof. So if you’re keen to give off that French-girl vibe, ensuring rose is in your perfume could be the way forward.

Jasmine

If a love potion is what you’re after, look for jasmine in your fragrance formula. This aromatic white flower is believed to be an aphrodisiac with sexually stimulating properties making it an appropriate choice for date night. So the next time you’re feeling flirty, spritz on something like Maison Francis Kurkdijian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, a tantalizing jasmine aroma with a spicy edge.

Citrus (Bergamot, Lemon, Orange)

“I’ve always been drawn to citrus scents for their fresh, mood-boosting notes, Somer tells us. “I wanted to bottle that happiness and energy year round and it inspired me to create Citrus Blonde.” Notes of pink pepper, bergamot, fresh peach blossom, and cedarwood characterize the scent. It’s the closest you’ll get to sunshine in a bottle.

Vetiver

The grass plant vetiver is used in 90 percent of all Western fragrances, but there are a few that really stand out. At the top of the list? Vetyverio Eau De Toilette from Diptyque. It’s a strong, confidence-inducing scent with woody notes that will make you feel like the most powerful person in the room.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is one of those scents that evoke mystery and intrigue. Enter: fresh and woody cedarwood-containing fragrance Jo Malone Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense. Its sacred hinoki wood is hand-harvested in Japan and then processed by local artisans, making it especially covetable.

Sandalwood

“There’s something about sandalwood that always grounds and calms me,” says Somer. “Its rich, earthy scent adds depth and serenity to any fragrance, making it my go-to when I want something both soothing and sophisticated.” She recommends her brand’s Santal Gray Eau de Parfum, an uplifting, warm fragrance with a smooth blend of sandalwood, violet leaf, musk, and a hint of spicy cardamom, calling it, “a perfect balance of comfort and elegance.” Monsieur Beauregard from Penhaligon is another sandalwood scent that just so happens to be a hit in the Byrdie office (even the office handyman asked us to douse him in it, such is its appeal).

Ylang Ylang

This mood-boosting ingredient and aphrodisiac is a must-have in our art of seduction kit. A study conducted in Japan found that ylang ylang increased women’s libido, thus supporting the ingredient’s ability to attract and arouse. Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum Fragrance and Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum are two options to try if you’re curious about one of the world’s most expensive perfume ingredients.

Musk

Earthy yet vibrant, musk scents are hard to pin down but perhaps that’s where their intrigue lies. “I find myself always gravitating towards a musk perfume,” says Somer, who created 11 11 to capture the magic of that fragrance. Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum is a musk scent that oscillates between floral and citrusy with rich amberwood for depth. These skin scents are subtle, yet intoxicating. Wear them solo or layer with another fragrance to create your signature perfume.