Fragrance has a powerful connection to memories and emotions, with an almost magical ability to capture the essence of romance. And it’s different for everybody, filled with specific associations. It might be the warmth of a lover’s embrace, a stolen kiss, a first date, a passionate dance, or even a fleeting crush. It could remind you of the best Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had or the uplifting energy of a new relationship. In this guide, we’ve curated nine perfumes that, in our view, embody romance. With notes ranging from soft and delicate to bold and juicy, each fragrance on this list tells a love story. What does romance smell like to you?
Tom Ford – Lost Cherry
A boozy and seductive cherry fragrance that instantly boosts femininity and confidence. Just a couple of spritzes, and you’ll find yourself reaching for that special outfit reserved for unforgettable moments. Juicy and comforting, Lost Cherry is a magnet for compliments and perfect for the colder seasons. And, of course, its name aligns perfectly with Tom Ford’s provocative style, evoking deep sensations and emotions.
Dolce & Gabbana – Devotion
Devotion reproduces the delicious scent of lemon meringue with rich, delicious cream. This Eau de perfume exudes a festive dolce vita spirit, inviting pure indulgence. It’s a sweet and intense fragrance so that one could get away with one or two spritzes. It envelops in warmth and comfort for the cold months. The Sacred Heart, a love symbol often seen on the Devotion bags, also beautifully decorates the perfume bottle.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian – A La Rose
This delicate, watercolor-like rose fragrance is soft, youthful, and as tender as a first kiss. It feels like standing by an open window overlooking a small blooming garden, where the breeze carries the scent of fresh roses, perhaps even their petals, going through sheer, billowing curtains.
Jo Malone – Wild Bluebell
Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell is an aquatic floral cologne that blends freshness, coolness, and soft sweetness. It smells like lush blossoms with a hint of honey, putting in a crystal vase filled with cold water. Or even as an early morning scene with dew-kissed grass, a tranquil pond adorned with water lilies, reminiscent of a Monet painting. It offers a delicate and refreshing aura that gently fills the air, awakening something deep within.
Diptyque – Philosykos
Diptyque’s Philosykos is a super delicate fig milk in a bottle. It’s like a fleeting crush on a passerby or a stranger on a plane—meant to make you feel something pleasant yet ephemeral. While longevity is not its strong suit, it works as a beacon of warmth during winter. But it feels just as perfect on a summer day with its light, green-lactonic essence.
The House of Old – Almond Harmony
The candied, powdered almond perfume from The House of Old feels like a warm, gentle embrace of a loved one, giving a sense of home and safety. This fragrance changes very little, instantly settling on the skin into its intended form. Longevity is impressive on the skin, but once the beautiful scent touches the fabric, it can last weeks, wrapping you in its delicate warmth.
Fueguia – La Cautiva
Fragrances by Fueguia are truly one of a kind—trust me, or better yet, experience them for yourself. A perfect place to start is La Cautiva, one of the brand’s signature scents and a true embodiment of femininity. This vanilla-floral composition is both captivating and flirtatious. It invites you to indulge in its embrace. While undeniably gourmand nature, it feels airy, thanks to the freshness of blackcurrant leaves, which gradually transform into the rich sweetness of currant purée. Irresistible and enchanting, it’s a scent that lingers in the memory.
Ex Hihilo – Iris Porcelana
Imagine the most delicate, slightly dewy petals of fresh irises. This fragrance is all about the subtle tenderness and love on your fingertips, as fragile and beautiful as porcelain. Iris Porcelana is a masterpiece of subtlety—creamy, sophisticated, and ethereal like the dreams lovers share. Even if iris has never been your favorite note, this perfume is truly worth trying.
Amouage – Love Delight
For those who associate Amouage only with bold, statement-making scents, the floral gourmand Love Delight from the modern Secret Garden collection offers a surprising twist. It weaves together different types of tenderness like creamy, vanilla, almond, and a hint of cocoa. Notes of peach or ice cream may emerge, adding a feeling of insouciance and inviting you to savor every moment of indulgence. Even the bottle’s color enhances these delicious associations. You best enjoy it in cool weather and at a moderate concentration.
Editor's Note
Fragrances are a deeply personal experience in how it smells and develops on your skin. Everyone’s skin chemistry is different; having warmer or cooler skin can affect a scent’s drydown. Sensitivity to specific notes also varies from person to person. That’s why it’s always best to test a fragrance before buying or, if possible, order a sample. Wear it for a day or two, let it evolve, and see how it makes you feel.
