Although I’ve spent every Valentine’s Day on this very Earth single, it’s one of my favorite holidays. I’ll deck myself out in red and pink hearts, throw on a red lipstick, and ring in the season of love with a romcom or my besties by my side (or, occasionally, lots of swiping on Hinge). But it’s simply never complete without a Valentine’s Day perfume, IMO. You can opt for a fruity fragrance to wear to a party, a ~sexy perfume~, or something soft and cozy to snuggle up with at home. Whatever your V-Day plans, I’ve gathered the best perfumes to wear this holiday, depending on your vibes, including a mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh scents for every type of fragrance lover.
The 7 Virtues Candied Lychee Eau de Parfum
Your besties will actually understand that you fashioned your perfume after the round of lychee martinis you’re all going to order, unlike anyone from Hinge. The vanilla and lychee come together for a soft sweetness that isn’t cloying (the warmth from a crystal amber nose in the base likely helps with this too), while peony brings forward a bit of maturity.
Key notes: Lychee, vanilla, peony, crystal amber
One Cosmo editor says: “This is exactly what I thought being 30, flirty, and thriving would smell like when I watched 13 Going on 30 as a child. It’s fresh and bubbly and juicy, but also just a little sweet—I love it so much.” — Beth Gillette, beauty editor
Noteworthy No 150 Blush Affair Eau De Parfum
If you want to elevate a casual night at home, spritz on this rose perfume from Noteworthy. It blends rose, geranium, crème de cassis, and jasmine with lychee, velvet musk, and white amber for a well-rounded, muted bouquet that just screams romance. But it’s not too powdery or nose-crinkling either, rather chic and elegant. Just a few dabs of this on your wrists will make even pajamas feel luxurious.
Key notes: Lychee, rose petals, crème de cassis, geranium, velvet musk, jasmine, white amber
One Cosmo editor says: “Why would you want a bouquet of roses as a V-Day gift when you could be the roses? Noteworthy’s No. 150 Eau De Parfum is the scent of true romance thanks to its classic rose notes, but the musk of lychee and crème de cassis really up its sexiness.” — Sam Olson, assistant news editor
Kayali The Wedding Silk Santal 36
Kayali founder Mona Kattan Elamin developed Silk Santal to wear on her wedding day—a soft, sugary vanilla with a sandalwood, musky base that features hints of nectarine and champagne for some fizz. It’s bubbly and bright, but also not overpowering or cloying at all. It’s the ideal perfume to wear when you want someone to want to get closer to you all night to catch more whiffs of your scent.
Key notes: Vanilla, musk, sandalwood, champagne, nectarine, freesia, sugar
One Cosmo editor says: “I went through a mini bottle of this in as little as a month because I was wearing it so often. When I wear this, people take note, and it feels like suddenly everyone wants to be around me. Prob bc I smell so good.” — BG
Phlur Heavy Cream Hair and Body Fragrance Mist
If I’m gonna be vibing at home by myself all night, I might as well smell delicious. But I don’t want something too strong or heavy either. Hence, this body spray from Phlur. Its filled with creamy, milky notes that legit smell like my TV somehow got upgraded to smellvision while I’m watching Great British Baking Show, but in a format that doesn’t linger too long that it gets overwhelming.
Key notes: Marshmallow, coconut, whipped cream, sugar, lemon, jasmine
One Cosmo editor says: “I freakin’ love mixing this sweet perfume with just about everything I own to give it a warm, cozy vibe. It makes everything smell yummy.” — BG