With hundreds of perfumes out there to choose from, buying the perfect scent for a partner can be an overwhelming task. Of course, you want to buy something that you know they will love, but also, you’re going to be the one smelling it on them all day so you’ve got to like it too. After all, multiple studies have found strong links between scent and seduction, so it’s important to get it right.
If you’re someone who finds the world of fragrance a bit flummoxing (or it’s your partner who could do with some gentle nudging in the right direction), a new survey by showers and bathroom supplier Showerstoyou.co.uk of the most popular perfumes of 2020 might be able to assist. After surveying 3,978 men and 3,743 women and using data from Fragrantica.com, they’ve discovered the scents we’re most attracted to on one another – and which perfumes we buy the most for the opposite sex.
So which scents get our pulses racing the most – and our partners racing to the checkout?
85 per cent of men confirmed that floral perfumes are the ‘sexiest scent for women’. Over on Fragrantica, the most popular floral perfume is My Way by Giorgio Armani, thus securing its place as the most popular women’s perfume amongst men.
Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum 30ml Refillable, £55, Boots
Other popular floral fragrances on Fragrantica include Narciso Eau de Parfum by Ambrée Narciso Rodriguez and Lancome’s La Vie Est Belle Intensément.
The full line up of the most popular overarching notes in women’s perfume as voted for by men is as follows:
- Floral
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Vanilla
- Citrus
- Rose
- Aromatic
- Powdery
- White floral
- Coconut
Meanwhile, the ‘most sensual scent for men’ as voted for by women is the outdoorsy woody note, with 86 per cent of women giving it their vote. Fragantica’s most popular perfumes with a woody note for men are Dior Homme 2020 by Christian Dior, followed closely by Tom Ford’s Beau De Jour Eau de Parfum and Acqua di Giò Profondo by Giorgio Armani.
Dior Homme Eau de Toilette 50ml, £55, John Lewis & Partners
The top 10 most popular overarching notes in men’s perfume as voted for by women is as follows:
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Warm spice
- Fresh spice
- Citrus
- Amber
- Powdery
- Balsamic
- Leather
- Musky
