Guide

Best fragrances for a date

Warm, close and a little bit memorable. These are the highest-scoring fragrances for a date in Scent Hub's when-to-wear model, which scores every fragrance from its notes, how far it projects and how long it lasts. It is ranked on composition, not on reviews or marketing.

For a date, the model rewards gourmand, amber and floral notes and marks down green, aquatic and citrus. Each score is out of 100, averaged across all four seasons. Fragrances with fewer than 4 notes are left out, and no more than 2 come from any one house, so the list is a spread.

Top picks

The 15 highest-scoring fragrances at any price.

1. 1
   Ellis Brooklyn Guava GranitaDesigner · EDP · sweet and gourmand · 58/100
2. 2
   Lattafa NadiraBudget · EDP · sweet and gourmand · 58/100
3. 3
   Ellis Brooklyn Banana MilkshakeDesigner · EDP · sweet and gourmand · 58/100
4. 4
   Kilian Forbidden GamesLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 58/100
5. 5
   Tom Ford Lost CherryLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 58/100
6. 6
   Xerjoff Via Cavour 1Luxury · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 58/100
7. 7
   Lattafa AffectionBudget · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100
8. 8
   Tiziana Terenzi KirkeLuxury · Extrait · sweet and floral · 57/100
9. 9
   Montale Vanille AbsoluNiche · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 57/100
10. 10
    Nest Lychee RoseDesigner · EDP · sweet and floral · 57/100
11. 11
    Thomas Kosmala No.4 CandyNiche · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 57/100
12. 12
    Kilian Piña ParaísoLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100
13. 13
    Montale Sweet Oriental DreamNiche · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100
14. 14
    Burberry Her IntenseDesigner · EDP · sweet and floral · 57/100
15. 15
    Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby OrchidDesigner · EDP · floral and gourmand · 57/100

Best on a budget

The 10 highest-scoring budget fragrances.

1. 1
   Lattafa NadiraBudget · EDP · sweet and gourmand · 58/100
2. 2
   Lattafa AffectionBudget · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100
3. 3
   Ariana Grande MoonlightBudget · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 56/100
4. 4
   Zara Cold CaramelBudget · EDP · gourmand and amber · 56/100
5. 5
   Escada Cherry in the AirBudget · EDT · gourmand and sweet · 56/100
6. 6
   Ariana Grande Thank U, NextBudget · EDP · floral and sweet · 56/100
7. 7
   Victoria's Secret Bombshell MagicBudget · EDP · gourmand and woody · 56/100
8. 8
   French Avenue Royal Blend SequoiaBudget · Extrait · woody and gourmand · 56/100
9. 9
   Afnan Supremacy Tapis RougeBudget · EDP · sweet and floral · 56/100
10. 10
    Afnan Cherry BouquetBudget · EDP · sweet and woody · 56/100

Worth the splurge

The 8 highest-scoring niche and luxury fragrances.

1. 1
   Kilian Forbidden GamesLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 58/100
2. 2
   Tom Ford Lost CherryLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 58/100
3. 3
   Xerjoff Via Cavour 1Luxury · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 58/100
4. 4
   Tiziana Terenzi KirkeLuxury · Extrait · sweet and floral · 57/100
5. 5
   Montale Vanille AbsoluNiche · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 57/100
6. 6
   Thomas Kosmala No.4 CandyNiche · EDP · gourmand and sweet · 57/100
7. 7
   Kilian Piña ParaísoLuxury · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100
8. 8
   Montale Sweet Oriental DreamNiche · EDP · gourmand and floral · 57/100

Want it cheaper?

Every fragrance page lists what costs less and smells close to it, with anything sold as a dupe marked. Search for a fragrance to see its cheaper alternatives.

More guides

• Best fragrances for springFresh florals and green, light enough for warming days.
• Best fragrances for summerCitrus and aquatic scents that stay bright in the heat.
• Best fragrances for fallWarm spice, wood and amber for cooler days.
• Best fragrances for winterHeavy, cosy scents that hold up in the cold.
• Best fragrances for schoolClean and quiet, because the air is shared all day.
• Best fragrances for workPolished and easy on the people sat near you.
• Best fragrances for the gymLight and fresh, nothing that fights with sweat.
• Best everyday fragrancesEasy to wear nearly anywhere, in any season.
• Best fragrances for a night outLoud and long-lasting, built for a crowded room.
• Best fragrances for formal eventsRefined and confident, from weddings to interviews.