16 Perfumes That Always Attract People (and Compliments) Like a Magnet
A goal that's high on my priority list is to smell completely captivating wherever I go. Whether that's on a gorgeous summer vacation or just a regular day working at the office, it's something I actively work toward by building my dream fragrance collection. To give you a little progress report, it's coming along nicely, and I've discovered so many gems worth sharing. The ultimate test any perfume can face is seeing how many compliments you receive while wearing it.
I can tell you one thing: The perfumes on this list pass their exams with flying colours. In my humble opinion, each of them acts as a powerful magnet and invites some serious admiration from the folks around you. If you're fully ready to board the "You smell so good" train, keep scrolling for a few ultra-attractive perfumes that fit the bill.
1. Armani Si Passione
Key Notes: Blackcurrant nectar, pear, rose, jasmine absolute, vanilla, cedarwood
Everything about this perfume screams floral, fruity, and delicious. It definitely leans toward being a summer fragrance for me, but that doesn't mean it won't attract some serious attention year-round. It's the heady blend of jasmine, blackcurrant nectar, and vanilla that makes it so intoxicating that it should absolutely come with caution tape attached.
2. Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
Key notes: Frangipani flowers, monoi, coconut
Okay, we're cheating a little bit here because this technically isn't a perfume, but just wait until you catch the scent of this fragranced body oil. It's so intoxicating, and its loyal following of fans agree. As the scent is encapsulated within oil, you'll get a long-lasting fragrance of frangipani, creamy and floral monoi (made from soaking tiaré flowers in coconut oil), which makes you feel like you're sunbathing on a far-flung tropical island. Just wait for the compliments to roll in.
3. Valentino Donna Born in Roma
Key Notes: Black pepper, bergamot, blackcurrant, jasmine tea, bourbon vanilla, guaiac wood
This warm floral fragrance is inspired by Roman street style and haute couture. So that means it smells sophisticated but with an edge. With notes of black pepper, jasmine tea, and tangy bourbon vanilla, that definitely adds up.
4. Boy Smells Marble Fruit
Key Notes: Cinnamon, nectarine, pear, pink peppercorn, jasmine, magnolia, wild freesia, ambrox, musk, sandalwood, cashmeran, cedar
I swear that any time I wear this perfume, people around me do a double take. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I will say that it's one friends always ask me about. The notes of cinnamon, pear, pink peppercorn, and sandalwood create a scent that's utterly sweet with an undercurrent of woodiness. It fits my fragrance MO to a tee. Plus, our fellow editors have given it a seal of approval too.
5. Byredo Gypsy Water
Key Notes: Bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries. incense, pine needles, orris, amber, vanilla, sandalwood
I've waxed poetic about Gypsy Water before. It remains on my all-time favorite perfumes list because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and musky. Celebs like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Bosworth agree—it's one of the most attractive perfumes on the market. But don't take my word for it, try it for yourself and you'll see.
6. Lancome Trésor Midnight Rose
Key Notes: Blackcurrant, raspberry, rose absolute, jasmine, vanilla, cedar, musk
The notes of raspberry and rose really add something special to this Lancôme gem. It's warm, sweet, and a tad spicy. Scent is a powerful thing and this fragrance evokes the feeling of being 100% *that girl* if you ask me.
7. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid
Key Notes: Vine peach, ruby orchid, bourbon vanilla
So many people love Viktor&Rolf's original Flowerbomb formula, but Ruby Orchid really dials it up a notch. It's a peachy spinoff of the original with delicious notes of ruby orchid and bourbon vanilla.
8. Yves Saint Lauren Black Opium
Key Notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanillaThere's a reason this YSL fragrance was all over your social feed for a second. The notes of black coffee, vanilla, and white flowers create a totally addicting aroma.
9. Le Labo Santal 33
Key Notes: Australian sandalwood, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, cardamon, leather, musk
If you haven't yet heard of this fragrance, then I can guarantee you will have smelled it at some point. Loved among beauty editors and fashion insiders, this sandalwood fragrance smells unique and intriguing. It's fresh yet warm thanks to notes of iris and sandalwood—one of the most expensive-smelling scents. Expect compliments to come flying in when you wear this.
10. Carolina Herrera Good Girl
Key Notes: Tuberose, jasmine, tonka bean
It was love at first spritz when I first tried this gorgeous scent. I know tuberose isn't always for everyone, but it blends so beautifully with the notes of jasmine and musky tonka bean.
11. The Harmonist Sacred Water
Key Notes: Citron, mandarin, fresh ginger, magnolia, orange blossom, laminaria blossom, amyris, grey amber, cedar
Sacred Water is a work of art—plain and simple. It's one of my most treasured perfumes for its unrivaled ability to mix citrus notes with floral and woodier notes. I don't know how else to describe it other than tranquil and inviting—like bathing in a pool of, well, sacred water.
12. Diptyque Philosykos
Key Notes: Fig leaves, fig tree sap, black pepper, fig tree wood,
So many of my fellow editors have told me they love this lush scent from Diptyque. Perfumes with notes of fig always take me by surprise (in a good way). Fig adds a sweet and earthy tone that makes a fragrance super unique to sniff. This one captures the whole scent of a fig tree, from the wood to the leaves and the fruit, so it's a beautiful balance of fruit, green and wood.
13. Dior Miss Dior
Key Notes: Lily of the Valley, Centifolia rose, soft musk
Dior's classic floral is the epitome of style and sophistication. It's subtle but still makes a statement.
14. Killian Love Don't Be Shy
Key Notes: Neroli, marshmallow, orange blossom
Would this really be a list on the most magnetic perfumes without including one of Rihanna's favorites? This one may be a tad too sweet for some, but if you like a sweet, luscious, and downright juicy scent, this one's for you.
15. Dior Hypnotic Poison
Key Notes: Almond, jasmine, vanilla, caraway, tuberose, sandalwood, musk
Word on the street is: Adele rocks this delicious-smelling perfume. The name really says it all. Notes of almond, vanilla, tuberose, and musk really pack an exquisite punch.
16. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
This scent is famous for its ability to boost and enhance the wearer's natural scent. It's warm and musky, but smells totally different on everyone—which is all part of its charm.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since bee updated.
Up Next: Every Time I Wear One of These 17 Fragrances, Somebody Copies Me
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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