The Power of Aroma: 16 Scents Dad Will Appreciate

Father’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday 5^th September, so we thought to discuss a lighter, fun topic – what are the fragrance that men like?  The answer to this question may surprise you, but we know you will find it both amusing and informative, as it may not be what you expected.

A recent study conducted by the SMELL AND TASTE TREATMENT AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION identified the smells that attract men the most. However, the surprising finding identified that it wasn’t just perfume that they loved. In fact, the most seductive scents to men were common yummy foods.

Here are 16 of the most attractive scents to a man including aphrodisiacs, fragrances and where to find them in the perfume aisle.

Vanilla: It has long been believed that vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac, as early as the 1700s, physicians recommended it to male patients to ensure potency. And the sweet, welcoming odour has a euphoric effect that sets the sensual mood. When it comes to perfumes a global favourite is Shalimar by Guerlain. This powdery vanilla scent is a classic. It’s not candy-sweet, either. Inspired by the love of an Indian Emperor for his wife (for whom the Taj Mahal was built), this delicious fragrance starts fresh and light, with lemon and bergamot, and reveals itself to be sensual and soft, with base notes of vanilla and incense.

Pumpkin Pie: The scent of pumpkin pie increased penile blood flow in 40 per cent of men, the study confirmed.  It was suggested that the men were responding to the spicy combination of vanilla and cinnamon in pumpkin pie, both of which have been claimed to have aphrodisiac qualities. The perfume to try: Bath & Body Works – Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. Their sweet and spicy collection includes shower gel, body lotion, and a body splash, and combines pumpkin and cinnamon with apple, cranberry, and clove, for a subtle, light scent that is alluring.

Orange: On more fruity notes, the citrus smell produced an arousal reaction in almost 20 per cent of the men in the study.  It makes sense as oranges conjure up thoughts of sun and freshness. The perfume to try: Boss Orange. This scent from Hugo Boss has an amazingly fresh aroma with top notes of sweet apple and soft florals that give way to orange blossom. The base includes sandalwood, olive wood, and creamy vanilla.

Popcorn: Movie night just got a whole lot better thanks to Dr Alan R. Hirsch’s 1995 study. It turns out, men are incredibly turned on by the scent of our favourite salty and crunchy snack. The perfume to try: Demeter Fragrance Library’s Popcorn. This one literally smells like popcorn.

Chocolate: Of course, chocolate is on the list because chocolate is considered one of the most addictive tastes and aromas that appeal to both men and women. The perfume to try: Serendipity 3 Serendipitous. Forget about eating the frozen hot chocolate, why not wear it? This perfume has some serious chocolate notes with hints of vanilla and orange (both of which are also arousing fragrances).

Lily of the Valley: The guys responded to a scent that doesn’t come from the kitchen. The delicate white flower gives off light, subtle scent that men love. In this study, it heightened arousal in 11 per cent of men. The perfume to try: Lily of the Valley by Yardley of London. This is a watery floral scent that’s cool and fresh. Lily of the Valley combines with pink peony and freesia for a subtle floral note.  The base notes are creamy musk and white amber that lend some appeal to the scent, and grapefruit and ginger keep it fresh, not overwhelming.

Bergamot: Bergamot was found to increase amino acids in the brain. Science tells us that amino acids trigger heightened levels of hormones, leading to an increased libido. Bergamot is a citrus fruit the size of an orange.  Its aroma is fresh and fruity and considered a cross between orange and lime. The perfume to try: Love on the Run x Seduce. A deeply aromatic blend of bergamot and woodsy Damascus rose, caressed by sweet, sultry jasmine undertones.

Seduce him with this deeply penetrating blend of bergamot and woodsy Damascus rose, caressed by sweet, sultry jasmine undertones.

Wild Yam: Wild yam is a known aphrodisiac. Plus, it’s fun – it has wild in its name. This extract is so powerfully connected to hormonal issues that it is often added to creams that do everything from easing menopausal symptoms to boosting arousal. The perfume to try: Morning Glow. This fragrance is made from pheromones that are vegan and are derived from the wild yam root and contains a fresh bouquet of ylang-ylang, sensual jasmine, citrusy apple blossoms, freesia, and deep purple violets. Undertones of soft white musk will keep him mesmerised from morning to night. 

Rose Oil: It’s rare to find a scent more associated with love and romance than the rose. Rose oil helps with circulation and blood flow, but, of course, it’s a very sensual and romantic scent that is emotionally uplifting.  Genuine Bulgarian Rose is not sickly sweet.  It actually has a herbal, earthy undertone that has a sweet earthiness about it. The perfume to try: Pacifica Spray Perfume, Persian Rose.  This blend consists of sweet and sultry vanilla absolute, with honey-jasmine notes including a touch of fruitiness, against a deep and beautiful base of tea. Pacifica Spray uses a blend of Bulgarian rose, subtle violet, myrrh, and delicate fruit as a nod to the floral empire of the Persians, the kings of perfume in the 9th century.

Indian Sandalwood: It is said that those who smell and inhale sandalwood have a heightened mood for desire. This is a pungent and woody scent that originates in the Orient and is often seen in high-end perfumes and colognes. It’s also used to treat impotence and help relieve anxiety. The perfume to try: Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens Eau De Parfum Spray. It consists of woodsy notes with scents of cacao, damask rose, and sandalwood, that can be worn by both sexes. 

Lavender: Adding on to the floral scents, studies have found smelling lavender plays a big role in decreasing anxiety and stress. This causes relaxation, which is a big part of pleasure. The perfume to try: L’Occitane Lavender Eau de Cologne. This is a light, breezy scent, underlined by subtle woody notes. This vibrant Cologne is a celebration of summer that captures the sunshine and brightness of Haute-Provence.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has tons of health benefits, as well as a known stimulant. It’s also warming, which increases blood flow and circulation. The perfume to try: Demeter Cinnamon Bun Cologne Spray. This fresh spicy aroma will remind you of freshly baked cinnamon buns – without the carbs.

Patchouli: Patchouli is earthy and woodsy but is also known to help with anxiety and increases energy and stimulates desire while decreasing inhibitions. All important when it comes to attraction. It stimulates the glands, increasing libido. The perfume to try: VICTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb. This fragrance has warm and sweet undertones, with notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli. Deep amber, woody, and patchouli notes combine with warm vanilla and praline notes to complete a truly addictive fragrance.

Ylang Ylang: This one is known to be a powerful aphrodisiac because it influences energy. It also supports the circulatory system. Inhaling this scent leads to feelings of euphoria. The perfume to try: Chanel No. 5. One of the most classic fragrances one could buy, a blend of aldehydes and floral notes like rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily of the valley and iris, layered over a warm, woody base of vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, amber and patchouli.

Musk: Masculine scents like musk are a known attractor of both men and women. Scientifically speaking, musk’s effects are attributed to it being structurally very similar to pheromones. The perfume to try: Eau De Musk. Kiehl’s Original Musk Oil is believed to have been created in the 1920s at the “Kiehl Apothecary.” Discovered in a vat labelled, “Love Oil” in the late 1950s, this fragrance, was re-introduced in 1963.

Peppermint: This is an energising fragrance that is all about energy. Recent studies have shown it helps in stimulating the brain and dilating blood vessels. The perfume to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette. The freshness of grapefruit invites you into this audacious scent, combining in the top notes with mint and blood mandarin. Striking and assertive middle notes follow with a refined yet virile combination of rose, cinnamon, and spicy notes. The base notes evoke the ultimate velvety harmony of leather, white wood, amber, and Indonesian patchouli essences.

We trust you enjoyed this aromatic journey into the world of scents that have been shown to be the most attractive to men.