Roses are red, violets are blue…stop us if you’ve heard this one before. As much as I adore love letters and whispered sweet nothings, I’d argue that nothing conveys romance quite like fragrance. Scents are intimately linked to our memories and emotions, which makes fragrance one of the most personal, intimate gifts for Valentine’s Day. (Plus, a bottle of perfume will last you much longer than a box of chocolates.)
Ahead, we’ve curated the ultimate V-Day gift guide for everyone — from the hard-to-please to those on the hunt for a new signature scent, including even the most self-confessed scent snobs.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Kylie Cosmetics Cosmic Kylie Jenner Intense Eau de Parfum
Kylie Jenner’s amber floral Cosmic is already tailor-made for date night. However, her latest reimagination, Cosmic Intense, kicks things up a notch with citrusy notes of blood orange, warm vanilla, floral jasmine and golden amber accord. And if that’s not enough to make your heart skip a beat, there’s the signature bottle dressed in dramatic, glossy red for the ultimate Valentine’s vibe.
Kylie Cosmetics Cosmic Kylie Jenner Intense Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Boy Smells Red Hot Eau de Parfum
Fruit and spice clash in the best way possible in Boy Smells’ Red Hot, which juxtaposes smoky incense with sweet raspberry and rose notes. It’s a bold, delectable scent that you’ll want to bathe in. (Perfumer Jérôme Epinette says Red Hot is all about “emulating the lingering emotions that come as the night fades” and compares the smoldering notes to a fire quietly going out.)
Boy Smells Red Hot, $, available at Boy Smells
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Berry Crush Eau De Parfum
Berry notes are already one of the year’s biggest breakout perfume trends, with YSL’s Libre Berry Crush emerging as a favorite among R29 editors. The French heritage brand’s iconic amber-floral, fruity makeover introduces notes of raspberry and coconut to the orange blossom and lavender base for a result that’s good enough to eat.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Berry Crush Eau De Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Noyz Only Human Eau de Parfum
Reader-favorite brand Noyz’s Only Human blends two massive fragrance trends — skin scents and gourmand vanilla — into one genderless bottle. Supporting actors like warm ambroxan (a synthetic musk-like note) and cedarwood, plus invigorating pink pepper and bergamot, make this an undeniably thoughtful scent gift for a special someone — including yourself.
Noyz Only Human, $, available at Noyz
Parfums de Marly Meliora Eau de Parfum
For the love that feels more romantic than an episode of Bridgerton, we adore Parfums de Marly’s Meliora. Think secret garden notes of rose and lily plus tart raspberry and blackcurrant for a sweet, decadent interpretation of fruity florals.
Parfums de Marly Meliora Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Valentine’s Edition Eau de Parfum
This limited-edition bottle of Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Blush features notes of light, sweet peony, rosewater, vanilla, and intoxicating, sweet ylang ylang for a romantic, feminine scent that doubles as a statement piece for any beauty lover.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Valentine’s Edition Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Jimmy Choo I Want Choo With Love
Flirty notes of raspberry, rose, and vanilla make Jimmy Choo’s latest addition to the I Want Choo cinematic universe a sweet-as-can-be gift for your valentine — especially when combined with a pair of shoes from the famed designer. (Hint hint.)
Jimmy Choo I Want Choo With Love Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Dossier Lost Americana
Dossier’s Lost Americana reads like a word cloud of fragrance adjectives: Rich, earthy, spicy, and sexy. With its combination of aromatic incense, nutmeg, and patchouli with invigorating pink pepper and vetiver, this unisex scent is perfect for sharing with your person.
Dossier Lost Americana, $, available at Dossier
Armani Beauty Stronger With You Parfum
This aptly-named eau de parfum from Armani combines masculine notes of leather and amber with gourmand vanilla and spicy pink pepper for a cologne that exudes lover boy vibes. Reviewers can’t get enough of the long-lasting throw and warm, comforting quality that makes it among the most romantic fragrance gifts we can think of.
Armani Beauty Stronger With You Parfum, $, available at Sephora
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