Perfume, at its core, is intended to attract and invoke positive memories—two things that are integral to the honeymoon experience. So when you think about it, a honeymoon perfume should do everything a regular perfume should, with the heat turned up.
The other important thing to keep in mind when it comes to a great honeymoon fragrance is the destination. Are you going somewhere tropical? A big city? Will you need to check your bag? These factors all influence what scent (or scents) you pack.
“I think a very important thing to remember is that you have to go with what makes you happy,” says Mona Kattan, founder of Kayali. “Whether you like to wear a completely different scent based on your mood, or you have one signature scent, always remember that it’s your honeymoon and you need to do what makes you happy—this is the beginning of your happily ever after, and it’s about you and your partner!”
What Makes a Good Honeymoon Perfume?
First off, where are you and your partner headed? “I think it all depends on where you spend your honeymoon and how you want to feel,” says Kattan. “I generally carry a few fragrances with me when traveling to layer and help create my mood.”
For example, “I traveled with three scents on my honeymoon: Utopia Vanilla Coco | 21 ($138), Eden Juicy Apple | 01 ($100) and Vanilla | 28 ($138),” says Kattan. “For me, they were the perfect fragrances for a beachy and romantic holiday in the Maldives!” Of course, the fragrance founder has a full archive to choose from, but still had to keep her selection small for the trip. “I was going for relaxed, beach vibes with Utopia. Vanilla is a great one to have because it layers so well with everything. Eden is great for a morning spritz; it’s vibrant, energizing and juicy!”
Even if you only pack one perfume for your honeymoon, there’s still an important takeaway from Kattan here, which is versatility. You’ll want to make sure that your scent works in each setting on your trip, whether that’s poolside, at a swanky dinner, or simply spending time alone with your new spouse.
If you’re only bringing a carry-on suitcase on your honeymoon, you’ll also want to bring a travel-size perfume or make sure your bottle is less than 3.4 ounces.
What Are the Best Seductive Scents?
Studies have shown that the most attractive fragrance note for both men and women is vanilla. It’s been used in fragrance for centuries but enjoyed a popularity surge in the 1990s. And luckily, vanilla perfumes are trending again, with gourmand fragrances and nostalgia back in vogue.
Another sultry fragrance note to look for is musk, which has a “skin-like” quality that can signal sexy vibes in our brains. Then there’s sandalwood—think Le Labo Santal 33 ($230)—which has a depth and genderless sensibility so you and your partner can both spritz it on.
What Are the Best Romantic Scents?
Generally, the scent notes that are considered most romantic are florals like rose, gardenia and jasmine, as well as, again, musks. But according to Kattan, true romance harkens back to key memories in your relationship as opposed to specific scent categories.
“I often say fragrances are like bookmarks in your life in that they are attached to your memories, so it doesn’t hurt to be intentional about choosing a fragrance or fragrances to mark a special occasion,” says Kattan. “Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be a specific perfume, but perhaps it’s your favorite fragrance note.” In other words? Consider wearing the scent you wore for your engagement, first date or another benchmark in your time together.
The Best Honeymoon Perfumes
