The "aphrodisiac" perfume itself does not exist, but some smells can be very sensual and titillate more than one (s).
So, which notes are able to awaken our desire for a simple wake?
"Animal" notes for a wild wake
Most so-called sensual fragrances are very related ... to animal secretions! At first glance, it's hard to imagine that such smells are wrapped up, and yet perfumery would not be the same without them.
Thus, the animal notes have a very strong sexual connotation and are found in many juices *.
- Musk: It comes from the glands of the male musk deer, an animal native to Asia, which attracts females through this highly odorous secretion, located in a pocket between the navel and the sexual organs. Many years ago, musk was taken directly from the animal, inevitably resulting in death. Now banned in perfumery, it has been replaced by synthetic musk.
- Castoreum: derived from the beaver's sexual glands, this oily substance has a very strong smell of leather and smoke. It is widely used in the perfumes of the family of "chyprés".
- The civet: the secretion of this animal, taken directly under his tail, bears the same name as him. Unprocessed, the civet has a fecal odor, but once dissolved, it gives roundness to the fragrances.
- Ambergris: this is an intestinal secretion produced by the sperm whale. After expulsion, it is harvested to enter the composition of perfumes. It has a very subtle smell of iodine and animal smell.
The "leather" perfumes also evoke the animal side with their tanned skin smell. "Cuir de Russie" by Chanel and "Bel Ami" by Hermès are the worthy representatives of this olfactory family that are very popular with men, but also by women looking for a fragrance of character.
The sensuality of "fur" perfumes
The fragrances "fur" are formulated with oriental notes that leave behind spicy fragrances.
Patchouli, vanilla, sandalwood and myrrh are the main notes found in these enveloping and hot juices.
Some of the best-known Oriental fragrances include Kiehl's Original Musk and Aromatic Elixir from Clinique.
The chyprés: perfumes of character
The olfactory pattern of chypre perfumes - bergamot in top note, patchouli and oak moss in base note and ciste in heart note - results in a floral wake, strong and sensual.
Inspired by the "Cyprus" of Coty, the perfume called "chypre" has a strong character that does not usually leave indifferent (e).
Guerlain's "Mitsouko" and Dior's "Miss Dior" are some of the most iconic fragrances of this olfactory family.
Scented and charming flowers
Jasmine would have, according to some perfumers, euphoric virtues and the rose, absolute symbol of sensuality, would also be able to awaken sexuality.
It is also said that the tuberose, much coveted in perfumery, have a smell close to that of women's sex .
Ylang-ylang and lily are also notes with strong sensuality.
Discover our selection of fragrances with aphrodisiac notes in our slideshow.
Thanks to Virginie Roux, creator of the brand Au Pays de la Fleur d'Oranger.
* Olfactory conference "The perfume, origins to the present day", Annick Le Guerer, February 2, 2017.
