What is Sexy? The interesting thing is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Or is there? When it comes to scent and dating, some things are universally attractive—and some will get you ghosted so hard, your next match will need a séance to find you.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the experts in dating (OKCupid) and the experts in fragrance discovery (of course it’s us, Scentbird) teamed up to crack the code on attraction. We surveyed hundreds of OKCupid singles to uncover how scent plays into dating, from ghosting potential to the sexiest first-date fragrances. The results? Let’s just say your choice of cologne or perfume matters more than you think.

Because the numbers, they never lie! Scroll below for all the details, and we have so many of them. 

SCENT & ATTRACTION

• BO is a no-go. Over 80% of singles say it’s a dealbreaker if their date has body odor.
• Scent = instant chemistry. 73% of singles have been attracted to someone because of their scent. Women are even more scent-driven—19% more likely than men to be drawn in by fragrance.
• Smell good, get hit on. 57% of singles say they’ve made a move on someone because of their scent. And women are taking the lead—they’re 14% more likely to initiate than men.

FIRST DATE SCENTS

• Most singles don’t risk it. 85% say they always or often wear fragrance on a date.
• What women wear: 41% opt for florals, while 38% go for warm scents.
• What men wear: Nearly 50% stick to fresh scents, though 25% prefer warm fragrances.

Scentbird’s First Date Fragrance Picks

Floral Scents for Women

• Tocca – Cleopatra
• Victoria’s Secret – Bombshell
• Ex Nihilo – Fleur Narcotique
• Liis – Rose Struck
• 5 Sens – Catch Feelings

Fresh Scents for Men

• J.U.S – ICYFIZZ
• Blu Atlas – Atlantis
• Ormonde Jayne – Verano
• Victoria’s Secret – VS HIM Deepwater
• House of Bō – Oro Verde

Warm Scents to Share

• Hermetica – Amberbee
• Moodeaux – Worthy
• Eauso Vert – Vanilla Embers
• Mancera Paris – Amore Caffe
• Chris Collins – Lust | Oud Delice

Pro Tip: Not into florals or woods? Try an ambery, vibrant scent and warm up together.

SEXY SCENTS

• Scent seduction is real. 48% of singles admit they’ve been seduced by someone’s fragrance.
• Women think woody scents are the sexiest on men.
• Men think sweet scents are the sexiest on women.

Pro Tip: Fellas, nearly half of you wear fresh scents on a first date, but women are looking for something woody. Time to upgrade your rotation.

Scentbird’s Sexiest Date Night Fragrances

Wood Scents for Men

• Michel Germain – Sexual Oud Rouge Pour Homme
• Joseph Abboud – Charcoal Sandalwood
• Tru Western – Yellowstone Ride
• Scents of Wood x Scentbird – Strength in Santal
• Thameen London – Carved Oud

Sweet Scents for Women

• The Maker – Dream
• by/Rosie Jane – Dulce
• Navitus Parfums – Amour Infinite
• Juliette Has a Gun – MMMM…
• Confessions of a Rebel – Bite Me
• Cirque du Soleil- L’eau de Parfum

THE SCENT DEALBREAKERS

• Bad scent = no second date. Nearly 30% of singles have ghosted or dumped someone over their fragrance (or lack thereof).
• 79% have been completely turned off by someone’s specific perfume or cologne.

Pro Tip: Build a fragrance wardrobe of 3+ scents that make you feel confident, sexy, and desirable—because the right scent might just lead to the right person.

Now that you know what to wear, it’s time to set a date. Download OKCupid to find your match, and head to Scentbird to find your new fave scent.Visit https://scentbirddev.itcraftlab.com/pr/sexy-scents-okcupid to explore the full collection.