Perfume and lingerie: We’re in the mood already

Women have long known the power of scent and sexy lingerie. Here, our picks for modern-day seduction.

Valentine’s Day is upon us and, if you’re coupled up, chances are you’ve got some romantic plans in the works. Dinner and a movie? A casual date night in? Whatever’s on the agenda, the end-of-evening plans tend to remain the same. Some mood lighting, a scented candle and, of course, your favourite lingerie. But what to spritz?

Of course, our approach relies on fragrance. Pick a scent and seek out the lingerie that complements that olfactory mood and mindset. Not sure where to start? These lingerie and perfume duos are on our wish list—but you can use them as inspiration too.

Purple lace with Calvin Klein Eternity Intense for her

More of a sultry scent kind of person? Ditch all of that in-your-face red lingerie then. Our recommendation? Opt for rich shades of purple like amethyst, wine and burgundy. To match, spritz the latest release from Calvin Klein, Eternity Intense for her. Much like the understated elegance of these moody hues, Eternity Intense uses an unexpected ingredient, orris, to convey its sexy message. The orris (a root of the iris plant with a powdery and weighty scent profile) is paired with aquaflora, bergamot, rose and sandalwood. Think of this as a sexy, fresh and intimate way to up the ante on Valentine’s Day.
Calvin Klein Eternity Intense For Her, $106 (100 ml), thebay.com
Victoria’s Secret bralette, $34.50, and panty, $10.50, victoriassecret.com

Barely-there black with Nest Fragrances Black Tulip

In the tradition of all of the great femme fatales before us comes this lacy, barely-there set. In black, of course. We’re guessing that if you’re donning something similar this February 14, you’re also the type to flirt with dark, sensual fragrances as well. Enter Nest Fragrances Black Tulip, the latest from the brand, which its founder Laura Slatkin calls “the most seductive fragrance I’ve created yet.” The perfume is lush and feminine, with notes of jasmine, violet, plum, cherry, pink peppercorn and patchouli.
Nest Fragrances Black Tulip, $88 (50 ml), sephora.com
La Perla Bra, $735, and briefs, $614, laperla.com

Lovely nude set with CLEAN Reserve Sel Santal

If your lingerie leans more towards minimalist and unadorned—we feel you. Cotton underwear is a wonderful thing. But even the most minimalist of us can break out some special threads for a special occasion. Try a simple nude set in a familiar silhouette (a bralette and full-back undies aren’t totally risque), but pick luxe fabrics like lace and satin and then pair with an equally minimalist—but knockout—scent. On that note: Try Clean Reserve’s new Sel Santal. It’s an almost beachy, your-skin-but-better scent with notes of oud, amber, saffron and fig that are subtly sweet and very fresh. Sort of like you, right?
CLEAN Reserve Sel Santal, $125 (100 ml), sephora.com
Fleur of England Bra, £95, and Brief, £86, fleurofengland.com