Recently, a stranger—who became an acquaintance over the course of a few hours—held my hug significantly longer than what’s customary upon parting ways. I wanted to believe sheer charisma had captivated him—but, as he shared moments later, it was my scent that made him linger. 

Humbly, I’m used to strangers swooning over my sillage; similarly, I’m an expert at entrancing houseguests with the fragrances I burn, diffuse, and spray around my apartment. 

People are often unwilling to share their signature scents, but I’m no gatekeeper. Below, I’ve listed the perfumes, body care products, and home fragrances that have garnered countless compliments from strangers and friends alike. 

Best Perfumes

• Unexpectedly Alluring: Byredo Desert Dawn, $168; nordstrom.com
• By Rosie Jane Leila Lou, $80; nordstrom.com
• Cool-Girl Clean: Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, $90; meritbeauty.com
• Tom Ford Rose D’Amalfi Eau de Parfum, $300; nordstrom.com 
• Creamy, Spicy Gourmand: Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum, $120; nordstrom.com
• Universally-Loved: Chanel Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette Spray, $116; nordstrom.com 
• Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne, $168; nordstrom.com 
• Smells 10x More Expensive: Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Spray, $22; amazon.com
• Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum, $295; amazon.com 

Byredo Desert Dawn

This sultry scent is my favorite of Byredo’s sleeper-hits. Vetiver, musk, and papyrus yield a curious aroma that captivates strangers, so much so that a few have even stopped me to inquire about it. If a date night fragrance—or a seductive signature scent—are what you’re seeking, look no further. In a similar vein, Byredo’s Animalique exudes an equally alluring vibe that’s slightly funkier and more carnal. 

Merit Retrospect Eau de Parfum

If “cool-girl” were a scent, Merit’s understated, elegant perfume would be it. In line with the brand’s barely there, minimalistic approach to makeup, its inaugural scent leaves me feeling effortlessly put-together. Plus, unlike other breezy scents of its ilk, this one lasts throughout the day with no need to reapply. 

Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum

The latest release from Michelle Pfeiffer’s chic fragrance brand, Henry Rose, Dave is a creamy, sweet departure from my usual peppery go-to, Sheep’s Clothing. While most vanilla scents wear sugary on my skin, Dave’s blend of tonka bean, cocoa shell, and neroli create an elevated, complex take on the typically saccharine category.  

Best Body Care and Home Fragrance

• Always In My Powder Room: Byredo Mojave Ghost Shower Gel, $60; nordstrom.com
• Celebrity-Used Brand: Cyklar Nutrient Rich Body Cream, $29; amazon.com
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel and Bubble Bath, $36; nordstrom.com 
• IYKYK: Loewe Tomato Leaves Handsoap, $85; neimanmarcus.com 
• Malin + Goetz Otto Candle, $66; nordstrom.com
• I Don’t Drive, But If I Did: Pura Car Smart Diffuser, $35; nordstrom.com
• Classic for a Reason: Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, $76; nordstrom.com
• Byredo Summer Rain Candle, $50; nordstrom.com
• Decorative and Functional: Candle Warmer Lamp, $40 (Originally $44); amazon.com 
• Diptyque La Drouguerie Odor Removing Room Spray, $82; nordstrom.com 

Cyklar Nutrient Rich Body Cream

Hailey Bieber inspired me to try this indulgent, skin-friendly body care brand. While each of its scents are worth trying, this decadent blend of bergamot, cedar, and frankincense is perhaps the most enticing. Plus, the niacinamide-infused formula brightens hyperpigmentation over time. 

Diptyque La Drouguerie Odor Removing Room Spray

An $82 air-freshening spray sounds absurd—until you experience this masterpiece from Diptique. I keep it in my kitchen to thwart lingering food-smells (particularly after cooking fish). As promised, it neutralizes odors and leaves the air smelling like the freshest caprese salad you’ve ever tried. A Diptique salesperson recently told me chefs have been buying this stuff en masse, and I understand why. 

Shop more of the scents I swear by, below. 

Candle Warmer Lamp 

Malin + Goetz Otto Candle

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne

Tom Ford Rose D’Amalfi Eau de Parfum