February 13, 2026 |
The day of love is almost upon us. Boxes of chocolates, armfuls of flowers and best of all, perfume – because what’s a Valentine’s Day without a sweet scent? Whether you’re planning a candlelit dinner, a flirty first date or simply treating yourself (as you should), nothing sets the mood quite like the perfect fragrance. From heady florals to delicious gourmands and smouldering musks, The Team Ten Valentine’s Day fragrance round up is here to help you fall head over heels – one spritz at a time.
Paul Toner: Deputy Editor – Loewe Bittersweet Oud
I’ve never worn an oud scent before, I usually find them too overpowering. Yet when Loewe released the three scents that make up its Crafted Collection last October, the one that I was drawn to was Bittersweet Oud Eau de Parfum. There’s a tanginess to it with the introduction of the bitter orange which I love and a smoothness in the sandalwood. It’s super punchy and lasts all night, even after you’ve been out dancing until the early hours! If you’re looking for a fragrance to impress this Valentine’s, this one’s your gal! Shop here.
Bella Koopman: Junior Social Media Editor and Fashion Writer – Le Labo Violette 30
Le Labo’s new scent, Voilette 30 Eau de Parfum, boasts the best balance between fresh and intense, lingering long after it’s been sprayed on both the skin and in the air. But it isn’t overwhelming. A heady mix of rare white violet, white tea, cedarwood and guaiacwood, it’s romantic, smooth and a little bit cheeky – the perfect scent for a date down at the local tavern. Your date won’t be turning their nose up at you, they’ll be stepping close for a subtle sniff. Shop here.
Sonya Mazuryk: Fashion Assistant – Byredo Rose Of No Man’s Land
The perfect mix of rose, pepper and raspberry notes, Rose Of No Man’s Land Eau De Parfum by Byredo is like the love letter you’ll be spritzing all season long. Opening with bold, expensive confidence at the first spritz, it slowly evolves on the skin, transforming into a softer, sweeter bouquet – the olfactory equivalent of a slow-burn romance. Sophisticated yet undeniably swoon-worthy, it’s a seasonless scent that lingers beautifully from morning coffee dates to moonlit rendezvous. Shop here.
Georgia Edwards: Fashion Assistant – Matiere Premiere Radical Rose Extrait de Parfum
I have a soft spot for Valentine’s Day; everything is perfectly pink, romantic and indulgent. Matière Première’s Radical Rose Extrait de Parfum captures the essence of the occasion perfectly. Its rich rose notes, arising from the central Rose Centifolia Absolute, and the unique warmth of the Croatian Immortelle Absolute makes the fragrance feel like luxury in a bottle – intoxicating and an ideal scent to wear on February 14. Or perhaps it could be a thoughtful gift for someone special (if my boyfriend happens to be reading this, Eddie I would be delighted to open this on Valentine’s morning). It’s a love story, baby just say yes. Shop here.
Amber Bennett: Junior Art Director – Dior J’adore Intense
J’adore this fragrance – quite literally. The new J’adore Intense Eau de Parfum by Dior instantly transports me to a sun-drenched summer garden, where lush florals bloom in full, golden glory. Feminine yet modern, it’s fresh with a warm, enveloping sensuality that melts beautifully into the skin. Created by Francis Kurkdjian with Rihanna as his muse, it feels radiant, confident and completely unforgettable – just like her. Light enough for the office yet glamorous enough for an evening out, it pairs perfectly with a great outfit and always earns compliments. And the iconic amphora bottle? A total showstopper on my perfume shelf. Shop here.
Sophia Neophitou: Global Editor-In-Chief – Lorenzo Villoresi Teint De Neige
For countless years, Teint De Neige Eau de Parfum by Lorenzo Villoresi has been my absolute favourite in the wonderful world of fragrance. It’s soft, romantic and irresistibly nostalgic, exactly the kind of scent that lingers like a cherished love letter. A central creation in the opus of the true IYKYK Florentine perfumer, it captures the unmistakable aroma of perfumed face powder, elevated by precious notes of rose, jasmine and ylang ylang. Love is most definitely in the air – especially with a spritz of this dreamy, powder-kissed scent. Shop here.
Claudia Croft: Editor – Chanel Bleu L’Exclusif
I’ve picked this fragrance for my 15 year-old son. He’s not my Valentine but he is the love of my life. He and his pals have surprisingly sophisticated taste in fragrance. Armani’s Stronger With You and Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male are in his collection. He also likes the zesty freshness of Chanel Bleu but we tried Bleu L’Exclusif at the airport this Christmas and it is on another level. On top of the woody amber notes, there’s the soft warmth of sandalwood and labdanum as well as rich, leathery and resinous accords. In short, it’s gorgeous – just like him. If he does well in his mocks, it’s his. Shop here.
Garth Allday Spencer: Creative Director – Frederic Malle Hope
For Valentine’s Day, I want Hope Eau de Parfum by Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle – a standout from the Desert Gems collection. One small spritz on the wrist and it opens with a subtle spark of pink pepper, juniper and vetiver – a gentle brightness before the deeper heart unfolds. Then comes the oud: polished, softly smoked, smooth and dignified. There’s no harshness here, only a refined reverence for this ancient note. A whisper of incense lends a meditative, intimate aura that feels spiritual and magnetic. It draws you in rather than demanding attention – mature, assured and quietly seductive. Consider me lovestruck. Happy Valentine’s. Shop here.
Zac Apostolou: Commissioning and Production Editor – Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian leaves me genuinely speechless. This isn’t just luxury in a bottle – it’s an atmosphere, a presence, a moment. There are great fragrances and then there’s this absolute powerhouse, existing entirely in its own league. Airy yet intense, it wraps saffron warmth, luminous jasmine and that unmistakable amber-woody glow into a trail that’s entirely unforgettable. It clings to skin and fabric alike, evolving beautifully for hours. Captivating and completely magnetic, it’s one of those rare scents that transcends gender, season and occasion – and once you wear it, nothing else quite compares. Shop here.
Emily Phillips: Junior Features Editor – Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif
L is for the way I love Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly. O is for the only scent I’ll be wearing this Valentine’s Day. V is very, very, deeply addictive – so sweet you almost want to taste it. E is for every extra spritz (even more than is sane) because this is a fragrance I adore oh-so-much. Formulated as a tribute to women and inspired by the refinement of the ladies of the Court, their gowns sweeping through luminous damascena rose gardens, Delina Exclusif lingers like a velvet embrace from the first kiss in the morning to the final “I love you” at night. Housed in an adorable baby pink bottle, its beating heart of Damascena rose is layered with rose petal, juicy lychee and white musk, creating a decadent, creamy floral aroma that’s equal parts romantic and irresistible. Shop here.
Edwina Ings-Chambers: Contributing Features Editor – Narciso Rodriguez Musc Santal
I’m currently obsessed with what’s officially a men’s fragrance: Narciso Rodriguez For Him Musc Santal Eau de Parfum Intense. I’m far from alone as all the women at the launch started an immediate spritzathon as they couldn’t wait to wear it. It’s a perfume to draw people near with a smokiness to it but opening with some aromatic greeny citrus (clary sage and juniper) but with a warm sweet creaminess (cedarwood and sandalwood base notes) as well as the musk accord central to the franchise. A perfect “let’s get to know each other” invitation of a fragrance. This Valentine’s, I’m getting to know Santal Musc. Shop here.
Liz Tray: Sub Editor – Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
For Valentine’s Day, it has to be Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford. So, here’s the story. There’s a Bowie connection – and as a diehard fan, I couldn’t resist – he wore it for the last 15 years of his life. I first decided to try it on during an airport layover, shortly after reading about it. Women’s perfumes rarely appeal to me; I find them often too pink and cloyingly sweet. Grey Vetiver, however, isn’t strictly masculine (perfect for Bowie). It’s fresh, citrussy, subtly woody and just plain lovely. Not my everyday scent – that’s Coty – but when I’m excited to go somewhere, this is my pick. In the words of Ziggy Stardust himself: “Love is the opening door, love is what we came here for.” Shop here.
Daren Ellis: Art Director – Granado Amazônico
This Valentine’s Day, let Amazônico by Granado sweep you off your feet. Knowing that the cologne Agua de Florida (Florida water) from Peru by Murray & Lanman, used shamans for energetic cleansing, purification and protection, I was intrigued to hear that Granado had launched an Eau de Perfum inspired by the lush spirit of the Amazon Rainforest. Amazônico Eau de Parfum is a fragrance that packs a punch with a woody, earthy base of sandalwood and tonka bean, and at its heart cacao, ylang ylang and mate with top notes of orange and raspberry. The scent brings a deeply hot and humid aroma, with a rich, vibrant tone and vibration, keeping you safe and lifting your confidence in any situation – rain or shine. Love is definitely all around. Shop here.
Top image: photography courtesy of Parfums de Marly.
