The most seductive winter scent

Valentino's latest perfume is both sexy and chic

We wear scent for a number of different reasons: to feel confident; as the last step of our beauty regime or simply because we’ve worn that signature smell so often, it has become an integral part of how we present ourselves to the world. But there is another reason: sex.

Since caveman days, the barely detectable scent of our pheromones – airborne aphrodisiacs secreted naturally from our bodies – have sent out a ‘come hither’ invitation to the opposite sex. With the creation of perfume we simply played on his sense of smell even more. So if you want to up your seduction game this Christmas, spritz on Valentino Donna Noir Absolu EDP, £116.50 for 100ml.

While most women’s fragrances open with sparking citrus, this immediately sets the scene with an invigorating hit of pepper. Then rose, combined with a plum liquor accord, pushes through for an intoxicatingly (not literally) spicy and sweet smell before leather and sandalwood give it a nocturnal and unbelievably sexy drydown. From its black lacquer bottle to the heady scent inside, Donna Noir Absolu is definitely not for those in search of ladylike or subtle.