Rihanna is often recognized as the best-smelling celebrity. Seriously, dozens of stars and fans have commented on her heavenly aroma. The singer's scent regularly stops people in their tracks, and it's not uncommon for her to leave an unmistakable trail in her wake. So what exact perfume does she wear (other than her own fragrance, Fenty)? Well, I was thrilled to learn it's one of my all-time favorites: Kilian Paris Love, Don't Be Shy.
In my eyes, Kilian Paris crafts the best perfumes of all the designer brands. Why? Well, because their scents toe the line between niche and mainstream perfumery with sultry, imaginative collections that were inspired by top-shelf liquors, hypnotic encounters, Middle Eastern traditions, and much more.
Of all the brand's offerings, Love, Don't Be Shy is the most universally pleasing scent, probably because it doesn't fit into one singular fragrance family. It appeases the gourmand lovers with hints of marshmallow and vanilla, yet it also takes on a much more sophisticated aura for those who yearn to smell suave. It even appeals to those who prefer bubbly citrus aromas, as well as anyone who adores sensual musks.
Simply put, Love, Don't Be Shy lives in a realm of its own. Could it become your next signature scent? Keep reading to figure out whether it's right for you, and learn why I reach for it weekly, even though I own over 500 perfumes.
What Does Kilian Paris Love, Don't Be Shy Smell Like?
Key notes: Neroli, rose, honeysuckle, marshmallow, cistus labdanum
Love, Don't Be Shy was inspired by the duality of falling in love. Like when you first start seeing someone new, it feels so innocent and bashful. But as your intimacy grows, the relationship gets deeper and more passionate. That's the feeling Love, Don't Be Shy replicates.
On the first spritz, you're greeted with a bright, bubbly burst of neroli and orange blossom that softens into a sweet, romantic cloud of rose, jasmine, and honeysuckle. The combination of silky florals feels intoxicating, heady, and slightly sugary with a surprising hint of marshmallow before becoming deeper with luscious vanilla and cistus labdanum, a complex accord that's slightly anamalic and ambery.
My Love, Don't Be Shy review:
Love, Don't Be Shy was the first scent I tried from Kilian. And even though this will sound totally cliché, it truly was love at first sniff.
I'm a sucker for dazzling citrus openings that aren't soapy, but instead call to mind the aroma of orange groves wafting in the wind. As this wears, I appreciate the full-bodied white flowers that don't smell stereotypically, well, floral. Rather than resembling a fresh garden, white floral notes—like jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossom—are more creamy, honeyed, and erotic.
And while sugared notes like marshmallow and vanilla tend to turn perfumes juvenile, these accords have the opposite effect in Love, Don't Be Shy. The fluffy marshmallow adds a skin-like, powdery tinge before a super musky vanilla overtakes the composition.
This is a scent that announces you as you enter the room, yet I still find it acceptable for daytime wear. (TBF, though, it really shines on special occasions and nights out.) Three sprays are enough to instantly cloak me in confidence—like, I can sense an immediate energy shift. I always feel unstoppable, sexy, and just plain beautiful with Love, Don't Be Shy. The performance is also exceptional. This actually lasts 12+ hours, even when I'm running around or working up a sweat on the dance floor.
Final thoughts
I don't get nearly as many compliments as Rihanna does when I wear Love, Don't Be Shy—she must have angelic body chemistry—but frankly, I don't care. I stopped wearing perfume for others a long time ago, and now I spritz for me, and only me. That said, it's not uncommon to garner a little bit of flattery every time I choose this flirty perfume.
This is a scent that will satisfy the pickiest noses because it offers a little bit of everything: Florals, musk, vanilla, sweetness, citrus, and more. And while it's one of Killian's bestselling perfumes, it isn't a scent that everyone immediately recognizes. (AKA, you probably won't encounter someone who is also wearing it, which helps Love, Don't Be Shy feel extra special and memorable.)
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including analyzing fragrance trends and reviewing uber popular perfumes (like Lancôme Peach 'N Roses). She's an expert in all beauty categories, but has a soft spot for fragrance.
