Winter perfume (Photo by Ground Picture on Shutterstock)
A new season brings new vibes, scents, and color palettes for beauty and fashion. While many prefer to rock the same signature scent year-round, take your fragrance game up a notch with a seasonal scent rotation. As winter approaches, cold weather has us drawn towards cozy, rich scents that complement the chill in the air. Popular winter scent profiles include woody notes, warm spices, florals, and sweetness. Are you looking for your next seasonal spritz? Our list of the best winter perfumes was compiled based on the suggestions of fragrance experts across the web. Let us know your go-to in the comments below.
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Top 5 Winter Perfumes, According to Scent Experts
1. Maison Margiela Replica
Maison Margiela has mastered the art of bottling memories, and their REPLICA collection proves it with every spritz. Their Jazz Club fragrance has become a year-round favorite at Allure, though it truly shines in the winter months, bringing a sultry mix of smoke and spice that transforms even the most casual evening at home into something special.
For those battling with winter’s tendency to make fragrances disappear quickly, Marie Claire has discovered a solution in the brand’s When the Rain Stops scent. This powerhouse perfume maintains its presence even through the coldest days when other fragrances seem to vanish into the crisp air.
Don’t let the name fool you – By the Fireplace isn’t about capturing the scent of burning logs. Cosmopolitan says this cozy creation perfectly captures that quintessential winter moment of nestling up with hot chocolate beside a warm hearth, making it the perfect companion for those chilly winter evenings.
2. Parfums de Marly
When it comes to luxurious winter fragrances, Althair has been turning heads in the beauty world. Cosmopolitan‘s editors have fallen hard for this scent, describing it as their go-to winter fragrance that strikes the perfect balance between confidence-boosting and alluring.
Elle takes us deeper into Althair’s composition, where bourbon meets orange blossom and vanilla in an intriguing dance. Rather than leaning into sweetness, this sophisticated blend takes a moodier turn, with its gourmand foundation weaving through darker, muskier territory that sets it apart from typical vanilla-forward scents.
While Parfums de Marly’s price point might raise eyebrows, their artistry with scent is undeniable. Allure also particularly champions its Oajan fragrance as a standout winter option, highlighting its masterful blend of honey and cinnamon that captures the essence of holiday indulgence. The investment may be significant, but for fragrance enthusiasts, these complex and lasting scents could be worth every penny.
3. YSL Black Opium
Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium has mastered the delicate art of coffee-inspired perfumery. As Byrdie notes, while the fragrance doesn’t literally replicate your morning brew, it cleverly intensifies coffee notes and introduces cacao for added complexity, creating a scent that’s surprisingly wearable despite its bold name.
Beauty Base is completely smitten with this creation, and it’s easy to see why. The fragrance’s vanilla heart creates an irresistible trail that seems to capture the very essence of winter glamour. Their enthusiasm for this addictive blend suggests it’s more than just a perfume – it’s an experience that transforms the wearer’s entire presence.
Cosmetify confirms what autumn and winter fragrance lovers have discovered: Black Opium stands in a league of its own. Its genius lies in the perfect balance between rich black coffee and vanilla notes, creating an energy-charged scent that is both sweet and seductive – exactly what you might need to warm up those chilly winter days.
4. Phlur Somebody Wood
Don’t let preconceptions about woody fragrances steer you away from this sophisticated winter scent. Who What Wear highlights how it defies traditional evening fragrance expectations, creating an intriguing blend where sweet and woody base notes create sensuality while jasmine and saffron add an elegant twist.
Woman and Home perfectly captures the essence of this scent’s appeal for those who cherish those brisk winter morning walks. While woody notes form its foundation, bright citrus elements like lemon and bergamot prevent it from becoming overwhelming, instead creating an uplifting balance that captures winter’s crispness.
Glamour‘s beauty editor discovered this fragrance’s charms through its body wash first, and it’s easy to see why it made such an impression. Phlur’s interpretation brings a delicate warmth that transforms your daily routine into a cozy retreat, evoking the comfort of a secluded cabin on a winter’s day.
5. Bond No. 9
In the realm of statement-making winter fragrances, Bond No. 9 has carved out a distinctive niche. Allure particularly champions their NoMad scent, suggesting it’s the perfect choice for those who want their presence noticed, especially in a way that captures New York City’s vibrant energy.
Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro found her winter companion in Bond No. 9’s New York Signature Scent. Its sophisticated blend of oud extract, rose, tonka beans, and musk creates a lasting impression in cold weather, striking that perfect balance between woodsy depth and subtle floral softness.
For those seeking something even more sultry, Elle points to Bond No. 9’s New York Sandalwood as a standout winter option. The combination of creamy sandalwood with vibrant fruit notes creates a warm, spicy embrace.
Common winter perfume scents:
If you do like to try something new, now’s the time to consider a perfume with a richer tone, perhaps with hints of wood, amber, or vanilla. Colder air can cause scents to dissipate quickly, so look for one with a higher oil concentration. For example, Eau de parfums tend to last longer than eau de toilettes.
Winter begs for perfumes that mirror its essence – warm, inviting, and deeply comforting. Think crackling fireplaces, spiced cookies, and faraway lands. Embrace rich, resinous woods like sandalwood and oud, or indulge in the opulence of orientals like amber and myrrh. Don’t underestimate the power of spice – cinnamon, cardamom, and clove add a piquant warmth. And for a touch of brightness, citrus notes like bergamot and grapefruit can be paired with delicate florals. So, let your winter fragrance be your guide – choose a scent that speaks to your soul and wraps you in a warm embrace.
Catching a whiff of someone’s signature scent, even when they’re not there, can evoke powerful memories or reminders of that person. This connection between scent and memory highlights how our sense of smell is intricately linked to our emotions and experiences, making fragrances part of our personal and collective memories. The concept of scent-triggered memories extends to the familiarity of our homes. According to a survey, over half say they experience “scent-stalgia,” missing the comforting scents of their homes after being away for a couple of days. Interestingly, 66 percent of respondents can recognize their home’s unique scent, underscoring the strong connection between scent and personal spaces.
As with any fragrance, it’s important to consider how the perfume interacts with your skin chemistry. What smells great in the bottle may not be as wonderful once on your skin. Experts recommend you always try a sample and let it sit for a few hours to see how it interacts with you personally.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
I’m so surprised that INIS was not included in this list. It’s very fragrant, has a clean kind of smell. Can’t stand flowery fruity perfume.
I recently purchased another bottle of my favourite Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf for $150 at chemist warehouse. It has NO scent! I had my friend check it too as i was so surprised! So pleased to see that it is not on your list! I am disappointed as perfume’s smell is subjective and hard to return I wrote to the Viktor & Rolf but received no reply.