Naomi Jamieson
The drop in temperature signals the perfect opportunity to swap your light, airy scents for something altogether muskier. A fragrance that radiates warmth, powered by luxe edible notes like vanilla and almond, or smoky hints of wood - and we have nine in mind for the season ahead...
While scent is subjective, and really, there are no hard and fast rules as to when you can wear a vanilla-centric long-lasting perfume or that of a floral, some blends truly do belong to certain seasons. A fresh and salty marine perfume, for instance, calls to be worn during a summer in Portofino, let's say, while a spicy fireside-like perfume might feel out of place anywhere but the chilliest of months. A winter perfume in our minds is woody and spicy - an amalgamation of scents we attribute to the time of year, ike chestnut and ginger. To others, though, such a scent might equate to heady ouds or more festive citrus notes.
The 9 best winter perfumes to spritz this season, per our team
Whether you're craving an almost edible vanilla scent or an intensely spicy number, we've got quite the array of wintery options for you, some of which even feature on the list of best perfumes for women (in case you're seeking a scent with proven, widespread appeal).
RRP: £96 for 50ml | Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, saffron, sandalwood, vanilla and amber | Longevity: 7/10
Tested by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Naomi Jamieson
As the name suggests, this scent is woody but without being overwhelmingly so. That’s down to the brighter notes like lemon and bergamot, which give it a bit of a lift. It's ranked among our favourite autumn fragrances, but its warm, ambery base also makes it a lovely winter signature too, especially if you're on the hunt for an affordable and versatile option.
Who should wear it: Those who love crisp and bright wintery mornings
RRP: £140 for 50ml | Key notes: Cardamom, cinnamon, carrot, ginger, papyrus and patchouli | Longevity: 7/10
Tested by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Naomi Jamieson
Senior Beauty Editor, Rhiannon says, "The first thought that came to mind when I tested this was a ginger shot – but in a good way. That revitalising, zingy lift – just the thing to your mood, instant ‘oomph’. If you're a fan of unisex fragrances, this is a great option." It's heavier than some of the scents on this list and beautifully spicy; those hints of cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, which we so often attribute to the chillier months, really shine through.
Who should wear it: Someone who wants to be a morning person but isn't...
RRP: £120 for 100ml | Key notes: Pink pepper, lily of the valley and patchouli | Longevity: 9/10
Tested by: Aleesha Badkar
This perfume boasts a niche and sophisticated blend of florals and spices, with hints of warm pepper adding extra interest to the traditional notes of patchouli and lily of the valley. The result is luxurious, warm, and unique. It, like many other Molton Brown fragrances, has impressive staying power too, making it a very reliable and chic option for the season ahead.
Who should wear it: People who like to be the centre of attention.
RRP: £148 for 75ml | Key notes: juniper berry, jasmine, cedar and tonka bean | Longevity: 9/10
Tested by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Naomi Jamieson
Touted as one of the best Diptyque perfumes and one of Digital Beauty Writer Naomi's absolute favourite scents, Orphéon somehow manages to be both bright and warm all at once. It opens with a crisp breeze of florals and fresh juniper berries, but this quickly mingles with richer notes of cedar and tonka bean. It's an enchanting sort of fragrance that evokes images of clear, starry skies and being wrapped up in chic wool coats - so, it's definitely a winner for the wintertime. In Naomi's eyes, though, Diptyque's Orphéon is very much a timeless scent, and one you can (and should) wear all year long.
Who should wear it: Those who love coffee dates and cable-knit jumpers.
RRP: £58 for 30 ml | Key notes: clove oil, pink pepper, gaiic wood oil, vanilla and cashmeran | Longevity: 5/10
Tested by: Naomi Jamieson
Naomi also recommends this smoky Replica Perfume from Maison Margiela as the perfect autumn/winter scent. True to its name, this smells exactly like a glowing fireplace. It's woody and warm, with spicy hints of pink pepper that crackle to the surface, while base notes of casherman and vanilla add a comforting cosiness to the blend. It smells familiar and so chic, but while it is an eau de toilette, Naomi says that it does linger well, adding: "The fact that it fades slightly makes this fragrance feel more approachable and comfortable to wear. Any stronger and that fireside perfume-y feel might be too much."
Who should wear it: Those whose happy place is being snuggled up next to the fireplace, book in hand.
RRP: £68 for 50ml | Key notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, red rose, coffee, cream and Sichuan pepper | Longevity: 8/10
Tested by: Naomi Jamieson
This perfume offers quite a lasting impression thanks to its rather unique blend of notes. Red rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine – so far, so traditional – but then it's blended with coffee, fresh cream, and Sichuan pepper. It's multi-faceted in a way that makes it suitable for a range of occasions, be it for a chilly day in the office or an evening out. It feels modern, unlike some rose-forward perfumes, and with cosy coffee scents proving popular this year, it feels like a no-brainer for winter wear.
Who should wear it: Those who play by their own rules.
RRP: from £72 for 30ml | Notes: Peach, bergamot, solar white flowers, heart of musc, vanilla and vetiver | Longevity: 9/10
Tested by: Sennen Prickett
A signature of Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, this blend is all warmth and musk, but with a moreish edge of sweetness. It's a chic, wintery option for lovers of the best fruity perfumes, as it opens with juicy hints of peach and bergamot, which then give way to warm white florals, musk and vanilla. It's nuanced but quite the crowd pleaser, in fact, Sennen says For Her Intense has earned her endless compliments, and with peach perfumes trending in 2025, we can see it garnering her many more before winter is through.
Who should buy it: those whose favourite compliments are scent-related.
RRP: £170 for 50ml | Notes: Black Cherry, red peppercorn, Rose Centifolia, leather and tobacco Leaves | Longevity: 8/10
Tested by: Aleesha Badkar and Naomi Jamieson
Cherry perfumes have been a very trendy genre over the last few years, and Suite 302 is a very sophisticated take on the berry note. It's rich and smoky thanks to the tobacco leaves, with just a touch of almost boozy sweetness. Digital Beauty Ecom Editor, Aleesha Badkar, has suggested this scent as a very chic wintery option, thanks to its blend of warming musks and elegant spices. It's also a great unisex fragrance and has some serious staying power - this perfume is the sort to cling to your clothes (particulary knitwear) for days.
Who should buy it: those who love moodily-lit wine bars and luxe musk scents.
RRP: £59 for 30ml | Notes: apricot, sandalwood and vanilla
If you're already a fan of the best Jo Malone perfumes, you'll be thrilled to hear that the brand's 2025 Christmas collection has officially landed. With peach and other more niche fruit notes proving popular this year, this blend feels like a real winner, with its opening hints of fuzzy apricot. The brand describes it as smelling "reminiscent of a sip of a warm and spicy Christmas drink," and what could get more wintery than that? Personally, we can't wait to spritz it.
Who should buy it: loyal Jo Malone lovers and those who love everything to do with the festive season.
How to pick a winter perfume
To help you select the perfect perfume for winter, we've quizzed the experts on what note blends to look for, to truly capture the essence of the season...
- Think deep and rich: According to Gordon, "When we think of winter fragrances, we go to scents with deep, earthy, cashmere notes such as spicy vanilla, musk, sandalwood, and leather. This gives us the chance to explore vibrantly rich fragrances that differ from summertime scents, which are often fruitier and lighter."
- Pick notes that conjure memories: "Winter perfume notes tend to be ones that conjure warmth and the comforts we seek during this season", explains Bouge. "Warm and woody notes such as sandalwood and oud, spicy notes like nutmeg, cardamom and pink pepper, and gourmand notes such as caramel and vanilla that nod to the treats that the festive months tend to offer."
- Consider spice vs warmth: "It's natural for our senses to associate spicy fragrance notes with warmth. Think nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom – the kitchen spices shelf," says Gordon. But, spice doesn’t automatically mean warmth, she explains. "Spicy notes can be both warm and cool. Some use spices to enhance the top, middle and base notes for a warmer experience."
- How weather affects scent: "Not only can scents mirror the feeling of a season, but the weather impacts how you experience scent." Bouge says. "In hot temperatures, the fragrance molecules heat up and evaporate quicker, meaning the notes are intensified. In colder temperatures, the evaporation rate is slowed down so you might find that your fragrance doesn’t project as much in the winter."
How do I know if my perfume is for summer or winter?
Of course, the obvious thing is that you can wear any perfume you want all year round - there's no set rule that says you have to wear certain notes in certain months. But, if you're specifically looking to extend your scent repertoire and explore perfumes for winter, there's a simple answer. According to Bouge, "Look for the words, warm, woody, spicy, and smoky."
Is vanilla a winter scent?
It's certainly one of the go-to notes in perfumes for winter, but it's not the only time of year you can wear it. Gordon explains, "It falls under the gourmand notes category, which is super diverse and instrumental in a lot of fragrances." She continues, "As it's used in a lot of scents, winter fragrances with Vanilla may be accompanied by more intense top notes to contrast it, with less of the airy-lightweight scent Vanilla may be more known for."
There's another bonus of wearing vanilla, according to Gordon. "Vanilla is also known to be a mood enhancer, making it great for de-stressing and relaxing which is perfect for winter months." Win-win.
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