The drop in temperature signals the perfect opportunity to retire your lighter scents for something altogether warmer and muskier. Thus, we've rounded up 9 of the best winter perfumes, sure to envelop you with comfort.
When it comes to the best perfumes for women, often selecting a scent that mirrors the seasonal switch is a good way to go. For instance, I’m a wholeheartedly happier person in the winter and all those wintery elements just add to the joy. Sure, I love sunny scents for summer but as soon as the temperature plummets I’m only too thrilled to dig out some spicier, moodier options.
There are many facets to a winter fragrance, some fit the bill of long-lasting perfumes - thanks to their rich and musky notes - while others verge more on skin scents. So, no matter your preference, you're sure to find a perfume for winter that suits your aesthetic. To dispel any uncertainty around your choice though, we've enlisted the expertise of Emilie Bouge, expert perfumer for Miller Harris and Iember Gordon, Head of Marketing at The Fragrance Shop...
The 9 best winter perfumes to spritz this season
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RRP: £96 for 50ml | Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, saffron, sandalwood, vanilla and amber | Longevity: 7/10
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.
Who should wear it: Those who love crisp and bright wintery mornings
RRP: £140 for 50mll | Key notes: Cardamom, cinnamon, carrot, ginger, papyrus and patchouli | Longevity: 7/10
The first thought that came to mind when I tested this was a ginger shot – but in a good way. That revitalizing, zingy lift – just the thing to your mood instant ‘oomph’. If you're a fan of unisex fragrances, this is a great option.
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
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.
Who should wear it: People who like to be the centre of attention.
RRP: £58 for 30 ml | Key notes: clove oil, pink pepper, gaiic wood oil, vanilla and cashmeran | Longevity: 5/10
Our beauty writer, Naomi Jamieson says this scent is the epitome of autumn. It's smoky and rich and just melts into the skin, enveloping you in cosy warmth.
Who should wear it: Those whose happy place is being snuggled up next to the fireplace, book in hand.
RRP: £148 for 75ml | Key notes: juniper berry, jasmine, cedar and tonka bean | Longevity: 9/10
If you're a floral fan, you'll love this glowing take on traditional notes. If I had to pick one perfume for winter, it'd be this – it's fresh, bright, and warm. For the eco-conscious, it's also available as one of the best solid perfumes.
Who should wear it: Those who love coffee dates and cable-knit jumpers.
RRP: £68 for 50ml | Key notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, red rose, coffee, cream and Sichuan pepper | Longevity: 8/10
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.
Who should wear it: Those who play by their own rules.
RRP: £92 for 50 ml | Key notes: bergamot, tuberose, cedarwood, vanilla and white musks | Longevity: 8/10
This scent is a great crowd-pleaser – not all perfumes for winter have to be moody and mysterious. This is quite simply, an all-around lovely buy, thanks to the pretty, wearable notes of orange blossom, tuberose, and musks.
Who should wear it: Those whose favourite complements are scent-related.
RRP: £98 for 20ml | Key notes: leather accord, patchouli, sandalwood, musk and Haitian Amyris oil | Longevity: 8/10
Oud is pretty much the fundamental warm note, and this is one of the best oud perfumes on the market. Heavy, smoky oud is blended with coriander, leather, and sandalwood for a dense, intense aroma.
Who should wear it: Those who want to seem mysterious...
RRP: £180 for 100ml | Key notes: black pepper, raspberry, saffron, rose, violet, leather and amber | Longevity: 8/10
If you're looking for something dark but not too dark, the leather, black pepper, and saffron notes add that enveloping, spicy element but it's brightened up with notes of raspberry and violet.
Who should wear it: People who love ambient lighting and glasses of merlot.
How to pick a winter perfume
A selection of Beauty Editor Rhiannon's favourite perfumes for winter
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.
View the latest Look Fantastic discount codes from woman&home's voucher team to get some money off your fragrance purchases.
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