When the days get shorter and the evening smells of roasted chestnuts and chimney smoke, our perfume wants a change too. The fresh citrus that saved the day in July disappears in minutes in the cold. Autumn and winter are the season of warm, enveloping scents: vanilla, amber, spices, woods, coffee and frankincense.
In this article you will find out why the cold “wants” different scents, how to choose a perfume for autumn and winter, and which women’s, men’s and unisex perfumes to try this season. All the suggestions are available in our shop.
Why we need different scents in the cold months
Scent molecules evaporate more slowly in the cold. That is why a light perfume that is a “cloud” in summer can barely be noticed in November. Heavy molecules, such as resins, vanilla, woods and musk, do the opposite: in the cold they unfold slowly and beautifully without becoming overpowering. There is something else, too: your scarf, sweater and coat hold the scent and carry it with you all day.
Which notes to look for in autumn and winter
- Vanilla, tonka and caramel: cosy, sweet, enveloping. The base of gourmand perfumes.
- Amber, benzoin and frankincense: warm, resinous notes with an oriental character. Read more about them in our articles on amber and benzoin.
- Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, clove, pepper, saffron. They “warm up” a scent. See also the article The Scent of Cinnamon.
- Woods and tobacco: sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, oud, leather and tobacco leaf.
- Coffee, chocolate and patchouli: the more modern, niche take on winter.
How to choose an autumn-winter perfume
Autumn: the transition
In September and October it is still warm during the day. Scents with a spicy or woody character work well, but without too much sweetness: iris, vetiver, leather, spices, powdery flowers.
Winter: warmth
In December and January you can allow yourself more: gourmand scents, amber, oud and frankincense. Eau de parfum (EDP) and parfum (Parfum) suit better than eau de toilette, because they are richer and longer-lasting.
Quantity
Heavy scents are strong. Two sprays, one on the neck and one on the chest, are usually enough. Spray your scarf too: wool holds the scent for days.
Autumn and winter perfumes for women
Mugler Angel
Gourmand, patchouli, legend
Mugler Angel was created by Olivier Cresp in 1992 and is the first true gourmand perfume. Caramel, praline, vanilla and chocolate over dark patchouli: bold, recognisable and very long-lasting. A winter perfume par excellence.
Mugler Alien
Floral, amber, mystical
Mugler Alien from 2005 is built around jasmine sambac, cashmeran woody notes and white amber. It radiates warmth and confidence and can be noticed from afar. Wonderful for evenings and cold days.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle
Gourmand, fruity, seductive
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle combines pear and bergamot with plenty of vanilla and tonka. Sweet but not childish, the scent is like a warm dessert with ripe fruit. The bottle shaped like a woman’s body also makes a great gift.
Guerlain Mon Guerlain Intense
Vanilla, lavender, refined
Guerlain Mon Guerlain Intense is the richer version of Mon Guerlain: lavender, vanilla and sandalwood. French elegance and cosiness at the same time, a perfume for women who want vanilla, but with class.
Michael Kors Sexy Amber
Amber, warm, affordable
Michael Kors Sexy Amber is amber, sandalwood and vanilla with a soft floral touch. Warm and sensual, and at a very good price too, an excellent choice for every day in winter.
Autumn and winter perfumes for men
Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb
Spicy, tobacco, explosive
Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb is literally a “spice bomb”: pink pepper, chilli, saffron and cinnamon, tobacco, leather and vetiver. The grenade-shaped bottle is as iconic as the scent. Ideal for cold evenings.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir
Honey-vanilla, warm, long-lasting
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir is the most intense version of the legendary Le Male. Lavender and mint, honey, benzoin, tonka and tobacco: sweet, enveloping and extremely long-lasting. One of the most sought-after men’s winter perfumes of recent years.
Boss Bottled Night
Woody, lavender, evening
Boss Bottled Night is the darker side of Boss Bottled: birch leaves, lavender and cardamom, with violet and musk in the base. It is delicate and also suitable for the office. The dark bottle gives it away: it sounds best in the evening.
Lalique Encre Noire
Vetiver, woody, brooding
Lalique Encre Noire was created by Nathalie Lorson in 2006 and is devoted entirely to vetiver: smoky, earthy and slightly brooding, with cypress and cashmeran woody notes. A cult perfume for connoisseurs at an exceptionally good price.
Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée
Iris, whisky, elegant
Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée combines powdery iris with a warm whisky accord and woody notes. Elegant, soft and a little “English club”: a perfume for a suit, a cashmere sweater and a nice dinner.
Niche and unisex scents for the cold
Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
Amber, herbal, oriental
Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan is one of the best-known amber perfumes, created by Christopher Sheldrake in 1993. Oregano, bay leaf and coriander, benzoin and vanilla: warm, resinous and very distinctive.
Montale Chocolate Greedy
Chocolate, gourmand, cosy
Montale Chocolate Greedy smells of hot chocolate: cocoa, coffee, tonka and vanilla with a light touch of orange peel. Sweet and playful, like a winter evening under a blanket.
Montale Intense Café
Coffee, rose, vanilla
Montale Intense Café combines aromatic coffee with rose, vanilla and white musk. It sounds more floral-gourmand than “bitter”: a compliment-getting scent worn by both women and men.
Looking after your perfume in winter
- Your skin is drier. Moisturise it with an unscented lotion before spraying. That way the perfume lasts noticeably longer.
- Keep the bottle away from the radiator. Heat oxidises perfume. For more on storage, see the article Shelf life and longevity of perfumes.
- Be careful with light-coloured clothes. Some dark perfumes with vanilla and resins can leave a mark on white fabric, so spray from a greater distance.
- Do not overdo it in enclosed spaces. In the cold you smell perfume less, but in a warm office or restaurant it opens up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best perfume for winter?
Oriental, gourmand and woody scents, with vanilla, amber, spices, frankincense, leather or oud. Choose an eau de parfum or parfum for greater longevity.
What is the difference between an autumn and a winter perfume?
Autumn scents are drier and airier: spices, iris, vetiver, leather. Winter ones are sweeter and richer: vanilla, caramel, amber, frankincense.
Can I wear a fresh perfume in winter?
Of course, especially at the office or for sport. Choose a fresh scent with a woody base so that it lasts longer.
Find your scent for the cold months in our women’s, men’s and niche perfumes. And if you are looking for a holiday gift, take a look at our Christmas gift ideas.
