Consider your fragrance shelf like you would consider your wardrobe. You wouldn’t wear a cashmere jumper in the height of summer, just like a fresh citrussy spritz doesn’t feel right for winter. So, while you dig out your favourite coats, knitwear and boots, it’s time to start thinking about your spray of the season, too.
You don’t need to be a fragrance expert to know a wintry aroma when you smell one. As explained by David Moltz, co-founder of cult favourite fragrance brand D S & Durga, “I think people reach for darker and moodier notes - and cosy things like wood, amber and moss for the colder weather.”
What type of fragrance should I wear in winter?
First of all, it’s important to understand the lingo - starting with eau de parfum and eau de toilette, which are defined by strength. The former has a higher percentage of perfume oil, meaning it’s more potent and long-lasting than the latter - but EDTs are likely to have a more wallet-friendly price.
So, for winter, an eau de parfum tends to be the best option. Moltz continues: “An eau de toilette lends itself to warmer weather because of the lower perfume concentration - but an eau de parfum is the gold standard for all perfumes year-round.”
Once you’ve narrowed the selection down to EDPs only, you can start thinking about the blends. As the temperatures start to drop and you’re wafting from Christmas parties to festive dinners, your aroma of choice is there to add another layer of sophisticated warmth to your look - comforting vanilla, spicy oud and masculine musk should all be on the winter wishlist.
But how do you choose the right scent for you? With the endless blockbuster blends, independent perfumeries and luxury aftershaves on the market, it’s hard to whittle them down to your favourites. This leads us on to...
How to pick a fragrance for you?
A great way to find an aroma that works with your body chemistry is to try them in person. Moltz’s top tips? “Go to a fragrance store. Look around. Decline help. See what intrigues you. Smell as many as you like on blotters. Pick two favourites. Spray two to three sprays of one on the right wrist and the other on the left. Let it settle for 10 minutes. Get the one you like most - or maybe both.”
Or, to save you time and energy, you can simply opt for one of the tried and tested winter winners below.
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Le Labo Tonka 25 100ml
You can always tell a Le Labo scent when you smell one. Rich and long-lasting, the brand’s blends have a unique depth that keeps you coming back for more.
For winter, you can shelve the brand’s herbaceous Baie 19 or sunny Neoli 36 and start spritzing with the comforting Tonka 25 instead. The marriage of cedar, musk and tonka bean will deliver the warm hug you need when the chilly mornings set in.
Buy now £168.00, John Lewis
Byredo Vanille Antique 50ml
Part of Byredo’s Night Veils collection, Vanilla Antique has a higher concentration of perfume oil than the brand’s other concoctions - making it more potent and longer-lasting.
While vanilla is often associated with being sickly sweet, unlike what you’d expect, this scent is dark, earthy and musky, so it’s perfect for winter.
Buy now £250.00, Liberty
Miller Harris Oud Éclat 100ml
The Miller Harris’ fragrances are traditionally defined by a certain British sensibility, yet Oud Eclat has a slightly different feeling. Instead, thanks to the notes of sensual oud, warm leather and spicy nutmeg, it goes beyond the classic English aromas the brand is known for - and it’s one of the best yet.
Buy now £180.00, Miller Harris
D.S. & DURGA Eau de Parfum Amber Kiso 100ml
Considering the amazing quality of D.S & Durga’s scents, you’d never guess the New York-based fragrance label was founded by self-taught perfumers and architects. Husband and wife duo Kavi Ahuja and David Seth Moltz had no prior experience in the field yet since launching the company in 2007, it has achieved cult-favourite status - and for good reason.
One of our favourites is Amber Kiso, a warm and woody aroma that’s sure to guarantee a compliment or two when party season hits.
Buy now £229.00, Liberty
Malin + Goetz Leather eau de parfum 50ml
Packed with leathery goodness, Malin + Goetz’s perfume is a modern take on the classic aroma. It’s balanced with feminine florals and rustic woodiness and, like the patina of the fabric itself, the scent only gets better with time.
Buy now £82.00, Selfridges
Gabar No.II Ground Eau de Parfum 50ml
The trio of dynamic scents on offer at Gabar take inspiration from the label’s Southeast Asian heritage and more specifically, its Myanmar home. For winter, the best is No.II Ground. A blend of wood bark, sandalwood, saffron and fig, it’s romantic, warm and comforting - and totally unique.
Buy now £120.00, Liberty
Aesop Hwyl Eau de Parfum 50ml
Anyone familiar with Aesop will know the brand’s knack for crafting deliciously addictive scents, from the body wash to the hand cleanser - and the fragrances are no exception. Characterised by a rich woodiness that’s injected with the smokiness of suede and frankincense, Hwyl certainly lives up to its stellar reputation.
Buy now £110.00, Aesop
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum Spray - 50ml
An instantly recognisable Tom Ford scent, Tobacco Vanille is one of the most iconic winter scents you can buy. Silky smooth and rich, the spicy notes of vanilla, tonka beans and cocoa balance sweet romance with a spicy confidence. Gentlemanly charm in a bottle.
Buy now £220.00, lookfantastic
Perfumer H Gold - Handblown Perfume
Perfumer H’s Gold is an unexpected winter fragrance. It unites traditionally wintry notes like frankincense with the freshness of lemon and orange for an aroma that’s on the lighter end of the spectrum. If you’re feeling particularly lavish, you can invest in the refillable handblown bottle which will become the star of any fragrance shelf.
Buy now £530.00, Perfumer H
