My biggest beauty pet peeve? Smelling my seasonal scent on a stranger in the street. (I'm a little possessive; sue me.) I also have a roster of favorite perfumes depending on the time of year, from relaxed summer fragrances to fresh spring perfumes. With the temperatures dropping, it’s officially time for me to swap in one of the best winter perfumes, and this year, I'm looking for signature scents other people won't be wearing. After all, the key to smelling expensive is exclusivity.
With that in mind, I've been busy spritzing lesser-known scents from tried-and-true brands like Diptyque, Byredo, and Maison Margiela, as well as niche releases from Orebella, Loewe, and Ellis Brooklyn. Our team of in-house perfume experts (our very own editors) also reviewed their favorite winter-ready picks.
On this definitive guide to the best winter perfumes, you'll find unique vanilla fragrances, unisex perfumes, and unexpected notes reminiscent of cozy cashmere. So, let's add a little warmth to the season, shall we?
The Best Winter Perfumes at a Glance
- Shop the Best Winter Perfumes
- What to Look for in the Best Winter Perfumes
- Meet The Fragrance Expert
Marie Claire's Favorite Winter Perfumes
- Best Overall Winter Perfume: Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum
- Best Fresh Winter Perfume: Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' When the Rain Stops
- Best Sweet Winter Perfume: BYREDO Night Veil Vanielle Antique Extrait de Parfum
- Best Woody Winter Perfume: Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum
- Best Gourmand Winter Perfume: Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum
- Best Musky Winter Perfume: Ellis Brooklyn APRÈS Eau de Parfum
Shop The Best Winter Perfumes
I have heard non-stop praise about Diptyque's perfumes, especially Orphéon. What I didn't know? It's essentially Christmas in a bottle. Considering its three key notes—juniper berry, cedarwood, and tonka bean—it only makes sense it feels particularly festive. It's also the type of fragrance to evoke a wide range of moods. Some days, I feel clean and sophisticated while wearing it; others, it gives me a cool and confident vibe.
Fragrance Family: Spicy woody
Key Notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine
What We Love: Long-lasting; strong sillage; unisex; complex; balanced; great for any occasion
What We Don't: Some reviewers do not like the initial spray
Review For MC: "It seems like everyone and their mother is obsessed with Diptyque candles and perfumes, but I never understood the hype until I got my hands on Orphéon. In all honesty, it was love at first sniff, which is a huge shocker, considering I typically go for gourmands and vanilla perfumes. It's exactly what I would imagine a snowy forest during Christmas time would smell like. There's the woodiness of cedar, the warmth and creaminess of tonka beans, and some fresh florals from the jasmine. I even get a hint of smokiness and powdery notes that make this scent more complex. Factor in the festive holiday packaging and it's a fragrance I'll be turning to all season long." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
I love Maison Margiela fragrances for their ability to "replicate" a specific memory. As the name suggests, this one transports me to a rainy day with damp grass and a haze hanging in the air. The floral and earthy notes combined with the unique aquatic accord have me walking through a forest just after a rain storm while still being calm and cozy in the comfort of my own home. It's a lovely reminder that just because it's winter, you can still embrace a fresh seasonal scent.
Fragrance Family: Fresh
Key Notes: Aquatic accord, rose petal, pine needle
What We Love: Unisex; fresh scent; long-lasting
What We Don't: Fresh aspect may feel more spring-y than wintery
Review For MC: "This scent lasts forever on my skin, even in the winter, when I feel like my scents fade the fastest. It smells fresh, almost unisex, thanks to notes like pine needle and rose. It's strong enough that one spritz on my wrists is enough and isn't sweet-smelling like other options on my vanity this season." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Imagine you're sitting by the fireplace, wrapped in a thick cashmere sweater, and drinking some bourbon on a chilly day—Byredo's Vanille Antique is that experience, bottled. It's nowhere near the sugary-sweet vanillas of my youth, but instead, a more mature take with added depth, smokiness, and a bit of booziness. As a parfum extract, this scent is particuarly long-lasting.
Fragrance Family: Warm amber
Key Notes: Vanilla, cashmere, wood, ciste, and musk
What We Love: Long lasting; balanced; not too sweet; distinctive
What We Don't: Expensive
Review For MC: "If you love vanilla fragrances that don't smell like something you would buy for a child, this one is a great option. I've never thought of myself as someone who wears overly sweet scents—vanilla normally gives me a headache—but this one has more body to it than others on the market. Notes like musk and cashmere round it out so it's not too sweet, and it lasts forever—like, days forever." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Le Labo has a knack for creating best-selling yet divisive perfumes, and I mean that in the best way possible. You know (and likely have a strong opinion about) Santal 33, for example. The same can be said about Le Labo The Noir 29. This fragrance is one of the brand's most underrated scents; it has a juicy opening with the bergamot and fig that contrast beautifully with the darker, woodier base notes.
Fragrance Family: Warm woody
Key Notes: Bergamot, fig, bay leaves, cedarwood, vetiver, musk, tobacco
What We Love: Long-lasting; a little goes a long way
What We Don't: Expensive for small bottle
Review For MC: "I love when my perfume clings to my clothes for days, and this one from Le Labo does that in the prettiest way. I actually prefer it after I've had it on for a few hours because I catch different notes throughout the day. One spritz lasts all day (and then some), so I've only just begun to make a dent in it after having it for almost two years." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
If your fragrance goal is to smell like a sweet treat, you'll want to have this gourmand perfume in your winter lineup. Legend has it that this Dolce & Gabbana perfume is inspired by panettone, a classic Italian dessert. I'd say the brand hit the nail on the head with this scent. The citrus and orange blossom notes give it a freshness and a slight tartness before it settles into a warm vanilla base. It reminds me of a fruit cake over the holidays—in a good way.
Fragrance Family: Citrus and gourmand
Key Notes: Candied citrus, orange blossom, vanilla
What We Love: Long lasting; complex; beautiful bottle; balanced; not too sweet
What We Don't: Citrus note doesn't last long
Review for MC: "As someone who usually goes for light, airy fragrances, I was drawn to try something more substantial for winter. What caught my attention was the blend of two notes I love: citrus and vanilla. But this isn't my typical sweet, fruity perfume—it's a sophisticated take combining orange blossom, candied citrus, and vanilla in a way that feels decidedly more grown up. The scent is definitely on the stronger side (I learned that the hard way on my first spray!), but I've been impressed by how well it lasts throughout the day. A little goes a long way with this one." — Kristin Contino, Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor
If you can't make it to the Alps for a ski trip this season (or whatever mountain suits your travel budget) this musky winter fragrance will transport you there in just one spritz. Inspired by "the rush of alpine air" along with the crispness of towering evergreens and the lush scent of bourbon and praline—for your après ski treat, of course—this scent is essentially a luxe winter wonderland in a bottle.
Fragrance Family: Musky and boozy
Key Notes: Juniper berries, suede, bourbon, violet, musk, vanilla, cedar wood
What We Love: Outdoorsy; complex; cozy; bold; stunning emerald bottle
What We Don't: Could be overpowering if you like a lighter scent
Review for MC: "I distinctly remember the first time I spritzed this perfume—I felt as if I was transported to the mountains with the snow whipping around my face while I was bundled up in a chic ski jacket. It's at once homey and adventurous, with delicious top notes of cardamom and juniper for a subtle bite. The dry down is all about warmth with a delectable blend of bourbon, suede, musk, and sandalwood notes. The best part is that it never comes off as kitschy—Après may be the epitome of winter, but it feels timeless and oh so luxe." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Other Winter Perfumes We Love
I wouldn't blame you if you're over vanilla perfumes—they're everywhere. What Acqua Di Parma has managed to do with Vaniglia, though, is totally unique. It opens as a slightly bitter, soapy vanilla with the neroli, but as it develops on the skin, you're left with a wonderfully warm, powdery, almost summery scent that'll heat up cold winter days. With its rich blend of floral notes, you can't help but feel like an elegant, globe-trotting socialite while wearing it.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Heliotrope, calabrian bergamot, neroli, mandarin orange, vanilla, cedar, musk
What We Love: Mood-boosting; distinctive; complex
What We Don't: While it's marketed as unisex, it's a bit more traditionally feminine
Review for MC: "Vanilla fragrances are huge right now. But this one isn’t your garden-variety vanilla scent. This one combines cedarwood, musk, and a hint of bergamot and whenever I wear it, I have the confidence, grace, and sophistication of 1,000 Jackie O’s. Yes, it’s worth the hype." — Deena Campbell, Former Beauty Director
There's no doubt in my mind you haven't heard about Baccarat Rouge—it's the quintessential "rich girl" perfume, and sure, that may have something to do with its steep price tag, but it's more because of the feeling it evokes. One spritz (all you need for a lingering trail) will have you envision a carefree life, spending your trust fund on designer handbags and French pastries á la Blair Waldorf. It's sophisticated, luxurious, and elegant.
Fragrance Family: Floral woody
Key Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
What We Love: Balanced; concentrated, so a little goes a long way
What We Don't: Some find it too woody
Review For MC: "If I was only ever allowed to wear one fragrance for the rest of my life, it would be Maison Francis Kurkdijan's Baccarat Rouge 540. It's certainly received a ton of hype over the last year, but I promise, it's well-deserved. It has a woody base and is balanced by floral notes like jasmine and saffron, which makes for a truly intoxicating scent." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
The most famous Viktor & Rolf perfume, Flowerbomb, gets a warmer, seductive spin in Ruby Orchid. Where the original is a love letter to (you guessed it) florals, the latter is a sweeter take on the fragrance family, thanks to the addition of juicy peach and a creamy vanilla bean accord. Don't get me wrong—this fragrance leans floral, but it has a warmth and sensuality that makes it a great choice for winter and an irresistible date-night scent.
Fragrance Family: Floral
Key Notes: Vine peach, ruby orchid, bourbon vanilla
What We Love: Great for layering; long-lasting; a little goes a long way
What We Don't: Some found it too sweet
Review For MC: "A more dark and sexy sister to the original Flowerbomb, this perfume makes me feel like a girl boss in a good way. The fragrance notes include orchid, peach, and vanilla bean and layer perfectly for a floral scent that isn't overbearing. A scent that lingers on your clothes long after the first spritz, this Viktor & Rolf is the personification of confidence, ready to tackle any meeting or dinner date." — Alexis Gaskin, Freelance Beauty Writer
Gourmand perfumes get a bad reputation for smelling too sweet, but as Marie Claire's resident sweet-scent lover, I'm here to tell you the fragrance family can range far and wide. Despite containing traditionally sweet notes (i.e. fresh cream, vanilla beans, caramel, etc.) Liis' Choux Choux falls on the fresher side of gourmands. This scent is still sweet, but I find it perfectly balanced with fresh lemon and warm sandalwood. Choux Choux was only released about a month ago, but it's already a viral hit on TikTok.
Fragrance Family: Gourmand
Key Notes: Citrus peel, fresh cream, vanilla beans, fleur de sel caramel, sandalwood, cocoa, mocha
What We Love: Not too sweet; balanced; distinct; great for any occasion
What We Don't: Does not have much sillage
Review For MC: "Any chance I can smell good enough to eat, I'll take it, and that's what Choux Choux makes me feel. Some gourmands can read nauseatingly sweet, but this projects like a French pastry on my skin—think fresh citrus peel, with a milky, fluffy cream and a buttery, salty crust. I find it mouth-watering, which is why my bottle already has a sizeable dent in it despite only having it for a couple of weeks." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Tom Ford perfumes are luxurious. Each is incredibly unique, complex, and long-lasting, so they are truly worth the price tag. In true Tom Ford form, Ombré Leather is bold, sexy, and not for the faint of heart, with a unique combination of spicy and floral notes. While it does lean more masculine, anyone wearing this scent has an instant sex appeal.
Fragrance Family: Spicy and warm
Key Notes: Black leather, violet flower, jasmine flower
What We Love: Distinctive; unisex; warm; long-lasting
What We Don't: May not be feminine enough for some users
Review For MC: "In the colder months, I feel like it's totally appropriate to swap out my sweeter, summer scents for something darker and sexier. And if you're looking for dark and sexy, you go to Tom Ford. This perfume blends moodier scents like cardamon, leather, and patchouli. I was worried that this perfume would be too intense. On the contrary, it's strangely light but retains those musky notes." — Tatjana Freund, Former Beauty Assistant
Despite two new launches to Glossier's You line, I'd argue that nothing beats the original. In essence, Glossier's You is all about enhancing your natural scent, and it does so with non-offensive skin-like notes. It has a little bit of everything: a touch of floral iris, warm spiciness from the pink pepper, and a musky scent from the ambroxan that lingers in the background.
Fragrance Family: Floral woody musk
Key Notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds, ambroxan
What We Love: Complex; great for layering; warm; subtle; vegan; cruelty-free; affordable
What We Don't: Does not have much sillage
Review For MC: "While some people might associate Glossier's signature fragrance with summertime, I love wearing in the colder months. It clings to my knits in a really nice way. It's comprised of notes like pink pepper and amber for a balance of spice and woody warmth. It's subtle, easy to wear, and doesn't give me a headache even after hours of wear." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
With Nightcap, Bella Hadid wanted to reinvent the overly familiar vanilla perfumes on the market—and she did just that. She accomplished a multifaceted take that smells a bit different on everyone. For me, it's a warm, spicy hug full of ginger and cardamom notes, but I've heard others are reminded of fizzy soda. Thanks to the cistus essential oil, you may even get a whiff of citrus and a bit of smokiness.
Fragrance Family: Warm spicy
Key Notes: Ginger, cardamom, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli
What We Love: Hydrating formula; unisex; long lasting; complex
What We Don't: Has to be shaken to activate formula
Review For MC: "It'll never cease to amaze me how perfume can be nostalgic and emotional. At first spray, my eyes started to well up and it took me a moment to realize it was because I remembered my grandpa. Nightcap has the same spices from my grandpa's cologne but with a few cozy additions like vanilla and sandalwood. Anytime I wear it, I feel like I'm getting a warm embrace from him, and for that, I'll cherish this fragrance forever." — Brooke Knappenber, Associate Commerce Editor
There's no hard and fast rule that coconut perfumes should be reserved for summer. When you find one that's grounded with loads of warm notes, then you've found a winter-appropriate exception. Paula's Ibiza Cosmic is loaded with fresh coconut, mango, and pear fruit notes. But underneath the fruity brightness, there's an added richness and complexity with cedar and cypress. All in all, you can't help but feel happy while wearing this fragrance.
Fragrance Family: Fruity and woody
Key Notes: Coconut, sandalwood, mango, amber, cypress resin, cedar
What We Love: Mood boosting; balanced; not too sweet
What We Don't: Some may find it too summery for winter
Review For MC: "I'm not usually one for sticking perfumes in a seasonal box. If my mood gravitates toward a particular scent on a day, then I'm wearing it. That being said, I tend to reach for this sunny fragrance on the bleakest of wintery days. It adds a pep to my step with those bright, fruity notes but still has that warmth I crave in traditional winter notes like sandalwood and amber." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Who else remembers drenching themselves in lightweight body mist before heading to middle school? Thankfully, you don't need more than a couple of sprays to get that same intense effect with this recent release from Ellis Brooklyn. Vanilla Sin has a more seductive, darker feel with black cherry and boozy vanilla. Even the luxe glass packaging is a step up from what you may be used to in body sprays.
Fragrance Family: Gourmand
Key Notes: Black cherry, almond cream, bourbon vanilla
What We Love: Not too sweet; good for layering; long lasting
What We Don't: Cherry note wears off quickly
Customer Review: "Not what I was expecting, but in a pleasant way. It's vanilla but with a spicy vibe, like cinnamon or something like that. I do have to say the cherry is in the background and quite faint, however, I think this scent is perfect for fall, it has a holiday vibe to it." — Sephora
When I came across the UK-based brand Sana Jardin, my interest was instantly piqued by its dedication to celebrating the transformative power of fragrance. Each one of its perfumes is meant to evoke a specific emotion—for example, Sandalwood Temple, one of its most popular fragrances, was created to calm and ground you during busy times. It uses sandalwood to promote stillness, Moroccan neroli to bring serenity, and cedarwood to provide an anchoring presence.
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Bergamot, Moroccan neroli cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, guaiacwood
What We Love: Great for layering; has a calming effect
What We Don't: Has little longevity
Review For MC: "The moment I spray this perfume, I feel like I can take a deep breath and relax—it really delivers on its promise to support calmness. For that reason, I've been wearing it regularly as I head into the busy holiday season." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Floral fragrances are not for everybody—some can come off too strong, while others can be powdery and sneeze-inducing. Verdades is one, however, that will turn one-time floral haters into fans. It opens with a gorgeous orange blossom that feels warm and sunny. As this fragrance develops, white florals combine with vanilla's sweetness for a seductive and intoxicating scent. Wear this one out and watch the compliments roll in.
Fragrance Family: Warm floral
Key Notes: Neroli, ozonic accord, jasmine sambac, orange flower absolute, vanilla bean, patchouli
What We Love: A little goes a long way; long lasting; balanced
What We Don't: May be too sweet for some
Review For MC: "Floral perfumes tend to read too grandmotherly for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by this Maison d'Etto fragrance. It's way sexier than anything my 80-year-old grandma would wear, and I'm sure that has to do with the warm ambery dry-down. It's a scent that demands attention and one that doesn't require many spritzes to pack a punch." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
What to Look for in the Best Winter Perfumes
- The Combination of Notes: In the colder months, comfort is key—even when it comes down to your preferred fragrance. “Look for amber or wood-based scents with sweet, warm notes such vanilla, tobacco, or tonka bean, or warm spices such as cardamom and cinnamon,” says Abel founder Frances Shoemack. Choosing a warmer, richer scent might be well worth the investment, as Shoemack also notes that “for the past few years, we’re seeing a trend towards smoky, warm scents for their sophisticated-meets-comfort factor.“
- How Long the Scent Lasts: Not everyone wants an intense 10-hour perfume—and that's ok. The concentration of fragrance in your perfume will play a large role in its longevity. An eau de parfum or extrait will have a higher concentration of perfume oils, and will therefore last longer, whereas an eau de toilette has less perfume oil, and will have a more subtle wear. The good news is that all perfumes last longer in the winter. “Typically heat, humidity, and therefore sweat are a fragrance's worst enemy, so the colder months are kinder on the scent profile and longevity,” says Shoemack. Her tip to make them last even longer in the winter? Spray your perfume onto your sweater. "The natural fibers wear the fragrances so well,” she says.
