Samantha Holender
My biggest beauty pet peeve? Smelling my seasonal scent on a stranger in the street. (I'm a little possessive; sue me.) 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 (or a signature olfactory personality) that 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 Loewe and Ellis Brooklyn. Our team of in-house perfume experts (our very own editors) also reviewed their favorite winter-ready picks. The goal: smell like a rich socialite who hops from one five-star ski resort to the next every weekend.
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
The Best 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
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 that 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 I Love: Long-lasting; strong sillage; unisex; complex; balanced; great for any occasion
What I 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
Brooke Knappenberger testing Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum.
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 rainstorm 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 I Love: Unisex; fresh scent; long-lasting
What I 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
Julia Marzovilla testing Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' When the Rain Stops.
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 vanilla of my youth, but instead, a more mature take with added depth, smokiness, and a bit of booziness. As a perfume extract, this scent is particularly long-lasting.
Fragrance Family: Warm amber
Key Notes: Vanilla, cashmere, wood, ciste, and musk
What I Love: Long lasting; balanced; not too sweet; distinctive
What I 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
Julia Marzovilla testing BYREDO Vanille Antique Parfum Extract.
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 I Love: Long-lasting; a little goes a long way
What I 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
Julia Marzovilla testing Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum.
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 I Love: Long lasting; complex; beautiful bottle; balanced; not too sweet
What I 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
Kristin Contino testing Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum.
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 I Love: Outdoorsy; complex; cozy; bold; stunning emerald bottle
What I 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
Hannah Baxter testing Ellis Brooklyn Après perfume.
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 care-free 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 I Love: Balanced; concentrated, so a little goes a long way
What I 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, Senior Beauty 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 I Love: Complex; great for layering; warm; subtle; vegan; cruelty-free; affordable
What I 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
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. Loewe's 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 I Love: Mood boosting; balanced; not too sweet
What I 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
What Should I 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.
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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To curate a list of the best 10 winter fragrances, the Marie Claire Beauty Team personally tested over 300 fragrances, leveraging insights from our 2025 and 2024 Fragrance Awards, personal experiences, and reviews on Sephora, Ulta, Reddit, and TikTok. Each product was evaluated on the complexity of the notes, staying power, and niche presence in the industry.
Meet The Fragrance Expert
Former winemaker with a keen sense of smell, Frances was searching for a truly natural perfume and came up short. Soon after, the idea for Abel was born. Fellow New Zealander, Master Perfumer Isaac Sinclair became Shoemacks’ first ally in the quest to disrupt an industry that didn’t believe natural perfume could be chic, modern, or stand up alongside the world’s best. A decade has since passed, Abel, now based in Wellington New Zealand is sold in 25 countries globally, to much acclaim. The Abel team has grown and so too has the collection - albeit at an organic pace. Abel’s mission, while remaining steadfast, has also grown. No longer satisfied with making the world’s best natural perfume, they are driven to have a positive impact both on the environment and the community.
