My biggest beauty pet peeve? Smelling my own perfume on a stranger in the street. Nothing is more intimate than your smell, because it attaches itself to memories in a way nothing else can. And while many have one scent that they wear year–round, I prefer to swap mine out with the seasons. Sure, I have a few best-ever perfumes that I go back to in a hurry, but I also like to keep a roster of seasonal options, from relaxed summer fragrances to fresh spring perfumes, to break it up every now and then. With temperatures dropping, it’s officially time for me to swap out my favorite fruity scent for a new winter perfume—especially one that's sure to be long-lasting during a cold day spent at the office.
If you’re considering the new season the time to check out a new fragrance or two, consider this your official guide to finding the best one. I've rounded up every perfume our editors swear by for the winter, from unique vanilla fragrances to unisex perfumes you can share with your partner. Because all scents can smell similar in the store—especially after testing them all in succession—I also turned to Frances Shoemack, the founder of natural fragrance brand Abel, for insight on what’s trending for this season, as well as a few tips on how to get the most out of your wintery pick.
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
I have heard non-stop praise about Diptyque's perfumes, especially Orphéon. It's one of the brand's most popular scents, if not the most popular, but what I didn't know is that 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 kind of fragrance that will evoke a different mood depending on the day. Some days you'll feel clean and sophisticated while wearing it, others you may feel cool and confident. It's a perfume that works for any occasion and for that, it's obsession-worthy.
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
Brooke Knappenberger wears Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum.
We know and love Maison Margiela fragrances for their ability to "replicate" a specific memory, and this one is the freshest-smelling of the bunch. As the name suggests, you'll be transported to a rainy day where the grass is still damp and there's a haze hanging in the air. The floral and earthy notes combined with the unique aquatic accord make for the experience of walking through a forest just after a rain storm, and it's a green scent fans find calming, cozy, and relaxing.
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 fresher than most other scents I like—it actually borders on unisex-smelling—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 wears 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 all bottled up. It's nowhere near the sugary-sweet vanillas of your youth, but instead, it's a more mature take with added depth, smokiness, and a bit of booziness. Byredo perfumes are all generally long-lasting, but this one takes the cake in longevity as a parfum extract, meaning it has a higher concentration of pure fragrance.
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
Julia Marzovilla wears BYREDO Vanille Antique Parfum Extract.
Le Labo has a knack for creating divisive perfumes, and I mean that in the best way possible. We all know (and likely have a strong opinion about) Santal 33, for example. Well, the same can be said about Le Labo's The Noir 29. In my humble opinion, this fragrance is one of the brand's most underrated scents and one of its most interesting. It has a juicy opening with the bergamot and fig that later contrasts beautifully as it combines with the darker, woodier base notes. It's a scent that lingers, too, and one that only gets better with wear.
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
Julia Marzovilla wears Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum.
If your M.O. is to smell like any manner of sweet treat at all times, 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. We'd say the brand hit the nail on the head as this fragrance is sugary sweet, but not in a headache-inducing way. The citrus and orange blossom notes give it a freshness and a slight tartness before it settles into a warm vanilla base. Think of the first bite of a fruit cake over the holidays and you get this fragrance.
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 (strong scents tend to give me headaches), 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 your 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 wears Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum.
Also Recommended
I wouldn't blame you if you're over vanilla perfumes—they're a dime a dozen, but what Acqua Di Parma has managed to do with Vaniglia is totally unique and well worth its price tag. 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 oriental
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 spray (which is all you need for a lingering trail) will have you envisioning a care-free life spending your trust fund on designer handbags and French pastries á la Blair Waldorf. It's sophisticated, luxurious, and elegant, and a scent that won't be easily forgotten.
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 certainly leans floral, but it has a warmth and sensuality that not only makes it a great choice for winter but would make 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 girlboss 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 rep for being too sweet, but as MC's resident gourmand 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. Don't get it twisted, though—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 and that's because it's simply delectable.
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 exactly like a French pastry on my skin—think fresh citrus peel, with a milky, fluffy cream, and a buttery, almost salty crust. It's a gourmand for the clean, fresh scent-loving girls of the world as it's not too sweet or strong, but perfectly balanced. 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
If there's one thing to know about Tom Ford perfumes, it's that they're about as luxurious as can be. Each one is incredibly unique, complex, and long-lasting as hell so they are well 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 is instantly more alluring because it is unexpected. It's also a fragrance that doesn't require much to make an impression—one or two sprays will easily last you an entire day.
Fragrance Family: Spicy oriental
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. From those notes, I was worried that this perfume would be too intense. On the contrary, it's strangely light, but retains those musky notes. I'm made my friends take a whiff of it, and even people who swear by floral scents are in love with it." — Tatjana Freund, Former Beauty Assistant
Despite two new launches to Glossier's You line, we'd argue that nothing beats the OG. In essence, 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 such as a touch of floral iris, a bit of warm spiciness from the pink pepper, and a musky scent from the ambroxan that lingers in the background. All in all, Glossier's You is a skin scent so it layers well with others in your collection, or you can wear it on its own for a more subtle, personal fragrance.
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 which makes it last just a little longer, too. 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 common vanilla perfumes on the market—and we'd say she did just that. What she managed to accomplish is 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. You may even get a whiff of citrus, thanks to the cistus essential oil, 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 much perfume can be nostalgic and emotional—for me, Nightcap is especially one of those scents. At first spray, my eyes started to well up and it took me a moment to realize it was because I was remembering my grandpa. Nightcap has all of 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 as in this Loewe, then you've got yourself a winner combo. Paula's Ibiza Cosmic is loaded with fresh fruit notes of coconut, mango, and pear. But underneath the brightness of the fruit, 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 perfume mist before heading out to middle school? Thankfully, you don't need more than a couple of sprays to get that same intense effect with this recent release. Think of this as your grown-up version of your go-to vanilla sugar body spray of your youth. It 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 as a way 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, It's one I've been wearing regularly as we head into the busy holiday season, and it layers beautifully with my other warm spicy fragrances as it's not too heavy or overpowering." — 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 I think will turn floral haters into a fan. It opens with a gorgeous orange blossom that feels warm and sunny. As this fragrance develops, white florals combine with the sweetness of vanilla for a scent that's seductive and intoxicating. 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 definitely 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
- 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, or warm spices such as cardamom and cinnamon,” says Shoemack. Choosing a warmer, richer scent might be well worth the investment, as Shoemack also notes that “for the past few years, whatever the weather, we’re seeing a trend towards smoky, warm scents for their sophisticated-meets-comfort factor.“ Put down the sweet summer perfume!
- Longevity
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. Decide whether you want a fragrance that's either an eau de parfum or an eau de toilette. An eau de parfum will have a higher concentration of perfume oils, and will therefore last longer, whereas an eau de toilette has less perfume, and will have a more subtle wear.
The good news is that all perfumes actually tend to last longer in the winter. “Typically heat, humidity, and therefore sweat are a fragrance's worst enemy, so it goes without saying that 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 As well as spraying your skin, we recommend spritzing your scent on your softest cashmere sweater or woolen scarf where the natural fibers wear the fragrances so well,” she says.
Meet The 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.
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