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ELLE Edit: 21 Winter Perfumes To Spritz This Season

From attention-grabbing gourmands to spicy, smoky woods, these fragrances are the perfect way to lean into the cold winter months.

By ELLE Beauty Team and Sophia Panych
a group of different bottlespinterest

In the same way that winter calls for heavier knits and cocooning cashmeres to keep us feeling warm, perfume too can create that enveloping, cosy feeling that's much needed as the temperatures drop.

'Our biology naturally goes into a sort of hibernation mode in winter; we sleep more, tend to eat more and want to feel warm. We are guided by our senses, including smell so most of us are drawn towards warmer scents varying from sweet and ambery to woody and leathery,' says ultra-cool perfumer and founder of Experimental Perfume Club, Emmanuelle Moeglin.

Moeglin is a fan of sandalwood, which has 'both ambery and woody accents' and patchouli, which she describes as 'tobacco-like and chocolatey'. Our current favourites featuring those notes? London-based perfumer Maya Njie's newest launch Liquid Amber, a warm, spicy fragrance with a hint of smoke, and Parfum de Marly's Oajan which combines patchouli with delicious, gourmand notes that make your mouth water. Unexpected spices such as saffron, sesame and turmeric are also popular this season for its energising qualities, adding a much-needed zing to blustery winter mornings.

The cooler, longer evenings are also a great time to experiment with more opulent, come-hither perfumes that can often feel stifling in the summer heat. Ouds have never been more modern thanks to complex compositions by clever perfumers (Byredo Rouge Chaotique, par example), while vanilla is having a grown-up renaissance with refined concoctions from the likes of Maison Margiela and Malin + Goetz. 'Warm and deep scents tend to contain more base notes which are by nature less volatile and therefore longer lasting,' explains Moeglin. 'Look for a scent that contains woody notes such as sandalwood, leathers, ambers and notes such as vanilla, myrrh, labdanum.'

If you prefer lighter, airier fragrances, Diptyque's L'Eau Papier and Glossier You are both winners for the winter months. Think floaty, easy-to-wear linear scents that sit gently on the skin, warmed ever so slightly by a musky base. Meanwhile, citrusy notes such as bergamot and lemon lend a shimmering filter to floral or woody fragrances — such as Phlur's Somebody Wood or Chanel Coco Mademoiselle — to keep things fresh and clean.

Not all winter fragrances have to be especially warm and spicy, however. A few of our favourites this year actually lean into the winter elements. Crisp, bright with a touch of zest, these perfumes are inspired by the icy cool air, powdery snow and aromatic evergreens prevalent during the season. Tom Ford's Soleil Neige is meant to mimic the dazzling shimmer of sun on freshly-laid snow, while Ellis Brooklyn's Après evokes an icy day on the slopes (followed by a hot tipple at the resort afterwards).

There's truly something here for every taste, so go forth and spritz with abandon this winter.

Shop The Best Winter Perfumes To Try Now

1

Phlur Somebody Wood

Somebody Wood
1

Phlur Somebody Wood

$99 at phlur.com

Notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, saffron, sandalwood, vanilla, musk, amber, cedarwood

Vibes: Sweet and smoky. Warm and woody. Toasty and creamy. This is a quintessential winter fragrance that is anything but typical — thanks to the unusual yet incredibly intoxicating combination of citrus, woods and mouth-watering vanilla.

2

Tom Ford Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum

Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum
2

Tom Ford Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum

Credit: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Notes: Bergamot, carrot seed, jasmine flower

Vibe: Deliciously creamy and delicately powdery, Soleil Neige was designed to mimic the shimmer of sun on freshly-fallen white snow. Taking the warm solar notes from Ford's best-selling summer fragrance, Soleil Blanc, the wintery version substitutes coconut for carrot seeds and pistachio and pink pepper for vanilla, resulting in a scent that's equal parts sexy and comforting.

3

Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette
3

Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Notes: Pink pepper, orange flower petals, clove oil, chestnut accord, cade oil, vanilla, cashmeran

Vibe: Like your favourite wool jumper and pair of fuzzy socks, By the Fireplace is what you want to spritz on when it's absolutely freezing outside. Sweet, spicy and a tad earthy, the cade oil note has a distinct smoky, tarry smell that helps the fragrance deliver on its promise to replicate sitting by the fireplace in Chamonix (or your living room).

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4

Byredo Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum

Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum
4

Byredo Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum

Notes: Bergamot, lemon, saffron, cassis, plum, praline, papyrus, upcycled patchoud

Vibes: This dark, moody gourmand harnesses the power of oud, pitting the dark, brooding note against light and zingy citruses and succulent, sweet fruits. The sixth in Byredo's Night Veils collection, Rouge Chaotique uses pure perfume extracts, meaning a tiny spritz is all you need to make a serious fragrant impact on winter evenings.

5

Diptyque L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette

L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette
5

Diptyque L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette

Notes: Rice steam, mimosa, white musk, blonde woods

Vibes: The ultimate comforting, creamy musk, L'Eau Papier has a vibrancy to it thanks to sparkling mimosa, while sheer blonde woods and a rice steam accord — meant to evoke the materiality of paper (hence the name) — imbue the fragrance with a crisp earthiness evocative of the season.

6

Jo Loves Golden Gardenia

Golden Gardenia
6

Jo Loves Golden Gardenia

Notes: Gardenia petals, suede cardamom, elemi, grey woods

Vibe: Festive bottle aside, Golden Gardenia is a a gorgeous wintery option for those who prefer floral fragrances. Bold and unapologetic, delicate gardenia is underpinned by stronger, spicier notes, making it headier and creamier than your average perfume made from white flowers.

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7

Jo Malone London Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense

Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense
7

Jo Malone London Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense

Notes: Ambrette, scarlet poppy, orris, fig, tonka bean

Vibes: Another winter floral, Scarlet Poppy is anything but delicate and dainty. The poppy accord is sweet and velvety, surrounded by top and bottom notes that bring an overall powdery, juicy, and earthy quality to the perfume. As opulent as it is comforting, it's a striking a scent for an extravagant night out and for cuddling up on the sofa.

8

Maya Njie Liquid Amber Eau de Parfum

Liquid Amber Eau de Parfum
8

Maya Njie Liquid Amber Eau de Parfum

Notes: Pink pepper, cardamom, amber, benzoin, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood

Vibes: A sensual study of amber (and a unique collaboration with Tayer Shop, the design-concept store of London's Tayer + Elementary cocktail bar), perfumer Maya Njie heroes the warm, spicy note in her newest scent, Liquid Amber, funnelling it through an intoxicating haze of smoke and incense. Bold and heady upon first spritz, it dries down to something subtler, smoother with a hint of smoky booziness.

9

Ellis Brooklyn Après Eau de Parfum

Après Eau de Parfum
9

Ellis Brooklyn Après Eau de Parfum

Notes: Saffron, juniper berries, cardamom, bourbon, praline, guaiacwood, musk, vanilla, patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood

Vibes: A celebration of both the wintry outdoors and the cosiness of the ski lodge, Après somehow manages to smell cool and crisp and seductive and spicy at the same time. Juniper berries, violet and the various woody notes evoke the icy alpine air, while bourbon spiked with praline and spices give it its sexy, boozy appeal. The seemingly disparate scents come together in a wildly addictive scent that perfectly captures the magic and beauty of the winter season.

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10

Glossier You Eau de Parfum

You Eau de Parfum
10

Glossier You Eau de Parfum

Notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds, ambrox

Vibes: What's more intimate and cosy than smelling like... yourself? Glossier's mega-popular, minimalistic fragrance is a dreamy, skin-like scent designed to give the wearer a sense of familiarity with a few strategic spritzes. Ambrette is a warm, sensual note; ambrox is smooth and salty, while pink pepper and iris root add hints of florals and spice.

11

Parfums de Marly Oajan Eau de Parfum

Oajan Eau de Parfum
11

Parfums de Marly Oajan Eau de Parfum

Notes: Honey, cinnamon, osmanthus, amber, vanilla, patchouli

Vibes: Oajan is a gourmand in the strongest (and sweetest) sense of the word. Think baked apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, heavenly honey cake — sprinkled with a sharp, spicy coating of cinnamon.

12

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum

Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum
12

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum

Notes: Mandarin orange, orange blossom, jasmine, rose, patchouli, white musk, vanilla

Vibe: 'Sparkling' and 'ambery' seem like a perfume oxymoron, but with the combination of bright, citrusy top notes and a musky, patchouli base, this warm floral scent is a perfect winter scent that you'll find yourself spritzing right through spring.

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13

Christian Dior Paris Eau Noire

Eau Noire
13

Christian Dior Paris Eau Noire

Notes: Lavender and myrrh

Vibe: Dior revamped Eau Noire under master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. The result? Moody and enigmatic, with the finest of lavender essence sweetened by myrrh.

14

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau de Parfum

Dark Rum Eau de Parfum
14

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau de Parfum

Notes: Bergamot, plum, leather, rum, vanilla, patchouli, amber, milk

Vibes: While Dark Rum may be inspired by tropical, sunny afternoons at the beach, the spicy, mouth-watering blend of plum, rum and leather will leave you wrapped in a feeling of delicious warmth on even the most frigid of winter days.

15

Aesop Miraceti Eau de Parfum

Miraceti Eau de Parfum
15

Aesop Miraceti Eau de Parfum

Credit: .

Notes: Ambrette, labdanum, styrax

Vibe: Don't worry if none of the notes sound familiar, Miraceti is essentially a beautifully warm, spicy scent with a waft of opulent incense. A moreish fragrance that's guaranteed to nab you plenty of compliments.

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16

Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 EDP

Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 EDP
16

Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 EDP

Credit: .

Notes: Rose, raspberry, cherry, jasmine, palo santo

Vibe: Cherry's the new cool kid on the fragrance block. In Lovefest, it takes on a richer, velvety cloak that's anything but sugary sweet. As with all Kayali scents, a spritz goes a long way and it lingers for hours.

17

Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her Eau de Parfum

Pure Musc For Her Eau de Parfum
17

Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her Eau de Parfum

Now 15% Off
Credit: .

Notes: Musk, amber, cashmeran, jasmine

Vibe: Possibly one of the most popular musk perfumes ever made, Pure Musk is powdery and cocooning. It's beauty lies in its simplicity; this is basically a cashmere cardigan in perfume form.

18

Experimental Perfume Club Cardamom Moss Eau de Parfum

Cardamom Moss Eau de Parfum
18

Experimental Perfume Club Cardamom Moss Eau de Parfum

Credit: .

Notes: Ginger, ambroxan, cinnamon, moss, cardamom

Vibe: Imagine being holed up in a luxurious cabin by the seaside in December. Perfumer Emmanuelle Moeglin gives warm spices a breath of fresh, cool air with a healthy dose of musky ambroxan and powdery moss.

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19

Kilian Apple Brandy On The Rocks

Apple Brandy On The Rocks
19

Kilian Apple Brandy On The Rocks

Now 79% Off

Notes: Bergamot, pineapple and cardamon

Vibe: To quote that girl we all love to hate from Love Actually, this has quite a 'dark corners for dark deeds' feel to it. Sexy, fruity, cheeky.

20

Mugler Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum

Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum
20

Mugler Alien Goddess Eau de Parfum

Credit: .

Notes: Bourbon vanilla, jasmine, bergamot

Vibe: Deeply floral but spiked with vanilla, this teeters on the edge of sweetness without going into sickly territory.

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