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The Best Autumn Perfumes For Every Mood
From the cosiest skin scent to the one that's a disco ball in a bottle.
Autumn is arguably the best season for discovering new perfumes. Spritzing anything heavier than a cologne can feel stifling in the summer heat (plus the warm weather makes a scent dissipate quicker) but as October rolls in and the cosy knits come out, it's time to lean into the more opulent side of fragrances.
'I tend to gravitate towards more woody, leathery, musky and spicy notes such as cardamom, vetiver, patchouli and Virginian cedarwood,' perfumer Maya Njie tells ELLE. She's also a fan of enigmatic, powdery notes such as iris and violets alongside scents akin to woody forests and green stems. 'I find these notes both energising and comforting which is a plus as the temperatures drop and we layer up.'
Spicy notes are also a mainstay in autumnal fragrances and this season's biggest launches sees a generous dose of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. 'Cardamom is special as it warms up as the day goes on. I think nutmeg reminds us of the aromas we smell in nature as autumn is in full swing,' explains Maya, whose go-to fragrance, Nordic Cedar from her namesake brand, is a gorgeous blend of cardamom and skin-like musk.
That said, there are no rules when it comes to fragrances, and if you're one for a joyous spectacle of fruity berries and bright white florals, Prada's new Paradoxe and Miller Harris' Myrica Muse might just be the ticket.
Ahead, 18 of the best autumn perfume for every mood
The notes: Tobacco leaves, hinoki wood, smoked leather, cedarwood atlas
The vibe: Imagine being inside a candlelit wood cabin with the fireplace crackling. It's chilly outside but you're all warm under a soft wool blanket with an old, leatherbound book. This is that, bottled, and it lingers for hours on end.
The notes: Tangerine, pear, neroli, white musk, vanilla bourbon
The vibe: This Prada is ready to party in her finest Molly Goddard hot pink tulle number, cocktail in hand. It's a glitzy, glittering disco ball of a scent that's guaranteed to make you smile.
The notes: Neroli, bergamot, rose, oak, sandalwood
The vibe: Grown-up and oh-so-cool. Thanks to its grounding woody notes, this rose fragrance feels completely modern and perfect for any time of day, both for work and after hours.
Miller Harris Myrica Muse EDP - £95
The notes: Strawberry, tangerine, jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, amber, vanilla
The vibe: This opens with the brightest burst of berries but with patchouli and golden ambers to keep it feeling plush rather than cloyingly sweet. Just like biting into succulent red fruits in a blooming garden at sunset. Which we do all the time of course...
Jo Malone London Limited Edition English Pear & Freesia Cologne
Jo Malone London Limited Edition English Pear & Freesia Cologne
The notes: Pear, freesia, patchouli, amber
The vibe: If you're the kind of person that rocks that broderie anglaise frock all the way into the chilly autumn season, this one's for you. The fresh and sparkly white floral note are endlessly pretty, which makes this a great wedding scent too.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum
Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum
The notes: Bergamot, aldehydes, jasmine, sweet pea, sandalwood, white musk
The vibe: 2022 was undoubtedly the year everyone re-discovered the power of MFK's Baccarat Rouge 540. But, if you're after something floatier and fresher, 724 is your poison. It's the scent of plush, freshly-laundered high thread count Egyptian cotton with hints of effervescent citrus. This sits nicely on skin and works great both in the boardroom and at the bar.
The notes: Thuya wood, pink peppercorn, cedarwood atlas
The vibe: Moroccan Thuya wood has an ambery hue and requires utmost care when it comes to craftsmanship. Inspired by the beautiful and refined finish of this wood, Bois Marocain is a spicy, woody scent with plenty of dept thanks to incense and warm cinnamon.
The notes: Cardamom, patchouli, musk
The vibe: If you've ever described long outdoor walks in December as 'invigorating' and find joy in 80 denier tights, this one's for you. It's heavy on the cardamom, but perfumer Maya Njie has given it a breath of fresh (cold) air with dry cedar and clean musks.
The notes: Ginger, saffron, lavender, orange blossom, vanilla bourbon, honey accord
The vibe: This long-wearing spritz packs enough heat to keep you warm throughout chilly autumn evenings. It's punchier than its predecessors, with a heavier dose of vanilla bourbon balanced with aromatic lavender.
The notes: Ginger, nutmeg, vetiver, frankincense, musk
The vibe: The gentlewoman in the spiffy Giuliva Heritage suit will love this dark, amber scent. There's plenty of spices here to bring out a warmth that shines against the backdrop of fresh greenery. And no, it's not remotely related to that Julia Fox clip.
The notes: Leather, violet
The vibes: Imagine leaving behind a Parma Violet or two inside an exquisite Birkin made in the most buttery of leathers. It's the height of sophistication (and we're slightly obsessed with the purple leather cap, tbh).
The notes: Black pepper, florals, frankincense, cumin, sandalwood
The vibe: Cool, real cool. Like on-every-guestlist kind of cool. This one's for anyone who wants their 'florals' laced with plenty of bite and a jolt of spice. It's inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus, hence the fresh aquatic note as a nod to the legendary pool of water.
The notes: Cardamom, grapefruit, black tea, cedar, patchouli, leather
The vibe: It's giving model off-duty lounging in a dive bar on the West End after fashion week. A perfectly-balanced blend of woods, soft leather and smoky tea.
The notes: Cardamom, soft suede, praline, vanilla, cedarwood, sandalwood
The vibe: Step inside from the bracing cold and breathe in this smooth, woody scent with just the slightest hint of delicious gourmand. The base notes of sandalwood, cedar and musk creates excellent longevity and feels like a comforting hug.
Commodity Milk Expressive
The notes: Marshmallow, tonka bean, mahogany
The vibe: Sensuous ambers and warm spices are all well and good, but if you're after something a bit more serene and soothing for the senses, Commodity Milk is the one. The Expressive version pictured here sits closely on skin. A nuzzly scent with the slightest hint of smoke to keep it from veering too sweet.
The notes: Fig, citrus, pine
The vibe: If you can't clock off early to do some strolling in the woods, this is the next best thing. It's creamy, woody and oh-so-easy to wear.
The notes: Musk, bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood
The vibe: Missing Person definitely found its cult of following on the internet, where fans claim this reminds them of 'being in love' (seriously, there are TikTokers out there driven to tears by this). But essentially, it's the scent of clean yet well-worn white t-shirts; soft, wearable and familiar.
The notes: White orris butter, bergamot, cedar, vetiver
The vibe: Nonchalant elegance to its core. Warm spices are an obvious choice for autumn (and we can't get enough) but if you and your immaculate wardrobe march to the beat of your own drum then this buttery smooth scent is the perfect finishing touch. The cloud of powdery iris and soft woods makes a statement without being forceful.
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