Additional Coverage:
- 5 of the best scents to wear this winter, according to professional perfumers (businessinsider.com)
Your Winter Scent Wardrobe: Expert Tips for Staying Cozy (and Stylish!)
As the temperatures drop and you trade your light layers for chunky knits, don’t forget to give your fragrance collection a seasonal makeover! Winter scents are all about warmth, richness, and that comforting embrace that feels like a cashmere blanket on a chilly evening.
We chatted with three top perfumers to get their take on the best fragrances to spritz on when the mercury plunges. From inviting ambers to intriguing gourmands and even a touch of “dark academia,” here’s what they recommend to keep you smelling fabulous all winter long.
Embrace the Warmth of Amber
When it comes to pure coziness in cold weather, amber fragrances are your go-to. Dana Schmitt, a New York City-based perfumer at Givaudan, raves about Chanel Coromandel.
She describes it as a “soft yet luxurious” amber anchored by patchouli and frankincense. For a classic that conjures a romantic winter night, Schmitt also suggests REPLICA’s Jazz Club, a blend of rich, spicy, and woody notes perfect for a dim jazz lounge vibe.
Gourmand Goodness Continues to Reign
The sweet, comforting allure of gourmand scents – think vanilla, caramel, and honey – remains a winter favorite. Bryson Ammons, a New York City-based perfumer and founder of The Alloy Studio, loves to add a spicy twist to his gourmands.
He’s particularly fond of Amphora Parfum Honeycakes, calling it a “sweet yet savory” and “sticky, syrupy” fragrance that feels both nostalgic and unexpected, like a spiced coffee. For an amber-forward gourmand, Schmitt points to Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum, with its delectable praline notes balanced by patchouli and bergamot.
Lean into the Allure of Narcotic & Heady Scents
When the thermometer dips below freezing, independent perfumer Asia Grant, also based in NYC, suggests reaching for “narcotic, smooth fragrances.” She says they evoke the feeling of being wrapped in cashmere, tucked away in a cozy, dimly lit library.
Rich musks and heady florals truly shine in the cold, lending a “brooding, dark-academia vibe” that perfectly complements chunky sweaters and penny loafers. Grant’s top pick is Dominique Ropion’s Carnal Flower, an “intoxicating, full-bodied” scent featuring melon, tuberose, and white musk.
She notes its high concentration means it plays well when layered with lighter fragrances.
Brighten Up Winter with Zesty Citrus
While you might associate lemons, oranges, and grapefruits with summer, these vibrant fruits actually bloom in winter! Ammons highlights their natural fit for cold-weather fragrances, adding a much-needed “brightness and zing” to the chillier months.
Bring the Outdoors In with Fresh, Woodsy Notes
Though spicy and amber scents are winter staples, Ammons enjoys shaking things up with fresh, woodsy options. Imagine light florals, the crispness of clean laundry, the scent of freshly fallen snow, and a hint of smoke.
His personal favorite is Aesop’s Rozu Eau De Parfum, which beautifully combines rose and bergamot with sandalwood and musk. Ammons describes it as “clean and kind of chic.”
So, this winter, don’t just bundle up – scent up! Your nose (and everyone around you) will thank you.
Read More About This Story:
- 5 of the best scents to wear this winter, according to professional perfumers (businessinsider.com)