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15 Bold and Alluring Winter Perfumes to Add to Your Collection This Season

Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images

Selecting the perfect wintertime perfume involves more than just choosing a pleasant scent; it's about finding a fragrance that resonates with your seasonal style. To lead you on the right path to selecting the perfect fragrance, consider opting for the warmth of vanilla, amber, and musk; delve into the mysterious allure of woody and spicy notes that mirror the crispness of winter nights; or explore the delicate balance of floral notes to add a touch of femininity to your winter ensemble.

From iconic classics to contemporary creations, the winter fragrance landscape offers diverse scents that cater to every taste and preference. Let your winter perfume become a signature accessory as the days grow shorter and the nights longer. Read on for 15 best winter perfumes to add an extra layer to your beauty arsenal this winter season.

1. Most Sophisticated Scent for Winter:

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Baccarat Rouge 540

Courtesy of MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Baccarat join forces to present Baccarat Rouge 540, a woody symphony capturing the essence of winter luxury. The fragrance boasts breezy jasmine facets, radiant saffron, and the warmth of ambergris mineral notes, perfectly blended with freshly cut cedar. Although the perfect year-round companion, this olfactory masterpiece blends amber and woody floral combine, evoking the crisp scent of a winter's evening by the fireplace.

2. Most Seductive Winter Perfume:

KILIAN PARIS Smoking Hot

Courtesy of KILIAN PARIS

Kilian Hennessy invites you to experience the rule-breaking allure of the night with Smoking Hot. This smoky fragrance, featuring Kentucky tobacco absolute and a hint of apple-flavored shisha tobacco, redefines the boundaries of heat. As winter nights grow colder, Smoking Hot becomes the ideal choice with its caramelized delight and intense bourbon vanilla. The forbidden fruit of apple hookah and warm cinnamon bark essence evoke the warmth of winter spices, making Smoking Hot one of our personal favorites and the ultimate choice for those who are looking for a seductive and smoky winter scent.

3. Best Unisex Scent for Winter:

CREED Millésime Imperial

Courtesy of CREED

Creed's Millésime Imperial is a fresh, stylish, and timeless fragrance, making it a must-have for the winter season. With citrus notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, and violet leaves, this unisex scent is perfectly balanced for both men and women. As the winter sun sets, the heart notes of iris and marine accord bring a refreshing yet hearty blend. The woody base of cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk provide a warmth that makes Millésime Imperial an elegant choice that effortlessly transitions day to night.

4. Best Cinnamon-Based Perfume:

BYREDO Eyes Closed

Courtesy of BYREDO

Behold a scent made for the mysterious winter months. Imagine a warm hug with cinnamon and cardamom at the start, which give it a comforting feel. Then, add a modern twist with carrot, orris butter, and ginger. The heart of the fragrance combines ancient papyrus and patchouli with a touch of tradition and complexity. The base notes of this BYREDO scent add a surprising touch that make it feel intensely invigorating. This is the perfect pick to match the vibes of winter.

5. The Best Floral Scent for Winter:

JO MALONE Scarlet Poppy Intense

Courtesy of JO MALONE

Inspired by the extravagant scarlet poppy, JO MALONE’s Scarlet Poppy emerges as a bold and voluptuous floral symphony. The fragrance combines the richness of velvety iris, the sweetness of barley, and the decadence of tonka bean. A burst of succulent fig draws you into its embrace, making Scarlet Poppy a vibrant and alluring choice for those seeking an extravagant floral experience amidst the rigid wintery weather.

6. Best Fresh Perfume for Winter:

LOEWE Aire Anthesis Eau De Parfum

Courtesy of LOEWE

Embrace the winter winds with LOEWE Aire Anthesis. This fragrance, a fusion of aquatic, fruity, and ambery notes, unveils a winter wonderland encapsulated in a soft shade of turquoise blue glass flask. The floral addition of lily of the valley, paired with pear, peony, sandalwood, and rhubarb, captures the essence of a crisp winter breeze. We recommend reaching for this fresh fragrance as an everyday winter staple.

7. Best Classic Scent for Winter:

CHANEL Coco Noir

Courtesy of CHANEL

CHANEL Coco Noir is a fragrance that celebrates the paradox of deep black, bringing forth an enduring femininity that resonates with the winter season. This intimate and seductive scent, presented in a distinctive black glass bottle inspired by the iconic classic bottle, envelops you in an ambery aura. With noble accords of Egyptian jasmine, may rose, Indonesian patchouli, and Venezuelan tonka bean, Coco Noir is the epitome of sophistication—a perfect date night choice during the colder months.

8. Most Nostalgic Winter Perfume:

MAISON MARGIELA 'Replica' by the Fireplace

Courtesy of MAISON MARGIELA

Transport yourself to a cozy winter evening bonfire with Maison Margiela's 'Replica' By the Fireplace. We adore this warm and spicy fragrance because it captures the comforting sensation of crackling flames and roasting chestnuts. The smoky scent of burning wood, combined with gaiac wood, cashmeran, and clove oil, makes this gem the perfect woodsy addition to reach for to channel those cozy winter-night vibes.

9. Best Bold Vanilla Scent for Winter:

YSL Libre Eau de Parfum

Courtesy of YSL

Libre Eau de Parfum by YSL is a bold and floral celebration of freedom, making it an ideal contrast to the typical withdrawn atmosphere of the winter season. Lavender essence from France, Moroccan orange blossom, musk accord, and vanilla unite in a unique and long-lasting scent. Inspired by those who live by their own rules, this perfume is daring and distinctly feminine.

10. Best Musky Scent:

LE LABO Santal 33

Courtesy of LE LABO

This signature LE LABO scent blends cardamom, iris, violet, Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, and spicy, leathery, musky notes to bring the cozy feeling of an open fire under deep-blue night skies. With its addictive and comforting aroma that’s reminiscent of an open fire, it's a great pick for those wanting warmth and sensuality in the winter season.

11. Best Signature Scent for Winter:

TOM FORD Black Orchid

Courtesy of TOM FORD

This warm Tom Ford floral fragrance, with key notes of black orchid, black truffle, and patchouli, is the essence of pure opulence and is sure to be your new wintertime signature. The opening notes of ylang-ylang and black truffle, along with bergamot and bitter orange, create an intoxicating blend. Wrapped in woody patchouli and creamy vanilla, the perfume's rich warmth pairs beautifully with winter nights. Bonus: The Black Orchid bottle, a modern interpretation of 1920s and 1930s architecture, is as elegant as the fragrance itself.

12. Best Everyday Winter Scent:

MEMOIRE ARCHIVES Work From Home Fragrance

Transform your work-from-home experience with this MEMOIRE ARCHIVES everyday scent. This fragrance, featuring warm cappuccino, sweet caramel, tobacco, and biscotti notes, sets the perfect vibes for a cozy and productive environment. Ideal for the winter season, this scent creates a comforting aroma that turns any workspace into a warm and cozy haven. An Ipster remembers how long-lasting this invigorating scent was: “Smells great for a casual perfume, and the fragrance lasts all day”.

13. Best Comforting Perfume:

COMMODITY Milk Expressive Fragrance

Start your winter mornings with the comforting and familiar scent of COMMODITY Milk Expressive Fragrance. The sweet, woody, and lactonic notes, including cold milk, marshmallow, mahogany, and tonka bean, create a creamy and calming olfactory experience. “LOVE. THIS. It’s warm and woody and sweet and sexy all at once,” says an IPSY reviewer. We absolutely love this comforting fragrance for the warm start it gives to your day.

14. Best Cozy Scent for Winter:

SKYLAR Fall Cashmere Eau de Parfum

Indulge in the luxury of cashmere with SKYLAR Fall Cashmere Eau de Parfum. This sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of a warm chai latte, features notes of roasted almond, spiced ginger, cinnamon bark, clove, matcha tea, creamy sandalwood, caramelized vanilla, white musk, and golden amber. “This product smells so good. I would definitely recommend this as a product worth having,” says an Ipster. Like a chunky sweater or fallen leaves scattered on the ground, this perfume brings the magic of autumn to any day.

15. Best Fruity Winter Scent:

5 SENS Catch Feelings

Fresh and fruity lychee and ruby grapefruit opens this invigorating fragrance, leading to a leathery floral core wrapped in silk. The dry-down leaves you with warm, crushed petals and cozy suede, creating a delightful winter scent. “I don't usually like warm fragrances but I really loved this one!” says one Ipster. Free from phthalates, formaldehyde, and microplastics, 5 SENS fragrances encourage you to own your energy and elevate your winter-based scents.

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About the author

Chelsea Hall

Chelsea is an NYC-based fashion and beauty writer with over 7 years experience. She has held roles at publications such as Harper's Bazaar, WWD, InStyle, and Marie Claire. Her writing has also appeared on ELLE.com and POPSUGAR.com.

Article Last Updated January 30, 2024 12:00 AM