In the same way we change our wardrobes in winter, we should also switch out our fragrances. Light, citrusy florals make way for musks, orientals and spicy scents that add warmth and depth to cold, blustery days. 

If you don’t already have a winter fragrance in your cabinet, now’s the time to find the one that will see you into autumn and through to spring. Here are a few perfumers we’ll be splashing out on this winter. 

The Best Boutique Luxury Perfumes for Winter  

Serge Lutens

This French fragrance and beauty brand has an impressive range of perfume and cologne available, to suit any preferences. In days gone by, you could have explored the range at the brand’s perfumery in the arcades at the Jardin du Palais Royal, but since we’re not likely to be wandering the streets of Paris any time soon, you’ll have to order online. 

For a cold-weather scent, we’re loving Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan eau de parfum. It’s not your average amber perfume, with added notes of sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli as well as the slightly more surprising coriander, for a more interesting, slightly spicy finish. 

For a unisex option, look to Serge Lutens Féminité du Bois eau de parfum. It’s warm, complex, and designed to be worn by both men and women. Woody, with notes of cedar, musk, vanilla and plum—this perfume is sweet, but not too sweet. 

For another option, consider Serge Lutens Clair de Musc eau de parfum: A softer, muskier unisex option. It’s clean and delicately powdery, with notes of iris, musk and neroli.

Serge Lutens Chergui eau de parfum is a spicy oriental, with elements of tobacco leaf, honey, sandalwood, iris and amber for a feeling of desert warmth with a hint of sweetness. 

Penhaligon’s

This UK brand was founded in 1870 as a barbershop on Jermyn Street and released its first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet—inspired by the Turkish baths—the same year. These days, the brand releases clever, complicated fragrances in beautiful bottles that nod to the company’s history. 

They have several gorgeous scents we love in cold weather, starting with Vaara by Penhaligon. This is a unisex floral oriental fragrance conceived by master perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour. The base notes are honey, white musk, cedar, benzoin, sandalwood and tonka bean, and the heart consists of rose, peony, freesia and magnolia. The top notes are where this gets interesting: You’ll find quince, rose water, saffron, coriander and carrot seeds. 

Look also to the Halfeti family of perfumes. The original Halfeti is an extremely rich woody-floral fragrance, perfect for cold nights that opens with a clever blend of citruses, herbs and spices. The heart is of jasmine, Bulgarian rose and nutmeg, while the base adds notes of leather, precious oud, cedar, sandalwood, amber, musk, tonka and vanilla. 

Last year saw two additions to the family: Halfeti Leather, with heart notes of cardamom, cinnamon and cumin, and a foundation of cedarwood, incense and leather—a classic winter scent. Halfeti Cedar is a woody spicy fragrance for women and men. Based on the original, this version offers top notes of peach, saffron, cardamom and rum—just what you want on a chilly day. Cinnamon, Atlas cedar, Vanilla, labdanum, patchouli and tonka bean finish the deliciously wintery scent. 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian founded Maison Francis Kurkdjian in 2009 and has since gone on to create a range of ultra-luxe perfumes for women of taste. 

For winter days, spritz on Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum. It’s a seductive oriental floral fragrance with a sultry sweet woody amber vibe that begins with a surprising hit of sweetness that warms up into bittersweet saffron. Amber and fir combine with rich and woody notes of cedar give a sophisticated balance to the suggestion of dark brown sugar. This is definitely an autumn and winter fragrance, but the sweetness makes it wearable during daylight hours.

For the perfect nighttime scent, Grand Soir Eau de Parfum is a smooth and enticing oriental fragrance. Opening with warm notes of amber and slightly sweet labdanum, it quickly dries down into a spicy-yet-sweet vanilla with notes of benzoin and tonka bean. It’s sophisticated, sleek, sexy and not for the faint of heart.

Oud Silk Mood is a softer winter fragrance from the Maison. It opens with citrus and a burst of rose and chamomile, but as it warms on your skin you’ll get the deep woody notes from the oud, as well as hints of musk and a dark rose. The longer you wear it, the more profound it becomes, revealing spicy, peppery notes and a hint of zest. It’s soft and feminine yet dark and woody, perfect for chilly nights.

While you’re here, check out four perfumes that always get the best reviews.

Author Bio:

Hannah Warren

Hannah was born in New Zealand and is based wherever she can set down a laptop. She's been playing with words since she could first pick up a pen, and in her spare time she's a pole dancer, pasta glutton and dog mum.

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