When the weather turns cold, the perfumes that suit us change too. Light citrus scents fade in cold air, while warm, sweet and woody notes gain depth and wrap around you like a scarf. This guide explains what makes a perfume wintery and lists our favourites for women, men and unisex.
What makes a perfume "wintery"
- Warm base notes: vanilla, amber, tonka bean, benzoin and musk.
- Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and saffron add warmth.
- Woods, tobacco and leather: sandalwood, cedar, oud, tobacco and leather for depth and character.
- Gourmand notes: praline, coffee, caramel and cocoa, for scents that smell sweet.
Perfume evaporates more slowly in the cold, so an Eau de Parfum or a Parfum / Extrait is usually a better choice than a light Eau de Toilette.
Winter perfumes for women
- Lancôme La Vie Est Belle: iris, praline and vanilla. One of the best-loved sweet perfumes of all time.
- Dior Hypnotic Poison: almond, jasmine and vanilla in a seductive evening scent.
- Prada Paradoxe: neroli, amber, white musk and vanilla, warm yet bright.
- YSL Mon Paris: strawberry, raspberry and patchouli, sweet and romantic.
- Ariana Grande Cloud: lavender, pear, coconut cream and praline, soft as a cloud.
- Lattafa Yara: creamy, sweet and very affordable, with vanilla, musk and tropical fruit.
See more women's fragrances.
Winter perfumes for men
- Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme: tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon and black pepper. Warm and explosive.
- Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée: iris and a whisky accord, elegant for evenings out.
- Bvlgari Man In Black: rum, spices, leather and tonka.
- Emporio Armani Stronger With You: chestnut, vanilla, sage and cardamom, the "warm jumper" of perfumes.
- Lattafa Asad: black pepper, tobacco, coffee and vanilla at an accessible price.
See more men's fragrances.
Unisex and niche picks
- Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille: tobacco leaf, vanilla, tonka, cocoa and dried fruit. The ultimate winter classic.
- Tom Ford Ombré Leather: leather, cardamom, jasmine and patchouli.
- Mancera Red Tobacco: tobacco, cinnamon, saffron and patchouli, intense and long-lasting.
- Parfums de Marly Layton: apple, lavender, vanilla and cardamom, sweet and fresh at once.
- Lattafa Khamrah: cinnamon, dates, praline and vanilla. Read more in our Lattafa perfumes guide.
See all unisex fragrances.
How to wear perfume in winter
- Moisturise first. Dry winter skin holds scent less well. An unscented body cream before spraying helps.
- Spray on pulse points. Neck, behind the ears and wrists, where the skin is warmest.
- Careful with clothes. One spray on a scarf keeps the scent for hours, but test on a hidden spot first, as some perfumes stain light fabrics.
- Less indoors. Rich winter perfumes are strong. Two sprays are enough for the office.
FAQ
Can I wear my summer perfumes in winter?
Of course. There are no rules; fresh scents just sound quieter and last less in the cold. If you miss longevity, try the Eau de Parfum or Intense version of your favourite. See the differences between EDP and EDT.
I am looking for a Christmas gift. What should I choose?
A winter perfume is one of the safest gifts. See our ideas for gifts for her and gifts for him, and our fragrance gift sets.
How can I buy an expensive perfume for less?
Fragrance testers are the same authentic perfume in plain packaging, usually at a lower price. Read our guide to testers. All our products are 100% authentic, with free shipping in Greece on orders over €49 and cash on delivery available.