Best Winter Perfume

The Best Winter Fragrances of 2017

Ava Kitcher | November 30, 2017 11:02 am

Marie Claire Perfume Directory

Rich, warming scents always spring to mind when thinking of staple winter fragrances. After the spicy, gingery notes that saw us through autumn, winter’s well underway with lighter, more uplifting notes rounded out with something more full-bodied; think bergamot, neroli and jasmine, linked with dark vanilla, toffee, suede accord, and cocoa. The best winter fragrances of 2017 consist of some classic favourites, with plenty of new and exciting additions. But first, make sure you check out the Marie Claire Perfume Directory, a one-stop-shop for everything perfume related. Getting hitched this season? Take a look at our ultimate wedding day perfumes to help make at least one decision a little bit easier.

2017 brings us debut fragrances from Charlotte Tilbury and Tiffany, plus delicate offerings from niche fragrance houses like Floraïku and a psychological journey from the likes of Bella Freud. Perfume heavyweights such as Jo Malone, Byredo and Tom Ford lead the way in the ultimate unisex scents for the cold season, while old favourites like Aerin, Carven and Serge Lutens keep theirs classic, sophisticated and ever timeless. We’ve already rounded up the best perfumes for women, but thanks to the all-inclusive trend, many brands are offering unisex fragrances designed to work on absolutely everyone, meaning you might want to keep your bottle of Stash away from pesky partners…

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As always, look for notes that captivate you to find your ultimate winter fragrance. If you’re attracted to flower scents like jasmine, rose, or geranium, then look for floral-based perfumes like Charlotte Tilbury’s debut scent. Can’t get enough of sandalwood or cedar? Opt for woody scents like Bella Freud’s Psychoanalysis. Spices, vanilla and amber give any fragrance some full-bodied depth, and give a touch of warmth that’ll escort you far far away from the dreary British December. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling this season, then our pick of the best fragrance travel kits is definitely worth a look.

Delve into the heart of winter with our edit of the ultimate warming fragrances.

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Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, £158, John Lewis

Tom Ford’s private blend grabs that primal, animalistic scent of leather and rounds it out with jasmine and black suede for a sensual, supple fragrance that’s completely addictive. Oh, and the dark, smoky bottle happens to be absolutely divine.

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Jo Malone Green Almond & Redcurrant Cologne, £94, John Lewis

Zingy redcurrant, grassy unripe almonds, warming tonka bean and rich cedar wood combine in this limited edition fragrance to literally feel like a wintery hug - and the millennial pink bottle is ever so Instagram-able.

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Carven Paris-Mascate, £140, Selfridges

This delicate oriental floral is like a breath of spring air during the winter. Inspired by Madame Carven’s travels with a bitter orange and coriander top, moroccan rose and geranium middle, and an amber, tonic bean and vanilla base, Paris-Mascate is an olfactory journey designed to uplift.

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Byredo Velvet Haze, £95, Liberty

Sumptuous, sophisticated, and not too sweet, Byredo’s latest fragrance is warmth in a bottle. The coconut water notes may whisk you away to a sunny paradise, but the cocoa absolu, ambrette and patchouli are deliciously wintery.

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Floraïku Between Two Trees, £250, Harrods

Now, this is the one for when the starkness of winter is getting to you. Inspired by Japan, Floraïku’s niche fragrances come nestled in a bento box, with a haiku and watercolour sketch of the name of the perfume adorning the bottle. Aside from being a complete visual treat, we love Between Two Trees for its uplifting grapefruit, warming vetiver, and sharp mate absolute.

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Charlotte Tilbury Scent of a Dream, £68, Cult Beauty

As one of the most hypnotic, alluring new fragrances, CT describes her first as a “confidence-boosting aura”. Indeed, the sultry combo of joyful citrus top notes, a “fleurotic” floral heart, and powerful “psychoactive” base notes that mimic pheromones leave quite the impression on everyone left in the wearer’s wake.

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Aerin Tangier Vanille, £96, John Lewis

Just a spritz of this transports you away from overstuffed commutes, central heating and dreary offices, and into sun-drenched Morocco. Okay, not literally, but we keep a bottle of this on hand for when a winter pick-me-up is much needed. Madagascan vanilla, Italian bergamot, Bulgarian rose, amber, sandalwood and musk combine to evoke the feeling of being anywhere except, well, here.

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Bella Freud Psychoanalysis, £165, Liberty

Bella designed her sixth fragrance to evoke the feeling of obsessive, unfulfilled love which is still satisfying, and we can’t get enough. It’s fresh and sophisticated with neroli, then gives way to grounding cedar wood and pungent tobacco flower.

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Stash by Sarah Jessica Parker, £32, Debenhams, Superdrug & Boots

After the initial notes of grapefruit, black pepper and aromatic sage settle down, the cedar, patchouli, pistachios and musk come through in full force. As the “naughty, subversive sibling” of SJP’s Lovely, Stash is dark, sultry, and beautifully warming. Screw winter, you’re going to want to wear this all year round.

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Tiffany & Co Tiffany, £52, Debenhams

Don’t let the summery duck-egg blue put you off - Tiffany & Co’s debut scent works just as well for the colder months. Vibrant vert de mandarin, sultry patchouli, and the signature iris flower note keep this fragrance current throughout the year.

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Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa, £145, Shay & Blue

Oud is one of those notes that leaves quite the impression, whatever the season. When paired with cacao noir and coconut melt like in Parfum Nashwa, layered under top notes of bergamot and neroli, the result is utterly sensual and perfect for combating the cold.

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Escentric Molecules Molecule 4, £79

Escentric Molecules' latest release contains only javenol, a sandalwood note without that dense heaviness, and with a refreshing touch of grapefruit. It also smells super sexy - we're obsessed.