It's no surprise that in autumn, searches for the 'best winter fragrances for women' spikes. While most scents are wearable and workable throughout the year, there truly are some that just scream winter and the best news is that they exist across the scent houses. So whether you sway towards a more sexy musk or a floral spritz, there is a winter scent out there for you.
While we associate summer scents with more lightweight citruses and breezy florals, the cooler weather and longer evenings call for calming woody scents, warm amber and cosy vanilla; all of which have equally comfy and glam feels.
Best winter fragrances at a glance:
Best sensual winter fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum, £53.60 for 30ml on LookFantastic
Best oud winter fragrance: Oud Mood, £15.74 for 72ml on Amazon
Best vanilla winter fragrance: Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa '71 Perfume Mist, £30.40 for 240ml on LookFantastic
Not sure how to pick a winter fragrance? Don't worry, we've got you. Ahead, 10 of the best winter fragrances of all time to wear on repeat this season, including Love Island's Jess Spencer's signature scent that she wore in the villa. Happy shopping!
SHOP: The best winter fragrances 2024
Best sensual winter fragrance
www.lookfantastic.com
This is hands down one of my favourite perfumes ever. It's sensual, seductive and a total compliment magnet. It has a distinctly sweet, fruity scent, defined by pear accord and mandarin essence at the top, which are then undercut with black coffee at the heart, and an earthier, woodier feel (with patchouli and white musk) at its base.
Customer review: I have used this for years now, it's my go-to evening perfume and the one I get so many compliments on - I couldn't be without a bottle of this!
Pros
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Oud Mood
Best oud winter fragrance
This fragrance is a perfect fusion of rose, caramel and saffron, creating a rich and decadent aroma that's impossible to resist. Whether it's date night or a day in the office, I promise this perfume will bring in alllll the compliments. Plus, it was spotted in the Love Island villa this year, confirming its must-have status.
Customer review: I love this perfume. The packaging is beautiful and it's very good value for money. It was my first time trying an oud perfume and I didn't know what to expect. I found the rose to be a little overpowering at first but it mellows down once it dries down. I love it so much that I only use it for special occasions!
Best vanilla winter fragrance
www.lookfantastic.com
For me, this is up there as one of my all time favourite winter perfume choices thanks to its combination of comforting and sweet scents. It features rich top notes of caramelised vanilla and sea salt, followed by buttery and creamy heart notes that combine toasted macadamia nut and white chocolate for an indulgent, good-enough-to-eat twist. It's rounded off with base notes of tonka bean and coconut blossom, which give it a pleasant, spicy scent.
Customer review: My daughter has this and as soon as I smelled it I was addicted. It has a warm, comforting scent, perfect to cheer you up on a damp autumn morning. If 62 is summer 71 is definitely autumn! Love it.
Best floral winter fragrance
www.allsaints.com
With citrusy top notes of Italian bergamot and lemon sfuma offset by the floral scents of rose damascena absolute, ivy greens and waterlily, this gives off major winter vibes. Finished off with a subtle warm aroma of amber to stop it being too sweet, this is deffo a fragrance we expect to smell everywhere this winter. It's the most refreshing, unique, pleasant perfume in my collection.
Best fruity winter fragrance
www.lookfantastic.com
This flirty fragrance offers a refreshing take on florals. Swelling with wild strawberry and warming cedarwood, it will create a playful yet sensual aura with just one spritz.
Customer review: Pretty, fruity, floral perfume, so juicy smelling too. Great price, perfect for everyday wear. Give it a go if you like sweet, fruity perfumes.
Best perfume bottle
www.lookfantastic.com
A bold yet grown up option, this pick is the personification of confidence. With lots of light, floral notes, it serves as an immediate mood booster on dull days.
Customer review: I was very skeptical when it came to clothing brand perfumes but this one really surprised me in the best way possible. The scent is lovely and one spritz lasted on me for two days! The bottle is very cool too, I can't recommend it enough!
Best gourmand perfume
www.lush.com
A soothing scent that smells warm and buttery– like the waft of a dessert baking in the oven. Plus, it clings to your clothing, meaning it will last a little longer without the need to constantly top up.
Customer review: This scent is amazing, and smells like butterscotch and toffee with an initial citrus burst. It lasts all day and I can't stop sniffing myself.
Best warm winter fragrance
www.marksandspencer.com
This perfume boasts a soft and elegant blend of oud, rose and tonka bean, with hints of amber and vanilla adding extra interest. The result is luxurious, soothing and unique.
Customer review: I am in love with this scent! I wanted to wear an alternative to my favourite high-end brand at work and I have found it.
Best daytime winter fragrance
Up the ante with this sensual scent. Blending its creamy, vanilla centre with spices, it’s the perfect addition to spruce up your morning routine or to wear out to a cosy dinner.
Customer review: I am usually not a vanilla-scent girl but I really like this one. It's warm and comforting but not overpowering or sweet. It also doesn't give me a headache which a lot of perfumes do. It makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate.
Best evening winter fragrance
Developed around notes of primofiore lemon, clarysage oil and tobacco leaf absolute, this ambery fragrance is the perfect kind of indulgent and sensual for your Saturday night out. It's crisp, yet delicate with a base of styraxresin and vanilla bean. It feels special and personal, so it's a forever favourite I end up reaching for a lot.
Customer review: This scent is so elegant and has the most romantic woody notes. It is slightly heavier and makes for a beautiful autumn scent for colder weather. I love this one for date nights and it sits so beautifully on the skin. I love it. Will definitely repurchase it but the bottle lasts a while.