“Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers.”
– Christian Dior
Winter fragrances. A sensory embrace, capturing the cozy warmth and elegance of the season. When I think of winter, I think of luxurious fabrics and textures, where cashmeres, velvets, and leathers come out to play; where cozy fires, warm blankets, and the promise of snow create a world of comfort and charm. This feeling is what I want in a fragrance. Admittedly, I gravitate toward woody unisex fragrances year round, rich, deep notes of amber, oud, and musk, layered with spicy hints of black pepper, cinnamon, clove, or cardamom, made even better if there is some kind of smoky incense reminiscent of fireside evenings. Bold and enveloping, winter perfumes are the perfect companion, wrapping the wearer in sophistication and the magic of the season.
1. byredo animalique
With their sleek, minimalistic branding, unique storytelling, and transporting fragrances, this Swedish luxury brand quickly became one of my favorite fragrance shops, with this scent taking top spot. Animalique is a bold, sensual fragrance that feels like a secret whispered in the dark—raw, refined, and utterly captivating. Earthy woods and soft amber add depth, while subtle smoky undertones lend a touch of mystery and sophistication. What makes this fragrance truly special is its ability to balance intensity with elegance, wrapping you in an unforgettable aura of individuality. If you ask me to name my signature scent, as of today, it would be this one. Nothing makes me feel quite as unique as this scent has.
Notes
Top: Bergamot, Lemon
Mid: Suede, Violet, Mimosa
Base: Amber, Sandalwood, Tobacco Leaves
2. replica by the fireplace
Maison Margiela fragrances are more than just fragrance—their memories, feelings, moments captured in a bottle. Not to mention, pleasantly affordable. By the Fireplace is the essence of a winter evening—warm, smoky, and irresistibly comforting. It opens with the rich, cozy aroma of crackling firewood and roasted chestnuts, softened by the creamy sweetness of vanilla and cashmere. Hints of clove and pink pepper add a delicate spice, evoking the glow of embers and the indulgence of seasonal treats. What makes it truly special is its ability to transport you to a moment of pure nostalgia, wrapping you in a soft, smoky sweetness that feels as intimate as a kiss by the fireside. If you like a little sweet with your spicy, this one is for you.
Notes
Top: Pink Pepper, Orange Flower, Clove
Mid: Chestnut Accord, Guaïac Wood Oil, Cade Oil
Base: Vanilla Accord, Peru Balsam, Cashmeran
3. MAISON LOUIS MARIE NO.04 Bois de Balincourt
My go-to when I’m feeling something lighter, Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt is a fragrant escape that captures the serene beauty of a quiet woodland walk. Its elegant blend of creamy sandalwood, rich cedarwood, and earthy vetiver is warmed by soft hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, while a touch of amber adds a cozy, enveloping finish. What makes No.04 truly special is its effortless balance of natural depth and refined sophistication, while not being overwhelming. It’s timeless, soft, and versatile. Whispering instead of shouting, it creates a more intimate moment, wrapping you in an aura of understated, unforgettable elegance. Available in multiple travel sizes, a perfume oil, and candle, it’s safe to say that I am never without a version of No.04 filling my space.
Notes
Top: Sandalwood, Cedarwood
Mid: Vetiver, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Base: Amber Wood
4. TOM FORD EBENE FumE
A recent addition, and the most bold of my collection, Tom Ford’s Ebene Fume is a smoky, enchanting fragrance that exudes mystical luxury and intrigue. At its heart lies the sacred richness of Palo Santo wood, enveloped by resinous incense and the golden warmth of amber. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle spice, while earthy notes of leather and labdanum bring depth and textured intrigue. Soft balsamic sweetness lingers in the background, perfectly balancing the composition. What makes Ebene Fume truly special is its ability to transport you to a meditative, otherworldly space, wrapping you in a smoky, sensual aura that feels both grounding and transcendent. It’s not just a fragrance – it’s artistry.
Notes
Top: Incense, Palo Santo, Black Pepper, Violet Leaf
Mid: Leather, Labdanum, Cade Oil, Papyrus, Rose
Base: Resins, Ebony Tree, Guaiac Wood
5. byredo Bibliothèque
Byredo’s Bibliothèque is a fragrant ode to the quiet romance of a timeless library, where the scent of aged books and soft leather conjures an air of intellectual charm. By name alone, I had always been curious about this fragrance and was not disappointed upon trying. It opens with the luscious sweetness of peach and plum, blending seamlessly into a heart of delicate peony and violet. At its base, rich leather, earthy patchouli, and creamy vanilla create a deeply luxurious and comforting warmth. What makes Bibliothèque truly enchanting is its ability to transport you to a cozy sanctuary of nostalgia, capturing the essence of treasured books and timeless elegance. It’s a lighter option than Animalique, but don’t be mistaken, the depth is absolutely there.
Notes
Top: Plum, Cinnamon
Mid: Leather Accord, Violet
Base: Birch Woods, Patchouli, Vanilla
6. tom ford bitter peach
While I wear this one year round, and it most certainly deserves a place on this winter fragrance list, I find myself reaching if for it most in the warmer months. A bold, sultry masterpiece, Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach transforms the sweetness of ripe fruit into a decadent, sensual indulgence. It opens with the juicy allure of ripe peach and Sicilian blood orange, accented by the gentle warmth of cardamom spice. As the fragrance deepens, rich notes of rum, cognac, and Indonesian patchouli create a sensual, boozy richness, balanced by the creamy softness of vanilla and tonka bean. What makes Bitter Peach truly special is how it evolves over time of wear, leaving an irresistible aura that deliciously lingers.
Notes
Top: Peach, Blood Orange, Cardamom, Heliotrope
Middle: Rum, Cognac, Davana, Jasmine
Base: Vanilla, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Cashmeran, Labdanum, and Vetiver