Are you in search of the perfect winter scent and contemplating which fragrance to embrace during the colder months? Well, look no further! Here, I present my top 20 most-complimented winter fragrances for women, each capable of turning heads and leaving people utterly mesmerized.
In this comprehensive fragrance guide for her, you’ll discover a diverse array of scents, ranging from classic, sensual aromas to glamorous blends and sweet, fruity showstoppers. Whether you lean towards niche or designer fragrances, these selections stand out as the crème de la crème for the winter and holiday season. Rest assured, these scents are not only captivating but also guaranteed to elevate your confidence to new heights.
With so many new scents and brands on the market, categorizing the list by niche and designer fragrances will make life easier. This guide will help you find the notes that best suit your taste and style. On my YouTube channel, you can find out what top niche and designer fragrances to keep for life my: Keep 10 For Life Niche Fragrances| Vlogmas Day 2 and Keep 10 for Life Designer Fragrances | Vlogmas Day 5.
Click through the outline and find out more about the fragrance notes so you know exactly what each scent exudes! So let’s sniff our way through some fantastic winter perfumes and determine which ones are right for you!
ALSO READ
- The Ultimate Guide to Spring Fragrances: 20 Niche and Designer Scents
- TOP 20 Summer Scents 2023: Niche and Designer Smelling Good Guide
Guide Outline
Niche Fragrances
- Creed Royal Princess Oud
- Guerlain Angélique Noire
- Etat Libre d’Orange Frustration
- Parfums de Marly Oriana
- Kilian Love, Don’t be Shy
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
- Memo Paris Morrocan Leather
- Mind Games Gardez
- Amouage Portrayal Woman
- Bvlgari, Le Gemme Orom
Designer Fragrances
- Mugler Alien Goddess Intense
- Prada Paradoxe
- Prada Infusion de Vanille EDP
- Chanel N°5 EAU PREMIÈRE Eau de Parfum
- Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
- Jimmy Choo Fever EDP
- Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
- Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Extreme
- Ebene Fume Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford
- Fenty Eau de Parfum by Rihanna
10 Niche Fragrances for women
1. Creed Royal Princess Oud
Royal Princess Oud is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a signature scent that will make a lady feel like royalty. Inspired by the House of Creed’s decades-long couturier history and created with legendary perfumer Olivier Creed, this fragrance is all about luxury and timelessness.
Fragrance Notes:
For this fragrance, Creed blends top notes of bergamot, violet, and rose notes plus patchouli, Tuscan iris, jasmine, vanilla absolute, and a hint of precious oud in the base notes.
It’s like having your little red dress that’s perfect for every occasion: from high tea to grand balls!
2. Angélique Noire by Guerlain
Guerlain’s Angélique Noire, created by Daniela Andrier in 2005, is the perfect combination of sweet and floral – it’s half naughty and half nice. This dreamy scent will have you feeling divine! Whether you’re heading to the office or out on the town, wearing Angélique Noire will ensure all eyes are on you!
Fragrance Notes:
An ethereal scent with top notes of angelica, pear, and pink pepper; middle notes of jasmine and caraway; and base notes of vanilla, angelica, and cedar.
3. Etat Libre d’Orange Frustration
Etat Libre d’Orange Frustration is a unique scent that is impossible to pin down. Frustration is a beautifully complex perfume that is sure to tantalize the senses. Etat Libre d’Orange translates to The Free State of Orange representing independence – unrestrained and unrestricted. This French fragrance brand launched Frustration Eau de Parfum in 2022; a powerful, must-have for any Etat Libre d’Orange fan.
Fragrance Notes:
First, it starts off with a mixture of sweet, spicy, and balsamic notes creates a delicious and fascinating aroma. The top notes of rum, cumin, and cinnamon give way to a heart of vanilla, vanilla absolute, and labdanum. The base is a blend of chestnut, bourbon vetiver, and guaiacol that add depth and richness to the scent.
4. Parfums de Marly Oriana
Parfums de Marly is a high-quality niche perfume brand that is worth the price tag. Oriana is a fragrance with a great balance between sweet, musky, and sensual. If you’re looking for a scent that’s as warm and inviting as a winter bonfire, Parfums de Marly Oriana should be on your winter scent list.
Fragrance Notes:
The top notes of mandarin orange, bergamot, and grapefruit give way to a heart of orange blossom, raspberry, and black currant. The base notes of whipped cream, marshmallow, musk, and ambrette create a comforting and delicious aroma that will make you want to snuggle up by the fire all winter long.
5. Love, Don’t be Shy by Kilian
Another classic, Kilian Love, Don’t be Shy has been around since 2007, created by Perfumer Calice Becker.
Love, Don’t be Shy is a fragrance that has been worn by celebrities like Rihanna, who reportedly smells divine when wearing this Kilian scent! It has a hint of sweetness but also smells clean and floral.
Fragrance Notes:
It’s a combination made of top notes like neroli, bergamot, pink pepper, and coriander. In the middle are orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, and iris. The base has sugar, vanilla, caramel, musk, civet, and labdanum, juicy honeysuckle and plush rose, and marshmallow sugar.
6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is a winter wonderland of scent magic. Launched in 2015 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this unique woody, amber, and warm spicy eau de parfum was inspired by Baccarat to celebrate its 250th anniversary. It is known for its unique and timeless scent.
Fragrance Notes:
It starts off with top notes of saffron and jasmine mix with middle notes of amber wood and ambergris, while base notes of fir resin and cedar form the perfect winter fragrance. Radiant saffron boosts bright mineral tones while hints of freshly-cut cedar create a chic floral whisper on your skin, evoking a beautifully poetic olfactory signature.
7. Memo Paris Morroccan Leather
Morroccan Leather EDP by Memo Paris was released in 2018. It is an irresistible winter scent that captures the character of Chefchaouen in Morocco to perfection! The leathery and musky notes makes this luxurious fragrance an amazing winter fragrance to get your spirits up on those dark, gloomy winter days.
Fragrance Notes:
Marroccan Leather combines leather, galbanum, iris, vetiver, cypress, ginger, mandarin orange, orange blossom, styrax amber, musk, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean creates a sweet yet bold aroma that feels like an irresistible aromatic leather treat. Notes of leather and powdery florals give a warm and inviting feel, while citrus fruits provide a lively freshness.
8. Mind Games Gardez
Inspired by the game of chess, Gardez by Mind Games is an exciting new fragrance reflecting our most significant sacrifices to secure what we love. The brand describes themselves as “Calculating, deceptive, and devastatingly seductive, MIND GAMES is a fascinating exploration of passion, prowess, and unrivaled perception” and supports the use of natural ingredients in their fragrances.
Fragrance Notes:
Bursting with notes of spicy pepper and sweet fruits such as apricot and blackberry leaf and a delightful blend of jasmine, orris root, and rosewood before nestling into the distinctive warmth of leathers and cedarwood. The result is an inviting leather scent that lingers on the skin long after application, unveiling the character of its strength within each layer from top notes to dry down.
9. Amouage Portrayal Woman
A winter holiday party wouldn’t be complete without Amouage Portrayal’s stunningly inviting white floral and tobacco fragrance. Crafted in 2019 by master perfumer Annick Menardo, this olfactive Portrayal of decadent 1920s Parisian culture is refined with a playful wit. Inspired by the iconic cultural liberation of the 1920s, Portrayal creates a blissful atmosphere on any festive occasion. So this winter season, make sure you adorn your best look with an equally grand scent – Amouage Portrayal Woman. It’s opulence in a bottle!
Fragrance Notes:
Its top notes are lush jasmine, while the middle notes of tobacco and vanilla add a mysterious sweetness before basing off with elemi to introduce a final touch of wintery warmth.
10. Bvlgari, Le Gemme Orom
Le Gemme Orom by Bvlgari is another captivating new fragrance that transports you to a world of beauty and mystery. Launched in 2022, each spray reveals its heart of bourbon vanilla, siam benzoin, and agarwood (oud). Master perfumer Jacques Cavallier makes this magical journey possible as he draws inspiration from the mesmerizing beauty of the Labradorite gemstone only found in Madagascar. While embracing your inner explorer, you will unlock a magical sense of well-being with the perfect combination of invigorating aromas. This fragrance from the Bulgari all – Italian fashion house creates an experience and a unique olfactory moment where science and nature intertwine!
Fragrance Notes:
Capturing the captivating colors of the Aurora Borealis, Le Gemme Orom will make your presence unforgettable with its signature notes of vanilla essence and leathery oud.
10 Designer Fragrances for women
1. Mugler Alien Goddess Intense
Smelling as beautiful as it looks, Mugler Alien Goddess Intense Eau de Parfum is a heavenly and captivating scent that encourages the modern woman to embrace her power. Launched in 2022, it is a new fragrance that I’d highly recommend as a bridge from those colder winter months into spring – it’s not too heavy and has that ‘seasonal switch’ feel about it! It’s precisely what you need to lift your spirits after the gloomy winter months!
Fragrance Notes:
An unforgettable scent created with top notes of coconut and bergamot, middle notes of jasmine and jasmine tea, and base notes of vanilla, benzoin, and cashmere wood. It has a scent category that includes vanilla, white floral, amber, coconut, citrus, and woody elements – an unforgettable combination! There’s a warmth coming from the deep amber bottle of this perfume that will make you fall in love at first sniff. The coconut and bergamot give it a sweet yet fresh smell, while the combination of vanilla and cashmere wood gives it some depth and makes it perfect for the colder months of year.
2. Prada Paradoxe
Prada Paradoxe is a mesmerizing new scent that launched in 2022. Crafted by Antoine Maisondieu, Nadège Le Garlantezec, and Shyamala Maisondieu, the scent evokes an air of mystery. The fragrance has been described as embracing the paradoxes of iconic ingredients to reveal new scented sensations. Paradoxe is a fragrance designed to reinvigorate freshness with high quality ingredients like its first-ever neroli bud extraction. Another perk is that it also creates a vibrant warmth with Ambrofix™ (bio-converted amber) and features a new revolutionary musk molecule: Serenolide™, to intensify the scent trail, “sillage.” The advanced ingredients make this new fragrance an intensity revolution entering 2023!
Fragrance Notes:
This Prada perfume is made of unique notes of white floral, citrus, amber, sweet vanilla, and fruity notes. First, you can expect to experience top notes like pear, tangerine, and bergamot. Then middle notes like orange blossom, jasmine sambac, and neroli essence, as well as bottom notes of white musk, bourbon vanilla, amber, and benzoin.
3. Prada Infusion de Vanille EDP
Another new Prada must-have is this Infusion de Vanille EDP. It is sure to set a new standard for luxury fragrances. Created by Daniela Andrier, this scent is powdery -sweet: a heavenly concoction of vanilla and citrus with an intoxicating combination of powdery, smoky, fresh spicy, musky, amber, aromatic, white floral, and sweet notes.
Fragrance Notes:
What makes it stand out? First, top notes of bergamot, smoke, and vanilla transports you to a mysterious land, and the middle notes of neroli and angelica will leave your senses delighted. Lastly, the lingering base note of vanilla ensures one luxurious experience. Whether you’re looking for an unexpectedly mysterious scent or something soft and sweet, Infusion de Vanille will keep you captivated with its perfect combination of warm and cool tones.
4. Chanel N°5 EAU PREMIÈRE Eau de Parfum
Chanel N°5 EAU PREMIÈRE Eau de Parfum was released in 2015 and crafted with care by renowned Chanel perfumer Jacques Polge. This ideal winter scent fuses an aldehydic, woody, fresh, and floral aroma that delicately wraps you up in its warmth as soon as you apply it.
Whether you want a subtle scent or something more intense, EAU PREMIÈRE Eau de Parfum rises to the occasion. Inspired by the original groundbreaking N°5 perfume created in 1921 by Gabrielle Chanel and Ernest Beaux, Jacques Polge is bringing this classic must-have scent into the 21st century for your winter wardrobe. It smells retro and sophisticated with its powdery soft soap scent, and it’s a great perfume to use during the daytime in the winter.
Fragrance Notes:
Its top notes of aldehydes, ylang-ylang, and neroli blend perfectly with jasmine and rose in the middle notes before rounding out to an unforgettable base of vanilla, sandalwood, and vetiver.
5. Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
Replica By the Fireplace launched in 2015 by master perfumer Marie Salamagne. As the name of this scent “By the Fireplace” implies, it is a wintery perfume that captures the sensation of being snug and cozy indoors next to a blazing winter fire. When you’re looking for something enveloping to remind you of winter’s reassuring embrace, let Replica By the Fireplace be your go-to fragrance.
Fragrance Notes:
First, it has top notes of cloves, pink pepper, and orange blossom blend with heart notes of chestnut, guaiac wood, and juniper to form an aroma that is both woody and warm-spicy in character. Then combined with base notes of vanilla, Peru balsam, and cashmeran, releasing an aura inspired by winter evenings filled with chestnuts roasting on the fire and crackling flames with each spritz.
6. Jimmy Choo Fever Eau de Parfum
Jimmy Choo Fever EDP was launched in 2018, striking the perfect balance between strength and delicacy, designed by perfumers Honorine Blanc and Nathalie Lorson. Fever EDP is a warm and comforting scent that will make any coffee lover swoon. You’ll always smell sweet and gorgeous with this unique fragrance in your winter wardrobe.
Fragrance Notes:
It opens with notes of juicy plum sweetness, highlighted by the fresh rosy accents of litchi and grounded by the subtle bitterness of grapefruit. Then at its heart lies a blend of heliotrope’s powdered roundness, vanilla orchid’s exoticism, and jasmine’s ultimate femininity. Its long-lasting base features creamy sandalwood, benzoin’s balsamic warmth, and roasted coffee hazelnut for a genuinely unique olfactory experience full of vibrancy and intensity with enough softness to make it perfectly enjoyable to wear! With a beautiful blend of notes such as vanilla, sweet fruity amber, warm spices, woods, and coffee, it’s just what you need to keep you cozy and warm in the cool weather months.
7. Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum got launched in 2021 by the legendary perfumer Francois Demachy. It is a scent filled with deliciously addictive vanilla and powdery notes, rose accents, and a hint of sweetness. While created to pay homage to its inspiring character’s captivating nature (the original Miss Dior of 1947), this new scent from will leave all who sample it feeling powerful and confident yet feminine.
The extraordinary couture bow, featuring exquisite craftsmanship and 346 hand-tied threads, makes the newest Miss Dior EDP worthy of being a classic. Aside from an iconic ribbon embellishment and timeless label, it is also eco-conscious with 30% less glass than its predecessor. This floral bouquet pays respect to Christian Dior’s original vision for Miss Dior in 1947 to re-enchant women’s lives and put forth a distinctively modern charm. The aesthetics of the Dior bottle and the aroma of this perfume make it a classic for her fragrance. Fall in love all over again this winter with this luxurious addition to the collection of Dior fragrances.
Fragrance Notes:
This exquisite fragrant experience starts with top notes of velvety iris, peony, and lily-of-the-valley before unveiling a heart composed of apricot, rose, and peach that culminates in base notes of vanilla, musk, tonka bean, sandalwood, and benzoin. In addition, the centifolia rose at the heart offering honeyed and peppery notes, will leave you feeling like you’re wearing a delectably creamy cloak of velvet around with you all the time.
8. Black Opium Eau de Parfum Extreme by YSL
YSL launched this women’s fragrance in 2021. Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium Eau de Parfum Extreme, crafted by the esteemed perfumer Olivier Cresp, is a winter scent for daring and adventurous women. This winter perfume is a great fragrance for women that want to make a bold statement but enhance their romantic, feminine energy at the same time.
It’s a great option for date night, for example. You’ll love it for its warmth and alluring presents. It’s enough to make you stand out without feeling overpowering. Apply it and take your date night looks to the next level!
Fragrance Notes:
Excite your senses with its combination of warm spicy coffee and cacao notes, paired with vanilla, white floral, and patchouli for a sweet, woody scent. The top notes of coffee and cacao are perfectly balanced with jasmine sambac and orange blossom middle notes and finished off with base notes of bourbon vanilla and patchouli.
9. Ebene Fume Eau de Parfum by tom ford
Tom Ford’s latest elegant scent, Ébène Fumé, is a timeless addition to every fragrance connoisseur’s collection. Launched in 2021, perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux masterfully crafted the complex woody and amber scent. This sophisticated scent transitions easily from elegant affairs to casual moments. In fact, it brings the aroma of a ceremonial experience to the nose- adding an extra layer of warmth where no winter’s chill can reach. The woody and amber scent makes the Tom Ford fragrance one of the best fits for the cooler months ahead.
Fragrance Notes:
Ebene Fume contains top notes of incense, palo santo, and black pepper nicely balanced with the warmth of leather, papyrus, and labdanum. The top notes are followed by base notes of resins, ebony tree, and guaiac wood. This fragrance is blended beautifully to create an aroma that will linger in the air around you all winter. Ébène Fumé provides a spiritual luxury to your senses that will make an impression on any occasion.
10. Fenty Eau de Parfum by Rihanna
Rihanna knows how to bring together the unexpected, and Fenty Eau de Parfum is no exception. The Fenty Beauty fragrance launched in 2021 and is crafted by the talented perfumer Jacques Cavallier.
Fenty Eau de Parfum is one of a kind celebrity scent and a great choice for those looking for a daily scent that’ll always attract compliments. It’s perfect for everyday life but also an excellent option for date night too. It recently restocked in December 2022, so find out if it’s worth buying before it sells out.
Fragrance Notes:
Riri’s Fenty Beauty EDP is a dynamic combination of scent categories – citrus, fruits, fresh florals, and musk. The fragrance starts with top notes of blueberry and tangerine and then moves on to Bulgarian rose, geranium, and magnolia before settling into a pleasing base of musk and patchouli.
Whether you’re looking for a classic, timeless fragrance or something a little more unique and funky, I hope this list of winter fragrances for women has given you some ideas! These scents are sure to leave you feeling confident and empowered. So take your pick and enjoy feeling fabulous and stylish all season long. Be sure to tell me in the comments which fragrances you have been wearing this winter; I’m so curious!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get FREE goodies, and exclusive coupons to stores like Sephora and more. Get weekly newsletters with articles and reviews on the newest fragrances, fashion, and beauty products.
Join my exclusive community of fragrance lovers: The Fragrance Society. This community is a great place for people that love trying new scents, are looking to add to their collection, or would like to learn more about their signature and favorite fragrance. You will receive discounts, valuable fragrance guides and tips. Each week, I send out an email so that you can stay in the know and keep your fragrance game on point.