Winter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to switch up your cologne game. Whether you prefer a warm and comforting scent or a fresh and crisp aroma, there’s a winter fragrance out there to suit every taste. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the best 21 winter fragrances of 2023, both niche and designer fragrances that are guaranteed to impress. We’ll also be discussing a pro tip for wearing fragrances in the winter, the types of notes typically found in winter fragrances, and some takeaways to help you find your perfect winter scent. So, let’s get started!
Pro Tip for Wearing a Fragrance in the Winter
Many people don’t realize that wearing a fragrance in the winter can be challenging. In colder weather, our skin tends to be drier, making it harder for scents to stick. However, with the right winter fragrance, you can still ensure that your fragrance lasts all day. Plus, the chillier weather suppresses our sense of smell, making it harder for us to pick up on scents. A stronger winter fragrance can help combat this issue and keep us smelling fresh all day.
Types of Notes Found in Winter Fragrances
Winter fragrances are typically characterized by warm, spicy, and woody notes. Some popular winter notes include cinnamon, nutmeg, cedarwood, sandalwood, and vanilla. Many winter fragrances also include fresh and citrusy top notes, such as bergamot or lemon, to balance out the warm and comforting base notes. When choosing a winter fragrance, it’s essential to consider which notes you typically gravitate towards, as this will help you find the perfect scent.
Best 21 Winter Fragrances 2023
- Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
- Kilian, Rolling in Love
- Creed Carmina
- Hermetica Tonkandy
- Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
- Xerjoff La Capitale
- The Maker Lover
- Vilhelm Parfumerie Faces of Francis Eau de Parfum
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
- Bvlgari La Gemme Yasep Eau de Parfum
- House of Bō Fragrances, Infinitoud
- Bulgari Man Glacial Essence
- Tom Ford Ombre Leather Parfum
- Floraiku One Umbrella for Two
- Roja Parfums Creation-E Parfum Cologne
- Chris Collins Sweet Taboo
- Mizensir, Ambre Magique
- Clean Beauty Collective, Skin
- Andrea Maack Coven
- Brunello Cucinelli Pour Homme
- Brunello Cucinelli Pour Femme
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1. Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
Fragrance Notes
- Cloves
- Pink Pepper
- Orange Blossom
- Chestnut
- Guaiac Wood
- Juniper
- Vanilla
- Peru Balsam
- Cashmeran
The Vibe: Imagine you’re curled up in a plush armchair, sipping on a warm mug of cocoa as a soft blanket of snow falls outside your window. The room is illuminated by the gentle glow of a roaring fireplace, radiating a warmth that seeps into your bones. It’s a fragrance that whispers of cozy winter nights spent indoors, the air filled with the comforting scent of crackling wood and roasting chestnuts. Each spray of By the Fireplace is like a sensory journey back to those tranquil winter evenings, filling your senses with the enveloping sensation of comfort and peace.
2. Kilian, Rolling in Love
Fragrance Notes
- Almond Milk
- Ambrette (Musk Mallow)
- Iris
- Freesia
- Tuberose
- Vanilla
- Tonka Bean
- Musk
The Vibe: Let yourself get lost in a mesmerizing scent that captures the euphoria of love like never before. Kilian’s Rolling in Love is a powerful and direct representation of this emotion, blending together notes of ambrette seeds, almond milk, iris and musk to create an intoxicating aroma. With each whiff of this enchanting scent, you’ll feel empowered and beloved.
3. Creed Carmina
Fragrance Notes
- Saffron
- Black Cherry
- Pink Pepper
- May Rose
- Peony
- Cashmere Wood
- Violet
- Myrrh
- Musk
- Frankincense
- Ambroxan
The Vibe: An intoxicating scent that embodies strength and charisma. Think sensuous Rose de Mai, luxurious Cashmere wood, with plump black cherries, warmed by the golden embrace of rare saffron. This precious women’s fragrance is then rounded off with a base of myrrh, frankincense, ambroxan and musk to create one of the most beautiful scent trails I’ve ever experienced
4. Hermetica Tonkandy
Fragrance Notes
- Cinnamon Leaf
- Bergamot and Black Pepper
- Caramel, Davana
- Geranium
- Vanilla Absolute
- Tonka Bean
- Musk
The Vibe: Deliciously sweet! The warm, powdery Tonka Bean creates an irresistibly suave signature, enveloping the luxurious Vanilla absolute in a comforting embrace. And with the addition of the Milky Caramel Candy note, it’s like a melting confectionery on your skin.
5. Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
Fragrance Notes
- Cinnamon Leaf
- Bergamot and Black Pepper
- Caramel, Davana
- Geranium
- Vanilla Absolute
- Tonka Bean
- Musk
The Vibe: When it comes to elegance, this fragrance is the embodiment of it. It’s one of the most beautiful floral scents out there that will make you feel like the most sophisticated and chic person in the room. It brings together the timeless sophistication of the past and the modern grace of today. The scent starts with an exuberant dose of Turkish rose, a whopping 400 flowers per 100ml bottle. To round out the scent, a dash of clove, blackcurrant, and raspberry are used, creating a warm and empowering fragrance that’s sure to make an impression anywhere you go.
6. Xerjoff La Capitale
Fragrance Notes
- Strawberry
- Caramel
- Peach
- Labdanum
- Leather
- Saffron
- Amber
- Ginger
- Rose
- Bourbon Vanilla
- Benzoin
The Vibe: It’s a blend of modernity and traditionalism. Inspired by the city of Moscow itself, this scent takes inspiration from the splendor and glamour of the city, showcasing the intricate layering of notes to achieve a rich and complex fragrance. From the first whiff, the fragrance becomes an inviting and empowering experience, and as each nuance unfolds on the skin, it is a unique and exciting journey. With elements of leather, caramel, and ginger, it’s far from being your run-of-the-mill fruity floral fragrance, instead offering something that is both refreshing and full of depth.
7. The Maker Lover
Fragrance Notes
- Fig
- Jasmine Sambac
- Oud
The Vibe: seductive and hypnotic. This bold fragrance has a green, figgy presence that immediately captures the senses. But it’s more than just a scent; it’s an empowering aura that envelopes you with warmth and invites you to own your sensuality. The creamy sandalwood and sparkling vetiver combine with hints of jasmine, sambac, and narcissus to create a subtle yet beguiling allure. And just when you think you’ve uncovered all its secrets, a whisper of oud appears, revealing even deeper layers of desire.
8. Vilhelm Parfumerie Faces of Francis Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Notes
- Saffron
- Aldehydes
- Pistachio
- Driftwood
- Juniper
- Oud
- Styrax
- Vetiver
- Ambergris
- Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha
The Vibe: Truly unique and avant-garde. It’s an earthy and interesting scent that you’re unlikely to find in most collections. If you yearn for a scent that is not for the faint of heart and offers an eclectic twist, then indulge yourself in this fragrance. It’ll transport you to a volcanic island in the Mediterranean, where the warm colors and smells of Tangier wash over you. With this luxurious scent, the possibilities for your olfactory senses are limitless.
9. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Notes
- Saffron
- Jasmine
- Amberwood
- Ambergris
- Fir Resin
- Cedar
The Vibe: inviting, alluring, sensual, and outright complimentary. This fragrance is the epitome of winter vibes – it truly is one of the most popular scents out there right now, and for good reason. The olfactory signature is a poetic alchemy that combines breezy jasmine, radiant saffron, ambergris mineral notes, and freshly-cut cedar tones. It’s a symphony that caresses your skin like an amber and woody floral whisper, empowering you to feel confident and captivating. Though its price tag is lofty, it’s worth every penny if you can afford it.
10. Bvlgari La Gemme Yasep Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Notes
- Sicilian Mandarin
- Sichuan Pepper
- Sandalwood
- Cedar
- Musk
- Amyris
- Vetiver
The Vibe: The center of attention. Only wear this if you’re ready to unleash your daring and spicy side. Bvlgari La Gemme Yasep Eau de Parfum is the perfect fragrance for those who want to make a bold entrance. Inspired by the beautiful and vibrant landscapes of Madagascar, this scent captures the energy and radiance of red jasper. With notes of sandalwood and woody musks, Bvlgari La Gemme Yasep Eau de Parfum exudes a daring and irresistible power.
11. House of Bō Fragrances, Infinitoud
Fragrance Notes
- Myrrh
- Vetiver
- Peyote
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Oud
- Incense
- Gurjun Balsam
The Vibe: Enigmatic and earthy. Captured in a sophisticated black Saint Laurent marble stone cap, this fragrance is crafted with a combination of vibrant myrrh, mossy vetiver, and peyote to compose the top notes. These balsamic accents are then enriched with woody essences from the middle notes, such as cedar wood, patchouli, and spicy black pepper, while being underpinned by the base notes, oud, incense, and resinous gurjun balsam. Elevated by renowned perfumer Carlos Benaïm and categorized into a woody, earthy olfactory family, this scent reveals strength and elegance that seduces everyone with every spritz.
12. Bulgari, Man Glacial Essence
Fragrance Notes
- Juniper Berry Essence
- Ginger Extract
- Geranium Essence
- Australian Sandalwood Essence
- Orris Concrete
- Artemisia Essence
- Cedar wood Alaska Accord
- Clearwood Accord
- Musk Accord
The Vibe: Airy, and adventurous. This woody and aromatic cologne, expertly crafted by perfumer Alberto Morillas and released in 2020, has notes that come together to create an upbeat scent that is fresh, spicy, and warm all at once while carrying a powdery musky undercurrent. An adventurous man’s choice – designed to remain timeless no matter where the journey may take him – Bvlgari Man Glacial Essence is a tribute to conquering both peaks of achievement and expanses of wilderness alike.
13. Tom Ford, Ombre Leather Parfum
Fragrance Notes
- Violet Leaf
- Cedar
- Jasmine Sambac
- Orris
- Leather
- Woody Notes
- Tobacco
The Vibe: Untamed, refined, and raw. This scent is a game-changer for anyone looking to add a wearable, leather fragrance to their collection. It captures the essence of the American west, with a hint of green tobacco adding a touch of sensuality. With its warm and woody notes of black leather, violet leaf, and cedarwood, it’s the perfect choice for winter.
14. Floraiku One Umbrella for Two
Fragrance Notes
- Blackurrant absolute
- Genmaicha tea extract
- Cedarwood oil
The Vibe: Beauty and tradition meet in the unique fragrance of Floraïku Paris’ “One Umbrella for Two.” This scent blends fruity, woody, green, soft, spicy, floral, and aromatic notes to create a harmonious aroma that will delight all senses. The top notes of black currant and cyclamen offer a lively opening, followed by tea and rice at the heart of this enchanting concoction. Lastly, cedar and white musk provide distinctive depth to the base layers of this captivating fragrance. Inspired by a traditional Japanese umbrella named Wagasa adorned with a dragon pattern, Floraïku Paris has crafted something extraordinary in this exquisite blend that will take you on an unforgettable journey with each wear.
15. Roja Parfums Creation-E Parfum Cologne
Fragrance Notes
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Rose de Mai
- Neroli
- Jasmin de Grasse
- Heliotrope
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Pepper
- Patchouli
- Cognac
- Tobacco
- Sandalwood
- Benzoin
- Vanilla
- Ambergris
The Vibe: Roja Parfums Creation-E Parfum Cologne, launched in 2019 and crafted by perfumer Roja Dove, is a warm, spicy scent with luxurious notes like rose de mai, bergamot, geranium, heliotrope, cardamom, pepper, ginger, neroli, and jasmine. An alluring blend of boozy and balmy notes come together in the base notes of cognac, tobacco, benzoin, ambergris, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla to create a fragrance that invites you to “Unravel The Mystery.” With a captivating richness reminiscent of steaming cognac and tobacco mixed with wood and leathers rising from the bar of a private members’ club – Creation-E will have you bewitched under its spell.
16. Chris Collins Sweet Taboo
Fragrance Notes
- Clary Sage
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Geranium
- Cacao
- Coffee
- Benzoin Siam
- Tonka Bean
- Vanilla
- Musk
The Vibe: Chris Collins Sweet Taboo is a warm and inviting fragrance launched in 2019, crafted by renowned perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer. With its blend of spicy, vanilla-tinged aromatics, cacao, cinnamon, amber, coffee, and sweet scents, this scent evokes an atmosphere of inviting pleasure that can be hard to resist. The top notes of this delectable aroma are cardamom and clary sage. Cacao pod, coffee, and geranium lie at the heart of this fragrance, further enhancing its seductive character. The base notes of vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, and musk give it a smooth finish that will immediately spark your curiosity. Sweet Taboo pays homage to temptation in all its forms: a journey full of desire and satisfaction. Arouse your senses with Chris Collins Sweet Taboo—it’s the perfect scent to inspire you to explore forbidden pleasures!
Fragrance Notes
- Orange Blossom
- Mandarin Orange
- Cardamom
- Cashalox
- Bulgarian Rose
- Ambergris
- Bourbon Vanilla
The Vibe: A cozy, velvety cloud of scent that embraces you like a soft cashmere sweater. This fragrance is the perfect elixir for the winter season, where warmth and comfort meet sensuality and sophistication. At its core, Ambre Magiqué encompasses a vibrant, woody intensity with a kaleidoscope of olfactory sensations. From lively notes of mandarin and cardamom to elegant Bulgarian rose and the bold sweetness of bourbon vanilla and musk, this fragrance is truly a complex concentrate of a thousand scents and the stories that inspired them. And at the base, sandalwood creates a magical experience that sends vibrations to the skin.
18. Clean Beauty Collective, Skin
Fragrance Notes
- Bergamot
- Orange Blossom
- Honeysuckle
- Warm Skin Accord
- Vanilla Orchid
- Sunkissed Peony
- Salted Praline
- Fresh Musks
- White Cedarwood
The Vibe: Picture this: you step out of the shower, wrap yourself in a cozy towel, and settle into your favorite armchair with a cup of tea. As you sink into the soft cushions, you catch a whiff of something heavenly. A subtle sweetness, just barely tickles your nose. It feels like a warm embrace, and suddenly you realize it’s you that smells so good. That’s the magic of this perfume. Creamy Madagascar vanilla adds a touch of sweetness to the musky base notes, creating a scent that’s both subtle and empowering. It’s like a pick-me-up, giving you that little boost of confidence that turns an ordinary day into something special.
19. Andrea Maack Coven
Fragrance Notes
- Vanilla,
- Labdanum
- Whiskey
- Cedar Wood
- Oak Moss
- Galbanum
- Clove
The Vibe: Magical and bewitching. It’s truly one of a kind – it’s boozy yet mysteriously earthy. The first whiff of this fragrance will captivate you with its whiskey and soil tincture notes. And as it settles, the scent of oak-moss and verdant greens of galbanum will envelop you in a spellbinding embrace. But what sets this fragrance apart is its raw, rich, and distinctly resinous presence.
20. Brunello Cucinelli Pour Homme
Fragrance Notes
- Black pepper Madagascar SFE
- Calabrian Bergamot
- Ginger Nigeria SFE
- Juniper Berries
- Cypress
- Angelica Seeds
- Clary Sage
- Ambrox® Super
- Clearwood®
The Vibe: Imagine taking a leisurely stroll through the cypress trees of the Umbrian countryside, basking in the purity of the air and the comforting aroma of freshly cut wood. This fragrance captures that essence, weaving together the crisp freshness of cypress with warm woody undertones. The scent opens with an invigorating blend of hesperidian and spicy notes. As the scent develops, a vibrant cypress accord intensifies, giving way to warm amber notes that infuse the fragrance with a comforting and captivating essence. Crafted in Italy with the utmost attention to detail, this fragrance is a celebration of the sophistication and refinement that define the Brunello Cucinelli brand.
21. Brunello Cucinelli Pour Femme
Fragrance Notes
- Pink Pepper SFE
- Calabrian Bergamot
- Sicilian Mandarin
- Orange Blossom
- Chestnut
- Cedar Wood Atlas & Virginia
- Vetiver Haiti SFE
- Olibanum SFE
- Ambrox® Super
- Musk
The Vibe: Ethereal and elegant. This luminous fragrance embraces a delicate balance of citrus and spicy tones, creating a bright and fresh opening that gently envelops you. As the fragrance settles, you’ll be transported to a creamy, dreamy oasis filled with warm amber tones and musk. The chestnut accord is the icing on the cake, heightening the scent’s sophistication and elegance. Designed and made in Italy, this fragrance exudes luxury and refinement. With soapy and airy aromas, it’s almost like experiencing a day at the spa in a bottle.
Takeaways on Finding Your Perfect Winter Cologne
When searching for your perfect winter fragrance, it’s essential to try out different scents and notes. See which ones work well for you and which ones don’t. Consider the fragrance’s longevity and sillage (how strong the scent projects). You will want to ensure that your fragrance lasts all day, and it’s crucial that the scent doesn’t overpower those around you. You should also consider the setting in which you’ll wear the scent. A fragrance suitable for a night out might not be suitable for the office.
Final Thoughts
Overall, winter is an excellent time to switch things up and add a warming and comforting scent to your fragrance collection. Whether you’re a fan of woody or spicy notes, there’s a winter fragrance out there that’s perfect for you. Remember to consider the longevity and silage of the cologne when searching for your perfect winter scent. By trying out different fragrances and testing the notes, you’ll be able to find the one fragrance that is perfect for you.
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