There’s something about winter that completely changes the way I experience fragrance. As soon as the temperature drops, I immediately lean towards scents that feel smooth, deep and cocooning from first spritz. They have the tendency to almost melt into your skin and stay with you the entire day.
Vanilla is always one of the first notes I begin craving in colder weather, but not the overly sweet, sugary, headache-inducing kind. I love deeper, more sophisticated vanillas layered with amber, woods or soft spice. I can’t get enough of fragrances that feel creamy, comforting and subtly sensual rather than overbearing.
The fragrance sitting front and centre on my perfume shelf this season? Montblanc Signature Elixir EDP. With its warm vanilla, ambery depth and creamy, woody undertones, it captures everything I love about winter fragrances; it’s rich and oh-so-elegant without ever feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of scent that lingers beautifully on knitwear and scarves, making it feel perfectly suited to colder days and cosy evenings. *swoon*
Ruby red jewel or Montblanc Signature Elixir? Same thing.
Buy it directly from Bash here.
Amber is another winter fragrance note obsession of mine. It adds richness and warmth to a perfume in a way that instantly feels cosy and luxe, especially on rainy days or wintry nights. Paired with sandalwood, musk or tonka bean, it creates that addictive “your skin, but warmer” effect that feels perfect for this time of year.
Woody notes also come into their own during winter. Sandalwood, cashmere woods and subtle smoky accords give fragrances depth and softness, making them feel elegant, intimate and incredibly wearable.
And then there’s beautiful musk — clean, soft and skin-like. I naturally gravitate towards fragrances that feel soft, intimate and enveloping, rather than summery scents that are bright or sparkling. The kind of scents that become woven into your mood, your wardrobe and your everyday rituals so effortlessly.
One of my biggest winter fragrance tips? Apply perfume straight after moisturising. Hydrated skin helps fragrance last longer and allows richer notes like vanilla, amber and woods to develop more beautifully throughout the day. I also love lightly misting fragrance onto scarves, coats and hats, as heavier fabrics tend to hold scent exceptionally well.
Another trick? Don’t be afraid of deeper fragrances during colder months. Winter is the perfect time to embrace perfumes that might feel too rich in summer, whether that’s smoky vanilla, warm spice, creamy woods or resinous amber blends.
For me, winter fragrance is less about making a statement and more about creating a feeling or memory. My daughter’s birthday falls right in that beautiful autumn-to-winter shift so I love associating a fragrance with this time of year. Certain scents, like Montblanc’s Signature Elixir will instantly bring back the feeling of crisp mornings, layered knits and boots and most importantly, special birthday celebrations.
Do you love this time of year as much as I do?
Let me know in the comments.