15 Best Winter Perfumes for a Warm and Cozy Season
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Photo: Maison Margiela
With the winter chill in the air, there’s no better time to spritz on a cozy, comforting scent. It’s true that fragrance can be a nostalgic experience, taking us to warm nights by the fire, snowy winter scapes or the sweetness of a hot cup of cocoa. To help you find your signature winter scent, I’ve curated a list of the 15 best winter perfumes that will make you feel warm and cozy all season long. Whether you're a fan of spicy or gourmand, musky, or floral, there's a winter scent just for you. Continue reading to discover the must-shop winter fragrances that will have everyone asking what you’re wearing.
Best Winter Perfumes for 2024
Best woody: Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
Best everyday: Glossier You Doux
Best warm: Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille
Best vanilla: Diptyque Eau Duelle
Best musky: Narciso Rodriguez Musc Noir Rose
Best floral: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Le Parfum
Best gourmand: L'Artisan Parfumeur Noir Exquis
Best Woody Winter Perfume: Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace is a comforting choice that goes viral year after year (and for good reason). Just like its name says, this fragrance smells like a cozy evening by a crackling fire with notes of chestnuts, smoky clove oil, and sweet vanilla. It’s warm, woody and oh-so-comforting—I’m even packing this scent along for my upcoming ski trip in the French Alps! For fans of warm and spicy scents, you definitely won’t regret adding this cult-favorite fragrance to your perfume collection this winter.
Price: $85 | Type: Eau de Toilette | Size: 1 oz | Key Notes: Clove Oil, Chestnut Accord, Vanilla Accord | Highlights: Made in France
Best Affordable Winter Perfume: Dossier Woody Chestnut
If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative to By the Fireplace, I highly recommend checking out Dossier’s Woody Chestnut. It offers a similar smoky, warm vibe that's perfect for cocooning season. Dossier's fragrances are inspired by high-end brands, so you can enjoy luxurious scents without overspending. I’ve been wearing Dossier perfumes for years, and I’m always impressed by their recreations, including their take on YSL Libre, one of my all-time favorites.
Price: $29 | Type: Eau de Toilette | Size: 1.7 oz | Key Notes: Cloves, Chestnut, Vanilla | Highlights: Cruelty-Free, Clean
Best Amber Winter Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir is the quintessential amber fragrance for winter. Every time I sample this perfume, it instantly reminds me of a cozy evening by the fireplace—warm and luxurious. With notes of amber, vanilla, Tonka bean, musk and cedar, it really has all of the elements that make for a comforting winter scent. If you’re in search of a long-lasting fragrance that will take you from chilly days to cozy nights, Grand Soir is an opulent and attractive choice. You truly can’t go wrong with any of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s exquisite fragrances.
Price: $155 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 1.2 oz | Key Notes: Cistus Labdanum, Benzoin, Vanilla Accord, Ambery Accord | Highlights: Made in France
Best Everyday Winter Perfume: Glossier You Doux
If you’re looking for an easy, everyday winter fragrance, try one of Glossier’s latest releases, You Doux. Just like the original You perfume, it has a soft “skin scent” vibe. Notes of sweet violet, woody palo santo, and musky ambrox make it feel like a cozy sweater in fragrance form. Unlike traditional winter perfumes that can be heavy or intense, this one is light, warm, and perfectly balanced—comforting without overwhelming. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the original You perfume, that I’m hoping to try this newer version of the scent.
Price: $78 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 1.7 oz | Key Notes: Sweet Violet, Palo Santo, Ambrox
Best Warm Winter Perfume: Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille
Guerlain perfumes are some of the most underrated. I feel like they aren’t as popular in the U.S. as they are in France, but they really are some of the best. One standout from the French perfume brand is Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille, a stunning woody-amber fragrance that’s on my wish list. With its rich and warm vanilla, accented by hints of benzoin, rum, and cedarwood, it’s the perfect scent to warm you up on the coldest days. While it might be a bit harder to track down, snagging a bottle means you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd.
Price: $395 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 3.4 oz | Key Notes: Vanilla, Cedarwood, Rum, Benzoin, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang | Highlights: Made in France
Best Vanilla Winter Perfume: Diptyque Eau Duelle
Vanilla is a classic winter scent, and Diptyque Eau Duelle is the perfect choice for any self-proclaimed “vanilla girl”. This fragrance goes beyond your typical vanilla, featuring a unique blend of spices and incense that creates a warm, nostalgic, and slightly sensual vibe. If you’re a vanilla fan in search of something a bit more refined for the colder months, Eau Duelle deserves a spot in your winter perfume lineup. While looking for a new winter fragrance at Galeries Lafayette, I tested several scents from Diptyque, and this one was hands down my favorite!
Price: $230 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 2.3 oz | Key Notes: Vanilla, Pink Peppercorn, Cypriol, Incense | Highlights: Made in France
Best Musky Winter Perfume: Narciso Rodriguez Musc Noir Rose For Her
If you love the richness of musk, Musc Noir Rose by Narciso Rodriguez is a must-try for the colder months. This musky floral smells effortlessly feminine with notes of warm musk, juicy plum and soft rose. It’s the kind of perfume that will wrap you in warmth without being overpowering—truly a cozy yet elegant choice for winter. Francophiles will especially enjoy this fragrance that went viral last year for being the scent that ‘every French girl wears’. French women certainly love their perfume, and this one smells exactly like something you’d catch a chic Parisian wearing.
Price: $144 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 3.4 oz | Key Notes: Bergamot, Musc, Tuberose, Vanilla, Suede Leather, Patchouli | Highlights: Made in France
Best Oud Winter Perfume: Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá
For the oud lovers out there, Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá is an exotic, woody fragrance you’ll want to add to your winter perfume collection. With notes of passion fruit, patchouli, saffron, and leather, it strikes the perfect balance of fruitiness and depth that’s certain to brighten up those dreary days. Oud fragrances are a staple for the winter, this one is bound to keep you feeling warm and cozy all season long.
Price: $340 | Type: Extrait de Parfum | Size: 1.7 oz | Key Notes: Leather, Passion Fruit, Vanilla, Saffron, Benzoin, Rose, Patchouli | Highlights: Made in France
Best Oriental Winter Perfume: Dior Ambre Nuit
Dior Ambre Nuit is one of my favorite perfumes from the French luxury brand. To me, it’s the perfect balance of dark and light aromas. This fragrance opens with notes of bergamot, pink pepper and rose, then goes more oriental: amber, woody, and slightly gourmand. It’s delightful, rich, and warm—reminiscent of a cozy evening by the fire and curling up in your warmest flannel sheets. If you’re seeking an elegant winter scent that embodies everything to love about the season, Ambre Nuit is it.
Price: $165 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 1.35 oz | Key Notes: Amber, Rose, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Pink Pepper
Best Floral Winter Perfume: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Le Parfum
Floral scents might be synonymous with spring, but there are some excellent options out there that you can wear during the colder months. I’ve been a longtime fan of the Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum—it’s one of my favorite everyday perfumes that you can truly wear all year long. If you love this scent as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to try YSL’s Libre Le Parfum, a more luxurious, warmer, and spicier interpretation of the classic eau de parfum. It features notes of lavender, orange blossom and saffron accord that make for a warm and sophisticated winter bouquet.
Price: $155 | Type: Parfum | Size: 1.7 oz | Key Notes: Saffron Accord, Orange Flower, Absolute Diva Lavender Heart
Best Fruity Winter Perfume: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Over Red
For a sweet and seductive winter cocktail, look no further than Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Over Red. This fruity, spicy blend will have you smelling like a sultry cherry treat with notes of cherry, coffee and vanilla that gourmand lovers will adore. Although I’m a big fan of the original Black Opium (who isn’t?), I don’t wear it since it’s such a popular scent. So whenever YSL releases a new twist on it, I’m always excited to try something that feels fresh and a little more unique.
Price: $95 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 1 oz | Key Notes: Cherry Accord, Coffee Accord, Vanilla Infusion
Best Fresh Winter Perfume: Maison Louis Marie No.09 Vallée de Farney
It can be difficult to find a fresh scent for winter that doesn’t lean too aquatic or citrusy, but Maison Louis Marie’s No.09 Vallée de Farney gets it just right. With its earthy, woody base, it’s wearable in winter and seasons to come. It opens with a vibrant blend of grapefruit, orange, and a hint of black pepper, balanced beautifully by warm cedarwood and patchouli. Plus, since it’s a perfume oil, it lasts longer on the skin—ideal for those cold days when you want a scent that stays with you. If you’re into clean, woody scents, this just might be your new go-to.
Price: $65 | Type: Perfume Oil | Size: 0.5 oz | Key Notes: Grapefruit, Cedarwood, Patchouli | Highlights: Cruelty-Free, Clean
Best Gourmand Winter Perfume: L'Artisan Parfumeur Noir Exquis
For the gourmand girls, L'Artisan Parfumeur Noir Exquis might just be your new winter favorite. could be your next winter obsession. With notes of glazed chestnuts, candied orange, and maple syrup layered over rich coffee, this fragrance will have you smelling like a French patisserie. If you’re looking to experiment with gourmand scents, winter is the best season to try sweeter, lick-off-your-skin scents. Noir Exquis is one of the best high-quality gourmand blends out there that’s still elegant and totally cozy.
Price: $200 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 3.4 oz | Key Notes: Glazed Chestnut, Coffee, Maple Syrup
Best Night Out Winter Perfume: Kilian Paris Smoking Hot
Kilian Paris Smoking Hot is the epitome of spicy, seductive fragrances. This warm, smoky blend of Kentucky tobacco absolute, apple-flavored shisha tobacco and intense bourbon vanilla makes it one of the sexiest fragrances on this list. Evoking everything from European clubs to Eastern hookah lounges, Smoking Hot was truly destined to be worn on a winter night out. If you want to smell like a spicy, caramelized treat, this might just be your next evening perfume for the cold season.
Tip: If you’d rather not shell out nearly $300 for a winter perfume, consider opting for the travel size. I always choose the smaller bottle for evening scents since I don’t wear them as frequently. It saves me a lot of money, and I get to try a new night-out scent every season.
Price: $295 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 1.7 oz | Key Notes: Hookah Flavour, Tobacco Absolute, Bourbon Vanilla Pure Jungle Essence
Best Budget-Friendly Winter Perfume: Zara Sand Desert At Sunset
If you're looking for a winter fragrance that won’t break the bank, Zara Sand Desert At Sunset is truly a hidden gem, and one that I've tested myself! It has notes of vanilla, coconut, and tonka bean that make it a warm, sensual scent. I reach for this fragrance to bring a bit of comfort on those dreary winter days at home. This scent is also an incredible dupe for Angels' Share By Kilian, an amber vanilla fragrance that's gorgeous for the holiday season. I’ve personally tried both perfumes and can attest that they really smell alike!
Price: $35.90 | Type: Eau de Parfum | Size: 3.4 oz | Key Notes: Incense, Orange, Cinnamon, Tonka Bean, Chocolate, Cedar, Iris
Shop Winter Perfumes
How to Choose a Winter Perfume
1. Stick with Seasonal Notes
For a fragrance that is truly seasonal, you’ll want to focus on perfumes that feature warm, comforting notes like vanilla, amber, musk, leather, and patchouli. These base notes give a rich foundation to your perfume that is perfect for the winter months.
Bring in some depth with woody notes like cedarwood, oud and sandalwood—all grounding and warm. To spice things up, look for cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and other spicy notes that feel particularly festive.
If you’re a fan of sweet, edible scents, notes like caramel, chocolate, and praline will make you smell like a decadent dessert. Myrrh and frankincense are another two notes that smell like winter—a smoky, sensual vibe that you’ll love for a night out.
The perfumes I’ve included on the list above feature these very notes, so whichever one you choose, you’ll smell amazing this winter!
2. Choose the Right Formula
To ensure your scent stays with you throughout the day and into the evening, look for eau de parfum or parfum formulations. These have higher concentrations of fragrance oils, which means they’ll smell more intensely and last longer on the skin.
During the colder months, your perfume is less likely to evaporate quickly due to lower temperatures. If you prefer body mists and sprays, winter is the best season to wear them since they’ll hold up better than in the heat. However, they won’t be quite as strong as an eau de parfum.
Personally, I love to switch it up depending on my day. If I’m working at home, I’ll reach for a body mist or eau de toilette that I can easily reapply. For a long day or night out, I’ll go for an eau de parfum that I know will stay with me.
3. Test the Perfume on Your Skin
Perfume can smell completely different on your skin than it does in the bottle, all thanks to your unique body chemistry. To get the true feel of a fragrance, always try it directly on your skin (not just on paper testers). I like to spritz it on my wrist and let it sit for at least a few minutes to see how it develops. You'll get a better sense of how the scent interacts with you, and whether it's a good fit.
4. Sample Before You Commit
If I’m eyeing a perfume (especially if it’s expensive), I always ask for a sample to try before committing. Some fragrances that others swear by don’t always work with my skin, so testing it out is a must!
Sometimes I’ll even purchase the travel-size version just so I can test them over a few weeks and for different occasions to see if I’m truly in love with a scent.
With the holidays here, many beauty retailers and fragrance brands have put out perfume sample sets that allow you to try a range of scents. This could be an excellent time to find your signature winter scent!
5. Consider the Occasion
Consider the occasions when you'll wear your winter perfume. Are you looking for a day-to-day scent, something for special evenings, or a fragrance that's perfect for holiday gatherings? Different perfumes can suit various occasions, so it's a good idea to choose a fragrance that complements your lifestyle.
From warm, spicy notes to fruity and gourmand favorites, there is a winter perfume on this list for everyone. I hope this list sparks some inspiration as you find your next seasonal signature scent.
Which winter perfume are you wearing this season? Let me know in the comments below.
