Get 15% off your first order Sign up for email exclusives Earn Cult Status Points
Get up to 15% OFF your first haul with code FIRST15
BEAUTY TRENDS

THE BEST WINTER FRAGRANCES TO GET COSY WITH

A image of Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace fragrance and candle sat in front of fire wood on a orange background.

Scents are a powerful thing. Linked to various memories and emotions all it takes is one spritz of your favourite fragrance to take you back to an exact moment in time. 

Essential for setting the scene as the colder climes settle in, the best winter fragrances evoke comfort and cosiness. So, whether you’re snuggling up on the sofa (hot chocolate in hand), or dancing the night away dressed in head-to-toe sparkles, we’ve rounded up the best winter fragrances to usher in and embrace the frosty forecast ahead.  

THE BEST WINTER FRAGRANCES  

  1. Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette 
  2. Jo Loves Black Cashmeran & Tonka Eau de Parfum 
  3. Memo Paris Iberian Leather Eau de Parfum 
  4. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum 
  5. Fugazzi Fragrances Goudh  
  6. Jo Malone London Ginger Biscuit Eau de Cologne  
  7. The House of Creed Aventus Cologne 
  8. Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Eau de Cologne 
  9. Hermès' Eau d'Orange Verte Eau de Cologne 
  10. Fracdacric Malle Cologne Indelebile Eau de Parfum 
 

BEST WINTER PERFUMES 

Embracing the smouldering scent of a log-lit fire crackling away on a winter’s evening, Maison Margiela’s Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette holds the title of the best winter fragrance for good reason. Reminiscent of fresh firewood, it fuses the earthy notes of chestnut accord, gaïac wood oil and cade oil with sweet red berries and cashmeran. Now, that’s what we call pure bliss… 

Top notes: pink peppers, orange flower absolute, clove oil 

Heart notes: chestnut accord, gaïac wood oil, cade oil  

Base notes: vanilla accord, Peru balsam resinoid 

SHOP ALL MAISON MARGIELA >>> 

Celebrating the thrill of discovery, Jo Loves Black Cashmeran & Tonka Eau de Parfum pays homage to founder Jo Malone’s treasured time spent in Dubai. Embracing bold, new adventures it combines spicy ginger with the warmth of cardamon, tonka and black cashmeran. Juxtaposing darkness with light, it’s an olfactory offering designed to shine once the sun goes down.  

Top notes: orange, ginger, cardamon  

Heart notes: rum, tonka bean  

Base notes: cedarwood, cashmeran  

SHOP ALL JO LOVES >>>

Inspired by the nobility, strength and valour of the Lion, Memo Paris’ Iberian Leather Eau de Parfum is the best winter fragrance for your seasonal soirees. Lingering all night long, this smoky, leathery aroma marries florals (we’re talking everything from iris and lily of the valley to rose and jasmine) with dark spices, saffron and vanilla. Mysterious yet oh so tempting, it’s destined to reign supreme in any scent wardrobe.    

Top notes: saffron accord, rosemary essence, cinnamon essence madagascar 

Heart notes: iris concrete, coriander essence, carrot seed essence  

Base notes: leather accord, cedarwood atlas essence, agarwood essence 

SHOP ALL MEMO PARIS >>>

A famed fragrance designed to brighten up the greyest of days, Le Labo’s Santal 33 Eau de Parfum brings warmth throughout the colder months. Paying homage to the indigo-blue night skies of the American West, this alluring aroma melds cardamon with iris and violet before igniting the formula with smoking wood. Think: open fire, drifts of smoke and a sensual sign off for your after-hours events.   

Top notes: violet, accord, cardamom 

Heart notes: iris, papyrus, ambrox 

Base notes: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood 

SHOP ALL LE LABO >>>

Inviting you into a world where opulence meets mystique, Fugazzi Fragrances’ Goudh exudes an aura of effortless elegance, making it the ultimate scent for those who dare to stand out. Enriched with one of the richest ingredients – yes, we’re talking about oud, of course – it mixes sweet saffron with leather undertones, offering a fine fragrance that lingers long after you’ve left the room.  

Top notes: muguet, pamplemousse, mandarin, sambac jasmin 

Heart notes: ambergris, musk, leather, indonesian patchouli, black current, bulgarian rose 

Base notes: oudh, vetivert java, indian sandalwood, benzoin 

SHOP ALL FUGAZZI FRAGRANCES >>> 

BEST WINTER COLOGNES  

We can’t talk about the best winter fragrances without spotlighting Jo Malone London’s Ginger Biscuit Eau de Cologne. Treating your senses to the smell of just-baked biscuits, this seasonal sensation is filled with a recipe of all your favourite festive spices. Infused with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cameral, we would go as far to say it’s almost good enough to eat.  We suggest pairing it with a holiday knit, cup of cocoa and your go-go Christmas movie – we’re thinking Home Alone, how about you?  

Top notes: ginger 

Heart notes: roasted hazelnut  

Base notes: tonka bean  

SHOP ALL JO MALONE LONDON >>> 

A winter cologne for the traditionalist, The House of Creed’s Aventus Cologne is a lighter and fresher take on the brand's signature Aventus scent. Opening with a fruity and aromatic burst of spicy ginger, zesty mandarin and tangy pink pepper, the olfactory offering finishes with a sweetened sign off – thanks to the addition of creamy sandalwood and smoky vetiver. Just as charming as it is crisp, it’s ideal for evening dinners and wholesome walks alike.  

Top notes: pink pepper, ginger, mandarin, bergamot 

Heart notes: vetiver, patchouli, pineapple  

Base notes: birch, styrax, musk  

SHOP ALL THE HOUSE OF CREED >>> 

Gracing you with some winter sun (no passport, necessary), Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Intensa Eau de Cologne calls on Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon for sultry freshness. What’s more, housed in an Art Deco-inspired bottle, it’s not only a treat for your senses but is primed to take pride position on your vanity table too. 

Top notes: cardamom, calabrian bergamot, sicilian lemon, ginger 

Heart notes: myrtle, artemisia, neroli 

Base notes: leather accord, cedarwood, patchouli, benzoin, musk 

SHOP ALL ACQUA DI PARMA >>> 

As fresh as the smell of morning dew, Hermès' Eau d'Orange Verte Eau de Cologne is the brand’s first ever fragrance. Dreamt up in 1979 by Françoise Caron, it integrates moss, mint and spicy patchouli for a green finish that enlivens the senses. Light yet complex, this signature scent takes simple ingredients and turns them into something exquisite – without being too overwhelming.  

Top notes: orange, lemon, mandarin 

Heart notes: mint, basil, geranium 

Base notes:  oakmoss, patchouli, amber  

SHOP ALL HERMES >>> 

A scent with two faces – innocence on one side and temptation on the other – Fracdacric Malle Cologne Indelebile Eau de Parfum leaves those around you guessing. While its notes of lemon, bergamot, rosemary and orange blossom feels fresh and pure for your daytime appearances, the white amber and musk undertones keeps them intrigued as you enter your after-hour engagements.  

Top notes: bergamot, orange blossom  

Heart notes: jasmine, tuberose 

Base notes: musk, white amber   

SHOP ALL FREDERIC MALLE >>>

THE BEST WINTER FRAGRANCES FAQS 

Which scent is best for winter?

While there are no rules when it comes to your best winter fragrances, there are particular offerings that evoke warmth and earthiness, reminiscent of cosier days. Woody notes of cedarwood and sandalwood are typically most popular during the colder season, along with spicy accents such as cinnamon, ginger and cardamon.    

How to find a winter fragrance?

Finding your best winter fragrance is all about selecting scents that evoke warmth, comfort and add a touch of richness to complement the colder weather. To do this simply follow the below: 

  • Consider warm and cosy notes: including spices, tonka bean, vanilla and amber. 
  • Opt for woody elements: such as sandalwood, cedarwood, oud and vetiver. 
  • Explore gourmand scents: like chocolate, caramel and coffee. 
  • Consider intensity and longevity: in the winter you need your fragrances to have staying power as colder air can result in faster fading of scents.  

Do winter fragrances last longer?

In short yes, the best winter fragrances can last longer. However, it’s not because the fragrance itself is inherently longer lasting in colder weather, it's about how cold temperatures interact with the scent – in addition to how your skin behaves in winter. For example, your skin tends to produce less sweat and oil in colder, drier climates, meaning the perfume can stay on your skin longer. In contrast to the warmer months where sweat and oils can break down the fragrance more quickly. 

Et voila, now you know the best winter fragrances, it’s time to discover your new seasonal scent and create everlasting memories you can be reminded of with just a single spritz.  

SHOP ALL FRAGRANCES >>> 
Trifonia Asmar
Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

Related Posts