They say winter is the most magical time of the year, although I would have to argue otherwise. In addition to slippery sidewalks and static-charged hair, there’s also chapped lips, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), crowded subway stations, and dealing with poor gift-wrapping skills.
But peel off all the heavy layers that make you sweat on your commute and take a moment to relax, and maybe you’ll feel a little of that cozy, festive vibe that all those holiday movies promise you. And if you ask us, reaching for the right scent definitely helps.
From Maison Francis Kurkdjian to Kayali, the biggest fragrance houses have been busy creating perfumes that feel like the comforting hug we’ve been longing for all season – and whether you can’t get enough of cozy vanilla notes or cool winter floral notes is more your thing, there is something for every budget.
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Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 Intense Eau de Parfum
“A perfume with this name is a far cry from the musky, spicy scents I usually gravitate towards. However, Kayali has previously impressed me with another sweet concoction, Burning Cherry, so I was curious to try out this latest offering. Yum Boujee Marshmallow leaves a first impression that is nothing like its name. The scent is bright, zesty and decidedly fruity and floral, relying heavily on top notes of freesia, lemon and apple. It’s almost a little too intense for my nose, but luckily it has a wonderfully dry finish. The base notes are warm and musky, balanced with a touch of sweetness that is really wearable. Here it lives up to its marshmallow name, supported by notes of whipped cream and vanilla. This new launch is reminiscent of the cute body sprays from my teenage years, but is much more elegant and sophisticated (and much less intrusive). At the end of the day, I can still smell it on my clothes.” — Esther Newman, affiliate writer
Business Sephora
Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81 Eau de Parfum Intense, $, available at Sephora
DS & Durga Big Sur Eucalyptus Eau de Parfum
“I shared Big Sur Eucalyptus with my partner; It’s the ultimate genderless scent. Initially it’s a burst of fresh, woody, green crunch thanks to eucalyptus, rosemary and wet wood, but as it penetrates the skin it takes on a warm and spicy feel with hints of cardamom and dry leaves. It’s the perfect balance between a breath of fresh winter air and snuggling up in an oversized hoodie. I also love the chic bottle that takes pride of place on my nightstand.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Business Nordstrom
DS & Durga Big Sur Eucalyptus Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Zara Shades Of Lust Eau de Parfum
“It was my first time trying a Zara fragrance and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Not only does Shades Of Lust come in an intricate glass bottle that looks way more expensive than it actually is (and bears a striking resemblance to Guerlain perfumes), but the longevity and impact are incredible for the $23 price tag. Just one spray on my wrists fills my nose – and my immediate surroundings – with a delicious scent of white peach and orange blossom that only fades after a few hours. Anyone who likes fruity-floral scents has come to the right place, especially if you’re already a fan of peach-scented scents like Parfums de Marly Valaya or Kilian Paris Good Girl Gone Bad.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Business Zara
Zara Shades Of Lust Eau de Parfum, $, available at Zara
Jo Malone Tanne & Artemisia Cologne
“To my nose, this perfume appears neither feminine nor masculine. The woody note of fir is the star here, and there is a faint hint of something minty and bitter in the background. I don’t normally like patchouli as I find it too masculine for my taste, but here it’s subtle. This scent reminds me of the holidays as it is warm but not spicy. Don’t expect strong staying power, but I think this works perfectly here. It stays close to the skin giving it a very intimate and pleasant scent. If this had an intense projection, it would be too intrusive (even off-putting). Overall, this scent reminds me of hugging someone you love while wearing a heavy sweater.” — Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer
Business Blue Mercury
Jo Malone Fir & Artemisia Cologne, $, available at Blue Mercury
Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
“At first sniff, Retrospect actually gives the impression of a grandma scent, but hear me out: it’s chic, like you’ve just discovered her vintage Chanel jacket hiding in the back of the closet and her perfume is still clinging to it Material . It’s familiar and comforting. First the pear top notes hit you, and while this initial blast is strong, it dries down and starts to smell more unique and skin-like. This is where it starts to glow. The floral notes (jasmine, iris and rose) shine through and aldehydes cut through them with a sharp, clean swing. The notes of musk, jasmine and moss then linger for hours, wrapping you in a warm, nostalgic embrace. I love wearing this with knits – there’s just something so calming about it on a chilly winter day.” — Humeara Mohamed, contributing writer
Business Merit
Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, $, available at Merit
Maison Francis Kurkdjian APOM Eau de Parfum
“APOM, which stands for ‘A Part of Me’, is the perfume I turn to whenever the winter blues get to me. I like to think of it as a pent-up ray of sunshine that feels surprisingly appropriate for cold and dreary days. The main characters are ylang-ylang and neroli, both notes that bring back some of my fondest memories of traveling through Southeast Asia (as these types of scents are heavily featured in spa products). The two floral notes are highlighted by orange blossom, creating a fragrance profile that is much more sophisticated than your average floral perfume. Notes of amber and white musk deepen the scent, making it a warmer and more nostalgic experience. The third season of The White Lotus (which happens to be set in Thailand) is at the top of this perfume, and I reach for my bottle whenever I need to channel the rich aunt in me.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Business Nordstrom
Francis Kurkdjian House APOM Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
BDK Parfums Rouge Smoking Eau de Parfum
“From Kayali Burning Cherry to Zara Cherry Smoothie, I am obsessed with cherry perfumes. They are often acidic and syrupy in equal measure, making them much more nuanced than typical fruit scents, which can be overly sugary. On first spritz, BDK’s Rouge Smoking is quite similar to Kayali’s offering thanks to notes of cherry, almondy heliotrope flowers and zesty bergamot, but on the finish it stands out and triumphs. It becomes clean and calming (that’s the white musk, vanilla and cashmere wood) and I’ve never known a scent that adheres to skin and clothing as well as this one. The endurance is incredible. It’s a sexy cherry scent for adults that transcends the seasons but works especially well in winter. I always look forward to injecting it.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Business Neiman Marcus
BDK perfumes Rouge Smoking Eau de Parfum, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum limited edition
“Despite the influx of tourists around the holidays, I really appreciate seeing all the festive decorations around London. One of my favorite walks was along New Bond Street, which is currently decorated with gorgeous Christmas lights in the shape of Chanel No. 5 bottles. Since turning 30, I’ve definitely developed a stronger love for this classic perfume, mostly because of the way the pungent and pungent aldehydes interact with my body’s chemistry to create a luxurious, soapy scent that smells like nothing else . For the holiday season, Chanel has released a special edition No.5 whose bottle is draped in hand-woven silk to create a “snowfall” effect. The fairytale packaging makes it an even more worthy collector’s item for me.” — Venus Wong, senior author
Business Chanel
Chanel No.5 Limited-Edition Eau de Parfum, $, available at Chanel
Jo loves Black Cashmeran and Tonka perfume
“This would be the perfect addition to any winter perfume wardrobe. With spicy cardamom, a hefty dose of ginger and a splash of rum, it’s like a warming masala chai with a piece of dark chocolate on the side – rich but never bitter thanks to the vanilla-like tonka bean that adds a subtle sweetness. Whenever I wear this I feel so powerful.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Business Jo loves
Jo loves Black Cashmeran and Tonka Perfume, $, available at Jo Loves
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