If You Want to Smell Sophisticated and Rich This Winter, Perfumers Recommend Wearing This
I generally want to smell expensive year-round (who doesn't?!), but I'll admit that winter-coded perfumes really corner the market in this area. Juicy, sun-drenched elixirs have their time and place, of course, but a darker, richer scent aligned with the dropping temps tends to have a more refined, opulent vibe. Just take it from perfumers, who predict dense, resinous notes on everyone's necks this season, along with a few "twisted" components you might be surprised to find in a winter perfume roundup.
"People are becoming more adventurous," Paris-based master perfumer Isaac Sinclair tells me. "There’s a desire for an olfactive surprise." The chicest individuals are pushing the envelope on what it means to smell rich, so I consulted the experts on the ultimate winter buying guide. Below, find the 7 categories to commit to memory.
Nocturnal Florals
According to Amandine Pallez, global creative director of Bvlgari Parfums, "Floral fragrances are taking on a more nocturnal character." Think dark, mysterious blooms over the fresh, lilting blends you might gravitate towards during spring and summer. "They possess a profound depth, frequently imbued with ambery or resinous qualities," she adds. If florals are your thing, search for deeper notes like amber, vanilla, or musk for more of a gothic-romance vibe.
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Byredo
Rose of No Man's Land Absolu
Roasted Gourmands
Yes, gourmand fragrances are still having their moment, but according to Sinclair, the edible category is moving away from just desserts. Gone are the days of smelling like you just spent hours roaming a pastry shop: "Coffee, cacao and other fermented, roasted profiles are resonating with people who want richness without the sugar," he shares. " create warmth and depth without tipping into sweetness. Tobacco also adds beautiful complexity."
DSM-Firmenich perfumer Erwan Raguenes agrees on the smoky front, nothing that moodier gourmand profiles with roasted, charred nuances ("Think burnt sugar, toasted hazelnut, or marshmallow layered with oud," he says) are coming out on top. "It’s indulgent, comforting, and warm, but with a sophisticated edge rather than overt sweetness," he adds.
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Abel
Coat Check Eau De Parfum
Jo Malone
English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne
Caramel > Marshmallow
Those innately familiar with the gourmand territory might recall how vanilla became the main character of the fragrance market. Then marshmallow snatched the crown, adding a toasty creaminess that made sweeter blends slightly more elevated. Now? Caramel is the gourmand note to watch.
"After the surge of milky, marshmallow-soft scents, richer edible notes like caramel and dulce de leche are emerging as new lead players, bringing a creamy, textured sweetness that feels warm and winter-ready," says Raguenes. They maintain that toasted quality while adding a rich, salty complexity—a mouthwatering contrast.
