Top 5 Winter Fragrances

Fragrance marked the beginning of my love affair with the beauty world. There’s something so special about finding a unique amalgamation of scents that can perfectly encapsulate who you are; liken it to finding “the one,” if you will. Perfume is a true luxury item. Like fashion, it is a form of self expression. A fragrance can tell a story, set a mood, and link us back to memories of years gone by.

Although many people will wear the same perfume all year round, I prefer to mix it up depending on the season. What can cause a migraine in summer may utterly enchant you in spring. Below are my top five winter fragrances. Most of them are from the oriental olfactory family, as there’s nothing like a little bit of spice to ignite joy during the frosty months. Share your favourite winter fragrances in the comments section below.

1. GIVENCHY, Hot Couture, EDP

Hot Couture warms the cockles of my heart. It’s the kind of fragrance you can imagine wearing on a romantic winter getaway; a visit to a vineyard, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and sipping on hot chocolate while it’s snowing outside. Bliss.

Notes: raspberry, bergamot, orange, vetiver, magnolia, sandalwood, white musks, amber.

2. JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER, Classique, EDP

2013 marks Classique’s 20^th birthday. There’s a reason why it has been able to stand the test of time; because it is, in short, divine. Classique fits perfectly into the sweet-but-not-too-sweet category, making it a winter staple.

Notes: Orange blossom, bergamot, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, tuberose, ylang ylang, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon.

3. GIORGIO ARMANI, Armani Code For Her, EDP 

I have to admit: what initially drew me to Armani Code was not its beautiful bottle, but the fact that it smells like orange and cinnamon crème brulee. Only better. The more dessert-y fragrances (as they shall henceforth be known) are great to wear in the cooler months because in the heat of summer they can be sickly sweet.

Notes: Bitter orange, sambac jasmine, Italian orange, orange blossom, vanilla, honey.

4. PACO RABANNE, Black XS Pour Elle, EDT 

Black XS has been one of my favourite fragrances since its release in 2007. To me, this is a wintery fragrance because – despite its fruity and floral notes – it is actually quite spicy. It invites you in with initial sweetness, before settling beautifully on your skin with black vanilla. Black XS is definitely a scent that will warm you from the inside out.

Notes: Rose-bay, cranberry, tamarind, rose, cocoa blossom, black violet, patchouli, black vanilla.

5. GIVENCHY, Ange ou Demon, EDP 

Ange ou Démon is best described as being deliciously sensual. This is definitely a fragrance to be saved for a special winter night out. I don’t know what it is about this perfume, but it just makes you feel like anything could happen.

Notes: Thyme, mandarin, saffron, ylang ylang, lily, orchid, vanilla, oak, rosewood, tonka bean. 

Image: lagaleriedelinstant.com