On the coldest winter days, the warmest olfactory creations are the perfect allies to envelop us in a cosy and comforting atmosphere.
From sweet vanilla accords to woody nuances, hints of amber and musk or spices are some of the distinctive facets of this type of perfumes that unfold all their charm in the colder season.
Counteracting the cold temperatures outside with a scent that conveys warmth is associated with the strong link between our sense of smell and emotions and memories.
At this time of year we seek to escape the cold and create cosier atmospheres, which is why we tend to go for fragrances that help to enhance that sense of security and well-being, and can even improve our mood.
An added bonus is that intense fragrances tend to have a better hold on the skin and therefore last longer. Deep notes perfectly complement the texture of warm clothing, such as warm jumpers or cosy scarves, thus enhancing their trail.
Ingredients that are associated with warm perfumes are often part of the base notes of the olfactory pyramid:
- Vanilla: its soft, creamy sweetness conveys a warm sensuality.
- Amber: velvety and slightly sweet, often combined with woody notes.
- Sandalwood, cedarwood or guaiac wood: rich woods bring a warm, earthy depth.
- Musk: the presence of musk can soften other notes, adding sensuality and warmth to the composition, while increasing its staying power.
- Resins: such as benzoin and tolu resin provide softness and sweetness, with balsamic and comforting nuances.
- Spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper add a warm and spicy touch.
- Leather: associated above all with masculine fragrances, the soft and supple texture of this material translates into an enveloping and cosy sensation.
- Tobacco: the smoky, woody nuance that this note brings to the composition contributes to the warmth of the fragrance.
- Tonka bean: It brings a vanilla-like sweetness, but with almondy and even spicy nuances.
Discover some of the latest perfumery additions to this warm trend that is a hit in the winter months.
My Euphoria, Calvin Klein
Inspired by an intense sense of euphoria, this composition revolves around a sweet and spicy flambé orchid. Its addictive tuberose accord contrasts with smoky black sesame. The base notes feature a potent blend of oud, bamboo and sandalwood for a mysterious woody facet.
Rouge Chaotique, Byredo
A prelude of precious saffron underlines the juicy freshness of blackcurrant and bergamot with a hint of spicy leather. The heart concentrates the velvety gourmand notes, combining syrupy plums with the toasted sweetness of praline. The animalic sensuality of oud rounds out the olfactory score with patchouli and papyrus.
Burberry Goddess, Burberry
Vanilla is the star of Burberry's latest launch. The perfumer responsible for this powerful juice, Amandine Clerc Marie, explains that she sought to offer a new kind of olfactory experience through this precious ingredient. To do so, she used three different extraction processes: on the one hand, an infusion, which offers the brightest, woodiest vanilla; on the other, Firgood, also known as vanilla caviar, reveals a sweeter, richer, more animalic side; and finally, the dark, intense vanilla absolute enhances the fragrance with a mysterious, milky nuance. The essence of lavender, earthy notes of cocoa and ginger roots create a perfect aromatic balance.
Shalimar Millesime Iris, Guerlain
A declaration of love for the Maison's legendary creation that inspired it. The Iris variant celebrates the lily in an intimate, enveloping and sensual composition. The powdery touch of the central ingredient is combined with bergamot, the emblematic note of Shalimar and Guerlinade. Like a jewel, it reveals its olfactory complexity alongside rose and white musks.
Queen of the Night, The Merchant of Venice
Exclusive and luxurious, this concentrated Eau de Parfum invites you on a mystical journey through the precious and distinctive scents of the bazaars of ancient Egypt. A sumptuous and opulent creation in which fiery saffron combines with delicate floral notes of blue lotus and the warm essence of cinnamon. Amber, kyphi and incense evoke the enchanting scent of exotic resins typical of temples. Notes of sandalwood, tonka bean and myrrh complete the fragrance, creating a deep, seductive base that lingers on the skin for hours.
Myrrhe Mystère, Tom Ford
Provocative, vibrant and full of mystery, Myrrhe Mystère manages to elevate one of the most exotic, rare and iconic scents in perfumery, enriching it with the sweetness of vanilla and the woody sensuality of sandalwood.
Phantom Parfum, Rabanne
Created by the perfumers Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion, the new version of Phantom is a new version of exceptional intensity. A captivating and sensual score with notes of energising lavender, combined with the sweet warmth of vanilla. In the base, earthy and woody notes of vetiver and musk complete this enigmatic creation.
Polo Oud, Ralph Lauren
Woody, spicy and slightly smoky. Rich, syrupy oud is the centrepiece of this intoxicating fragrance that unfolds with irresistible notes of pink pepper and sage, sweetened with orange blossom, rose and cinnamon oil. Its powerful oud base is enhanced by patchouli, guaiac wood, vetiver and incense.
The Omniscient Mr. Thompson, Penhaligon's
The original bottle, crowned by the head of a majestic elephant, conceals an original and seductive composition with smoky touches in which the sumptuousness of orris blends with an infusion of mild spices, including pink pepper. This blend is joined by velvety sesame milk and sensual vanilla bean to create an addictive and comforting juice.
L'Homme Idéal Platine Privé, Guerlain
The irresistible green almond accord is given a modern twist in this reinterpretation of L'Homme Idéal. For this, the iconic amaretto note becomes bitter and powerful and is sublimated by the essence of grapefruit and pink berries. Almond merges with the strength of Haitian vetiver, infusing the blend with liveliness and elegance, culminating in a touch of musk, which adds a touch of warmth.
Guerlain
