My winter perfume picks

As winter rolls around I’ve rearranged my fragrance collection so my stronger, more full bodied (is that a term for perfume or just wine haha) perfumes are at the forefront. During the colder months I’m looking for something a bit heavier that can cut through the chilly winter air. I’m looking for oud, vanilla or amber bases. Something that feels warm and cosy. I also enjoy wearing sweeter fragrances during the winter, whereas in the warmer months I might find them cloying.

Here is what I’ve been reaching for this winter so far, and what I’d like to know is, do you have seasonal preferences or do you wear the same perfume year-round?

My winter favourites – so far

Diptyque Eau Capitale Eau de Parfum

Eau Capitale is a rose and patchouli perfume with a citrus top note from the bergamot. It is sometimes compared to Frederic Malle’s Portrait of a Lady. I’ve tried both and find Portrait of a Lady to be warmer and spicier from the incense notes, whereas Eau Capitale is a bit greener and fresh spicy from the pink peppercorns. Eau Capitale is a bit more wearable for me as it’s fresher. Having said that, it’s still a strong perfume which makes it ideal for the cooler months. Diptyque’s Eau Capitale projects well and is long lasting on my skin and I can smell it on my clothes the next day. Very Parisian chic.

Dolce & Gabbana The Only One Intense EDP

I’m so sad this is being discontinued but it’s still available to buy online. This is often touted as the affordable alternative to Armani Prive’s Rouge Malachite. While it is similar, I don’t think it’s a complete dupe. Dolce & Gabbana’s The Only One Intense is a white floral perfume with jasmine and orange blossom, and a base of vanilla, cashmere wood and cedar. It also has coconut which gives it a bit of a tropical feel but the vanilla and woody base lends itself well to wearing during the colder months.

Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud Cologne Intense

In the past I’ve shied away from Jo Malone’s fragrances. I feel they have the reputation of being poor performers, with short longevity and no projection. Having said that, I’ve found their Cologne Intense line performs well on me, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried from that line so far (Velvet Rose and Oud, Myrrh and Tonka, Jasmine Sambac and Marigold). Velvet Rose and Oud is a sweet jammy rose perfume with a praline, clove and oud base. If you’re a bit apprehensive about ouds you needn’t be for this fragrance. It’s very soft and not “dirty” at all. This is beautiful but definitely a winter pick for me because of the scent profile and sweetness.

Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum

YSL’s Libre has caused quite the storm and I’m ashamed to say I only tried them a few months ago. I feel like Libre Le and Libre Intense will also be good to wear in the winter months because of the amped up vanilla note and introduction of ginger and honey but I like the versatility of the original Libre. I think YSL Libre EDP can be worn year-round as it’s quite aromatic and the lavender note lends itself nicely to warmer months, but it performs really well and I like wearing vanilla based perfumes in the winter.

What perfumes are you wearing this winter?

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