4 Great Holiday Fragrances | Winter Fragrance Guide

by PB Director October 23, 2023

Discover why winter is such a special time for fragrance lovers

Winter is famous for being the time of year to snuggle up next to the fire or spend time with your loved ones, but did you know that it’s also an especially great time of year for wearing fragrances?

What makes the winter weather unique?

It might not be obvious at first, but there are a lot of reasons why winter is such a great time for wearing fragrance.

Not only can certain fragrances last longer in the drier winter air, but the colder temperatures can add a seductive edge to the right kinds of scents, often giving an entirely new dimension to their smell.

Sharper, spicier, and warmer fragrances in particular will benefit especially from the cold, dry air of wintry weather. This effect is pretty stark, and you might be surprised how different these kinds of scents smell depending on the weather and temperature.

Cold air from the winter weather also slows the movement and expansion of very small airborne molecules, including the ones in your favorite fragrances. This allows them to develop and disperse in the air more slowly, subtly changing the way the fragrance notes smell and how they develop in the air.

This means that sharper, more intense fragrances are usually needed during the winter, since they are able to cut through the cold air. Most fragrance lovers will tell you that few things smell as great as a lush winter fragrance worn properly during a frigid winter’s night.

Since winter is such a great time of year for fragrance we’ll explore some of our top winter fragrance choices and explain why each one is a great option that matches the mood, atmosphere, and weather of the season. Let’s get started!

What makes a good winter fragrance?

But first thing’s first: what makes a good winter fragrance a good winter fragrance? There are essentially 3 main things to consider:

Warmth
Intensity
Concentration

Generally speaking, a good winter fragrance is usually a bit more intense and longer lasting than one that's effective for the summer or spring. Another hallmark of most winter fragrances is that they often also have relaxing and cozy base notes like vanilla, amber or musk.

Winter fragrances are designed to contain higher concentrations of essential minerals and oils because they need that extra punch to be strong enough to cut through the thick, cold winter air and to penetrate the many layers of warm clothing that people usually wear during the wintertime. This higher concentration can also give them quite a bit of intensity and longevity compared to spring or summer fragrances.

Since winter fragrances are also usually warm, thick, and sensual, lighter, fresher scents, often evoking the idea of spring or summer, might feel out of place if worn during the colder weather. Keep that in mind when creating your winter scent profile!

Kicking off our list, Ysatis by Givenchy is a classic women’s fragrance from the 1980s known for its impressively bold Chypre Floral scent composition. Ysatis is a great winter fragrance choice for those who appreciate complexity in their scent profile, and its unique combination of woodsy, spicy, and floral notes creates a potent initial burst of flavor that mellows into a rich, opulent base that gets richer as the temperature gets lower.

Fragrance Notes:

Orange Blossom, Coconut, Bergamot, Citrus, Jasmine, Iris, Rose, Honey, Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Patchouli

For a more modern, flexible choice, The Amber Oud Gold Edition by Al Haramain is a well-rounded Amber Vanilla fragrance for both men and women that features a sweet and savory mix of amber, musk, fruit, and vanilla accords. Though it’s a slightly lighter option than Ysatis, its flexibility makes it more adaptable to a wider variety of occasions and styles, while its very thick musk and vanilla notes maintain a cozy flavor. But what really sets AO: Gold Edition apart is its longevity and power - as it easily maintains its captivating scent profile for long periods of time, even in the chilly winter air.

Fragrance Notes:

Bergamot, Melon, Pineapple, Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Sandalwood

An excellent winter fragrance option for the more masculine wearer, Eros by Versace features a high-octane, sporty scent profile that exudes charisma and male bravado. Featuring powerful, earthy top notes of mint and lemon that settle into a silky-smooth base of warm vetiver and lush cedar that cuts its way straight through the winter chill. Since Eros is almost certain to turn heads with its strong projection wherever it's worn, it's the perfect choice to wear during a winter’s night out with the guys.

Fragrance Notes:

Mint, Green Apple, Lemon, Tonka Bean, Geranium, Vanilla, Cedar, Vetiver, Oakmoss

Another powerful and long lasting option for the feminine wearer, Libre Intense by Yves Saint Laurent is a very sensual Amber Fougere fragrance with a huge, enveloping scent profile. Its warm, powerful lavender opening is followed by a mellow vanilla drydown, creating a very graceful style that never loses its elegance or maturity. Exudes a great mix of femininity and durability, creating a versatile fragrance option that retains its delicacy even in the cold winter air.

Fragrance Notes:

Lavender, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Jasmine, Orchid, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Ambergris