Three Hypnotic Scents That Captivate in the Colder Months

Conversation by the fireplace, fine wine in hand. Fleece pajamas and soft cashmere cardigans. Apple cider and the spicy smell of cinnamon candles.

All beautiful images, yes?

And besides these pleasures occurring in fall and winter, they have more in common.

They all involve two things: softness and warmth.

And this is why you should consider switching out your perfume during the “darker” months of the year.

For example, summer’s coconut, lemon, and fruity fragrances lose their appeal in autumn and winter. They’re too light and airy for the colder months. Too fresh. Too flowery. Too fun.

What you need for fall and winter are provocative perfumes. Mysterious and spicy ones.

For example, remember the softness and warmth I mentioned at the beginning? That’s the magic combination a perfume should have at these times.

So, here are a few fragrances to try if you’re seeking a bewitching fall and winter scent.

Opium

Yves Saint Laurent, the brand that designed Opium, refers to it as “a spicy oriental harmony for extreme sensuality.”

And being that I wear this more than any other seasonal scent, I wholeheartedly agree with their description.

Opium is enchanting. Sexy. Seductive.

Sephora also raves about Opium, stating:

“Rarely in the history of fragrance has a creation embodied such enchantment, mystery, magic, and exoticism.”

Fragrantica lists the notes of this hypnotic scent. They state [that] the “top notes are Mandarin Orange, Bergamot and Lily-of-the-Valley; middle notes are Myrhh and Jasmine; base notes are Opoponax, Amber, Patchouli and Vanille.”

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Just a note: Opium can come off slightly heavy at first, so use a gentle touch and let the fragrance settle before deciding whether it’s for you.

Replica: By the Fireplace

Anyone with a fragrance fetish will tell you that Maison Margiela’s perfumes are extraordinary. While their scents carry a hefty price tag, tons like me think it’s worth a little pain in the pocketbook.

The “Replica” in the title means that the perfume perfectly replicates the actual smell of the fragrance. And By the Fireplace smells exactly like it sounds.

Nordstrom, who sells the intoxicating scent, tells its “perfume story” below:

“The warm, woody scent of a fireplace burning brightly, crackling against a backdrop of a snowy day comes to life in this scent. Spicy notes of pink pepper and clove oil blend with chestnut and cashmeran, evoking the warmth of a winter morning. Subtle orange flower and vanilla notes are layered atop the woody base, adding a subtle sweetness to the scent.”

Every time I step out in this perfume, I’m stopped by strangers who say, “Oh my god, what are you wearing?” or “You smell incredible.”

And in addition to smelling marvelous, By the Fireplace relaxes me. The scent of smoldering wood and spice envelops me, mentally transporting me “by the fireplace” before I even get home from work.

Kat Von D Sinner

Wear this perfume, and you’ll smell deliciously devilish. Pop Sugar reveals the perfume’s ingredients, stating that Sinner “is [spicy] and boasts [of] cinnamon, patchouli, and vanilla notes.”

Side note: Did you know that research supports that most men are attracted to the smell of vanilla over any other scent?

This haunting fragrance lingers warm, rich, and musky, creating an intriguing aura of mystique and desire.

It’s a complex scent. However, it has a hint of sweetness that Opium and By the Fireplace doesn’t. So even though I recommend the fragrance to everyone, if you’re a tad on the shyer side of sultry, you should try this scent first.

It’s a little softer, but don’t doubt for one minute it will turn heads. I know from experience.

The bottom line:

Fragrance maven Coco Chanel states:

“No elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory.”

So even if you’re stuck on your signature scent, humor me and do a little seasonal nose-shopping. Try the deep, dark scents. You may like what you smell much, much more than you think.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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