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Winter is a season for brisk walks in snowy woods (or schlepping through city slush). Some of us are snow bunnies and some of us are homebodies when the thermostat drops, but winter is our favorite scent season. Days are short and nights are long; winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a wonderfully warming scent. Here are ten we love.
Elena’s Winter photo©
Every Winter I begin with the process of drawing inward: its a perfect time of a year to reflect, nest comfortably at home, and pay attention to the inward flow of energy. Source of light changes as well, as days become darker and shorter I rejoice in candlelight, coziness, hot beverages and comforting, warm“ perfumes, ones that glow softly from within, sotto voce beauties. Hans Hendley Bourbon Extrait (2015) is the one I’ve reached most often during the last couple of weeks: as soon as he published that a new batch is available, I rushed to order. First of all, I adore what Hans does with his Vanillas (and I’m extremely picky about my Vanillas!), here playing with its dark&animalic side, and secondly because it’s so uncompromisingly expressive. Feels like having a glass of smooth caramel-colored fine French cognac, some candied orange peels to nibble on in front of a fireplace, castoreum tainted wood with specs of vanilla and awareness of the timeless beauty that simple pleasures in life provide. Notes: Bergamot, orange zest, toasted oak, cognac oil, bourbon vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean, labdanum, guaiacwood, castoreum, oakmoss, musks.
–Elena Cvjetkovic, Sr. Contributor
ancient-origins.net
In the bleak New England winter I find myself both increasingly introspective and craving that Danish mode of living: hygge, the coziness of a simple life well-lived. It’s back to basics time – hearty foods which nourish body and spirit, candles which sing of the brisk outdoors (I’m particularly fond of feu de bois, moss-scented and conifer ones, frankincense and myrrh), slim volumes of poetry and tomes I’ve not had the opportunity to undertake the rest of the year. My tastes in perfumes may well lean towards the more profoundly resinous – ergo, DSH Perfumes Axis Mundi, a great favorite of mine. Axis Mundi = the center of the Cosmos – in other words, its effect is to center oneself, to gaze deeply within. Every treasure of the Orient is represented: the blossoms of the Bakula tree distilled in sandalwood, the Indian cousin of magnolia (champaca), fossilized amber, Arabian myrrh and frankincense, peppery elemi and oud, the cedar of the Himalayas – gentled by rose and orris. Woody balsamic amyris is a lovely foil for labdanum, and choya ral resin intensifies its leathery tones accompanied by a friendly civet growl and the dulcet notes of benzoin. Satisfying contemplative and sensual, Axis Mundi makes a perfect winter companion. Notes: Bakul attar, centifolia rose, orris, fossilized amber resin, choya ral, champaca leaf, elemi, frankincense, Arabian myrrh, oud, labdanum, Himalayan cedar, amyris, civet, benzoin Siam
Ida Meister, Sr. Editor
Photo by Arthur Elgort
The Different Company Oud for Love (Betrand Duchaufour): As the trees are stripped bare by the wind and the city goes grey, resinous, smoky scents beckon to me like a generous friend. The Different Company’s Oud for Love, created by Bertrand Duchaufour, is one of the handful of perfumes that keep me from wanting to hibernate for the next four months. Boozy, thick with sandalwood, richly resinous, Oud for Love is a gorgeous barfly. The oud at the center of the fragrance is honeyed, less medicinal, and richer than usual. Flanked by warming spices, Oud for Love as deliciously sensual as dark honey, densely beautiful and just this side of louche. I adore it. Notes: Whisky, saffron, cumin, coriander, aldehydes, angelica, tuberose, ylang ylang, iris, sandalwood, clove, soft musks, amber, immortelle, Haitian vetiver, oud, castoreum, heliotrope, caramelized notes, tolu.
Lauryn Beer, Sr. Editor
Wenda Parkinson, Snow & Fur, photographed for Queen Magazine 1949 by Norman Parkinson©
Although Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur is simply never out of season, it’s in winter time that I find its enveloping embrace most fascinating. Inspired by the radiant, intelligent, artistic – and powerful – Nur Jahan (chief consort of Mughal Emperor Jahangir), the fragrance possesses itself regal beauty, nuanced manners and great sensitivity. Tender oud, buttery leather, a cardamom-dominated spice cloud, a delectable milky undercurrent, and so much more… all there to compliment, accompany and worship like a Queen a rose that carries both the freshness of the moment, and the wisdom of the centuries. Worn with soft wool, faux fur and silk scarves, Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur takes me beyond enjoyment, offering me a precious sense of self-assurance, profound comfort and sophisticated sensuality.
Notes: Cardamom, Coriander, Ambrette, Carrot, Black Pepper, Elemi; Turkish Rose, Moroccan Rose, Jasmine, Orris, Hawthorn, Almond Milk Accord, Violet Flower, Leather; Sandalwood, Amber, White Woods, Patchouli, Oudh Palao, Benzoin, Vanilla, Tonka Bean.
Despina Veneti – Senior Editor
As the temperatures plummet and my Northwest world settles into another cold, wet winter, I cozy up to the smoky, spicy, elegant warmth Atelier des Ors Bois Sikar. Introduced in 2018 by Atelier des Ors’ creative Jean-Philippe Clermont and perfumer Marie Salamagne, Bois Sikar opens with a rich and inviting breath of nutmeg, tobacco and wood smoke, settling into a comforting heart of charred woods, peaty fires and resins. The guiac and styrax in the blend are kept fresh and sweet by the needles and bark of cedar trees and the clean grassy scent of vetiver. Despite what would seem a preponderance of woods, Bois Sikar is a soothing, smooth, not quite gourmand indoor winter fragrance, far removed from the sawdust of the shop; a relaxation and a recollection of club chairs by the fireside and a glass of fine single malt whisky, just enough to take the chill off a blustery winter evening.
Notes: Nutmeg, woods, Guiac wood, styrax, cedar needles, cedar, tobacco absolute and vetiver.
Gail Gross – Senior Editor
photo by Alexandre…Winter in Paris
Sultan Pasha Iris Soir- Oh the coming of winter, oh the crystalline chirping of birds ere they leave for summer’s lands. Oh the frost-covered mornings and the icy cobbled streets shining like silver-glass. So frail, so precious, oh winter’s mists, so white and so blue, so pale and frail. Beauty pure, naked splendour of withered trees and icicles. Creation anew, quiet in waiting, awash in eerie light – oh Irisoir. It shines discreet, makes no fanfare. A murmur of pure iris and the pastel hues of an apricot heart, Irisoir is cold for sure yet none had I ever smelt, so sheer, the silence of winter and the peace of all senses. Notes of Iris, Peach, Heliotrope, Persian Rose, Violet, Sandalwood.
–Alexandre Helwani, Contributor
Winter in Milan by Ermano©
This season I find myself always looking for scents that have dual souls. The more we get closer to Xmas,the more I feel a sense of solemnity, of getting back to roots and reconnect with loved ones and your inner self. On the other hand, the festive atmosphere calls for gifts and treats, so a sweet tooth is always welcome to spoil yourself in the gloomy and cold days of Winter. It’s no mystery I’m not much into gourmands, but Antonio Alessandria Dies Aurorae embodies so these two spirits though pairing musty high mass incense with pralines and caramel.
Notes: caramel, honey, incense, beeswax, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean, musky notes, Elemi, almond, hazelnut, pistachio,
–Ermano Picco, Editor
Photo of Santal Austral by Clayton
Living down here in Australia we have just come into summer but that doesn’t stop me from wearing a lot of fragrances that would normally be reserved for colder Winter months. The heat brings out nuances in fragrances that may not be so apparent in cold weather. One of my favourite fragrances right now is Santal Austral by Matiere Premiere, a new brand that was created with perfumer Aurelien Guichard. Santal Austral is an ode to our beloved native Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). Sandalwood’s incumbent creaminess is amplified to perfection with an almond milk accord that has been sweetened with tonka bean and benzoin resin.- Clayton Ilolahia, Guest Contributor
art by dana
Perfume is not what marked the days when New Year’s carolers put their masks down, crossing themselves to bring about the peace of rest; nor did I, a child, saved in memory all that they gave to my hungry nose and my widened eyes. But the piercing cold windows inside sweltering country rooms; fire dancing on the ceiling from the fire pit, well before sunrise; hot tea gurgling; fir wood popping with melted resins on the open flames; my own child’s eyes still stuck with sleepy stupor under heavy, down covers; the rustling of my grandmother’s starched skirts lifting from her prayers before heading out to bring icy water from a fountain- ALL, in me, awaken the same nostalgia as Maria Candida Gentile’s Exultat…a ritual of the heart, if I ever knew one. Main notes: orange, frankincense, cedar, violet –dana sandu, Sr. Contributor
Photo Francois Benveniste
Olivier Durbano Black Tourmaline: Usually I love winter, but this year not as much. It is the winter of discontent as so many I know are experiencing difficult times. I use scent as healing and comfort lately which is why Olivier Durbano Black Tourmaline has become my winter perfume. It is a remarkable addictive talisman, not unlike the stone itself, which is used to protect and ward off danger and turn negativity into positivity. There are no floral notes, (unususal for me) but it is hauntingly beautiful with amber streaks and sweet spicy smoke that wrap around my soul like a protective spirit. I find comfort in its embrace, just as I find comfort in Olivier himself. Notes: Cardamom, coriander, cumin, frankincense, pepper, smoked wood, oud, leather, precious woods, musk, amber, moss, patchouli
–Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief
Disclosure: The perfumes came from our personal collections or were sent for consideration; opinions are our own
For Winter Fragrances Part 1 Draw
photo by Alexandre
WORLDWIDE: With all our heart to Sultan Pasha for 3ml of Irissoir
Photo by Elena
WORLDWIDE: Thanks to Hans Hendley we have a 9 ml travel size of Bourbon
WORLDWIDE: Merci Jean-Phillpe Clermont for 100 ml of Atelier des Ors Bois Sikar
USA, EU and Canada: Sophie Gabriel of The Different Co. 10 ml travel spray of Oud for Love
Photo by Ermano
EU and USA: Grazie to Antonio Alessandria for a 50 ml bottle of Dies Aurorae
EU, USA and CANADA: With much gratitude to Neela Vermeire for 60 ml of Mohur
Photo by Michelyn
EU and USA: Merci tres cher Olivier Durbano for 100 ml of Black Tourmaline
WORLDWIDE: Thank you Dawn for a 10 ml VDP Rollerpulse pen of Axis Mundi
To be eligible for the Best Winter Fragrances 2019 draw, you must be a registered reader (register here)or your comment will not count. Please leave a comment with how you feel about cold weather– like it or loathe it, your favorites from our Best Winter Fragrances 2019 list, your choices (as many as you are eligible for) from the 8 Best Winter Fragrances offered and where you live. Draw closes December 22, 2019
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Tomorrow we will conclude with part 2 with Editor Sebastian Jara’s video review of his favorite Winter fragrance.
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