There’s a lot to consider when you’re deciding which fragrance to wear. It needs to suit your personality as well as the scenario at hand, be it a summer sojourn to the south of France or an autumnal weekend in the Cotswolds, meaning no aftershave works 24/7.
So, even if you feel like you’ve found your forever fragrance, it’s good to have a strong selection on rotation which you can sub in whenever it feels appropriate. Now we’re entering the winter season, it’s time to start thinking about the colder months ahead. For me, it’s the stage of the year where I shelve my lightweight citrussy blends and reach for those with warming woody notes instead.
Whether it’s powered by sandalwood or cedar, when you’re wrapped up in your big coat and chunky knits, these are the fragrances which bring warmth to your ‘fit. The good news is that countless brands offer their own take which means nearly everyone can find a blend which suits.
Heading on a night out? Tom Ford’s Bois Marocain is the sultry solution. Prefer something more understated? Tonka 25 by cult favourite perfumer house Le Labo will be more your speed. Or, if you’re after a day-to-day crowd-pleaser, Horace’s &Horace has you covered – and it’s available for a great RRP too.
Our top tip? When the temperatures drop, look for an eau de parfum as opposed to a toilette or cologne. Put simply, it’s all about strength: an EDP is the most intense while an EDC is the lightest. So, where a lightweight toilette or cologne is great when it’s hot, winter calls for a heavy hitter, instead – and it will last longer on your skin too.
Without further ado, it’s time to find your next aftershave-shelf addition in our edit below.
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
Creed Original Santal 50ml
Though Aventus is Creed’s best-selling scent for men, I much prefer Original Santal. Where the former feels traditionally masculine, the latter strikes an interesting balance which makes an impact. There’s the spiciness of ginger and coriander as well as floral notes of lavender and geranium, all wrapped up in the warmth of cedar and sandalwood. Who wants to follow the crowd, after all?
Buy now £190.00, Creed
Tom Ford Bois Marocain
Anyone who’s been faced with the overwhelming amount of perfumes at any Tom Ford Beauty concession in Selfridges or John Lewis will be familiar with the vast range of bottles the luxury perfume house offers.
Having tried many over the years, Bois Marocain is one that stands out for me. Like the ready-to-wear, the spicy, woody, musky blend feels sexy and strong. Whenever you’re dressing up, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
Buy now £222.00, John Lewis
Le Labo Tonka 25
Le Labo describes Tonka 25 EDP as “evoking the smell of warm skin” – and the brand couldn’t be more right. When you first spritz, you get the top notes of sweet vanilla and woody cedar. Then it settles to a powdery musk which is so subtle it feels as if it's your natural scent, making it perfect for guys who like their aftershaves understated. And, like all of the brand’s sprays, the scent sticks from morning to night.
Buy now £170.00, John Lewis
Monte & Wilde Bergamot & Cedarwood Eau De Toilette 100ml
If you’re in the market for a quality affordable fragrance on the high street, Marks & Spencer’s own brand Monte & Wilde has you covered. While the formulas don’t boast the same lasting power as those on the more luxurious end of the spectrum, they still smell great.
An optimistic fragrance, it wraps you in the warmth of cedarwood which is lifted with the fresh, citrussy tones of bergamot. Perfect for crisp, cold days when the sun’s shining.
Buy now £14.00, Marks & Spencer
Horace & Horace
& Horace is one of my favourites – and its strength lies in its individuality. The scent differs depending on your body chemistry. While one might enhance the comforting sandalwood tones, another might intensify the smokiness of tobacco. Either way, it’s a solid everyday choice no matter which notes you highlight. A great one for sharing with your partner.
Buy now £62.00, Horace
Hermès Terre d’Hermès
From bags to silk ties to perfumes, French maison Hermès is the purveyor of all things luxury. This time, it’s Terre d’Hermès in the spotlight.
For me, it’s the perfect fragrance to wear to work. First of all, there’s a maturity to the woody, earthy, citrussy blend which says you’ve got it together. Better yet, it’s just noticeable enough. While we all want to smell great at work, there’s nothing worse than a meeting room that’s overpowered with a headache-inducing aftershave. With this in your arsenal, though, that won’t be a problem.
Buy now £99.00, John Lewis
Dries Van Noten Vanille Camouflage refillable eau de parfum 100ml
More of an objet d’art than an aftershave, Dries Van Noten’s bottles are designed with the house’s trademark whimsical look – and the benefits go beyond aesthetics alone. Each and every formula is designed with the idea of clashing contrasts in mind making them feel unique compared with others on the market.
Vanille Camouflage, for example, starts as one of the greenest fragrances I’ve smelt – almost like freshly mown grass – before settling to a softly sweet mix of woody bourbon pods and creamy vanilla. Perfect for those who like something off the beaten track.
Buy now £260.00, Selfridges
Byredo Gypsy Water 50ml
Byredo founder Ben Gorham is all about telling stories through fragrance – and Gypsy Water is a prime example. An ode to Romani culture, it pairs the woody notes of pine needle and sandalwood with intense amber and fresh citrus to deliver a freeing feeling reminiscent of nights spent in the forest.
In real terms, it dries down to be an entirely soft yet addictive mix of sandalwood and vanilla. It smells at once mysterious and expensive, and ends up feeling like a second skin. It doesn’t last long, though, so it’s one to keep in your bag for top-ups throughout the day.
Buy now £150.00, Cult Beauty
Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Parfum 50ml
From body cleanser to eau de parfum, Aesop’s your best bet for addictively spicy aromas. Marrakech Intense pairs clove with sandalwood and cardamom for an aroma which brings to mind a souk in the Moroccan city. The rich, calming melange feels perfect for a dinner date during the colder months.
Buy now £115.00, Aesop
Gabar 04 (NOLITA) Rise Eau De Parfum 50ml
I’ve yet to try a Gabar fragrance I don’t like – and one of the brand’s most recent launches, 04 (Nolita), is no exception to the rule.
One of the most refreshing woody scents going, the gentle opening of juniper is balanced with vibrant cypress before being rounded off with mellow undertones of amber and cashmere wood. A lively spritz which will keep you coming back for more.
Buy now £120.00, Liberty
Pleasing Closeness
If you’re not a Harry Styles fanboy, you might be unfamiliar with his fashion and cosmetics label Pleasing. It offers a unisex collection which promises to bring joy to its customers, whether it’s through a bright nail varnish in a statement bottle or a t-shirt with a cheerful print. This time, it’s the fragrances in the hot seat.
The Grammy Award winner has designed three gender-neutral scents so far – Bright Hot, Rivulets and Closeness. The latter is the woodiest of the three, pairing cashmere wood with musk and pink pepper to deliver a clean yet balmy finish with a touch of spice. It’s soft yet inviting – the perfect everyday scent.
Buy now £75.00, Selfridges
