The 16 Best Winter Fragrances To Shop Right Now

I first encountered Francis Kurkdjian’s upcoming launches at a preview earlier this year, where I was surprised to discover that the duo features the same olfactive silhouette—in contrasting proportions. Kurkdjian seeks to communicate a sense of fluidity and freedom between them, swapping his usual masculine and feminine labels for alternating capitalizations. In gentle Fluidity, all is gold and voluminous, an enveloping aura of musks, vanilla, spices and ambery woods. Gentle fluidity emphasizes the freshness of the spices and juniper berry, contrasting it with balmy woods and a dry base. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle fluidity and gentle Fluidity (available Feb 2019)

I love the idea of an anti-stress fragrance. According to The Nue Co, this one was designed to help lower cortisol levels using olfactory triggers. My personal impression is that it smells lovely and makes me happy—who could resist the composition of green cardamom, iris, palo santo, violet and cedar wood in such chic packaging? I plan to spray mine everywhere in 2019. 
The Nue Co Functional Fragrance ($155)

There’s nothing subtle about this Jimmy Choo scent, from the multifaceted purple bottle to the gourmand juice within. It’s an addicting overload of plum, lychee, grapefruit, florals, sandalwood, benzoin and tonka bean—the perfect party spritz. 
Jimmy Choo Fever ($112)

Consider this the uplifting scent of your New Year’s resolutions. Rose buds mingle with green ivy on a base of luminous white woods. It’s airy and bright, a refreshingly clean composition that wears effortlessly and wakes you up instantly. 
Roos&Roos A Capella ($150)

Everything Amouage does is always meticulously thought out; creative director Christopher Chong doesn’t do halfhearted briefs. “In Love Tuberose, I see a woman enraptured by romance with dreams that can only be found in classical Russian arts,” he says. “A manifestation of passion, hope, and adventure, the fragrance embodies the excitement and mystery of her unfolding love story.” What does it smell like? A second-skin floral explosion: tuberose, gardenia, jasmine, chantilly cream, vanilla, cedar wood and sandalwood. 
Amouage Love Tuberose ($390)

If this opulent perfume is your scent for the season, you’ll get a botany lesson, too. Southern Bloom is an homage to the boronia, a flower native to Australia’s southernmost island, Bruny. The distinctive absolute is one of the most expensive perfume materials in the world. Layered with florals and woody notes, it’s deliciously smooth and velvety. 
Goldfield & Banks Southern Bloom ($205)

While I’ve long since learned never to expect anything boring from Ex Nihilo, the brand still caught me off guard with Cuir Celeste. It’s a leather fragrance, yes, but also somehow different. Specifically inspired by French photographer Mathieu César’s vintage B3 bomber jacket, it’s chilly and elegant, shot through with ambrette, violet leaves, patchouli and musk. Ex Nihilo Cuir Celeste ($225)

Here’s another take on leather I’ll freely recommend. Kilian’s interpretation is a magnetic pairing of vetiver essence and leather. Jasmine, rum, bergamot and pepper dance around the pairing—it’s one that leaves a strong impression behind. 
Kilian Dark Lord
 ($295)

Many a fragrance has been inspired by rainy London, but this one stands out. Spiceair is a slick reimagining of clouds and damp pavement, redolent with green moss, cinnamon, bergamot and cedar wood. At once spicy, warm and cool, it’s a solid pick for any occasion. 
Hermetica Spiceair ($135)

Francis Kurkdjian’s Burberry creation brings the ideal amount of sweetness and warmth for the colder months. The gourmand opening is a burst of berries, followed by a floral heart and a musky amber base. The classic bottle is an archival homage to Burberry’s first fragrance—you can personalize it with engraved initials, should you wish. 
Burberry Her
 ($94)

The fragrance within is the brand’s signature composition, a sparkling combination of vert de mandarine, iris, and musk. We’re enamored with the updated packaging, though, which highlights the jeweler’s signature diamonds. Tiffany & Co. Holiday Limited Edition ($120)

An intensified version of the original Bloom, Nettare di Fiori evokes the balmy spring days ahead. It’s a woodier chypre, rich with jasmine, rangoon creeper and tuberose over a base of patchouli, musks and osmanthus. 
Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori ($141)

Admittedly, it was the flacon that caught my eye first, with its jewel-like facets. Veridia is part of Bvlgari’s trilogy of royal gems, created to evoke the luminosity and intensity of an emerald. It smells of galbanum, incense, bourbon and vanilla—a convincing depiction. 
Bvlgari Le Gemme Reali – Veridia ($332)

For those who love a punch of intensity with their florals, Krigler delivers in spades with Bouquet Baroque 217. Delicate florals build on robust spices and woody notes—you’ll pick out violet and jasmine, then incense, cardamom, sandalwood and amber. It’s complex, yet utterly wearable. 
Krigler Bouquet Baroque 217 ($455)

Turns out it’s not so tough to find makeup that will outlast your New Year’s Eve parties. DJ Star Eyes gives us the tried-and-tested favorites you should stock up on immediately.