Layer up: Winter fragrance recommendations from local perfumers
words by Lara Daly
Perfect for a night out at a cosy wine bar.
It’s the season for warm layers and comfort, and naturally, this means our wardrobes – and fragrances – are due for an update. Every June, I’m always weighing up my approach: do I lean into winter with a rich, spicy scent, or operate in denial, spritzing on Replica’s Beach Walk to remind myself of summer?
Inevitably, the notes of coconut milk and sunscreen just start to feel wrong come July. I may still be holding on to a tan after my recent trip to Italy, but I’m determined to romanticise Melbourne’s winter this year, and that’s going to involve (alongside mulled wine and frequent sauna trips) a new addition to my perfume wardrobe.
Want to snoop inside the beauty regimes of other creatives? Head here.
But what to choose? While the northern hemisphere brands are now advertising summer, the local perfumers here in Australia and New Zealand happen to be making some of the best wintery scents.
To get a gauge on what’s out there (without subjecting my nostrils to the ground floor of David Jones just yet), I reached out to some local fragrance founders to see what they’re reaching for in the colder months.
Ember Haze by Vahy
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Picked by: Anna Weatherlake, Vahy co-founder
Scent profile: Amber, vanilla, wood.
“There’s something about Ember Haze that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s smoky, seductive, and beautifully complex, with notes of warm amber, vanilla and woods. Like all Vahy scents, it’s 100 per cent natural and crafted without synthetics, so I can wear it close to skin all day, every day.”
Get it here.
The Valley by Odesse
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Picked by: Mina Gorman, Odesse creative director
Scent profile: Spicy, musk, vanilla.
“My go-to winter scent is The Valley. With notes of cannabis, incense, amber and vanilla, it’s warm, rich, exotic and unexpected – perfect for a night out at a winter wine bar.”
Get it here.
Green Cedar by Abel
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Picked by: Frances Shoemack, Abel founder
Scent profile: Floral, spice, green, wood.
“I always reach for Green Cedar in winter, it’s my go-to to lift my mood. The cedarwood is rich and grounding, but we combined it with aromatic cardamom and magnolia for warmth. It’s reminiscent of a deep inhale in a misty forest.”
Get it here.
Reverie by Loess
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Picked by: Amy Louise, Loess Co-Founder.
Scent profile: Spicy, woody.
“Myself and our team are wearing our latest fragrance, Reverie. It’s got a heavy spice to it with black pepper and patchouli as the hero notes, accompanied by sandalwood, cedar and guaiacwood which helps ground the fragrance.”
Get it here.
Oh Darling by Ficifolia
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Picked by: Sophie Marcoux, Ficifolia Founder and Director.
Scent profile: Smokey, amber, floral.
“I’ve been reaching for Oh Darling in these cooler months — it’s definitely our warmest, most comforting scent. Its smoky base of amber, patchouli, myrrh, and a subtle smoke accord evokes the comforting warmth of a fireplace on an icy evening. The top notes of petitgrain and honey add a touch of sweetness and sparkle that really make it unique. This scent is my go-to for winter nights and always secures a compliment!”
Get it here.
Agati by Tulita
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Picked by: Lucy Bradshaw, Tulita Founder
Scent profile: Woody, Earthy, Green.
“Agati is a warming blend of Ayurvedic plant botanicals, making it ideal for the winter months. Crafted to evoke calming and grounding, Agati’s rich blend of sandalwood, vanilla, cardamom and ginger relieves stress and warms the body, so I naturally gravitate to this scent when the cooler season sets in.”
Get it here.
Vanilla Vanilla by Odesse
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Picked by: Luz Paras, Odesse Account Manager.
Scent profile: Floral, creamy, wood.
“My go-to winter scent is Vanilla Vanilla. It opens soft and creamy with Madagascan vanilla and white florals, then deepens into warm patchouli, tonka and amber. It’s comforting, polished, and perfect for cold, rainy mornings.”
Get it here.
Tarkine by Vahy
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Picked by: Kate Macdonald, Vahy Fragrance Co-Founder
Scent profile: Wood, vanilla, velvet.
“Tarkine is my winter go-to. It’s a rich, woods and velvet scent with a hint of vanilla, that transports me straight to the depths of the Tasmanian rainforest. Tarkine is grounding, earthy and nostalgic.”
Get it here.
For more on finding a winter fragrance, read this.
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