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The Best Perfumes for Winter Will Make You Feel Like You’re Wrapped in a Warm Blanket
Time for all the toasty notes.
Contrary to the norm, winter is my favorite season. It's starts with celebrations and ends with rest and relaxation. What could be better? But if you're not really in the spirit, perhaps a winter perfume can convince you. There's no better time to douse yourself in warm, cozy scents that wrap you up. All the woody, toasty, nutty, and earthy notes come out when the weather turns cold. Need some ideas to get your collection started? Cosmo's fragrance-obsessed editors rounded up our favorite perfumes for the winter season, from fruity picks to wear on date night to woodsy scents that remind you of a chic camping weekend to vanilla perfumes for feeling warm.
Our top picks for winter perfumes in 2025:
Whatever fragrance type you gravitate towards, there’s a wintry perfume that will enhance your mood—so long seasonal depression!—and keep you snug all winter long.
Pros
- Vanilla and cashmere notes make it smell more elevated than straight firewood
Cons
- Scent fades a bit quickly (because it's an eau de toilette)
One Cosmo editor says: "Contrary to what the name suggests, this winter perfume doesn’t smell like smokey firewood. Instead, this eau de toilette perfectly replicates (lol, pun unintended) cozying up by a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa, which is honestly the most quintessential wintertime activity. The notes of roasted chestnuts and clove oil are intertwined with a hint of wood and cashmere to give off a warm, comfy sweater vibe. But don't worry, there's still a tinge of smokiness that gives campfire aroma, just in a gentler way, thanks to sweet vanilla. Obviously, I also have the candle, bc I'm obsessed."—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
| Notes | Clove, chestnut, vanilla |
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
Pros
- Lasts an extremely long time on skin (and especially on clohtes)
- Not sickly sweet
Cons
- A very strong perfume, which some might not like
One Cosmo editor says: "If there's any time to smell like spiced chocolates, it's the dead of winter. I've had this sitting at my desk at the office waiting for the temperature to drop so I could absolutely douse myself in this yummy concoction. It's a spicy, boozey chocolate, not heavily gourmand or extra sweet. There's also a caramel apple note in the top that is so unique and delicious."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Caramel apple, spiced rum, chocolate oud |
| Scent family | Warm and sweet gourmand |
Pros
- Spicy and earthy notes help make this floral scent smell more sophisticated
- Not too fresh or green that it feels out of season for winter
Cons
- Some reviewers find it too mature-smelling
One Cosmo editor says: "I can see myself wearing it on dates, for important meetings, out running errands—it's definitely 'signature scent' worthy, if you're into that sorta thing. When I wear Flowerbomb, I just feel like I'm oozing class. Like, I have this aura that's emanating the version of me who sips her coffee while she carefully puts on her skincare routine at her vanity and slips on her kitten heels before hopping into a cab to the office. (I type as the real version of me is still in her PJs with an LED mask on at 11 a.m.)"—BG
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Tea, bergamot, osmanthus, orchid, jasmine, rose, freesia, patchouli, musk, vanilla |
| Scent family | Floral and spicy |
Pros
- Super soft and creamy nutty scent
- Unique scent
Cons
- I wish it lasted a bit longer on my skin
One Cosmo editor says: "Celestial Object is so calming: it makes me feel like I just slipped into a really chic pajama set to rewatch my favorite comfort shows in bed. The almond and rice paper combo is truly ethereal, like you're walking through a cloud of powdered sugar at a French patisserie. Then, the richer notes of labdanum and tonka bean come through. It's soft but persistent—by hour three, you have to lean close to smell it, but it lingers for a long time."—LAUREN GRUBER, ASSOCIATE COMMERCE EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Almond, rice paper, incense, tonka bean, labdanum |
| Scent family | Gourmand |
Pros
- Smooth, comforting leather perfume
- Beautiful leather bottle
Cons
- Leans "traditionally masculine," so if you're not into those strong scents, you might not love (but it'd make a great gift)
One Cosmo editor says: "I spent a few days in Shoreditch this summer and immediately fell in love and plotted my move there. Unfortunately, my U.K. era isn't upon me yet, which led me to want to own this in its place for now. This quickly has become my favorite cologne and overall leather perfume in general. It smells like aged leather—not animalic or anything, but so soft and buttery. I just wanna sniff it all day long."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Elemi, fresh rosewater, saffron, leather accord, sandalwood, patchouli, warm amber |
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
Pros
- Fruitiness balances out the florals and musk notes
Cons
- Too powdery for some
One Cosmo editor says: "I have to fight myself to not make the Twilight book cover pose with this every time I pick it up. But even that couldn't force me away from using it. Released in the late 1990s, Hypnotic Poison has that 'office siren' vibe to it. Ripened apricot and plum smell like they've been squeezed directly into the bottle, but as it dries, florals like jasmine and lily of the valley start to bloom. It settles into vanilla, musk, almond, and sandalwood—a warm, sexy combo that lasts for six to eight hours on my skin."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Plum, apricot, jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, vanilla, musk, sandalwood, almond |
| Scent family | Sweet and floral |
Pros
- A light and fresh woody scent, making it great for those who are sensitive to fragrance
- One of the most *stunning* bottles of everything I tested
Cons
- Leans a lil masculine, so some testers found it a bit too strong
One Cosmo editor says: "Inspired by the Scottish Highlands, Inverness combines the homey, fragrant aromas of the region’s landscape. Warm and peppery Amyris oil mingles with woodsy notes in a way that's so comforting, like stepping back into a toasty cabin after taking a walk in crisp winter air. Plus, the longevity is fantastic. If I spritz it on my skin and/or clothes, I can smell it on myself until I wash it off."—MH
| Notes | Iris butter, sandalwood, cedarwood, guaiacwood |
| Scent family | Woody and fresh |
Pros
- Can smell it for 8+ hours on my skin
- Has a sweetness that isn't cloying or too much, IMO
Cons
- V popular perfume, so some testers said it smelled a bit too common and basic
One Cosmo editor says: "Any beauty editor is able to sniff out YSL’s iconic Black Opium from a mile away, and TikTok has caught on to the hype of this classic perfume—#blackopium has over 380 million views and counting. One spray of the pink-tinged liquid is the embodiment of quiet luxury. TL;DR: It smells expensive AF. Coffee and vanilla make for an irresistible combination that is then lightened with soft white florals. It may be one of the most recognizable perfumes on the planet, but I can confirm that people will not stop complimenting it."—MH
| Notes | Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla |
| Scent family | Warm and sweet |
Pros
- Isn't cloying or too intense, according to testers
- Smells very sweet but not sickly, per reviews
Cons
- The lid has a tendency to stick
One Cosmo editor says: "Parfums de Marly’s new Althair is the closest interpretation of joyful memories of baking Christmas cookies on a chilly winter day, but with a sophisticated twist, ofc. Velvety bourbon vanilla sits at the heart of this perfume while top notes of bright orange blossom, bergamot, and spicy cinnamon give it an effervescent quality. Once dried down, intoxicating ambrox and musk emerge for a delectable 'your-skin-but-better' smell. Wearing Althair makes me feel equal parts confident, sexy, and playful, and it has quickly become my signature winter scent."—MH
| Notes | Orange blossom, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, praline, musk |
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
Pros
- Major lasting power, said reviewers
- Smells sweet and boozy the longer it sits on my skin
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't like how overpowering the spicy notes were
One Cosmo editor says: "During my friend group’s yearly ski trips, I don’t participate in the slopes shenanigans (lol), but I do get in on the aprés action at the lodge donning this aptly named perfume from Ellis Brooklyn. I get an instant rush of crisp mountain air (without even stepping outside), thanks to a strong burst of fresh evergreen trees and juicy juniper berry notes. Sure, it's a bit intense at first, but the longer it sits on my skin, the more vanilla, bourbon, and praline peek through, softening and sweetening it up."—MH
| Notes | Juniper berries, bourbon, cedarwood |
| Scent family | Warm and woodsy |
Pros
- It’s bright and juicy, which stood out in a sea of warm and spicy winter fragrances
- Packaging is made of recycled materials (!)
Cons
- Some testers say it can be a bit too pungent before the dry down
One Cosmo editor says: "In the winter, I often struggle to find the energy to get up and out of the house. Luckily, some scents possess instant mood-boosting capabilities. When I need to bust out of my melancholia, Life of the Party always has my back. Seriously, every time I spritz on this perfume it makes me want to go out dancing STAT.
This flirty fragrance perfectly captures the invigorating feeling of being center stage. Bursts of dazzling peach blossom and juicy blackcurrant are practically like a shot of caffeine to my nose, while a touch of saffron gives it a lil jolt of spice too. Plus, midnight jasmine and silky ambrox warm up the base a bit for a well-rounded finish that will leave you reaching for this all year round, bb."—MH
| Notes | Peach blossom, saffron, ambrox |
| Scent family | Fruity and floral |
Pros
- I *love* the immediate spicy notes first thing in the morning
- Smells really unique compared to other perfumes I tested
Cons
- Spiciness could be a bit distracting for some testers
One Cosmo editor says: "Byredo is no stranger to cult-classic scents (looking at you, Gypsy Water and Mojave Ghost), though I’m genuinely surprised that Eyes Closed hasn't popped off yet. IMO, it's the perfect perfume to spritz right when you wake up, because it's so energizing. Right away, your nose is hit with spicy cardamom and cinnamon. Fair warning: It may make you sneeze at first, but the scent mellows out quickly as notes of cozy carrot, ginger, and patchouli come forward. As the hours pass by, any whiff you catch of the rich, deep, not-so-sugary gourmand will make you feel warm and secure, like you’re wrapped in a hug."—MH
| Notes | Cinnamon, cardamom, carrot, orris butter, ginger, patchouli |
How to choose the best winter perfume:
Consider scent families you’re drawn to.
There’s not a single defining scent family that categorizes a perfume as wintery. There are a variety of fragrance types, ranging from warm and spicy to floral and fruity that evoke a feeling of comfort during the colder months. To find something that you truly love and speaks to your vibes, think about the perfumes you already own and what scents you’re drawn to. For example, if you’re not a fan of florals, you probably won’t like our pick for the best floral winter perfume. But if you regularly wear gourmands and enjoy smelling like cupcakes and cookies, you’ll probably love something like Boy Smells Vanilla Era.
Think about the longevity.
Fragrances are crafted with different intensities, which can be identified by the perfume type. Eau de parfums (EDP) have a higher concentration of perfume oils than eau de toilettes (EDT), making them typically linger a bit longer on your skin. Generally, you’ll still be able to catch faint whiffs of EDPs up to eight hours after applying, whereas you’ll probably only be able to smell EDTs for about four to seven hours. TBH, most of my picks above are EDPs, but regardless, lots of them come in travel-friendly mini bottles so you can keep them in your purse for whenever you need a re-up.
Take the bottle size into account.
It’s no secret that perfume can be expensive, but you need to consider the price for the bottle size. Typically the bigger the bottle, the better the deal. So if you’re looking for a new signature that you plan to spritz on daily this winter, it might be a good idea to go with the larger size. Usually, perfumes are offered in standard 1.7 or 3 oz sizes, although YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum also comes in a mega 5 oz container for those who really love the scent.
Of course, those heftier bottles aren’t the most convenient for traveling. Almost every perfume on our list comes in a handy travel size option at 0.33 oz. These smaller vessels are also ideal for those who like to switch up their scent to match their mood or a special occasion—what can I say, we like options!
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including reviewing every Sol de Janeiro perfume. She’s an authority in all beauty categories, but an expert when it comes to fragrance—her scent wardrobe is ever-expanding and she regularly rotates through a collection of over 20 perfumes (including a few of the options in this article). For this story, she spritzed and sniffed over 60 perfumes to find the coziest scents perfect for winter. From there she narrowed down the best 15 and ranked them based on scent profile, longevity, and the feelings they evoked.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing perfume stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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