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12 best winter perfumes that smell cosy, delicious and will get you the most compliments, starting at £18
Time for all the toasty notes
Contrary to the norm, winter is my favourite season. It starts with celebrations and ends with rest and relaxation, giving you full permission to hibernate. What's not to love? But if you're still not feeling the frosty vibes, allow a winter perfume to do the convincing. There's no better time to douse yourself in warm, cosy scents that wrap you up – after all, all the woody, toasty, nutty, and earthy notes really shine when the weather drops.
Need some ideas to get your collection started? Cosmo's fragrance-obsessed editors rounded up our favourite 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:
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Whatever scent family 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
- Affordable
- Can be used with other perfumes to elevate
Cons
- Is a balm formula so cannot be spritzed on clothing for maximum scent
One Cosmo editor says: "Rare Beauty's Vanilla Musk Layering Balm has fast become my winter fragrance saviour. Winter perfumes often lean darker, woodier, spicier – and as a floral, vanilla-loving girlie, I always feel that my signature scent doesn't quite fit the vibe when the chill creeps in. Vanilla Musk, however, wraps my skin in a soft, warm sweetness that still feels light and wearable, adding creamy depth without being overwhelming. Plus, because it's a balm, it can be layered with other scents, making for a new, elevated and unique concoction every day!"
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Vanilla, candied amber, bergamot |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Gourmand musk |
Pros
- Rich and woody, perfect for the colder weather
- Unisex – anyone can wear it!
Cons
- Can be a little too heavy for floral/vanilla lovers
One Cosmo editor says: "I love this perfume for winter because it's so warm and woody. It's manly but not super masculine – the mix of black tea with a hint of fig just takes the edge off. I'm planning on wearing this as my Christmas party scent as it's sexy and mysterious... I am not either of those things, but it gets me a little closer!"
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Bergamot, fig, black tea, tobacco |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Woody-aromatic |
Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace
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 smoky firewood. Instead, this eau de toilette perfectly replicates (lol, pun unintended) cosying up by a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, 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 jumper 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."
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Clove, chestnut, vanilla |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
Kayali Oudgasm Chocolate Oud 11 Eau de Parfum Intense
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."
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Caramel apple, spiced rum, chocolate oud |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Warm and sweet gourmand |
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum
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 11am)"
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Tea, bergamot, osmanthus, orchid, jasmine, rose, freesia, patchouli, musk, vanilla |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Floral and spicy |
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 has quickly become my favourite 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."
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 not to 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."
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."
| Notes | Iris butter, sandalwood, cedarwood, guaiacwood |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Woody and fresh |
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
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 recognisable perfumes on the planet, but I can confirm that people will not stop complimenting it."
| 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."
| Notes | Orange blossom, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, praline, musk |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Warm and spicy |
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 energising. 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 cosy 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."
| Notes | Cinnamon, cardamom, carrot, orris butter, ginger, patchouli |
|---|---|
| Scent family | Spicy and earthy |
How to choose the best winter perfume:
Consider scent families you’re drawn to
There’s not a single defining scent family that categorises 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 Le Monde Gourmand Fraise Fouettée.
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 travelling. Almost every perfume on our list comes in a handy travel-size option. 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!
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.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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