the perfumes that got me through winter
seasonal depression is no match for smelling nice
I love perfume. The more I fall in love with it, the more I see how it impacts my emotions. The perfect spritz sets the mood, whether flirty, light, or moody.
As the weather gets colder, that means warm, cozy, sweet fragrances that feel like a hug. I find that the more I lean into the season, the better I feel. Why fight against the inevitability of winter? The futility just makes me sadder.
After fiendishly testing dozens of scents the past few months, these came out on top (until spring, of course). The list goes from cozy to sweet, but they all embody the comforting blanket of scent that makes me feel protected from the harshness of winter.
Etat Libre d’Orange - Story of Your Life
Story of Your Life feels like a piece of my soul. It’s demure, comforting, subtle. Familiar in a way I can't put my finger on. So comforting and nostalgic for a memory I'm not sure I have.
When I spritz myself, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s sweet like milk bread and warm like the oven is still hot from baking. The scent feels close to me, like it penetrates deeper than my skin.
I just love it so much. So soothing!
d’Annam - White Rice
White Rice is a hug from your mom when you go over to her house for dinner and the food is almost ready. It’s a very soothing and milky rice scent. It’s not too sweet and smells like a coconut or pandan dessert. Wearing it makes me feel the way taking a bath does: clean and cared for. This is the platonic ideal of a comforting perfume!
Also, I made Josh smell all my favorite perfumes, and this was his favorite before we smelled too many and got headaches
Universal Flowering - Poems One Through Twelve
I am a certified ginger lover, so Poems One Through Twelve is an absolute dream. It’s reminiscent of those Chinese White Rabbit candies. Sweet, gingery, and creamy without being too edible.
All the scents from Universal Flowering are so unique — they really tell a story, capturing moments that don’t always exist. Wearing this feels like someone you love brought you a warm drink on the couch while you’re writing in your journal. It’s so comforting, milky, and just a little sweet.
Universal Flowering - Saffron Flour
Saffron Flour is yummy buttery goodness. Smells just a little sweet and sort of savory in a saffrony way.
I’ve never had a Turkish delight, but this is what I imagine it might smell like. A little spicy and sweet with a hint of rose. Almost reminds me of cookie dough and the way I felt the Christmas my mom and I sent out cookie boxes: exhausted, covered in butter and dough, but very happy.
Lush - Turmeric Latte
Turmeric Latte smells like a fall candle in the best way. It’s a warm, spicy vanilla chai. Brings me so much warmth whenever I wear it, like I’m in a coffee shop in the depths of winter, reading and wearing a cashmere sweater. What did I tell you? Cozy and perfect. Not the most complex scent, but it’s perfect in its simplicity.
Masque Milano - Madeleine
The best thing about my name: there are so many Madeleine perfumes. I’m on the search for the perfect one, and this is my favorite so far. Madeleine is perfectly nutty, a little sweet, and sumptuously milky. Every time I wear it, it makes me feel like I'm dating a hot baker who brings me flowers and leaves intricate pastries for me (a la You season 2)
Liis - Choux Choux
Choux Choux is really light, airy, and subtly citrusy. I feel so delicious wearing it, like I'm eating a cupcake at a fancy bakery and the barista winked at me when handing me my drink. It feels flirty, bubbly, and sweet. I love wearing it during the day in the winter — it’s fluffy and perfect.
It unfolds and envelopes you in the most comforting way. I keep my office scents on the subtle side, and this juuuust makes the cut.
Xerjoff - Lira
If Choux Choux is a fluffy lemon cupcake, then Lira is the blood orange pound cake sitting next to it. This is the night mode of Choux Choux, the ultimate citrusy sweet scent! Lira is just so beautiful. Lemon, blood orange, caramel goodness. I love it so much. It has a depth to it that makes it perfect for cold nights in
Wearing it reminds me of going to Starbucks after school to get a slice of lemon pound cake. Nostalgic, cozy, and warm. Most importantly: makes me happy!!
Maison Mataha - Escapade Gourmande
Escapade Gourmande is a perfect mix of boxed vanilla cake and the top of a crème brûlée. The first time I wore this, I thought I could find something identical that wasn’t so expensive. But she’s inimitable — Escapade Gourmande is the perfect vanilla.
It’s simple and sweet with a little depth from the burnt crème brûlée smell. Makes me feel like the most popular girl in school gave me a cupcake (or maybe even like I’m the popular girl giving out cupcakes in question)
I’m nothing if not meticulous, so I track all the perfumes I test and wear on Fragrantica (a website stuck in 2010).
What’s your favorite winter fragrance? Let me know so I can test it next :)
XOXO,
Madeleine
You should try Heretic Coeur Noir. It’s sweet but also kind of subtly incense-y.