The weather isn’t the only thing changing. This is also the time of year when we switch over our wardrobes and shoes for something warmer. And some of us — particularly those of us who adore scents — switch over our fragrances.
Colder temps call for replacing summer’s lighter and more citrus-y, floral scents with deeper, spicier, and more substantial ones with a sense of sophistication.
The wonderful smells don’t stop with traditional spray perfumes, either. A slate of other products are rolling into the market that bring your body and home in on the action — beautiful scented hand creams, candles and diffusers. It all adds up to a spectrum of ways to surround yourself with dreamy and seasonal sensory delights. Here are a few favorites — including some that are brand new.
For lovers of perfumes and eau de toilettes — especially those who adore earthy vibes — there’s the gorgeously packaged Aroma Eau de Parfum from Costa Brazil ($198 on livecostabrazil.com/products/aroma-fragrance). Its angular wood bottle is as stunning as what’s inside: a blend of patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver, and amber mingles with the smoky scent of fresh earth and crushed leaves. It’s got top notes of pink pepper and grapefruit zest, too, complemented by middle notes of nutmeg oil and myrrh. I love that it’s unisex, too.
Then there’s the just-launched Galerie Half x Perfumer H, Saddle Eau de Parfum ($190 on perfumerh.com/en-us) that, once it mixes with your own chemistry, evokes the warmth of worn saddle leather and a hint of smoke. It’s full of bergamot, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla, and amber.
Just as intoxicating is Noir Extreme Parfum Fragrance ($300 on sephora.com) from Tom Ford. It’s an intense cocktail of woodsy notes and cardamom, plus amber and woods. Though it’s technically for men, lots of women love it, too, and find ourselves admiring its presentation — a sleek and snazzy gilded metallic flacon.
One of the best things about these overlapping scents is layering them, and all of the above sprays work perfectly with Manuka Rich Cream ($40.80 on flamingoestate.com), brand new as of this autumn. It brings together Australian wattle flowers and carrot seed essential oils, and is a rejuvenating and deeply moisturizing rich cream — just the kind of lovely scented solution we all need as chilly weather starts to wreak havoc on our skin.
One of the glories of summer (the light and ethereal rose versions of the Kai collection) are best switched over to the classic and signature versions once fall rolls around. On top of the personal products — I adore the perfume oil ($54 on kaifragrance.com) and the eau de parfum ($84 on kaifragrance.com) — there’s the intense and exotic reed diffuser ($84 on kaifragrance.com), which is bold enough to subtly fill up most rooms.
Speaking of which, this fall saw the launch of the Ember Candle ($95 on vyrao.com), a new genre of fragrance. The candle made of black wax — a blend of mineral, coconut and rapeseed waxes — comes in a pretty asymmetrical white porcelain vessel. But it’s the scent that entices and seals the deal; elemi and birch tar are interwoven with cedarwood and frankincense for a sharp woody, smoky aroma that’s as cozy as a night by the fireplace on a chilly evening.
