Winter’s coming (again)! And it’s not just a time to layer up in coats and scarves; it’s also a time to rethink how you’re smelling.
With citrus and green notes reminiscent of summer, winter is all about heavier fragrances that withstand the cold. Typically these include spicy, woody and smokier scents that embed themselves into your wool turtleneck and turn heads on the tube. So, an update is required. To help, we’ve collated the best men’s winter fragrances to keep you smelling your best for winter 2019 and beyond.
1. Jo Malone London
A new addition to Jo Malone London’s infamous Cologne Intense collection, Bronze Wood & Leather is right on cue with a warm leathery scent. With a top note of grapefruit, middle notes of juniper & smoke alongside a base containing leather and vetiver, it’s one of the most masculine Jo Malone London fragrances we’ve smelt to date and a real treat for this time of year. Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense, £78 for 50ml, Jo Malone London
2. Labortory Perfumes
Low-key, big game. From our new favourite British house Laboratory Perfumes, Samphire is made using intense, natural oils and blended in a scientific way. This is a fresh, spicy fragrance that’s a little bit springtime, a little bit citrus, a little bit after-rain freshness, and a little bit musk. Learn this name off by heart as everyone will be asking. Samphire Eau de Toilette, £65 for 100ml, Laboratory Perfumes
3. Acqua di Parma
You can always put trust in an Acqua di Parma fragrance. The brand is a symbol of Italian luxury and recently released its Signatures of the Sun collection. For winter, we’ve picked ADP’s trusty Oud. A scent that mixes orange, calabrian bergamot, amyris, coriander and agarwood (oud), alongside a base of sandalwood, leather, cedar, patchouli and musk. It pays tribute to the traditions of the Middle East but with the brand’s signature Mediterranean fruity twist. Oud Eau De Parfum, £197 for 100ml, Acqua di Parma
4. Prada
If the original L’homme wasn’t quite punchy enough for you, then you are in luck. L’Homme Intense combines Amber and Patchouli with Iris, while the introduction of Tonka Bean injects an oriental dimension to the top end. Like a crisp Prada suit this scent will be that sturdy, reliable go-to on your shelf. L’Homme Intense Eau de Perfume, £81.50 for 100ml, John Lewis
5. Atelier Cologne
Released back in 2015, Musc Imperial by Atelier Cologne is clean and contemporary. It contains a sweet-and-sour mix of fig, blackcurrant and citrus elements with an earthy musk base. A sophisticated scent, perfect for winter and sure to bring an array of new smell loving fans into your life. The pocket size version if particularly handy for busy hustlers jumping from desk to date. Musc Impérial Cologne Absolue, £115 for 100ml, Harrods
6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian
These guys are the daddy of fragrances and like a Burberry trench should be a staple in everyone’s cupboard. MFK’s line of unisex fragrances continue to be firmly positioned on the top of our must have list for every season. Brand new for 2019, Gentle Fluidity ‘Silver’ is a woody aromatic fragrance emphasising on juniper berry, nutmeg and amber hints. A single spritz is enough to carry you through the day (and evening, too). Gentle Fluidity Silver Eau de Parfum, £150 for 70ml, Harvey Nichols
7. Guerlain
Guerlain keep it simple, in both the name; L’Homme Ideal Cool and the smell of this one. Packed with a refreshing blend of mint, orange and woody notes, mixed with the brand’s heritage ingredients it’s a great everyday choice that proves winter fragrances needn’t be dark. Perfect for post gym and whatever’s next. L’Homme Ideal Cool Eau de Toilette, £76 for 100ml, Selfridges
8. Hugo Boss
Spritz yourself back to Boss Bottled’s launch in 1998 and you’ll feel like a member from East 17 all over again. Fast forward to now with their latest updated version: Boss Bottled Infinite. With a potent mix of citrus and the intensity of an aromatic, woody scent, it’s the smell of generations. A great gift, or maybe a gift to yourself. Bottled Infinite Eau de Parfum, £52 for 50ml, The Perfume Shop
9. Dolce & Gabbana
You might not be able to cook like an Italian but you can sure smell like one. Dolce & Gabbana’s latest fragrance for man, K, was created for the man who is the king in his everyday life. The fragrance chefs have have introduced notes of Blood Orange, Clary Sage & Patchouli creating a Michelin worthy scent. Woody & aromatic, it’s a great option for a bright, crisp winter’s day. K Eau de Toilette, £75 for 100ml, Boots
10. 19-69
‘Chronic’ is a term for Cannabis and also alludes to “The Chronic” – the debut album of American Rapper Dr Dre. In such case you will be unsurprised to hear that 19-69’s Chronic fragrance is leafy, vibrant and green. It has a lively richness to it, thanks to its notes of Bitter Grapefruit, Cannabis Accord and Moss. This Chronic won’t get you high but will certainly make you happy. Chronic Eau de Parfum, £150 for 100ml, Mr Porter
11. Clean Reserve
If ever there was a smell to epitomise the great British weather, it has to be this one: Rain. Evoking a clean air like aroma- it’s crafted from ingredients such as white flowers, bergamot, vetiver, and patchouli. A fragrance to complement rather than overpower. You’ll no longer have to trek to Richmond Park for your fresh, earthy kick. Rain Eau de Parfum, £82 for 100ml, SpaceNK
12. Le Couvent des Minimes
Think wellies and cashmere in the Cotswolds accompanied by a seriously sexy, spicy scent. Highly concentrated and long-lasting, Valparaiso is vegan and made using essences steeped in the tradition of French Haute Parfumerie. Inspired by French botanist Louis Feuillée’s travels, it is a gentle marriage of fresh Vetiver and majestic Cedar inspired by the wooded Chilean coastlines. Valparaiso, £65 for 50ml, Lookfantastic