Fragrance Is My Specialist Subject—These New Perfumes Will Be Future Icons

Key notes: Apricot, sandalwood, vanilla, cardamom

Every year, I look forward to Jo Malone London's Christmassy fragrances, and this year is no exception. New from the brand is the Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot Cologne, a delightful blend of apricot, sandalwood, cardamom and vanilla. It smells like a warm, fruity, spicy, festive dessert, but in a super sophisticated, smooth way. Oh, and how chic is the bottle?

Key notes: Cocoa, tonka bean, vanilla, rum

In need of a little escapism this winter? Ouai has got you covered with its brand new body mists. Inspired by the island of Ibiza, this scent contains heady rum and sweet vanilla, creating the most intoxicating blend that makes me want to book a flight ASAP. The brand has also launched the Santorini Fragrance Mist (£26), with notes of peach, orange and honeysuckle.

Key notes: Coconut, apricot, citrus, vanilla, lavender, sandalwood

Speaking of escapist scents, this is another fragrance that will have you dreaming of warmer days. The minute I spritzed this, I was immediately transported to sunnier times thanks to notes of creamy coconut and juicy apricot. However, a warm, woody base of lavender and sandalwood makes this perfume work all year round.

Key notes: Bergamot, almond, rose, iris, vanilla, tonka bean, musk

This is the winter fragrance that I can't stop reaching for. You may be familiar with Guerlain's original Shalimar scent (it's an icon), but to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the brand has released Shalimar L'Essence, a captivating take on the OG perfume that is heightened by notes of creamy vanilla. I wore this to dinner the other night, and had about five friends ask me what fragrance it was. It's a sensual, sophisticated gourmand scent, with a warm, woody undertone that makes it feel incredibly elevated.

Key notes: Ylang-ylang, Damascus rose, jasmine

Solid perfumes are such a great way of topping your scent up on the go, and this season, Dior has released what can only be described as the chicest solid perfume of all time. Available in the iconic J’adore fragrance (an addictive blend of white florals) this solid iteration is infused with gold particles, highlighting the skin as the scent unfurls.

Key notes: On the Rocks accord, cognac essence, tonka bean absolute​, bergamot, grapefruit, aldehydes

Boozy scents really come into their own at this time of year, and the latest launch from Kilian Paris is no exception. If you're a fan of the original Angel Share perfume, then you will love this.

As the name suggests, this particular fragrance is slightly cooler and more frosty than the original, featuring citrusy notes such as bergamot and grapefruit. Spritzing it feels like that first sip of an ice-cold cocktail while standing in front of a roaring fire.

Key notes: Vanilla, amber, pink pepper, oakwood

As I'm sure you'll soon notice, vanilla perfumes are proving particularly popular this winter. However, if you're looking for a grown-up gourmand, I suggest checking out Loewe's new Roasted Vanilla scent. This is an incredibly rich, heady perfume, with hints of oakwood and pink pepper adding a smoky element to the vanilla notes. It feels warm and cosy, but not in a cashmere blanket kind of way. Instead, it's like slipping on a cool leather jacket.

Key notes: Lily, osamanthus, magnolia, ylang ylang, grapefruit

Balmain has been on it with its new fragrance launches as of late, and now the brand has released four eau de toilette iterations of some of its most popular scents, including my personal favourite, Rouge. The sparkling floral fragrance feels impossibly romantic, and the eau de toilette is somewhat lighter and more wearable than the original. While my Rouge perfume is reserved for date nights only, this has become my new go-to for every day.

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Key notes: Lemon, clementine, orange, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, tonka

I love orange scents at this time of year, as they feel somewhat festive without being too overwhelmingly Christmassy. New from Beauty Pie is Orange Absolute Intense, a soft yet punchy fragrance that combines zesty, citrusy notes of lemon and clementine with smooth, creamy sandalwood and tonka for a sophisticated finish.

Key notes: Jasmine, lemon, black tea, guaiac wood, orris

Who What Wear beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden, can't get enough of Acqua di Parma's newest scent. "I’m pretty sure this fragrance is about to become my new favourite perfume. If creamy florals are your thing, Acqua di Parma’s take will sweep you up—it’s soft yet smoky, with a smouldering woody depth."

"What makes it even more special is the way the house extracts its jasmine petals. It uses a traditional cold enfleurage method that preserves the flower’s natural richness and intensity. The result is jasmine at its creamiest, brightened by a sparkle of Italian lemon and grounded by smooth woods and earthy patchouli that cocoon the skin. It's utterly hypnotic—I keep catching myself leaning down to my wrists throughout the day because it’s just that addictive." 

Key notes: Bergamot, frankincense, ginger, rose, oud, patchouli, sandalwood, myrrh, liquorice root, tonka bean

A scent that our beauty director, Shannon Lawlor, is loving? Creed's Oud Zarian. "A deep, wintery delight, Creed Oud Zarian is a scent to have on your radar this season. As someone who doesn't wear much oud (I'm one of those people who finds it overwhelming), I can't put into words just how special this scent is," she tells me.

"Yes, it's oudy, and obviously so, but after just a few moments of being around it, you realise quite quickly that it doesn't impede on your space in the way a typical oud fragrance might. It has a fresh, zesty bite as the top, thanks to ginger and bergamot, and the animalic oud is wrapped up in a richly powdered smokiness of rose. Throw in some tonka bean and patchouli for good measure, and what you have is a scent that smells like the most expensive aroma in the world."