There’s nothing quite like the comforting feeling that Christmas brings—meeting with friends under twinkling lights while roasting chestnuts over an open fire, sharing steaming mugs of mulled wine and cocoa while breathing in the fresh scent of pine. It’s moments like these that stay with us for a lifetime. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to encapsulate them? Well, we’ve found some fragrances that have done just that. With the smoothness of vanilla, spice of cinnamon, and bitterness of orange—we’re ready to be transported back with every spray.
DIPTYQUE L’EAU EAU DE TOILETTE
A luxurious paradigm of medieval ambiance that wouldn’t be misplaced inside of an apothecary furnished with leather and mahogany, its shelves lined with jars full of heady spices and dried flowers. Instantly, you are greeted with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, clove, and sandalwood before delving into earthy geranium and fragrant rose.
ZARA EBONY WOOD EAU DE PARFUM
For when you’re feeling cold on a blustery winter’s night—this fragrance pioneered by Jo Malone, will warm you up through the richness of ebony wood, the spice of clove, and the sweetness of pink peppercorns. Settle down with a tin of Christmas biscuits to accompany the soft, cosy blanket which is Zara’s Ebony Wood.
BY KILIAN INTOXICATED
Reminiscent of the softly lit coffee shop on a rainy day, with steamed up windows and the richness of coffee permeating the air. This fragrance is an intoxicating infusion of cardamom, nutmeg, and smooth vanilla, stirred into an aromatic caramelised mocha—resulting in a velvety, sensual blend that indulges the senses.
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN BACCARAT ROUGE 540 EAU DE PARFUM
An exquisitely crafted profile with sheer layers that reveal themselves over time—alike to walking through a Christmas market and catching whiffs of charred candy cane, silky nuttiness, and smoky wood—this fragrance is said to be poetic alchemy. The secret? A culmination of saffron, jasmine, amberwood, and ambergris, complemented with earthy fir resin and cedar.
BYREDO ELEVENTH HOUR EAU DE PARFUM
Pack a punch with this boozy concoction that regales many pleasant occasions sipping fiery mulled wine and crisp cider on a cold winter’s eve—leaving a deliciously spicy yet fruity symphony of Sichuan pepper, rum, wild fig, and tonka beans tingling in the night air.
MAISON MARGIELA REPLICA BY THE FIREPLACE EAU DE TOILETTE
Reigniting memories of toasting marshmallows and chestnuts on a roaring bonfire, the smoke clinging to the many blankets cloaking shivering shoulders as a flask of vanilla infused hot chocolate is passed around the circle. Softened by notes of orange blossom and neroli essence, By The Fireplace offers a comforting dry haze of warmth to those who wear it.
LUSH FRESH AS SOILID PERFUME
The invigorating freshness of fir needles are compacted within this limited-edition vegan and eco-friendly solid perfume, complimented by the spicy sweetness of benzoin resinoid—a balsamic resin accumulated from several species of tree. This fragrance is said to be akin to breathing in the crisp air of an alpine meadow—both uplifting and reviving.
JO MALONE ORANGE BITTERS COLOGNE
A zesty cocktail of sweet mandarin, tangy citrus, and bitter orange served with robust notes of prune, amber, and sandalwood—this Christmas exclusive cologne offers a full-bodied palette to warm up even the coldest of patrons on the harshest of winter nights.
TOM FORD SOLEIL NEIGE
A bottled embodiment of a watery winter sun casting its first rays over an ocean of crisp white snow—the sense of enchantment brought to life through the delicate florals of jasmine, rose, and orange blossom are energised further by the alpine warmth of bergamot, carrot seeds, and labdanum.
JO MALONE MIDNIGHT MUSK & AMBER COLOGNE
The newest addition to an already exquisite collection, this nod to the roaring 20s boasts sensual extravagance at its finest—utilising the richness of amber and dry softness of musk to create an opulent finesse that only the cool botanicals of juniper can quell. A worthy host for any decadent celebration.
Tom Ford Soleil Neige
Words by Vinona Baines, Graphics by Victoria Zhao
