This scent was created to invoke the feel of a crisp, fall day, and it instantly transports us to leaf peeping, chilly morning walks, and walking in a pumpkin patch. It is fall. Notes of cedarwood and fir balsam invoke that hiking-in-a-forest feel, while spicy cardamom adds a warming touch and helps it wear all day. If you love a wood fragrance, this warm and spicy pick is a stellar choice for every day, or if you’re just dipping your toe into woodsy scents, this one makes a solid gateway scent.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a fall fragrance?
When shopping for a fall fragrance, it doesn’t have to be all about pumpkin spice. “Notes like tea, warm spices, creamy woods, and incense bring so much joy during the fall season, as they evoke favorite memories, feeling grounded, comforted, or uplifted,” says Darcy Moore, founder of the fragrance house, Belnu. Gourmand notes also work well for fall, but the experts say that the best ones are not one dimensional. “Coffee, vanilla, toasted nuts, burnt caramel, or edible-inspired notes become much more interesting when they’re balanced with woods, spice, florals, or resins,” says Do.
What notes skew more “fall”?
While some notes like spicy gourmands and woods evoke more of a classically “fall” finish, Do says that doesn’t mean a fall fragrance has to be overwhelmingly heavy or smoky. “Instead, look for fragrances with more warmth or texture,” he says. Musk, spice, tobacco, leather, cedar, amber, and incense can also add complexity and depth. “It’s that added contrast that can make a fragrance feel distinctly autumnal without becoming heavy.”
Tips on how to wear perfume in cold weather
Experts recommend switching to heavier fragrances for fall and winter because colder weather can cause scents to dissipate more quickly. “As the weather cools down, it’s a great time to shift to a parfum or extrait,” says Kevin Keller, cofounder of Fulton & Roark. The higher concentration of fragrance oil in these formulas typically gives them more longevity, he explains. Warmer scents during cold weather often feel more comforting, too.
How we evaluated fall fragrances
We evaluated fall fragrances by looking at their notes and longevity. The best ones had a nice balance of sweet and savory notes from vanilla and gourmands to juicy fruit and musky woods. We also found that the best fragrances had unexpected depth, with notes of patchouli, oud, vetiver, and tonka bean. The ones we landed on for our final list had great longevity, clung to our skin and hair for hours, and did a great job of boosting our mood for the fewer hours of sunshine ahead. Needless to say, we’re now very excited for cozy sweaters and apple cider.
