When you think about it, Christmas perfumes ought to get more airtime than they do. Wedding day perfumes, date-night perfumes and even hot-girl party scents get the reverence they’re rightly due, but Christmas fragrances? Mmmm. Not so much. But, given we know perfume is so deeply tied to nostalgia… and given Christmas is one of the most social and sentimental times of the year, it sort of feels like a missed opportunity to build a signature seasonal perfume.
Our Beauty Editor’s favourite Christmas perfumes, at a glance:
Truly, this time of year deserves to be bottled. When else are we all trying to stack in this many catch-ups with mates, blaze through a packed-out calendar of Christmas events, or even just hibernate in front of as many Christmas films as we can, with the tree on and a Lindt chocolate reindeer ripped open? Glorious.
Our advice is to milk it. Start in advance by singling out a scent that captures this time of year to you. Reserve it exclusively for the lead-up to Christmas and into the day itself. Then, start collecting moments that you want to capture, and spritz to release (and add to), each December.
Obviously, if you’re going in on a scent to store memories, it stands to reason that it needs to be memorable, especially as you hit peak social season. Because, alongside topping up your battery with the ones you love the most, it also means you’ll be remembered for smelling elite by your favourite people.
The good news is, it’s never too late to start. And, the even better news is, it’s the best time of the year to add a new fragrance to your wishlist in case friends or family are still scratching their heads over what to get you.
If you’re stuck on what fragrance to choose, revisit the scents that already feel familiar and meaningful – maybe that’s gingerbread, or brandy, warm spices or dried fruits, or it might be peppermint and pine.
Here are some of our favourite Christmas perfumes to get you started below.
Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit
This isn’t an overly-sweet cookie-dough scent, instead it’s a sophisticated, spicy, warm and fresh take on ginger snap biscuits where cinnamon and nutmeg meet smooth caramel. Yep, it brings the nostalgia of gingerbread houses, but without feeling cloying. Just like Christmas though, this hun is fleeting. The full strength of this perfume dissipates within the first hour. Maybe it’s frivolous, or maybe it makes it even more magical?
Jo Malone London Ginger Biscuit Cologne
Mugler Angel Stellar
You can’t get much more Christmassy than an angel – especially an angel in a star bottle. This builds upon the OG Mugler Angel dna, but alongside the iconic honey notes, there’s warm, nutty pistachio and earthy patchouli for a sweet, baklava-smelling treat that’s honestly almost edible.
Mugler Angel Stellar Eau de Parfum
Kilian Angel’s Share
This brings together some of the best smells of Christmas with boozy vanilla, spicy cinnamon and creamy tonka, while softly smoked oak brings up the base. Essentially, it’s an ode to cognac, which it nods to in the cut-glass decanter bottle. It smells like warmed-up rum and raisin in the most sophisticated way and is as sweet and playful as it is seductive and self-assured. Yum.
Kilian Angel’s Share Eau de Parfum
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille
If you’re looking for a sweet, intoxicating cosy-girl scent, look no further than Laura Mercier’s Ambre Vanille. It smells like pudding and is an absolute compliment-magnet, but it manages to swerve feeling too sickly-syrupy thanks to the blend of brown sugar and almond with warm amber and sandalwood.
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille
Phlur Cherry Stem
Amaretto cherries wrapped in chocolate or garnishing a Disaronno and coke is a bonafide Christmas staple, and this black cherry and brandy concoction hits all the right notes. The dry-down brings with it soft leather and florals for a grown-up, flirtatious scent that’s merry, bright and definitely not boring.
Phlur Cherry Stem Eau de Parfum
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood
If you want a show-stopper to envelop yourself in and make you feel that little bit more special around Christmas, this is it. It sees sweet, ripe rose, veiled by a sheer, whisper of oud that’s warmed up with amber and velvety vanilla. It’s opulent, seductive, mysterious and glam, all in one go.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Eau de Parfum
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum
A dark rum and coke is a classic Christmas tipple, but it turns out dark rum also makes for a deliciously sultry scent when served up by Malin + Goetz in perfume form. With notes including vanilla, milk and plum, you’d expect it to be soft and sweet, but notes of leather and patchouli add an earthy, elevated edge.
Malon + Goetz Dark Rum Eau de Parfum
Valentino Notte d’oro
This oud-almond scent is perfect if you’re after a softer rendition of oud that’s warm and rich, but with slightly less intensity. Designed to conjure the aura of burning candles on a cold night, it brings together the scent of battenburg with liquor, all whilst managing to avoid feeling too heavy or boozy. Plus, the silky-smooth dry-down smells expensive.
Valentino Beauty Anatomy Of Dreams Notte d’oro Eau de Parfum
For more from GLAMOUR’s Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
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