As we write this, the nights are closing in, the temperatures are falling and soon enough -dare we say it – the Christmas word will be mentioned every five minutes!
The very notion of winter evokes thoughts of cosy nights by a fire, snowy hilltops, warm hearty meals and family festivities. It also has some very specific scents attached to it. Think of the festive candles you light, the pot pourri you use and the incense you may burn. Each has a very wintery theme to it.
The same can be said of the fragrances we wear during the colder months. As we have touched upon before, scent has an important role to play in our mood and our memories. The sensory journey a fragrance takes us on is one not to be dismissed. In winter, this can be enhanced even more.
With work Xmas parties, family visits, and more inclination to stay indoors than venture outside, the scents that surround us help build memories of moments we enjoy and times of togetherness. You have a role to play in that too. The fragrance you choose can leave a lasting mark on these special times.
In this blog, we look at how you can choose the optimal winter fragrance, so you know what to wear and why.
Why should I wear specific winter fragrances?
The fragrances we wear react to temperature. Both air temperature and body temperature can greatly affect how a scent works and ultimately, how much we enjoy it.
In wintry weather, scent does not work in the same way it would in warmer temperatures. The reason for this lies in the odour molecules. They move at a considerably slower pace when the temperature drops. Factor in how our body reacts to colder weather too and suddenly the perfume you wore in the summer isn’t quite gaining the same attention. The receptors in our nose hide away a little when things get cold, making our sense of smell somewhat different to when the sun is shining. They do this to give a degree of protection from cold and dry air.
As a result, for a scent to make an impression, you need to find something heavier, something lingering and something with strong fragrance base notes.
It stems from more than just that though. We dress according to the season so why not wear a scent to match it? Think about it, you don’t wear your wool-knit jumpers at the peak of summer, and you don’t wear your shorts in the middle of December, so why wear a summery scent when it doesn’t match the vibe?
The best notes for winter fragrances
We’ve already established you need a heavy scent. Something that lingers and helps to not only align with the feel of winter but also reach those scent receptors that are hiding away a little. When browsing for a winter scent, look at the base notes of the fragrance first. These will be the strongest element of the product and last the longest. These will help create your ultimate winter sensory adventure.
Wood notes
Wood notes play an important role in a winter fragrance. Think sandalwood and cedarwood for example. These help give us a warm sensory experience and really dive into the wintery theme. You’ll align yourself with the wood-burning fires, the cosy nights in and the greenery only this season can bring.
Spicy notes
We all love cinnamon candles at Christmas, it’s the default scent of the season pretty much! It, along with clove and pepper adds depth to a scent and a hint of warmth that shakes off the cold wintery air.
Amber notes
Amber notes, like those found in many luxury oud fragrances add a warmth to a scent and combine this with a hint of mystique and sophistication. Perfect for making your scent even more memorable.
Warm notes
A warm note such as vanilla adds a hint of sweetness, sensuality and comfort. These three attributes can really help deliver on the scent’s promise of being not only memorable but also attractive.
Gourmand notes
Winter is all about being warm in the cold and gourmand notes like chocolate, coffee and caramel help emphasise that. Each provides an indulgent aspect to your scent and helps give you and those appreciating the scent a cosy, wintery feel.
Resin notes
A resin note such as frankincense or myrrh can deliver a rich, incense-like quality that you could only associate with winter.
In many cases, these notes may even combine to provide a unique scent that gives you a completely new scent experience.
Which fragrance type should I choose for winter?
Now you know which notes to look out for, you should settle on a fragrance type. We’ve spoken before about the different types of fragrance and how depending on the occasion and how noticeable you want the scent to be, there is a decision to be made.
In winter, you should be opting for something with a higher level of perfume concentration. This way you get the longevity you would hope for and have a stronger scent. As we touched upon earlier, sensory features are a little less active in colder weather. This means you need something that can tickle those receptors. Ideally, you want an Eau de Parfum or Extrait de Parfum. These last many hours and in the case of the Extrait de Parfum can be present for as long as an entire day.
How to choose the right winter perfume
With the right notes in mind, and the type of fragrance you should choose, it now comes down to matching the scent to the occasion.
Before you do anything else, look at the notes we have mentioned, do any scents particularly stand out as ones you like? Do you want something that makes an instant impact, or do you prefer something a little more understated?
For more formal occasions, it might be good to look at the amber notes like Oud. These shout sophistication and provide a stunning long-lasting scent.
Should you be in a more casual environment, woody scents or gourmand scents aren’t overly imposing but deliver the longevity you hope for and give fantastic variety.
Ultimately, it is down to what you feel most comfortable wearing, the scents you love and what you feel compliments the day. For some people, certain scents harmonise differently with the body than others. This can lead to a new and unexpected fragrance adventure.
If you are looking for your ideal winter fragrance, come and see us at Ombre Lamar. Our carefully curated scents take you and those who appreciate them on a truly enchanting sensory journey. Our oud fragrances for women and men are a fine blend of Arab tradition and Western styles giving the perfect link between two vastly different worlds. Make your winter fragrance a fragrance of memories and view our collection today.