13 best autumn perfumes, according to the Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone London
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Now that pumpkin spice season is well and truly with us, fragrance fans have swapped out their breezy summer scents in favour of cosy autumn perfumes. Of course, perfumes suited to year-round wear exist in their thousands – but as the days get darker and colder, I love a scent formulated to coddle me like my favourite chunky knit.
“I love autumn for two reasons: first of all, I love the colours,” says Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone London, Celine Roux. "I also love the feeling of back to school, when you go back to your jumpers. It feels like a renewal – more than January – you have all this good intent. I think there is something so nice about this season.”
As luck would have it, in my job as a beauty editor, I've been able to sniff my way through dozens and dozens of autumn scents. There have been some beautiful contenders, yes, but only a solid few have coaxed me out of my fragrance-safe zone (skin scents, light, romantic florals, earthy citruses). This lot has persuaded me to dip my toes into the spicier, warmer and delectable scents of the rainy season.
You're probably wondering which scents are worth the investment. Fortunately, we don’t believe in gate-keeping, so we've enlisted the help of Celine Roux, the Global Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone London, to rely on her expertise in the world of perfumery and reveal everything you need to consider before picking out your autumnal signature scent.
Meet the expert:
- Celine Roux, the Global Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone London. Celine has worked at Jo Malone London for nearly 17 years, with her greatest global success stories including English Pear franchise, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Peony & Blush Suede, and the expanding Cologne Intense Collection.
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How are autumnal fragrances different to the perfumes you might wear at other times of the year?
“I definitely think you should switch your fragrance to be less citrus-y; less fruit-y; going towards more mellow fragrances,” shares Celine. But ”autumn doesn't mean dark and it doesn’t mean heavy – it’s notes that are more nurturing," says Celine.
According to Celine, autumn invites woody notes and notes of amber. “In terms of scents, I always recommend English Oak and Hazelnut {for autumn}. Whatever you wear as a scent, I think it’s a scent that has a fresh woodiness and I love to layer it with other fragrances. If you have a signature scent, adding English Oak and Hazelnut is a good way to transition in autumn," she says.
How to layer fragrances during autumn
“There is really no rules. I think you just have to try – and sometimes, it’s easier if you use a body lotion underneath. That way, you'll get two scents to start with," says Celine.
“For autumn, I spray a fragrance on my coat and then spray another fragrance on my skin. You put your coat on and it feels very enveloping. I also like to have a scent on my scarf, and sometimes, I wear another fragrance in my hair," she shares.
What are autumn's latest fragrance trends?
“Vanilla is still very much around. It’s an amazing ingredient {for autumn}," says Celine. “It has a bad reputation because it’s used a lot in commodity products, but vanilla is one of the most expensive ingredients in perfumery. It’s extremely rich and versatile. It’s warm and it allows you to do gourmand but less sweet."
“We are also seeing lots of fruits," she notes. Celine also points out that not every fruity note is the same, and just because a fragrance is on the fruitier side, it doesn't mean it won't work for autumn. "It can be quite nurturing – it doesn't need to be super zesty or sweet. You can also do fruit in a very comforting way.”
Which Jo Malone perfume is Celine's favourite for autumn?
“This is really difficult. I would say Wood Sage and Sea Salt," says Celine. "I wanted a fragrance that smelt like a cliff. The saltiness and the lovely ‘stone-y’ notes, so that was a challenge. Because what does that really smell like? How do you bring that texture to life? It became one of our bestsellers.”
“I also like English Oak and Hazelnut because there were no fragrances around Oak {when we created it}. I remember thinking – you have so many pubs [in England] with “Oak” in the name – so we needed an Oak. We had a roasted Oak ingredient that we had an exclusive on, so I will also say English Oak and Hazelnut because there is a strong storytelling around it. It cannot be more English,” she explains.
“We also just launched in Harrods a fragrance that is great for autumn, called Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense. It has quite a sexy, warm scent. It’s very unisex but with a touch of masculinity – and it lingers. I think that’s what I like about it. There is this beautiful trail and I find it very elegant,” adds Celine.
How we tested the best autumn perfumes:
Here at GLAMOUR, our fragrance expertise knows no bounds. This also means that throughout the years, our beauty team has tested hundreds of autumnal perfumes — from gourmands and skin scents, to ouds, leathery iterations, and fresher, earthier blends. As such, when curating the below edit, we made sure to include a good selection of olfactory families to please every taste and preference.
When it comes down to the actual testing process, our editors have spared no effort in ensuring that each scent is reviewed in real-life circumstances: be it on a full day in the office, at a wedding or on a date night.
When assessing each perfume's performance, we paid close attention to factors like longevity, projection and dry down, while also noting down any reactions from people around us to see whether a certain scent is a true compliment magnet. Here, find more details on how we test.
Ahead, our edit of the best autumn fragrances…
Jo Malone London English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne
- Key notes: Green hazelnut; cedarwood; roasted oak.
Why we love it: Looking for a perfect scent for layering in autumn? Say less. Whether you're wearing a soft, vanilla-based scent or a casual skin scent as a base, this cologne adds a woody and nutty edge that instantly elevates the whole ensemble. At the opening, you'll notice a fresh and crisp burst of green hazelnut, followed by a wash of cedarwood and roasted oak — revealing a warm, grounding and addictive blend. Think: golden leaves underfoot, a worn-in leather jacket over your shoulders and a relaxed walk in the park.
- Key notes: Blackcurrant nectar, saffron accord, Damascena rose, vanilla, leather.
Why we love it: If you've grown tired of one-dimensional vanilla perfumes, we recommend trying the Si Parfum by Armani (the brand's latest fragrance launch). “I like to think of it as a chic trench coat — reliable enough to wear on an everyday basis, yet effortlessly cool,” says Denise Primbet. “What starts off as a juicy burst of blackcurrant then settles into a floral heart, before settling into a warm yet rough base of vanilla and leather. Since wearing it, I've been stopped on the street at least twice just this week alone, and that's saying something.”
- Key notes: Cognac essence, tonka bean absolute, oak absolute.
Why we love it: “On paper, Angels' Share by Kilian is not my type. An audacious blend of boozy vanilla, spicy cinnamon, sweet praline, and creamy tonka, with softly smoked oak bringing up the base, it's an ode to cognac. It looks like it, too, with its cut-glass decanter and caramel-coloured juice. The vibe is high-class confectionery with old-school glamour – there's a luxurious Gatsby charm about it, but it also has the warm, comforting feel of a bakery on a cold day. To me, it smells like warmed-up rum and raisin in the most sophisticated way. It hits all the notes I need it to as well – it's sweet, cosy, playful, seductive and self-assured, all at once," shares Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Reverie Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Tobacco leaf, plum, tonka bean, vanilla, cedarwood.
Why we love it: Victoria Beckham has released her fourth (and we're betting, most popular) fragrance, this time centred around vanilla. If you're not usually a vanilla girl, this one might be for you. It's a more grown-up and less sugary take on dark, raw vanilla. Grassy tobacco adds a little smokiness, tonka bean bestows a very subtle creaminess ,and cedarwood gives a dry woodiness to the scent. It's sexy, it's warm, and it's intriguing.
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Orebella Nightcap Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Ginger, cardamom, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli.
Why we love it: Ever wonder if you could smell like a walking chai latte? Well, this warm and spicy scent from Bella Hadid's brand Orebella might just get you one step closer. Infused with skin-loving oils, this hybrid product is far from your average perfume. In fact, it's meant to be rubbed into the skin once spritzed to act like a body oil. As it opens, you're met with a spicy combination of ginger and cardamom, and as it lingers on the skin, notes of vanilla and sandalwood take over, resulting in a truly comforting ensemble.
- Key notes: Strawberry, gardenia, vanilla, brown sugar, patchouli.
Why we love it: “I know, I know… a fruity fragrance recommendation for Autumn?! Hear me out, Miutine by Miu Miu is one of those few scents that can be easily worn all year round. At the initial spritz, the strawberry note is very much evident; however, as the perfume sits on the skin, it then starts leaning a bit more floral, before revealing a soft gourmand base of vanilla and brown sugar that's balanced with a whisper of patchouli. Be it for a day in the office, a girls' Sunday brunch or a night-out, this scent is flexible enough to be worn on any occasion,” says Denise Primbet.
Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Vanilla, ginger, pistachio, caramel, sandalwood.
Why we love it: Having blown up all over social media, this autumn fragrance from Rare Beauty is truly one of the best affordable scents we've smelled. “As far as celebrity fragrances go, I'm not too easily impressed. Yet, Selena's recently launched perfume managed to woo me at first spritz. Based on the scent profile, I initially expected it to be your typical gourmand scent — overly sickly, headache-inducing and underwhelming. However, I'm glad to report that it's nothing like the aforementioned. Despite the presence of vanilla, pistachio and caramel, it doesn't lean too sweet. It's cleverly balanced with notes of ginger and sandalwood, both of which add a spicy yet comforting edge,” says Denise Primbet.
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
- Key notes: Ambrette seeds; sea salt; sage.
Why we love it: One of the most iconic Jo Malone fragrances out there, this particular scent bottles up the feeling of inhaling salty sea air while overlooking the sunset. But not the kind that you'd associate with summer. Rather, it's the kind of crisp, windswept air you'd experience on an autumn walk by the British coast — all while wrapped up in a trench coat and a knit jumper underneath. The mineral freshness of sea salt contrasts beautifully with the earthy warmth of sage, while ambrette adds a soft musky depth. The result? A fragrance that feels grounding, atmospheric and quietly expensive.
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Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
- Key notes: Bitter orange, labdanum, amber.
Why we love it: This has to be one of the most unique new perfumes we've tested. It opens with a hit of bitter orange for that sharp yet refreshing feel — almost like the first cold breath of air on a crisp morning in September. As it settles, resinous and slightly leather-y notes of labdanum take centre stage, before revealing a “glowing” amber-y base. It may not be your everyday fragrance of choice, but boy, does it make an excellent scent for a special occasion.
Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Bergamot, lavender, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk.
Why we love it: If you're not a huge fan of overly dark scents that feel too leathery or oudy, you'll love this musky fragrance from Frédéric Malle. According to Celine, "It’s much richer, but it has a lot of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, which I like. It’s a very black musk. It’s a skin fragrance, but very unique. It’s a big scent that I find very sensual. And I think it goes with this season.”
Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Bergamot, fig, bay leaves, cedarwood, vetiver, musk.
Why we love it: If you're a fragrance lover and you find yourself spending way too much time on TikTok, chances are, you've come across Le Labo Thé Noir. This has the feel of a worn-in leather jacket: soft but strong. It manages to feel cosy, tough and edgy all at the same time. Majoring on a black tea note (created with bay leaf, fig and bergamot), it has a lush, earthy smoothness, but vetiver, tobacco and hay in the base bring a hazy, smoky grit that keeps things interesting.
- Key notes: Orange brandy, black cherry, plum nectar, sugared jasmine, red freesia, leather, woods, caramel.
Why we love it: The latest squad member from Phlur, Cherry Stem, is kind of what it says on the bottle: a sexy cherry scent. The orange brandy at the top adds a boozy edge, while the strong black cherry accord takes centre stage — all layered over a juicy heart of plum nectar, sugared jasmine and red freesia. The more you wear it, the more it reveals its soft and addictive base that features notes of leather, ebony woods and caramel. Think of it as a cherry martini that's served at a luxurious jazz bar.
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- Key notes: Orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, praline, musk.
Why we love it: “If I were to tell you about the most-worn perfume of the colder season, I'd point you right toward this gorgeous scent from Parfums de Marly. Meet Althair, a unisex boozy vanilla that's also spicy, sensual and unbelievably addicting. Opening with a fresh and uplifting hit of orange blossom and bergamot, it's cleverly complemented with cinnamon and praline, which is exactly what makes it so delectable. It also has surprisingly impressive projection and longevity. I once wore it from 7 am until 12 am and it still lingered on the next morning (yes, even after taking a shower),” says Denise Primbet.
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