What comes to mind when I think of winter holidays? Snow, chilly sunny days, cozy rooms, fireplaces and candles, hot cocoa, coffee drinks, rich foods.
I also think of spices, red, silver and gold, warm comforting fabrics, and baked delicacies.
If you enjoy these things too, you might find yourself wanting to try one or more of the fragrances below.
So, here we go.
Simone Andreoli Sentosa: A harmonious blend of ambergris, woods, labdanum, and vanilla wraps the skin and the senses in a warm embrace. The sandalwood is seductive and mysterious; the ambergris is smooth, airy, and slightly salty. I also detect notes of bitter cocoa and soothing incense that aren’t listed. Beautifully minimalistic, yet complex, this is an intimate, meditative, and reassuring fragrance that helps rediscover inner peace.
Perris Monte Carlo Cacao Azteque: This isn’t a chocolate fragrance, but a blaze of cozy and elegant spices that recall the bitter drink traditionally prepared by the Aztecs, who believed that cacao beans were a gift from the god of wisdom. The spices are intertwined with boozy and floral notes that gently peek through as the fragrance’s heart opens, and later settle on a comforting base of cacao absolute, musk, and sandalwood. The black and gold bottle conveys a festive mood.
Exaltatum Ruby Wood: I’ve already described this fragrance as a wonderful union of floral, spicy, and gourmand notes. The room is filled with the inebriating scent of rose petals dusted with spices and drizzled with tangy berry jam, along with the aroma of wood, incense, scented candles, baked cakes, and freshly brewed coffee. This is a bold and luscious scent that is perfect for cold days spent in a “baita”, a mountain hut in the Italian Alps.
Serge Lutens Daim Blond: Soft, supple suede is covered by a blanket of impalpable, snowy iris and heliotrope, which together add a touch of chill and powder. Cardamom, apricot kernel, and musk convey warmth to the composition like a ray of sun on a wintry day. This is a fragrance of whispered beauty and elegance that remains close to the skin.
Le Jardin Retrouvé Oriental Sans Souci: Inspired by the San Souci Palace gardens in Potsdam, Germany, this gem was brought to life for the first time a few years ago, following the original 1960s formula and thanks to a revival project initiated by the house. It brings together the radiance of bergamot, jasmine, and neroli, and the duskiness of resins, vanilla, and tonka beans. The darker notes convey almond-like nuances I associate with holiday comfort. Lights and shadows playfully alternate on the skin, making this scent timeless and sophisticated, yet highly wearable.
Happy Holidays!
I reviewed each fragrance from my personally purchased bottles, except for Ruby Wood, which I won from a kind giveaway thanks to Exaltatum and the fragrance group Eau My Soul.
Photo is my own.
