Fragrance expert Jan Moran wants to help you take the guess work out of winter fragrances. While the cold weather lingers, it is time to switch from your light Spring scent to something most suited to the chill in the air. We spoke with Jan to find out the trick to finding the perfect winter scent:
Real Style Network: What makes a scent a “winter” fragrance?
Jan Moran: A winter fragrance is warm and rich, with long lasting ingredients designed to linger on the skin—a benefit in cold weather, when lighter fragrances can dissipate too quickly.
Real Style Network: You often think of florals as Spring or Summer scents, but are there winter floral fragrances?
Jan Moran: Florals are the most popular fragrance category so you can find many rich, warm, wintery scents with floral notes. Look for Givenchy Dahlia Noir, Narciso Rodriguez, Tom Ford Private Blend Jasmine Rouge or Violet Blonde, Lancome’s Tresor Midnight Rose, or Fan di Fendi.
Also, eau de parfum and parfum formulations perform better in winter due to richer formulations with higher concentrates of perfume oils. Body creams and lotions are also moisturizing and will extend your fragrance through layering.
Related: Fragrance Tips From Expert Jan Moran
Real Style Network: What are your top 5 winter fragrances (either new or classic)?
Jan Moran: Some of my favorite scents for winter include Chanel’s re-released classic Cuir de Russie, Prada Ambre, L’Artisan’s Aedes des Venustas, Tom Ford Amber Absolute, Guerlain’s Mitsouko or Vol de Nuit, Must de Cartier, Lolita Lempicka, and Dior’s Hypnotic Poison. Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew and Cinnabar remain perennial bestsellers for winter wear, and remain good values for prestige perfumes.
Real Style Network: What are some fragrances that are good year round?
Jan Moran: Look for fragrances that transition effortlessly between seasons: well-balanced floral bouquets, stylish floral Orientals, and subtle chypres. Think Shalimar Parfum Initial, Chanel No. 5 or 31 Rue Cambon, Bond No. 9’s Chinatown, Jean Patou’s 1000, Estee Lauder’s Beyond Paradise or Pleasures, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Flowerbykenzo, and Rive Gauche from Yves Saint Laurent. For subtle freshness, turn to Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin or Aqua di Parma Colonia.
Real Style Network: How should women choose a scent that matches their style/personality?
Jan Moran: Think about your style as a whole and find a scent with notes that match. Some classic matches are:
- Classic, timeless, elegant – Pretty floral bouquets, refined wooded arrangements, fresh Oriental compositions. Chanel No. 5, Rive Gauche, 1000.
-Playful, carefree, energetic – Fruity florals for day, rich spicy Orientals for nights out. Lolita Lempicka, Dior’s Hypnotic Poison.
-Calm, peaceful, thoughtful – Cool aquatic scents, soft florals. Flowerbykenzo, Marc Jacobs, Estee Lauder’s Beyond Paradise or Pleasures.
-Structured, disciplined, minimal – Brisk citrus and aquatic scents. Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin or Aqua di Parma Colonia.
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