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As a lifelong vanilla girlie, I gravitate toward warm scents year-round. But, as fall quickly approaches, many people are ready to transition into or experiment with warm, fall-inspired scents for the first time in months (or ever!). Summer lends itself to light, airy, citrusy scents, but in the age of the fragrance wardrobe, we all need warm scents to keep on rotation for those colder months.
Whether you consider yourself a warm scent professional or are just starting your warm fragrance journey, we’ve got you covered with expert insight into what exactly a “warm” fragrance is and our top picks for the best warm scents to carry you into the cooler season.
What Makes a Warm Scent?
Typically, warmth is a feeling, not a smell. So, what exactly makes a scent “warm?” According to co-founder of Noteworthy Scents, Ashley Boyce, notes like vanilla and tonka bean, woodsy scents like musk and sandalwood and even some fruitier notes like passionfruit create a warm scent, cultivating an earthy, encapsulating fragrance profile that feels and smells like a warm hug.
The Best Warm Scents to Wear This Fall
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“I’m obsessed with vanilla and woodsy scents for fall,” says Boyce. “From our collection, n,057 is a favorite, featuring vanilla, tonka bean and passionfruit.”
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A classic fragrance for the chic and timeless at heart, Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle is the perfect warm scent for fall, featuring warm and spicy notes of iris, patchouli and vanilla.
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One of the most sought-after fragrances from the viral perfume brand Phlur, Vanilla Skin is a quintessential warm scent featuring layers of cashmere wood, vanilla, sugar crystals and sandalwood for an intoxicating fragrance experience.
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If you’re scrolling through fragrance or beauty TikTok, you’ve heard of Glossier’s iconic You scent. The notes of ambrox, pink pepper and iris make it a great warm scent for those who prefer a spicier fragrance. (Editor’s note: the first time I wore this fragrance, I got five—yes, FIVE—compliments from strangers).
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Replica is a staple and it’s all in the name. By The Fireplace features layers of chestnut, vanilla and clove oil for a unisex, warm scent that feels like the first lighting of your fireplace after a long, hot summer.
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If you want to experiment with vanilla in your warm scent journey but don’t want that traditional, super-sweet scent, Juliette Has a Gun’s Vanilla Vibes is a great option, showcasing a fusion of vanilla, sandalwood and sea salt for a dynamic warm scent.
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“A mysterious, provocative ambery scent,” as the brand describes it, Coco features contrasting yet balanced notes of Sicilian mandarin, ylang-ylang, Tunisian orange blossom, tonka, patchouli and more.
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Not only is the bottle the perfect vanity accessory, but the fragrance notes of lavender, orange blossom and warm vanilla within YSL’s LIBRE make it the perfect, warm fall fragrance accessory.
