We like to change our perfume every season. And autumn with its new beginnings, the cusp of a routine and back-to-school mindset brings crisp temperatures with its red, gold and orange leaves, makes wearing fall’s warm, earthy, vibrant and complexly layered fragrances perfect sense.
“The signs that herald the start of autumn usher in new opportunities for perfume and fragrance selection,” affirms Clive Christian, on the luxury British perfume house’s website. “The scent of change comes from more than just the different autumnal influences in the air, it is also the perfect time to introduce deeper and warmer autumn perfumes into your palette complimenting the colours of the season and winter fashions.”
We agree. And so, with our light, water-inspired and breezy summer scents safely tucked away, it’s time to explore the season’s heady florals, soft woods and moss, rich spices, aromatic herbs and botanicals and decadent gourmand fragrances. Here are a few of our fall-oriented favourites to get you spritzing.
Ariana Grande Cloud 2.0 EDP
($80 for 100ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
Possibly this season’s easiest scent to wear all day and all night long, Cloud 2.0 is as intimate and cozy as it sounds. Soft and subtle, this airy eau wafts forward with notes of aromatic lavender, fresh pear and tart bergamot before floating on a creamy, dreamy mix of coconut cream and praline notes. Frothy whipped cream and vanilla orchid complete the heavenly scent.
Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Glam Limited Edition EDP
($168 for 80ml, available at Sephora)
Fall’s hustle and bustle always includes an evening schedule complete with girls’ nights, work events and fancy outings. Thankfully, Carolina Herrera knows how to help get your glam on. This latest and limited edition eau balances notes of sexy cherries with bitter almond to create initial intrigue. A sweet bouquet of rose and lily flowers soon burst into the mix, before easing into warm bourbon vanilla and sharp vetiver for a smooth finish.
Clarins Eau Extraordinaire EDT
($62 for 100ml, available online at www.clarins.ca)
Autumn’s get-up-and-go attitude is well matched with Clarin’s new scent, which does, after all, have the word extraordinaire right in its name. Floral and fruity, this revitalizing and invigorating scent features the leaf of life note for a fresh aromatic experience. Tart citrus, heady jasmine and spicy patchouli and ginger round it out for an overall effect that is as autumn crisp as it is tantalizing.
Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumiere EDP
($145 for 90ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
Elie Saab’s luminous new eau makes us think of glowing fires, nighttime street lanterns and the ultimate combination of cashmere dresses and sparkling champagne. Classy, sexy and intense, this parfum doesn’t disappoint. With top notes of sweet orange blossom, mandarin orange and ylang-ylang, this eau’s first spritz is reminiscent of a fall garden in late bloom. Heady gardenia, jasmine and tuberose flowers push forward, before being enveloped in earthy patchouli, musk, wood and amber.
Maison Margiela Replica Autumn Vibes EDT
($178 for 100ml, available at Sephora)
Like crunching along fallen leaves in the cool, bright air, this scent is the embodiment of the autumn season. Woody and vibrant, the elixir opens with spicy notes of cardamom and pink pepper before being absorbed into a blend of warm nutmeg, tart berries, sticky maple and earthy carrot seeds. Dry cedar and intimate moss complete the eau, grounding it with a cozy and comforting vibe.
The 7 Virtues Santal Vanille EDP
($105 for 50ml, available at Sephora)
No one understands the four seasons better than a Canadian, which makes homegrown brand The 7 Virtues’ Santalle Vanille the perfect fall scent. Warm and spicy, the parfum opens with an intense combination of cardamom, myrrh oil, Indian pepper and coconut milk, before engaging vanilla, earthy olibanum and dry cedar make their presence known. Last but not least, rich Madagascar sandalwood, comforting cashmeran and decadent cacao join the mix. The overall effect feels wondrous and hope-filled, much like autumn itself.
