With summer, such as it was, coming to an end and autumn beginning to dawn there’s no better time to switch out your signature scent to mark the change in seasons. But if you’re thinking of moving from zesty summery options to the more autumnal, heavier fragrances beloved by PerfumeTok and don’t know where to start we’ve got you covered.
With Amazon Prime Big Deal Days coming in October and Black Friday and Christmas following after that, there are already plenty of deals to be had on perfumes, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or buy a gift for one of your favourite people. But with so many great discounts around the choice can feel even more overwhelming, especially when you’re looking to try something new.
As beauty writers and fragrance fans we’ve worked out that between us we’ve tried literally hundreds of different scents over the years and we all have our favourites. From Mugler to Shay and Blue, YSL to Tom Ford, here are some of the scents The Mirror’s shopping writers are wearing this autumn.
Not sure where to start? Discovery sets are a great way to try a range of samples before investing in a full size bottle and several of our top picks can be sampled within these budget-friendly gift sets, including Penhaligon and Jo Malone.
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Jada’s top pick: Eilish by Billie Eilish – £49 at LookFantastic
“To say I’m a perfume buff is perhaps an understatement. My personal fragrance collection holds at least 80 perfumes and counting. Perfumes are a very personal thing and they’re also extremely seasonal.
“Autumn is here and it honestly might be my favourite season, I’ve got a few scents I find myself reaching for when the season changes. The first one has to be Eilish by Billie Eilish, it’s a celebrity perfume which puts at risk of being written off as a gimmick but it’s one of the best vanilla scents I’ve ever come across. It combines vanilla, cocoa, spices, rose and a little fruit to create something delicious. Every single time I’ve worn it I’ve been complimented and asked what I’m wearing.
“The longevity is great, the bottle is cute and I think autumn is the perfect time for creamy vanilla to combine with spices. The price ranges from £29 to £49 and I’m currently on my second bottle, if you like sweet scents it’s perfect and I like to wear it right the way through winter. It is definitely a gourmand though, Charlotte Tilbury’s Cosmic Power is something with similar notes that goes lighter with the vanilla and more heavy with specific spices. It’s a great confidence boost and the 10ml bottle is quite affordable at £20 if you want to try it out before committing to a full bottle.”
Bethan’s top pick: Shay and Blue Salt Caramel – £65 at ASOS
“My favourite fragrance is without a doubt Salt Caramel from Shay and Blue, and while I do use it year round, it’s a scent that really comes into its own during the ‘-ber’ months. Inspired by sea salt caramel truffles, it’s a super comforting, cosy fragrance that smells good enough to eat.
“With notes of Caribbean Tonka bean and sandalwood, it’s got a beautiful balance between sweet, salty, masculine and feminine. What’s great is that it’s a unisex fragrance, too – because I’m a big believer in wearing fragrances you love regardless of who they’re marketed to.
“Warm, deep, rich and luxurious, it’s incredibly addictive and feels like a cup of hot chocolate after an autumnal walk on the beach.”
Narin’s top pick: Mugler Angel Fantasm – from £56.95 on Boots
“I have a huge soft spot for Mugler fragrances generally and, over the years, Angel and Angel Innocent have been two of my regular signature scents. However, as I’ve got older I’ve begun to find them slightly overpowering at times, so swapped to the gorgeously citrus unisex Mugler Cologne, which smells clean, zesty and puts a spring in my step whenever I wear it.
“But the French perfume house’s new release, Fantasm, has made me clear a spot on my shelf for a new version of Angel and it’s the perfect transition scent for moving from summer to winter. I was sent a 2ml sample to try and quickly bought a bigger bottle after getting compliments from my husband, son and several friends at the school gate within the first couple of hours wearing it.
“It’s an amber and patchouli-based relatively intense scent but also has notes of pineapple and coconut to it that reminds you of the lingering last moments of summer plus a very on-trend hint of vanilla that makes it feel lighter than other Angel fragrances.”
Phoebe’s top pick: Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense – £112 to £160
“Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose & Oud has been my favourite perfume ever since I was gifted it on my 21st birthday. It’s the perfect scent for autumn and winter, as although it has a floral Damask rose fragrance some may associate with summer, the oud, clove and praline bring a spicy smoky smell that’s warming and reminds me of cosy nights wrapped up by a bonfire.
“As the perfume is expensive, I don’t use it daily, however whenever I’m going out, I spritz it on my pulse points and get delightful wafts of the dark scent even hours after applying it. Because I don’t wear it every day, the 100ml bottle of perfume has lasted me several years and the scent is just as strong as it was when I first used it, so I think it’s definitely worth the price tag.
“When I run out of the delicious rich fragrance, I won’t hesitate to treat myself to a new bottle. I can’t imagine loving any other perfume as much as I love Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud.”
Lauren’s top pick: Bon Parfumeur 803 Seaspray Ginger Patchouli – £90 at Look Fantastic
“Okay, so I’m not being entirely truthful when I say Bon Parfumeur’s 803 is my favourite autumn fragrance; it’s my favourite all-year-fragrance. I’ve got a huge perfume collection – I could rival the Jo Malone store in Oxford Street at this point – but it’s 803 that I find myself reaching for most.
However, packed with warming, spicy, and woody notes, it feels particularly appropriate come cosy season. The zesty ginger adds a vibrant kick, while the rich sandalwood evokes memories of wrapping yourself in a soft, cashmere blanket.
There’s also a hint of salty sea breeze that reminds me of crisp autumn walks by the coast. It’s both comforting and invigorating, perfect for cool, misty mornings or winding down by the fire with your partner.
Granted, it’s expensive at £90, but I only need two or three spritzes, and it’s powerful enough that it lasts for half the day (I tend to bring along the travel-sized version for top-ups during the day). My bottle is about a quarter full, but I’ve had it for over a year, so it isn’t bad value. “
Rachel Pugh’s top pick: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille – £145 at Space NK
“I own well over 50 bottles of perfume, so I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to fragrance. But I’m a firm believer that your scent should always match your outfit – and can often be more important than the outfit itself when it comes to leaving an impression. In the words of Christian Dior: “Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers”.
“There’s one perfume in my collection that perfectly reflects this sentiment for many autumn/winter occasions. That perfume is Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille – available from Space NK for £145. It’s oriental and spicy, but still has a hint of sweetness for a sexy and sultry scent. I’m a big fan of ‘darker’ fragrances, and this hits all the right spots. It’s rare I’ll wear it without getting compliments, which says it all.
“I often layer it with another of my most-used sprays – Initio’s Side Effect. This isn’t cheap, costing £185 for 50ml at Harvey Nichols, but does it smell good. This one delivers the harmonious effect of tobacco vanilla rum and cinnamon. Think sitting in a luxurious bar in a five-star hotel sipping on a warming cocktail – that’s where it transports me. Oh, and it’s great for dates, too. Men love it.”
Rachel Sloper’s top pick: Shay and Blue’s Blackberry Woods – £65 at Beauty Bay
“I’m a big fan of natural, fruity, scents. Shay and Blue’s Blackberry Woods is bursting with fresh, juicy blackberry, spiked with a punchy citrus, which avoids it becoming cloying and sickly.
“It’s very subtle and fresh, making it perfect for everyday use. Whenever I put this on I instantly feel energised and full of life.”
Nisha’s top pick: Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense – from £112 at Jo Malone
“I used to be allergic to fragrances so admittedly I haven’t tried as many as most in this roundup. Thankfully my allergy resolved itself a few years ago and I’ve been making up for lost time ever since.
“I’m naturally drawn to sweet-smelling scents however this Jo Malone offering is the exception – especially during this time of year. The Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense is infused with black cardamom and fresh lily. It has a strong, spicy, and woody scent with great staying power that lingers for a long time. It’s a lovely autumn perfume with dark and distinctive notes that personify the drizzly season.
“I save this perfume for colder months due to its heady scent, which could be overpowering in the summer. If you like ouds this Jo Malone cologne is worth sampling – you can also pick up a Dark Amber & Ginger Lily scented candle for £70 (200g).”
Lucy’s top pick: YSL Libre Eau De Parfum Intense – £75-£145 at Debenhams
“I’m a sucker when it comes to duty-free fragrances and always have to resist treating myself to a perfume when passing through. This year, my willpower was no match for what is now my new favourite scent – the YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Intense.
“Having heard great things from the beauty world about this perfume, I spritzed myself with the floral and woody scent and instantly knew it was a winner. I prefer perfumes that are heavier, rather than light and fruity, and Libre Intense certainly ticks that box featuring notes of lavender, jasmine, vanilla and amber.
“It’s a perfume that lingers on your skin, hair and clothes all day and as it’s not the cheapest choice out there, it’s well worth it in my opinion for the staying power. Managing to be both creamy and smoky, it’s the perfect accompaniment to an autumn or winter wardrobe and hands down beats any perfume I’ve worn before.
“I don’t like to judge a perfume by its bottle, but YSL have nailed it on that front too. The timeless and chic design is simple, but looks effortlessly stylish on a dressing table or bathroom side and does make using it even more special. I’d like to say I’ll be using it sparingly this season but none of my outfits are complete without a little sprinkling of YSL Libre Intense.”
Eve’s top pick: Floral Street Wonderland Peony
“While it’s not an ‘autumnal fragrance’ per se, I’ve been fully obsessed with Floral Street’s Wonderland Peony since I bagged myself a sample size of it in last year’s Glossybox Advent calendar. It’s currently on offer for £74 from Lookfantastic.
“Although its light and fruity sweet undertones are more reminiscent of spring and summer – with notes of pink guava, peony accord, raspberry flower, lemon and violet – it’s a warm and bright scent that brings me a little dose of happiness with every sweet and dreamy spritz – and what more could you want when the days become darker and nights become longer?
“With additional notes of vanilla bean, pink cotton candy and blackcurrant, it’s a fragrance that’s feminine, sweet and, as one reviewer put so eloquently: “a dreamy mix of sugar and spice”. If that doesn’t scream autumn, I don’t know what does.
“Plus, the decoration on the rounded square bottle – through which a blooming flower is seen – is just divine, making it a pretty statement in my beauty cabinet. And that adds the cherry on top of the metaphorical perfume cake.
Harriet’s top pick: Penhaligons Duchess Rose £235 for 75ml
“Penhaligon’s Duchess Rose has been my favourite perfume since I was spoilt one Christmas, it’s arguably one of the best scents I think you could own, price aside. Sweet and floral but mixed has a hint of musk and wood it’s neither too summery or autumnal, I wear it all year.
“It’s certainly a special occassion scent, think weddings, sentimental date nights and birthday’s but one thing is for sure is a small spritz goes a long way, the smallest amount last for hours. It’s certainly not something I would have bought for myself, thanks to the eye watering price, but I’ll now savour this bottle for months.
“Each spray has a sweet vanilla and rose scent with a hint of musk, which I’d say is what makes it so elegant, keeping in line with its ‘duchess’ namesake there’s certainly a richness about it. as it changes from floral to jasmine and wood tones.”
Tiffany’s top pick: Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum – £152, 100ml
“There’s more to explore than pumpkin spice when it comes to autumn scents and for me, the crisp air and falling leaves bring a scense of sensuality and I think Tom Ford’s Black Orchid defines that feeling in the most perfect way and it’s also a statement of luxury.
“With its rich and dark accords of black orchids and spices, the perfume was born out of Tom Ford’s quest for ‘the perfect flower’ and I love the vibrant blend of berries with bergamot with a deeper note of truffle, gardenia and jasmine.
“It’s an unforgettable scent that lingers on the skin for hours – just a few sprays and you’re good to go. The eau de parfum is a unisex fragrance and is loved by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian. The perfume is available to purchase at The Perfume Shop, Boots and LookFantastic.”
