Fragrances are very personal. They can affect your mood and evoke certain memories, or truly just help your overall wellbeing. That’s why finding a distinctive scent that is personalized to your tastes is really important.
Now that fall is in full swing, we’re all searching for the perfect autumn scent, which can be difficult if you don’t have the necessary knowledge to back you up. To guide us, The Tease spoke with Rohan Widdison, CEO and founder of boutique cosmetic contract manufacturers New Laboratories to get all of his expert insights on fragrance trends, as well as, his top recommendations.
The Tease: Are we seeing an uptick in fragrance interest?
Rohan Widdison: Some wider consumer trends have influenced the trajectory of fragrance. Due to higher interest in self-care, holistic wellness, and clean beauty, consumers are demanding fragrances that enhance their mental health, improve their mood, and increase wellbeing. Fragrance has also been a powerful mood booster and this resurgence in interest in fragrances speaks to consumer desire for scents that uplight them without harming their health.
What notes make-up a fall scent?
Widdison: Fall fragrances are more intense than a light and fresh summer fragrance. They tend to be deeper with more spice for the cooler months. Woody, cosy and earthy notes are quite popular – think oud, cinnamon, tobacco, sandalwood, cardamom, vanilla, and musk.
What are some of the trends in scents this Fall? Women, men, or unisex.
Widdison: Scents such as vanilla and woody spiced scents are always a staple in fall, and work for men and women. When the temperature drops, consumers tend to love to go back to familiar and comforting scents.
They may opt for an elevated version of their favorite fragrance or layer perfumes for a more complex effect. An interesting development is the increasing popularity of gourmand notes like rosemary, plum, fig, caramel, and chocolate featuring in fragrances. Expect to see more food-type scents to be woven into the repertoire this fall.
Why those specific notes in the fall?
Widdison: Fall is about withdrawing indoors and connecting with loved ones over warm drinks, and being cozy around the fire. These experiences are powerful memories which are in turn linked to the scents unique to fall. Smell is so much more intense when you are cozied up inside.
Should we opt for Eau de parfum or Eau de toilette in the colder months?
Widdison: This is a matter of personal preference but I would say Eau de Toilette wouldn’t be a bad choice since we are in closer proximity to other people in the cold months.
What are some fragrances/brands you recommend for the fall that have the notes mentioned?
Widdison: Le Labo Santal 33 is an iconic woody fragrance that is unisex. It has beautiful notes of cardamom, cedar, sandalwood, musk and amber and feels just like a warm hug.
Dior Vanilla Diorama is another gorgeous unisex fragrance that does vanilla with a touch of sophistication.
I also like Byredo Slow Dance which is a warm smoky honey scent with notes of cognac, geranium, opoponax, and labdanum.
Any fragrances that you have your eye on or some that might be trending this fall?
Widdison: 4711 Acqua Colonia Yuzu & Cedarwood is a very interesting combination which is zesty and sparky but still pairs so well with fine cedarwood. I think this one will be good for channeling focus and mindfulness this fall.
Creed’s new unisex Centaurus is a woody amber fragrance which has all the hallmarks of a classic fall scent: smoky tobacco, pink pepper, spicy cinnamon, and cardamom, sandalwood and sweet jasmine combined with Bourbon vanilla.
What notes should we look out for in the winter?
Widdison: Winter is a much more intense continuation of fall in that these cozy scents give way to fresher, more zesty and vivid notes like pine, heavy smoke, spice, and leather.
How do we make these scents pop in the colder months?
Widdison: Layer on warm points of the body like wrists and neck and let your body heat waft the fragrance upwards and outwards.
Don’t overdo it, but don’t be shy spritzing the fragrances either. Wear scents that are in harmony with your surroundings and choose one that is complex and yields surprising notes as it develops.
