5 new fragrances to usher in winter with serious chic

WARM & WONDERFUL

5 new fragrances to usher in winter with serious chic

We’re neck-deep in a cashmere sweatsuit and snuggled up under a blanket. But there’s nothing like a fragrance – with woodsy, earthy or smoky notes – that can give you that warm fuzzy feeling to make you forget just how cold it really is. Whether you favour just-out-of-the-oven gourmand scents or prefer the cooler version of a floral favourite, we’ve rounded up our five favourite new fragrances that are warm, sensual and pack enough of a long-wearing punch that they linger on your favourite sweater. Happy spritzing!

GIORGIO ARMANI SÌ INTENSE

Can a cult classic get any better? The answer is yes, especially if it packs an additional amberfloral punch with a touch of darkness. Meet your new signature scent: Giorgio Armani Sì Intense is one of those fragrances that instantly makes you feel physically powerful and sexy. Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of blackcurrant nectar, this perfume soon turns seductive with traces of Isparta rose, liquorous davana, patchouli and benzoin resin for a perfect winter night. It lingers for hours on end, so wear it for late-night drinks and pair it with a fruity cocktail to really set the ambiance.

R1,350 for 30ml, R2,090 for 50ml or R2,970 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

GUESS BELLA VITA

To start, can’t you just imagine this gorgeous bottle – with the iconic Guess peony medallion in the centre and an opulent gold cap – making a statement on your vanity? But this fruity-floral gourmand fragrance goes far beyond appearances. An instant pick-me-up for those gloomy winter mornings, Guess Bella Vita is a bright scent that will wake up your senses like a shot of espresso. It infuses almost-fruity tuberose and sparkling black cherry notes with a vanilla base note for a hint of sweet self-restraint. Beautifully intoxicating but brilliantly wearable, it calls to be worn with a power suit at all times.

R799 for 30ml, R899 for 50ml or R1,099 for 100ml from Clicks, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths

MICHAEL KORS GORGEOUS!

We’ll admit: The millennial in us is immediately drawn to the minimalistic pastel pink packaging featuring black and rose gold accents, and the light peach juice inside. But we stay for the bold floral-woody fragrance. The unexpected white flowers scent is equal parts soft and masculine, thanks to a top floral bouquet that blends into a heart of smoky tobacco accord, with a dry down finish of comforting woods. This has the same comforting qualities as wrapping yourself up in a cashmere shawl, or transporting you to a sophisticated jazz club. It’s a lovely accompaniment to a winter cocktail evening.

R1,095 for 30ml, R1,495 for 50ml or R1,890 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

AZZARO WANTED GIRL BY NIGHT

Warm and cosy doesn’t always translate to smoky and woodsy. If you’re looking for something more on the chypre-floral and gourmand side, Azzaro Wanted Girl by Night is a well-balanced mix of whipped cream and rum. Imagine a milky dessert topped with bourbon vanilla … yum! There’s nothing subtle about this delicious concoction, however, you’ll either love it or hate it. When you spritz this on, you’ll enjoy hints of night-blooming cereus and patchouli, which keeps all the sweet smells from becoming overpowering. This is a good one to wear on date night because it packs a passionate punch.

R1,200 for 30ml, R1,760 for 50ml or R2,200 for 80ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES FLOWER SYMPHONY

As you might expect from a fragrance called Flower Symphony, this travel-size miniature scent from Glasshouse Fragrances is a celebration of a trio of blooms. The flowers – dewy white roses, freesias and jasmine – are pretty, but its light airy freshness of bergamot, lemon and sweet pear blossoms make this a standout. These notes are warmed up by dry amber, patchouli and musk, giving it a fabulous balance. It’s the kind of golden, mellow signature scent that sits just as well on a cosy jumper as it does on an evening dress. Perfect for on-the-go touchups, we carry one in each of our favourite handbags.

R499 for 14ml from select Woolworths stores