Your cologne is as much a part of your daily attire as your clothing. As you adapt your wardrobe for the seasonal temperature, you should equally consider the appropriate fragrance. If you are feeling a little lost where to start, follow our guide to choosing your perfect winter scent in preparation for the arrival of the coldest season.
Why should I change fragrance according to season?
In colder temperatures, scent does not lift as well as it does in warm environments. This is because odour molecules move at a much slower pace in cool air. In addition to this, our bodies change to be less hospitable; the receptors in our nose tend to bury themselves deeper, which can suppress our sense of smell. This is in protection from the cold, dry air. In order to tackle this, you should choose heavier fragrances with a strong base in order for the aroma to last and be noticed.
As well as the science, it is natural to desire scents that fulfil our seasonal cravings. For example, in the heat of the summer, we want a fresh, citrus or oceanic scent to refresh our skin and avoid overpowering our senses, while in winter we seek something that will be warming.
Base notes are key
As mentioned, in winter you would be better off seeking a richer scent and this can most easily be determined by the notes that make up the base. The base notes tend to be the strongest as they hold together the body of the fragrance and last the longest, but this can vary depending on the fragrance formula. In winter, look out for spicy, woody or sweet base notes as apposed to floral or fresh.
Which are the key fragrance families?
Woody
In our last journal post, we provided a guide to the woody family. Woody notes are typically deep, intense and warming and appear as common base notes in fragrance. The wood/earth derived notes from this family resonate with wood-burning fires, green foliage and other comforting aromas associated with the season.
Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Pachouli, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Pine.
Czech & Speake Fragrances: No.88, Frankincense & Myrrh, Dark Rose, Spanish Cedar, Vétiver Vert, Cuba.
Oriental
Orientals are characteristically spicy and exotic, stemming from an eastern influence. Spices incorporated such as cardamon, saffron and frankincense are warming and provocative of festive spirit. This family is one that can have a lot of cross over with other families; these are identified as Floral Oriental, Soft Oriental, Oriental and Woody Oriental.
Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Jasmine Cardamom, Frankincense, Myrrh, Saffron, Sandalwood, Clove, Cinnamon, Amber.
Czech & Speake Fragrances: Frankincense & Myrrh, Dark Rose.
Be bold, Opt for Eau de Parfum
If you want to ensure your fragrance will last, look for scents labelled as eau de parfum as apposed to eau de cologne or eau de toilette. Eau de parfum contains a stronger percentage of perfume essence meaning it will provide a much denser scent. This Autumn, Czech & Speake released an eau de parfum version of our most iconic scent, No.88.
Explore our Woody and Oriental fragrance categories to shop a scent suited to the winter season. Alternatively discover our recently released No.88 EdP as mentioned in this journal post.
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