With crisp autumn mornings approaching, earthy tones of falling leaves and that moody atmosphere always remind me it’s time to switch up my fragrance game.
Gone are the light florals and citrus perfumes of summer. Instead, I find myself gravitating towards scents that seem to wrap around you like a cosy blanket on a chilly afternoon.
This year, we’ve got some exciting newcomers to the fragrance scene that I’ve been dying to share.
From YSL’s Black Opium Over Red to CH Good Girl Blush Elixir, my 2024 autumn/fall selection promises warmth and sophistication with every spritz.
- Best Perfumes For Autumn
- 1. YSL Black Opium Over Red Eau de Parfum
- 2. Juliette Has A Gun Juliette Eau de Parfum
- 3. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Elixir Eau de Parfum
- 4. Maison Martin Margiela Afternoon Delight EDT
- 5. Lancome La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu Eau de Parfum
- 6. Mugler Angel Elixir Eau de Parfum
- 7. Creed Carmina Eau de Parfum
- 8. Giorgio Armani My Way Parfum
- 9. Chloé Nomade Jasmin Naturel Intense
- 10. YSL Libre L'Absolu Platine Eau de Parfum
- Ingrid’s Top Pick
- Perfume Note Guide For Autumn/Fall
- Conclusion
Best Perfumes For Autumn
After a bit of research (and by research, I mean indulging my fragrance obsession!), I’ve narrowed it down to my absolute best autumn perfume picks.
1. YSL Black Opium Over Red Eau de Parfum
Review
New for 2024, Black Opium Over Red is a daring, seductive YSL perfume that takes the beloved Black Opium fragrance and gives it an autumn twist.
The opening is a luscious cherry accord mixed with zesty green mandarin, providing a tart yet sweet introduction.
As it develops, you’ll get a floral heart and a mysterious hint of black tea. Coffee, vanilla, and patchouli ensure a slightly rebellious finish.
Top Notes:
Cherry Accord, Green Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Black Tea
Base Notes:
Coffee, Vanilla, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
This scent thrives in the colder months—autumn and winter. I’d wear it to an evening out, maybe a candle-lit dinner! Lasts 5+ hours.
2. Juliette Has A Gun Juliette Eau de Parfum
Review
Juliette Has A Gun’s 2024 release, simply called “Juliette,” mixes fruity sweetness with a touch of spice.
With pepper-dusted cherry, Juliette opens boldly. The heart introduces cashmere flower and jasmine absolute, adding a soft floral touch.
Ambroxan and tonka ensure a smooth foundation and a creamy finish with just enough warmth to make it perfect for fall.
Top Notes:
Dark Cherry, Pink Pepper
Mid Notes:
Cashmere Flower, Jasmine Absolute
Base Notes:
Ambroxan, Tonka Bean
Seasons & Longevity
While it’s perfect for autumn, I could see this working for early spring, too. It lasts 6+ hours, so it won’t vanish halfway through the day!
3. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Elixir Eau de Parfum
Review
Good Girl Blush Elixir takes the iconic Good Girl silhouette and softens it with a more romantic approach—think of it as the GG fragrance for an autumn date.
A sparkling citrus combo of bergamot and mandarin grabs attention with a sweet floral bouquet of ylang-ylang and rose, giving it a powdery allure.
The base of vanilla adds a touch of warmth that anchors the scent beautifully. I love the patchouli!
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Ylang Ylang, Rose
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
Autumn, without a doubt, is the season for this perfume. It pairs rather nicely with cosy knits and golden afternoons and lasts 6+ hours.
4. Maison Martin Margiela Afternoon Delight EDT
Review
Maison Margiela’s Afternoon Delight is an unexpected treat and I feel something a bit more offbeat for this autumn.
Opening with bitter almond and angelica root, it’s nutty and a little green, giving it an herbal touch, with (mostly) musky ambrette in the sensual heart.
The base notes—sandalwood, vanilla, and musk, round it out with a soft, creamy warmth. A stylish choice!
Top Notes:
Bitter Almond, Angelica Root
Mid Notes:
Madeleine Accord, Carrot Heart, Absolu Ambrette
Base Notes:
New Caledonia Sandalwood, Madagascar Vanilla, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for autumn/winter days when you just want to curl up with a good book or stroll through a park lined with orange leaves. Lasts 4+ hours.
5. Lancome La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu Eau de Parfum
Review
Ideal for fall, La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolu is a fruity floral adventure from the house of Lancome. A celebration of life’s beautiful moments.
A fruity dance of blackcurrant and juicy fig at the opening, gracefully joined by powdery iris at the heart. The base slowly reveals mouthwatering gourmand notes.
Top Notes:
Fig Accord, Blackcurrant
Mid Notes:
Iris, Jasmine Sambac
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Gourmand Accord
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for an elegant autumn evening, this seductive feminine fragrance casts a spell wherever you go, lasting 6+ hours.
6. Mugler Angel Elixir Eau de Parfum
Review
A unique woody-floral offering by Mugler, Angel Elixir is as mystical as the autumn night’s sky.
Nose-tingling pink pepper is soothed by fragrant jasmine and exotic ylang-ylang in the heart. For me, it’s the base of vanilla and sandalwood that dazzles.
Top Notes:
Pink Pepper, CO2 Extract
Mid Notes:
Orange Blossom, Ylang Ylang Essence, Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber Xtreme™
Seasons & Longevity
For breezy autumn afternoons, providing a warm embrace amidst the cool air. A durable scent leaves a trail of wonder in its wake for 6+ hours.
7. Creed Carmina Eau de Parfum
Review
New for 2023, Creed Carmina is a future classic, combining the ageless elegance of musky rose with the tartness of cherry.
Pepper-dusted cherry flows into a heart of blooming Rose de Mai and peony, rooted in a musky base with seductive spices such as myrrh and frankincense.
Top Notes:
Black Cherries, Pink Pepper, Saffron
Mid Notes:
Rose de Mai, Violet, Cashmere Wood, Peony
Base Notes:
Myrrh, Frankincense, Amber, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Feels like an embrace on a brisk autumn day, radiating warmth and comfort. Creed Carmina lingers for 6+ hours, subtly making its presence felt.
8. Giorgio Armani My Way Parfum
Review
This 2023 Parfum version of Giorgio Armani’s My Way is still bright and floral but casts a musky persona ideal for the changing seasons.
A lively start with bergamot and bitter orange that soon reveals a floral duo of tuberose and iris, settling to a carefree and comforting base of vanilla and musk.
Top Notes:
Bergamot oil, Orange Blossom, Bitter orange Oil
Mid Notes:
Tuberose Absolute, Iris Pallida Butter
Base Notes:
Cedarwood Oil, Bourbon Vanilla, White Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for those days when autumn inspires introspection. Impressively long-lasting, gently accompanying you throughout the day.
9. Chloé Nomade Jasmin Naturel Intense
Review
New from Chloé, Nomade Jasmin Naturel Intense is a sweet and seductive blend that will put a spring in your step for autumn/fall.
A lively opening of fragrance jasmine is at the start, melting into a heart of deliciously sweet date acord. Patchouli soon casts its seductive magic as this fragrance settles.
Top Notes:
Jasmine
Mid Notes:
Date Accord
Base Notes:
Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
This fragrance is fun and feminine, like a burst of laughter on a serene autumn evening. Stays gracefully with you for 5+ hours.
10. YSL Libre L’Absolu Platine Eau de Parfum
Review
Fresh and awakening, Libre L’Absolu Platine is YSL’s ode to freedom, capturing the spirit of a liberated soul!
A vivacious start of soapy citrus and aldehydes soon delves into a bright lavender and orange blossom heart. Upon dry-down, amber and vanilla make a welcome appearance.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Mandarin, Natural Aldehyde
Mid Notes:
Orange Blossom, White Lavender Accord, Diva Lavender
Base Notes:
Vanilla Bourbon, Ambergris Accord
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for those empowering autumn days when the wind carries whispers of change. Lasts remarkably well at 6+ hours.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
YSL Black Opium Over Red Eau de Parfum
My favourite pick for this autumn is YSL Black Opium Over Red Eau de Parfum. That cherry note is delish and perfect for a daytime stroll through the city this fall.
Perfume Note Guide For Autumn/Fall
Autumn calls for warm, rich, and cosy scents that capture the essence of the season. Here’s a table of some popular autumnal perfume notes:
| Note | Description |
|---|---|
| Woods | |
| Cedarwood | A woody scent with a slightly sweet edge, reminiscent of pencil shavings or antique furniture. |
| Sandalwood | Creamy, soft, and warm with a hint of sweetness, often used as a base note. |
| Resins & Balsams | |
| Benzoin | Sweet, warm, and vanilla-like, often lending a cozy feeling to perfumes. |
| Myrrh | Ancient resin with a slightly medicinal, smoky, and balsamic aroma. |
| Frankincense | Another ancient resin, it’s aromatic, balsamic, and slightly lemony or piney. |
| Spices | |
| Cinnamon | Sweet and spicy, reminiscent of baked goods and autumn treats. |
| Nutmeg | Warm, spicy, and slightly sweet with a hint of woodiness. |
| Clove | Bold and spicy, evoking the aroma of fall desserts and mulled wine. |
| Gourmand | |
| Vanilla | Sweet, warm, and comforting, often paired with other notes for depth. |
| Tonka Bean | Sweet, creamy, and reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, and cut hay. |
| Fruits | |
| Apple | Fresh, crisp, and slightly sweet, evoking orchards and apple pies. |
| Plum | Rich, sweet, and slightly tart, reminiscent of darker, lusher fruits. |
| Fig | Sweet, creamy, and green; evokes the transition from late summer to autumn. |
| Leather & Tobacco | |
| Leather | Warm, slightly smoky, and rich, evoking luxury and comfort. |
| Tobacco | Sweet, woody, and slightly smoky, reminiscent of pipe tobacco or dried leaves. |
| Earthy & Vetiver | |
| Patchouli | Earthy, slightly sweet, and musky; often associated with bohemian vibes. |
| Vetiver | Woody, smoky, and earthy with a hint of citrus; brings depth and complexity. |
Conclusion
There you have it, my top autumn perfume choices for us ladies this 2024, ensuring you can stand out with some of the latest fall scents. Perfect for the cooler, shorter days ahead!
As autumn’s golden hues blanket the world, the best autumn perfumes will embrace the essence of this changing season, keeping you warm yet with a touch of crispness.
Whether you’re after something bold like YSL’s Black Opium Over Red or a bit more whimsical like Maison Margiela’s Afternoon Delight, these fragrances will surely add warmth and magic to your autumn days.
So, which one will you try first?
Also Read: 10 Cosy Winter Perfumes For Women: My Top Picks
