Spicy fragrances are trending right now—here are the ones I can't get enough of.

      As winter approaches, fragrance brands are in full swing with product launches ahead of the holiday season, and my inbox is overflowing with press releases. It's a great opportunity to identify the key trends for the season, and one standout observation is the rise of spicy perfumes. These are not the overpoweringly sweet, traditional scents reminiscent of your spice cabinet, but rather the new generation—consider notes like pepper, cardamom, saffron, and incense that exude warmth, a modern touch, and a hint of surprise. They offer a stylish twist on winter fragrances.

      As a beauty editor, I've noticed a broader trend in fragrances at the moment. Many people are tired of smelling like everyone else. The usual options—sweet vanillas, fresh florals, and clean musks—are no longer appealing. There is a growing desire for something more unique: combinations that make you pause and think. Sweet meets spicy. Floral fuses with spice. It’s familiar yet distinct.

      I have always been drawn to scents that contrast. One of my favorites is Diptyque’s Eau Duelle (£160)—both peppery and vanilla-like, which seems counterintuitive but smells amazing on the skin (it’s one of my most complimented perfumes). When I describe it to someone, they often look puzzled. However, upon trying it, it makes perfect sense. Spicy perfumes rarely stand alone; they aren’t purely spicy. Some have fresh spicy elements, bringing zest and effervescence, while others feel warm and cozy, like being wrapped in a cashmere scarf. There are also sweeter, edible varieties that evoke a chai latte in fragrance form.

      What excites me about this new wave of spicy fragrances is their wearability. They’re intriguing without being off-putting, ensuring you smell distinctive. Below, I’ve compiled my favorite spicy perfumes that achieve a flawless balance of warmth, sweetness, and complexity. Whether you prefer bright and crisp or deep and smoky, there’s a spicy fragrance here that you’re likely to adore.

      **Best Spicy Perfumes:**

      - **Best Fresh Spicy Perfume:** Les Soeurs de Noe Call Me Iris Eau de Parfum (£170)

      - **Best Sweet Spicy Perfume:** Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette (£160)

      - **Best Soft Spicy Perfume:** Phlur Somebody Wood Eau de Parfum (£99)

      - **Best Dry Spicy Perfume:** Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum (£145)

      - **Best Woody Spicy Perfume:** Byredo Black Saffron Eau de Parfum (£150)

      1. **Les Soeurs de Noe Call Me Iris Eau De Parfum**

       **Best Fresh Spicy Perfume**

       *Fragrance Family:* Fresh spicy

       *Key Notes:* Lemon, bergamot, pink pepper, orris, olibanum, fir balsam, vanilla

       This is my current favorite, and I wear it almost daily. The floral iris note beautifully balances the lighter, fresher top notes with deeper, spicier base notes. It's versatile enough for any occasion and season, making it approachable for those new to spicy fragrances.

      2. **Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau De Toilette**

       **Best Sweet Spicy Perfume**

       *Fragrance Family:* Sweet spicy

       *Key Notes:* Bourbon vanilla, cardamom, pink pepper, juniper berry, saffron, black tea, amber, olibanum, calamus

       I first encountered this perfume on a friend over a decade ago and immediately asked her what she was wearing. It has been a staple in my collection ever since, working perfectly on days when I'm unsure of what to wear. Its warm, sweet, and subtly spicy profile feels familiar and cozy.

      3. **Phlur Somebody Wood Eau De Parfum**

       **Best Soft Spicy Perfume**

       *Fragrance Family:* Soft spicy

       *Key Notes:* Bergamot, lemon, saffron, cyclamen, jasmine, sandalwood, amber, cedar, vanilla, musk

       This is my favorite from Phlur and a frequently worn fragrance that continually receives compliments. The spicy facets (saffron, amber, and musk) are nicely balanced with gentle notes of bergamot, lemon, and jasmine.

      4. **Aesop Eidesis Eau De Parfum**

       **Best Dry Spicy Perfume**

       *Fragrance Family:* Dry spicy

       *Key Notes:* Petitgrain, black pepper, frankincense, cumin, cedar, sandalwood, vetiver

       While the spicy elements are prominent, they do not overwhelm; this is my ideal winter scent, evoking the woody and smoky notes of a forest stroll.

      5. **Byredo Black Saffron Eau De Parfum**

       **Best Woody Spicy Perfume**

       *Fragrance Family:* Woody