Spicy fragrances are trending right now—here are the ones I can't stop using.

      As we head into winter, fragrance brands are ramping up their launches for the festive season, filling my inbox with press releases. It's a great way to identify the major trends of the season, and I've observed that spicy perfumes are enjoying a resurgence. Not the overpowering, traditional types that remind you of a spice rack, but rather the contemporary versions—think of notes like pepper, cardamom, saffron, and incense, utilized in ways that feel inviting, modern, and somewhat surprising. They offer a stylish approach to winter fragrances.

      As a beauty editor, I've noticed a broader trend in fragrance: people want to stand out. The typical choices—sweet vanillas, fresh florals, and clean musks—are becoming less appealing. Instead, there’s a growing interest in unique combinations that make you pause and reflect. Sweet and spicy. Floral and spicy. Familiar yet distinct.

      I've always been drawn to scents that incorporate contrast. One of my all-time favorites is Diptyque’s Eau Duelle (£160)—it’s both peppery and vanilla-infused, which seems odd but smells fantastic on the skin (it’s one of my most complimented scents). When I describe it, people often seem puzzled, but once they try it, it makes sense. That’s the magic of spicy perfumes—they seldom exist alone. They're never merely spicy. Some possess a fresh spiciness, with an element of brightness. Others offer warmth and comfort, akin to being wrapped in a cashmere scarf. Some are sweet and gourmand, reminiscent of a chai latte in fragrance form.

      What excites me about this new wave of spicy scents is their wearability. They're intriguing without being daunting, and they differentiate you. Below, I've compiled a list of my favorite spicy perfumes—each strikes a harmonious balance of warmth, sweetness, and depth. Whether you prefer clean and crisp or dark and smoky, there’s a spicy fragrance here that you’re sure to enjoy.

      **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 (iris root), olibanum (incense), fir balsam, vanilla

       - This is currently my favorite; I find myself reaching for it almost every day. I appreciate how the main note of floral iris balances the lighter, fresher top notes with the deeper, spicier base notes. It’s a versatile scent suitable for any occasion, time of day, or season, and it's 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 Diptyque fragrance on a friend more than ten years ago and immediately inquired about it, later ordering one for myself. It has been a consistent presence on my shelf, as it works every time on days when I'm unsure what fragrance to wear. It feels warm, sweet, and subtly spicy, making it both familiar and cozy even for newcomers.

      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 scent from Phlur and is another go-to that frequently garners compliments. The spicy notes (saffron, amber, and musk) are harmonized by delicate 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 spicy notes are prominent in this fragrance, they don’t