Six Holiday Fragrances Perfect For Any Season
These are the scents Jovel Roystan is betting his money on this holiday season.
Words, Jovel Roystan
Graphic, Marcus Richardson
Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. While some would argue that you need a custom arsenal of fragrances for each of these chapters of the year, others find both comfort and confidence in that one special signature scent that lingers in the air around them year-round. Ask me and I’ll tell you there’s no right or wrong answer, but a man can only find where he stands on the matter through exploration—and there’s no better time than the holidays to give me a hand with his journey.
Now, I won’t fool you into thinking there’s no risk in fragrance gifting. After all, it’s a rather subjective and intimate matter—which scents a man might love enough to mark himself with them day after day—but with a little help, the outcome can be game-changing. Here are the collections I’d bet my money on this holiday season.
→ Spice Blend, Christian Dior
As the name suggests, it’s an explosion of peppers and spices, painted over with top notes of rum and ginger that sit beautifully on the skin throughout the day. During the colder months, a robust scent is the way to go—as drier skin leads to faster fading—and this luxe mixture has excellent lasting power and sillage that won’t get lost in the winter chill.
→ By the Fireplace, Maison Martin Margiela
If I had to pick the ultimate fragrance for the winter, By the Fireplace would take the cake, without question. With defining notes of vanilla, chestnuts and other woody elements, you literally feel like you’re curled up in front of a fire with marshmallows roasting and loved ones near. It always puts me in the perfect mood this time of year, and I often have to remind myself to give the other scents in my collection a turn.
→ Tobacco Vanille, Tom Ford
Blending spicy and sweet, tobacco and vanilla, strength and softness without flaw, Tobacco Vanille has been a longtime favorite of mine for years. Quite similar to By the Fireplace, it offers a beautiful balance of some of my favorite elements, has great lasting power, and is strong enough to get you plenty of compliments without assaulting your nostrils all day long.
→ Stash SJP, Sarah Jessica Parker
Before you ask if this is a typo: Yes, this blend from the one and only Carrie Bradshaw is a hit in my book—and believe me, it’s far from the typical celebrity fragrance. It's a really unique, aromatic creation loaded with a ton of woody notes but lightened up with grapefruit, ginger lily and a couple of softer notes. It’s a strong, masculine expression that I love to wear during the day. but is perfect for a sexy night in the city.
→ Fève Délicieuse, Christian Dior
This sophisticated oriental blend is new to my collection and one of my favorite finds of 2019. It opens with a fresh burst of bergamot, mint and lavender, then sweetens up with sour cherry, freesia and jasmine, but the base notes make up the most captivating layer, stacked with tonka bean, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, pralines and woody accords. I find it wonderful for use during the day, but trust, it’s a good after-hours moment too.
→ Spicebomb, Viktor & Rolf
Cinnamon is the defining note, and it’s powerful enough to last throughout the day (or night) with one good spritz, but my favorite thing about this fragrance is its ability to pair well with other sweeter options. Its masculinity is quite undeniable, so there’s room for your guy to layer it with softer, complementary products on his shelf without losing any of that strength.
