.jpeg)
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Okay, let’s be real. That weak spritz of your citrusy summer perfume over your favourite cable knit sweater just feels wrong. It’s that magical time of the year again: the air is crisp, leaves crunch under your feet and fragrances that feel like a warm onesie are so back.
But diving straight into cinnamon and clove can feel awkward, jarring and incredibly overwhelming. Well, I’ve got the tea (pumpkin spiced obviously!). Here’s your guide to mastering the fall fragrance palette.
Step 1: Why switch?
Before I get to the scent-sational part of this article, why don’t we touch up on some basic science (I promise) ? Colder air makes molecules move slower, meaning lighter scents will evaporate a lot faster. On the other hand, heavier ones linger on the skin for hours.
Step 2: Find the perfect transition scent.
If switching to spicier scents feels like diving headfirst into a leaf pile, it’s always a good idea to find a fragrance that bridges the gap between summer and fall.
- Missing Person by PHLUR:
Top Notes : Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Sheer Jasmine
Heart Notes : Fresh Cyclamen, Neroli Blossom, Orange Flower
Base Notes : Sandalwood Australia Oil, Blonde Wood, White Musk
Imagine wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf as the sun sets. It’s warm, comforting and slightly romantic. That’s exactly what Missing Person feels like. This fragrance opens with soft airy notes, blooms into florals and finally settles into a creamy woody scent. Bonus: It comes in a body mist and oil, perfect for layering.
Size: 100 mL
Price: $139
2. Bare Vanilla by Victoria’s Secret:
Top Notes: Bergamot, Apple Blossom
Heart Notes: White Angel Orchid, Spun Sugar
Base Notes: Whipped Vanilla, Glowing Amber
Bare Vanilla feels like a golden hour bottled up. The heart of the fragrance with orchid and spun sugar creates a soft delicate sweetness. When it dries down, you’re engulfed by whipped vanilla and amber. It’s versatile and radiant, perfect for everyday wear. And if you love glitter, this comes in a shimmer mist!
Size: 250 mL
Price: $19.95
Step 3: It’s Sweater Weather! Go Full Fall!The perfect time to embrace the autumnal madness. Think spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, gourmands or comforting sandalwood.
3. Night at the Circus by Dirty Soul Soap Co. :
Fragrance Notes: Sweet cotton candy, red apple, sparkling bergamot, buttery popcorn, soft freesia, iris petals, creamy caramel, vanilla bean, golden amber & smooth sandalwood.
Night at the Circus feels just as warm and whimsy as it sounds, like crisp autumn chills and carnival lights. The first impression is of a candied red apple kissed by sparkling bergamot. As it settles, you get buttered caramel popcorn and vanilla bean but the magic is in the final dry down. Sandalwood and amber engulf you, taking you on a journey from sweet to warm velvet.
Size: 4 oz
Price: $15.00
4. Invite Only Amber |23 by Kayali
Top notes: Black cherry , Honey de Provence , Tobacco leaf , Chocolate hazelnut accord
Heart Notes: Rose centifolia absolute , Rose damascena , Citrus leaf
Base Notes: Oud oil , Cypriol , Firmenich musks , Amber resin , Benzoin , Sandalwood , Patchouli , Vanilla Naturally sourced
This fragrance is all about contrasts: It’s slightly mysterious, thanks to the amber. Sweet and smokey undertones entwine with warm musk, bringing in the most perfect main character energy. It’s the ultimate choice for a night out. I promise you’ll turn heads. And it’ll linger forever like a memory you don’t want to forget.
Size: 100 mL
Price: $138
Author approved: My personal faves
Missing Person by PHLUR
Invite Only Amber |23 by Kayali
Bare Vanilla by Victoria’s secret
Step 4: Let’s learn to layer
We’ve spent most of this article talking about scent profiles but how do you make them last a busy day of classes or a sweaty disco party? The secret lies in layering. I always like to start with a body lotion, bonus points if it’s a warm vanilla because it never misses. On an extra long day, I’ll rub some body oil on my pulse points: wrists, side of the neck and ankles. Follow it up with a few sprays of a body mist or a perfume.
Fall isn’t just a season, it’s a vibe. And your perfume is the finishing touch. Trade your citrus for cinnamon and your florals for amber and let your scent do the sweater-weather talking.
.jpeg)
English (US) ·