When it comes to fragrances, I simply cannot look past a library-inspired, woody perfume. As a writer (a fact I take great pleasure in stating as often as possible), I want a fragrance that evokes dust-covered antiques, stacks of books, crackling fireplaces and dimly lit wine bars. And in my quest for wintry, sophisticated and sultry scents, I’ve come across a handful of fragrances that do just that.
So, if you too are obsessed with buying paperbacks, curating a dark academia aesthetic and rewatching the Twilight saga, these fragrances are for you. Go forth and smell sexy.
Whispers in the Library, Maison Margiela
If you want to smell like a sophisticated novelist who wears gloves in a chic way -not a cheap, costumey way- and spends her time pouring over leather-bound books while sipping espressos, then this is the perfume for you. Actually, this just is the perfume, full stop.
Drawing inspiration from the alluring scent of wax wood and paper, Whispers in the Library offers the perfect balance between woody notes of cedar and sweet, rich vanilla. Some say it leans more unisex, but I find the dry-down is quite powdery, sweet and delicate.
While this fragrance is everything I could ever want in a fragrance, I will say that the longevity isn’t great for the price point. But seeing as I am yet to find anything else as perfect as this fragrance, it’s hardly an issue for me.
Bibliothèque, Byredo
Truth be told, I am yet to actually purchase this perfume. Nonetheless, it is my latest obsession and every time I stop in at MECCA I get just that little bit closer to buying it. But at $245 a pop, I need to continue this slow burn, long-distance romance for some time until I can justify buying it.
As the name suggests, Bibliothèque is similarly inspired by a cosy library, however, where Whispers in the Library has its woodsy notes, this Byredo fragrance takes on a fruitier and sweeter approach to the library theme. Peach, plum, peony and patchouli mingle with leather and musk and the result is just divine, and arguably more suited to year-round wear. Plus, as an eau de parfum, the fragrance lasts all day, or at least that’s what I’ll be telling myself to ease the pain of dropping so much money on a perfume.
By The Fireplace, Maison Margiela
Rainy nights spent by the fire, dark oak bookshelves and toasted marshmallows are what come to mind when I smell By The Fireplace. A darker, more woody fragrance that is better suited to evening wear, this Maison Margiela eau de toilette is another standout from the Replica line.
Featuring notes of chestnut, spicy pepper, clove and wood, this wintry scent is the ultimate fragrance for my fellow book-loving girlies. Think: sipping pinot noir as you devour classic literature, listening to Lana Del Rey, gaslighting AND girlbossing.
Wonderwood, Comme des Garçons
Heady is a great word to describe this deliciously woody fragrance from Comme des Garçons. Leaning more masculine, this winter-appropriate perfume packs a cedar and sandalwood punch and definitely exudes mysterious, well-read and hot.
Although this fragrance is all wood and no sweetness, there’s a hint of spice in the form of nutmeg and pepper. I personally gravitate towards fragrances with powdery and sweet notes, but this is still divine; freshly chopped wood in a bottle.
