i want a warm, wintery, woody, comforting scent

[Pheasantlysurprised]

I don't like masculine or unisex stuff, dont know why, it really doesn't suit me - even though 'masculine' is a silly way to describe a scent if we are honest.

But i don't want anything sharp or too sweet either.
I don't like Byredo or Dyptique, and i really cant stomach jo malone. Also not a fan of many mainstream designer fragrances such as chanel, Dior, etc.

What i do like - gingerlily by molten brown, Seychelles by white company and fresca-something in orange by guerlain.

I want something warm, like a memory blanket, soothing, but like soft spice/wood mixed with something soft, warm, seasonal. Memorable, lasting but not showy. As comforting as mother, but also individual, slightly mysterious....I cant be arsed with lavender or lime.

Im trying my best to evoke something here, but it is pointless because fragrance shifts around so much and we all react to it so differently - but worth a try!

Not bothered about price - i am happy to check out cheap scents as many are as lovely as expensive ones. It all depends. Price doesnt always predict whether i will love it.

Are there any other au de parfums by guerlain or scents by the White Co that i might like? Or should i try something different?

I have Lord of Misrule from Lush.
Its patchouli, black pepper and vanilla

I bought Colette by Tocca recently, it has lovely warm base notes of sandalwood, cedar and vanilla, and high notes of citrus and juniper Berry. I really like it, quite soft and wintery somehow.

Agree with by the fireplace
4160 Tuesdays eau my soul is beautiful
Glossier you.. maybe? It's a skin scent on me, and it smells like me but softer and better!

Going to throw in frederic malle musc ravageur
I don't get lavender from it even though it's in the notes

@MissBattleaxe I got the Discovery Set from LJR on your recommendation on another thread. My favourites are Sandalwood Sacre and Tuberose Trianon, both gorgeous. I've just ordered some samples from 4160 Tuesdays to try out, and I've got the book too

Another By The Fireplace fan here. I know you said no Diptyque but Eau Duelle might also fit your brief.

I absolutely love Mitsouko, and am actually wearing it today, but it doesn’t wear cosy on me at all.

Maybe Liz Earle No 15, although there is some sweetness to it. It’s warm, soft, spicy and comforting. Probably my favourite scent for autumn and winter.

I know you dislike Jo Malone but I’ve been wearing Oud and Bergamot and it’s just as you describe (I think) Really beautiful.

Another vote for Mitsouko. It's all I've worn for 20+ years, and I never get bored of it. So much depth and warmth.

Try the sample set from Penhaligons. Their ‘Halfeti’ is gorgeous but a lighter alternative is Cairo. Lots of woody and exotic notes and their sample packs are great.

wow, thank you for so many replies, i will be looking into all of these. I am still veering towards the estee lauder and the fireside scent - there's a nice gift set of 5 from this range, tempted!

Milk musk molton brown

If you want something warm and comforting but also spicy then I'd recommend either Shalimar or Samsara. Shalimar is stronger, and more spicy with definite rich orange notes, while Samsara is a warm creamy gentle sandalwood.

I had a sniff at the Herbae the other day- it's lovely, but I wouldn't say it's a warming spicy fragrance. The new Promenade d'Hiver is though.

I'd also recommend the God of winter spice in perfumery- Andy Tauer.
L'Air du Desert Marocain
Au Coeur du desert
Lonestar Memories

You can get discovery sets I think.

@DramaAlpaca where did order the samples from?

Maybe try a favourite of mine - Enchantment by Next. Cheap to try a five pound handbag sized tester, so not much to lose. It has real depth on me; woody, not overly sweet.
Unfortunately Estee Lauder’s Sensuous Noir referenced above which was an absolute favourite of mine has been discontinued for a few years now. Sensuous is nice but quite sweet so may not suit. Very Estee is to my mind a more ‘wintry’ choice.
Liz Earle No 15 may also be up your street.

I love Prada Iris all year round tbh. It's got a fresh green opening then a lovely comforting dry down with a hint of powder and musk.

Diptyque Orpheon is similar but more in your face

Le Labo Rose is also quite incensey, and JM pom noir smells of Christmas to me but I know she said no JM!

I agree Prada Iris is lovely. It's my comfort food scent. Soapy and clean. Like a warm hug.

@Geamhradh

I agree Prada Iris is lovely. It's my comfort food scent. Soapy and clean. Like a warm hug.

Isn't it. I absolutely love it. The longevity isn't great on me which breaks my heart.

Still searching for something that I love as much but with a sexier edge

I know you said no to Chanel, but Chanel Allure Sensuelle is what you describe. It has been my winter scent for years and I have had many compliments wearing it

You might like Donna karan black cashmere or maison Martin margiela by the fireplace.

Bottega Venata

Rouge Bunny Rouge Embers is like a wood fire. It is very wintery. Comme de garçons Kyoto is lovely and full of incense if that appeals?

@Kikkomam

I've tried a million soapy Iris perfumes in an attempt...but no. They've either got a harsh aftershave twang when things like cedar etc get added, or are overly sweet when white flowers are added. I console myself by using Perfume Parlour's version of the Prada. It lasts longer and is a bit stronger, DD has the Prada.

[quote Geamhradh]@Kikkomam

I've tried a million soapy Iris perfumes in an attempt...but no. They've either got a harsh aftershave twang when things like cedar etc get added, or are overly sweet when white flowers are added. I console myself by using Perfume Parlour's version of the Prada. It lasts longer and is a bit stronger, DD has the Prada.[/quote]
I use this more often than the real thing too. Contemplating getting the oil as well