Citrus in winter

Everytime I see new members of various fragrance communities ask about scent recommendation, many of them metnion: light citrus scents for summer, heavier spicy ones for winter. Every season without fail, many perfume fans put certain scents away in a drawer only to pine after them until the suitable season arrives again.

I must say, I love mini rituals. Taking perfume out, putting them on a tray by my bed, chosing a 'rotation' for the week or month, although I never quite do the picks the perceived seasonality of the scents.

One of my strongest association with Christmas for example are oranges cut up into the mulled wine, orange and lemon peel in cakes and pastries, their sparkling aroma brightening up the chilling atmosphere outside. And while I definitely see merits of fresh, bright scents on a very hot summer day, I would not be without a touch of some oriental vanilla on a cooler evening or a spritz of something spicy when the temperatures don't hit 35 degrees.

I wonder what other people do, do you put away fragrances for the whole season, waiting for an 'appropriate' weather?

ExUser 5 years ago

Of course! In my case I spend most of my time in Spain (where I am from) and the hot summer days are very hot. In other parts of central Europe they have more moderate temperatures in summer. ;)

NorthernSky 5 years ago

@Pitc for me the second argument is not really that valid- as even on super hot days I start the day off with a nice cup of lapsang souchong. Also, most of Europe has a relatively mild climate, while veyr hot days happen, and very very cold, a majority of the year, summer or winter, does not dhow extreme weather conditions, so a warm spicy vanilla is not unfitting for a normal warm day, in the UK at least :)

ExUser 5 years ago

However, when I talk about perfumes with friends I insist on the importance of having several perfumes (with 4 I would say that is enough for a normal person). Since you do not go dressed everywhere and in all seasons like you need several perfumes.
I also point out that when you go to the beach and it is very hot... What would you like more? A cold beer (citric perfume, sparkling) or a hot chocolate? (dense, powerful perfume)

ExUser 5 years ago

In my case I have all the perfumes at hand in a small cupboard. When the cold weather arrives I put the lighter perfumes behind, and vice versa. I always say that every perfume has its moment. Even if it's okay to wear something citrusy in winter, for example, or something heavier in summer.

NorthernSky 5 years ago

@MrLawman Not sure I completely agree it's helpful, after all, it's a fairy modern concept invented by PR to make us buy more. It sort of perpetuates certain iseas that (maybe depends on climate) don't really need to strictly be adhered to.
@Kurai I try to plan my scent beforehand, but utually change my mind 5 times in the morning and then still spray some random bottle anyways, I do love the ritual of picking :)

MrLawman 5 years ago

The credo 'light in summer/spring and heavy in fall/winter' is, in my opinion, a great rule of thumb. It gives the well needed guidance to newcomers to the fragrance game (if this advice isn't given they will find out themselves).
Of course, you can combat cold weather in the traditional way, with woods and spices and vanilla, but sometimes, a blast of citrus, with its reminder of warmer days, seems a better way to thumb your nose at the ice crystals forming on the windows.

Kurai 5 years ago

I plan my scent as well, usually the night before. Usually I don’t really let it depend on the season, but more on the next day’s occasion. Or in these days of COVID confinement I couldn’t care less and pull out the guilty pleasures like CK one. But after reading your post, I’m totally going for Davidoff Silver Shadow (by Francis Kurkdjian) tomorrow. Can’t wait for that warm and cozy blend of orange and amber!

Citrus in winter

More articles by NorthernSky