March is the last official month of winter before we welcome the spring with arms wide open. Although we have been dreaming of warmer days and shorter nights, we are sad that some of our favourite fragrances have to return to hibernation until Autumn has passed once more. So, as winter begins to fade into spring, we thought we'd dedicate our March Journal to some of our favourite Winter Warmers!

So what makes a great winter fragrance? There are no rules that officially state what one must wear between the months of January and March; after all, our choice in perfume is always guided by personal taste. That being said, the cooler winter climate naturally lends itself to deeper and more heavy fragrances. So if you're looking for that extra layer of warmth, look out for ingredients like oud, amber, tobacco, leather, and the more boozy notes of whiskey and rum. But, for those who prefer something a little lighter, look for fragrances that are cool and silky, as the cold air will amplify this crisp wintery freshness. So, if you're looking to explore the many facets of winter perfumery, we've got a few great suggestions below. 

Oud really comes into its element in the winter months; it's an incredibly intimate ingredient that becomes exceptionally soft and gentle on the skin. Number 4 by Rosendo Mateu is the ideal Winter Oud. Together with a cosy note of vanilla and the light spice of saffron, this rich oud-based fragrance will softly wrap around you like a fine cashmere scarf. Another winter favourite of ours is Atelier Des Ors' Bois Sikar; it's a warm and smooth pairing of smokey tobacco and deep woody accords with a gentle touch of whiskey, that overtime becomes incredibly warm with a soft smokiness that's perfect for the coldest of winter mornings. Leather has a radiating warmth to it that's perfect for fending off the chilly winter air. Plume Impression's Elegance Cuirée is a beautifully soft leather that fuses a medley of fresh and green notes with deeper tones of amber and patchouli, making this the ideal fragrance for both winter and spring.  

However, winter is not reserved exclusively for those rich, heavy fragrances. The cold really amplifies that cool and silky character of crisp-green fragrances. So, if you're not a fan of heavy perfumes, the winter is an excellent opportunity to lean into the cold! Masque Milano's L'Attesa is perfect for this time of year. Iris really loves the brisk winter air as it intensifies the leathery facet, making it exceptionally smooth and a touch more smokey. There's a certain elegance about a frosty winter morning, and this is the exact same elegance you can capture with a cool-spicy winter fragrance. Bataille from Bastille captures just this; its spices create a clean metallic quality that perfectly combines with fresh, green notes of sage and cedarwood. Last on our list of alternative winter warmers is Chabaud's Mysterious Oud. Don't let the name fool you; Mysterious Oud is light and fresh, with an airy greenness reminiscent of pine, followed by a tender trail of jasmine. 

Before we close off this month's journal, we're offering a helpful reminder that in the UK, March 14th is Mother's Day so make sure you don't forget!  If you're looking to be the favourite child this year, why not gift a little different with a fresh bottle of Mums fragrance or perhaps a discovery set to introduce them to something new! As always, your friends at Perfume Playground have you covered, so if you're not sure where to start, drop us a message and we'd be more than happy to help!