As the mornings start to get a little crisper, it is the perfect time to swap out light, citrusy summer scents for something with a bit more depth. Autumn fragrances are incredibly comforting. They lean into earthy notes like sandalwood, frankincense and vanilla, which feel grounding and sophisticated.
I have put together a list of my favourite natural perfumes for the cooler months. They are all made with pure essential oils and botanical extracts, and they wear beautifully as the weather turns.
1. Vanessa Megan Harvest
A warm, spicy blend that smells like a golden autumn afternoon.
If autumn had a signature scent, it would be this one. The Vanessa Megan Harvest opens with sweet orange and lavender for an initial brightness, before settling into a warm heart of Peru balsam and cacao absolute. The base is a rich blend of sandalwood, vanilla bean and patchouli that lingers on the skin for hours. It feels exactly like wrapping up in your favourite knit jumper.
2. Vanessa Megan Aether Natural Perfume
A serene, calming scent for unwinding in the evening.
As the season changes and life gets busier, this has become part of my evening ritual. The Vanessa Megan Aether Natural Perfume combines juniper berry, neroli and rosewood to create a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a deep breath of fresh air. The vanilla base adds a lovely warmth without being overly sweet. It is a beautiful, grounding scent for those early evenings when you want to feel centred.
3. Salt + Glow Restored Elixir Oil
A balancing roll-on elixir for busy days.
This roll-on oil is based on traditional aromatherapy principles and features a frankincense base, which has been used for centuries in meditation practices. The Salt + Glow Restored Elixir Oil blends chamomile, lavender, ylang ylang and rose geranium for a touch of floral elegance. It comes in a convenient roller ball bottle, making it perfect to keep in your handbag.
4. Black Chicken Remedies Essential Oil Perfume #1 Transcendence
A complex, evolving scent with deep earthy notes.
There is something about this perfume that feels perfect for crisp days. The Black Chicken Remedies Essential Oil Perfume #1 Transcendence begins with calming lavender, then unfolds to reveal warming nutmeg and sensual ylang ylang. It eventually settles into deep base notes of patchouli and sandalwood, which is exactly what you want when the weather starts to turn. Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years to promote mental clarity, making it a wonderful addition.
5. Kimono 100% Natural Perfume
A sophisticated, exotic musk for evening wear.
This gold medal-winning natural perfume feels like wrapping yourself in luxurious silk. The Kimono 100% Natural Perfume features exotic musky notes of blue lotus, pink lotus and vanilla that create a sense of mystery perfect for autumn evenings. It's very feminine with depth and sophistication, plus it comes wrapped in a vintage silk kimono fabric.
6. Lavanila Healthy Fragrance Roller Ball in Pure Vanilla
A rich, authentic vanilla that lasts all day.
When the weather cools down, there is nothing quite like the comfort of vanilla. The Lavanila Healthy Fragrance Roller Ball in Pure Vanilla takes the note to sophisticated new heights with rich Madagascar vanilla, while tonka bean adds a warm, almondy depth. Research has shown that the scent of vanilla can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
7. The Serene Ground Perfume Oil
A fresh, earthy oil that smells like an autumn forest walk.
The name says it all. The Serene Ground Perfume Oil opens with fresh notes of Siberian and Douglas fir that transport you straight to a woodland trail, while the vetiver and frankincense base creates a deep connection to the earth. The coriander adds an unexpected spicy twist, and grapefruit brings just enough brightness to lift the composition. It is a beautiful, long-lasting oil that evolves on the skin throughout the day.
8. Metamorphosis Formë Aromatherapeutic Perfume
A luxurious natural floral that transitions beautifully into cooler weather.
Most floral fragrances can feel a bit too light for autumn, but the Metamorphosis Formë Aromatherapeutic Perfume has enough depth to carry you through the seasonal shift. This incredible blend opens with Bulgarian lavender and rose absolute for a sophisticated floral note, while the vanilla, sandalwood and frankincense base gives it the warmth needed for cooler days. I love this one so much I wrote a whole blog about it here.
How to wear natural fragrance
Autumn scents tend to have more presence than light summer spritzes, so a little goes a long way. I find a dab on pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, and the base of your throat is perfect for natural oil-based perfumes. For spray perfumes, try the "walk through" method by spraying into the air and walking through the mist for a more subtle effect. One of the most beautiful things about natural fragrances is that they interact with your own body chemistry, which means they smell a little different on everyone. Your skin makes them your own!
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