I Found the Perfect Perfume for 9 Fall Activities, Including One for Trick-or-Treating
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
I don't believe in having just one signature scent. Sure, I have my tried-and-true perfumes that I reach for on a regular basis, but there's something really, really fun about switching up my fragrance each day (and it's just too hard for me to choose one best perfume ). Since fall is basically one big lineup of cozy, nostalgic, and occasionally spooky activities, matching your perfume to your autumnal outing is only natural. I personally can't think of a better excuse to switch things up.
A candy-sweet gourmand feels right at home on Halloween night. And if I'm posting up next to the fire with a good book? You better believe I'm reaching for a warm fall perfume that matches the mood. In the name of very important fragrance research, I've matched some of my favorite autumn activities with perfumes that capture their vibe. From trick-or-treating and football tailgates to baking seasonal treats and movie marathons, consider this your unofficial guide to smelling really good all season long.
The fall perfume you should try, based on your favorite autumnal activity:
1) Prada Candy Eau de Parfum
I mean, candy is literally in the name—could there be a more perfect perfume for trick-or-treating? Prada Candy EDP is a sweet, warm gourmand that puts rich caramel front and center for a cozy, slightly spicy warmth that feels tailor-made for fall.
2) The 7 Virtues Buttercream Haze Eau de Parfum
If your favorite fall activity involves whipping up homemade cookies, cakes, or anything else that requires an unreasonable amount of butter and sugar (I know mine does), The 7 Virtues Buttercream Haze is basically your dream perfume. With sweet notes of vanilla buttercream icing, maple caramel crème, whipped vanilla, and tonka bean, it smells like the best parts of baking—especially licking the frosting straight off the spatula (don't pretend you don't do it too).
3) Diptyque L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette
Getting lost in a bookstore and leaving with twice as many novels than you intended to buy is a perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon. It also means that Diptyque L'Eau Papier is your perfect scent companion. Inspired by paper and ink, this soft, intimate fragrance delivers a clean, comforting, smell—just like curling up on a fall evening with a well-loved story.
4) Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette
Is there anything better than curling up next to a crackling fire on a chilly fall evening? Maison Margiela's By the Fireplace bottles that exact feeling, combining clove, chestnut, and vanilla that makes you practically beg for toasted marshmallows, glowing embers, and your favorite oversized sweater. This rich scent will take you from fall all the way into winter.
5) Orebella Salted Muse Parfum
What's a movie night without some buttery, salty popcorn? Orebella Salted Muse is my pick for cozying up on the couch with your favorite Halloween flick, thanks to its savory, salty twist. Does it smell like popcorn? No, but its salty-meets-cozy vibe makes it a fun alternative to the sugary options you might usually reach for on movie night.
6) Yves Saint Laurent Babycat Eau De Parfum
Football season means spending your Sundays cheering on your favorite team, eating an unreasonable amount of snacks, and enjoying a few drinks before kickoff. Enter Babycat, a rich, spicy fragrance that's perfect for the occasion. Pink and black pepper give it a fiery opening, while smoky incense, warm suede, and bourbon vanilla create a cozy, slightly boozy feeling.
7) Kayali Eden Juicy Apple Eau de Parfum
Apple picking is basically a fall must-do, and Kayali's Eden Juicy Apple is made (and named) for the occasion. The star of the show is crisp, juicy red apple, complemented by tart black currant, wild berries, and sugared moss for an extra burst of fall vibes. Just a few spritzes of this and you're ready to head to the orchard.
8) Le Monde Gourmand Pumpkin Crème Eau de Parfum
Pumpkin carving is all-but mandatory once October rolls around, and Le Monde Gourmand's Pumpkin Crème EDP is here to make sure you smell the part, too. Pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and frothy milk deliver a creamy, comforting scent that feels like fall in a bottle (or maybe even reminds you of a PSL). I think it's the perfect companion for an evening spent carving jack-o-lanterns.
9) Boy Smells Woodphoria Eau de Parfum
There's nothing quite like watching the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold every fall, and Boy Smells Woodphoria captures the magic of being surrounded by all that autumn foliage. Earthy fig leaves and sandalwood help mimic the smell of wandering through a forest on a chilly October afternoon.
Why trust Cosmopolitan ?
Catharine Malzahnis a contributing beauty writer at Cosmo who covers all things beauty, including fragrance. For this story, she scoured the (virtual) aisles of Sephora, Ulta, and more to find the best fall-approved perfumes.
You Might Also Like
