Simone Gannon: Four autumn fragrances to love this season

Autumn is my favourite season, and arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing times of the year. The leaves turn inward, deepening in hue, signalling the arrival of chillier days and longer, darker evenings. Scarves are unpacked, heavier coats reappear in wardrobes, and the colours of the world grow richer – both outdoors and in our make-up bags. Deep burgundies abound, on cheeks, lips and nails.
When it comes to beauty (perhaps with the exception of a dark berry lip – MAC Rebel, you’ll always have my heart), nothing quite embodies the magic of the season like fragrance. Rich, warm, heady scents, housed in beautiful bottles, that leave a lasting impression on both you and those around you.
With this in mind, I’ve rounded up four of my favourites. Some may be familiar to you, while others may not. Regardless, they all share one thing in common: vanilla, spice, and everything nice.
Starting off strong (and undeniably unique) with D.S & Durga I Don’t Know What (€178 for 50ml from spacenk.com). Serving as both a beguiling stand-alone fragrance and a fragrance enhancer, it’s a multitalented aroma that lingers in the memory long after it’s been experienced. Warm, spicy and musky, the initial burst of bergamot can feel almost overpowering, but it quickly mellows, blending beautifully with vetiver and base notes of sandalwood and amber. Wear it alone or layer it with your favourite perfume, and prepare for inquiries from intrigued passersby.
The brainchild of fragrance-loving entrepreneur Mona Kattan, Vanilla 28 (€84 for 50ml from Boots) is part of the ever-growing Kayali fragrance collection. Intense yet exceptionally well-balanced, Vanilla 28 is reminiscent of a decadent after-dinner dessert – sugar-laden, deliciously creamy, and downright irresistible. Infused with notes of brown sugar, tonka bean, amber, jasmine, and rich Madagascan vanilla orchid, the vanilla takes centre stage and remains prominent as you wear it. And on the subject of longevity, this fragrance is exceptionally long-lasting; you can expect it to linger on clothing for days or even weeks after you’ve spritzed it on.
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It’s fair to say that more than one fragrance from Cloon Keen could easily be included in this list. The Galway-based perfumer has mastered seasonal scents, and several of their offerings could have made the cut, including Lá Bealtaine (€130 for 75ml from cloonkeen.com) – one of my most-worn fragrances. A heady blend of bergamot, mandarin, neroli, jasmine absolute, Turkish rose and others – divine. However, when it comes to capturing the essence of autumn, there may be no fragrance in Cloon Keen’s collection more fitting than Castana (€150 for 75ml). Sumptuous, sensual and sophisticated, but with a freshness that keeps it from feeling too cloying, Castana masterfully captures the essence of the season. A mellow yet somehow intensely aromatic combination of roasted chestnuts, cardamom, tobacco and creamy white floral, intertwined with tonka bean and golden caramel. Utterly exquisite.
This fragrance may need no introduction, thanks to its seasonally evocative name. Maison Margiela Replica by The Fireplace (€75 for 30ml from Brown Thomas) conjures images of candlelit evenings by the fire, the crackle of wood, and the dance of flames as they drift up the chimney into the night. It’s a complex, warm, and utterly nostalgic fragrance. Notes of cloves, pink pepper, and orange blossom mingle with chestnut, juniper, and a generous touch of vanilla. It’s all at once cosy, smoky and a little bit sweet.
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Rituals Natural Booster Body Skin Hydrator (€32.90 from rituals.com) is visually intriguing – it’s like a giant hyaluronic acid serum, but designed for the body. Lightweight and similar in texture to a hydrating serum for the face, it absorbs quickly and easily, and is, quite frankly, a delight to use. It feels instantly refreshing on the skin and, most importantly, doesn’t leave a sticky or tacky residue behind. Use before your body moisturiser of choice and marvel at the difference.