The 9 best new scents for autumn 2023
As the temperature and humidity mercifully drop, we can begin to open the door to fragrances that flirt with warmth and hints of substance over the citrus-soaked summer classics.
In previous years, tobacco and timber have dominated colognes but this year it’s saffron. The ludicrously expensive cooking ingredient has found its way into scent through a sense of spice and gentle heat.
Also making its smokey presence felt is incense but it’s a world away from the stuff you choked on in church or burned to hide the smell of weed back in the day. Instead, it’s earthy, deep and rich—particularly the Somali version being sought out by an increasing number of fragrance houses.
Both incense and saffron team particularly well with the peppers (primarily Madagascan, Sichuan and pink peppers) that have been mainstays of male fragrances.
One trend that should be pointed out is the expansion of fragrance delivery options. Settle down there Amazon, we mean an increasing number of scents—like Chanel Allure Homme—continuing to branch out in deodorant and body spray versions.
Read on for GQ’s guide to the best autumn fragrances for men.
Chanel Allure Homme All-Over Spray
If you’re still using the same deodorant you did at uni—or worse, school—it’s time to grow up! But, as this fragrance proves, there’s no rule to say that your scent of choice has to come from a bottle.
This all-rounder, for example, is ideal for the gym bag or weekender and it carries over all the main players from the excellent eau de toilette—namely creamy tonka, flinty labdanum rock and Madagascan black pepper.
Boss The Scent Magnetic EDT
Bear in mind, you get 100mls for this price—it’s the standard size throughout this article—and it’s a revved-up version of Boss The Scent. Primary fragrance notes are a black vanilla, velvety ambrette and a sexy white musk.
Cire Trudon Mortel Noir EDP
The brand once associated primarily with candles continues to make massive waves in the fragrance game and this dark, brooding beauty is no exception.
Black pepper from Madagascar sparks off Somalian incense and vanilla middle notes and warm, earthy cistus base notes bring the heat.
Coach Open Road EDT
There is an autumnal breeziness to this fragrance—not to mention excellent value for the asking price—that we like.
Ditto the use of unusual ingredients like juicy red apple and the bite of lemon Primofiore.
It then warms through with Sichuan pepper before settling into classic lavender and clary sage. All of which results in an offering that nods to tradition without being mired in it.
D.S & Durga Bistro Waters EDP
Among the many things that draw us to this brand are the inspirations/stories behind each scent. In this case, it’s the “the frenzy of a trendy ‘90s NY bistro’”.
What this equates to on the skin is a mise en place of pepper, coriander, mandarin and pear that never strays too far into sweetness. It's perfect for date night.
D.S & Durga Plumes EDP
In all the time this correspondent has been professionally sniffing, I’ve never included two items from the same brand in an article.
Until now and only because they both deserve the space. What makes Plumes so special is that it has been created specifically for Mecca and is inspired by Australian beach days.
If you’re not yet ready to say goodbye to summer, the frangipani, tuberose and musk will extend that summer holiday vibe.
Ormaie Marque-Page EDP
Scents that veer towards spice, leather and incense—as this one does—can sometimes be a tad heavy. Which is good for the colder months but what we’ve got here is a leavening with jasmine and orange blossom. The result is not so much a tension but an exquisite balance.
Editions de Parfums by Frederic Malle
This avant-garde exercise plays with ginger, bergamot and nutmeg then dries down to leather, vetiver, amber and musk. It’s no shrinking violet and if you’re after something people will barely notice, jog the fuck on. There are intentionally a couple of rough edges on this one but we can’t stop wearing it.
Fueguia Milonga Verde EDP
Should you prefer your scents light and ethereal, the Fueguia label will suit. This eau de parfum concoction taps into crisp green top notes—think freshly cut grass or crushed leaves—before settling into underplayed resin, moss and woody notes.
Via GQ Australia