Every autumn, I find myself becoming especially sensitive to “scents.” The fallen brown leaves on the street, the damp woody aroma carried by the wind, and the warm latte in my hand with notes of milk and caramel—these sensory memories somehow become the source of my fragrance inspiration.

To me, perfume is more than just an extension of my outfit—it’s an emotional expression. Especially in autumn, I’m drawn to scents that carry a sense of “warmth.” Not the fleeting fruity notes of spring and summer, nor the overwhelmingly heavy oriental tones of winter, but those in-between aromas—smoky, woody, leathery, or with hints of vanilla. They’re like a soft but powerful overcoat that wraps around me and quietly makes its presence known.

Today, I’m sharing five of my favorite autumn perfumes—each with deep layers and character. Some remind me of a freshly lit fireplace, others evoke the misty scent of a pine forest at dawn, and a few carry a subtle touch of sweetness. These are not only my personal staples but also the kind of hidden gems that even my perfumer friends can’t help but want to “sneakily spray.”

1. Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette

Keywords: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Wood, Smoky Touch

If autumn is a warm imagination, then Eau Duelle is the perfect starting point.

Its opening note isn’t the overly sweet vanilla we often associate with such perfumes. Instead, it blends in a smoky, spicy undertone. The first spray is a burst of black pepper and green spices, and within seconds, the gentle Madagascan vanilla emerges—like a breeze blowing through a wooden cabin, where someone just made a cup of warm vanilla milk tea beside the fireplace.

What surprised me most is its genderless vibe—soft yet firm, creamy yet slightly dry with a hint of sawdust. The balance is just right. It lasts for about 4–6 hours and is ideal for dates, quiet reading sessions, or solitary moments of self-care.

Purchase tip: I bought mine from Selfridges online, and it’s also available on Amazon.

2. Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace

Keywords: Wood, Chestnut, Vanilla, Smoky

If any perfume could perfectly recreate the feeling of sitting by a fireplace on an autumn night, this would be it.

The very first spray brings a strong scent of burning wood and smoke—just like the warm air from chopped firewood. As time passes, sweet roasted chestnuts and vanilla begin to surface, like someone walking in from the kitchen with a tray of caramelized chestnuts. The sweetness is never overpowering—it harmonizes beautifully with the earlier woody notes.

This fragrance has an incredibly narrative structure. It seems to “change faces” every hour—from wood to sweetness to a faint ashiness. It’s like a short film that tells the story of someone spending a quiet evening in a cozy autumn cabin.

I usually wear it in the evenings; it wraps me in a gentle warmth that lasts all night.

Purchase tip: I bought it on Lookfantastic UK. It’s also available on official sites and Tmall flagship stores in China.

3. Le Labo Thé Noir 29

Keywords: Black Tea, Fig, Tobacco Leaf, Cedarwood

Le Labo always has a sense of understated coolness, and Thé Noir 29 was my first love from this brand. It’s also the one I wear most frequently in autumn.

It’s not easy to describe the scent, but once you smell it, you won’t forget it. The opening is a blend of bitter black tea leaves and dried fig—somewhat like old book pages, or a strong pot of afternoon tea at 3 PM. After a few minutes, the tobacco and wood start to emerge, giving the whole fragrance a deep, composed, and tranquil character.

This perfume is perfect for those who appreciate minimalism, cleanliness, and subtle elegance—especially when wearing black trench coats or earth-toned wool coats. It adds a powerful aura without being loud.

Purchase tip: Available on Le Labo’s official website, or in Harrods and Liberty London. If buying in China, be cautious with resellers.

4. Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka

Keywords: Amber, Lavender, Myrrh, Tonka Bean

I discovered this one unexpectedly on a trip and bought it immediately after a single test. It’s one of the rare “intense” scents from Jo Malone.

The opening note is a subtle lavender, while the mid and base notes are all about the rich blend of myrrh and tonka bean. It doesn’t have the suffocating heaviness that many oriental fragrances do. Instead, it strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and warmth: full of depth but never overwhelming.

This one has amazing staying power—it lingers on clothes all day long. It’s ideal for formal occasions in autumn and winter, like dinner parties, client meetings, or holiday events. It gives off a vibe that is both gentle and powerful, elegant yet commanding.

Purchase tip: Available at Jo Malone’s UK website and retail stores. I got mine from the Bond Street counter. Stores in China also carry it.

5. Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles

Keywords: Smoky, Patchouli, Tea, Amber

This is my newest obsession and a bit of an underrated gem from Hermès’ “Merveilles” series. Unlike others in the line, which tend to be sweet or dreamy, this one feels like a mysterious late autumn night.

The opening is an intense blend of smoke and patchouli, but not harsh. It’s more like a wisp of smoke slowly merging with subtle tea and amber notes. What makes it stand out is its lack of sweetness, stickiness, or cliché—instead, it’s deeply intriguing and quietly complex.

It’s great for those who want to avoid mainstream scents, or anyone looking to explore more understated, gender-neutral autumn fragrances.

Purchase tip: Available at Hermès official website and Selfridges counters. Some high-end fragrance boutiques also carry it.

Scent: A Letter to the Soul Written by Autumn

People say autumn is a slow-flowing emotion, and perfume is its perfect vessel.

I’ve worn each of these five perfumes during special moments—walking along streets covered in fallen leaves, sitting on evening trains, or simply listening to old songs in my room. They help me capture those fleeting, unphotographed memories and quietly shape how I experience the season.

If you’re looking for a fragrance that truly resonates with autumn, why not start with one of these? Each carries a unique story—and who knows, you might just find your own scent-soulmate among them.

Which autumn perfume is your favorite? I’d love to hear your picks—I’m always on the lookout for my next scented surprise.