Spooky scents don’t have to saved for Halloween – think of these as fragrances that evoke mystery and magic. From lascivious vampires and screaming mandrake roots to haunted woodlands and ghostly tales by the fireside: we bet once you’ve tried them, you’ll want to wear these weirdly wonderful fragrances all winter long…
Maison Hedonique Comme un Loup
Veritably snarling with animalistic seduction amidst lusciously spiced roses, this was inspired by Gothic novels such as Carmilla and Dracula. Think: vampires’ seductive powers, dangerous, wolf-like creatures on the prowl, blood red roses shrouded in a twist of ecclesiastical smoke. You’re invited ‘…to be either the watcher or the watched, hunter or prey.’
£135 for 50ml eau de parfum
jovoyparis.uk
Goutal Paris Mandragore Pourpre
Legend had it mandrake roots were used in magic rituals, uttering unearthly screams if plucked from the earth. Luckily, this is inspired by lighter themes of aphrodisiacs and alchemists love spells – the sparkle of frosty herbs and ginger-tinged citrus amidst a shiver of spearmint, darkly swirled with labdanum. The goosebumps that follow a fervent kiss…
€150 for 100ml eau de parfum
goutalparis.com
Penhaligon’s Terrible Teddy
Dangerously beguiling, Teddy delights in contradictions. The warm tingle of pink peppercorns are set against mysteriously cold incense, dry cedar contrasted with a stroke of smooth leather; shadowy vetiver and earthy patchouli swathed in a mist of musk. The kind of scent to wear that’ll set people wondering what you’re up to… trick or treat?
£188 for 75ml eau de parfum
penhaligons.com
Maison Crivelli Absinthe Boréale
Dare you follow the strangely flickering light that leads to the heart of the woods? Ice-tipped ferns brush your face, cheeks rosy from running, a lick of lavender pastilles and a swig of absinthe warm your courage. Snuggled deep within the trees, a cosy cabin awaits: cold fingers defrosted by the fire, but the shadows still tap at the window…
£170 for 100ml eau de parfum
harveynichols.com
4160 Tuesdays Another Kiss By the Fireside
The joy of spooky season is actually the cosiness of feeling scared then comforted. Here you can snuggle up by a wood fire, eating spiced biscuits as the scent of dried roses and lavender fill the room. From a hidden floral display, or conjured by ghost stories, shared…?
From £25 for 15ml eau de parfum
4160tuesdays.com
After even more unheimlich fragrant fare? Might we suggest some scents inspired by poisonous plants…?
By Suzy Nightingale
