I Always Get Compliments on Zara Perfumes—These 11 Winter-Ready Scents Could Easily Pass for Designer

Key notes: Tobacco, pink peppercorn, saffron, jasmine, rockrose

Zara's original Red Temptation perfume went viral this year for its similarities to the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance and, due to the popularity, the range has since extended to include a whole array of sultry scents that are perfect for winter. This one might just be my favourite thanks to the smokey tobacco notes and spicy pink peppercorn—it feels like curling up in front of a roaring fire.

Key notes: Pink pepper, clove and ebony wood.

This is the Zara perfume I get the most compliments on, and I've repurchased it every single year. Created in collaboration with Jo Malone CBE (founder of Jo Loves), it's the perfect scent for winter thanks to warm and spicy notes of pink pepper and clove. Not only does everyone love it, but this statement fragrance lasts all day long, too. 

Key notes: Saffron, cocoa, vanilla, jasmine, orchid, amber

Vanilla perfumes always dominate the best-selling fragrance lists in the winter—appealing to our desire to be a little more indulgent at this time of year. This one definitely has an abundance of that sweet vanilla note, but it also has a warmth and spiciness that prevents it from getting too cloying. There's heady cocoa, creamy florals, and decadent amber too, which make it a really luxurious winter perfume option.

Key notes: Apricot flower, jasmine, vanilla bourbon, moss and caramel.

I love sweet, vanilla-scented perfumes for the festive season, and this one really is quite hypnotic. Smooth, creamy vanilla and caramel are balanced out with earthy moss and rich jasmine for a sensual finish.

Key notes: Pear, pepper, rose, saffron, amber and patchouli. 

If you like warm, musky fragrances that feel like a cosy hug, then Perpetual Oud might be the one for you. Think spicy pepper, deep saffron, warm amber and sweet pear—a truly beautiful blend of notes that will keep you coming back for more.

Key notes: sandalwood, white pepper, saffron, violet, iris, ambergris, tonka

Smooth, creamy and refined, this is an elegant woody offering from Zara that smells way more expensive than the £30 price tag. While sandalwood is definitely the star of the show here, the perfume smells incredibly complex—a blend of powdery florals, warm amber and a deep sweetness from tonka. Think of it as a grown-up gourmand for winter.

Key notes: Bergamot, tangerine, red berries, lily of the valley and amber. 

This fragrance contains all of my favourite winter notes, like fresh red berries, citrusy tangerine and warm amber. When I wear this, I instantly have the urge to wander around a Christmas market with a cup of mulled wine in my hand. 

Key notes: Tangerine, bergamot, orange blossom, incense, jasmine, lavender, black vanilla, vetiver and amber. 

Zara has also treated us to a winter version of Golden Decade. Fresh, citrusy tangerine blends with orange blossom, woody incense, lavender, warm vanilla and amber. Trust me, you will love this. 

Key notes: Tonka bean, cedarwood, Madagascan vanilla and pink sugar.

Another gorgeous sweet scent for the winter months is Zara's Supreme Vanilla. Delicious notes of pink sugar and Madagascan vanilla are given richness and depth thanks to the addition of cedarwood. This is a super-sophisticated, expensive-smelling version of your classic vanilla body spray.

Key notes: Pear, peach, osmanthus, olibanum, saffron

Although the notes don't scream Christmas pudding, there's something about the combination of delicate soft fruits, sweet florals and spicy saffron that instantly transport me to the festive season. It's a great option if you want a winter perfume that feels decadent without relying on overtly sweet gourmand notes like vanilla or chocolate.

Key notes: Saffron, coriander, bitter orange, jasmine, praline, moss, amber, musk

A sweet and sensual fragrance, this expensive-smelling perfume (and dupe for the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540) is perfect for winter where parties, nights out and special occasions are rife. It's undeniably luxurious with a rich creaminess that feels so opulent and lavish.