One of my most favourite parts of my job working as a beauty editor is getting a first glimpse of the newest beauty launches. But out of everything that passes my desk, nothing makes my pulse race more than a new fragrance. But specifically, my fragrance speciality is autumn perfumes. By the end of summer, I consider the changing of the guard from my summer perfumes to autumn perfumes an event.
There’s something quite magical about how a vanilla perfume almost warms your neck like an invisible scarf as the cooler mornings begin. And as the days become darker, fragrance acts as a tonic to chase away SAD blues, shift your mood or embrace the quiet cosiness of the season. As an autumn fragrance connoisseur, I’ve been particularly blown away by the newest autumn perfume launches. Scroll on for the ones you’ll want to wear all season long and beyond.
Best Autumn Perfume Launches 2026
1. Byredo Future Memories
Key notes: Blackcurrant, aldehydes, galbanum, labdanum, iris butter, orange blossom, vanilla, musk, ambrofix
This is the fragrance I’ve been spritzing on repeat for autumn, and our beauty team collectively agrees that it is one of the best autumn perfume launches for 2026. Byredo Future Memories is the vanilla scent that’s unlike any other vanilla fragrance. It’s almost jammy with the blackcurrant, but luxuriously smooth with buttery, powdery iris and toasted—almost smoking—smouldering vanilla that clings so elegantly to your knitwear that it demands compliments from anyone within your vicinity. It feels comforting, almost nostalgic, but wholeheartedly a future icon.
2. M&S Studio Aura Ambrette
Key notes: Iso E Super, ambrette, sandalwood
When M&S launches a new perfume, we take note. And its new M&S Studio range of fragrances is amongst its best yet, but ensure you snap up this limited edition skin scent for autumn, which has already become a favourite of our team. “On first spray, it’s spicy and all-consuming in its warmth. It feels entirely cosy, coddling and creamy,” says beauty director Shannon Lawlor. “But quickly it becomes something much more unique and, in my opinion, impressive. The warm spice gets injected with a hit of something jarring in the form of Iso E Super, turning the overall profile slightly salty and crisp. It’s the sort of perfume that only graces the necks of people so intimidatingly cool you wouldn’t dare ask them what it is.”
3. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu
Key notes: Vetiver, vanilla, grapefruit, lychee, rose, jasmine, patchouli
If you’re yet to try Chanel’s newest interpretation of its iconic Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, then I implore you to try it at the next chance you can. Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu has the signature amber-floral DNA of the original Coco Mademoiselle that we all know and adore, but with a mouthwatering opening of juicy lychee before drying down into a deeper, resinous amber that is just begging to be taken out for cocktails. If I had to describe it in three words? Expensive, mischievous and icon-coded.
4. Dries Van Noten Velvet Violet
Key notes: Pink pepper, violet leaf, clary sage essence, toasted sesame absolute, roasted barley, grilled tonka beans, benzoin resinoid, vetiver essence
Velvet Violet ought to be on your radar if you’re looking for a new autumn perfume that’s wearable for both day and night. On the first spritz, your nose is met with a cloud of powdered Parma Violets and contrasted with roasted sesame seed, which gives it an utterly delicious nuttiness that melts into a creamy tonka bean base. It’s by far autumn’s most elegant perfume to see you through any occasion. And can we take a moment for the beautiful bottle? It’s a work of art in itself.
5. Parfums de Marly Althaïr Exclusif
Key notes: Cinnamon, orange blossom, cardamom, praline, bourbon vanilla, guaicwood, ambrox
The original Parfums de Marly Althaïr is one of my most beloved vanilla fragrances that I bring back each and every autumn. So when I heard that an exclusif was on the way, I could barely contain my excitement for it. It takes the deep, rich vanilla of the original, but is drenched in a warming shot of amaretto that smoulders from your wrists and neck with an irresistible warmth, whilst the addition of orange blossom gives it a creamy, delectable smoothness. It’s basically made for days spent by the fireside during autumn and winter.
6. Penhaligon’s The Manoeuvres of the Baroness
Key notes: Orange blossom, Chantilly cream, sandalwood, incense
I’m willing to say it: this is easily my favourite Penhaligon’s perfume yet. Don’t be fooled by the dainty white floral notes, for this is a perfume to douse yourself in if you’re plotting an autumnal villain arc. Hypnotic orange blossom and whipped cream lure you in with a creamy sweetness, before incense unfurls from your skin with an unmistakably mysterious aura.
7. Phlur Vanilla Canyon
Key notes: Vanilla, oak wood, wild honey, velvet plum, patchouli
If you’re already a fan of Phlur’s Vanilla Skin, then allow me to introduce Vanilla Canyon. This is Vanilla Skin’s more resinous sister, which smells like breaking your spoon into the crust of a flambéed crème brûlée. It has a woodiness that gives it a rich autumnal depth that will make you want to mist it all over your cashmere.
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