Our colleague Chester introduces his favorite cosy perfume picks
Perfumes have a magical way of stirring deep emotions within us. They can lift your spirits, energize you, or even transport you straight back to childhood memories.
For me, there’s something truly special about fragrances that feel like a safe haven—a scented cocoon to retreat into. Just like slipping into your favorite bathrobe, curling up on the sofa with a big pillow, and letting the world slow down, a cosy perfume wraps around you in comfort. It makes me feel peaceful, relaxed, and ready to simply take it easy.
Here are eight of my personal “cosy cocooning” favorites: a fragrant sanctuary for the soul.
MEDITATIVE & SERENE
Parfum Satori - Satori
An elegant, refined creation by Tokyo perfumer Satori Osawa, Satori is built around Kyara, the highest quality agarwood. Known for its five distinct flavors—spicy, bitter, sweet, sour, and salty—Kyara gives the fragrance depth and tranquility. I first discovered this gem during my travels to Japan in 2016.
Woody with gentle hints of incense, Satori feels meditative to me. I often reapply it throughout the day, especially at night when I’m strolling quietly through the park or sipping tea in the stillness of home.
MODERN & CLASSIC
Parle Moi de Parfum - Orris Tattoo / 29
Orris Tattoo / 29 is a modern iris fragrance with a classic soul that is completely unisex. It pays tribute to one of perfumery’s rarest treasures: iris root. The process is long and meticulous—three years in the soil, three years drying, then ground into the most expensive “butter” you’ll ever meet.
What I love is its innocent, floral-woody powderiness: soft and textured, never makeup-like. It reminds me of my favorite childhood blanket, making it perfect for sofa cocooning, yet refined enough to wear to the office.
QUIET & POWERFUL
The Different Company - Santo Incienso
Woody, creamy, and quietly powerful, Santo Incienso blends incense and myrrh over sacred Palo Santo wood. I’ve always loved Palo Santo for its calming, spiritual aura. While it’s wonderful on skin when lounging at home, I also spray it on my pillow before bed for a truly soothing night. A must for lovers of meditative incense scents.
OPULENT AMBER
Violet – Sketch
Amber fragrances have a natural allure, and Sketch is no exception: warm, sweet, balsamic, and irresistibly inviting. Based on a 1924 perfume once called Ambre Royal, this modern interpretation by Nathalie Lorson nods to the bold, opulent scents of the early 20th century. I can’t stop smelling my wrist when I wear Sketch: it’s cosy, golden, and full of character.
YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER
Pierre Guillaume - Le Musc et La Peau
Imagine this: you’ve had a long day, you’re finally home, no plans except a shower, a drink, and maybe a film. But just in case a friend drops by, you want to smell effortlessly good. That’s when I reach for Le Musc et La Peau. Subtle, clean, minimalistic and musky, it’s like your own skin—but better. Its velvety muskiness layers beautifully with other perfumes, making it endlessly versatile.
COZY DAY AT HOME
Nicolaï – Ambre Cashmere
This is amber comfort at its finest: softly spiced, powdery, and textural. Ambre Cashmere Intense radiates quiet elegance and feels tailor-made for a winter’s day at home. It wraps you up in warmth without ever feeling heavy.
CREAMY SUEDE
BDK Parfums – Crème de Cuir
A leather scent with a gentle soul. Crème de Cuir isn’t about intensity—it’s about softness, like the memory of a glove’s touch on your skin. Bright pineapple and bergamot open the fragrance, melting into a creamy base of sandalwood and suede. Lightly animalic yet refined, it’s like white suede basking in sunlight. Ideal if you like your cocooning with a whisper of leather and a creamy, citrus-kissed finish.
REFINED & SOPHISTICATED LEATHER
Parfum d'Empire - Cuir Ottoman
'One of my first purchases at the perfume lounge and my first ever Parfum d’Empire perfume. This smells as if a powder box has opened inside a bag made of the finest quality leather. A beautiful iris leather combo and it is very sophisticated and very recognizable. Cuir Ottoman is definitely suitable for both men and women. It’s discrete yet present enough to be noticed. Whether you'd like to wear it to a business meeting or a masked ball at the Palais du Versailles: I love it!'
This was a review I wrote when I first bought this perfume- and I’d like to add that I often wear it when I want to lounge at home with just a touch of refined leathery sophistication!