Eau des Minimes
This line of "miraculous waters" is a sensational new discovery. Made by a convent in the South of France, these colognes are botanically based, using fruits and plants known for their beneficial qualities. Our favorite is Eau des Minimes, with lemon, blood orange and grapefruit notes. Eau Amiable, laden with orange blossom, and Eau des Missions, predominantly vanilla, are also beautiful. They'll all cut right through the gloom as days continue to grow shorter.
To buy: Le Couvent des Minimes, from $38
Atelier Ambre Nue
When you want to feel extra yummy, try an ultra-luxe fragrance that evokes mystery and seduction … with a hauntingly familiar smell. Atelier Cologne's Ambre Nue is an intoxicating cocktail with top notes of green mandarin and bergamot (the ingredient that makes Earl Grey tea so flavorful), an orchid and cinnamon middle and a dry down from cistus labdanum (an aromatic resin), patchouli and tonka bean.
To buy: Atelier Cologne, from $75
Jan Marini Pumpkin Spice Holiday Exfoliator
With this holiday exfoliator, you can slough off those dead skin cells that make your complexion feel dull and sluggish. Though Jan Marini's Instant Refining product is clinical strength, it's also incredibly gentle, leaving skin glowing and radiant. And, it smells better than any other exfoliator we've ever tried. Yes, the price is a little high, but it will last you a long, long time.
To buy: Jan Marini, $90
Gud Vanilla Flame
If you want delicious hair, give Gud's Vanilla Flame line a try. With top notes of black currant, orange and coconut (and a base of tonka bean, musk and vanilla), the shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion will make you smell better than a steaming plate of sugar cookies.
To buy: Gud, $7
MORE: Sexy Noir Fragrances
Erbaviva Jasmine Orange Lip Balm
Not only does this fabulous Jasmine Orange lip balm from Erbaviva leave your lips soft, but it also has a delicate scent that is reminiscent of the tropics. And since it's organic, without any harsh chemicals or petroleum by-products, it's safe to use on your little one's chapped lips. It also comes in Vanilla Grapefruit.
To buy: Erbaviva, $8
Jason Cranberry Wash
Cranberry is one of those great scents that's sweet and piquant at the same time. You'll get just the right hint of it with this gentle wash. It cleanses with natural botanical surfactants, and is loaded with replenishing cranberry oil, aloe vera and nourishing vitamins E and B5.
To buy: Vitacost, $10
Kneipp Warm Embrace Bath
Bath time with the kids usually means lots of bubbles, laughter and wet kisses. Bath time for mommy should mean luxuriating in steaming hot water, freed from family demands and endless emails … if only for a few minutes. Use this delectable Kneipp bath when you're in particular need of warmth. Its soothing combination of macadamia oil, honey essence, ginger and cardamom make it particularly soothing.
To buy: Beauty Bridge, $20
Thymes Lotus Santal
If you like your fragrance with a hint of woody spice and subtle sophistication, you'll adore the new Lotus Santal line from Thyme Fragrance Studio. Its clove, amber, sandalwood and lotus notes give it the perfect woody-but-not-kitchen-spice-shelf scent. It's great as a soap, body lotion or bubble bath.
To buy: Thymes, $13
MORE: Scent-Sational Perfumes
Lavanila Pure Vanilla Healthy Fragrance
Sometimes, we crave triple chocolate bliss ice cream … and sometimes we just want plain, sweet vanilla. It's one of the most comforting scents that exist. Our go-to choice for all matters vanilla is Lavanila, which has fragrances that are delicious but never cloying. For straight-up vanilla, go with Pure Vanilla, or for a twist try Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Blackberry, Vanilla Passionfruit or Vanilla Lavender.
To buy: Lavanila, $58
Bath & Body Works Sweet Pumpkin
Bath & Body Works is well-known for its wide range of affordable and deliciously scented products, from shower gels and hand sanitizers to body lotions and fragrance mists. Perfect for the season is Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, which will make you want to pop a creamy pie in the oven.
To buy: Bath & Body Works, from $5
