I applied twice to get this perfume: My Ffern Winter 26 review
I'm no perfume expert or collector, but I enjoy discovering new scents. Over the years, I've tried fragrances like Tom Ford's Bitter Peach, Frédéric Malle's Promise, and Vyrao Ludatrix, among others, but I’ve never had to apply for a fragrance until now.
What is Ffern?
Ffern doesn't behave like a typical fragrance brand. It is a unisex, artisan fragrance that uses 100% natural ingredients to create fragrances inspired by the seasons. They release only 4 fragrances a year, one for each season, which are launched on either a solstice or an equinox.
How I discovered Ffern
I first came across Ffern on "perfume-tok", and it immediately caught my attention. The marketing, packaging, and overall aesthetic of the brand stood out to me, and so, I decided to visit their website to learn more. That's when I realised the brand operates differently.
To get a bottle, you have to become a Ledger member. As a newcomer, you apply to join the waiting list for a chance to receive a discovery kit. Also, membership grants you access to their archive, where you can purchase fragrances from their previous seasons. I'll admit that the process can feel overwhelming. My first application was actually unsuccessful, and I was notified via text about it and prompted to reapply. However, the second time, I made the cut.
Unboxing the kit
I was excited when it arrived, and unboxing the kit felt more like an experience than a package. It was thoughtfully curated, and inside I found:
- A QR code ticket to view the season's short film
- Seasonal artwork and a hanging paper lighthouse decoration.
- The Winter 26 bottle (32ml)
- A protective envelope containing two seasonal tea bags, an information card and sampling mouillettes (testing strips)
- It also contains a tiny complimentary glass vial and a handmade terracotta diffusion stone to test the fragrance
Winter 26, the scent itself on the skin
Winter 26 contains 21 ingredients, blended with organic Italian vodka. On first spray on my skin, the fragrance opens with complex notes and gently settles beautifully. I picked up a mix of peppermint, lemon, and pepper. After about 15 minutes, the fragrance softened into its heart. The warmth of cardamom and mimosa started to peek through. Finally, the base settled into an earthy blend of black tang seaweed, lavender, and sandalwood. Overall, the scent feels crisp, fresh, and peppery.
How it wears
On my skin, I got a solid six hours, which I found impressive for a natural fragrance. On clothing, it lingers for days, releasing subtle traces of its character long after the initial wear. I wear it post-shower, in the daytime or in the evening.
What I appreciate about Ffern
Apart from their aesthetics, I love that each fragrance release comes with a story and visual art. There is something sentimentally special about wearing a fragrance with a story attached to it.
Also, Ffern's commitment to sustainability stands out because its packaging and bottles are recyclable, and the ingredients are organic and ethically sourced. It feels special to wear something this thoughtfully made.
While going through the archive, I noticed that certain ingredients, such as bergamot, peppermint, and vetiver root, recur across seasonal releases. While this creates a beautiful "common thread" between seasons, it might feel a bit repetitive if you like variations.
Final thoughts
The 32ml Winter 26 bottle feels steeply priced at £89. However, if you like the idea of wearing an eco-friendly, ethically sourced, organic fragrance that is thoughtfully made, then Ffern is for you.
