If you’re looking for a new scent to try out this year, take a look at some boutique perfumes that will definitely be more unique and original than your typical fragrances.
Niche perfumes are often more exclusive and are more focused on the original scent, using higher concentrations of perfume extracts or more exclusive ingredients, rather than focusing on packaging or advertising.
Niche, boutique perfumes are also often promoted through their reputation and word of mouth, rather than advertisement and media endorsements. And although niche boutiques have been around for many years, it has started to gain more popularity in these recent years.
Here is a list of some niche fragrances worth checking out!
1. Diptyque
Many people know the brand, Diptyque, for their beautifully scented, aesthetically looking candles. However, this French brand have been crafting fragrances for over 40 years, developing sophisticated scents for both men and women.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: L’Ombre dans l’Eau or Philosykos
Location: You can find Diptyque products at the Escentials store in Paragon, Marina Bay Sands and Tangs Plaza Beauty Hall. They retail at SGD144 for 50ml, and SGD171 for 100ml.
2. Penhaligon’s
This British brand started creating scents back in 1872 and is known for their high quality, elegant scents. Their fragrance style is very classic and traditional, which can also be seen in their old-school refined packaging. They offer many unique scents to choose from so it’s definitely recommended to book a fragrance profiling session to find the perfect scent.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: Ellenisia or Luna
Location: They have two stores in Singapore, one at ION Orchard and the other at Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Their fragrance retails for SGD290 for 100ml.
3. Byredo
Byredo is a perfume boutique from Sweden that combines unique references from South Asia. Because the founder, Ben Gorham, is half Canadian and half Indian, he draws influences from the East and West by sourcing materials for his scents from around the world.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: Gypsy Water or Unnamed
Location: Byredo is available at the Escentials store in Paragon and retailing at SGD268 for a 100ml bottle.
4. Le Labo
Founded in New York, Le Labo is a small company that hand-makes their scents in a perfumery lab, which is open for the public to observe the creating process. The numbers in the name of their fragrances indicate the number of notes there are in the composition. Their fragrances consist of highly concentrated essential oils and use both cruelty-free and vegan ingredients. Their packaging gives off an industrial aesthetic with their glass bottles and white labels.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: Rose 31 or Santal 33
Location: Le Labo fragrances are sold at the Escentials store in Paragon for under SGD230 for 50ml.
5. Jo Malone
Jo Malone has gone from a brand with a niche cult following to become one of the most recognised names when it comes to fragrances.
Founded in London, Jo Malone is made to suit the person wearing the perfume by “fragrance combination”, which is layering scents on top of each other.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: English Pear & Freesia or Peony & Blush
Location: You can find their boutiques at Ngee Ann City, Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Tangs Orchard, Raffles City, and Ion. Their 100ml bottles retail at SGD205.
6. SIX
SIX is a local artisanal fragrance label founded by Jason Lee. He was inspired by his travels around the world and created scents for the modern and adventurous individual. The first three fragrances of the six-variant collection are— 123 Tribeca, 1724 Puka, and 27°F Biei. All three scents come in travel-size bottles that is perfect for travellers on the go.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: 1724 Puka
Location: You can find his products on their Scent by SIX website or at Tangs Department Store. They retail at SGD66 for 20ml.
7. Maison Margiela Replica
The Parisian fashion house Maison Martin Margiela introduced their “REPLICA” line in 1994 as a collection of fragrances that are meant to replicate emotions of past experiences and memories.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: Lazy Sunday Morning, Jazz Club, or Beach Walk
Location: The Replica collection can be found at Tangs Department Store, as well as Takashimaya Department Store, retailing at SGD129 for 100ml.
8. The Different Company
A pioneer of rare fragrances, The Different Company was launched in 2000 and is known for its understated bottles and luxurious scents.
If you can’t make up your mind, try: Une Nuit Magnetique or Oriental Lounge
Location: The Different Company fragrances are available on Maven’s online store and its retail store at #01-01 VivoCity. Prices start at SGD170 for an EDT.
