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Sport pour EnfantsLooking for something a bit different and unique? Say hello to a niche fragrance where in the realm of perfumery going niche will most lightly turn heads and make that stranger on the bus ask you what you’re wearing. Here’s how to find a new scent for you.
In the world of perfumery, these lesser-known scents with distinctive compositions, artistry, and creativity and with rare ingredients, are intoxicating, complex, and alluring, and are now gaining momentum in the world of fragrance. But what exactly defines a niche fragrance, and how does one navigate the world of these new artisanal scents to find the perfect match? Here are some niche brands to have on your radar in 2024.
So how do you know if a fragrance belongs to the niche family? Ok, niche fragrances are more artisanal, crafted in limited quantities by independent perfumers or luxury houses. These scents are not driven by market trends or commercial appeal but rather by a passion to create something a little different. They often showcase unique and unconventional scent profiles, basically something you’re not used to smelling, and push the boundaries of traditional perfumery which makes them stand out from the crowd. That and the heftier price tag!
Niche fragrances prioritise using high-quality, often rare, or exotic ingredients sourced from around the globe, hence why they are often pricier. Each element is carefully selected from rare flowers to precious woods and resins to create a complex and luxurious scent profile. While perfumers are like master artists, the niche variety goes one step further and comes up with fragrance concoctions that you’ve never smelt before. These scents are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in compositions that are truly captivating.
It’s pretty much like how you pick a normal fragrance. What smells are you drawn to? Is it the smell of the ocean, freshly baked cinnamon buns, or the forest after rain? What do you like? Believe it or not, picking the best fragrance for you may simply come down to selecting your favourite smells and seeing if they go nicely with your skin’s chemistry. Start by identifying the scent families or notes that resonate with you. Do you prefer floral, woody, oriental, or fresh fragrances? Understanding your fragrance preferences first will narrow down your options and guide your exploration of niche scents. Then, think about when and where you plan to wear the fragrance. Some scents are perfect for special occasions or evening wear, while others may be more suited for everyday use. Temperature affects how the fragrance evolves throughout the day too. In high summer, when the heat brings out the scent more, lighter scents are easier to wear. The opposite is true in winter when you can get away with a heavier fragrance as it won’t be so overpowering.
Niche fragrances tend to be more potent than regular fragrances and they last longer, so apply sparingly to start with until you know the quantity that smells good. You know when you know right? If it gives you a headache, and you find it overpowering, then you’ve probably applied too much, or it's a bit heavy for the time of year. As with regular fragrance, a few spritzes on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears are usually sufficient without overwhelming those around you.
Tricky one, there’s no easy way other than trying out lots of different brands and scents. Of course, social media, online reviews, and recommendations from friends will help guide you. But remember what smells good on a friend, will probably smell different on you due to the body chemistry.
At the end of the day, picking a scent comes down to just loving the smell. Like any smell out there in this world, some people swoon at baked bread, whereas others love the smell of coffee roasting. You’ll know when you know, as you’ll just want to keep wearing it and of course, when the stranger on the bus tells you how good you smell, you know you’re onto a winner.
