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Buzz Feed
12-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Is Here With Savings On Your Favorite Brands
What's better than a fab new 'fit from Nordstrom? Hmm.. Perhaps one that you got ON SALE?! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially live through August 3, and it's stocked with major markdowns across pretty much every category — think cozy cardigans, fancy skincare, back-to-office shoes, and more. Let's just say your cart is about to be full... emotionally and literally. So let's get straight to some of the ~best of the best~ things you can find: A pair of baggy jeans for 49% off that are actually imaginative without being impractical. Honestly, they might be the most functional pair you own — the front pockets are actually useful (shocking, I know), the cuffs can be worn up or down, and there's adjustable yoking so you can tighten or loosen the waist. Promising review: "I got three compliments within the first hour of wearing them. So many stylish details. I went with my smaller jean size, and they are nicely relaxed. I wore them cuffed, but they can be let down. They have a wide leg, which I love! They are my go-to jeans for this fall." —SuzevePrice: $64.99 (originally $128; available in sizes 24-32 and two colors) A high-tech hair dryer for 25% off that'll make you wonder why you ever accepted frizz as your fate. This lightweight dryer uses fancy ion-powered tech to dry hair fast without frying it, and the attachments let you customize your routine whether you're going for sleek and straight or big and bouncy. Basically, it's salon results without the salon small talk. Price: $299.99 (originally $399.99) A suede moto jacket for 47% off if you're escaping the heat for cooler temps (or just manifesting fall early). Yes, it's an investment, but a great jacket will keep you warm for years. And unlike a leather coat which can feel restrictive, suede is all kinds of comfortable while still being durable and timeless. Promising review: "This is an amazing jacket! Soft, supple suede that is both comfortable to wear and flattering. Perfect length!" —LAHippPrice: $299.99 (originally $569; available in sizes 0-10) An air fryer for 25% off because if you're gonna have to keep an appliance on the counter (which, let's be honest, the modern kitchen basically requires an air fryer), you might as well get one that isn't a complete eye sore. This is as cute as an Easy-Bake Oven while being a whole lot more functional. Big enough to fit a 120-inch pizza and 70% faster at preheating than a traditional oven, it's going to make getting dinner on the table so much easier. Price: $183.99 (originally $245; available in three colors) A Flowerbomb perfume gift set for 25% off, because nothing reigns in the compliments as much as smelling like a freakin' English garden. This iconic scent is sweet, warm, and wildly compliment-attracting — plus it lasts. Like, "still catching a whiff after your 4 p.m. coffee" lasts. A no-brainer pick for keeping for yourself. Promising review: "I was searching for the perfect scent for my wedding day, and when I smelled this scent, I knew it was the one. Every time I wear it, I think back to my wedding day. I get so many compliments on how good it smells. Must have!" —Meg1222Price: $142 (originally $190) A block-heel boot for 31% off, because alllll the girlies are chasing those banana-yellow Frye boots like they're Taylor Swift Eras tickets. Bold, buttery, and begging to be styled with literally everything in your closet — these boots are the moment. Promising review: "I absolutely love the Frye Kate Pull-On Boot! The craftsmanship is stunning—the detailed stitching adds such a refined, timeless touch. The fit is perfect and feels comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. These boots have a classic look that pairs beautifully with everything from jeans to dresses. They're definitely a standout piece in my wardrobe and worth every penny!" —Carrie $239.99 (originally $348; available in sizes 5.5-11 and four colors) A three-piece candle set for 50% off, so you can curate the perfect vibe in every room. Bubble Bath smells like the lobby of a bougie hotel where they'd definitely offer you cucumber water. Lazy Sunday Morning masks the "I haven't cleaned in a week" energy with crisp pear and fresh linens. And for steamy romance energy? Jazz Club is warm, smokey, and spicy. Price: $42.50 (originally $85) A shoulder bag for 42% off, that looks way more expensive than it is. Coach has mastered the art of luxury without the markup, and this sleek little number is no exception. It comes with multiple straps so you can switch it up — shoulder bag, crossbody, clutch — depending on your outfit and your mood. Promising review: "Gorgeous bag. It's the perfect size to fit the essentials with a little room to spare. Only thing to note is the 'chalk' color is definitely off-white rather than pure white, like it looks in the photos." —TexasEricaPrice: $229.99 (originally $395; available in four colors) A pair of cowboy boots for 41% off that you could wear with, idk, everything?!?! The pop of red gives every outfit a little extra yeehaw energy, and the height is chef's kiss — perfect with shorts, long dresses, minis, skirts, you name it. With cushioned footbeds, a modest heel, and roomy leather uppers, your feet will be thriving through every summer concert. O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D. Price: $109.99 (originally $169.95; available in sizes 6-11 and three colors) A pair of rain boots for 39% off, because Hunter has been the go-to for gloomy weather for literally over a century — and for good reason. These are easy to pull on, great at keeping water out, and somehow manage to make puddle-jumping feel chic. Your soggy socks will never forgive you if you don't get these. Promising review: "The boots are fashionable and perfect for yard work, or rainy weather. I was afraid that I may not be able to get my foot in the boot, but they are easy to put on and take off. I will recommend them to close friends and family. If you are considering these, I would say to go for it. They are perfect!" —CurbYourEnthusiasmPrice: $99.99 (originally $145; available in sizes 5-11) A four-piece laundry box set for 34%, so you can treat your new wardrobe to the luxurious laundering experience it deserves. Scented with notes of ylang-ylang, geranium, and lemon, the gentle yet powerful plant-based detergent will infuse your clothing with a fresh, clean scent that actually lasts. The set also comes with wool dryer balls which, if you haven't used them to replace your dryer sheets, you're missing out. They not only buff the clothing to make it actually soft (rather than just coating it in some weird slime that gives the impression of softness) but also air things out to reduce drying time. Price: $59.99 (originally $91) A sampling of Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfumes for 27% off, because Baccarat Rouge 540 has the internet in an absolute chokehold. This sultry wood-and-amber icon is just one of the luxe scents in this set — and if you're gonna dabble in fancy fragrance, why not try the whole lineup? You'll undoubtedly find your new signature scent. Promising review: "Such a good way to open the door to all of his other fragrances that people are missing out on because they are too hung up on the popular one." —HanuhhPrice: $199 (originally $275) A set of four colorful wine glasses for 33% off to make your table setting showstopping. I keep mine on display in the kitchen and they genuinely spark joy every time I walk by. Bonus: they make even boxed wine feel fancy. Price: $53.99 (originally $79.99; available in two colors) A pair of low-rise jeans for 30% off, because 2025 fashion means mixing it up when it comes to how we wear our denim. These babies highlight your legs, elongate your torso, and basically turn you into a walking Y2K revival. But don't worry — these aren't the restrictive, skinny-jean nightmares of our past. They're baggy and the rise is juuust right, so you don't have to stress about flashing your undies every time you sit. That is, unless you want to... Price: $48.99 (originally $69.50; available in sizes 24-32) A three-pack of Apple Watch bands for 35% off, so you can switch up your look on the regular without having to leave your beloved step-counter at home. Whether you're going sporty, sleek, or just matching your outfit, these bands let your wrist serve looks and reminders to stand up every hour. Price: $64.99 (originally $100) An off-the-shoulder sweater for 33% off, so you're actually prepared when the cold weather rolls back in. It's cozy but breezy, with a neckline that's cute but in the 'oh, I just threw something on' kind of way that's perfect for a first date. Plus, it's lightweight enough to shed a layer or two when the restaurant hasn't quite figured out how to regulate the heat (looking at you, patio heaters set to lava). Price: $52.99 (originally $79.50; available in sizes XXL-XL and two colors) A facial cleansing and firming massage device for 33% off, because once you try it, you won't believe that you've never experienced what clean actually means until using it. After using something similar for about a year, I can't go without it. My skin feels buttery soft and clean as a whistle. Like, how are my fingers supposed to exfoliate like that? They simply can't. Promising review: "I've never really been one to use a lot of tools in my skincare routine — I always felt like they didn't do much. (Including the Clarisonic I used for years!) But wow, this has completely changed my mind. This cleansing brush is now a must in my routine. My acne and blackheads have decreased immensely, and I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin's overall texture. It feels so soft after cleansing. I use it both morning and night, and it's seriously elevated my skincare game. Highly, HIGHLY recommend for anyone prone to clogged pores — this is truly a game-changer." —Lolacheri24Price: $66.33 (originally $99; available in three colors) A relaxed blazer for 35% off if your office is still, for some awful reason, clinging to a PRoFeSsIoNaL dress code. This one's structured enough to keep HR off your back, but slouchy and stylish enough to wear straight to happy hour. A true desk-to-drinks MVP. Promising review: "This blazer seems SO much more expensive than it is! The fabric is such high-quality. Will wear a lot!" —LowerEastsideGurlPrice: $98.99 (originally $149; available in sizes XXS-XXL and three colors) A carry-on suitcase for 25% off, so you can finally retire the squeaky-wheeled relic you've been dragging through airports since college. This sleek Béis bag has compartments for days, meaning your sweaty post-hike socks don't have to mingle with your clean outfits. Plus, the expandable gusset gives you extra space for all your 'souvenir' shopping — no need to pay those outrageous checked bag fees just because you impulse-bought a throw blanket in Paris. Price: $199.99 (originally $268) A pair of faux pearl studs for 33% off that'll add a little elegance whether you're heading to a black tie event or just dressing up a casual brunch look. They're simple, classic, and polished — without feeling too precious or over-the-top. Promising review: "I love these earrings. The yreally look like authentic pearls. A beautiful sheen to the coloring. The post is long enough, and the metal does not irritate my lobes. They are a medium-sized pearl. Not overbearing. Just classic and elegant. Great price, too!" —AshtonPrice: $25.99 (originally $39) A pleated miniskirt for 34% off that'll work harder than half your wardrobe. Pair it with a tank and sneakers in the summer, a sweater and boots in the fall, tights and a coat in the winter, get the idea. It's flirty, classic, and season-proof — basically the fashion equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. Price: $45.99 (originally $69.50; available in sizes XXS-XL) A Kiehl's face sunscreen for 35% off, if you can't get yourself into the routine of applying that much-needed SPF every day. This offers extra perks like collagen peptides that actually improve your skin now instead of just protecting it for later. And since it's a serum, it glides on way smoother than the greasy goop you've been forcing yourself to use. Promising review: "Terrific sunscreen. Moisturizing and lightweight." —MBF458Price: $45 (originally $69) A pair of sneakers for 27% off that are actually cool — like, stop-you-on-the-street cool. How often do you find gym-ready shoes with legit original styling? These look like they walked out of a fashion week and can handle your cardio. Promising review: "This is my 18th pair of Sorel shoes, and I am never disappointed." —ready for the seasonPrice: $99.99 (originally $135; available in sizes 5-12) A Free People cardigan for 34% off that's genuinely one of the best things in my winter wardrobe. It's absurdly soft (like, nap-in-it soft), has thoughtful little details, and roomy enough for layers. If you've ever watched a cozy winter Nora Ephron movie and wanted to feel as chic as the main character tucked into a nook with a hot cup of tea — this is that cardigan. Promising review: "Since I'm still working from home, I like to dress up my everyday tees with a cute cardi that keeps me warm and looks nice for virtual meetings. This cardigan is roomy and cozy. Nice and thick. It's very well made with nice button details, so it felt worth the splurge." —angrytrufflePrice: $105.99 (originally $158; available in sizes XS-XL and five colors) You when you tell people you got your entire look from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (don't forget to take advantage before it ends on August 3!): The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Elizabeth Taylor perfume that 'gets lots of compliments' is 40% off on little-known site
"It's a beautiful, soft powdery scent that is perfect for pretty much any occasion." Perfume lovers are grabbing a 'masterpiece' scent that has nearly 40% off in a limited-time sale. Violet Eyes by Elizabeth Taylor normally retails at £52 for a 100ml bottle but has been reduced to £32 on OFFSCENT. Launched in 2010, Violet Eyes was created by renowned perfumer Carlos Benaïm. Highly renowned, Benaïm has worked on numerous bestselling fragrances, including YSL Libre (£82.50 for 50ml), ViktorandRolf's Flowerbomb (£60 for 30ml) and Giorgio Armani's My Way (£57 for 30ml). Violet Eyes opens up with bright peach, although as the top note, this is the first to fade, before settling into a floral heart of rose and jasmine. It's got a woody base of Virginia cedar, peony and amber. While it has yet to receive reviews on OFFSCENT, Violet Eyes has garnered glowing praise on Fragrantica, a platform where fragrance enthusiasts share their opinions. Many fragrance fans shared their love for the fresh, summery scent. One user wrote: "This is a great affordable light fresh-fruity-floral. It's along the lines of Light Blue, Daisy (especially Daisy) and I Love Love. If you love these perfumes, or fragrances similar to those, you would most likely love this one! Perfect for Spring and Summer, but super fresh for Summer without being "beachy". The dry down is similar to Light Blue if LB also had a fruitiness to it." Violet Eyes £52 £32 OFFSCENT Buy Here Product Description Many are making comparisons between Violet Eyes and Light Blue, noting that Light Blue costs twice as much at £64 for a 30ml bottle at Boots. One fragrance fan said: "I adore Violet Eyes. It's the only perfume I can wear from the Elizabeth Taylor collection because it's not outdated, and the notes are seamlessly blended. A masterpiece by Carlos Benaïm. It's like the woody floral version of the citrusy fresh Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana. Beautiful and reasonably priced." However, not everyone is drawn to this fragrance for everyday use, with some finding it more appropriate for the colder months. One disappointed shopper said: "Out of all the Elizabeth Taylor perfumes I own, this wasn't one I'd reach for. I've been trying to cycle through my collection and use up stuff, and this one really surprised me -- while it's a floral, it really shines in the winter, thanks to the cedar note. It's very light and frothy, and it lifted my spirits. To make it feel more woodsy, I layered it with Good Chemistry's Rustic Woods." OFFSCENT has a huge selection of perfumes on their website, including discounted ones. However, our readers get an exclusive 25% discount on full-priced fragrances such as Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum when they use the code REACH25. Elizabeth Taylor's Violet Eyes is now up for grabs for just £32 at OFFSCENT.
North Wales Live
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'Masterpiece' perfume is 40% off from little-known site that is 'perfect for summer'
Perfume lovers are rushing to buy a 'masterpiece' fragrance that's now nearly 40% off in a limited time sale. Elizabeth Taylor's Violet Eyes, typically priced at £52 for a 100ml bottle, is available for £32 on OFFSCENT. Launched in 2010, Violet Eyes was crafted by celebrated perfumer Carlos Benaïm, known for hits like YSL Libre (£82.50 for 50ml), ViktorandRolf's Flowerbomb (£60 for 30ml), and Giorgio Armani's My Way (£57 for 30ml). All of these are discounted on OFFSCENT with code REACH25, which just needs to be added before checkout. The sophisticated Elizabeth Taylor scent begins with bright peach notes, followed by a floral heart of rose and jasmine, before settling into a woody base of Virginia cedar, peony, and amber. Although it has yet to receive reviews on OFFSCENT, Violet Eyes has garnered rave reviews on Fragrantica, a platform where fragrance enthusiasts share their opinions. One fragrance aficionado praised it, saying: "This is a great affordable light fresh-fruity-floral. It's along the lines of Light Blue, Daisy (especially Daisy) and I Love Love. If you love these perfumes, or fragrances similar to those, you would most likely love this one! Perfect for Spring and Summer, but super fresh for Summer without being "beachy". The dry down is similar to Light Blue if LB also had a fruitiness to it." Another reviewer wrote: "I wore it today, Beautiful feminine scent, very very classy, amazing for everyday wear not to strong lasts a good amount of time. Wonderful," reports the Manchester Evening News. Many fragrance fans are seeing parallels between Violet Eyes and Light Blue, with the latter being priced at £64 for a 30ml bottle at Boots; one enthusiast shared: "I adore Violet Eyes. It's the only perfume I can wear from the Elizabeth Taylor collection because It's not outdated and the notes are seamlessly blended. A masterpiece by Carlos Benaïm. It's like the woody floral version of the citrusy fresh Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana. Beautiful and reasonably priced." While some may not reach for it frequently, finding it better suited for colder weather, another person commented: "Out of all the Elizabeth Taylor perfumes I own, this wasn't one I'd reach for. I've been trying to cycle through my collection and use up stuff and this one really surprised me -- while it's a floral, it really shines in the winter, thanks to the cedar note. It's very light and frothy and it lifted my spirits. To make it feel more woodsy, I layered it with Good Chemistry's Rustic Woods." OFFSCENT boasts an extensive selection of fragrances on their site, including deals on some, but offers our readers an exclusive 25% discount on full-priced scents such as with code REACH25.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I worked at Boots and this little known perfume may be the scent of summer'
For the perfume fans among us, summer always presents an opportunity to find a new scent. With so many bottles on the market, many of us go for ones that are well known. However, amongst the Marc Jacobs and Hugo Boss offerings that tend to be bestsellers at this time of year, there are a few alternative options amongst them that are worth giving a go. One of them is the newly launched Zadig, by Parisian fragrance house, Zadig & Voltaire, a 'floriental woody fragrance for women' that, despite being a new addition to the market, has already earned glowing praise from one perfume fanatic. Bethan Shufflebotham of the Manchester Evening News, who used to work on the health and beauty chain's perfume counter, spotted this light, creamy coloured perfume on a recent store visit and said she "didn't know whether to shout about it from the rooftops, or keep it a closely guarded secret." After she couldn't resist spritzing the perfume, which boasts a unique wing-inspired bottle, the former Boots employee shared her full thoughts which can be found just below. "The result is a warm, smoky and incredibly moreish scent you can't help but keep going back to. It's feminine but powerful and a little edgy, like those cool girls that pull off a leather jacket thrown over a silk slip dress. "When I look at my perfume collection, it is pretty vanilla heavy, which is perhaps why I was so drawn to Zadig. According to perfume experts on TikTok, fragrances with similar profiles will tend to be housed in a bottle of a similar colour, which is a hack that comes in super handy when shopping fragrances online, or if you don't want to smell every bottle in store to find something you like. "With that theory in mind, some alternatives may include the likes of YSL Libre, which also contains orange blossom and vanilla. Zadig also says their wing-inspired bottle is symbolic of freedom, with Libre translating to 'free' in French. " Burberry Goddess would be another great choice, boasting key notes of vanilla and lavender. And coincidentally, Amandine Clerc-Marie was involved in crafting this popular 2023 scent, too. Despite being new to the market, Zadig is already holding its own, and has gained popularity with fans of Alien, Flowerbomb and Fame. One said: 'I'm usually quite pernickety about sweet fragrances but this was not overpowering at all. In fact I was regularly complimented when wearing it. It's a bit more tart than YSL Black Opium but I quite like that.' 'This is one of the best perfumes I've smelt in a while,' said another. 'It has a gorgeous fragrance and lasts all day. Quite a few people have commented when I wear it, I absolutely love it.' A third penned: 'Absolutely loved this. Gorgeous bold smell and really did last all day from one squirt. Usually wear Flowerbomb and this is a good rival for similar scent, but this is the longest lasting I've ever found.' The fragrance is also vegan and made from 89% natural-origin ingredients, plus the bottle is refillable, making it more sustainable than some other bottles available. However, some shoppers weren't so keen on the wing design. 'I absolutely love the scent of this fragrance. At first it smells quite strong but becomes subtle quite quickly, however I could still smell it on me 5+ hours later. I'm not a big fan of the statement bottle, which is why it's lost a star from me.' While the scent profile has earned much praise, some wearers (as above) report it lasting five plus hours, others note that it fades more quickly. Beauty deal of the week Looking for last minute gift inspiration for dad ahead of Sunday, June 15. Then don't fret, as we have you covered, as no-one can go wrong with a new bottle of cologne, and we have spotted Versace's The Dreamer for him Eau de Toilette for 67 percent less at Superdrug. Hailed for being "underrated" and "truly unique", a large 100ml bottle of this fragrance has been dropped from £74 to £24, allowing you to make a huge saving of £50 and get in a thoughtful gift. Described as "warm" and "fresh", Versace's Dreamer is an aromatic fragrance that, while belonging to the cologne family, is said to boast a variety of notes that make it suitable for both men and women. The scent opens on vibrant notes of juniper, tarragon, and artemisia, before blending into heart notes of iris, lily and flax flowers to add a touch of softness. It then ends on a comforting base of tobacco blossom and amber, offering a smoky, luxurious finish. The transparent, clear fragrance itself is housed in an opulent glass bottle that has been embossed with the iconic medusa logo, representing the luxury aesthetic of the iconic fashion house. Versace's Dreamer EDT has managed to earn glowing reviews and a 4.6 rating from shoppers, with one saying: "Truly unique and dreamy fragrance. It's a great fragrance but it's underrated. Guys you have to try this one, it's great for all year round." And someone else wrote: "Not to be overlooked. This is a lesser known Versace men's fragrance but oh my it is gorgeous ! Hubby loved it and amazing value for money." Versace's The Dreamer For Him Eau de Toilette (100ml) can be bought for 67 percent less at Superdrug now. One shopper who usually wears Fame or Alien said: 'Upon spraying a bit onto a sample stick I was not expecting to be wowed at all. How wrong I was. It smelled amazing. "Very reminiscent of my beloved long time signature scent of Alien. So I doused myself in the stuff before leaving the store. Went home and straight onto Boots online. "Decided to order myself the biggest bottle as best value for money. It's also refillable which also scores big brownie points with me. I've worn it once since it arrived and received many compliments on my scent and I've told everyone about 'Zadig''. Finishing her own review, Bethan added: "I will be honest I'd never heard of the brand or the perfume itself until I happened by it accidentally. I am saving mine for special occasions so as not to overwear it. "My only niggle is that I don't think the scent lasts all day as I couldn't smell it after a few hours unlike Alien and Fame. So even though it was a perfume as opposed to an EDT I feel they need to work on the longevity of the wear somehow." Perfume fans looking to try out the little known Zadig & Voltaire - ZADIG Eau de Parfum (90ml) can buy it for £110 from Boots now.
Elle
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Unique Fragrances Are In—And One Cult Scent Is Now Available in the U.S.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Your name may not be Taylor Alison Swift, but you've gone through some eras, especially when it comes to scents. Let's recall your personal Fragrance Eras Tour: Your teenage years, puzzling over whether you wanted to smell 'clean' or 'fresh.' Then the 'School Dance Scents' era. Maybe you had a 'Sure, I'll Sample the Perfume in This Club Bathroom' era. Perhaps a CK One, Flowerbomb, Baccarat Rouge, or all-of-the-above era. And now? You have a chance to be in your most powerful scented era of all. It's never been easier, more exciting, or more thrilling to smell like nothing you've ever experienced before—and exactly what you've always wanted. 'Remember this time,' Inter Parfums, Inc. chairman, CEO, and cofounder Jean Madar boomed at me when I met him. As head of one of the biggest manufacturers and distributors of fragrances and cosmetics in the world, he was boisterous: Fragrance sales for the third quarter were at an all-time record. 'There's never been a moment like this,' he says he tells his employees, citing the past four years of growth. #Perfumetok confirms the huge surge of interest in scent, with the hashtag drawing billions of views. Funmi Monet, a fragrance and beauty content creator, describes its appeal: 'You don't have to be a certain size; you don't have to be Kendall Jenner, or even super-rich,' to put on a fragrance and feel more seen (or smelled). It's a particularly exciting time for indie brands, rare perfumes, or what I'm calling niche-niche perfumes. Franco Wright, cofounder of one of the biggest online retailers for this subcategory, describes it as 'true niche': 'artistic, independent-driven brands that are often less distributed and usually very creative and unique in their composition.' Think Byredo before it became a household name. Think of eclectic scents like the unapologetically lewd Sadonaso by Nasomatto, which smells like…well, accounts vary, but just look it up. Think of a perfume from a big house that you can only buy in certain parts of Europe and Asia that has Fragrantica in a tizzy (like Yves Saint Laurent Beauty's Babycat, which only just became available in the United States) or a specific vintage edition of a Jean Paul Gaultier scent that goes for hundreds on eBay. Think of small perfume brands that don't have to do any market testing and have to please no one but their creators—people like the visual artist Andrea Maack of Iceland, and Marissa Zappas of New York City. Zappas started her career as a receptionist at Givaudan, and now, with her legions of fans (including Kacey Musgraves), she could be the perfume laureate of downtown New York (as Tynan Sinks, a beauty writer and co-host of perfume podcast Smell Ya Later, put it, "How did we all start fucking talking about Marissa Zappas who we love?'). Her fragrances are often created for friends, like the astrologer Annabel Gat, the muse behind Annabel's Birthday Cake. Not quite Funfetti, the scent has notes of balloon, tuberose frosting, fresh-out-of-the-oven cake, and lemon sugar (with just a hint of Cabbage Patch Kids doll, according to one reviewer). Rooted in nostalgia, with inspirations like Swan Lake and Elizabeth Taylor, Zappas's creations touch on the current bow-bedecked nerve of girlhood. Zappas wants perfume to be different. She doesn't do any advertising, and not much social media, yet customers do 'tend to find me,' she says. 'There's so much potential in storytelling with perfume, because it's so abstract. I wanted to explore the possibilities and create perfumes that weren't necessarily just reiterations. I really love old Guerlain perfumes, and my goal is to reach people who might originally have reached for [it]. I certainly have worn commercial perfumes, and found comfort in the fact that my best friend was also wearing it. This is part of why we wear perfume—to share in these moments. But at the same time, I think we live in an increasingly individualist society, and everybody wants to have the most unique, the most special, the most different smell.' Wanting to smell different is becoming an increasingly ardent form of self-expression, the ultimate invisible and rare accessory. 'Consumers have gone from one signature fragrance, to a collection,' says Linda Levy, President of the Fragrance Foundation. Tom Bloom, marketing and relationships manager for Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which has collaborated on perfumes with Neil Gaiman, makes a parallel to the search for vintage. 'It's comparable with the rise of thrifting in terms of looking for special items that are perfect and have a story.' With non-mainstream perfumes, the inspiration behind them can often be more complex and unusual, combining smell with fiction as a point of difference. Jane Dashley, the blogger known as Sea of Shoes, is a fragrance collector and enthusiast who started a niche perfume site, Fragraphilia, with her husband Jeff, followed later by a companion podcast. She tells me about Stora Skuggan, a Swedish company whose perfume Thumbsucker spins the tale of a king becoming pregnant after mistakenly drinking a potion made by sages for the queen. Its notes include honey, cherry, and Himalayan Cedar Bitter Almond—a redolent take on a hangover. The bottles, with their exaggerated orb caps, look like they could eat Harry Styles's Pleasing. Non-mainstream perfumes can also give perfumers the chance to try more unusual notes. 'If you have a client who's willing to go all the way out there, you can really explore uncharted territory, and that's quite exciting,' says perfumer Frank Voelkl, the nose behind Le Labo's Santal 33 and many other once-niche scents. His creation, Mood Ring by Phlur, captured something new for me—the feeling of going into a Japanese grocery after school and ripping open a sleeve of Hi-Chew candies. Sometimes, all the experimenting can result in more unusual perfumes that take some time to appreciate and go beyond the general desire to smell good. Jeff Dashley tells me about a perfume called Ambilux by Marlou. 'I wouldn't wear it to go visit my mother. It's such an [initial] straight urinous blast. Sometimes there are things that challenge you. But you start to look past those type of things and see the elevated artistry behind it.' (It's still not a luncheon perfume, however, he confirms.) Even as everyone wants to smell different, there can be community in bonding over your favorites. When you become fluent in ambroxan and ethyl maltol and follow the creations of your favorite perfumers, you want to meet others who speak the same language. 'Among young women, niche perfume is becoming more and more an important type of social currency, a status symbol, and a great way to relate to other girls. People are genuinely making friends from this hobby,' Jane Dashley tells me. Because fragrance is so subjective, there aren't really any wrong answers, which helps safeguard against internet toxicity. Ultimately, niche-niche perfume isn't about anyone but you, the main character of your own story. 'Fragrance used to be about who you wanted to be,' says Tynan Sinks, cohost of the scent podcast Smell Ya Later. 'But now it's about who you are today, which might not be the same tomorrow.' A version of this story appears in the March 2024 issue of ELLE.
