3 Niche Fragrance Must-Haves for Beginner Collectors
So, you’ve used scents all your life and consider yourself something of an enthusiast. You’ve amassed quite the impressive collection, and fervently patronize creations from well-known designers and brands.
After a certain point, all would-be aficionados—like you—want more. That’s what got you here, isn’t it? You’re finally ready to delve into the world of niche fragrances and are looking for a place to start.
However, scents from these houses tend to run on the costly side, and it’s difficult to commit when you don’t really know what you’re in for. Reading the description for a scent is one thing, but how it performs and behaves on your skin differs from person to person.
Here at Scent Split, we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations below are tried-and-true hits among members of the niche fragrance community. They’re all also available for purchase from our extensive catalog, so you can try out a few samples before splurging on a full-size bottle. Skip the blind buy and read on:
Santal 33 – Le Labo
In 2015, the NYT Magazine wrote a feature on Santal 33, calling it “that perfume you smell everywhere”. Launched to little fanfare in 2011, this woody aromatic fragrance started slowly but surely gaining traction, its name passed around in whispers like a secret to be closely guarded.
You get the word out enough, though, and a scent that was once only known to few now has a fanatical, nearly cult-like following. Even the founders of Le Labo are astounded by Santal 33’s success, but to us, it’s really no surprise. Santal 33’s universal appeal is apparent from the first sniff.
The boutique fragrance carries a strong sandalwood note, bolstered by sweet cardamom, iris, and violet. There’s also a distinct smoke to the fragrance, bringing burning cedar to mind. It’s spicy and leathery, yet soft and sensual, making it an excellent choice for both men and women.
Try Santal 33 today by purchasing a sample from us. We offer this popular fragrance in travel-friendly 1mL, 2mL, 5mL and 9mL sizes that are great for carrying in your purse.
Love, don’t be shy – By Kilian
Love, don’t be shy is by no means a new fragrance. It turns 15 this year, having been part of founder Kilian Hennessy’s original collection that was launched in 2007. The fact that it continues to be one of By Kilian’s best-selling scents is testament to its popularity. The celebrity endorsement probably helps, too: Love, don’t be shy is reportedly the favorite perfume of multi-award performer and cosmetics mogul, Rihanna.
If you identify with the Greek goddess of love and beauty, then Love, don’t be shy is the fragrance for you. It’s been described as Aphrodite in a bottle—an exquisite amber fragrance that also happens to smell like heaven for those who love gourmand scents. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in 2021, Hennessy claims that he created the fragrance with the intention of making the wearer smell like “something you just wanted to take a bite out of”.
It prominently features notes of neroli and orange blossom, brought together by the sheer sweetness of marshmallow sugar.
Bring Love, don’t be shy everywhere with you in one of our decant sizes. Like Santal 33, we offer this luscious scent in 1mL, 2mL, 5mL, and 9mL sizes.
Delina – Parfums de Marly
Anyone who’s ever stumbled into Perfumetok (the perfume enthusiast side of TikTok) already knows about Delina. That baby pink bottle is unlike anything most of us have ever seen, at least in recent years.
Most fragrances come in clear glass to show off the color of the liquid contained within, but Delina—as well as most of the selections from Parfums de Marly—comes in an opaque flask that looks like it’s been plucked right off the set of Bridgerton, tassels and all.
We also imagine it smells like Bridgerton—or at least, the way season 1 heroine Daphne Bridgerton does. Delina feels like something the Duchess of Hastings would wear: a floral fragrance that’s just the right amount of sweet.
It opens with zesty bergamot and juicy lychee before revealing a nuanced heart composed of Turkish rose, peony, and vanilla. The base notes include warm cashmeran and musk, balancing out the blooms and bringing it firmly into the 21st century.
Ready to live the historical romance fantasy? We offer Delina in the same sample sizes as mentioned above, as well as brand-new in the manufacturer’s original packaging.
Buying decants is a smart and cost-effective way to try any fragrances you’ve had an eye on without having to clean out your bank account. Here at Scent Split, that’s our specialty. Add our recommendations to your cart today, or browse our complete collection to find your new favorites.
