As a fragrance writer, blogger, or influencer—however you choose to describe me—I naturally encounter a wide variety of scents. This year has been no exception, and it seems the releases just keep getting better and better. While I would love to discuss them all, as I often do on my Instagram page, I want to highlight my top five niche fragrances so far this year.
Matière Première – Crystal Saffron Extrait
Matière Première never seems to fail us when it comes to fragrance, and once again, they have released a scent sure to be on everyone’s fragrance wishlist. If you loved the original, then the new Crystal Saffron Extrait will tantalise you further with its seductive nuances. The addition of myrrh adds even more depth and richness to the already mystical saffron note, which had everyone talking with its beastly projection in the EDP. For me, the saffron and its initial blast are tamer in this version, with a dark fruity sweetness introducing an undeniably irresistible aspect to the fragrance that was much needed. Although I am a firm fan of the original, this one feels like its more sophisticated sibling—still playful with saffron but more refined and grown-up. It’s a winner for me!
Notes:
Main Ingredient: Saffron Oil Greece. Guest ingredient: Myrrh Oil Somalia
Watch my video review.
Available exclusively at Harrods and then worldwide from 1st September 2024.
Stéphane Humbert Lucas – Sea My Love
This brand has undeniably made an impact on social media, with its snake-scaled, bejewelled bottles gracing countless Instagram grids. Thankfully, the inside (or the fragrance) matches the mystical vessel, and the new release, Sea My Love, is no exception. This oceanic fragrance draws you in like a dark-scaled siren from the depths of the sea. While other oceanic scents whisper with freshness and vigour, this one takes you beneath the sun-dappled surface of the ocean. Its fruity, salty notes provide initial freshness and sweetness before an animalic leather adds a certain je ne sais quoi, elevating this fragrance above others in its category. Jasmine further enhances its sensuality, while an earthy amber base ensures the scent lingers for an extended period. This one had me captured like a fish in a net.
Notes:
Top: Mandarin, Salt. Heart: Leather, Jasmine, Sea notes. Base: Amber, Musk, Patchouli, Benzoin
Watch my video review.
Already a fan of the original, I was excited to see a new rendition added to their Extraordinary Extraits collection, this time with a perfume concentration of 46% (hence the name). Whereas the original hit us with peppery frankincense from the first spray, the spicy cloud here is slightly more pleasant and subdued, yet richer and more tantalising, instantly addictive. The fruity pear and the addition of rose water give a lychee vibe, tempered by a nutty background that lends an almost gourmand edge. Heady florals further seduce, while a creamy, warm, and woody base offers a luxuriously prolonged olfactory journey. This may even surpass the original, but I’ll leave that for you to decide.
Notes:
Top: Pear, Frankincense, Hazelnut, Rose Water, Pink Pepper, Bitter Almond. Heart: Saffron, Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Osmanthus. Base: Cistus, Sandalwood, Akigalawood, Ambergris, Vanilla, Ambrette, Georgywood, Cypriol
Watch my video review.
L’Atelier Parfum – Mystic Leather-Oud
I know what you’re thinking—another leather and oud fragrance! I had the same thought, but when I applied this to my skin, it revealed a richness and intrigue that I hadn’t anticipated. Starting with spicy, woody, and energetic nuances, it quickly evolves into a smoky leather darkness. It gradually deepens to create a sensual and alluring fragrance. To enhance this sensuality, a dose of oud permeates the skin, and a hint of saffron adds warmth, reminiscent of glowing embers. It’s definitely one of those fragrances suited to the colder months, with a sophisticated depth and refinement, and just a touch of danger—definitely one to turn heads when you walk into a room.
Notes:
Top: Schinus Molle, Ginger. Heart: Incense, Leather, Cistus, Labdanum. Base: Oud, Papyrus, Sandalwood, Saffron
Watch my video review.
Tuberose is a heady floral that blooms in the evening and is historically known for its seductive qualities. This fragrance captures those qualities, offering a walk through a tuberose field at night as the white, waxy petals unfurl to release their alluring aromas. A bright, dewy start soon gives way to a creamy, narcotic heart, tinged with powdery violet and a distinctive lipstick accord, lending a vintage makeup quality to the scent. It is sexy, sophisticated, and captivating—everything I desire in a fragrance.
Notes:
Top: Ylang, Mandarin. Heart: Tuberose India LMR, Violette, Lipstick Accord. Base: Velvet Musk, Amber, Sandalwood
Watch my video review.
Keep your eyes peeled for more fragrance reviews coming soon.
[These items were PR samples but all views are my own]
BLU BLAZER GUY 