13 Lesser-Known Perfumes That I Always Get Complimented on

I may be a beauty editor with an impressive collection of niche fragrances and indie perfumes, but I’ll be the first to admit that when posed with the question ‘what is your favourite fragrance brand?’, my answers are nothing but predictable. In fact, some of my most worn perfumes are from classic, heritage perfume brands such as Chanel and Penhaligon’s. I’m also admittedly obsessed with Phlur (like the rest of TikTok), and I’ve yet to meet a Byredo fragrance I haven’t fallen in love with. 

However, that said, my favourite fragrances from these well-known brands are probably not the ones you’d expect, which is where my answer might verge a little more unconventional… While I love iconic brands like Diptyque and Maison Margiela, it’s their niche fragrances and not their bestsellers to which I’m most drawn.

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(Image credit: @THATGRACEGIRL)

You might wonder how a fragrance could be classed as niche when these brands are basically household names, but most people only really know a brand for their hero products. For example, Chanel and Dior are famous for Chanel No5 and Dior J’Adore, but both have entire ranges of ‘exclusive’ perfumes which can only be purchased from certain stores. Likewise, Maison Francis Kurkdjian has a lot more to offer than just Baccarat Rouge 540, and cult perfume brand Jo Malone has over a hundred scents to choose from beyond the obvious suspects of Pomegranate Noir and Lime Basil & Mandarin. 

If you’re looking for a new scent that smells unique and not at all like anybody else (I’m looking at you Santal 33), keep scrolling to discover my favourite niche fragrances from the most famous perfume brands.

1. Byredo Black Saffron

The most popular Byredo fragrances:

2. Maison Margiela Springtime in a Park

The most popular Maison Margiela fragrances:

3. Phlur Mood Ring

The most popular Phlur fragrances:

4. Dior Gris Dior

The most popular Dior fragrances:

5. Penhaligon's Juniper Sling

The most popular Penhaligon's fragrances:

6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724

The most popular Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances:

7. Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber

The most popular Jo Malone fragrances:

8. Diptyque

The most popular Diptyque fragrances:

9. Chanel

The most popular Chanel fragrances:

10. Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin

The most popular Serge Lutens fragrances:

11. Jo Loves

The most popular Jo Loves fragrances:

12. Le Labo Labdanum 18

The most popular Le Labo fragrances:

13. Marc Jacobs

The most popular Marc Jacobs fragrances:

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next Up: I Always Get Compliments When I Wear This Trending Perfume

Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.