Though there are a plethora of great beauty brands in Scandinavia, boutique perfume options seem to be somewhat lacking. We’re talking about the perfumes that can get a little weird; maybe a scent combination you’ve never smelled before, or an unexpected top note such as Saffron. These are the beautiful bottles you’ll be excited to spray in the morning and will love to smell as it evolves on your skin throughout the day. These makers have brought a sense of Scandinavian craftsmanship and aesthetic to your scents.
These are the Scandi perfume brands you won’t want to stop sniffing:
Byredo
A brand that has exploded onto the scene in 2006 with their interesting perfume profiles and stunning packaging, Stockholm-based Byredo makes the scents that everybody’s after these days. In addition to eau de parfum, Byredo also makes candles, hand cream and body care.
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Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:
Top Notes | Turkish Rose Petals, Pink Pepper |
Heart | Turkish Rose Absolute |
Base | Papyrus, White Amber |
Henrik Vibskov
Another stop in the colorful, sensual Henrik Vibskov universe, these perfumes recreate the experience of the pine forest or lotus fields as imagined by the Danish fashion designer. The quirky, hand-carved toppers on simple bottles make for a sweet visual treat.
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Freya (Creative Director) recommends:
Top Notes | Gin, Almond |
Heart | Leather, Jasmine |
Base | Black Pepper, Ink |
Andrea Maack
What began as a series of scent-focused exhibitions by Icelandic visual artist Andrea Maack quickly became a line of unisex, appealing perfumes that walk the line between commercial and avant garde. This is art you can wear and it’s not always easy to decipher, but the payoff is incredible if you find the scent that suits you.
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Anna (Editorial Assistant) recommends:
Notes | Freesia, Musk, Mate Absolut, Cedar Wood, Moss |
Son Venïn
With gorgeous bottles that recall the vanity table of a 19th century lady and a range of notes from the complex and unconventional to the pure, Son Venïn is bringing the best of niche fragrance to Norway. This is a really special brand – their passion for scent is evident in every bottle and the way each piece is lovingly packaged.
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Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:
Le Voleur (and smell like a glass of fresh white wine!)
Top Notes | Saffron, Pink Berries |
Heart | Muscade, Incense, Sheer White Bouquet, Iris |
Base Notes | Sandalwood, Gaïac Wood, Amber, White and Dry woods |
ZARKOPERFUME
Fully utilziing the science of body chemistry, ZARKOPERFUME creates perfumes wherein the base ingredients interact with your pheromones, making a scent that is totally unique to you. Founder Zarko Ahlmann Pavolv writes that he wanted to combine the French art of perfumery with Nordic molecular science; ZARKOPERFUME is the intriguing result.
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Anna (Editorial Assistant) recommends:
No notes, only the molecule and you! |
Agonist Parfums
With their artistic bottles and sophisticated note combinations, Swedish perfume Agonist has quickly become one of the most sought-after niche perfume brands around the world. You can tell this is brand made by artists; the scents are subtle yet quirky, with notes that jump out at you then quickly fade into something new. A real treat for perfume lovers!
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Freya (Creative Director) recommends:
Top Notes | Lemon, Raspberry, Lychee |
Heart | Jasmine Abs, Tuberose Abs, Heliotrope |
Base Notes | Patchouli, Orcanox, Vanilla |
Colekt Fragrances
Swedish skincare and fragrance brand Colekt makes products that smell heavenly in packaging that’s the height of laid-back luxury. Their perfumes are unconventional without being difficult to like, thanks to natural and botanic notes that are recognizable without being trite. Colekt perfumes are
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Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:
Top Notes | Lime Blossom |
Heart | Lilac (this is a warm floral) |
Base Notes | Mock-Orange |
Photography by Freya McOmish