We are a region of fragrance lovers. Whether we layer or create a bespoke scents, the emphasis on the rarity is key and this is where artisinal fragrance brands do so well.
Many of us are skipping the traditional brands in favour of unique labels that offer something a little different – after all, nobody wants to smell the same. Below, we list our favourite cult names in the perfume industry that are subtly taking over our beauty shelf alongside their latest releases.
Byredo 
Lets kick off with the Swedish fragrance house that we have seen across all the social media for a few years. The founder, Ben Gorham, uses his exotic trabels and diverse upbringing to create scents that are not like anything you’d come across.
Top Pick: Newly launched ‘Eleventh Hour’ that brings together a blend of Bergamot and Sichuan Pepper with Wild Fig, Carrot Seeds and Rum. Available in Bloomingdale’s.
Le Labo
Known for celebrating single ingredients, New York based brand Le Labo creates intense scents that are truly unique. The brand has recently opened their boutique in the Dubai Mall.
Top Pick: Santal 33 is a popular choice, but we love The Noir 29 inspired by black tea.
Tom Daxon
Tom Daxon is a British fragrance house founded by Tom Daxon Bowers in 2013. Using the experience passed on from his mother, and working with the perfumers he met through her as a child; Tom Daxon makes award winning fragrances with a modern, understated approach. Available at Perfumery & Co, Dubai Mall.
Top Pick: Magnolia Height containing magnolia flower oils that are enhanced by gardenia and jasmine sambac,
Aesop
Mainly associated with holistic skincare, the Australian brand knows a thing or two about fragrance.
Top Pick: Aesop’s Marrakech Intense is a raw and unorthodox fragrance for men and women containing Egyptian Jasmine, Bergamot and Jasmine petals. Can be found at Bloomingdale’s.
Frédéric Malle
Frédéric Malle grew up immersed in the world of perfumery, and has a deep knowledge of raw materials, fragrance structure and accords so expect only the finest ingredients to be used in his creations. Shop the collection at Bloomingdale’s and on ounass.com.
Top Pick: Dawn is the second oud perfume by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, inspired by travels through the Middle East. At the perfume’s core, a new east Asian oud specially extracted for the prestigious French Laboratory LMR. Deceptively simple, its magnificent texture is faceted by a host of supporting characters: a refreshing opening of rose and lively pink pepper. Laudanum and vibrant frankincense bring extra warmth as oak moss provides a dark focal point.
Kilian
The namesake perfume collection epitomizes both luxury and modernity, using some of the world’s finest raw materials and rare essential oils – plus the packaging is rather fabulous. Available at Paris Gallery in Dubai Mall.
Top Pick: Dark Lord is the latest release for men (and fitting for Halloween just round the corner) and brings together duo of Sichuan Pepper and Bourbon Pepper Essences that’s fused with opening notes of Bergamot. Indian Jasmine Sambac and Davana sit at the heart with raw root Vetiver is expertly interwoven with the sophistication of leathery Indian Cypriol, alongside a woody overdose of Atlas Cedarwood and Indonesian Patchouli.
Diptyque 
Before Diptyque made candles cool, the brand was (and still is) on the most celebrated fragrances houses in the world for their unique approach to blending scents that you’d never thing would work. Available across Dubai including Dubai Mall and Festival City Mall.
Top Pick: Fleur de Peau has floral notes of Ambrettolide, Pink Peppercorns and powdery Iris.
Roja Parfums
Founder Roja Dove is an internationally respected master perfumer and works with the rarest and finest ingredients to create some of the most luxurious fragrances. Roja Parfums just opened their first boutique in the UAE located in Dubai Mall.
Top Pick: Ahlam is the latest release and a collaboration with Ahlam Alshamsi. Top note of lemon is subdued with Geranium, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and Violet in the heart, warmed by Saffron, Patchouli, Aoud and Sandal Woods, the whole sublimated by Musk, and an unusual note of Rhubarb.
Ex Nihilo
A Parisian perfume house seeks inspiration in both the creative avant-garde and the French spirit of pure refinement to create scents that are blend of heritage and innovation. Shop the range at Bloomingdale’s.
Top Pick: Newest launch is Cuir Celeste that mixes leather notes with Ambrette, addictive Violet leaves, Patchouli and Musk.
