Long-lasting and evocative, these are the sought-after, lesser-known scents you’ll want to discover
Fragrance is a deeply personal and subjective thing. However, there are a few stand-out niche perfumes that are in a class of their own. Timeless and irresistible, here’s our edit of some of the finest scents for women (in no particular order) to help you find your new signature scent.
1. Fragrance du Bois Sirène Parfum
Why it’s special
Bold, mature and luxurious, Fragrance du Bois offers a fruity gourmand scent like no other. Memorable pink pepper meets a burst of cherries, beneath which a smoky base of oud, with notes of incense, transports you to another world.
Key notes: Cherry, pink pepper, oud
2. CRA-YON Sand Service Eau de Parfum
Why it's special
Unmistakable and impossible not to notice, yet never overpowering, this woody, powdery leather scent from French-Swedish perfume house CRA-YON opens with crisp violet leaf and cardamom for a clear, green freshness.
Key notes: Violet leaves, cardamom, amber, sandalwood
3. Histoires de Parfums 1969 Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
French house Histoires de Parfums is famed for translating historical figures and significant eras into scents. The mythical 1969 is an intense, sensual, spice-filled composition, tinted with eroticism that’s seriously captivating.
Key notes: Rose, cardamom, patchouli, white musk
4. New Notes Akigala Mandarino Extrait de Parfum
Why it’s special
Redefining artistic perfumery, Italian fragrance house New Notes has a number of best-sellers, of which Akigala Mandarino is one. Cheerful and invigorating, it perfectly balances the bright zest of citrus with a warm, spicy woody finish.
Key notes: Mandarin, raspberry, akigalawood, warm amber
5. Byredo Future Memories Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
An ambery, green musky fragrance built around textured vanilla, Byredo’s popular perfume envelops you with addictive ambrofix, powdery iris and warm musks. Bold and instantly recognisable; a true forever fragrance.
Key notes: Vanilla, galbanum, blackcurrant
6. MATIERE PREMIERE Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Contrasting white palo santo wood with dark, velvety vanilla, this intoxicating MATIERE PREMIERE blend is heightened with a touch of coconut powder, and enveloped in white musks. An addictive signature you’ll return to over again.
Key notes: Coconut, vanilla, white musk
7. Essential Parfums Bois Impérial Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Freshly crushed Thai basil leaves meet the spiciness of Nepalese Timut pepper, brilliantly contrasting the bold woody signature of this Essential Parfums blend. Rich, earthy and unmistakably addictive, it’s a try-once-wear-forever scent.
Key notes: Vetiver, Georgywood, Nepalese Timut pepper, Thai basil
8. Jo Malone London Sea Salt & Bergamot Cologne
Why it’s special
Plunge into Jo Malone London’s new sea salt-fresh fragrance, inspired by the untamed, wild waves of the Celtic sea. Think: the fresh minerality of emerging from a dip in the British coast, with the lingering woody charm of bergamot.
Key notes: Driftwood, bergamot, sea salt accord
9. Penhaligon’s Halfeti Body Mist
Why it’s special
A rich, captivating fragrance, blending fruits, spices and deep notes with creamy jasmine and rose. A body mist, it offers a lighter interpretation of the Penhaligon's classic, which is an exotic note with exceptional staying power.
Key notes: Rose and spices
10. Maison Crivelli Safran Secret Extrait de Parfum
Why it’s special
Maison Crivelli’s is a firmly modern take on the exclusive, desired ingredient of saffron; complemented by warm spicy cinnamon and ginger, Turkish rose, and a base of leather and creamy vanilla, it’s intense, sensual and seriously captivating.
Key notes: Saffron, rose, blonde woods, vanilla
11. Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger Eau de Parfum
Why it’s special
Australia’s premier luxury perfume house, Goldfield & Banks will whisk you away to a sun-kissed paradise with this bold, elegant blend of Asian aromatics, mandarin, spicy ginger, white florals and amber. An instant mood boost.
Key notes: Ginger flower, neroli, sandalwood
12. Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Eau de Parfum
Why it's special
Ex Nihilo’s fragrance fuses traditional French craftsmanship with a modern sensibility, which shows in this clean-smelling scent; layering crisp fruit and spices over woods and warm musks, prepare for constant compliments.
Key notes: Pear, bergamot, orange blossom, akigalawood
Scent stacking: 2026’s biggest trend
This year’s trend for layering your perfumes – or ‘scent stacking’ – is a means of creating a unique, personalised fragrance. The art of combining multiple perfumes is mixing complementary notes (such as a floral with an uplifting citrus) or opposing scents (such as something woody with a vanilla perfume or your favourite fresh scent), to develop your own bespoke scent profile. The result is often more than a head-turner, it’s a shoulder-tapper; people will stop to ask what you’re wearing.
