Niche Perfumes That'll Set You Apart From the Crowd

Most beauty lovers are familiar with diptyque. But I can safely say I had never heard of this fragrance before stepping into their NYC boutique. Post-purchase, my perfume-ambivalent boyfriend asked, "Why do you smell like an airplane?" Mint is one of my all-time favorite scents, but it's so rarely included in perfumes. Contrary to my man's opinion, I think this fragrance is fresh, slightly masculine, and perfect for all seasons.

19-69 is my go-to spot for fragrances. There's not a bad one in the entire mix. Between this scent and CHRONIC, a slightly marijuana-reminiscent fragrance, I could easily wear nothing else. KASBAH plays on my romantic image of fall and wintertime, reminding me of warm apple cider with a shot of bourbon and a cinnamon stick. Each scent in the 19-69 collection has a story behind it; I recommend that everyone buys a sampler kit before picking their favorites, because there are just so many good ones.

A fun fact for you: The Swedes know how to make good perfumes. Stora Skuggan is the perfect example of this phenomenon. I'll admit that I was first attracted to the brand because of their stellar packaging that infinitely upgrades the look of my bathroom sink. But you'll find that there's no occasion where you wouldn't want to wear this. Mistpouffer is a very enigmatic scent, with notes that include smoke vetiver and fig leaf pine.

If you've ever wanted to smell like a French movie star in the '60s without the nicotine addiction, this perfume will give you that chance, minus the harmful substances. Old Hollywood glamor is my soft spot, only I never got around to buying a mink shawl. With notes of jasmine, tobacco, apricot, and musk, among others, you'll smell like a luxurious starlet lighting a Virginia Slims cigarette before getting into a big, public fight with a producer.

Serge Lutens is no stranger to unusual perfumes, as evidenced by Dent de Lait, which smells like losing your first tooth. What does that smell like, you ask? Apparently, like milk, metal, and almonds. If you want to recapture that memory of losing your first tooth (for me: on a drive to go skiing while eating mini Oreos) in a chic way, spritz this on and take a walk down memory lane.

Picture this: You're escaping from prison, on horseback, chasing a train, with a pistol. Maybe Clint Eastwood is there, who's to say? This perfume, like all of D.S. & Durga's fragrances, captures the essence of that experience without smelling like sweat and horses. Instead, the fragrance notes are of wild grasses and flowers, which is slightly more appealing. If you've ever wanted to take a walk on the wild side, this perfume will transport you there.