So, I'm still relatively new in the community, and quickly becoming enamored with true niche (to me, meaning that it isn't only that that company only makes fragrances, but also more challenging/interesting/situational fragrances). It truly is a journey. And I think I'm only limited by my budget. Though, I think that is a good thing. I am appreciating the fact that I HAVE to move slowly. Makes me spend more time with each fragrance, and truly appreciate it. Or just get a batch of samples. I need to be more intentional with each decision to spend money on this enjoyable, but also expensive 🫰, hobby. Loving every second of it.
Yes, Sarah! That is the key! It's all about moving slowly. This space is plagued by instant gratification. But it can be much more enjoyably and substantial if one takes their time to find what they actually love (and not just what others might like on them).
I concur. I was all about blind buying. Over 80 bottle sales out of my collection later I realized i need to sample first and move slow. Let my nose figure a scent out through a few wearing a before making a final verdict
@@BarberNoseBest I'm so glad I make sure to sample. I've gotten a couple samples of ones I ALMOST blind bought, since the notes sound right up my alley, and... Nope. For whatever reason, they just don't give with me. Truly makes this a real journey.
True, before you buy a niche scent you really need to spend some time with it. A collection of niche bottles should be outpopulated by samples by at least 5:1 😁
If it smells good, it smells good. That’s all that matters to me. Designer, niche, indie it doesn’t matter to me. As long as it smells good, I ain’t trippin. Peace.
Two years into exploring niche/indie/luxury fragrances taught me to match scents that suit both your lifestyle and personality. Now I only seek fragrances that are both easy to reach but complex, unique but familiar enough that you can wear them around others. Out of hundreds of samples, there is only 5-10 that I keep going back to. I was turned off niche fragrances this year actually. I left the designer world because everything smelt the same but discovered it is not different from the niche world. The amount of times, there has been an Erba Pura or B540 inspired copy and that's just a few I'm mentioning. Packaging is another thing that boils my corn. I can understand the expensive bottle design but when it's paired with over the top excessive packaging, it puts me off the brand.
That's a very odd thing to note because I wore ~300 different niche scents and the amount of Erba Pura / BR540 competitors is less than 10, maybe around 6. Mostly scents that are closer to Erba Pura or in its class, stuff like Musk Therapy from Initio, God of Fire from Stephane Humbert Lucas, Zenne from Nishane. Prime niche brands, i.e. excl. budget stuff like Montale and Mancera AND the clear-cut copycat houses like Tiziana Terenzi, have ~0 imitations of Baccarat. Unless you're one of the people thinking Oud for Greatness smells like Baccarat.
“Out of hundreds of samples, there is only 5-10 that I keep going back to.” My experience has been the same - tried hundreds of niche scents, and most of them smelled at least decent, but only found like 10 or so that truly blow me away enough to want a full bottle. I guess it’s probably better that way though, otherwise it’s a bottomless pit. 😂 And I couldn’t agree more, “niche”, especially in recent years, has been very diluted by a lot of new unoriginal/cookie cutter brands trying to get a piece of the pie by following the same “let’s just copy what’s popular” approach that you see in designer scents. It’s a shame, because it makes it harder to find the really good ones out there. 😅
@@alexjones28 Yes I have and absolutely love the artistry of perfumes that are created but most indie perfumes I find, although out there and different, for me I don't find it wearable.
My first niche fragrance was actually PdM Layton (although some might classify PdM as more designer-niche) and that was a couple of years into seriously collecting fragrances. I totally agree with you about Essential Parfums Bois Imperial - the price is less than many designers. I would also recommend Divine Vanille, also from Essential Parfums, given its striking similarity to the more expensive PdM Herod. The biggest issue I have with niche is that it's a bottomless pit! Once you're hooked it's difficult to maintain discipline. You've covered that already though, and in multiple videos. I'm in 'slow down' mode until April following a glut of Black Friday purchases.
I love your perspective on fragrances, Justin. I’ve been collecting since the 2000s but these past few years I’ve put more effort into finding scents that I connect with on a personal level, rather than what is easiest to acquire or what appeals to everyone around me. I’ve narrowed down my collection to about 15 fragrances, all of which I’m deeply connected with. Your channel is a diamond amongst many channels that do the same thing, thanks for keeping it real :-)
I have to agree Justin, once you discover great niche fragrances it is difficult to stay in the designer end of the pool. I do still enjoy my designers but I find myself hunting for niche fragrances more and more. I just purchased my first Amouage and Parfums De Marley fragrances recently. I have my sites on one more for now and then I think I’ll relax my bank account for a good long while to enjoy what I have.😅
One of your best videos to date Justin! thank you! this is true fraghead content lol people who are into this hobby solely for the love of fragrance and are not afraid of the exploration that comes with that! these recommendations were so refreshing and they are appreciated, keep pushing the boundaries, it helps us take those steps too, and keep leading by example!
Thanks Justin. I wear niche exclusively and enjoy what I have. But you're right, good things are worth waiting for. People will either come along for your fragrance ride or they won't. Same can be said for designers. Happy New Year!
Justin, I am certainly among those that fear niche fragrances, mostly because they are more difficult to avoid blind buying and often even discovery sets are priced above my curiousity. I'd also just like to say that i appriciate your presentation and style. When I am trying to relax after a long day, something about your delivery accomplishes that.
Niche, indie, designer, and any other class of fragrance has their place in my collection. I wear what I feel like at the time depending on weather, occasion, situation etc. So, niche does not suck. 😁
Caron are a Brilliant Niche House and very inexpensive for the quality. I have Pour Homme and 3rd Man in my collection. I admit they are more of a mature gentlemanly style and take a while to get used to,but well worth the time and effort. Another great inexpensive Niche house is Molinard. If you haven't already had your nose on any try Cuir which is an amazing Leather scent and also Figue another great Fig scent which offers something different to all too fashionable Bleu De Chanel and Sauvage. If you want to smell unique try these amazing frags you won't be disappointed 👍👍
For most of us that's matured in this great hobby, niche & indie fragrances offer a wide spectrum of unique scents that fit our personality. I'm always intrigued in finding something out of the norm. JC, I love how you offer your own perspective in fragrances , thank you for sharing your insights. God bless you & Grace, and HAPPY NEW YEARS!!
Gonna revisit this video a few times, interested in giving a couple of these a try. I love niche fragrances...honestly I just love whatever smells good whether niche, indy, or designer.
Niche frags don't suck...the process of being able to SAMPLE niche frags, and, oddly enough, super cheapies, sucks. I can sample anything from any designer by going to my local Ulta/Sephora, or anything from PDM, Mancera, etc. by going to DecantX/Scent Split, but any true niche brands make you jump through hoops to get a discovery set, if they even offer it, and trying anything that retails for under $75 or so (ex: anything from the Cool Water line, Bentley for Men line, etc.) CAN be found at decant sites, but there's not much point in paying $15 for 5mL of a frag that costs $40 for 100mL. I know, first world problems, but still.
No joke, I spent all last night watching your past videos about niche fragrances. At the end I finally ordered a handful of winter and spring samples from niche houses that appeal to me and that you've said good things about. So I guess I'm about to find out if they suck. 😄 But I don't think I'll be let down. I'm not expecting a magical tenfold increase in appeal or quality or anything like that, I just want to find something new that I like to smell. That's how you describe fragrances every time and that's why I always trust your opinion the most out of anybody else on the platform. I really appreciate what you're doing with this channel, thanks man!
My mind is definitely open to niche brands because I enjoy wearing fragrances that I get a experience wearing and not just a comfortable smell good vibe. I want more from my fragrances than just playing it safe, that's how I feel about it.
I used to think that wearing niche fragrances was only for formal occasions but being a hard rock metal head from the 80s I got a sample of Xerjof Tony Iomi Monkey Special and wore it to the Judas Priest/Queensryche concert in Moline IL and from my buddies who were there to the girl checking tickets and random fans I was told how good I smell and what I was wearing now 275 is a bit pricey but I understand why and I'm happy that Rockstar emerged from Dua to give me the same vibe as I save up for a full bottle of IMHO is a masterpiece
One thing about niche is that their DNA tends to be very strong. That is, there is sometimes little variation between their different scents; everything has the stamp of the house on all the different scents (not even flankers) very strongly. For instance, I find Nishane all smells a bit similar. PDM and Initio is a bit like this too, where all the fragrances have the same backbone structure very strongly. Compared for instance with designer houses, where you have completely different scent creations that smell nothing like others in the house. I guess that's good though if you kind of "claim" a niche house as your signature house.
Designers are super ubiquitous across the board. There are some unique ones in there but they still smell cheap. Also, do you think Nefs, Hacivat and Wulong Cha smell alike?
Interesting...I see things exactly the opposite of how you're describing them. There is little differentiation among designer fragrances across the board, let alone from the same house...namely due to how much many of them rely on flankers right now. A great niche house has a definitive identity among their offerings, so that one can tell where they come from. An olfactory signature. However, they also offer totally unique personalities and smell nothing alike.
@@stayfreshproductions Right on. Yeah I know what you're talking about too with designer houses being all the same. What I mean is, with niche fragrances, they do deliver different and unique products. But you can kind of tell what house it is. That's not so true for designer brands often. Say for example D&G The One, and D&G Light and Blue. If I were to smell those blind next to each other not knowing what they were, I wouldn't be able to say they were from the same house. But say if you smell Layton and then smell a PDM freshie, you could tell they're from the same house somehow. It's not a bad thing, I just mean that the DNA is very prominent for niche brands. That's what makes it impressive - they can make different products but they still all have the stamp of the house DNA in it.
Another great & informative video. I've clearly mispronounced Nobile. The Darbouka is on my Lucky Scent wish list. Thanks for the intro to some new houses.
what a nice video. great example(s) of what fragrance hobby should be about. loved every aspect of your choice(s) in decisions you made, and the truth when it comes to the reality of fragrance collecting. the cherry on top is the great examples of existing scents that are unique and interesting. much love
Great points. For me niche started with Molinard, Caron, AdP, Mancera, Etat Libre d'Orange and Goutal. Highly available including at discounters. Now I'm dipping my toes into Amouage with Beach Hut Man that became on of my favorite fragrances - I know that you also love it, into Floris with Vert Fougere - very intresting take on the genre and into Histoire de Parfums with 1828 Jules Verne - probably the most approachable fragrance in their lineup. All the best!
Scent is scent. Good we wear it, we dont like it we don't. But I think people should be able to differentiate between "luxury" and "niche". Just because something comes in a golden wrapped bottle that doesn't mean that the juice inside is gonna be refined / high quality / different whatever.
I collect perfumes for myself. The idea of smelling someone's creation intrigues me. For me, anything out of the ordinary, not conforming to the modern main stream taste, is niche. By that definition many designers fit the bill as well (like Bentley For Man Intense, I know you may not like that, but it's a masterpiece at that price). For me, perfume is an art form and I am open to explore anything which is not just a copy of Monalisa. My latest acquisition: Orto Parisi Terroni. You should try it.
Fantastic video and topic! For me, it all began 2 years ago with an Amouage sample set. I kind of simply took the plunge, for curiosity purposes and because I liked the design/the idea. I've always been a lover of incense so for me, that frankincense element omnipresent in Amouage was naturally interesting. And I fell in love. I did worry people wouldn't like it but already, I was into the more "unconventional" designer stuff. Turns out, the reaction I get from those who know me is: "that's so *you*", haha. I wouldn't have it any other way. 😏
I recommend getting into essential oils. Specifically because you like Amouage and frankincense. I remember Amouage Interlude made me feel a certain way, like serious and concentrated, more so than any other fragrance. I read the notes and after trial and error, I discovered it was opoponax that was yielding that concentration/focus effect. So now yes I wear Interlude regularly still because I like the smell, but at the same time I use my opoponax essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil of course) if I am wanting the more medicinal/mental effects of the oil itself. Frankincense also has its own characteristics as an oil in itself.
@@TheJofrica I absolutely am into diffusers and such. Must be my Native American roots! I really need to try opoponax by itself. I keep hearing about it and I do love frags which have it as a note. On a side note, I do love me some attars too. ;)
I appreciate this content. Keep keeping it real bro. What made me view your content initially and I still come back, even after a hiatus...is your honesty, sometimes brutal lol. But moreso, your ability to find these unique gems that are not mainstream...Justin, you make the lives of persons (who want to stand out unique) easier with respect to acquiring "unpopular" artistic niche fragrances...
One of the minor reasons I don't delve into niche, especially from smaller brands, is I'm not confident enough how long the fragrance will stay in production or the brand in business. I don't like investing in a perfume that then gets discontinued. I have a small collection (11 fragrances) so I know I'll need a 2nd bottle sometime in the future. Of course designer fragrances get discontinued too, but it's a safer gamble (especially with older designers like 90s and 00s fragrances)
As you recommended in this video, I purchased NOBILE 1942 PONTEVECCHIO, i currently enjoy wearing it .. thanks so much for sharing experience of your NICHE perfumery journey. Keep going. Regards
Caron is a love for me .. 2day i am wearing belle de niassa ❤ It is a crazy scent 2 me, one moment its like the (back in the day Scarlett Cacharel the other moment its darker and the carambola shows itself... Its a dance around me and i love it
My first nich Niche Fragrance was MFK Gentle Fluidity Silver, I bouth sample and absolutely hated it. Few months later i I came a cross my sample. Said to myself that I have to end it so the money would not be throw away. And I fall in love with it. Thats my favorite niche parfume right now. Funny thing, I had the same situation with my favorite designer fregrance - Terre d'Hermes. I know you too. High five.
@@stayfreshproductions BTW do you find Frapins L'Humaniste somehow similar to MFKs GF Silver? I thinking about geting it and overole notes are very promising.
BTW: I love niche fragrances and that is why I'm very picky. To me a niche fragrance doesn't have to be expensive, it has to be unique. Having said that, I do refrain from buying too many niche fragrances from niche houses because they are simply too expensive. Right now I have my eye (or rather nose) on 12 fragrances from 5 different houses, ranging between $150 - $ 1,200. I haven't seen a niche perfume here in Dubai by a designer house since Gucci Guilty Absolute.
Wear fragrances to smell good 🤔🤔 sounds like a good idea. Mass appealing fragrances are a necessity & niche is a luxury in my opinion once you have a bunch of nice designers then try niche so you're not stuck wearing a very niche scent every day
Lake Neshonoka 😄In answer to your general query, if most of us reflect, we'd mostly concur with the notion that the hero's journey only really begins after leaving the land of designer and sailing through the vast seas of offerings not at Sephora and Macys. Individuation is only possible after solving the oedipal puzzle. However long it takes. Fragrance is similar.
I'm so happy I came across this channel before the year ended. I'm excited going into 2023 with a plan and interest of new fragrances rather niche indie or otherwise. Best wishes to you and your family. P.S. your brother sounds amazing
I think "designer" is not the right term for non-niche perfumes. I would call it "mainstream" which makes more sense because it is actually the opposite definition of niche. That way privé lines like Tom Ford could be considered "niche" while the unmentioned mainstream expensive luxury brands can be considered "mainstream," even though they may not be "designer" brands per se.
@@stayfreshproductionsI meant the fragrance community as a whole usually thinks in terms of “niche” vs “designer” rather than what you described in the video
I got into Niche fragrances about 2-2 1/2 years ago thanks to Profucer Michael 😂 I saw a video of his where he was going through his closet to show his fragrance collection and I had to try out Fragrance Du Bois
I literally run towards what other ppl recoil from that’s just me. I want that fragrance that someone can’t stand or is repulsed by. I’ve done that & it’s not always hundred percent but that’s how I found some of my favorite frags! As a collector I wanna get my nose on everything out there even the wacky stuff. That’s just me!
Have you tried Bulgari Man Terrae Essence? That stuff made me recoil for sure. I take notes on everything I sample and I chuckle at what I wrote down for that one: "Leather, turkey, cowboy, cattle, cowhide, pelts, furs, animal. Rubber maybe. Hints of cheese?" Let me know if you've smelled it and what you think haha. I just couldn't do it.
@@TheJofrica I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on a sample. Right now I’m trying Nishane Unutamam & that stuff man if you can get past the strong Oregano opening & I mean strong as it’s an extrait, it’s actually a nice fragrance. The perfumer himself won’t even wear it😂
@@jesseb280 Right on. Haven't tried Unutamam, I'll have to check that out. But recently I tried Nishane Oliphant. Aptly named because Oliphant means "elephant", and it straight up smells like the zoo or circus! Haha. Happy New Year to you!
I got myself a bottle of Bois Imperial as a Christmas gift which i think is a good gamble given that i love Ganymede, im a fan of mr. Bisch and its price is really affordable. Will try to find a way to atleast test Aviation Club. It has very interesting notes and everytime it makes your list the description is really enticing :)
I would say 70 to 80% of my collection (i.e. about 50+ bottles) are niche fragrances but I have not paid more than $300 for any of them. Currently that is my price limit but if I find something that really blows my mind I'd be willing to spend more. There are plenty of youtubian fragrance nerds hyping cheap designer fragrances. Even worse they hype the same designer flankers over and over again. The main reason I watch your channel is for reviews of the lesser known niche fragrances that you cover. I also like the fact you normalize your reviews by occasionally having your wife and sister-in-law give their opinions from a woman's perspective ... which are sometimes brutally honest. 🤣 The viewer base for niche is probably smaller than it is for designer because of affordability but covering niche stands you out from the crowd of reviewers and gains you a more loyal fan base. There are a ton of niche fragrances out there not being talked about at all while the designers get hyped over and over again which is incredibly boring. So keep up the good work.
Going niche is kinda like owning a dog - If you haven’t really tried it then you might feel it isn’t your thing and that you ‘aren’t a dog person’... but once you actually do it, you’ll be absolutely smitten, and there’s no going back. 😆 I agree with some other comments here though, something being ‘niche’ isn’t automatically better than ‘designer’. There are unique, niche quality ‘designer’ scents, and generic, designer quality ‘niche’ scents. The point is, that once you’ve tried the finer stuff (be it from a designer or niche brand), it’s hard to go back to the mainstream/generic stuff... P.s. Videos like this is why I originally subscribed to your channel - because you talked about lesser known hidden niche gems that not many people were really talking about. I love how every time I watch one of these sort of videos, I leave with something new to try that I’ve never heard of before. 🙌🏻
Niche is for the “art”. Designers have more of a mass appeal because….they smell better. It’s just a fact. Now there are niche scents I like, but it’s so rare. The cost of the fragrances aren’t an issue and after diving deep into niche, I realized that this side of perfumery wasn’t for me. Just like any other medium, to each their own.
Just remember: “better” is subjective. Many designers smell good to me. But after 7 years and smelling thousands of fragrances, most of them are simply redundant. But some brands like Cartier, Hermes, and others are actually making some interesting fragrances. I’d be curious to know which niche fragrances you tried that didn’t work for you.
Better as rated by the majority of people may be phrased better. I’ve had large sample sets from Xerjoff, Nishane, Amouge, MFK, Mancera, etc…I’ve been to Niche exclusive perfume retailers. I’ve bought countless samples of Roja, Clive Christian, Vilhelm Parfumerie, etc…from decanters. The house cant stand is Roja. PDM, Mancera, you name it. I’ve gone around Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Saks 5th sampling. I don’t hate them all, but I’ve yet to cross a Niche that I thought I had to have. I’ve probably put my nose on more than most of the reviewers on UA-cam. I wanted to enjoy niche, I just don’t, nor do the people around me or that I’m around for the most part. There are exceptions, but none of my niche have had the responses I get from my designers and the “natural” scents can become off putting or annoying at points. Of course I haven’t tried everything, but the most notables for me are niches that mimic designers. If I and those around me don’t find the scent pleasant, doesn’t matter how much it costs or who created it or how brilliant it is. I’m practical in that sense.
I could relate to all three of those reasons. Boy was I wrong. For one you can in most cases buy decants for a more affordable price and I don’t miss the full bottles.
I like niche fragrances. I have heard complaints about Perfume de Marly 's line up but the naysayers are drowned out by the overwhelming support for most of its fragrances. Layton is fantastic, as is Herod and Carlisle. I've had the Creed clone Mont Blanc's Explorer but it only last maybe 30 minutes. There are some good designers such as Givenchy, Dior but I have yet to find one that really appeals to me. Thanks for the video.
Great video. I’m to the point now in my collection where a designer scent HAS to absolutely knock me off my feet to get it. I still appreciate the simple fragrances as well. They definitely serve a purpose. But niche is just a world of fragrance that opens your eyes (nose) to things you never thought existed. I definitely was one who was a designer king lol. And afraid to step into the niche world. But OHHHHH am I glad I did. I started with Mancera. First niche was red tobacco. Then came instant crush. Now over half my collection is niche. I say all that to say this. Niche does indeed suck…..every spare dollar I have clean out my account 😎💪🏾💪🏾
The ‘cost of niche’ always bothers me as an argument. That reason is just playing into the mentality of overbuying and owning more than 3 lifetimes worth. A decant of Niche Brand is only slightly more than Designer Brand decants. Then people spend just as much money to buy 4 bottles of cheapies that are ok. Its kind of like that mentality of saying ‘I get more stuff if I buy a $1 item 10 times instead of 1 thing thats $10 and possibly better’
The funny thing about anything expensive is how the brain is hijacked by "perceived value". A person who pays $90 for a bottle of wine will always think its better than the $5 bottle, even if they are the same exact wine. (Caltech wine study)
Trying not to be pedantic: it is farmaCia, with the emphasis on ci, pronounced like the first part of ‘chip’. It is the pharmacy established on the Square of the Holy Annonciation (Santissima Annunziata, or SS Annunziata)
Great video, Justin! If someone were to try 2-3 of these to start what would you recommend? I have a lot of experience with designers and luxury/niche but not so much niche niche/indie. Think Parfum de Marly, Aqua Di Parma, Roja, Amouage, Creed, Penhaligon’s, Guerlain. And my favorite designers are the big French ones (Guerlain, Dior, Chanel, Prada, YSL, and maybe Cartier and Hermes)and Tom Ford. I’m comfortable trying new things and enjoy unique fragrances while also appreciating popular stuff if it’s quality. Do you have 2-3 of these I should sample first based on what I told you? Thank you!
I am quite hesitant to blind purchase fragrances over my financial comfort level due to the possibility of disliking the scent. Lucky Scent has been a game changer for me. The ability to purchase a $5-7 small sample to see if I like the scent before I buy a whole bottle has changed how I look at fragrances. Once I know I like it, I have no problem committing to a more expensive fragrance that is not available in stores.
Im looking for a refined fresh woody scent that I can wear to work and also use everyday. You brought up the two that I have been looking into recently and wanted your thoughts. Would you take Bois imperial or CD Homme 2020? Any thoughts between these two? I think niche perfumery is essential in any collection. Although I wouldn't go as far as spending >$400 on a bottle (I can't afford it), I see the value in buying something expensive if your in love with it. After getting in niche I started to appreciate some of the more timeless or "master piece" scents from the designer world as well. Everything has its function and I think if your not sampling niche you missing out on a lot.
Well said, Nicholas! I would recommend sampling both of those before making a decision. They might be able to serve the same function, but both are great.
@@stayfreshproductions Im only 15 minutes into Bois Imperial and I REALLY like it. Thank you for talking about this. Picked up a 10ml for a great price and if this wears as good as it is right now Im getting a bottle.
I think I smelled Yatagan long time ago, I can't remember. Even the original Caron is super nice. BTW: Yatagan is kind of curved sword. My first Niche Smelling perfume was Xeryus Rouge the original. One of the first red pepper - geranium perfumes. The other was Beyond Paradise. Most of the ones your are talking about, I've never seen here in Dubai.
Oooh... I just got the PDM Masculine Discovery Set, which was kind of expensive for just 40ml. It has Pegasus, Herod, Percival, and Layton. Only Pericival was ok to my nose, but still not a 10/10 in my opinion. I think I'm going to sell it. The Essential Parfums discovery set is coming next!
the longer I wear fragrances, the faster I realize I just can get along with no more than 4 to 6 fragrances, especially those that are not in the fashion line anymore so they are cheap in price but stilll well refined, sophisticated and appealing; I have no more than 20 fragrances (EDT, EDC, Aftershaves and my beloved "patchouli essential oil" that I also use as perfume), but lately, I have come to the conclusion I don't need 20 or more fragrances, I respect all those who have an appreciation for good-quality male fragrances, but in my case, I think with just 4 to 6 fragrances I will survive and keep my good character smelling manly and wisely mature: Quorum (EDT but especially the aftershave that gets better performance on my skin), Agua Brava EDC and Brummel EDC, those 3 fragrances from Antonio Puig's house, are magnificent, super manly and with that image of the mature and strong man which I love in my scents, another one is Yatagan (Caron) and Aramis (original aftershave) those fragrances would be enough if I have to keep just 4 to 6 fragrances permanently. QUORUM(aftershave), ARAMIS(aftershave), YATAGAN(EDT), AGUA BRAVA(EDC) and BRUMMEL(EDC)..................leaving just one that I also like so much POUR MONSIEUR (EDT by Chanel) (it's too expensive for my pocket); just get me those fragrances and I will be a happy bunny.
I was afraid to try niche because of what I had heard on how they smell. I was terrified of houses like Zoology and Miguel Matos but I tried them and love them.
I got the original eight and bob, when I went back to site few weeks after to pickup Egypt it was sold out, waiting for it to hit that discount site for 100 bucks which is what I got original for full presentation with book and all.
I think thats where Mancera steels the show. Ive been putting off going into niche, but after Mancera that cured that itch. Few cheapies,few decent designers and a handful of Mancera is enough for me. Otherwise its insane how expensive it WILL become. Also... been dabbling in afnan oils snd yhey seem fantastic so far, really surprised 😮 Another rabbit hole to go down 😂 😂
Essential Parfums sampler pack is probably the best value on the market sinse they apply the price you pay on a full bottle if you decide to buy one. 10/10 system.
My take on niche frags is niche frags that consumers don't mention saying its good etc and matches the Reviews view I won't buy it.The reviewers don't pay for majority of Niche frags of they did they would have to be extremely wealthy to build their collection. EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN IN COMMUNITY FOR AWILE CAN CATCH ON REVIEWERS GIVE FAVORABLE REVIEWS TO RECIEVE MORE FREE STUFF.
@@stayfreshproductions comparisons reading viewers comments and in general designer brands don't give free bottles away and I buy majority Designer .There are reviews that you can trust 100 .They will say its free or if they're bias .Say you like Layton so does all others amd so does all the comments so I bought it .Some reviews say this is fire and then you see everyone that bought them selling them online or comments saying its trash ,that makes me hesitant comes off like a free bottle or a bias reviews for some personal gain reason vs honest opinions .If a fragrance is only fire to people that review it due to bias and no other reviewers every say same thing or people that bought that means its a hustle to sell bottles for a friend or for more free stuff .
@@stayfreshproductions yes thats my point but the consumers also say that .Zaharoff frags are only liked by the zed creators .Majority of comments say it sucks and are selling them for cheap .That whole zaharoff situation is sleezy at best and no disrespect but yall are hustling newbies who have no clue your angle..
I have blind bought Halfeti Cedar, is smells amazing, the scent trail really have people stop after I walked past them and call my name and told me the scent is nice a.k.a COMPLIMENTS . Looking for beach hut man Btw Roja Dove Elysium Parfum and Xerjoff Richwood smell incredible from opening to drydown, I hope you are inclined to do reviews about them.
The only Niche fragrances I avoid are super pricey ones where I feel the value is not there for a fragrance. Every type of fragrance can have a place for me if I enjoy it. The only fragrances I can say I will truly avoid are the cheapies. I just don't see any value in them at all from a personal taste standpoint.
Still need to try some stuff from Monsillage. I always forget about them, but not this time, they are officially on my spreadsheet. lol. Man, we're a bunch of nerds.
Niche fragrances are great ... 1) if you can afford it get the OG and/or 2) if there were no such thing as great clones. Now that there are some amazingly good quality clones of many niche fragrances my bank account, and other financial priorities and responsibilities, cannot condone spending hundreds per fragrance for niche fragrances at this time. Would I prefer the original over a clone - yes 100%. But now it is get the clone or get nothing.
Yatagan is funny, there is two kind of people that will wear it. The masculine type or the fragheads, and the celery note in the start is something pretty funny. I have it for the oakmoss since that is my note, but Yatagan is something special.
Niche fragrances do not suck. They are just first pricier a barrier of entry and because they are more "unique" require more testing on skin and experiencing the wear of the fragrance. They are harder to commit to because they require more thought and time before pulling the trigger.
@@stayfreshproductions how much a sample cost, 15 to 20 for 5 ml, plus shipping, naa dude im perfectly content wit the voyages, the 3am, the asads, the Turathi s, etc, they smell great and got compliments with, is more and more how you present yourself you also said so, ITS NOT WORTH IT TO BUY NICHE, my humble opinion, keep up the good work.
A lot of niche fragrances just don't smell good. They may smell well blended, or unique. But well blended and unique doesn't mean good scent. A lot of them try too hard to be "artistic" and end up off pudding.
Well there is layers even in hell my friends.. niche lines blends into designer and its hard to say what is really niche nowadays, brands like pdm and amouage is juggling in crowdpleasers and some other more experimental scents, but whats really niche nowadays when designer brands are doing more niche scents and viceversa, so for me its more about the balance off notes and work off the perfumer, im a fan off Rochell and his work on cheap brand smells and more expensive houses, a true artist can make a masterpiece w crayons for children and a hack can have the finest raw materials and still just produce scribbels A god example off a artist that can do magic on a budget is Natalie lorsson ..im not a fan but im amased off her talent
Whelp! I must disagree with you. It kinda turned me into a snob. 😄 Just kidding. Well kinda. I do feel that there are levels to this from an interest standpoint. Although I do try to keep my options open, I feel like shopping in the designer realm is like moving backward. But I also feel that if you're a true connoisseur of fragrances, you will keep your options open to understand that there can always be a possible game changer on any level.
Hello Justin how are you? I really never thought about Niche Fragrances until I started watching you. I love your reviews on Niche Fragrances and I have purchased a few on your recommendation. I have not been disappointed. The problem is $$$ my eyes don't match my wallet 🤣🤣🤣. Stay safe brother and hi to Grace
I don't understand why people "avoid" fragrances because they're "niche" or "designer". If you like it, you like it, if not, you don't. Who cares that the fragrance you like, doesn't also make shoes and clothing!? You're missing out on a lot of scents just because you're avoiding a word. I do understand avoiding fragrances that everyone else has. My too 5 fragrance, Aqua De Gio, I refuse to buy, because it's too popular. I also don't understand what people's problem with clones is. You don't like niche because if the office, you don't like the clone because they made the niche scent, but cheaper, so you only like designer, but everyone has access to the designer. I don't get it. I'm soaking in general.
It's kind of a blurry line, but I would say the main difference is distribution. Niche brands, while still not completely widespread, tend to be available in perfumeries and boutiques around the world, while indie brands may have to sell directly through their own web store...at least at first.
I only buy Black owned niche/indie houses. Because BLM, and economics is the foundation. Chris Collins, Savior Faire, Genre Parfums, Samy Andraus, come to mind. All others I purchase from clone houses
This seems very shallow and almost like you are following a trend to seem likeable. While there’s nothing wrong with supporting black owned businesses, you are implying that anything that isn’t black owned is inherently bad according to you, thus totally coming off as racist. And you counter your good deeds by supporting clone houses. While they are making almost identical scents for a fraction of the price, thus cutting under those fragrance houses that sell overpriced smelly water, let’s not forget that at the end of the day, they are still leeching off of a lot of brands’ pre-established products and success. So you are by no means a good samaritan for buying clones. Plus, chances are, the exact clone houses you support are owned by a bigger conglomerate that are likely owned by white people. Hypocritical if you ask me.
@@balazs7235 your right! Nobody asked U. Secondly, your reply, has left me thinking U have a anti-black mentality, to interpret my comments as racist. The racism already exist in this perfume industry. Im promoting and supporting Black Indie/Niche Houses. What are U doing besides trying to undermind, my and their efforts??? It's up to people like me, because, "people like U", are busy hating on these frag creators, but love pretending, your down for the cause. We see, and smell U, coming before your first keystroke. Our pride angers U
I guess I should confess I did make two exceptions. Zaharoff Signature Noir, and Jovoy Paris les jeux sont faits. And if the clone houses introduce those? I won't be restocking the originals. At least Jovoy. Because Zaharoff has proved its not greedy. No disrespect to those brands. It's economics 101
@@stayfreshproductions thats why he made the list. Although Zaharoff may not be. I still remember and respect the free sample I received by request. And Signature Noir is dope! I had to show appreciation and grab a bottle! Next time, I'm gonna try to grab your new one, as well. It might be awhile? I'm feeling an economic pinch. BTW, I'm still loving my Overture Man clone(Harmony) by Dua! It was 95% spot on with the OG decant!
As somebody that is strictly niche, the problem I've now ran into is the price-to-performance or the price-to-uniqueness curve. I find myself giving a lot of consideration to more expensive stuff as time goes on. At first stuff like Layton, Naxos, Herod seemed durable. But then I got A2, Sultan, want to get Nefs and Ceylon also - scents that cost more. You eventually find something that is in the 500 price point, it gets wishlisted, say a code pops up like it did over Christmas for Royal Crown. It's €450 to get the scent still. I luckily got talked out of going into Areej le Dore because I can only imagine the moneysink that brand is. And consumerism is definitely another problem for me. Which is funny because I do a really good job at being a so-called "mainstream niche" snob. I have just over 15-20 brands that I'm actively in, the rest will be lucky to even get a sniff from me and when they do, typically miss. Teo Cabanel, Carner Barcelona, Atelier Cologne, Pierre de Velay... lets just say largely not for me. My consumerism is a tad different as I enjoy being first to the party on releases, sampled ~40 of the 2022 releases. Got bottles of Gris Charnel Extrait, Tero, Royal Tobacco, Paragon, God of Fire - those are all 2022 releases. And it's that keeping up that actually makes stuff compound for me, because if I like a new release, I typically move it towards the top of my wishlist if not outright seek a method of buying it (as in look for official reseller with best offer).
One _must_ be a bit of a snob, if not one outright, to wear niche often because ultimate confidence in one’s own perspective is what gives us the gall to go around thinking that any opinions to the contrary of our own are just wrong. One must love his own company and be comfortable in his own skin to willfully walk around in a sillage that could be literally offensive to anyone he passes along the way… and think, surely, I’m adding value to everyone’s experience of life at this moment… especially my own! To love niche fragrance is to love oneself!
So, I'm still relatively new in the community, and quickly becoming enamored with true niche (to me, meaning that it isn't only that that company only makes fragrances, but also more challenging/interesting/situational fragrances). It truly is a journey. And I think I'm only limited by my budget. Though, I think that is a good thing. I am appreciating the fact that I HAVE to move slowly. Makes me spend more time with each fragrance, and truly appreciate it. Or just get a batch of samples. I need to be more intentional with each decision to spend money on this enjoyable, but also expensive 🫰, hobby. Loving every second of it.
Yes, Sarah! That is the key! It's all about moving slowly. This space is plagued by instant gratification. But it can be much more enjoyably and substantial if one takes their time to find what they actually love (and not just what others might like on them).
I concur. I was all about blind buying. Over 80 bottle sales out of my collection later I realized i need to sample first and move slow. Let my nose figure a scent out through a few wearing a before making a final verdict
@@BarberNoseBest I'm so glad I make sure to sample. I've gotten a couple samples of ones I ALMOST blind bought, since the notes sound right up my alley, and... Nope. For whatever reason, they just don't give with me. Truly makes this a real journey.
True, before you buy a niche scent you really need to spend some time with it. A collection of niche bottles should be outpopulated by samples by at least 5:1 😁
If it smells good, it smells good. That’s all that matters to me. Designer, niche, indie it doesn’t matter to me. As long as it smells good, I ain’t trippin. Peace.
Two years into exploring niche/indie/luxury fragrances taught me to match scents that suit both your lifestyle and personality. Now I only seek fragrances that are both easy to reach but complex, unique but familiar enough that you can wear them around others. Out of hundreds of samples, there is only 5-10 that I keep going back to. I was turned off niche fragrances this year actually. I left the designer world because everything smelt the same but discovered it is not different from the niche world. The amount of times, there has been an Erba Pura or B540 inspired copy and that's just a few I'm mentioning. Packaging is another thing that boils my corn. I can understand the expensive bottle design but when it's paired with over the top excessive packaging, it puts me off the brand.
Have you tried indie?
That's a very odd thing to note because I wore ~300 different niche scents and the amount of Erba Pura / BR540 competitors is less than 10, maybe around 6. Mostly scents that are closer to Erba Pura or in its class, stuff like Musk Therapy from Initio, God of Fire from Stephane Humbert Lucas, Zenne from Nishane. Prime niche brands, i.e. excl. budget stuff like Montale and Mancera AND the clear-cut copycat houses like Tiziana Terenzi, have ~0 imitations of Baccarat. Unless you're one of the people thinking Oud for Greatness smells like Baccarat.
“Out of hundreds of samples, there is only 5-10 that I keep going back to.”
My experience has been the same - tried hundreds of niche scents, and most of them smelled at least decent, but only found like 10 or so that truly blow me away enough to want a full bottle. I guess it’s probably better that way though, otherwise it’s a bottomless pit. 😂
And I couldn’t agree more, “niche”, especially in recent years, has been very diluted by a lot of new unoriginal/cookie cutter brands trying to get a piece of the pie by following the same “let’s just copy what’s popular” approach that you see in designer scents. It’s a shame, because it makes it harder to find the really good ones out there. 😅
@@DivineFrag Oud for Greatness does not smell like B540 to me.
@@alexjones28 Yes I have and absolutely love the artistry of perfumes that are created but most indie perfumes I find, although out there and different, for me I don't find it wearable.
My first niche fragrance was actually PdM Layton (although some might classify PdM as more designer-niche) and that was a couple of years into seriously collecting fragrances. I totally agree with you about Essential Parfums Bois Imperial - the price is less than many designers. I would also recommend Divine Vanille, also from Essential Parfums, given its striking similarity to the more expensive PdM Herod.
The biggest issue I have with niche is that it's a bottomless pit! Once you're hooked it's difficult to maintain discipline. You've covered that already though, and in multiple videos. I'm in 'slow down' mode until April following a glut of Black Friday purchases.
Man I feel ya
I love your perspective on fragrances, Justin. I’ve been collecting since the 2000s but these past few years I’ve put more effort into finding scents that I connect with on a personal level, rather than what is easiest to acquire or what appeals to everyone around me. I’ve narrowed down my collection to about 15 fragrances, all of which I’m deeply connected with. Your channel is a diamond amongst many channels that do the same thing, thanks for keeping it real :-)
Thank you!
I have to agree Justin, once you discover great niche fragrances it is difficult to stay in the designer end of the pool. I do still enjoy my designers but I find myself hunting for niche fragrances more and more. I just purchased my first Amouage and Parfums De Marley fragrances recently. I have my sites on one more for now and then I think I’ll relax my bank account for a good long while to enjoy what I have.😅
One of your best videos to date Justin! thank you! this is true fraghead content lol people who are into this hobby solely for the love of fragrance and are not afraid of the exploration that comes with that! these recommendations were so refreshing and they are appreciated, keep pushing the boundaries, it helps us take those steps too, and keep leading by example!
Thank you!!
Thanks Justin. I wear niche exclusively and enjoy what I have. But you're right, good things are worth waiting for. People will either come along for your fragrance ride or they won't. Same can be said for designers. Happy New Year!
Justin, I am certainly among those that fear niche fragrances, mostly because they are more difficult to avoid blind buying and often even discovery sets are priced above my curiousity. I'd also just like to say that i appriciate your presentation and style. When I am trying to relax after a long day, something about your delivery accomplishes that.
Thank you Patric! I know that discovery sets can be a commitment, so maybe try to get individual samples if you can.
Niche, indie, designer, and any other class of fragrance has their place in my collection. I wear what I feel like at the time depending on weather, occasion, situation etc. So, niche does not suck. 😁
I'm a big Yatagan fan. The only other thing I've ever smelled that kind of reminds me of it is Tauerville's Patch Flash (which I also love).
Yataghan is a masterpiece. I'm going to have to try the other one you mentioned
Caron are a Brilliant Niche House and very inexpensive for the quality. I have Pour Homme and 3rd Man in my collection. I admit they are more of a mature gentlemanly style and take a while to get used to,but well worth the time and effort. Another great inexpensive Niche house is Molinard. If you haven't already had your nose on any try Cuir which is an amazing Leather scent and also Figue another great Fig scent which offers something different to all too fashionable Bleu De Chanel and Sauvage. If you want to smell unique try these amazing frags you won't be disappointed 👍👍
For most of us that's matured in this great hobby, niche & indie fragrances offer a wide spectrum of unique scents that fit our personality. I'm always intrigued in finding something out of the norm. JC, I love how you offer your own perspective in fragrances , thank you for sharing your insights. God bless you & Grace, and HAPPY NEW YEARS!!
Thank you Steven! Happy New Year!
Gonna revisit this video a few times, interested in giving a couple of these a try. I love niche fragrances...honestly I just love whatever smells good whether niche, indy, or designer.
Niche frags don't suck...the process of being able to SAMPLE niche frags, and, oddly enough, super cheapies, sucks. I can sample anything from any designer by going to my local Ulta/Sephora, or anything from PDM, Mancera, etc. by going to DecantX/Scent Split, but any true niche brands make you jump through hoops to get a discovery set, if they even offer it, and trying anything that retails for under $75 or so (ex: anything from the Cool Water line, Bentley for Men line, etc.) CAN be found at decant sites, but there's not much point in paying $15 for 5mL of a frag that costs $40 for 100mL. I know, first world problems, but still.
No joke, I spent all last night watching your past videos about niche fragrances. At the end I finally ordered a handful of winter and spring samples from niche houses that appeal to me and that you've said good things about. So I guess I'm about to find out if they suck. 😄 But I don't think I'll be let down. I'm not expecting a magical tenfold increase in appeal or quality or anything like that, I just want to find something new that I like to smell. That's how you describe fragrances every time and that's why I always trust your opinion the most out of anybody else on the platform. I really appreciate what you're doing with this channel, thanks man!
I hope you dig the samples! Thanks for watching bro!
My mind is definitely open to niche brands because I enjoy wearing fragrances that I get a experience wearing and not just a comfortable smell good vibe. I want more from my fragrances than just playing it safe, that's how I feel about it.
I used to think that wearing niche fragrances was only for formal occasions but being a hard rock metal head from the 80s I got a sample of Xerjof Tony Iomi Monkey Special and wore it to the Judas Priest/Queensryche concert in Moline IL and from my buddies who were there to the girl checking tickets and random fans I was told how good I smell and what I was wearing now 275 is a bit pricey but I understand why and I'm happy that Rockstar emerged from Dua to give me the same vibe as I save up for a full bottle of IMHO is a masterpiece
I got into Clive Christian. The Amber wood scent is my favorite
One thing about niche is that their DNA tends to be very strong. That is, there is sometimes little variation between their different scents; everything has the stamp of the house on all the different scents (not even flankers) very strongly. For instance, I find Nishane all smells a bit similar. PDM and Initio is a bit like this too, where all the fragrances have the same backbone structure very strongly. Compared for instance with designer houses, where you have completely different scent creations that smell nothing like others in the house. I guess that's good though if you kind of "claim" a niche house as your signature house.
Designers are super ubiquitous across the board. There are some unique ones in there but they still smell cheap.
Also, do you think Nefs, Hacivat and Wulong Cha smell alike?
Interesting...I see things exactly the opposite of how you're describing them.
There is little differentiation among designer fragrances across the board, let alone from the same house...namely due to how much many of them rely on flankers right now.
A great niche house has a definitive identity among their offerings, so that one can tell where they come from. An olfactory signature. However, they also offer totally unique personalities and smell nothing alike.
@@stayfreshproductions Right on. Yeah I know what you're talking about too with designer houses being all the same. What I mean is, with niche fragrances, they do deliver different and unique products. But you can kind of tell what house it is. That's not so true for designer brands often.
Say for example D&G The One, and D&G Light and Blue. If I were to smell those blind next to each other not knowing what they were, I wouldn't be able to say they were from the same house.
But say if you smell Layton and then smell a PDM freshie, you could tell they're from the same house somehow. It's not a bad thing, I just mean that the DNA is very prominent for niche brands. That's what makes it impressive - they can make different products but they still all have the stamp of the house DNA in it.
Another great & informative video. I've clearly mispronounced Nobile. The Darbouka is on my Lucky Scent wish list. Thanks for the intro to some new houses.
Haha no worries Carol! Thank you.
what a nice video. great example(s) of what fragrance hobby should be about. loved every aspect of your choice(s) in decisions you made, and the truth when it comes to the reality of fragrance collecting. the cherry on top is the great examples of existing scents that are unique and interesting. much love
Thank you!!
Great points. For me niche started with Molinard, Caron, AdP, Mancera, Etat Libre d'Orange and Goutal. Highly available including at discounters. Now I'm dipping my toes into Amouage with Beach Hut Man that became on of my favorite fragrances - I know that you also love it, into Floris with Vert Fougere - very intresting take on the genre and into Histoire de Parfums with 1828 Jules Verne - probably the most approachable fragrance in their lineup. All the best!
Thank you! You have great taste.
Scent is scent. Good we wear it, we dont like it we don't. But I think people should be able to differentiate between "luxury" and "niche". Just because something comes in a golden wrapped bottle that doesn't mean that the juice inside is gonna be refined / high quality / different whatever.
The reason I don't like niche is the snobbery and judgemental attitudes of frag snobs. It makes me wanna rebel against those frags and the snobbery
Don't let anyone else dictate what you should like or hate!
I collect perfumes for myself. The idea of smelling someone's creation intrigues me. For me, anything out of the ordinary, not conforming to the modern main stream taste, is niche. By that definition many designers fit the bill as well (like Bentley For Man Intense, I know you may not like that, but it's a masterpiece at that price). For me, perfume is an art form and I am open to explore anything which is not just a copy of Monalisa.
My latest acquisition: Orto Parisi Terroni. You should try it.
I've been meaning to get into Orto Parisi.
Fantastic video and topic! For me, it all began 2 years ago with an Amouage sample set. I kind of simply took the plunge, for curiosity purposes and because I liked the design/the idea. I've always been a lover of incense so for me, that frankincense element omnipresent in Amouage was naturally interesting. And I fell in love. I did worry people wouldn't like it but already, I was into the more "unconventional" designer stuff. Turns out, the reaction I get from those who know me is: "that's so *you*", haha. I wouldn't have it any other way. 😏
I recommend getting into essential oils. Specifically because you like Amouage and frankincense. I remember Amouage Interlude made me feel a certain way, like serious and concentrated, more so than any other fragrance. I read the notes and after trial and error, I discovered it was opoponax that was yielding that concentration/focus effect. So now yes I wear Interlude regularly still because I like the smell, but at the same time I use my opoponax essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil of course) if I am wanting the more medicinal/mental effects of the oil itself. Frankincense also has its own characteristics as an oil in itself.
@@TheJofrica I absolutely am into diffusers and such. Must be my Native American roots! I really need to try opoponax by itself. I keep hearing about it and I do love frags which have it as a note. On a side note, I do love me some attars too. ;)
@@sorv5790 Right on! I really like opoponax and also I just discovered elemi. Attars are awesome too. Happy fragrancing to you!
I appreciate this content. Keep keeping it real bro. What made me view your content initially and I still come back, even after a hiatus...is your honesty, sometimes brutal lol. But moreso, your ability to find these unique gems that are not mainstream...Justin, you make the lives of persons (who want to stand out unique) easier with respect to acquiring "unpopular" artistic niche fragrances...
Thank you Wendell.
One of the minor reasons I don't delve into niche, especially from smaller brands, is I'm not confident enough how long the fragrance will stay in production or the brand in business. I don't like investing in a perfume that then gets discontinued. I have a small collection (11 fragrances) so I know I'll need a 2nd bottle sometime in the future.
Of course designer fragrances get discontinued too, but it's a safer gamble (especially with older designers like 90s and 00s fragrances)
As you recommended in this video, I purchased NOBILE 1942 PONTEVECCHIO, i currently enjoy wearing it .. thanks so much for sharing experience of your NICHE perfumery journey. Keep going. Regards
Thank you!
Caron is a love for me .. 2day i am wearing belle de niassa ❤
It is a crazy scent 2 me, one moment its like the (back in the day Scarlett Cacharel the other moment its darker and the carambola shows itself...
Its a dance around me and i love it
My first nich Niche Fragrance was MFK Gentle Fluidity Silver, I bouth sample and absolutely hated it. Few months later i I came a cross my sample. Said to myself that I have to end it so the money would not be throw away. And I fall in love with it. Thats my favorite niche parfume right now.
Funny thing, I had the same situation with my favorite designer fregrance - Terre d'Hermes. I know you too. High five.
High five indeed
@@stayfreshproductions BTW do you find Frapins L'Humaniste somehow similar to MFKs GF Silver? I thinking about geting it and overole notes are very promising.
BTW: I love niche fragrances and that is why I'm very picky. To me a niche fragrance doesn't have to be expensive, it has to be unique. Having said that, I do refrain from buying too many niche fragrances from niche houses because they are simply too expensive. Right now I have my eye (or rather nose) on 12 fragrances from 5 different houses, ranging between $150 - $ 1,200. I haven't seen a niche perfume here in Dubai by a designer house since Gucci Guilty Absolute.
Wear fragrances to smell good 🤔🤔 sounds like a good idea. Mass appealing fragrances are a necessity & niche is a luxury in my opinion once you have a bunch of nice designers then try niche so you're not stuck wearing a very niche scent every day
Lake Neshonoka 😄In answer to your general query, if most of us reflect, we'd mostly concur with the notion that the hero's journey only really begins after leaving the land of designer and sailing through the vast seas of offerings not at Sephora and Macys. Individuation is only possible after solving the oedipal puzzle. However long it takes. Fragrance is similar.
Well-said!
I'm so happy I came across this channel before the year ended. I'm excited going into 2023 with a plan and interest of new fragrances rather niche indie or otherwise. Best wishes to you and your family. P.S. your brother sounds amazing
Thank you Britt, I hope you discover some scents that you love in the new year.
I think "designer" is not the right term for non-niche perfumes. I would call it "mainstream" which makes more sense because it is actually the opposite definition of niche. That way privé lines like Tom Ford could be considered "niche" while the unmentioned mainstream expensive luxury brands can be considered "mainstream," even though they may not be "designer" brands per se.
Yes. That is exactly why I used the word “mainstream” in this video.
@@stayfreshproductionsI meant the fragrance community as a whole usually thinks in terms of “niche” vs “designer” rather than what you described in the video
Yataghan is a masterpiece! Incredible
Great list and I enjoyed it and I like eight and Bob Eygpt and I'm going to try the other fragrances and have a blessed day
I got into Niche fragrances about 2-2 1/2 years ago thanks to Profucer Michael 😂 I saw a video of his where he was going through his closet to show his fragrance collection and I had to try out Fragrance Du Bois
I literally run towards what other ppl recoil from that’s just me. I want that fragrance that someone can’t stand or is repulsed by. I’ve done that & it’s not always hundred percent but that’s how I found some of my favorite frags! As a collector I wanna get my nose on everything out there even the wacky stuff. That’s just me!
Have you tried Bulgari Man Terrae Essence? That stuff made me recoil for sure. I take notes on everything I sample and I chuckle at what I wrote down for that one: "Leather, turkey, cowboy, cattle, cowhide, pelts, furs, animal. Rubber maybe. Hints of cheese?"
Let me know if you've smelled it and what you think haha. I just couldn't do it.
@@TheJofrica I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on a sample. Right now I’m trying Nishane Unutamam & that stuff man if you can get past the strong Oregano opening & I mean strong as it’s an extrait, it’s actually a nice fragrance. The perfumer himself won’t even wear it😂
@@jesseb280 Right on. Haven't tried Unutamam, I'll have to check that out. But recently I tried Nishane Oliphant. Aptly named because Oliphant means "elephant", and it straight up smells like the zoo or circus! Haha. Happy New Year to you!
@@TheJofrica Happy New Year! Yeah some of these are not for the faint of heart 😂 I’ll put that on my to sample list thanks!
@@jesseb280 Right on! Happy fragrancing to you!
I shop around and I often buy niche for a better price than designer
Just pulled the trigger on Bois Imperial, not a complete blind buy as I do love Ganymede
Btw I just picked up vertus patchouli sole. I'm impressed with it. You may also dig.
I got myself a bottle of Bois Imperial as a Christmas gift which i think is a good gamble given that i love Ganymede, im a fan of mr. Bisch and its price is really affordable.
Will try to find a way to atleast test Aviation Club. It has very interesting notes and everytime it makes your list the description is really enticing :)
I hope you can try Aviation Club!
I would say 70 to 80% of my collection (i.e. about 50+ bottles) are niche fragrances but I have not paid more than $300 for any of them. Currently that is my price limit but if I find something that really blows my mind I'd be willing to spend more.
There are plenty of youtubian fragrance nerds hyping cheap designer fragrances. Even worse they hype the same designer flankers over and over again. The main reason I watch your channel is for reviews of the lesser known niche fragrances that you cover. I also like the fact you normalize your reviews by occasionally having your wife and sister-in-law give their opinions from a woman's perspective ... which are sometimes brutally honest. 🤣
The viewer base for niche is probably smaller than it is for designer because of affordability but covering niche stands you out from the crowd of reviewers and gains you a more loyal fan base. There are a ton of niche fragrances out there not being talked about at all while the designers get hyped over and over again which is incredibly boring. So keep up the good work.
Really appreciate your observations and support, Bernard!
Going niche is kinda like owning a dog - If you haven’t really tried it then you might feel it isn’t your thing and that you ‘aren’t a dog person’... but once you actually do it, you’ll be absolutely smitten, and there’s no going back. 😆
I agree with some other comments here though, something being ‘niche’ isn’t automatically better than ‘designer’. There are unique, niche quality ‘designer’ scents, and generic, designer quality ‘niche’ scents. The point is, that once you’ve tried the finer stuff (be it from a designer or niche brand), it’s hard to go back to the mainstream/generic stuff...
P.s. Videos like this is why I originally subscribed to your channel - because you talked about lesser known hidden niche gems that not many people were really talking about. I love how every time I watch one of these sort of videos, I leave with something new to try that I’ve never heard of before. 🙌🏻
Thank you so much, Sir. I agree with you.
Niche is for the “art”. Designers have more of a mass appeal because….they smell better. It’s just a fact. Now there are niche scents I like, but it’s so rare. The cost of the fragrances aren’t an issue and after diving deep into niche, I realized that this side of perfumery wasn’t for me. Just like any other medium, to each their own.
Just remember: “better” is subjective.
Many designers smell good to me. But after 7 years and smelling thousands of fragrances, most of them are simply redundant. But some brands like Cartier, Hermes, and others are actually making some interesting fragrances.
I’d be curious to know which niche fragrances you tried that didn’t work for you.
Better as rated by the majority of people may be phrased better. I’ve had large sample sets from Xerjoff, Nishane, Amouge, MFK, Mancera, etc…I’ve been to Niche exclusive perfume retailers. I’ve bought countless samples of Roja, Clive Christian, Vilhelm Parfumerie, etc…from decanters. The house cant stand is Roja. PDM, Mancera, you name it. I’ve gone around Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Saks 5th sampling. I don’t hate them all, but I’ve yet to cross a Niche that I thought I had to have. I’ve probably put my nose on more than most of the reviewers on UA-cam. I wanted to enjoy niche, I just don’t, nor do the people around me or that I’m around for the most part. There are exceptions, but none of my niche have had the responses I get from my designers and the “natural” scents can become off putting or annoying at points. Of course I haven’t tried everything, but the most notables for me are niches that mimic designers. If I and those around me don’t find the scent pleasant, doesn’t matter how much it costs or who created it or how brilliant it is. I’m practical in that sense.
Nice review!, A lot of these i haven't even heard of yet, will be giving some a try
Yataghan is a masterpiece! So bold
I could relate to all three of those reasons. Boy was I wrong. For one you can in most cases buy decants for a more affordable price and I don’t miss the full bottles.
When it comes to smelling fresh, Royal Water by Creed doesn't get enough love
I have it and it's nice
I like niche fragrances. I have heard complaints about Perfume de Marly 's line up but the naysayers are drowned out by the overwhelming support for most of its fragrances. Layton is fantastic, as is Herod and Carlisle. I've had the Creed clone Mont Blanc's Explorer but it only last maybe 30 minutes. There are some good designers such as Givenchy, Dior but I have yet to find one that really appeals to me. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching, Wesley!
Great video. I’m to the point now in my collection where a designer scent HAS to absolutely knock me off my feet to get it. I still appreciate the simple fragrances as well. They definitely serve a purpose. But niche is just a world of fragrance that opens your eyes (nose) to things you never thought existed. I definitely was one who was a designer king lol. And afraid to step into the niche world. But OHHHHH am I glad I did. I started with Mancera. First niche was red tobacco. Then came instant crush. Now over half my collection is niche. I say all that to say this. Niche does indeed suck…..every spare dollar I have clean out my account 😎💪🏾💪🏾
😆 love this!
The ‘cost of niche’ always bothers me as an argument. That reason is just playing into the mentality of overbuying and owning more than 3 lifetimes worth. A decant of Niche Brand is only slightly more than Designer Brand decants. Then people spend just as much money to buy 4 bottles of cheapies that are ok.
Its kind of like that mentality of saying ‘I get more stuff if I buy a $1 item 10 times instead of 1 thing thats $10 and possibly better’
Fair. I am simply a quality over quantity guy.
The funny thing about anything expensive is how the brain is hijacked by "perceived value". A person who pays $90 for a bottle of wine will always think its better than the $5 bottle, even if they are the same exact wine. (Caltech wine study)
Trying not to be pedantic: it is farmaCia, with the emphasis on ci, pronounced like the first part of ‘chip’. It is the pharmacy established on the Square of the Holy Annonciation (Santissima Annunziata, or SS Annunziata)
Haha! In your effort to not be pedantic, you were pedantic! 😆
Thanks Gerard
Great video, Justin! If someone were to try 2-3 of these to start what would you recommend?
I have a lot of experience with designers and luxury/niche but not so much niche niche/indie. Think Parfum de Marly, Aqua Di Parma, Roja, Amouage, Creed, Penhaligon’s, Guerlain. And my favorite designers are the big French ones (Guerlain, Dior, Chanel, Prada, YSL, and maybe Cartier and Hermes)and Tom Ford. I’m comfortable trying new things and enjoy unique fragrances while also appreciating popular stuff if it’s quality.
Do you have 2-3 of these I should sample first based on what I told you? Thank you!
I'd definitely recommend Caron Yatagan, Bois 1920 Dolce di Giorno, and Manos Gerakinis Immortelle.
I am quite hesitant to blind purchase fragrances over my financial comfort level due to the possibility of disliking the scent. Lucky Scent has been a game changer for me. The ability to purchase a $5-7 small sample to see if I like the scent before I buy a whole bottle has changed how I look at fragrances. Once I know I like it, I have no problem committing to a more expensive fragrance that is not available in stores.
Im looking for a refined fresh woody scent that I can wear to work and also use everyday. You brought up the two that I have been looking into recently and wanted your thoughts. Would you take Bois imperial or CD Homme 2020? Any thoughts between these two?
I think niche perfumery is essential in any collection. Although I wouldn't go as far as spending >$400 on a bottle (I can't afford it), I see the value in buying something expensive if your in love with it. After getting in niche I started to appreciate some of the more timeless or "master piece" scents from the designer world as well. Everything has its function and I think if your not sampling niche you missing out on a lot.
Well said, Nicholas! I would recommend sampling both of those before making a decision. They might be able to serve the same function, but both are great.
@@stayfreshproductions Im only 15 minutes into Bois Imperial and I REALLY like it. Thank you for talking about this. Picked up a 10ml for a great price and if this wears as good as it is right now Im getting a bottle.
I think I smelled Yatagan long time ago, I can't remember. Even the original Caron is super nice. BTW: Yatagan is kind of curved sword. My first Niche Smelling perfume was Xeryus Rouge the original. One of the first red pepper - geranium perfumes. The other was Beyond Paradise. Most of the ones your are talking about, I've never seen here in Dubai.
I still need to try Xeryus Rouge.
Oooh... I just got the PDM Masculine Discovery Set, which was kind of expensive for just 40ml. It has Pegasus, Herod, Percival, and Layton. Only Pericival was ok to my nose, but still not a 10/10 in my opinion. I think I'm going to sell it. The Essential Parfums discovery set is coming next!
I hope you enjoy Essential!
the longer I wear fragrances, the faster I realize I just can get along with no more than 4 to 6 fragrances, especially those that are not in the fashion line anymore so they are cheap in price but stilll well refined, sophisticated and appealing; I have no more than 20 fragrances (EDT, EDC, Aftershaves and my beloved "patchouli essential oil" that I also use as perfume), but lately, I have come to the conclusion I don't need 20 or more fragrances, I respect all those who have an appreciation for good-quality male fragrances, but in my case, I think with just 4 to 6 fragrances I will survive and keep my good character smelling manly and wisely mature:
Quorum (EDT but especially the aftershave that gets better performance on my skin), Agua Brava EDC and Brummel EDC, those 3 fragrances from Antonio Puig's house, are magnificent, super manly and with that image of the mature and strong man which I love in my scents, another one is Yatagan (Caron) and Aramis (original aftershave) those fragrances would be enough if I have to keep just 4 to 6 fragrances permanently.
QUORUM(aftershave), ARAMIS(aftershave), YATAGAN(EDT), AGUA BRAVA(EDC) and BRUMMEL(EDC)..................leaving just one that I also like so much POUR MONSIEUR (EDT by Chanel) (it's too expensive for my pocket); just get me those fragrances and I will be a happy bunny.
As always, great video and I like your fragrance display (I will probably copy it).
Go for it!
I was afraid to try niche because of what I had heard on how they smell. I was terrified of houses like Zoology and Miguel Matos but I tried them and love them.
I got the original eight and bob, when I went back to site few weeks after to pickup Egypt it was sold out, waiting for it to hit that discount site for 100 bucks which is what I got original for full presentation with book and all.
I have Yatagan and really do enjoy it, but a lighter version of this scent can be found in Aramis Devin. It's good as well, but just not as strong.
Nice!
I like that you consider Yatagan to be niche. Well under $100, this defies the "smells like everything else" criticism leveled at sub-$100 fragrances.
I think thats where Mancera steels the show.
Ive been putting off going into niche, but after Mancera that cured that itch.
Few cheapies,few decent designers and a handful of Mancera is enough for me. Otherwise its insane how expensive it WILL become.
Also... been dabbling in afnan oils snd yhey seem fantastic so far, really surprised 😮
Another rabbit hole to go down 😂 😂
I really enjoy Mancera...but the world of niche is much bigger than that, and even more interesting.
Essential Parfums sampler pack is probably the best value on the market sinse they apply the price you pay on a full bottle if you decide to buy one. 10/10 system.
My take on niche frags is niche frags that consumers don't mention saying its good etc and matches the Reviews view I won't buy it.The reviewers don't pay for majority of Niche frags of they did they would have to be extremely wealthy to build their collection. EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN IN COMMUNITY FOR AWILE CAN CATCH ON REVIEWERS GIVE FAVORABLE REVIEWS TO RECIEVE MORE FREE STUFF.
Richard…if this is what you choose to believe, then why do you watch fragrance reviews?
@@stayfreshproductions comparisons reading viewers comments and in general designer brands don't give free bottles away and I buy majority Designer .There are reviews that you can trust 100 .They will say its free or if they're bias .Say you like Layton so does all others amd so does all the comments so I bought it .Some reviews say this is fire and then you see everyone that bought them selling them online or comments saying its trash ,that makes me hesitant comes off like a free bottle or a bias reviews for some personal gain reason vs honest opinions .If a fragrance is only fire to people that review it due to bias and no other reviewers every say same thing or people that bought that means its a hustle to sell bottles for a friend or for more free stuff .
@@richardspurgeon8954 to address your example of Layton, I bought that myself.
@@stayfreshproductions yes thats my point but the consumers also say that .Zaharoff frags are only liked by the zed creators .Majority of comments say it sucks and are selling them for cheap .That whole zaharoff situation is sleezy at best and no disrespect but yall are hustling newbies who have no clue your angle..
@@richardspurgeon8954 the Zeds are the only ones who like Zaharoff fragrances?
Man, that is utterly inaccurate. Look around a little more.
I have blind bought Halfeti Cedar, is smells amazing, the scent trail really have people stop after I walked past them and call my name and told me the scent is nice a.k.a COMPLIMENTS .
Looking for beach hut man
Btw Roja Dove Elysium Parfum and Xerjoff Richwood smell incredible from opening to drydown, I hope you are inclined to do reviews about them.
I’m glad you enjoy Halfeti Cedar. I have spoken about Elysium many times and I haven’t yet tried Richwood.
The only Niche fragrances I avoid are super pricey ones where I feel the value is not there for a fragrance.
Every type of fragrance can have a place for me if I enjoy it.
The only fragrances I can say I will truly avoid are the cheapies. I just don't see any value in them at all from a personal taste standpoint.
Still need to try some stuff from Monsillage. I always forget about them, but not this time, they are officially on my spreadsheet. lol. Man, we're a bunch of nerds.
I literally scroll to see from GF to Fiancee to Wife. Congrats man
Thank you!
Niche fragrances are great ... 1) if you can afford it get the OG and/or 2) if there were no such thing as great clones.
Now that there are some amazingly good quality clones of many niche fragrances my bank account, and other financial priorities and responsibilities, cannot condone spending hundreds per fragrance for niche fragrances at this time. Would I prefer the original over a clone - yes 100%.
But now it is get the clone or get nothing.
Yatagan is funny, there is two kind of people that will wear it. The masculine type or the fragheads, and the celery note in the start is something pretty funny. I have it for the oakmoss since that is my note, but Yatagan is something special.
Definitely special!
Great video again. Good conversation had here.
Niche fragrances do not suck. They are just first pricier a barrier of entry and because they are more "unique" require more testing on skin and experiencing the wear of the fragrance. They are harder to commit to because they require more thought and time before pulling the trigger.
Agreed.
They definetly not worth it, its better to be pleasantly surprised by a well priced Fragrance, than be dissapointed by an overpriced niche fragrance.
That's why you should be sampling first.
@@stayfreshproductions how much a sample cost, 15 to 20 for 5 ml, plus shipping, naa dude im perfectly content wit the voyages, the 3am, the asads, the Turathi s, etc, they smell great and got compliments with, is more and more how you present yourself you also said so, ITS NOT WORTH IT TO BUY NICHE, my humble opinion, keep up the good work.
Zed line scent question.. is it masculine - unisex - feminine?
They are all intended to be unisex, but each may lean a little more one way or the other depending on how they smell to you.
A lot of niche fragrances just don't smell good. They may smell well blended, or unique. But well blended and unique doesn't mean good scent. A lot of them try too hard to be "artistic" and end up off pudding.
Thank you for sharing. I’m curious which ones you’ve tried.
Well there is layers even in hell my friends.. niche lines blends into designer and its hard to say what is really niche nowadays, brands like pdm and amouage is juggling in crowdpleasers and some other more experimental scents, but whats really niche nowadays when designer brands are doing more niche scents and viceversa,
so for me its more about the balance off notes and work off the perfumer, im a fan off Rochell and his work on cheap brand smells and more expensive houses, a true artist can make a masterpiece w crayons for children and a hack can have the finest raw materials and still just produce scribbels
A god example off a artist that can do magic on a budget is Natalie lorsson ..im not a fan but im amased off her talent
Whelp!
I must disagree with you.
It kinda turned me into a snob. 😄
Just kidding.
Well kinda. I do feel that there are levels to this from an interest standpoint.
Although I do try to keep my options open, I feel like shopping in the designer realm is like moving backward.
But I also feel that if you're a true connoisseur of fragrances, you will keep your options open to understand that there can always be a possible game changer on any level.
Haha! I always appreciate you Tommy.
I need to get a sample of Vanilla Oud. Decant X is sold out unfortunately. Anyone know any good places to get a sample decant?
It's unfortunately hard to get right now because it is a hot commodity, I'm not sure!
Can't seem to find Fragapedia online. Can you provide a link?
There is one in the description
I wear almost solely niche
Stay Fresh Productions Baby!!!
much success! God bless!
I mostly buy and wear niche
Another great video Brother
Thank you bro
Hello Justin how are you? I really never thought about Niche Fragrances until I started watching you. I love your reviews on Niche Fragrances and I have purchased a few on your recommendation. I have not been disappointed. The problem is $$$ my eyes don't match my wallet 🤣🤣🤣. Stay safe brother and hi to Grace
Thank you Greg!
We all know you mean the scam house Marly! Affordable niche: Daniel Josier, Ambre tabac or Green leather.
I don't understand why people "avoid" fragrances because they're "niche" or "designer". If you like it, you like it, if not, you don't. Who cares that the fragrance you like, doesn't also make shoes and clothing!? You're missing out on a lot of scents just because you're avoiding a word. I do understand avoiding fragrances that everyone else has. My too 5 fragrance, Aqua De Gio, I refuse to buy, because it's too popular. I also don't understand what people's problem with clones is. You don't like niche because if the office, you don't like the clone because they made the niche scent, but cheaper, so you only like designer, but everyone has access to the designer. I don't get it. I'm soaking in general.
What is the difference between "Indie" and "Niche"? If you are okay with me asking. I enjoy the content, Sir.
It's kind of a blurry line, but I would say the main difference is distribution. Niche brands, while still not completely widespread, tend to be available in perfumeries and boutiques around the world, while indie brands may have to sell directly through their own web store...at least at first.
Thank you for the reply.
I only buy Black owned niche/indie houses. Because BLM, and economics is the foundation. Chris Collins, Savior Faire, Genre Parfums, Samy Andraus, come to mind. All others I purchase from clone houses
This seems very shallow and almost like you are following a trend to seem likeable. While there’s nothing wrong with supporting black owned businesses, you are implying that anything that isn’t black owned is inherently bad according to you, thus totally coming off as racist. And you counter your good deeds by supporting clone houses.
While they are making almost identical scents for a fraction of the price, thus cutting under those fragrance houses that sell overpriced smelly water, let’s not forget that at the end of the day, they are still leeching off of a lot of brands’ pre-established products and success. So you are by no means a good samaritan for buying clones. Plus, chances are, the exact clone houses you support are owned by a bigger conglomerate that are likely owned by white people. Hypocritical if you ask me.
@@balazs7235 your right! Nobody asked U. Secondly, your reply, has left me thinking U have a anti-black mentality, to interpret my comments as racist. The racism already exist in this perfume industry. Im promoting and supporting Black Indie/Niche Houses. What are U doing besides trying to undermind, my and their efforts??? It's up to people like me, because, "people like U", are busy hating on these frag creators, but love pretending, your down for the cause. We see, and smell U, coming before your first keystroke. Our pride angers U
I guess I should confess I did make two exceptions. Zaharoff Signature Noir, and Jovoy Paris les jeux sont faits. And if the clone houses introduce those? I won't be restocking the originals. At least Jovoy. Because Zaharoff has proved its not greedy. No disrespect to those brands. It's economics 101
That's totally fair. Although Andraus fragrances is not black-owned, but he is a POC.
@@stayfreshproductions thats why he made the list. Although Zaharoff may not be. I still remember and respect the free sample I received by request. And Signature Noir is dope! I had to show appreciation and grab a bottle! Next time, I'm gonna try to grab your new one, as well. It might be awhile? I'm feeling an economic pinch. BTW, I'm still loving my Overture Man clone(Harmony) by Dua! It was 95% spot on with the OG decant!
I been swimming in lake nichenoka for years now 🤣🤣 that was a good one man 😅😅😅
haha thank you
how about Nee shee oh ka
As somebody that is strictly niche, the problem I've now ran into is the price-to-performance or the price-to-uniqueness curve. I find myself giving a lot of consideration to more expensive stuff as time goes on. At first stuff like Layton, Naxos, Herod seemed durable. But then I got A2, Sultan, want to get Nefs and Ceylon also - scents that cost more. You eventually find something that is in the 500 price point, it gets wishlisted, say a code pops up like it did over Christmas for Royal Crown. It's €450 to get the scent still. I luckily got talked out of going into Areej le Dore because I can only imagine the moneysink that brand is.
And consumerism is definitely another problem for me. Which is funny because I do a really good job at being a so-called "mainstream niche" snob. I have just over 15-20 brands that I'm actively in, the rest will be lucky to even get a sniff from me and when they do, typically miss. Teo Cabanel, Carner Barcelona, Atelier Cologne, Pierre de Velay... lets just say largely not for me. My consumerism is a tad different as I enjoy being first to the party on releases, sampled ~40 of the 2022 releases. Got bottles of Gris Charnel Extrait, Tero, Royal Tobacco, Paragon, God of Fire - those are all 2022 releases. And it's that keeping up that actually makes stuff compound for me, because if I like a new release, I typically move it towards the top of my wishlist if not outright seek a method of buying it (as in look for official reseller with best offer).
One _must_ be a bit of a snob, if not one outright, to wear niche often because ultimate confidence in one’s own perspective is what gives us the gall to go around thinking that any opinions to the contrary of our own are just wrong. One must love his own company and be comfortable in his own skin to willfully walk around in a sillage that could be literally offensive to anyone he passes along the way… and think, surely, I’m adding value to everyone’s experience of life at this moment… especially my own!
To love niche fragrance is to love oneself!