The Best Niche Perfumes and Fragrance Labels in KL to Find Your Signature Scent

You can count on our Insiders to always be willing to invest in all things related to self-care — trust us, it’s more than just the superficial. For example, scents can be a fickle thing to some people, but the way we smell is a deeply personal thing that affects every aspect of our lives. Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center (MCSC), said that “the olfactory system plays a vital role in processing emotions within the brain.” In other words, when you smell good, you will automatically feel good — Science said so!

This is a major reason why we believe that investing in yourself is never a waste. Finding your signature scent that doesn’t just blend well with your body chemicals but also appeals to your sense of smell is crucial. We’d go so far as to say that picking your perfume is a lifelong journey that everyone must undergo. Looking for more options to continue your search? Here are some premier off the beaten track places to find the best perfume for you.

The Best Niche Perfumes and Fragrance Labels in KL

1. OLFAC3

OLFAC3 Perfumes is a Malaysian perfume brand founded by award-winning Asian perfumer Aien Mokhtar. This amazing woman travelled the globe to learn the art of perfume making and decided to share her original creations with the world by creating OLFAC3 in 2016. Select from the brand’s signature collection, which consists of twelve different fragrances, including the award-winning Ombak EDP, Her Beauty Awards 2019’s Best Fresh Fragrance of the Year. OLFAC3 also offers bespoke perfume creation with Mokhtar herself, so you can create your very own scent with the help of an expert.

Why we love it:

• Founded and owned by a Malaysian
• Award-winning scents
• Offers bespoke perfume creation with Aein Mokhtar herself

Cons:

• Certain collections are only available to OLFAC3’s membership holders

Price: From RM250.00

Where to buy: OLFAC3

2. Joya

Joya is an American brand that pays homage to the pioneers, visionaries, creators, and thinkers of the country. Their perfumes not only encapsulate the intricate scents of botanicals and blooms but also embody the various moods and personalities that inspired them. Joya’s core collection of scents consists of Composition No. 1, Composition No. 6, Âmes Sœurs, Foxglove, and Noelle — each with their own uniquely fresh scents that can be found in the wild. These perfumes are also housed in gorgeous handmade slip-cast porcelain bottles with a 22k gold-dipped wand for an added touch of luxury.

Why we love it:

• Fresh-smelling perfumes inspired by nature
• Genderless scents
• Luxurious handmade bottles

Cons:

• Limited range of scents

Price: From RM626.00

Where to buy: Joya Studio

3. Henry Jacques

Back in the good old days, family businesses were abundant and were strictly kept in the family. Henry Jacques is a relic from the past as one of the few family-owned perfume houses worldwide. Don’t be taken aback by the high prices, this brand is renowned for sourcing the most exotic ingredients into their fragrances, like Bulgarian rose, iris, and oud. All we know is that the cost is more than worth it. If you’re looking to craft your own bespoke fragrance, Henry Jacques has a boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur for you to handpick from their exquisite array of essences.

Why we love it:

• Family-owned perfume house
• Rare and exotic ingredients used in their perfumes
• More than 50 scents to choose from

Cons:

• Exorbitant prices

Price: From RM3,791.65

Where to buy: Harrods

4. Acqua di Parma

Acqua di Parma is an Italian perfumery that could trace its roots all the way back to 1916, created by the baron Carlo Magnani from Parma. Ever since then, Acqua di Parma has crafted all their products exclusively in Italy to honour the country’s historical legacy and vibrant artisanal culture for future generations. If you have a deep love and appreciation for Italy, try looking for your signature scent amongst Acqua di Parma’s many collections. Simply pick a scent family, from aromatic and citrus all the way to woody and leather and start from there.

Why we love it:

• Rich history and brand identity
• Sleek bottles that fit in the palm of your hand
• Divides fragrances by scent family

Cons:

• Certain scents aren’t available in Malaysia

Price: From RM465.00

Where to buy: Escentials

5. In Fiore

With the slogan “Perfumery as Medicine,” it’s safe to say that In Fiore understands deeply the importance of scents. Founded by Julie Elliott with the aim of showcasing artisanal techniques and botanical remedies as the solutions of today, In Fiore specialises in perfume balms alongside the traditional fragrance in spray bottles. When using their special perfume balms packed into convenient compacts, not only will your scent of choice last all day, but your skin will also be moisturised and nourished thanks to the beeswax and jojoba seed oil. With In Fiore, you can smell and feel your best — literally.

Why we love it:

• Utilises old apothecary techniques
• Moisturising perfume balms
• Convenient yet luxurious packaging

Cons:

• Only 10ml of fragrance in each essence bottle

Price: From RM314.00

Where to buy: In Fiore

6. Malay Perfumery

Malay Perfumery, or Perfumerie, is undoubtedly one of the best niche perfumes and fragrance labels in KL. As their name suggests, this artisanal fragrance house is founded, owned, and run by our very own Malaysian, Fazzillah Noordin. By blending ancient Malay culture and French perfumery techniques, Malay Perfumery designed their stunning collection of perfumes inspired by the rich history of Malays. When smelling their perfumes, such as Mahsuri, Santubong, or Teja, you’ll be transported back in time to moments in history you’ve only ever read about during high school.

Why we love it:

• Founded and owned by a Malaysian
• Environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced
• Honours Malay culture

Cons:

• Limited fragrance range

Price: From RM65.00

Where to buy: Malay Perfumerie

Did you find your signature scent at any of these best niche perfumes and fragrance labels in KL? Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.