Shopping for fragrance is overwhelming – there are so many retailers, both online and in-store. Designer scents are easier to come by in person than niche, which can feel elusive and impossible to find. Additionally, when searching for a scent, it’s not only about the product you receive, but the buying experience as well. Smooth selection, fast shipping, and quality packaging make for a positive shopping encounter – and I’ve experienced all of these things and more with the following nine fragrance destinations. They are separated into categories so you can prioritize what’s important to you. Happy sniffing!
Best for Sampling
Founded in 2013, Twisted Lily is one of the best-known niche destinations in the industry – and one of the most accessible, due to a huge arsenal of 2ml samples, which range in price from about $7 to $11 (full sizes are available too). They’re dedicated to discovery; you can find your next fragrance obsession by mood (happy, elegant, sensual, etc), match (have something you love? discover more like it!), or even a recommendation from a popular content creator (Twisted Talent). Trusted by content creators across platforms (and with a great rewards program), it’s popular for a reason.
My pick: One Umbrella for Two by Floraiku, a uniquely savory gourmand with notes of blackcurrant, tea, and cedarwood. Picture a crumbly blueberry muffin sprinkled with some herbs – juicy, cozy, and warm.
This year, Scent Split celebrated 10 years as a global destination for fragrance connoisseurs and curious noses alike. They say they offer the largest collection of niche perfumes in the U.S., with both full bottles and samples available for purchase. I love how diverse their sample size offerings are – you can select 1ml, 2ml, 5ml, or 9ml, making exploration easy before committing to a full bottle.
My pick: Gioiosa by Profumum Roma, a lactonic, sweet, yet equally bright concoction with notes of bergamot, vanilla, and musk. If you like the viral Bianco Latte, you will adore this one, which is like a lighter version with more complexity.
Best for Brand Discovery
Also celebrating its 10th year, Luckyscent is run by a team who is truly passionate about niche fragrance. What began as a voyage to discover rare perfumes (purely out of interest) eventually led to the creation of Luckyscent.com, a kind of playground for consumers to explore and discover. Try a Fragrance Fitting (six handpicked samples, tailored to you), or read the First Time Shoppers Guide if you’re new to niche fragrance. If you can, visit the in-person boutique, Scent Bar, on Elizabeth Street in NYC – it’s like a wine bar for scent.
My pick: Rice Makgeolli by Villa Erbatium, a creamy, starchy, almond and rice scent that somehow captures the doughiness of its namesake note. Yogurt, musk, and amber support the profile, resulting in a hyper-realistic gourmand.
Established in 1995, the Aedes boutique quickly became one of the world’s first destinations devoted entirely to artistic perfumery, long before “niche” became a movement in itself. Aedes remains a haven for discovery, where fragrances are explored not by brand but by mood, emotion, and atmosphere. They also offer an in-house fragrance collection focused on craftsmanship, artistry, and storytelling.
My pick: Tilia by Marc-Antoine Barrois, a honeyed, yellow floral that shines in the crispness of changing seasons. Linden blossom, jasmine sambac, and heliotrope create a sillage that feels undeniably like warm sunshine in a brilliant autumn sky.
With almost 30 years in business, Beautyhabit originally started in a living room in San Francisco. Dedicated to clean beauty, the site is a collection of treasures in all beauty categories. One look at the fragrance section, though, and you’ll immediately discover something new, most likely international (they are the official distributors of Eau d’Italie and ALTAIA). Explore the Gift Guide, the Outlet, or Staff Picks, and get lost in their scented world.
My pick: Woo(E)D by ALTAIA, a captivating blend of Gaiac wood, leather, and spices that will certainly woo anyone in your wake. Perfectly unisex, this fragrance marries woody elegance with the intrigue of cardamom.
Best Member Exclusives
With more than 100 niche and artisan brands offered, so-avant-garde.com is a curated space for the fragrance-lover. You can shop by brand, gender, concentration and more in pursuit of a new signature, or use the Find Your Fragrance tool. Members can indulge in exclusive perks for spending and completing simple tasks. As your points grow, you’ll unlock higher tiers and greater rewards. $1 spent equals 5 points, and 100 points equals $1. They also have the best discounts and sales from any niche retailer I’ve come across.
My pick: Queening by Mind Games, a captivating combination of clean and sweet notes. Cotton accord, cypress, and apple are juxtaposed with rum, vanilla bean, and coconut, resulting in a powerhouse profile that will last day-to-night.
Offering fragrances from select top-shelf niche and designer brands, Bluemercury is a no-brainer for gifting (to yourself and others). I also love that the retailer has brick and mortar locations across the United States, meaning you can go in person to smell rare fragrances from brands like Parfums de Marly and Diptyque. When you sign up for BlueRewards, you get 15% off your first order, then $10 for every $250 spent.
My pick: Cosmos by House of Bo, a “metallic gourmand” that was crafted to smell like outer space itself. With notes of praline, metallic musk, and dragon’s blood incense, this is a cold, slightly smoky, celestial scent that is as sophisticated as it is distinctive.
Best Discounters
A trusted source for scent since 1997, FragranceNet.com has shipped more than 40 million orders. Offering steep discounts up to 80% off, they guarantee authenticity on their 40,000 fragrances, skincare, makeup, haircare, aromatherapy, and candles, and boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. I’ve been shopping here for a decade, and will continue to do so as I build my collection without breaking the bank.
My pick: Dior’s Addict, the iconic scent from 2002. This is a timeless it-girl fragrance with notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and bourbon vanilla. To me, it smells like a spiced chai latte, perfect for the oncoming chill.
Serving the United States and Canada since 2012, Maple Prime offers heavily discounted fragrances, guaranteeing 100% authenticity and peace of mind with every order. Today, they’ve shipped more than 4 million orders, and are a top seller on Amazon. Offering niche as well as designer scents from more than 2,000 brands, they promise luxury for less with a focus on genuine products and service.
My pick: Replica By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela, a rich, toasted fragrance that epitomizes the fall season. Cloves, vanilla, and woods create a sweet and smoky accord that is reminiscent of marshmallows roasting around a campfire – pure, festive bliss.
