2024 has been a standout year for local beauty brands, with new releases popping up almost every week—from makeup must-haves to skincare essentials. Lately, though, it’s the fragrance scene that’s been capturing most of our attention. And if you’re a fraghead searching for something off the beaten path, you won’t have to look far. We’ve rounded up local fragrance brands with their very own original blends that deserve to be on your radar. You’d be surprised—it’s actually quite a long list!
The Best Local Fragrance Brands to Shop
Wren Atelier
Wren Atelier is one of the first niche fragrance brands in the Philippines. It was founded by Filipino perfumer Renato Lopena Jr., also known as "The Filipino Nose". With the expertise he gained while training in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, located in the South of France, he has brought Filipino culture to life through scent. Parfums like Batuk, which pays tribute to the ancient art of traditional tattooing; Haciendero, which honors the hardworking spirit of local farmers and the beauty of rural life; and Smoky Gourmand, inspired by tupig, a beloved Filipino delicacy from Northern Luzon made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over hot coals—each fragrance captures a unique aspect of the Filipino experience.
Domus Emeterius
The first thing that will catch your attention about the house of Domus Emeterius is their packaging. It exudes sophistication, highlighted by elegant gold text on black, and the fragrance experience is just as refined, without the hefty price tag. Their most raved-about scent, White Oud, is a luxurious blend that marries the richness of oud with sweet, floral, and creamy notes. The fragrance opens with the familiar and floral aroma of our native ylang-ylang, mixed with pear, and sugar, creating a light yet enticing start. As it settles, patchouli, jasmine, and lily reveal a complex floral heart. The base notes bring it all together with a warm and creamy finish, combining white chocolate, oud, and vanilla for a rich, comforting depth.
Ilum Studios
True to its name, Ilum Studios is sure to illuminate your space. Their packaging feels like little glimmers of joy—frosted glass topped with golden caps that evoke a sense of delight that is, in itself, a touch of luxury. It’s no wonder one of their most popular collections of eau de parfums has captured hearts with its vibrant and refreshing appeal, perfect for our tropical climate. Matcha Mochi combines the earthy richness of brewed matcha with bright orange blossoms and jasmine, grounded with creamy bergamot and benzoin. Sunkissed Zest radiates lemon zest, coastal wildflowers, sea salt, and sheer musk for a breezy, sunny vibe. Rounding out the collection is Yuzu Blush, a playful medley of yuzu, cherry blossom, pear, and mandarin essence, gently balanced by plum blossom and hinoki for a soft, fruity finish.
Home Studio Scents
Home Studio Scents has already captivated fragrance lovers with five beautifully curated series of candles and eau de parfums, each thoughtfully designed to tell its own unique story through stunning and distinctive packaging. With prices starting at just P398 for 10ml bottles and P1,048 for 50ml, their creations make the art of luxurious scent storytelling delightfully accessible.
The Boar Grooming Co.
The Boar Grooming Co., or TBGCo, may be an underrated gem, but it’s definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on. Known for their tastefully blended, masculine-leaning scents—though, as we know, perfume is for everyone—these fragrances are perfect if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for your dad or significant other. Housed in sleek bottles with posh metal plate labels, they offer a luxurious experience at an affordable price, with fragrances that make you feel like a thousand bucks for less than P1,000.
Imperfect Scents
Imperfect Scents just radiate good vibes. Their slow-made, 30ml spiritual sprays are designed to infuse your aura with positive energy, each one carefully blended and infused with Reiki—a Japanese healing practice that channels energy for balance and well-being. The fragrances are crafted to evoke specific states of mind or intentions, whether it's love, peace, luck, or healing—whatever you need, there’s a scent for it. You can also choose based on the scent profile that resonates with you. In addition to their sprays, they offer candles, and each bottle and box is decorated with stunning hand-drawn designs, adding an extra touch of mindfulness to your self-care ritual.
Parfums Astraux
Parfums Astraux creates fragrances that capture truly Pinoy moments we all know and love. With perfumes like Yosi Break, a smooth blend of amber, tobacco, and sweet oud, Quiapo Streets, with its mix of sampaguita, jasmine, and agarwood, and BGC, where jasmine, oud, and leather come together, it’s hard not to be drawn in by scents that feel so familiar and close to home.
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