Inspired gifts from need-to-know niche perfume brands

Fragrance speak to one’s heart and soul. On that note, perfume lover Jane Daly cherrypicks niche perfumes that promise to thrill the hard-to-buy for on your gift list.

Il Profumo Musc Bleu

This gorgeous cult favourite by Italian perfumer Il Profumo is universally loved for its perfection of the clean, clear musk genre. Wearable by men or women, this fragrance is perfect for someone who likes their fragrances soft yet elegant. With memories of the musks of the ’70s, Musc Bleu elevates the note to a luxe skin scent that is sexy and understated. Il Profumo Musc Bleu is the perfect perfume for someone who thinks they don’t like perfume.
Il Profumo Musc Bleu Eau de Parfum, $110 (50 ml), www.ilprofvmo.com

Memo Marfa

The husband-and-wife duo behind Memo perfumery created their scents as memories of their travels around the world. Their packaging is unique and each bottle is like a little piece of art on its own.

Memo Marfa is inspired by the quirky Texas art town of the same name. The scent is a soft tuberose scent with warm vanilla and sandalwood, and has a unique masculine vibe. Perfect for the traveller, art lover and collector.
Memo Marfa Eau de Parfum, $250USD (75 ml), www.luckyscent.com

Amouage Lilac Love

Amouage Lilac Love is the perfect way to bring the flower of spring into cooler months. This lilac scent is warm with gourmand touches of cocoa, vanilla, tonka and jasmine. The stunning lavender bottle is irresistible and would look elegant on a dressing table.

Lilac Love is for the floral lover in your life, who also appreciates a touch of sweet pastry with their bouquets.
Amouage Lilac Love Eau de Parfum, $587 (100 ml), www.nicheessence.com

Ex Nihilo Amber Sky

Ex Nihilo is a Parisian perfume house focusing on modern luxury and creativity. The brand’s recently released Amber Sky is a gorgeous and otherworldly powdery amber. It’s ideal for someone who likes to wrap up in warm cashmere and cozy up to a burning fire at a rustic-luxe ski chalet. Amber Sky is a contemporary take on the traditional powdery amber genre, with soft woodsy notes that are truly unisex.
Ex Nihilo Amber Sky Eau de Parfum, $680 (100 ml), www.saksfifthavenue.com

Zoologist Hummingbird

Zoologist Hummingbird is an ode to the complex perfumes of the past, with a nod to fairy tales and fantasy. The artwork on the label of Zoologist perfumes is standalone beautiful and to date, the line offers a range of stunning masculine scents. Hummingbird, for one, is complex and unusual, with a rainforest-floral vibe resting on top of a mysterious and animalic base. It’s a subversive floral, that is easy to love on first sniff, but it becomes magical as it dries down on the skin. Get this for the person who is bored of all the usual floral offerings. Consider it a floral perfume for deep thinkers.
Zoologist Hummingbird Eau de Parfum, $150 (60 ml), www.etiket.com

For more gift ideas try picking up a great scented candle, or a perfume gift set.

PHOTO: instagram.com/memo.paris