Health & Beauty

Scandinavian Perfume Brands Your Nose Needs to Know

Though there are a plethora of great beauty brands in Scandinavia, boutique perfume options seem to be somewhat lacking. We’re talking about the perfumes that can get a little weird; maybe a scent combination you’ve never smelled before, or an unexpected top note such as Saffron. These are the beautiful bottles you’ll be excited to spray in the morning and will love to smell as it evolves on your skin throughout the day. These makers have brought a sense of Scandinavian craftsmanship and aesthetic to your scents.

These are the Scandi perfume brands you won’t want to stop sniffing:

List Marker: Number 1Byredo

A brand that has exploded onto the scene in 2006 with their interesting perfume profiles and stunning packaging, Stockholm-based Byredo makes the scents that everybody’s after these days. In addition to eau de parfum, Byredo also makes candles, hand cream and body care.

 

Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:

Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum

Top Notes

Turkish Rose Petals, Pink Pepper                        

Heart

Turkish Rose Absolute

Base

Papyrus, White Amber

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 2Henrik Vibskov

Another stop in the colorful, sensual Henrik Vibskov universe, these perfumes recreate the experience of the pine forest or lotus fields as imagined by the Danish fashion designer. The quirky, hand-carved toppers on simple bottles make for a sweet visual treat.

 

Freya (Creative Director) recommends:

Black Cedar Root Eau de Toilette

Top Notes

Gin, Almond

Heart

Leather, Jasmine

Base

Black Pepper, Ink                                    

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 3Andrea Maack

What began as a series of scent-focused exhibitions by Icelandic visual artist Andrea Maack quickly became a line of unisex, appealing perfumes that walk the line between commercial and avant garde. This is art you can wear and it’s not always easy to decipher, but the payoff is incredible if you find the scent that suits you.

 

Anna (Editorial Assistant) recommends:

Soft Tension Eau de Parfum

Notes

Freesia, Musk, Mate Absolut, Cedar Wood, Moss

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 4Son Venïn

With gorgeous bottles that recall the vanity table of a 19th century lady and a range of notes from the complex and unconventional to the pure, Son Venïn is bringing the best of niche fragrance to Norway. This is a really special brand – their passion for scent is evident in every bottle and the way each piece is lovingly packaged.

 

Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:

Le Voleur (and smell like a glass of fresh white wine!)

Top Notes

Saffron, Pink Berries

Heart

Muscade, Incense, Sheer White Bouquet, Iris

Base Notes

Sandalwood, Gaïac Wood, Amber, White and Dry woods

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 5ZARKOPERFUME

Fully utilziing the science of body chemistry, ZARKOPERFUME creates perfumes wherein the base ingredients interact with your pheromones, making a scent that is totally unique to you. Founder Zarko Ahlmann Pavolv writes that he wanted to combine the French art of perfumery with Nordic molecular science; ZARKOPERFUME is the intriguing result.

 

Anna (Editorial Assistant) recommends:

Molécule 234.38

No notes, only the molecule and you!

 

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 6Agonist Parfums

With their artistic bottles and sophisticated note combinations, Swedish perfume Agonist has quickly become one of the most sought-after niche perfume brands around the world. You can tell this is brand made by artists; the scents are subtle yet quirky, with notes that jump out at you then quickly fade into something new. A real treat for perfume lovers!

 

Freya (Creative Director) recommends:

White Lies Eau de Parfum

Top Notes

Lemon, Raspberry, Lychee

Heart

Jasmine Abs, Tuberose Abs, Heliotrope

Base Notes

Patchouli, Orcanox, Vanilla

 


 
 

List Marker: Number 7Colekt Fragrances

Swedish skincare and fragrance brand Colekt makes products that smell heavenly in packaging that’s the height of laid-back luxury. Their perfumes are unconventional without being difficult to like, thanks to natural and botanic notes that are recognizable without being trite. Colekt perfumes are

 

 

Rebecca (Editor-in-Chief) recommends:

Persona Cologne Concentrate

Top Notes

Lime Blossom

Heart

Lilac (this is a warm floral)

Base Notes

Mock-Orange

 

 
Photography by Freya McOmish
 

Last edited

Rebecca Thandi Norman

Rebecca Thandi Norman is a co-founder and Editor-in-Chief at Scandinavia Standard.