Delicious fish and chips, warming cups of tea and rolling countryside hills are just some things that come to mind when I think about Britain. One thing that doesn’t always pop into my head is the best perfumes. You see, when I think of fragrances, my mind tends to wander to France and beyond, but did you know that Britain is home to some of the best perfume brands on the market?
”Fragrance is still dominated by France, and for good reason—they have a long history of amazing perfumers and fragrance production,” says Ruth Mastenbroek, founder of Ruth Mastenbroek Perfumer London. “We have so much amazing natural beauty on our British shores, and it is this perspective that I feel British perfumery can bring to the world. I am inspired by my surroundings and family connections who originate from across the British Isles; a Welsh mother, Irish grandmother, English father and Scottish ancestors. I feel compelled to tell the story of my own life experiences and to conjure this up through unexpected and original fragrances” she explains.
From well-known names such as Jo Malone London to newer brands such as Vyrao, there are some incredible options to choose from. As a self-confessed perfume addict, even I have found myself reaching for these British perfume brands over my classic Chanel and Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances.
Therefore, I thought it was only right to round up the best British perfume brands that the Who What Wear UK editors love. Keep on scrolling to shop our favourites, and be prepared to smell very, very good…
It really doesn’t get any more classic than Jo Malone London. The British brand has created some of the biggest cult fragrances to date, and is also known for its incredible range of candles and diffusers. The unique combinations is one of the reasons I love the perfumes so much, alongside the chic-looking bottles and signature Jo Malone packaging.
Next up, say hello to Penhaligon’s. This British perfume house’s first fragrance was created back in 1872, and the brand continues to innovate. The perfumes are housed in the most beautiful bottles, and the scents are simply exquisite. If you ever find yourself in London, I highly recommend visiting the flagship store based on the iconic Regent Street.
Ruth Mastenbroek is no stranger to perfume, having created fragrances for brands such as Jo Malone London. However, she also has her own collection of niche perfumes that have quickly become some of my go-to scents. Ruth studied chemistry at Oxford University before honing her craft studying alongside perfumers such as Olivier Cresp, so you know you’re in good hands.
Floral Street has taken the fragrance world by storm. Founded by Michelle Feeney, the British brand has been designed with the modern woman in mind, and features a range of distinctive scents such as Electric Rhubarb and Sunflower Pop.
This British brand has created something really special. The founder, Yasmin Sewell, has a big passion for wellness, and says that energy is the source of the brand. The notes used in each perfume have been chosen to spark positive emotions in the wearer, and Who What Wear UK’s Beauty Editor, Eleanor Vousden, is a big fan.
Created by perfumer Jo Malone CBE after her departure from Jo Malone London, this relatively new brand is inspired by memories from Malone’s life. The packaging is simple and chic, but the perfumes definitely pack a punch in the best way possible.
British brand Panah London was founded by husband and wife Rushikesh and Vidhi Patel, to create good quality perfumes made out of essential oils and skin-friendly ingredients. Panah’s fragrances use synthesised aroma molecules, instead of solely relying on synthetics, which allows them to work with natural ingredients to create beautiful fragrances that not only smell great, but won’t irritate the skin. All of the fragrances are extracted and blended using artisan methods, so every step of the process is intimate and intentional.
4160 Tuesdays is a small-batch brand created in a studio in London. The key focus of 4160 Tuesdays is making the “world a lovelier place”. Each scent is developed and carefully blended to capture a specific moment or person at a particular point in time.
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