Consider Yourself A Shopper #32: Has a fragrance ever been so sweet?
Asia Grant guest edits this week's edition of Consider Yourself a Shopper!
The first fragrance I ever purchased with my own money was Givenchy Pi. To me, buying this scent marked a significant rite of passage—it was as if I was leaving my childhood behind and fully embracing adolescence. Little did I realize, the fragrance I chose to symbolize this transition was the same one many teenage boys gravitate toward: a scent that is unapologetically bold and borderline vulgar. Yet, I wore it with pride throughout high school and into the early months of college.
My fragrance palette has thankfully matured since those Pi days! Although I wouldn’t choose that scent now, I credit it with sparking my love for perfume. Over time, I’ve shared my scent journey in this newsletter—whether it was my quest for a fragrance that made me feel a little…taboo, or my surprise at discovering two scents I unexpectedly loved. My deepening knowledge of the fragrance world is largely thanks to friends who are experts in the field, like
.That’s why I’m especially excited to introduce Asia as the first guest writer for today’s edition of Consider Yourself a Shopper—someone who will share her fragrance expertise with all of you! Asia is not only the author of the newsletter It’s Called Taste, but she’s also the founder and creative director of Redoux, a brand that offers fragrances and vegan skincare infused with a touch of nostalgia.
Before we dive into Asia’s insights, I have a quick update: I’ve refreshed my store with new shelves, featuring all my current beauty and skincare favorites , my full fall wishlist, and, of course, my vintage and secondhand picks, which are updated monthly!
Now enough with the logistics on to Asia’s edit!
Good day, my dear reader—I'm Asia Grant, an independent perfumer and the host of the podcast “It’s Called Taste,” where I brainstorm with the tastemakers of our time on creative campaigns and business ideas. (You should give it a listen—Jalil’s episode is especially insightful, and you can hear it here.) Today, I am stepping into the Consider Yourself a Shopper column to talk about my favorite thing: fragrances.
My personal philosophy is simple: your fragrance is meant to be worn, not the other way around. It should accentuate your outfit, persona, and aura—just as special as donning your favorite pieces from your closet.
And one thing I admire about Jalil’s taste and Consider Yourself Cultured is the effortless blend of timelessness and playfulness. From his personal style to his suggestions, everything strikes a perfect balance—never too much, always just right. In a word: poised. This list captures that essence.
Be forewarned, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill fragrances.
They’re not the ones people will recognize immediately or that will fade after 30 minutes (farewell, Le Labo, Glossier, and Byredo!). These are some of the finest niche fragrances I’ve discovered in my career as a perfumer. But once you venture into the world of niche perfumes, there’s no turning back.
So I apologize in advance if I open a door for you that cannot be closed. For those ready to take the plunge, let’s dive in.
For a Musk…Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron
This scent doesn’t just sparkle, it fractals light. I found this perfume recently and was pleasantly surprised. I recently discovered this perfume during a trip to Paris and London, where I was conducting scent research. While in London, I visited the historic luxury department store, Liberty, where I stumbled upon Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron. Centered around the core note of Greek saffron, this scent evokes the feeling of smooth skin on silk, the gentle chime of gold bangles, and the satisfaction of being praised as a fantastic host after a garden soirée.
It wears more like a classic second-skin scent than a traditional musk. The ambroxan adds richness and a personal touch, evolving to match your body chemistry. Despite being incredibly inviting, there’s no trace of sweetness. The staying power is remarkable (think days, not hours), and the sillage (the trail of scent left behind) is grand—it can turn heads from 10 feet away. Day or night, summer, winter, or spring—this perfume exudes endless elegance.
Not sure if you like musks? If you enjoy Glossier You, like being called mysterious, or are known for giving great hugs, you probably like musks.
For a Citrus…Redoux “Jugo”
I’m a bit biased here, as I developed Redoux’s “Jugo” myself. I’ll keep it brief and say this is a citrus that begs to be lived in. With notes of pomelo, vetiver, tangerine, and shiso leaf, it smells like the release of tension making space for fun. Every time I smell it, it reminds me of the first time I had oranges straight from the tree in Jamaica. Zesty, juicy, and even a little umami, Jugo is a cheeky citrus perfume that exudes joy.
Not sure if you like citrus? If you like Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk or Under the Lemon Trees, have been voted “Best Smile,” or prefer sorbets over ice cream, you probably like citruses.
For a Wood…L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier
Wood fragrances are undeniably sophisticated. But in my humble opinion, they’re overdue for a renaissance. Most popular ones are just variations of Le Labo Santal 33. So let me introduce you to a new kind of wood fragrance: L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier.
The magic here lies in the fig and fig leaves. Fig is divine, both in fragrance and in life. In this perfume, it breathes green life into warm sandalwoods, settling into a milky freshness on the skin. Intoxicatingly complex, it’s playful without sacrificing sophistication. It’s been called a cousin to Philosykos by Diptyque. I’d say they are related, but distantly. The difference is that Premier Figuier attended a quiet liberal arts college in New England, while Philosykos went to a state school on the West Coast.
Not sure if you like woods? If you like Le Labo Santal 33 or Byredo De Los Santos, read at least three books a month, or enjoy sending care packages and handwritten cards, you probably like woods.
For a Floral…Dries van Noten Raving Rose
Before you skip this one, you have to understand that we are in the midst of a rose resurgence. I’m a born-again rose lover. I used to avoid rose fragrances at all costs—they reminded me of the bottom of an old woman’s purse.
Then I encountered Dries Van Noten Raving Rose. Right there at Bergdorf's on 59th St, I felt in my soul that this scent embodied the woman I wanted to be. I now associate roses with pure, powerful, unfiltered femininity—all thanks to these perfumes. Raving Rose is its radiant spring/summer juice. Bright and richly expressive, it opens with unexpectedly fresh notes of pink pepper and rose water.
I love wearing this fragrance on an ordinary day to make it extraordinary. Going to the grocery store? Asking out a crush? Quitting your job? In this scent, you can do no wrong. It’s the equivalent of getting a compliment on a classic piece from your closet and replying, “Oh, this old thing? I’ve had it for years, and it serves me well!”
Not sure if you like rose florals? If you like Parfums de Marly Delina or Diptyque Eau Rose, consider yourself a flirt, or schedule all of your hair appointments months in advance, you probably like rose florals.
For a Fruity…BDK Parfums Pas ce Soir
This was another find on my recent perfume research trip during the Paris leg. I stopped into BDK because it’s a favorite among the Twitter and TikTok niche perfume aficionados I highly respect. As I spoke with the store associate, she pointed me to Pas ce Soir, a brand bestseller. She introduced it as a fruity fragrance, with main notes of quince, pear, and ginger.
Normally, when I hear “fruity” to describe a perfume, I immediately think of something cloying and artificial, like the Lipsmacker strawberry gloss I used growing up. But this scent is effortless and easy-going. It smells like getting a perfect blowout and not needing to wear foundation. The BDK website says the inspiration was “The snap of heels and mad dash to Concorde, Saint-Germain, or Montmartre,” which I wholeheartedly agree with.
The icing on the cake? The store associate told me that “Pas ce Soir” means “not this evening” in French. I immediately handed over my money. I’ve been wearing it for the last few weeks, and it transitions seamlessly from day to night and casual to formal settings. Très bien!
Not sure if you like fruity? If you like Jo Malone English Pear and Sweet Pea, are skilled in witty banter, or can bake a cake from scratch (not from a box), then you probably like fruity fragrances.
Remember: don’t commit a blind buy and always try the scent for a week before making the purchase. Fragrance can change vastly from bottle to skin.
Enjoyed these recommendations? I recommend and review fragrances on Tiktok and recommend each of the guests on It’s Called Taste fragrances that fit their personal style. Ciao!
Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more guest features—and if so, who you’d love to have next!
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thanks for having me - a staunch woman would never let her fragrance wear her ;)