If you love the way that perfume makes you feel, chances are you’ve spent a good amount of money on your collection already. But if you love fragrance and design, then niche perfumes may be worth your hard-earned money as they’re often much more creative and imaginative than standard scents sold at department stores. Whether or not niche perfumes are worth your money depends entirely on what you’re looking for from a perfume – as long as it makes you feel like yourself and doesn’t break the bank, you should be happy with your choice!

 

Do they really last that long?

If you’re buying niche perfume, don’t expect a ton of longevity from your fragrance. That said, it’s hard to compare niche fragrances to more mainstream scents when it comes to performance because most brands have a specific target audience. For example, niche fragrances tend to be more natural than mainstream perfumes and colognes, so some people actually prefer that lighter feeling on their skin. And if you really like wearing lighter scents during warmer months—and you aren't concerned about staying power—then niche perfumes may be right for you.

What Makes Them So Expensive?

If you've seen a bottle of niche perfume, you've likely noticed that they're pricier than mass-market fragrances. Some can even run into ₹20,000 - ₹30,000 price range or even more than that. Why is that? First, there's no middleman: With niche fragrances, brands have to deal with distributors and retailers. Second, producing small quantities is more expensive because of higher overhead costs for things like glass bottles and luxury packaging (think Swarovski crystals). The actual formula for niche perfumes can also be more expensive to create than mainstream ones. Companies spend money on organic ingredients or those with very low environmental impact. Even sourcing rare ingredients isn't cheap.

Where to find them?

Typically niche fragrances are found in upscale perfumeries and boutique retail stores. If you live in a big city Mumbai, Hyderabad, there are probably multiple places where you can find niche perfume. However, if you live in a smaller town, it may be harder to find these products. If that’s the case for you, internet shopping is your best bet – there are plenty of retailers online that cater to those looking for high end fragrance. The important thing to remember when choosing online sellers is make sure they specialize in niche products.

Is it worth the money?

If you’re concerned about price and value, think about your niche perfume as an investment. According to a recent survey by Marie Claire magazine, women who wore niche fragrances spent almost double on their beauty products than those who wore mainstream fragrances. That kind of spending pays off: People report that they feel better when they wear niche perfumes, while it doesn’t seem to matter as much with mass-market scents. If you like how something smells, then it’s worth buying—and in most cases, less expensive isn’t better. It might be a little more up front financially but you can really appreciate something that has been made well and will last longer if you buy a quality product.