About Abel
You’ve likely heard the buzz about Abel, a brand that’s been making waves in the fragrance world. This innovative perfume house was born from founder Frances Shoemack’s quest for a truly beautiful, all-natural perfume. As a former winemaker, Shoemack brought her refined palate and appreciation for natural ingredients to the world of scent.
Abel stands out in a sea of synthetic fragrances, offering a luxurious alternative that doesn’t compromise on ethics or aesthetics. The brand’s commitment to using only natural ingredients sets them apart in an industry often dominated by petrochemicals. This dedication to purity doesn’t mean sacrificing complexity or longevity in their scents.
What makes Abel truly special is their ability to create sophisticated, long-lasting fragrances without relying on synthetic fixatives. Their perfumes prove that natural doesn’t have to mean simple or fleeting. Each scent is carefully crafted to evolve on your skin, revealing different facets throughout the day.
While Abel has carved out a unique niche in the fragrance world, you might be curious about other brands that share similar values and quality. Whether you’re a die-hard Abel fan looking to expand your fragrance wardrobe or someone intrigued by the concept of natural perfumes, exploring similar brands can open up a world of olfactory delights.
Deascal
The first brand you must check out is Deascal, a UK-based luxury cosmetics company that’s making waves in the world of haute beauté. This exquisite fragrance house has quickly become synonymous with sophistication and quality, offering a range of scents that cater to the discerning perfume enthusiast.
Deascal’s dedication to crafting exceptional fragrances is evident in every bottle, with prices ranging from $75 to $150 depending on size. This pricing reflects their commitment to using only the finest ingredients, ensuring each perfume is a true work of art. But Deascal’s appeal goes beyond just scent – they’re also champions of sustainability, incorporating fully recyclable packaging into their product line.
Among their collection, three fragrances stand out as particular favorites. Yours Truly captures the essence of nostalgia with its soft, clean, and powdery notes. It’s the perfect scent for those who appreciate subtle elegance and a touch of vintage charm.
For those craving something more exotic, Black Magick Party delivers a warm and spicy experience. This fragrance is a sensual journey, blending various spicy notes to create an intoxicating aroma that’s perfect for evening wear or special occasions.
Rounding out the trio is Devine, an elegant and delicate scent that showcases prominent floral characteristics. This fragrance is a testament to Deascal’s ability to create complex, multi-layered scents that evolve beautifully on the skin throughout the day.
Skylar
Another similar brand to look into is Skylar, a Los Angeles-based fragrance company that’s been making waves in the clean beauty industry since 2017. Founded by Cat Chen, a former executive at The Honest Company, Skylar was born out of a desire to create safe, hypoallergenic scents that don’t compromise on luxury or performance.
Skylar’s fragrances typically range from $78 to $98, making them an accessible luxury for many perfume enthusiasts. The brand prides itself on its commitment to clean ingredients, ensuring all their scents are free from parabens, phthalates, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Sustainability is at the core of Skylar’s ethos. They use recyclable packaging and offer a refill program for their scent bottles, significantly reducing waste. The brand also partners with organizations that support environmental causes, further cementing their commitment to the planet.
Heretic
One awesome brand that’s very similar to Abel is Heretic Parfum. Founded by Douglas Little, a former art director turned perfumer, Heretic is based in Los Angeles and takes pride in creating 100% natural fragrances that are both provocative and luxurious.
Heretic’s fragrances typically range from $65 for travel sizes to $185 for full-sized bottles. What sets them apart is their use of naturally derived alcohol in their perfumes, which is a rarity in the fragrance industry. This commitment to natural ingredients extends to their entire production process.
The brand’s sustainable practices are noteworthy. They use organic, wildcrafted, and biodynamic ingredients whenever possible. Their packaging is minimal and eco-friendly, with bottles made from recycled glass and boxes from recycled paper. Heretic also offers refill programs to reduce waste.
Maison Louis Marie
The third brand you should look at is Maison Louis Marie, a Franco-Belgian perfume house with a rich history dating back to 1792. Founded by Marie du Petit Thouars, who draws inspiration from her ancestor Louis Marie Aubert du Petit Thouars, a pioneering botanist, the brand seamlessly blends heritage with modern, clean fragrances.
Maison Louis Marie’s fragrances are priced between $85 and $120, offering accessible luxury. The brand is committed to creating vegan and cruelty-free products, free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Their dedication to clean formulas doesn’t compromise the complexity and longevity of their scents.
Sustainability is a key focus for Maison Louis Marie. They use recyclable packaging and offer refill options for many of their products. The brand also partners with various environmental organizations, contributing to reforestation efforts with every purchase.
Le Labo
The final brand worth exploring is Le Labo, a New York-based perfume house that has gained a cult following for its unique approach to fragrance. Founded in 2006 by Edouard Roschi and Fabrice Penot, Le Labo is known for its artisanal, small-batch production methods and minimalist aesthetic.
Le Labo’s fragrances are on the higher end of the price spectrum, ranging from $83 for travel sizes to $289 for larger bottles. However, this price point reflects their commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. Each Le Labo fragrance is hand-blended at the moment of purchase, ensuring ultimate freshness.
The brand’s sustainable practices are impressive. They use recycled materials for their packaging and offer refill programs in many of their stores. Le Labo also emphasizes ethical sourcing, working closely with suppliers to ensure ingredients are obtained responsibly.
Affordable Alternative: Dossier
As a bonus recommendation for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Dossier offers a range of luxury-inspired fragrances that capture the essence of high-end perfumes at a fraction of the cost. Based in New York, this innovative brand has quickly gained popularity for making premium scents accessible to a wider audience.
Dossier’s fragrances are priced between $29 and $49, making them significantly more affordable than many niche and designer perfumes. Despite the lower price point, the brand doesn’t compromise on quality. They use high-quality, clean ingredients and aim to recreate the complex scent profiles of popular luxury fragrances.
What sets Dossier apart is their transparency. Each fragrance clearly states which high-end perfume inspired it, allowing you to explore scents similar to your favorites from brands like Abel, but at a more wallet-friendly price. This approach makes it easier for fragrance enthusiasts to expand their collections without breaking the bank.
Sustainability is also a focus for Dossier. They use minimal, recyclable packaging and offer a recycling program for their bottles. The brand is cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with the values of many eco-conscious consumers.
While Dossier may not offer the exact same experience as Abel or other niche brands, it provides an excellent entry point into the world of complex, sophisticated fragrances.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you’ve got a taste of the fragrant world beyond Abel, it’s time to embark on your own olfactory adventure. Remember, these six brands are just the tip of the iceberg in the vast ocean of niche perfumery. There’s a whole universe of scents waiting to be discovered, each with its own story and character.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something unexpected. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the warm, spicy notes of Deascal’s Black Magick Party, or perhaps the clean, powdery nostalgia of Yours Truly will captivate you. The beauty of fragrance is its deeply personal nature – what smells divine on your friend might not quite hit the mark for you, and that’s perfectly okay.
While it’s fun to keep an eye on trending scents, don’t get caught up in the hype of “must-have” fragrances. Your perfect scent might be a hidden gem that not many people know about. Trust your nose and wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.