Ireland is experiencing an exciting time, with some of the world’s most beautiful fragrance brands now being produced right here. Local, home-grown brands are thriving, and their quality is incredible.
Waters + Wild
One standout is Waters + Wild from west Cork. This organic brand uses local ingredients like seaweed absolute from their nearby beach. They approach fragrance-making like a vineyard producing wine: each batch is a limited edition. Rose & Oud, a rich and sensual fragrance, is perfect for those chilly winter days. Prices start at €45.
Stories Parfums
Another Irish brand making waves is Stories Parfums from Co Down. With just two scents in their collection, they also offer other body products and scented candles. The founder, Tonya Kidd-Beggs, created this line after a trip to Grasse, the heart of the perfume world in France. Stories No 1 is a joyful fragrance with bright citrus notes of bergamot, grapefruit and orange blossom, followed by warm cedarwood, jasmine and a blend of amber and sandalwood. Stories No 2 is a more heady floral with Bulgarian rose, musk and amber for a long-lasting, luxurious scent. Prices start at €40.95 for a 15ml bottle, with larger sizes from €76.95.
La Bougie
La Bougie just keeps getting better and better. Known for crafting the signature scent of some of Ireland’s best hotels, they also offer stunning eau de parfum at €60 for 50ml. A firm favourite of mine is Desert Rose, which uses the finest rose oil from the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, blended with oud and teak. This fragrance feels far more expensive than it is.
Parfumarija
For a unique shopping experience, head to Parfumarija in Dublin’s Westbury Mall – one of the best fragrance stores in Europe, in my opinion. It’s home to rare and exclusive scents from all over the world and a great place to pop in for a last-minute Christmas gift.
Memo Paris
Share the gift of luxury this Christmas with Memo Paris’s Irish Leather eau de parfum, a unisex fragrance blending leather accord, juniper berries and green maté absolute. Housed in a bottle adorned with golden horses, inspired by Ireland’s equestrian heritage. Cofounded by Tipperary native John Molloy and his wife Clara, Memo Paris is adored by fragrance lovers worldwide. Available at Dublin Airport duty-free, Adare Manor and online, 75ml for €235.
Leonard Daly is a make-up artist and beauty consultant
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