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 pop into my head though 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's this perspective that I feel British perfumery can bring to the world. I am inspired by my surroundings and family connections which 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 wanted 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…
The Best British Perfumes Brands to Shop:
1. Jo Malone London
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. I love the unique combinations, chic bottles and signature Jo Malone packaging.
I've never had as many compliments on a perfume as with this. If you don't like sweet scents then it's probably not for you, but if you do, then I urge you to try it. Fresh, sweet notes of pear and freesia are combined with warm amber for a balanced finish. I'm not lying when I say I reach for this every single day.
This perfume is for those of you who like something a little more woody, but still fresh. One spray of this and the smell of salty sea air will transport you straight to the windy British coast.
2. Penhaligon's
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 on Regent Street.
Didn't I tell you that the packaging was stunning? This is one of the brand's newer scents, and it's up there with the sexiest summer scents I have ever owned. It's citrusy neroli, warming sandalwood, sweet jasmine and creamy vanilla.
Another amazing option to have on display. This pretty pink perfume is delicate on the skin, with floral, fruity notes making for an ultra-feminine finish.
3. Ruth Mastenbroek Perfumer London
Perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek has 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. Mastenbroek studied chemistry at Oxford University before honing her craft studying alongside perfumers such as Olivier Cresp, so you know you're in good hands.
I've smelt a lot of perfumes over the years, and this one never fails to amaze me. Every time I spray it I discover a new note to fall in love with. The fragrance is sexy and sophisticated, with amber, vanilla and vetiver making it a perfect evening choice.
For a fresher daytime scent, opt for Dagian. Citrusy lime, sweet orange blossom and cool mint come together in a unique perfume that everyone will be asking about.
4. Floral Street
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.
Sunflower Pop is a great daytime option for spring and summer. This fragrance was inspired Vincent van Gogh's famous Sunflowers, with strong citrusy notes giving it a truly uplifting burst.
If you know me, then you'll know that I like incredibly sweet scents, which is why this new fragrance by Floral Street has become one of my favourites. Vanilla, sandalwood, apple blossom and passionfruit all mix together for a perfume that's almost good enough to eat.
5. Vyrao
This British brand has created something really special. 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.
Not only is this bottle a work of art, but the fragrance is pretty spectacular too. It features vanilla, orange flower and Sicilian lemon for a fresh yet warming finish.
For more of a unique choice, Eleanor recommends The Sixth. This fresh, herby scent is characterised by notes of peppermint, fennel and basil oils, making it a real standout amongst the crowd.
6. Jo Loves
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.
I always take this scent on holiday with me, and everyone I'm with ends up borrowing it too. The combination of sweet mango and zesty lime really does keep you coming back for more.
This Jo Loves fragrance is a sophisticated choice and is ideal for those of you who like a floral scent. The best thing about this is that it's super long-lasting, and I can always still smell it at the end of the day.
7. Panah London
British brand Panah London was founded by husband and wife Rushikesh and Vidhi Patel, who wanted 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 the brand 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.
It's all in the name. The most glorious sweet strawberry scent that carefully avoids verging onto the sickly-sweet side of things. A combination of sweetness from strawberry, vanilla and coconut notes is expertly balanced out with rose. This is a definite winning summer scent.
Crafted from an intoxicating blend of pepper, nutmeg, honey, wood and smoke, this is a decadent rousing scent that lasts for hours.
8. 4160 Tuesdays
4160 Tuesdays is a small-batch brand created in a studio in London. The key focus of 4160 Tuesdays is to "make 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.
Inspired by the wave of fruity fragrances from the '70s, Doe in the Snow smells of fresh peach sorbet with floral notes of jasmine and rose and woody hints of cedarwood and oak.
This perfume was originally created by founder Sarah McCartney, who was commissioned to make the scent of an orange tree to fragrance an exclusive gathering. Developed using a blend of essential oils from four kinds of orange: sweet, bitter, blood and clementine, McCartney used the flowers, fruits, leaves and twigs to capture the scent of the whole tree.
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