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I think these brands help you stand out from the rest of the crowd not by scent profile but by a pay wall, you cannot smell like this unless you’re willing to spend the money. While I definitely agree with you on being able to recommend these fragrances to a lot of people, especially since most people will only have 2-3 fragrances anyways, I personally don’t like them as much. I went to the LeLabo boutique in NYC and was more impressed with their cafe than their fragrances. They were good, just not asking price good. The coffee was surprisingly delicious though.

Love Gentle Fluidity Silver. As for being "exclusive", fragrance ain’t the move to do it. You can rock a $20 fragrance that absolutely works with your skin chemistry and be the best smelling person in the room. Buy because you genuinely like to smell good for you and what jives with your personality. Being different is a great thing as well. But don't buy these fragrances thinking your status goes up from smelling "like money".

It’s funny because I’m from a small Massachusetts town and the only thing people wear is Dior sauvage and gucci guilty. So when I bring something out I found off this channel it’s a hit no matter what.

I wear anything that smells good to me from dossier, le monde gourmand to mfk, to kilian. I will be honest I am a kilian and le labo girl through and through but i wear what smells good to me regardless if it is niche, designer or cheapie ❤

MFK is a great brand. Oud, Oud Satin Mood (Both versions), Oud Silk Mood, Gran Soir, BR540 (Both versions), Gentle Fluidity Silver, Byredo & Le Labo are good but not great. Bal D Afrique & Another 13 are really good.

I hate the bougie, elitism in the game today. Though fragrance has a always had "snobbish" undercurrent...where what the hell you want to wear. I feel you Melissa!!!!

Spitting facts. These 3 are the stepping stone into the pool of niche. Different than most, but still palatable to the mainstream. I call them accessible or inclusive niche. When you tell people what your wearing, a lot of people will know, and give you props. But you have a true niche on, most people won’t know what they are so don’t care. However, I still like them. And Rouge Chaotique currently has a chokehold on me 😂

I'm a huge fan of MFK fragrances! They all have this wonderful, polished scent profile with excellent longevity and projection. Whenever I wear them, I receive compliments without fail. Among the ones I've tried, the longest-lasting on my skin are Aqua Celestia Forte EDP, Grand Soir, Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait, and Oud Satin Mood EDP.

All I can say is that I bought Pulp a few weeks ago and it was one of mybe a handful perfumes that gave me goosebumps when smelling it and I had to buy it right there in the store, without the whole comparing prices online thing. It is truly unique and what niche is all about, it's quality, it's daring and not for everybody

💪🏾🙌🏾 this is a good video. I agree with you. When I first got into niche fragrances heavily, I bought a bunch of le Labo and MFK samples and I LOVED them. As I got deeper in the game, I realized how much deeper other Fragrances actually are making those brand damn near obsolete to me. There are a few standouts for me, like Patchouli 24 by Le Labo and L'Homme a la rose and the Oud line by MFK(and i subjectively love Amyris Homme), but nothing absolutely groundbreaking.

Thank you for being honest! I think the same thing regarding these because they just don’t seem to have memorable/stand out scents in my opinion

As someone who’s a huge fan of le labo, and I quite like a lot of Byredo fragrances, I completely agree with your opinions here. Le Labo was my introduction to niche, and I’m so happy to have learned about all the niche brands I know of today.

Nice honest review. You should try Argos fall of phaeton. That fragrance actually lives up to the hype and is special.

Absolutely Pour Le Soir and Grand Soir would have been my signatures but Absolu PLS was discontinued and I find GS as somewhat mid to me, but its wild how people respond to me when i wear it. 3yrs ago OSM was my signature for fall autumn but that formula has been soooo duped I cant go anywhere in London without smelling it.

Silver is my signature scent in the summer

Your point on oud ispahan made me lol so hard😂 you are absolutely on point about that. Lot of times I’ll check out the very hyped fragrances to discover they literally smell like homes and places of worships or common scent dna in the Middle East or india. They are just new to westen nose but considered common here

I am new into the world of fragrance and before watching any videos or any social media about perfume, I was out shopping and started trying everything at my local mall. I went to Macy’s first and didn’t end up buying anything, then Nordstrom where I fell in love with BR540 Extrait, Byredo Mojave Ghost, LeLabo Another 13, then the gal told me to go to Bloomy’s to try Bond No9, I fell in love with Tribeca, and Greenwich Village and a few others. I also love Gris Charnel and a few from Dolce & Gabbana and Nest. So right there, those are my favorites and what I wear daily. So I would say I disagree but appreciate your point of view.

le labo does offer a very unique buying experience.so i can definitely see how that fits the narrative.

I am obsessed with Mojave ghost Byredo trail and Thé Noir 29 opening from Le Labo

Good intel. Grand Soir, Satin Mood and Silver for MFK. Black Saffron, Bal D"Afrique and Blanche by Byredo. Le Labo - love the OG Santal 26 candle. MFK is a classy wear. All the time. Byredo I only do with suits.

Everything besides Gentle Fluidity Silver I agree with. I’ve only been doing this fragrance hobby for a little over a year but to this day I’ve sampled a lot of stuff niche and designer and I’d say GFS and Elysium are still in my top 3. Nothing compares to GFS to me lol

I think the prices are what makes most of them to be "luxury " to some and definitely restrictive or inaccessible to others, MFKs challenging fragrances, velvet mood , pour le Dior ect. have been discontinued, everyone I've let smell Pulp has recoiled, ( I like it) and lilabo is just ok to me, all in all I tend to look at other brands if I want something to stand out a bit more.

Loved this video! I appreciate straight talk

Great analysis. I have similar thoughts, too. BCR 540 is a legendary scent. I don't feel the same for Grand Soir. I had already smelt something similar and high-end as Grand Soir. This fragrance was Naxos. I found no reason to purchase Grand Soir, as it was not as unique, but similar profile (amber/vanilla/lavender) to Naxos, which I already owned. I don't think you need to purchase something because of the hype. But uniqueness.

Can I just say Melissa, I don't usually comment (on anything really) but i've watched you for a while and for me you absolutely hit the spot. I'm a gay male and I don't think there's enough LGBTQ+ people in the community, all I see is heteronormative crap pandering to the patriarch so you're an absolute breath of fresh air for me. Love how you wear what you want regardless of gender labels and rock it, plus you've got really natural charisma too and sometimes even crack me up. Super confident and such a cool vibe. Keep it up.

Can u do a niche fragrance that smell like designer? For example: Layton smells just like Boss Bottled to me.

good reminder. i agree with everything you said, including queen Baccarat ❤

People wanting to be different and buying Le Lavo has me weak 💀 Le Labo is a great brand, and I used to wear their fragrances all the time…but so did everyone else

I love Oud Satin Mood, so does my girl. But I’m confused I thought of your favorite sense was Black Saffron by Byredo???

she is beautiful guys…natural beauty. no makeup no nothing

I agree in a way. The le labo, mfk, byredo fragrances are really great i think. A alot of them are unike but simple. So me that work close 2 people and picking my son up from school and so on. Really enjoy these scents for everyday life. I have started to appreciate them. I love the dark stuff the best. But can't wear it a alot. But mojave ghost, another 13, gentel fluidity gold. I can wear and not bother people at work. They are unike, long lasting and yes, simple! But def see your point.

You should try maybe Carner Barcelona, Rosendo Mateu, Ramon Monegal, BDK Parfumes, The Harmonist, Diptyque,Casamorati, Maison Crivelli, Matiere Premiere….

I really like MFK's Grand Soir and Lumiere Noire (men's version) tbh

right like when rihanna was wearing love dont be shy by killian it was sold out everywhere. it got sooooooo popular

I agree with your take on Le Labo and Byredo. Le Labo makes me smell like a building site full of wood, and Byredo fragrance is gone by the time I step out of the shop - zero longevity! So why am I paying $300+ for flavoured water?

Have you tried The Matcha 26? Thats my favorite from Le Labo

Hey Melissa, is there a site where we could get fragrances at a lower price?

Have you ever tried any of the Diptyque fragrances? I’d say those are quite luxury and don’t see anyone talking about them.

I absolutely love the trilogy. 🤩

It’s pretty true that you can categorize these 3 niche brands as being a safe buy same goes with Jo Malone

I love MFK for the fact that they smell great maybe not super different than anybody else but i do love the scents they have that fresh clean but slight spice smell and it’s just blended to perfection in my opinion. Also there’s the fact that all of these fragrances are over $200-$400+ which I know most people aren’t willing to pay that price except ppl like me who are basically connoisseurs of scents. So it’s different by the fact that I know what I’m wearing most others aren’t besides maybe bacarrat Rouge and some ppl won’t spend the money on that even though it smells like pure heaven. I’m also in to very luxury-ish things that I know others aren’t willing to go the extra mile for. I appreciate scents and it distinguishes the serious ppl from the ones who aren’t serious about scents again in my opinion… also there’s the thing about dupes. At the end of the day someone wearing a dupe is not wanting to spend the actual price of the real thing no hate there but these niche fragrances are basically perfume/cologne artistry and I respect that wholeheartedly which is why I’m willing to pay out for them. Obviously your not respecting the true artistry if your looking for a dupe your just trying to save money, plus I want to feel like that guy and wearing a dupe absolutely does not make me feel like I am. I need to know to myself that I have luxury sitting on my skin, again no hate to anybody else. If everyone was wearing mfk then I would probably switch it up but then again maybe not bc I love them so much. I hope this answers the question from someone that really likes the brand it honestly just screams luxury and I also don’t have to worry about if I smell lovely to others because bc with this brand I know I do. No questions asked. And I need something that’s not going to burn someone’s eyebrows off so I really enjoy the aromatics of most of them

I have $15 scents and $500 scents and enjoy them all. Byredo Rouge Chaotique … will roll your eyes back😅

Is BYREDO still considered niche? I hear that they’ve started selling makeup and handbags recently.

I've gotten more compliments on another 13 than anything else, ever, period. And usually 10 or more hours after spraying. Worth the money. And super memorable IMO. Lamar smells generic at this point after all the BR540 offshoots.

Bought Gentle Fluidity Silver but sold it a few weeks later. Smells industrial and metallic to me 😳.

Oh! Can you review the latest from Initio (I forget the name…Carnal something)

I love my Tea Noir 29 equally as much as my Britney Spears Fantasy 😂

Hi Melissa! Thank you for telling it as it is! I actually grouped byredo lelabo & diptyque to study together. I axed byredo straight away, as if Le labo isn’t trying to portray the quiet lux already, byredo wants to follow suit, without anything to substantiate. Packaging quality is sub to lelabo. That said , I can appreciate lelabo for catching that brand identity first, I only bought another 13. Just to have. MFK, I will always appreciate BR540 extra it and grand soir. That is because of the perfumer not the house! Gentle fluidity is not unique, but I do find it the easiest reach in that dna. Aside.., since pdm was mentioned, can you tell me if you prefer Herod or tm TV?

Byredo Black Saffron and Mixed Emotions have a lot of personality to me, sweet but smoky, leathery, a bit bitter from the tea note yet familiar, cozy and comforting. Le Labo comes close second but not a fan of MFK.

Im a guy and when i sampled Bal D'Afrique, the image it conveyd me is exactly that: Old money. A boujie, classy, restrained and elegant french lady. But i wouldn't consider it a niche perfume, just as i wouldn't consider most Xerjoff and PdM's as niche. I describe them like luxury or high end designer.

I agree, I think niche heads just aren’t the target audience for these types of brands, as they’re pretty approachable and simple. I work from home or from coffee shops and I will say that le labo is perfect for that kind of casual everyday wear. I tend to gravitate towards their scents when I dont want something too “cologney”.

Hi Melissa, appreciate the video and I get a lot of your opinions. I think though that fragrances like Another 13 are different on different people as well, personally I own a bunchh of niche frags from pdm, roja, etc. But another 13 remains my most complimented fragrance. People standing 2 metres away compliment me on it, and with shocked reactions demanding to know what I’m wearing. I’ve had similar reactions with carslile for example, but not on that level. I think geographical location could also be a factor

Appreciate you 😊

I’ve watched like four different videos with you, saying that black saffron by Byredo is 1 of your favorite scents

Fuck that. If you really wanna be different you get Zoologist, Clive Christian or Olympic Orchids. That's some different shit. 😄😄

For me, Byredo frags are too weak for the price (not counting Night Veils collection aka Extraits, those are good).

Pafume De Marley Layton , Xerjoff 40 knots & Naxos, Nishane Hacivat, Roja Dove 1819, intio Parfume Bless Baraka. Try get your nose on those 😁😁🤤

I absolutely agree. I only own MFK BR540 and love it yet the others have not wowed me enough to purchase. Same for Le Labo and Byredo. I see them as a little overhyped and too predictable almost. I know that might be offensive because they are loved but imo there are so many incredible niche houses that offer exceptional fragrances that no one hears about. I always feel drawn to the under the radar scents for some reason. It's nice not to smell like so many other people sometimes. Great topic.

Baccarat 540 & Oud Satin Mood are 10/10 in my opinion

Blind bought Guerlain l'homme ideal EDT 2014 Citrusy , sweet , a hint of vanilla, Aromatic with woody accords ... amazing mens fragrance Niche quality at designers price

i thought the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!!ll especially with byredo!!!!!!

MFK has some bangers, le labo and byredo are relatively boring in the sense that most of what they have is done better in a lot of other perfumes for cheaper so yeah they serve as an introductory niche.

I have no experience with MFK. I tried Le Labo’s Santal 33. Not for me. I tried Byredo’s Sundazed. Not for me. I’m still in the sampling stage of my fragrance hobby. I only purchase small decants, unless it’s something like a Lattafa. If you don’t want to smell like anyone else, you can always wear a fragrance from an indie brand. I love Pink MahogHany’s Pas Encore Nomme. (I have yet to hear any fragrance reviewer mention this one.) If you want different, try Zoologist Perfumes. Their Tyrannosaurus Rex will definitely make you stand out. You’ll smell like a burning jungle. Another one that’s not for me.😆

I don't like any MFK, have tried 8 samples from them and nothing really grabbed me, if anything a bit off putting. Kinda scared about the direction of Dior now with him at the helm.

I hear what you are saying for sure. When it comes to Le Labo I honestly only like Tonka 25 (which isn't rated high at all) and the Santal 26 candle. Been on those for years. Byredo is meh. MFK is dope

Le labo candles are great, fragrances so so

Gentle Fluidity Gold is my Favorite

Yall have to wear unscented lotion to get good longevity out of your fragrances

Agreed!

Your hair is beautiful

I understood you fully

MFK and Le Labo are good entry points into niche as they aren't challenging or "out there". I used to have many MFK bottles but over the years have gifted them to friends and family, now I'm down to 3 MFKs. MFK is greatly appreciated by those that aren't into fragrances (like the aforementioned friends and family) as much as we are, since they smell good and aren't overly complex or challenging. To summarize, it depends where you are in your perfume "journey" and how much experience you have. I used to like Byredo and MFK but find them boring nowadays. I've graduated from these brands and gravitate to more complex, challenging stuff.

what about Amyris Homme? i thought you were a fan?

It’s funny that you’d say le mâle by JPG is not forgettable, and MFKs fragrances are. They all from the same perfumer.

MFK is a prestigious brand. It's like Roja.

I appreciate you being real about this subject. 🙏🏽 Byfredo the whole line doesn't even last on your skin. Mojave GHOST is there best seller and you barely can't even smell it lol. Lelabo line is below average. Santal 33 is OK but I can't smell it everyday and you can barely smell another 13 lol. MFK has some great quality tho. I need you to give a great top 10 cologne list that smells great and lasts on the skin with good progection and panty droppers lol. I'm not an oud fan tho. Keep being Amazing!! When I go niche and pay 400 bucks I expect to be amazed but instead I'm not lol. Help us please lol

You liked Black Saffron a lot tho (I thought)

Lelabo is sooo overhyped im glad they got me a sample

This a tough one.. its definitely one of those subjective things.. cause all the ones you named as forgettable, were memorable to me! But also i dont think people should use them as elitism and classism. People should be allowed to like what they like.. its ok to like MFK, but not look down on people wearing YSL. Thats where it start getting goofy.

Mfk silver is a love of mine... 540 was amazing but now it's DNA js everywhere...our satin on a woman is sexy... Another 13 I use for many reasons, mostly to layer but because of that it is used the most.... Byredo does absolutely nothing for me... Nothing from there I like at all

damn flexin on us in the first 10secs huh

I think you’re spot on about a few things. People sometimes hate on popular fragrances to show they’re above the best and their olfactory senses have grown above and beyond something that’s so expensive and niche. When I smelled Le Labo Santal 33 for the first time, it felt like nothing I’d ever smelled before. So unique and polarising, but it depends on the objective of wearing a fragrance. If you want everyone to smell you; wear YSL Libre intense or BR540, if you want people to smell you and think; damn I’ve never smelled anything like this before, she must have spent a fortune to buy this, well then maybe Grand soir or Byredo or whatever is unique and expensive. I think new money vs. old money could be a good topic for your next video Xerjoff vs Guerlain, anyone? ☺️

Comme Des garcons is underrated

Byredo should spend their money more on research how to make their longevity stays longer. Le labo should research how tonmake their projection bigger.

MFK doesn’t deserve to get lumped up with the other two brands if we’re being honest. What you’re saying relates to the other two a whole lot more than to MFK imo.

I pray that GF silver never becomes as popular as BR540

The “average” person or “mass” are not spending $500 on something “safe”

Girl send me gentle fluidity silver thanks

To me, Byredo is the biggest SCAM in fragrance industry. For the money you pay you don't even get the minimum performance to even enjoy the generic fragrances they have.

Byredo is my least liked brand

Byredo and Le Labo cater to the "clean girl asthetic" thats been a huge trend. Natural, raw, made on the spot, minimalism with the packaging. Fkng boring if you ask me. No personality.

Do me a favour and wear another 13 for a week. The way you speak about salt and paper is what I get with another 13. And as a frag head it’s not something I initially liked, this is not a fragrance that you should rate on smell. It’s the way the scent since it’s more of a molecule frag

I’ll take them MFK off your hands lol

based video. overpriced luxery brands made for rich people.

You do not express love. You are a hater. Grand Soir and some of the City Exclusives are fire. You are not fair and balanced.

Le labo highly OVERRATED. MFK is such a great house imo, Oud Satin Mood Extrait, Br540 Extrait, Gentle Fluidity Silver & Grand Soir 🫶