In this “affordable” listicle, I’m rounding up four affordable perfume brands in Singapore. All these homegrown fragrance labels offer unique scents to complement your outfit.
Regarding fragrances, most still opt for “big brand” options that one finds in departmental stores. News flash: those aren’t very good and are often overpriced. Instead of buying a brand name perfume, why not opt for a homegrown perfume brand – don’t smell like everyone else.
Update: I’m pleased to list some of the below-mentioned perfume brands on my new web-store, The Shiok Shop. If you’re looking for bang-for-buck deals, do check out the web-store.
1) Lynk Fragrances
Those looking for home fragrances should look at Lynk Fragrances, which offers everything from scented candles to poo fighters.
Who they are: “Here at Lynk Fragrances, in the heart of Singapore, we do more than just create smells; we create lasting moments that stay with you long after the candle burns out. Our collection of organic scented candles reflects our commitment to celebrating the natural beauty of our planet and bringing the world’s most enchanting scents into your home.”
My opinion: Lynk Fragrances offers one of the largest collections of scented products locally, with the All-You-Need Gift Set (pictured above) being a great way to experience Lynk Fragrances’ wide repertoire of home and personal products. Of the lot, I enjoyed the Fig & Lotus Scented Candle, Sinus Relief Shower Steamer, and Evening at the Westin Body Lotion the most. As compared to mainstream candle brands (such as Yankee Candle), Lynk Fragrances’ candles are a cut above, burning cleaner and longer with more complex scents. I also found the shower steamer to be a luxurious addition to my showering experience – the Sinus Relief scent strips away my grogginess during morning showers – while the body lotion leaves my skin hydrated and refreshed afterwards.
Prices: Prices start at a mere $6.90. As Lynk Fragrances is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, readers can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all products online.
Where to buy: Interested readers can purchase from their online store here.
2) Maison 21G
Maison 21G specialises in “tailor-made perfumes”, allowing customers to create their unique scent at an affordable price.
Who they are: “We’re a House of Scent Designers. Come inside and feel empowered to experiment with the finest ingredients. With us, you’ll be able to unlock your soul scent. Free of all toxins and hazards, this is a scent of your own. Made by you, for you.”
My opinion: I love Maison 21G – they are undoubtedly one of my favourites on this list. I love their concept of “tailoring” a scent for yourself. As you know, I’m quite big on tailoring and was immensely intrigued by bringing the same notion over to fragrances. How Maison 21G works is simple – they have over 30 different solo scents, which customers can combine to make their unique scent. According to the brand, there are over a hundred different combinations for customers to explore! My favourite has to be combining Tea Time with Terrific Tonka, as well as Cannabis Cloud with Ginger Game. Maison 21G also offers a perfume workshop, where participants can learn about the history and art of perfume making, as well as get the opportunity to bespeak their scent. Oh yes – Maison 21G also offers free engraving on each of their perfume bottles, so they make great gifts as well. Perfume roll-ons are also available for those who prefer non-alcoholic products. For those interested, I chronicled my initial experiences of attending a workshop at Maison 21G’s Duxton outlet here, their ION outlet here, and at their MBS outlet here. I reviewed my follow-up experience at the (now defunct) Duxton boutique here and, most recently, the Advanced Perfume Atelier at the MBS showroom here. I also reviewed their home scents here and their new Dual Crayon creation here.
Prices: A 30ml EDP bottle (combination of two scents) starts at $150, while their perfume workshop starts at $180. For those interested, the promo code “WAHMAISON20” will grant readers 20% off all perfume workshop bookings from Maison 21G online (including both weekdays and weekends), as well as all other products on their webstore.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their online store here.
3) Best Perfume Store
Best Perfume Store specialises in offering affordable “dupes” of renowned fragrances at affordable prices.
Who they are: Best Perfume Store boasts its in-house production, and operates on a direct-to-consumer model with no additional margins (investors, distribution or resale). As such, the brand can keep its prices down, with its 100ml Parfum bottles starting at just $59. All their processes are HSA-compliant, cruelty-free, and the brand even promises lifetime support for the perfumes. They boldly proclaim themselves to be the “most affordable in the country” – that might be true.
My opinion: Best Perfume Store does a stellar job of duplicating the original scents and offers its perfume at very affordable prices. If you’re a fan of luxury fragrances from the likes of Le Labo, Dior, Chanel, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jo Malone, and Penhaligons (you know, those atas stores that you see in ION Orchard and MBS), but don’t feel like burning a hole in your wallet to wear those scents, then Best Perfume Store is a no-brainer. It’s also a great way to try out different scents as well, before committing to the original (if that is what you desire). In today’s age of rising costs, it’s refreshing to come across a brand that genuinely helps you save money. For more details, I reviewed BestPerfumeStore’s perfumes here.
Prices: A 100ml Parfum bottle starts from $69.
Where to buy: Interested readers can purchase from their online store here.
4) Singapore Memories
Next on the list is the homegrown perfume brand Singapore Memories, which, as the name suggests, offers perfumes inspired by Singaporean heritage.
Who they are: “Singapore Memories is trying to research these fragrant and therapeutic Orchids of Asia and bring them to you as perfumes, room aroma and eventually as skin care.”
My opinion: You guys know how much I love supporting local brands – this entire website is dedicated to that – and I love it when homegrown brands unabashedly pay homage to their local roots. Singapore Memories has a nice variety of perfumes available, all at very affordable prices. My personal favourites are the Aranda 1965, the Singapore Girl, and the Orchids by the Bay. The Aranda 1965 makes for a great everyday perfume to the office, with the Singapore Girl being a nice exotic option for a night out whilst the lighter Orchids by the Bay is perfect for a weekend out with friends. Lastly, I have to shout out the Peranakan Oud too – it’s very affordable for an Oud perfume, yet still possesses some unique characteristics. I think they make great souvenirs for tourists/overseas friends as well. For those who are interested, I did an in-depth review of the full range of Singapore Memories’ perfumes, which you can read here. I also reviewed their room fragrances here. In addition, I attended a perfume workshop by them – I chronicled my experience here.
Prices: A 18ml EDT bottle starts at $28. As Singapore Memories is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, readers can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all products online.
Where to buy: Interested readers can purchase from their online store here. A curated selection of Singapore Memories perfumes can also be found on The Shiok Shop.
Other listicles
If you found this listicle helpful, do check out some of my other listicles below:
- 12 Best Tailors in Singapore
- 7 Best Watch Straps Brands in Singapore
- 3 Best Dress Shoes Brands in Singapore
- 5 Best Wallets Brands in Singapore
- 7 Best Watch Brands from Singapore
- 4 Best Men’s Work Bags Brands in Singapore
- 9 Best Hotels in Singapore for Daycations and Staycations in Singapore
- 7 Best Web Design Companies in Singapore
- 3 Best Tailors in Bangkok
- 3 Best Perfume Workshops in Singapore
- 4 Best Aesthetic Clinics and Treatments for Men in Singapore
- 3 Best Spectacles Shops in Singapore
Conclusion
I’m incredibly proud of the local fragrance scene – I was surprised when I discovered that there were so many Singapore perfume brands, offering fragrances more intriguing than those found in departmental stores. To me, the right fragrance adds the perfect finishing touch to one’s outfit. Smell good, and support local businesses at the same time. What’s not to like?
The majority of perfume brands mentioned in this listicle can be found on The Shiok Shop, which serves as a curation of my favourite local items that I’ve reviewed. If you’re looking for the best prices, check the new web-store out.
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
