Promoting innovation and high creativity in the development of Niche Perfumery and Cosmetics

2026 . 06 . 01 written by Silvio Levi

Essencional's original content

Events

Perfume

+1

Mala tempora currunt! (These are troubled times)

Silvio Levi, co-founder of Esxence, gives us his take on what to expect at this year's event where the theme, “Sensing the World”, invites us to return to the present, to be more attuned to our surroundings, and to remember the scents preserved in our memory.

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2026 . 06 . 01 selected by Editorial Board

Retail

Events

Fragrance lovers

From cocktails to scent swaps: Inside China’s experiential perfume clubs

Scent events in China are taking the form of perfume swaps, smelling soirées and fragrant cocktail parties. Touted as a way to escape loneliness while having an immersive learning experience, it’s all about promoting education and discovery while providing a new channel for brands ready to transition from cross-border eCommerce to a physical space.

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The go-to places for perfume enthusiasts in China

2026 . 06 . 01 selected by Editorial Board

Events

Ingredients

R&D

Once neglected, Grasse has reclaimed its place as the beating heart of perfumery

As Grasse geared up to host SIMPPAR 2026, it was evident change had occurred in the perfume capital of France. From the remarkable increase in investments made by major oil houses, to the renewed focus on this location for premium ingredients, Grasse is experiencing a well-deserved revival.

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Site of SIMPPAR 2026, Grasse remains crucial for perfume production

2026 . 06 . 01 selected by Editorial Board

Fragrance lovers

Perfume

What’s up with fakemink’s perfume obsession?

Over the years we at Essencional have observed more and more ties between fragrance and music. Meet UK-based rapper fakemink who weaves fragrance names and the power of scent into his lyrics. With new tracks like “Creed” on his latest album, can we expect a fragrance collaboration in the near future?

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UK rapper references niche fragrances in his lyrics
Essencional - The Paper
Have you ever asked yourself what’s behind the world of artistic perfumery? We have collected numbers, conversations, and trends of a world that has always been fascinating and inspiring.

2026 . 06 . 01 selected by Editorial Board

Perfume

R&D

Technology and Innovation

Swipe, Layer, Wear: Inside the Rise of Fragrance’s New Ritual Opportunity

Today’s fragrance consumer is searching for new ways to wear scent which also provide skin benefits. In this article, the co-founder at Scentinvent, who works with brands in premium, masstige and mass categories, talks about how these references can be added into grooming and layering rituals, offering the customer a more complete fragrance experience.

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Scentinvent develops new formats for fragrance layering

2026 . 05 . 27 written by Laurence Arrigo Klove

Essencional's original content

Perfume

People

+2

Tune in to Smell Stories, an independent Belgian perfume station

Kurt and Stéphane run the business entirely by themselves. They aptly shuffle independent brands in their experience room for their perfume’s lovers' community.

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2026 . 05 . 25 written by Karen Marin

Essencional's original content

The People of Niche Perfumery

Brands

+1

Notes from the Scent Front: The Guardian of a Living Perfume Heritage in Venice

Venice is much more than gondolas and the Rialto bridge: it is here that Western perfumery can trace its origins. Earlier this year our Content Director travelled to La Serenissima to dive deeper into the fragrance culture of the city today, and to meet with one of the leaders in artisanal Venetian fragrance production, Marco Vidal. A native Venetian hailing from one of the founding families of the city, here he talks about his stewardship for his brands, for the city of Venice and for fellow artisanal Venetian brands.

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2026 . 05 . 25 selected by Editorial Board

Retail

Perfume

Marketing

How fragrance brands are reimagining the in-store experience in 2026

How do you build the perfect fragrance boutique today that offers more than transactional interaction? In this article, the agencies behind several Parisian perfume shops talk about how they morph a physical space into an expression of the brand’s universe where olfactory and cultural discovery become part of the client experience.

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Translating emotion, meaning and service to the point of sale environment
Essencional - The Paper
Have you ever asked yourself what’s behind the world of artistic perfumery? We have collected numbers, conversations, and trends of a world that has always been fascinating and inspiring.

2026 . 05 . 25 selected by Editorial Board

Marketing

Business & Finance

Fragrance lovers

The Niche Fragrance Market Has a Trust Problem

Gone are the days when we had faith in brands who were different, who were challengers and who were disruptive. The proliferation of fragrance launches has ushered in a plethora of overpriced brands we simply don’t trust and don’t believe. In this article the author shares several strategic moves brands can take to overcome the rise in consumer doubt.

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What can brands do to build back consumer trust?

2026 . 05 . 25 selected by Editorial Board

Events

Fragrance lovers

Perfume

Barnes Fragrance Fair 2026 (16th May) London: Event Report

If you miss the days of small fragrance fairs, then this is the one for you! Just over 40 British brands were present at the low key Barnes Fragrance Fair, now in its fourth year. The one day event, which also featured workshops and panel talks, is a democratic space for brands to get exposure and meet the public.

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4th edition of the British event for homegrown brands