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

2023 . 01 . 12 written by Karen Marin

Essencional's original content

The People of Niche Perfumery

Noses

+5

Alexandre Helwani: the up-and-coming, serendipitous perfumer

Serendipity, according to the Oxford dictionary, means “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way”. Alexandre Helwani could say serendipity has played a part in launching his career, making a rising star of this dynamic, under-30 perfumer. From high school afternoons spent learning about raw materials in the bazar of Dubai, to college days in Paris, funded by selling incense to churches, here’s a man with an atypical background where doors opened through chance encounters. Having trained in the old artisanal style from master to apprentice, his fresh approach is continuously being refined with each new challenging project that comes his way. I caught up with Alexandre in between tradeshows and projects so he could give me the rest of his story.

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2023 . 01 . 10 selected by Editorial Board

Marketing

Trends

What does it take to be a successful luxury brand today?

Luxury goods are remarkably resilient in the face of economic downturns, even if today’s consumer is in the mindset of “buy better, buy less”. Along with quality, craftsmanship and originality, there’s more to the recipe for success: a brand needs to be desirable. A few top brands share their secrets on how to maintain that love affair with the consumer to ensure growth and staying power.

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How to make a difference and beat the competition

2023 . 01 . 12 selected by Editorial Board

Beauty

Marketing

Retail

Clean Beauty's 2023 Makeover Should Focus on Education, Functionality and Claims

What exactly is clean beauty? Therein lies the dilemma as the claim is still unclear for consumers, brands and retailers. A recent class action suit in the US against Sephora just goes to show how much confusion is out there. It’s time for “clean” communication that’s transparent, understandable and honest.

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Global Cosmetic Industry sheds light on the concept of Clean Beauty

2023 . 01 . 10 selected by Editorial Board

Perfume

Noses

Fragrance lovers

+3

5 Perfume Trends Happening in 2023, Thanks To TikTok

Independent perfumer Rosie Jane Johnson of By/Rosie Jane is experiencing a surge in sales induced by Instagram and TikTok influencers. People are craving comfort and calm with a bit of nurturing thrown in, yet there’s also a need for experimentation. Gone are the days of signature scents as people embrace the fragrance wardrobe concept. But keep it small because in 2023, we’re still far from long term commitments!

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How social media and TikTok in particular, influence industry trends.
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.

2023 . 01 . 10 selected by Editorial Board

Perfume

Fragrance lovers

Ingredients

+1

PUIG JUST LAUNCHED THE WIKIPEDIA OF PERFUME

Puig, in collaboration with Michael Edwards’ Fragrances of the World, is on a mission to make fragrance discovery – and shopping - easier for the consumer. The new WikiParfum website and app taps into a database of over 20,000 mainstream and niche fragrance brands, so in a few clicks there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips. This tool empowers the user to find alternatives to favorites or to branch out to try something new.

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An unmissable site for perfume lovers.

2023 . 01 . 05 written by Laurence Arrigo Klove

Essencional's original content

Noses

Perfume

+4

With a Spanish soul, Nur fragrances bring light to our life

The creator’s name, Nuria du Chêne de Vère, unfolds an intricate love for Spain, for inspiring travels, and refined perfumes. Her passion needs freedom to create.

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2022 . 12 . 30 written by Silvio Levi

Essencional's original content

A very Essencional year

Dear Readers,

After such a complex two-year period characterized by dramatic and decidedly unexpected events, we know how high expectations are for the New Year.

For our part, using our skills and directing our passions, we have worked intensely to create a space where we monitor the most creative and original aspects of the perfumery and beauty sectors.

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2022 . 12 . 22 written by Karen Marin

Essencional's original content

Books

Education

+2

Fragrance at Your Fingertips: A Book Review of The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide To Choosing Your Next Scent

Call me old school but I get a distinct pleasure from holding a book as opposed to looking at a screen. I like to turn the pages rather than scroll around, and I might even highlight the important passages out of truly old school habits. It’s why, perfumista that I am, I had to get myself a copy of The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide To Choosing Your Next Scent. This hefty tome, co-authored by artisan perfumer and writer Sarah McCartney – the nose behind 4160 Tuesdays - and perfume journalist and blogger Samantha Scriven, is more than a guide: it’s a reference book that provides a brief history on the origins of fragrance, how-to’s for selecting and wearing a fragrance plus easy-to-understand information on composition and ingredients. And that’s all in addition to the commentary on nearly 500 fragrances. Shall we turn the page and take a closer look?

If you’ve left your holiday gift shopping to the last minute and there’s a perfumista on your list, this book will make the perfect present!

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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.

2022 . 12 . 20 selected by Editorial Board

Perfume

Retail

Fragrance lovers

+2

We Love This Store: NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie, Stendal, Germany + First Anniversary Giveaway.

Veronika (Nika) Hamdusch, the owner of NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie, an independent perfumery in Germany, in the city of Stendal made the courageous decision to open her boutique during the pandemic. It has turned out to be a great success and is celebrating its one year anniversary this month!
One of the most memorable aspects of her time at NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie was Ms. Hamdusch's expertise in matching scents to her clientele. Visitors are welcome to try the scents, after chatting over coffee or even champagne. This relaxed approach has ensured a loyal and happy community.

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Cafleurebon takes us to the discovery of NIKA Secret Avenue Parfümerie.

2022 . 12 . 20 selected by Editorial Board

Perfume

Marketing

Trends

+2

Fragrance Creators Association Debuts Responsible Industry Stewardship Program

The Fragrance Creators Association has announced the creation of the Fragrance Creators Association Responsible Industry Stewardship Pledge. The commitment consists of 10 key principles focused on environmental and social impacts, sustainability, employee growth and development, worker safety and good governance. Farah K. Ahmed, president and CEO of Fragrance Creators, shared, “The industry's sustainable growth depends on a healthy planet and respect for the people and communities who inhabit it today and tomorrow. This is the purpose of this commitment and we thank our members for their commitment to responsible management of the fragrance value chain”.

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The Fragrance Creators Association's 10 principles for responsible industry management.