Hidden-fragrance picks promise to smell expensive without the crowd

A Daily Mail roundup by Jessica Carroll highlights under-the-radar fragrances that aim to smell expensive without the mass-market appeal. The list emphasizes scents that stand apart from mainstream brands while delivering longevity and character in daily wear. The feature notes that these options may be less common on the shelf, but are designed to help a wearer cultivate a personal signature scent.

One marquee entry is Phlur Missing Person, a fragrance that gained viral attention in 2022 and reportedly drew a waitlist of around 200,000 people. This season Phlur adds Cherry Stem, a scent that layers black cherry, plum nectar and sugared jasmine for a dark, sensual profile suited to colder months. The article also highlights Never Fully Dressed's 001 eau de parfum, whose notes blend bergamot with coffee and oud, paired with chic packaging.

Marks & Spencer is presented as a more accessible option among the roundups, with an affordable line of eau de toilettes that still feels elevated. Among the picks is a pistachio-scented fragrance featuring notes of pistachio, tuberose and tonka bean, positioned as a winter scent for those who enjoy a sweeter edge without overpowering sweetness. The emphasis is on value and approachability, with multiple options in the M&S range to suit different tastes.

Vyrao Ludatrix is described as a playful yet potent choice, inspired by passion and designed to feel addictive. Notes include lipstick and latex alongside more traditional elements such as rose. The formula blends plant and flower remedies intended to amplify energy, with orris included for courage and creativity and musk added for self-confidence.

Merit Retrospect rounds out the list as an extrait de parfum developed in Paris. With almost 30 percent fragrance oil, the scent melts into the skin for a long-lasting presence that can linger for more than 12 hours. Notes include florals, musk, vanilla and moss, creating a clean, skin-like aroma that feels both modern and intimate. The price is listed at around £79, reflecting Merit's minimalist beauty ethos paired with a high-concentration formula.

Taken together, the feature underscores a broader consumer move toward personal scent identity. In an era of standardized launches and mass appeal, editors suggest under-the-radar options can offer a more singular experience, with distinctive notes and packaging that resemble a luxury purchase without a large upfront investment. For readers seeking a unique scent that stands out, these options provide a starting point to explore a more individual fragrance wardrobe.