13 perfumes from Indian brands that will leave you buried under a heap of compliments
Would you prefer smelling like a snack, a tropical holiday or a garden in bloom?
Perfumes are the Hermiones of your beauty box. You can always count on them to come through and have your back in any situation—a warm, musky vanilla scent will be your invisible wing-woman on a date, making sure you turn heads with just one flick of the wrist. A smoky leather and tobacco fragrance has your back in the boardroom, helping you channel power and self-possession. And that fresh floral perfume? It’ll help you breeze through chaotic family get-togethers, giving Shalini aunty something more interesting to ask than the dreaded “Shaadi kab karogi?”
Because let’s face it, a good perfume is more than just about smelling good. It’s about setting the mood and reflecting who you are in the moment. But finding that perfect scent—one that’s not too overpowering, avoids the dreaded Parachute Jasmine tel scent, and still fits your budget, can feel like trying to stargaze in a smoggy city sky—impossible.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a round-up of 13 perfumes from Indian brands that’ll never let you down and won’t break the bank either. Go ahead, treat yourself—because while the prettiest thing you can wear is your smile, a perfume that encapsulates your essence is a close second.
13 perfumes from Indian brands that will leave you smelling like a dream
Baked Vanilla EDP by Fraganote, ₹1,599 (50ml)
If you want to smell expensive and classy, Fraganote is just the brand for you. The founders Arjun Anand and Garima Kakkar wanted to create high-quality perfumes that conveyed the story of different places around the world, from the green apples of Australia, beach holidays of Barcelona, the berries of Spain to the cafes of France. Crafted with fragrance oils, these scents linger long after the day is over.
For our money, their most delectable scent is Baked Vanilla, especially if gourmand fragrances are your weakness. With top notes of sweet maple syrup and creamy vanilla bean blending seamlessly into heart notes of hazelnut and cupcake, and a warm base of cinnamon — you’ll smell like you’re always just coming from spending hours at a French bakery.
Red Elixir Perfume EDP by House of EM5™ ₹1,499 (50ml)
If you were a perfume, what would you smell like? Fresh and zesty like citrus, sultry and mysterious like musk, or bold and edgy like smoky leather? Oh, you’re the perfect blend of Geet from Jab We Met and K3G’s Poo? Enter House of EM5™, a brand where you’re sure to find a scent that hits that personality sweet spot for you.
Our pick for you from their range: Red Elixir. Described as “spring in a bottle,” this perfume feels like a stroll through a lush fruit orchard on a crisp spring afternoon. The fruity top notes of red apple and litchi mingle beautifully with floral heart notes of jasmine and May rose, and then settle into a warm, velvety base of vanilla and musk, giving the scent a feminine and flirty charm.
First Rain Attar by Isak, ₹1,190 (12ml)
When it comes to fragrances, trust a brand backed by 170 years of experience. Isak is run by the sixth generation of the Vijayvergia family, who have curated exquisite fragrances for decades. They trace their origins to the royal courts of Lucknow in the 1850s when Mr Chhunnamal Vijayvergiya crafted natural fragrances for royal families. Today, that legacy carries on in Isak, which believes in keeping the romance, ishq or passion central to any fragrance profile they curate.
For a truly unique experience, skip the spray and embrace the charm of a traditional attar, made with 100% pure perfume oil. One of their standout creations, First Rain, captures the magic of petrichor. With just a dab, you’ll feel like you’re walking barefoot on freshly watered grass, the aroma of wet soil and fresh timber enveloping your senses and soothing your soul — a poetic ode to the beauty of the first monsoon showers.
Valley of Flowers EDP by A Fragrance Story, ₹899 (50ml)
If you’ve dreamed of going on a voyage across India, but there’s just never enough vacation leave, here’s another way to do it: olfactorily. Pune-based perfume brand A Fragrance Story is an homage the country’s rich heritage by capturing the essence of its diverse regions in a bottle. Each fragrance offers a sensory journey, be it the oriental Pink City perfume honouring the royal heritage of Jaipur, or the aquatic fragrance Goa Com Amor that takes you to the sandy beaches of the coastal state.
We recommend Valley of Flowers. Inspired by the breathtaking meadows of Uttarakhand’s famed valley, this scent opens with fresh, zesty notes of orange before blooming into a floral medley of honeysuckle, jasmine and patchouli. As it settles, the warmth of amber lends it an ambery aroma, evoking the serene, lush beauty of a mountain escape.
Hasrat-e-Oudh EDP by Sugandhco, ₹700, (50ml)
Another gem from the Vijayvergia family, Sugandhco is a luxury fragrance brand that has been crafting brilliant scents since 1980. The brand is known for its exquisite oudh perfumes that pay tribute to the Nawabs of Oudh in Lucknow, especially Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who were committed patrons of the perfume industry. Oudh is a unique scent because it has the ability to interact with a person’s skin chemistry, elevating the muskiness and creating an exotic scent that is sexy, brooding and raw.
From Sugandhco’s Oudh offerings, the star is Hasrat-e-Oudh, a smoky, leathery masterpiece with notes of cigar, suede, amber and musk. This evocative scent commands attention and lends the wearer a mysterious and seductive aura, making it the perfect choice to spritz for a sophisticated soirée or a sensual night in with your partner (or yourself).
Pepper Infused in Wood by Naso Profumi,₹5,500 (50ml)
If spicy fragrances are your go-to, no brand makes a better case for them than Naso. An artisanal perfumery, Naso pays homage to India’s rich smorgasbord of spices by infusing them into attar. With Naso, founder Astha Suri wanted to create scents that would link ayurvedic healing and fragrance, and make for an experience akin to aromatherapy.
One of their most special creations is Pepper Infused in Wood. This unique scent opens with the fresh aroma of natural cedar wood essence, transitions into the fiery warmth of pepper, and finally settles into a base of rich cedar oil. The result? A smoky, woody fragrance that feels like you’re relaxing in a warm bubble bath with essential oils, washing away the day’s worries. Though this pick is on the higher end of the budget stick as compared to others in the list, it’s completely worth the spend.
Sandalwood Attar by Raahi Parfums, ₹2,159 (12ml)
When a place abundant in exotic flowers, fragrant roses and grasses, also sits at a sweet spot on the ancient trade routes, it’s only natural that it’s christened the country’s perfume capital. That’s the story of Kannauj, a story well captured in the offerings of Raahi Parfums, headquartered in the city. A seven-generational family business, Raahi was founded in 1818 when Mr Ayodhya Prasad started producing perfumes and perfumery ingredients in Kannauj. Over its decades of history, the brand has successfully used local ingredients to curate essential oils, attars and spritz perfumes for its expanding consumer base.
While their EDPs are delightful, we recommend Raahi’s Sandalwood Attar, which in just one whiff can transport you straight to childhood—it’s a festive morning and you’re watching your dadi perform pooja with the soft curl of incense smoke rising in the air. The intense aroma of sandalwood mingles with the fresh scents of mogra and genda, filling every corner of the house. A stairwell to happy childhood heaven, this attar is a treasure.
Arcane by Albatross, ₹2,799 (100ml)
If you’re someone who loves shopping in the men’s section, especially for perfumes, you’re not alone. There’s something undeniably appealing about bold scents that exude confidence. Albatross understands this allure and offers a range of fragrances that are designed in UAE and manufactured in India, combining the perfume sensibilities of both countries. From rich, sensual aromas to fresh, citrusy delights, their collection has something to appeal to the yin and yang sides of you.
We recommend trying their best-seller, Arcane. This captivating fragrance opens with the soothing freshness of lavender, evolves into heart notes of Tolu balm and Iris pallida, and rests on a strong, lasting base of vanilla and patchouli. The result? A blend that’s soft, unassuming and familiar at the start and then settles into an emphatic and mysterious scent, evoking a complex persona that unravels unhurriedly.
Jasmine attar by Boond Fragrances, ₹2,499 (12ml)
Want the same perfume that actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal gifted their guests as wedding favours? You want Boond. This brand, born out of a sibling duo’s desire to support artisans and revive the art of perfume-making in Kannauj during COVID-19, offers fragrances that are handcrafted from ingredients sourced locally and slow-distilled in a copper vessel with the deg-bhapka method. The perfumes from Boond are alcohol-free and made from organic ingredients without any harmful chemicals, which makes them as gentle as they are decadent.
For all plant parents, we recommend trying their Jasmine attar which will remind you of your babies back home when you’re away on a work trip or vacation. Its floral, mildly sweet aroma evokes the serenity of a lazy Sunday morning, as you lounge in your living room, surrounded by the soothing scent of freshly watered plants and blooming flowers. Also, the compact packaging makes the bottle easy to throw into your purse for top-ups on the go. Win-win.
In The Spotlight EDP by Nisara Beauty, ₹999 (100ml)
Need to project ‘old money’ on a budget? Nisara Beauty has got you. The Delhi-based brand wanted to make luxurious fragrances accessible because they believe that everyone should be able to indulge in the finer things without having to worry if you’ll have enough left over for your monthly recurring deposit. Nisara’s creations promise an ultra-luxe experience, from their opulent packaging to the captivating scents that exude sophistication and exclusivity.
For a fragrance that’ll have you stepping into your ‘Zendaya on the red carpet’ era, we recommend The Spotlight. Perfect for those moments when you want all eyes on you (Leos, listen up!), this perfume opens with a burst of mandarin and lemon, paired with the juicy allure of pear. The heart notes of jasmine and orange blossom radiate sensual femininity, while the base of vanilla, musk, and amber adds a creamy richness—ensuring you leave a lingering impression wherever you go.
Tuscany Brunch by Aeronot, ₹1,699 (50ml)
From France, with love—literally. Every raw ingredient in Aeronot Perfumes has travelled saat samundar paar from the fields of France to make its way into your beauty closet. A gender-neutral brand, Delhi-based Aeronot was started by two brothers who wanted to bring the art of French perfumery to India. Aeronot seeks to bottle up scents that evoke emotions and memories—a summer vacation with your besties, a morning stroll with dadaji at Lodhi Gardens, or watching the sunset on Marine Drive with your high school boyfriend.
Try Tuscany Brunch, which captures the essence of a summer holiday. It opens with the sweet notes of rose and litchi, reminiscent of a welcome drink at a hotel during vacation. The scent then settles into the freshness of bergamot, offering a zesty punch, followed by the base note of patchouli, which adds depth to the fragrance. One spritz of this fragrance will transport you to the streets of Florence, enjoying mimosas in a sundress as you soak in the sights and sounds.
Citrus Leather by The Perfumatory, ₹1,500 (50ml)
The Perfumatory, which was born out of founder Jay Vira’s passion for mixology, creates fragrances that are bold and niche and will make others stand up and take notice. In a world where everyone is looking for YSL Libre’s affordable dupe, if you want to veer down a quirky fragrance route, this is where to look. You can DM them on Instagram to place an order for any of their unique blends. They also customise scents so you can get a perfume that’s quintessentially you.
Citrus Leather is their hero scent that blends freshness with warmth and depth. It opens with zesty ginger, lemon oil, bergamot and raspberry, then melts into the heart notes of spicy pepper and cool mint. It finally settles into a sophisticated base of vetiver, leather, and musk, leaving a warm, smoky finish. Perfect for those with a sense of self-possession, this fragrance adapts effortlessly to both day and night.
Solid 2 – Floral Spicy by Joon, ₹3,200 (6g)
If you’re a loyal consumer of Korean beauty, then Joon has to be on your ‘to buy’ list. In a market overflowing with liquid perfumes, Joon stands out with its solid perfumes. Though an Indian company, Kanika Bhatia, the founder, partnered with a Korean perfumery and chemist to bring clean, vegan, alcohol-free fragrances to India. The balmy formulation ensures the fragrance lingers long after you’ve applied it, and the gentle ingredients like aloe vera and jojoba seed oil ensure it works for all skin types.
If you want to smell like a garden in full bloom, Joon’s Floral Spicy is the right scent for you. It expertly combines the fresh, grassy smell of tulips with the sensuality of amber, giving you a multi-dimensional fragrance that’s fresh and floral but also lightly seductive. Perfect if you love floral fragrances with a hint of musk.
