8 Black-Owned Fragrance Brands to Shop At Sephora, Nordstrom & More
Black History Month is every month.
Welcome to the thirty-seventh issue of Black Girl Perfume Club! Let’s dive right in.
Happy Tuesday! You know here at Black Girl Perfume Club, we like to celebrate the Black perspective on fragrance all year round, but we have to make sure we’re rounding up the best Black-owned fragrances you can shop at your go-to stores like Sephora, Nordstrom and more.
Why just these mainstream stores? I chose these specific ones as they’re the most accessible, and you can ensure that the product has been vetted for quality and you’ll receive it at the most punctual time, whether you purchase it online or in-store. I also had an interesting conversation with an older family member who wasn’t even aware that Black-owned fragrances exist, and her first question was, “Is that available at Nordstrom?” That just goes to show that sometimes it’s easier to meet folks where they’re at already on their buying journey. For some folks, it’s simply easier to shop at a big box store than it is at a niche perfumery or individual brand website, and that’s okay.
Also, some of you may like to accrue those points! I know I’m one of them, so I don’t mind at all. Read on for the best Black-owned perfume and candle brands you can shop online, and please share with friends of all ethnic backgrounds, beyond Black History Month. Note: There are no images in this post since it would be too large to email. I’ll add them later. Thanks!
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This Week’s Fragrance Diary
Initio ‘Narcotica Delight’ - Worn on Valentine’s Day.
Billie Eilish ‘Eilish No. 1’ - Worn to church.
Sol de Janeiro ‘Cheirosa 59’ - Worn while writing this newsletter.
New Releases
Black-Owned Fragrance Brands
Brown Girl Jane
Founded by Nia and Malaika Jones, Brown Girl Jane is one of the preeminent Black-owned fragrance brands that you can find in mass retailers like Nordstrom. ‘Dusk’ is one of their most popular fragrances, mixing creamy almond and sandalwood for a sexy elixir. ($102, Buy from Nordstrom)
Chris Collins
On the luxury end, Chris Collins was founded by the namesake Black model, creating scents inspired by romance and his home in Harlem, New York City. You can find his scents in Sephora, Nordstrom and more. ‘Long Kiss Goodnight’ is a personal favorite of mine, blending coffee, peony and rose. (Starting at $50, Buy from Sephora)
Fenty by Rihanna
You may remember the fragrances of Rihanna’s past like Rebel Fleur, but her latest offerings are definitely more mature and high-end. Her new signature scent ‘Fenty’ smells like a rose garden with a hint of orange blossom, for a gorgeously feminine but confident scent. (Starting at $39, Buy from Sephora)
Harlem Candle Co.
Similar to Chris Collins, Harlem Candle Co. is rooted in the neighborhood of Harlem’s Black heritage. Created by Teri Johnson, Harlem Candle Company has collaborated with Macy’s on a small line of candles, and are also venturing into creating personal fragrances under the moniker Harlem Perfume Co. ($65, Buy from Macy’s)
HIMistry Naturals
HIMistry is known for their line of personal care items for men, but they’ve also worked with Nordstrom on a debut fragrance ‘Alpha’ at a super-accessible pricepoint. With notes of amber, cinnamon and cedarwood, this scent is a universally pleasing masculine fragrance bound to make any man feel ready for what the world may throw at him. ($55, Buy at Nordstrom)
MOODEAUX
MOODEAUX is one of the first Black-owned brands that inspired me to start Black Girl Perfume Club. The owner Brianna Arps has an incredible mission of creating fragrance that influences your mood, and she’s managed to bottle that with ‘Worthy’ and ‘Punkstar.’ ‘Worthy’ is my personal favorite of the two and smells like the quintessential Black woman, warm and inviting. ($98, Buy it at Credo) Note: I was a Black in Fragrance grant recipient in 2022, sponsored by Moodeaux.
Ourside
Ourside is another Black-owned fragrance that emerged around the time of MOODEAUX, sparking a Black fragrance renaissance. Their scents feel very earthy and unique on my skin and they’re formulated for sensitive skin. Win-win. (Starting at $79, Buy it at Credo)
Scotch Porter
Another Black-owned men’s grooming brand in the mix, Scotch Porter has dabbled in the world of fragrance, releasing their top fragrance ‘Badlands’ at Macy’s. The pricepoint is super accessible and complements their other men’s products like body washes and beard oils. ($70, Buy it from Macy’s)
On the ‘Gram
What We’re Reading
I'm a Huge Fan of M&S Perfumes—These 6 Could Easily Pass for Designer (Who What Wear)
New Zealand Fragrance House To Enter Us Market After Securing $24M Deal With Target, Walmart (NewsHub)
The 15 Best Nontoxic Candles to Help You Relax (& Breathe Easier) (PureWow)