BASIC, NO MORE

As small-batch niche perfumes take centre stage, are we moving away from cult and commercial scents?

- PRATIKSHA ACHARYA

We may not be privy to what goes on on TikTok anymore, but it is safe to say that the trends birthed W on the app are making inroads into our lives in the shortest possible time. Aside from dance routines and beauty hacks, one of the most significant communities on the buzzy platform is #PerfumeTok. For the uninitiated, #PerfumeTok is where droves of fragrance-ophiles come together to discover new and unique scents. It's important to note that most of them now look down upon designer and commercialised fragrances, because what's the point of smelling like every other person?

Our equivalent of 'TikTok made me buy it' is, of course, 'Instagram made me buy it. If I could have a dollar for each time IG convinced me to buy something, I'd have more money in my bank account than before I purchased another woollen jacket I didn't need. Brands also understand that luxury perfumes have gradually become a status symbol and an extension of one's personality. Why else would they come up with fragrance notes that agree with an individual's temperament? Sure, No. 5 by Chanel has been a cult favourite for years, but why are people veering towards scents that are unique to them alone?