San FranciscofragranceBest of San FranciscoPerfume

San Francisco's Perfume Artisans Create Unique Scents (PHOTOS)

PHOTOS: Fancy Fragrances From Local Perfume Artistans
Tami Yu
|

The allure of perfume has been seducing mankind for thousands of years, and the SF Bay Area is a hotbed of modern olfactory magic. We've gathered our favorite scent artisans below, who have beguiled our senses with their alchemy of skill and refined sensibility.

Aftelier(01 of06)
Open Image Modal
Aftelier's Mandy Aftel is a recognized authority of fragrances. Three of her scents have garnered FiFi finalist nods thisyear (Oscars of the perfume world), which is no small feat. Her new unisex scent, Haute Claire, will be released this month. Highlighting the edgy greenness of galbanum, it plays with creamy ylang ylang, honeysuckle and warm vetiver. She also has a sumptuous line of chef's essences for home chefs.Aftelier, 1442A Walnut Street at Vine Street, Berkeley (510-841-2111 or aftelier.com) (credit:Courtesy of Aftelier)
Agraria(02 of06)
Open Image Modal
As the oldest home fragrance company in the U.S., Agrariaformed its San Franciscan roots within a Nob Hill boutique in 1970.The award-winning Balsam Luxury Soap is a signature product as well asthe legendary Bitter Orange collection. The brand will also launch thenew Cedar Rose collection this fall.Available at Gump's, 135 Post Street at Kearny Street (800-824-3632 oragrariahome.com) (credit:Courtesy of Agraria)
YOSH(03 of06)
Open Image Modal
Local perfumer, clairvoyant and aromachologist Yosh Han incorporates aura readings with her custom blends to align perfectlywith each client's vibration. We adore the dreamy and fresh Stargazer 7.71, which is highly irresistible on both men and women. Her exquisite retail collection is also available online at Barneys.By appointment only (415-626-5385 or eaudeyosh.com) (credit:Courtesy of YOSH)
elizabethW(04 of06)
Open Image Modal
Named after his great-grandmother, elizabethW founder Albert Nichols has been creating his signature scents since 1995. Handmade in small batches, the fragrances all contain essential oils. Their soy candles and French lavender sachets are all heavenly. Insider tip: folks can custom order their discontinued scents if ingredients are still available.elizabethW, Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street at Larkin Street (415-351-2800 or elizabethw.com) (credit:Courtesy of elizabethW)
In Fiore(05 of06)
Open Image Modal
Lovingly made with organic, wild crafted, and biodynamic ingredients, In Fiore's ethically crafted Parfum Solides use organicjojoba oil as a base. Two new exotic perfume solids will be released this summer: Saffron of Kashmir and Oud White Rose. The local company also boasts a robust line of skincare, body oils and nourishing balms.In Fiore, 868 Post Street at Hyde Street (415-928-5661 or infiore.net) (credit:Courtesy of In Fiore)
Ineke(06 of06)
Open Image Modal
Professional nose Ineke Rühland is one of a handful of classically trained perfumers in the world. Romantic and nostalgic, her woody oriental fragrance Field Notes From Paris was inspired by her perfumery studies in France. She will also have a limited edition line, called Floral Curiosities, for Anthropologie in August.Ineke, 4640 17th Street at Belvedere Street (415- or ineke.com (credit:Courtesy of Ineke)

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip