[unpaid/affiliate] Fragrance discovery sets are such a great way to discover a new scent – I remember when I first saw Phlur in Selfridges thinking that it was going to be a disruptor in the market…the names alone make it so. I always felt a bit uncomfortable about Missing Person although the inspiration was to bottle the feeling of longing and scent of a loved one’s skin – the founder, Chriselle Lim, took her divorce as her lead. Basically, it smells of a break-up and I just don’t see that being enticing! However, stepping back a moment, it’s one of the best sellers in the range and musky skin scents are always alluring in some way, depending upon where you’re looking from. I’d say don’t buy it in unhappiness, buy it in happiness and then it’s a whole other thing. The top notes are musk, bergamot and jasmine.
I just wouldn’t take a risk on buying this without sampling first – especially as it’s £99!
Another option is the Phlur Coffret set with Missing Person, Father Figure, Vanilla Skin and Rose Whip. Rose Whip is laced with blackcurrant, nutmeg and osmanthus and a lower layer of woods. I think Vanilla Skin speaks for itself (I’m not a vanilla fan so this would be a hard pass for me) but let’s look at Father Figure inspired by strong parenting roles – an attempt to blend masculine and feminine with figs and florals. I’m not sure this is for me either!
But the point remains that a fragrance discovery set is really such an ideal way to challenge your perceptions and take your time over what suits you and what doesn’t. Fragrance is so personal. Inside the discovery set is:
- Golden Rule -2mL Eau de Parfum
- Strawberry Letter 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Rose Whip 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Father Figure 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Mood Ring 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Soft Spot 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Missing Person 2mL Eau de Parfum
- Vanilla Skin 2mL Eau de Parfum
I think this list is really such a good representation of a disruptive brand that has grown beyond measure in its 10 years of existence. But, let’s look at that, shall we? Phlur was founded in 2015 by couple, Cynthia and Eric Korman, who wanted to create a fragrance range that was sustainability driven. However, in 2021, it was bought by accelerator brand, The Center, owned by influencer Chriselle Lim and her partner, and Chriselle became the owner and creative director. Original Phlur fragrances had names like Hepcat, Moab, and Olmsted & Vaux so you can see how much it’s changed from its origins. I think maybe for the better and in keeping with modern tastes and times – we want to be drawn in and feel like questioning our products – I’m not sure that I’d be as curious about Moab as I am about Missing Person. It’s an exciting range with challenging fragrances and if you push the marketing messages aside, will become your own story.
The discovery set is £39 HERE. The Coffret is £59 HERE.
A reminder that the majority of my content is now on Substack – it’s free to join HERE.
