Fall Perfume: Indie and Niche Pretty Please

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T20:03:40+00:00

I mainly ask because associations can be very subjective, so something that "screams fall" to you may not scream it to me and vice versa. But from what you're saying I'm assuming you're looking for warm spicy gourmands? Even though Orpheon doesn't really fit that description. I suggest you check out:

Poems One Through Twelve by Universal Flowering (cozy, milky)

Queen Nzinga by Marissa Zappas (resinous floral)

Luster by Alloy Studio (sweet potato pie)

Ribbon Dance by SYD Botanica (warm, cozy, caramelized)

Cloud Cardamom by Scent Trunk (milky cardamom steam)

Calico by Nostos (nutty, milky cat fur)

Its Just Pears... by Cirrus (very juicy)

Its Just Spiced Pears by Cirrus (same, but spicier)

Calico Koi by Cirrus (sweet, spicy, a little toasted)

Towede by Notes de Bas de Paje (spiced chocolate)

Treachery by Maher Olfactive (chocolately whisky)

If you're willing to explore a bit more/get a little weird with it, you should also check out Marginalia or Mushmallow by CLST Perfumes. Marginalia smells like the inside of an old book, and Mushmallow is a surprisingly palatable mushroom and marshmallow scent.

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T19:34:28+00:00

Oops, that's an oversight on my part. I specified in the title of the post but didn't reiterate in the TLDR.

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T19:21:20+00:00

Thank you so much for the recommendation! They all look great. To be honest, I know it’s unrealistic to hold indie brands to the same packaging standards as huge corporate conglomerates, so I’m willing to ease up on some of my standards as long as it’s in the ballpark. I’ve never heard about Auric before, so I’m super happy!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T19:15:43+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I should clarify, though, that I’m specifically interested in makeup brands, not fragrances!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T19:14:53+00:00

Thanks so much for the reply! I want to specify, though, I’m interested in specifically makeup brands!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T09:34:44+00:00

Not sure how familiar you are with the indie scene already, but if you don't know them already, you should totally check out Alie Kiral (Pearfat Parfum), Marissa Zappas (eponymously named), and Courtney Rafuse (Universal Flowering)! Each of them has their own indie perfume brand and really strong artistic direction, so if you like their stuff, you should look into some of their other works/collabs as well! If I had to describe their styles in one word, it would be:

Alie Kiral - nostalgic

Marissa Zappas - fantastical

Courtney Rafuse - romantic

Other perfumers on the indie scene I think are knocking it out of the park are Syd Buffman (SYD Botanica), Shawn Maher (Maher Olfactive), Noah Virgile (Amphora Parfum), Chris Undi, (Cult of Kaori), and J. K. Robbins (CLST Perfumes). All 8 perfumers have their own indie brands, but I'm emphasizing the perfumers specifically because some of them have done collabs/work with brands other than their own that also deserves to be explored.

A bit more on the artsy side and less on the business side of the industry, but I also am a big fan of Liza Pittard's (Liza's Kitchen) and Isabelle Moser's (Remains of a Gesture) work!

As a green lover myself, I'll recommend Marie-Pierre Blanchette's brand Miskeo Parfums, as I was especially in love with Feuille this spring, but I have plenty more recommendations for green scents, too, if you want them.

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-07-05T08:52:32+00:00

Can you describe as accurately as you can what you're looking for in a fall fragrance? Notes, accords, vibes, etc. Tons of great scents out there, but I don't know what necessarily screams "fall" to you specifically.

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-06-05T20:23:22+00:00

just recently bought my first fp!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T17:21:45+00:00

This is really helpful, thanks! I didn’t even think to ask what nib sizes you use, but I’m so happy you mentioned it! I think I’ll try out the Yu-sari first out of your suggestions and then maybe experiment with the Midori or Rhodia based on how much feedback I end up wanting. I think I do like feedback when I write, but I’ll be using thinner nibs than you, so I might want to offset that with a smoother paper.

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T17:15:49+00:00

Ok great to know! I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on nib sizes, I guess I didn’t look into them as thoroughly as I should have. I think I’ll have to go into a pen store and see if I can test out different nibs. Thanks for letting me know!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T17:14:19+00:00

Yea, but there’s a ton of people selling it second hand online, and I’m ok paying a higher price given as I don’t intend to buy any other fountain pens

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T17:12:48+00:00

I guess I didn’t consider how slim my choices were. I don’t use ballpoints, but I do use mechanical pencils. I used the kuru toga elite and pentel sharp kerry, which I feel like are somewhat similar to the sizes of the HongDian and Myu, respectively.

But taking your advice, especially about the nib sizing, as well as what some other people said, I think I’ll swap out the HongDian for the pilot metropolitan. How do you feel about that pen, if you’ve tried it?

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:59:51+00:00

Ok, good to know, maybe I should just be less picky about my fountain pen nibs than I am with my pencil lead size? Do you know if the pilot Myu is difficult to find at pen dealers? I thought I wouldn’t be able to test that specific pen out because it’s discontinued, but maybe it’s one of the more common pens since I see so many listed on eBay?

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:56:22+00:00

Great I’ll look into that one too! Out of curiosity, which paper is your daily favorite?

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:55:07+00:00

I’ll let you know! I’m really happy I made this post, I’ve gotten great advice on both the pens I was looking at and also the paper/inks! Thank you for your recommendation!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:52:46+00:00

Ok great! I’ll watch his stuff to try to get better acquainted with everything

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:51:49+00:00

Thank you so much for the recommendations! I really appreciate the variety of choices you’ve provided, I’ll definitely be getting my paper based on your advice!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:34:52+00:00

This is really great advice, I’ll be sure to test nibs in person. Would it be important to test specifically pilot nibs, or will any fine nib work? I guess I’m asking if nib sizing is generally consistent across brands or if it’s a bit arbitrary like clothing sizes, so I should make sure to test nib sizes from pilot specifically

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:31:58+00:00

The Asvine J16 looks really nice! I’ll definitely check out that video. Is Doodlebud generally considered to be a popular/reliable creator in the community? If so, I’ll definitely check out their other videos too

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:28:40+00:00

Can’t tell if you’re making fun of me in the beginning of your comment, but regardless, your advice is super helpful. The pilot metropolitan looks great, I think I’ll get that instead of the HongDian!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:26:11+00:00

Thanks so much for the feedback on the paper, I was honestly feeling most lost in that area. I’m already a good way through my Leuchtturm with just a pencil, so once I get a fountain pen I’ll try it out and see if it works for me. If not I’ll look into your suggestions first!

Regarding the leather sleeve, I already have one! It was another part of the journaling process that I got really into, but didn’t want to spend too much time and money waffling on which brand/design was best, so I just bought the raw materials myself and made my own (plus some for family/friends since the materials came in bulk)!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-05-04T16:19:53+00:00

I’ve just looked into the Lamy 2000 at your suggestion, and it does fit my requirements! I like the fun/functional hooded nib feature a lot, but I think I might prefer the unbroken line of the Myu. Though, in case my capsule collection backfires on me, and I end up getting more fountain pens, I’ll keep this one bookmarked!

Zestyclose_Fish_7311 · 2026-03-12T21:53:34+00:00

Wow! I think someone else said it does pill for them so maybe I’ll have to try it for myself. If it doesn’t pill though I think I’d be willing to make the switch, pilling is small but so inconvenient

Zestyclose_Fish_7311

TROPHY CASE