7 local perfumes to wear for the ‘ber’ months
As September arrives and we officially bid goodbye to the summer months, it’s time to transition our fragrance wardrobes to match the cooler, more contemplative mood of the “ber” season. After all, the shift from bright, airy summer scents to richer, more enveloping fragrances mirrors our collective desire for comfort and warmth as the year winds down.
Fortunately, the Filipino fragrance scene has blossomed with an impressive array of options that perfectly capture the essence of the season. From cozy gourmands that evoke freshly baked treats to sophisticated woody blends that give off mysterious auras, Filipino perfumers are crafting scents that rival international luxury brands at accessible price points.
Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the office or a signature scent for intimate gatherings, these seven local fragrances offer the perfect olfactory companions for the ber months ahead.
El Cardenal by Wren Atelier (P6,500)
Professional perfumer and Wren Atelier founder Renato Lopena Jr. is known for crafting fragrances based on his travels and personal experiences. One of his latest creations is El Cardenal, which was inspired by his family’s trip to Mexico.
Lopena Jr. fondly remembers strolling through coffee shops and taking sips of café lechero, a traditional Mexican drink. Indeed, the coffee note in El Cardenal is strong, but fairly wearable, smooth, and pleasant. It is further complemented by fresh citrus notes as well as a milky fig and sandalwood—a true gourmand spin on the classic cologne.
Wear El Cardenal when you’re feeling festive and yearn for an energizing boost of coffee and citruses to kick off the work day.
Sweater Weather by Ilum Studios (P300 to P675)
Lactonic fragrances were all the rage last year, and the trend remains resilient in 2025. But have you ever tried a lactonic perfume with a toasted oat note in it? This yummy, unique combination is brought to you by Ilum Studios’ Sweater Weather, a scent that’ll make you feel as cozy as its name.
The founders of Ilum Studios produced this particular fragrance to specifically feel like a comforting hug on a cold evening. It isn’t too sweet, but it is warm and soft, thanks to the mix of frothed cream, cardamom milk, almond blossoms, and sandalwood notes.
If you find yourself on the hunt for a milky perfume that’s both one-of-a-kind and doesn’t go sour on your skin, this is the one for you.
Eclat Noir by GP Fragrances (P1,665)
This fragrance may be inspired by the well-loved black forest cake, but don’t be fooled—this is not the sticky sweet gourmand you might expect it to be. Eclat Noir, which comes from fragrance influencer Greg Parilla’s very own line of perfumes, opens with a delicious, tart cherry note (that’s far from medicinal), before settling to a dark, smooth, and boozy chocolate drydown. It’s bittersweet, a touch woody, and perfectly unisex, ideal for chilly date nights when you want to smell decadent and alluring.
Fun fact: this scent was also created by Wren Atelier’s Renato Lopena, Jr. He doesn’t regularly craft gourmands, but when he does, he does go all out!
Aura of Bliss by Lucky Beauty (P777)
Aura of Bliss is one of the latest releases from celebrity Andrea Brillantes’ Lucky Potions fragrance line. If you enjoy sweeter scents, this is the sweetest out of her three new perfumes, aptly named “Aura of Bliss” due to the warmth it envelops its wearer in.
The opening is fruity with notes of cranberry and tamarind, creating an unexpectedly tangy-sweet combination that feels both festive and sophisticated. As it develops, creamy vanilla and soft florals emerge. It smells like YSL’s famous Black Opium minus the coffee note, making it perfect for those who love the DNA of popular designer fragrances, but prefer something more approachable for daily wear.
Scent of Intensity by Issy (P1,499)
Issy made waves amongst the beauty community when they launched their new perfumes last summer, having come out with three edgy and unisex scents. While the other two, Scent of Possibility and Scent of Familiarity, are good for warmer weather, Scent of Intensity is the heaviest one—woody, smoky, and musky—their dark horse.
It’s mysterious and hypnotic, opening with dark cherries and pulling you in further with incense, warm amber, and a deliciously animalic musk. It is the ultimate dark and sexy perfume, arguably the least mass appealing among the three. Wear Scent of Intensity if you want to make a bold statement and turn heads when you walk into a room.
Ambrette by L’Abondance (P1,200)
Want a local fragrance reminiscent of Liquides Imaginaires’ iconic Blanche Bete? Look no further than Ambrette by the Filipino house L’Abondance, run by a one-woman team.
Ambrette is one of the brand’s bestsellers due to its soft, cozy aroma and creamy undertones from the tuberose and vanilla. It smells like flowers placed on a warm milk bath—a welcome refuge from a long day at work, making it a great bedtime scent. L’Abondance also has this scent in multiple forms other than a perfume, offering room sprays, candles, hand sanitizers, and more.
Cookie Dough by Perfume Dessert (P590)
Looking for a straight-up, no-nonsense gourmand that’s light and airy at the same time? Local brand Perfume Dessert specializes in gourmands, if it’s not too obvious by their name itself.
Their scent Cookie Dough is claimed to smell like straight-up freshly baked cookies right out of the oven. Though it has a base of vanilla and chocolate, it is lightened by fresh bergamot and fluffy meringue—delectable, but not toothache-inducing nor saccharine.
Even popular fragrance influencers who don’t enjoy gourmands such as Andrea Ferma and Carlo Ocampo love this scent, making it perfect for our cold-but-not-too-cold “ber” month weather in the Philippines.
