Byredo And Penhaligon's Are Finally Opening Their First(!) Stores In Manila V Soon

Fragrance girlies, your pasabuy era is about to get a little less complicated. Byredo and Penhaligon's are opening their first standalone Philippine stores at Greenbelt 5 later this year, bringing two coveted fragrance houses to local shores.

The two boutiques are currently under construction on the ground floor of Greenbelt 5 (next to Dior Beauty and directly across from Chanel Beauty), with their exact opening dates yet to be announced.

For anyone who's spent way too much time scrolling through fragrance TikToks, saving perfume reviews, or asking a friend coming home from abroad to bring back a bottle, this is a pretty big deal. You'll soon be able to walk into a store, spray the scent on your actual skin (no more trying to figure out the notes online!), let it settle, and decide whether it's really your signature scent before dropping serious money on it.

Founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham, Byredo is a Swedish fragrance and beauty brand best known for its minimalist packaging and distinctive scents. What started with fragrance has since expanded into candles, hand and body care, and makeup, but its perfumes remain its biggest draw.

Part of Byredo's appeal is how it approaches fragrance: Instead of sticking to traditional perfume categories, its scents are often built around memories, places, and emotions. So whether you're into fresh and clean scents, warm and woody blends, or something more floral, you'll find plenty of options to try.

For those who like their fragrances soft, clean, and a little musky, Mojave Ghost is a good place to start. It has notes of ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, and musk, which gives it a soft, clean scent that isn't too overpowering. It's a good scent to try if you're looking for a non-offensive perfume to use at the office.

Bal d'Afrique is brighter and more playful, with citrusy notes of bergamot and lemon balanced by neroli, jasmine, cedarwood, and vetiver. It has a warm, slightly woody drydown that keeps it from smelling too sweet, making it an easy pick for anyone who wants something fresh but still has a little personality.

If woody, slightly earthy scents are more your thing, put Gypsy Water on your list. Juniper, lemon, and pepper give it a fresh opening, while incense, pine needle, and sandalwood add warmth as it dries down. It's also one of those Byredo scents you'll probably want to smell on yourself before deciding, since the drydown can be quite different from that first spray.

If Byredo is minimalist Scandinavian cool, Penhaligon's is its fabulous theatrical British counterpart.

The London-based fragrance house dates back to 1870, when founder William Penhaligon began creating scents after moving to London and working as a barber. Today, the brand is known for its elaborate bottles, whimsical storytelling, and fragrances inspired by fictional characters, British heritage, and larger-than-life personalities.

ICYDK, Penhaligon's already made its Philippine debut at Rustan's Shangri-La in August, but the Greenbelt 5 location will mark the arrival of its first standalone Philippine boutique.

And if you're the type of fraghead who appreciates a pretty bottle as much as a good scent, Penhaligon's is right up your alley. Many come topped with the brand's iconic animal head caps, making them the kind of perfume you'll want to display in your vanity.

Penhaligon's Halfeti is a rich, spicy scent you'll want to use for nights out and special occasions. It opens with grapefruit and saffron before getting deeper with rose, leather, oud, and amber. It eventually settles into a warm, spicy scent with a touch of sweetness to balance things out.

If you prefer something fresh and easy to wear, Penhaligon's Luna is a good one to try. It combines orange, bergamot, and juniper with jasmine and rose, then dries down with fir balsam and musk. It starts bright and citrusy, then gets a little softer and more floral as it settles on to your skin.

Penhaligon's Quercus is for anyone who wants to smell clean without smelling basic. Lemon and lime give it that bright, citrusy opening, while jasmine, lily, oakmoss, and musk add a little more depth. It's a solid everyday pick, especially if you prefer lighter scents.