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...Clean perfume brands like Henry Rose may be Sephora-famous, but did you know there is an entire world of niche perfume houses turning nature into olfactive art? These hidden gems are well kept secrets within the fragrance community, largely untouched by capitalism (thank goodness) so they can remain true to their roots and produce in small batches to the highest standards.

...But there are many who strive to keep the magic of natural perfumes alive. In Colorado, Whitney Swales of Wit & West Perfumes also works tirelessly to concoct dazzling scents with pure botanical extracts. “Natural ingredients are nuanced, complex, and bring a depth and richness to perfumery that requires patience and flexibility.”

...If you’re looking for a new scent that’s one of a kind and a true work of art, check out Wit & West. A small-batch artisanal perfumery based in Colorado, their perfumes are 100% natural – from the organic grape alcohol they use for their base, to the absolutes, essential oils, and isolates they use to fragrance their creations...

Wit & West Streetcar Magnolia is more Lucinda Williams than House of the Rising Sun, sidestepping associations with Tennessee William’s doomed heroine with a modern, upbeat floral that leans, surprisingly, into herbs and incense.

...Changing our environment through scent can be a powerful tool for health. Wit & West’s Jasmine Pet Noi Eau de Parfum takes us to a garden in full bloom. Pink peppercorn and bitter orange sparkle through thick evening air...

All-natural American brand Wit & West has announced the release of a new fragrance, Violetear. Described as a "fresh and sparkling fougère," Violetear was inspired by the Mexican Violetear hummingbird and features an enfleurage made from irises planted in the perfumer's own garden. (How cool is that?!)

The Violetear is new addition to Wit and West Perfumes line of limited release 100% all-natural scents in an Eau de Parfum concentration. Reserve Collection perfumes include rare ingredients as well as handmade tinctures and enfleurage extraits extracted from flowers from the Wit & West garden.

Finding cruelty-free and vegan perfumes might seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. This first impression makes perfect sense, as most readily-found commercial brands aren’t vegan or cruelty-free. 

Time here is moss-grown and damp. Abundant waterfalls create wide moving waves of mist. Fog sits on its silent haunches while treetops of bigleaf maples, Douglas fir, and western hemlock commune in vaporous gestures.

As spring nears, I am looking back to the past few months and sharing my thoughts about some of the rose fragrances I wore. Most of these were my picks for Valentine’s week, but I also wore them during the winter holidays and on other chilly days. However, most of them are lovely for all seasons.

Wit & West is a small-batch artisanal perfumery based in Colorado and solely owned by this husband-and-wife duo. We had the pleasure of talking with Whitney (Wit) about how this project passion of hers, came to fruition.

Finding a vegan, ethical fragrance can be tricky. Popular designer perfumes are often not considered cruelty-free. On top of that, some fragrances on the market also contain non-vegan ingredients, like beeswax. But all is not lost. Plenty of conscious, cruelty-free brands prove it is possible to make deliciously scented, guilt-free fragrances. Here are some of our favorites.

When October begins, my desire for deeper and richer scents soars. However, the fall mood wouldn’t be complete without fragrances that nicely match the dark and playful Halloween spirit. Below is an extensive selection of fragrances for this time of the year – vintage, classic, niche, and indie choices that will satisfy multiple genders, whimsies, and adventures on Halloween.

Wit and West Honeysuckle Halcyon evokes a lazy, long August night on a 20’s Chicago Street where the weather is torpid, but the jazz is cool. Sappy, sensual, full-bodied, Honeysuckle Halcyon is a Clara Bow starlet, equal parts wide-eyed innocence and provocative sensuality.

In this fragrance Friday we chat with Whitney Swales, Founder of Wit & West Perfumes to learn about her nature inspired line and also to dive into the world of natural scents. 

Wit & West Perfumes has taken the Mile High City’s fragrance market to new heights. Despite the enigmatic nature of the perfume industry, Colorado-native Whitney Swales broke into the fragrance world and brought Wit & West, a natural perfumery, to Denver.

Nearly eleven years ago to the day I began our CaFleureBon Profiles In American Perfumery and on the eve of Independence Day. Video Content producer, Steven Gavrielatos, and I wanted to highlight three American indie perfume brands we think should get more attention. We chose these three American indie perfume brands; Gallagher Fragrances, Rogue Perfumery and Wit & West because each has their own aesthetic, are artisans, and began in other industries or were doing something else when they decided to become a perfumer.

A lover of scented items, precious raw materials, dancing, and art, Whitney Dru Swales launched Wit & West in January 2021. Whitney is the founder and perfumer of this all-natural fragrance line based in Denver, CO, which she named after herself (Wit) and her husband, Rob Westendorf (West).

Whitney Swales of Wit & West Perfumes. From as early as I can remember I have had a passion for scent and the world of perfume. Growing up, perfume and everything scented including body oils and perfumed body powders, soaps and candles were a staple in my life. My mom wore Chanel No. 5, Youth Dew and Private Collection by Estee Lauder and my dad wore Polo by Ralph Lauren and Lagerfeld by Karl Lagerfeld.