In today’s video, I’m celebrating Black History Month by putting you on to underrated Black-owned fragrance brands that are truly leaving their mark on perfumery. What I love about these houses is how unique the scents are—so many of them don’t smell like the “same old, same old” that we keep getting. It’s artistry, quality, and creativity, and I’m telling you right now: don’t sleep on them. I highlight seven brands (with two picks from Mystery Modern Mark) and I break down exactly what makes each fragrance worth your time. We get into everything from a sexy, genderless tobacco-plum moment (Harlem Perfume Co. Speakeasy) to an all-year, wearable aromatic musk that the girlies went crazy over (Better World Fragrance House Summer Mink). I also talk about an apple done right—sweet but sensual without trying (Chris Collins Forbidden Apple Croque Moi), plus a gourmand white floral that stays addictive without getting cloying (Mystery Modern Mark Sweet Botswana). For the oud lovers, I call out a dark, masculine head-turner (Oud Blues), then I wrap with a vanilla-rose-pistachio milk stunner that layers like a dream (Forever Mood She Was Here), a caramel-apple-esque gourmand hug (Brown Girl Jane Carousel), and a sophisticated, crisp fig with a “college degree” vibe (Savoir Faire Ascension).