Fragrance shaped by the California coast and the ancient world.
Founded in Cardiff-by-the-Sea in 1999, CardiffScents is an niche fragrance house creating evocative perfumes.
Each composition draws upon the aromatic materials that have accompanied humanity for centuries—sandalwood, rose, frankincense, myrrh, rare woods and resins—reimagined through a distinctly modern California sensibility.
THE BEGINNING 1999
CardiffScents began with Darsan, a sandalwood fragrance created in a limited edition of 2,500 bottles.
Distinguished by labels printed in Braille, Darsan was discovered by independent boutiques and carried throughout all 82 Wild Oats stores across the United States. Its intimate beginnings established the philosophy that continues to guide the house: fragrance should be personal, meaningful and made with intention.
THE FOUNDER
Founder and perfumer Tara brings together fragrance, archaeology and a lifelong relationship with ancient history.
Her studies in 2023 at the University of California San Diego—including research into ancient incense materials and the trade routes that carried them across cultures, influence a collection in which history, memory and the imagination converge.
CardiffScents is composed in her fragrance studio in Encinitas, California, near the coast and the SRF meditation gardens that have long shaped the area’s contemplative character.
THE ART OF COMPOSITION
Precious botanicals, resins and contemporary fragrance materials are selected for their beauty, character and ability to create an emotional atmosphere. Organic sugarcane alcohol provides the foundation for compositions designed to unfold gradually and remain close to the skin.
A CONSIDERED APPROACH
CardiffScents is cruelty-free. Selected bottles are refillable, extending the life of each object while reducing unnecessary waste.
Made in California. Inspired by journeys both ancient and modern.
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION