The West Village may be one of the best-smelling neighborhoods in New York, thanks in no small part to the vast number of perfumers and apothecaries. Here are a few of our favorites, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
330 Bleecker St. at Christopher Street
Jo Malone (Image: Mohmed Althani/Flickr)
This London-based company opened their Bleecker Street locale 22 years ago, bringing some of the most scintillating scents on earth to the West Village. Guests here get an arm massage with the brand’s special lotions, and the staff is happy to help you tailor your own individual scent through layering techniques. Their candles are coveted by those in the know, and the beloved shop stocks scents suitable for both men and women.
400 W. 14th St. at Ninth Avenue
The original Kiehl’s location in the East Village (Image: Wikimedia)
For more than 150 years Kiehl’s has been providing New Yorkers with quality skincare products. From moisturizers, scrubs, and masks, to shampoos, conditioners, and shaving needs, Kiehl’s has it all, for both men and women. The brand also offers a range of products for layering its signature musk fragrance, including eau de toilette, shower gel, and lotion.
804 Washington St. near Horatio Street
Heir to the Hennessy cognac business, Kilian Hennessy carved his own path, by developing chic luxury brand Kilian. In his petite U.S. flagship boutique in the West Village, elegantly appointed with a strict black-and-white theme, you’ll find premium fragrances, soaps, and candles. With the motto “Perfume as an Art,” Killian delivers every product in chic, sculptural packaging. Customers rave about the cheeky collections, including Vodka on the Rocks, Good Girl Gone Bad, and Playing with the Devil.
237 W. 13th St. near Greenwich Avenue
People don’t walk through the doors at Enfleurage merely to shop. They come for a religious experience — and they’re rarely let down. Offering the highest quality essential oils intended for use in aromatherapy, cooking, and perfumes, at Enfleurage you’ll find the expected lavender and sandalwood alongside surprising vials of black pepper, fennel, and hyssop. The shop also offers multiple classes on how to use essential oils for optimal health and wellbeing.
414 Sixth Ave. near West Ninth Streets
C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries (Image: Salim Virji/Flickr)
C.O. Bigelow is a cherished West Village spot with a rich history dating back to 1838. Billing itself as the oldest apothecary in the country, Bigelow offers a seemingly endless supply of products for both men and women: from body sprays and bath salts to homeopathic remedies, hair treatments, and everything in between. With a devoted clientele ranging from the New York Dolls to Eleanor Roosevelt and John Waters to Mark Twain, how can you possibly go wrong?