Everyone wants to feel good about themselves, and if you smell good, you’re likely to feel good, too. Believe it or not, there are many places to buy fragrances other than beauty chain-stores like Sephora or large department stores. To get that unique scent, you must travel to a unique store. The D.C. area has a number of alternatives where you are sure to find an alluring perfume, leaving you feeling refreshed and lively. There’s nothing more captivating than a signature scent.

Ananda Corporation
807 Florida Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 238-0071
www.anandacorporation.com

With Ananda’s ever-growing selection of fragrance oils and essential oils (more than 700, to be exact) visitors are able to create their own, one-of-a-kind perfume. Using the oils, you can also create soaps, lotions and body washes. Oils are divided into same-sex categories, but there are also a number of unisex oils. Ananda employees will gladly aid in the creation of custom scents. For beginners who want to turn fragrance making into a hobby, there are starter kits that vary in sizes. While most shopping is done exclusively through the Ananda website, you can also visit their store in DC to pick up or ask any questions.

Bella Cara
1000 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-9652
www.bellacara.com

Bella Cara is a destination boutique with over 50 designer brands of skin care, cosmetics and hair-care products. The beauty-addict teams test out each product, so maximum results are guaranteed. Fragrances at Bella Cara are not your typical department store brands, although you will find Flora by Gucci. Among the one-of-a-kind selection are Creed, Lanari and Fresh fragrances. In the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Bella Cara is a lively beauty institution that often hosts fun events for DC residents to partake in things like makeovers.

Related: Best Places to Buy Skincare Products In The DC Area

Crabtree & Evelyn
7101 Democracy Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817
(301) 365-1423
www.crabtree-evelyn.com

Located on the lower level of the Westfield Montgomery Mall near Nordstrom, Crabtree & Evelyn is not a store you want to pass up. The beauty store has an array of enticing fragrances for both men and women. Not only are the fragrances original, the prices are unbeatable for such a rich and luxurious product. Crabtree & Evelyn is a family-run business known for its science-tested toiletries and natural ingredients. The popular Eau de Toilette line comes in over 10 refreshing scents, including lavender, rosewater and lily. Perfume compacts are Crabtree & Evelyn’s innovative way to conveniently carry your smell around with you, as it is small enough to fit in a purse.

Related: Best Shopping Malls In The D.C. Area

Lush
3066 M St NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6950
www.lushusa.com

Part of Lush’s mission statement explains why they are considered to have some of the freshest handmade products. They pride themselves in creating products from organic fruits and veggies, quality oils and “safe synthetics.” The line of perfumes that Lush specializes in is called Gorilla, and the creators call it memorable, inspiring and delightful. While the name “Gorilla” may be misleading, as gorillas aren’t the cleanest animals, customer reviews are through the roof and Lush just debuted 13 new scents. Lush makes the perfumes in house and currently has four DC stores.

Rodman’s
5100 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 363-3466
www.rodmans.com

The Washington Post once named Rodman’s, “The Weirdest Little Drugstore in Washington.” This comes as no surprise, as Rodman’s serves as a discount gourment store, pharmacy, wine shop, miniature grocery store and much more. Since the grand opening in 1955, Rodman’s has evolved into carrying exotic foods and Europe’s finest bodycare products. Designer fragrances include all the latest from Ralph Lauren, Armani and Versace, just to name a few. There are three locations around the D.C. area.

Kelly Johnston is a freelance writer living in D.C. She is a soon-to-be University of Alabama graduate who hopes to have a successful career in fashion journalism. Her major is Apparel and Textiles with a Concentration in Fashion Retail and Merchandising and her minor is Journalism. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.