UPSIZE PH | This IG shop decants perfumes into vials for fragrance enthusiasts

Edit: Since this article was published, the original Instagram page was disabled. They have moved temporarily HERE. Follow them for the best information and deals on fragrances.

Our friends who are perfume connoisseurs and enthusiasts were the ones who told us about an Instagram-based called Official Vial (@official.vial) that decants fine fragrances into vials of 3ml, 5ml and/or 10ml.

Photo credit: officlal.vial on Instagram

Now, we know that we see many kiosks like this in a mall. But Official Vial, please trust us, is different. Many of the fragrances they decant are not mainstream. Friends of ours who have bought from them attest to the authenticity of the perfumes. One just bought a full bottle of Commodity Gold after trying a vial from Official Vial.

Photo credit: @official.vial on Instagram

We talked to the shop's owner Viel via email and she revealed she was a perfume lover who was into trying out different scents.

"It brings me so much pleasure every time people would tell me I smell good. I discovered my love for perfumes when I was in high school and at that time, I considered perfumes to be a luxury. Back then, I would save my 50-peso allowance to buy a cologne because that’s the only one I could afford."

So the idea for Official Vial came from Viel's own experience.

"The thought of helping out perfume enthusiasts who (like me) are not willing to spend a huge amount of money for something that costs thousand pesos, popped out. Personally, I am an intentional purchaser. I like to buy things that align with my lifestyle and when I purchase something, I want to make sure that I receive the value of the money that I spent with. So when it comes to buying perfumes, I only purchase those that I like to wear and use, because I am a perfume lover and not a collector."

As a perfume lover, Viel learned the hard way that it doesn't pay in the long run to buy fakes. She once bought a counterfeit bottle of a popular scent only to realize that it reeked of alcohol and didn't last long.

In September 2020, Viel opened Official Vial because she realized how difficult it was to buy fragrances during a pandemic.

"While perfume is not considered an essential product, I believe that it has the power to uplift people. There are certain scents that do wonders for our wellbeing. I remember the time when we were on lockdown, I would reach for Chloe Eau De Parfum to calm my nerves," she said.

Official Vial curates perfumes from designer brands and niche houses and sells them in vials so that these perfumes will be more affordable for everyone. There is a different set of perfumes monthly. This month's selection includes Byredo Blanche (a bestseller since it is said to be Korean actor Park Seo-jun's perfume), Hermes Sur Le Lagune, Ouai North Bondi, Commodity Orris, Commodity Gold, Versace Bright Crystal, Narciso Rouge, Lanvin Eclat D' Arpege and many others.

Their bestsellers are mostly fragrances used by celebrities. Original Vial's clients also love Delina by Parfums de Marly and Loewe Woman 001 by Loewe.