Shoppers race to buy 'magic' item with 8,000 strong waitlist: 'It's giving five-star hotel vibes'
A 'sultry and provocative' new fragrance - so hotly anticipated it amassed a waitlist of 8,000 shoppers before its release - has just launched, to the delight of its eager fans.
Aussie brand Recreation Beauty has taken the fragrance world by storm with the release of its sought-after new perfume, aptly named L'HÔTEL.
The clean fragrance wasn't even on shelves yet when customers began pleading with the brand to find out when it would be available to buy.
During its recent EOFY sale, Recreation Beauty teased fans with its new 'magic' scent by including samples of L'HÔTEL as a gift with purchase - a genius marketing move that sparked overwhelming demand.
'The best perfume scent I've ever smelled,' one shopper who received an early sample enthused - adding that they were 'setting an alarm to buy it.'
Another fan compared the new fragrance to a high-end brand priced at $350, saying: 'I'm very picky but the L'HÔTEL is one of the best vanilla scents I've smelled, definitely the best 'clean beauty' vanilla. Hands down my favourite.'
The day has finally arrived, and the new release - described as a modern floral vanilla fragrance, that is 'equal parts sophisticated and sweet' - is already selling fast.
Priced at $124 for a 50mL bottle or $49 for a 12mL travel size, L'HÔTEL features top notes of whipped bergamot and velvety peony, layered with warm Tahitian vanilla, sun-drenched woods and a soft musky rose that lingers from day into night.
L'HÔTEL 50mL by Recreation
Inspired by the sensuality of a luxury hotel, this floral vanilla fragrance features top notes of whipped bergamot, musky rose and velvety peony.
Heart notes of creamy Tahitian vanilla with sandalwood and cedarwood meet a seductive base of musk and amber.
$124
'I wanted to create a luxury scent that feels like being wrapped in a cloud of pure, gorgeous indulgence. If L'HÔTEL was a celebrity, she would be Sabrina Carpenter - all sexy and soft, super glam and so luxe,' Recreation Beauty founder Nedahl Stelio told Daily Mail Australia.
'It's the kind of scent you want to wear in a hotel with fluffy slippers while drinking champagne, it's so delicious. L'HÔTEL was born from the idea that a scent can transport you - just like an incredible hotel.
'I wanted to capture that feeling of stepping into a beautiful space that's chic, luxe and a little bit mysterious. It's inspired by that luxurious feeling you can only get from a five-star hotel - that undone glamour you find in the world's most divine places.
'It's not just a perfume: it's a mood, a memory, a moment you want to stay in forever.'
Not only does L'HÔTEL smell 'divine' but Nedahl also said the price point makes it affordable compared to designer brands on the market.
'We create our perfumes with world renowned perfumers so they are incredibly premium. You're getting a designer quality fragrance that is also clean,' she said.
'There are no nasties in our perfumes which means you can spray all over and feel good about wearing fragrance. And it's a gorgeous pinky purple colour, we wanted to recreate that luxury hotel room feeling in a bottle - and it really does that.'
The former magazine editor said she couldn't believe the waitlist the perfume attracted in the weeks leading up to its launch.
'We're an Australian brand battling it out in a sea of giant designer brands, it's surreal to be able to say we have so many people around the world who are loving our scents,' Nedahl said.
Shoppers who have already bought L'HÔTEL have given it a glowing five-star rating.
' L'HÔTEL is my new favourite. Delicious, fresh, feminine and young, but with a hint of mysterious complexity. I love that I can wear the perfume any time without worrying about the artificial fragrances or (harsh) chemicals, often found in luxury perfumes,' one customer raved.
'This fragrance feels like strolling through a hidden rose garden at Versailles. Smooth sweet vanilla and enchanting pink flowers. Heavenly,' another shared.
Social media feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in the weeks leading up to the launch, with one fan raving: 'Such a beautiful scent. Smells so expensive… nailed this one.'
L'HÔTEL 12mL Travel Size
Take L'HÔTEL on the road with you with the compact 12mL travel size.
Sultry, provocative and powerfully mysterious, L'HÔTEL is not just a fragrance…it's a mood. A presence. A little danger wrapped in silk… the quiet confidence of knowing you smell amazing.
$49 Shop
The award-winning clean fragrance house was inspired by the sensuality of a luxury hotel for their latest launch.
'This is the scent of late checkouts and whispered secrets. Feminine, refined, and effortlessly sensual - L'HÔTEL turns every moment into a five-star experience,' the brand said.
'Sultry, provocative and powerfully mysterious, L'HÔTEL is not just a fragrance… it's a mood. A presence. A little danger wrapped in silk… the quiet confidence of knowing you smell amazing.'
The scent features top notes of bergamot, musky rose and peony, heart notes of creamy Tahitian vanilla with sandalwood and cedarwood, and a seductive base of musk and amber
Recreation Beauty was launched in 2019 after Nedahl saw a gap in the market for clean, non-toxic luxury fragrance.
'Perfume is one of the worst offenders but there was no clean, luxury perfume on offer. That's when I knew I had to create something that was as safe as it was beautiful and luxurious,' she said.
The award-winning fragrance house based in Bondi Beach, Sydney has grown rapidly over the years - with celebrities and Influencers amongst its fans.
'Our fragrances take more than two years to design because we spend a lot of time working with our perfumers and creating designer quality scents without the toxic chemicals,' she said.
'Everything is created with international perfumers and then we make the perfume here in Australia, manufacturing everything in our Sydney HQ.'
The Aussie-born brand has become so popular that a UK warehouse was recently opened to meet growing global demand.
'We've just launched in the US and the UK and have had incredible reception so it's really just the beginning for us,' she said.
Recreation Beauty is the brainchild of former magazine editor Nedahl Stelio, who launched the brand in 2019 to fill a gap in the market for clean, non-toxic luxury fragrance
All of award-winning clean fragrance house Recreation's ingredients are ethically-sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free with no animal products used
All of Recreation Beauty 's ingredients are ethically-sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free with no animal products used.
'If you've never tried Recreation Beauty, think of it as your invitation to experience fragrance differently,' Nedahl said.
'We're a clean fragrance house from Bondi Beach, creating perfumes that smell incredible - luxurious, addictive, unforgettable - without the toxins. Our scents are designed to make you feel amazing in your skin, and they last.
'It's for people who care about what goes on their body but refuse to compromise on smelling extraordinary.'
One of their fragrances, At Night We Dance, a spicy musk with notes of orange, magnolia and vetiver, won Best Perfume at The Green Edit awards in 2022.
Another standout, This Love of Mine, a summery white floral blend of jasmine, gardenia, sandalwood and vanilla, has earned nearly 400 five-star reviews and remains one of the brand's consistent bestsellers.
Fans of the brand also love the discovery sets, where they can trial eight scents in 2.5ml sample sizes for $50, and receive a $20 credit to put towards their favourite when they're ready to purchase a full size bottle.
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