Perfume Discovery: Saffron James Fragrances by Kate Growney

Stylelist: Saffron James Ipo Parfum. Courtesy of Saffron James Parfums

Some of beauty's best products can fly under the radar, quietly obsessed over amongst insiders in-the-know. We just tripped upon such a brand.

Inspired by the Hawaiian flowers of her hometown, former Elle and Lucky beauty editor Kate Growney's line of Saffron James fragrances emphasize the delicate and sensual scents from petals found in the Aloha State. From pikake to pink plumeria and hibiscus, fine oils make for blends that uphold the native floral tradition.

"Flowers are ingrained in the Hawaiian culture. Women will pick a flower and put it behind their ear, and use flowers as ornaments and accessories daily," Growney tells StyleList. "We don't really wear fragrance in Hawaii because flowers are worn in lieu of scent, it's a part of the way you get dressed -- which is why the creation of fine fragrance using the flowers hasn't been done before."

But this isn't your grandma's heavy floral favorite. The line touts five eau de parfums -- which recently became available in rollerball versions -- that contain the same gentle and slightly powdery scent of freshly picked flowers snipped and tied into a lei. Made of fine oils, all the fragrances are free of that dizzying sweetness made famous by their cheap counterparts.

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Saffron James Ipo ~ new fragrance

Now Smell This: Saffron James has launched Ipo, the line’s fifth fragrance:

Widespread from eastern India to southeast Asia, Pakalana (also known as Chinese Violet) was introduced to Hawaii by immigrants from southern China around 1823. An ancient Chinese tale contends that a troop of savage warriors once seized an enemy castle but that night the aromatic powers of this dusk-blooming flower over took them and by morning the enchanting fragrance had inspired such tranquility, they inexplicably abandoned their conquest.

Since then, like the full moon, the captivating scent of this local favorite has earned a reputation for rousing the most unexpected behaviors.

The notes include violet, Moroccan rose, orange blossom, Tahitian gardenia and lemongrass. Ipo means “sweetheart”; you can read more about the pakalana flower here.

Saffron James Ipo is available in 30 ml Eau de Parfum spray ($85) or 9 ml Eau de Parfum roll on ($38), and can be found now at Beautyhabit. (via beautyhabit)

Editor’s Picks: Fall Fragrances

Glo: We love to change our scent along with the seasons. There’s a little something for everyone inside, whether you’re feeling sexy, sporty or spicy.

Hawaiian Vacation Ipo means “sweetheart” and is an homage to the Pakalana flower.