TFWA 2026 in Cannes was, once again, a meeting point for international perfume houses and the perfect setting to launch new products. The fragrance and cosmetics category remains a powerhouse of duty-free sales, generating $24.5 billion, despite a 3.2% decline compared with the 2024/2025 financial year (Source: Generation Research AB, August 2026).
The fragrance and cosmetics category remains a powerhouse of duty-free sales.TFWA
Three products in particular caught my attention, each offering a unique take on fragrance.
Oud Plaisir by Ajmal: this new fragrance from the Oud Collection, which has contributed to the House’s success, aims to reach a new global audience. Ajmal
The first is Oud Plaisir by Ajmal. This new fragrance from the Oud Collection, which has contributed to the House’s success, aims to reach a new global audience. Top notes of mandarin, blackcurrant and pear are followed by a heart of jasmine, orange flower and lavender, giving the fragrance a fresh, elegant character. At the base, patchouli, vanilla, amber and musk add depth. The result is a beautiful surprise, presented in a striking white bottle topped with a magnetic cap.
Scent of Africa’s latest Akua’ba Collection, inspired by West African ingredients and symbolism.Scent of Africa
The second discovery was Scent of Africa’s latest Akua’ba Collection, inspired by West African ingredients and symbolism. The Ghanaian haute perfumery house draws on the legend of the akua’ba doll, often a symbol of fertility, happiness and prosperity, to introduce six new fragrances: Anidaso, Ifamora, Mayele, Soyayya, Upendo and Simunye.
Scent of Africa’s six new fragrances include Anidaso, Ifamora, Mayele, Soyayya, Upendo and Simunye.Scent of Africa
Last but not least, Per-Scent, known for creating fragrances for brands such as Barbour, has unveiled its latest innovative collection for Missguided, The Babe Collection. Its water-based Hair and Body Mist feels lightweight on the skin without compromising fragrance performance.
