The Story
Why it exists.
Illamasqua broke into fragrance in 2011 with the original Freak, a bold statement of the brand’s theatrical DNA. Two years later, in 2013, the house teamed again with Azzi Glasser to launch Freak Scarab, a scent that mirrors the brand’s love of contrast and artistic rebellion. The beetle‑shaped bottle nods to the scarab’s mythic symbolism, hinting at transformation and hidden depth, while the formula itself was crafted to push the envelope of sweet‑spicy chypre.
If this were a song
Community picks
The Less I Know The Better
Tame Impala
The Beginning
Illamasqua broke into fragrance in 2011 with the original Freak, a bold statement of the brand’s theatrical DNA. Two years later, in 2013, the house teamed again with Azzi Glasser to launch Freak Scarab, a scent that mirrors the brand’s love of contrast and artistic rebellion. The beetle‑shaped bottle nods to the scarab’s mythic symbolism, hinting at transformation and hidden depth, while the formula itself was crafted to push the envelope of sweet‑spicy chypre.
The composition fuses a bright citrus trio, blood orange, neroli, ylang‑ylang, with a white‑floral heart of Egyptian jasmine, honeysuckle, night‑blooming cereus, artemisia, queen‑of‑the‑night and davana. Below, plum compote anchors a leather‑rich base, supported by moss and star anise. This blend of sweet fruit, animalic leather and earthy spice creates a rare, unapologetically bold character that fits Illamasqua’s fearless aesthetic.
The Evolution
At first spray, blood orange erupts like a sunrise over a concrete skyline, while neroli adds a crisp, green sparkle and ylang‑ylang lays down a soft, honeyed veil. Within minutes the heart unfurls: Egyptian jasmine blooms with regal poise, honeysuckle rushes in sugary, the night‑blooming cereus whispers nocturnal mystery, and artemisia, queen‑of‑the‑night and davana inject a slightly bitter, herbal edge that deepens the floral core. As the scent settles, plum compote settles like a ripe dusk fruit, anchoring the composition. Leather emerges warm and animalic, moss adds an earthy dampness, and star anise provides a spicy, aromatic whisper. The dry‑down lingers for 6‑8 hours, a sweet‑spicy echo that clings to skin long after the lights dim, leaving a memorable trail that feels both daring and refined.
Cultural Impact
Freak Scarab quickly became a cult favorite among niche collectors, praised for its unapologetic sweet‑spicy contrast. Wearers describe it as "Enchant. Captivate. Corrupt.", a tagline that mirrors Illamasqua’s theatrical ethos. Its bold plum‑leather core sets it apart from more restrained chypres, earning it a place on many “must‑try” lists for those who crave a statement scent.
The House
United Kingdom · Est. 1999
Illamasqua is a British cosmetics label that emerged in London at the turn of the millennium. Founded by a makeup artist known simply as Hank, the brand built a reputation for bold colour, theatrical presentation and a willingness to push conventional beauty boundaries. In 2011 Illamasqua expanded into fragrance with the launch of Freak, a scent created in collaboration with perfumer Azzi Glasser. The company now operates flagship stores, a professional makeup line and an academy that trains aspiring artists, all while maintaining a clear stance against animal testing.
If this were a song
Community picks
The scent feels like a late‑night gallery opening: sleek, daring, with a pulse of bright citrus that gives way to deep, smoky leather. The music mirrors that contrast, pairing bright indie pop with a sultry, atmospheric groove.
The Less I Know The Better
Tame Impala
