The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Wanderlust was created by Huynh Hai Yen and launched in 2019. Its name points toward movement and possibility, a fitting brief for a fragrance that moves between bright citrus, airy white flowers, warm spice, leather, balsam, and oud. The composition starts with Petitgrain Paraguay and Mandarin Orange, then opens into Neroli, Freesia, and Cardamom. Peru Balsam, Leather, and Agarwood (Oud) give the later stages depth, warmth, and a faint sense of escape. There isn't a specific place claimed here, just the feeling of setting out with somewhere still open in mind.
The interesting part is the contrast between clean daylight and materials with more weight. Petitgrain Paraguay brings a green, bitter edge, while Mandarin Orange adds an easy brightness. Neroli and Freesia keep the heart lifted, but Cardamom introduces a dry, aromatic warmth. Leather and Oud stop the composition from staying purely fresh. Peru Balsam adds resinous sweetness underneath, so the scent feels less like a straight citrus splash and more like movement with atmosphere.
The evolution
Wanderlust begins with a quick lift: Petitgrain Paraguay and Mandarin Orange make the opening green, citrusy, and sunlit. As that brightness softens, Neroli and Freesia bring a clean white-floral air, while Cardamom adds a gentle aromatic snap. The scent then changes direction. Leather introduces a supple, human warmth, and Peru Balsam gives the base a smooth resinous glow. Oud remains the more mysterious note, taking the drydown away from simple freshness and toward something darker, more textured, and quietly sensual. By the time the top notes have faded, the composition feels less like an opening and more like a complete point of view. Expect the citrus and flowers to move first, while leather, balsam, and oud leave the more lasting impression on skin.
Cultural impact
Wanderlust sits within MetaScent's participatory view of perfume as a personal narrative rather than a fixed product to simply consume. Its audience is likely drawn to fragrances that carry a clear sense of movement and contrast, pairing the brightness of a departure with the intimacy of leather, balsam, and oud.
The House
MetaScentMetaScent is a boutique perfume studio based in Melbourne, Australia. Since opening its doors in 2017 the house has invited collectors and curious newcomers alike to step behind the counter and shape a scent that mirrors a personal narrative. The brand’s catalogue blends limited‑edition releases such as Delonix (2019) and Starry Night (2022) with a fully custom‑creation service, allowing clients to select raw materials, adjust accords and watch the formula come to life in real time. With a modest roster of fragrances that includes Chandra, Mura, Adrenaline (2023), Wildflower & Acacia (2024) and Waratah Sunset (2024), MetaScent positions itself as a laboratory of olfactory storytelling rather than a mass‑market label.
The Creator
Huynh Hai YenYến gravitates toward materials with narrative weight. Her signature work combines the fresh, mineral quality of petrichor with the creamy, slightly green notes of magnolia, creating fragrances that feel both immediate and contemplative.
