Why Is Melanie Martinez Perfume So Expensive: Is It Worth It?

I’ve been obsessed with Melanie Martinez’s music for years, so I had to know why her perfumes, like Cry Baby Perfume Milk and Portals Parfums, are so expensive.

This article breaks down the reasons behind their steep prices, sharing my experience as a fan and collector.

From rare ingredients to exclusive designs, you’ll see what makes these fragrances special.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just curious, read on to understand why these perfumes are worth the hype and cost!

Reasons Behind the High Cost of Melanie Martinez Perfumes

• Premium Ingredients
• Limited Edition Releases
• Artistic Packaging
• Celebrity Brand Value
• High Production Costs
• Collector’s Appeal
• Resale Market Frenzy
• Exclusive Marketing

My Journey with Melanie Martinez Perfumes

I’ve been a Melanie Martinez fan since her “Cry Baby” days, so when Cry Baby Perfume Milk launched in 2017, I couldn’t resist.

At $70 for a 2.5 oz bottle shaped like a baby bottle, it felt pricey, but I caved.

When Portals Parfums dropped in 2023 for a jaw-dropping $275—a foot-tall sculpture with four 15ml vials—I was stunned but intrigued.

As a collector, I tested both perfumes, chatted with fellow fans, and dug into why these scents cost a small fortune.

Here’s what I found.

• Premium Ingredients

Melanie’s perfumes use top-tier ingredients that aren’t cheap.

Cry Baby Perfume Milk mixes strawberry milk, dark fruits, and a lipstick note with baby lotion, burnt caramel, and dark woods.

The first spritz felt like sipping a creamy milkshake in a creepy-cute dollhouse.

The caramel lingered on my skin for hours, proving its quality.

Portals Parfums, with four scents (Water of Intuition, Air of Clarity, Fiery Passion, Earthy Abundance), uses rare notes like New Caledonian sandalwood and turmeric leaf.

Fiery Passion’s strawberry, pink peony, and rich vanilla felt luxurious, not like drugstore synthetics.

Sandalwood alone can cost thousands per kilo, and Melanie’s cruelty-free, high-grade blends push the price up.

These scents feel like art, not just perfume.

• Limited Edition Releases

Both perfumes were released in small batches, making them rare and pricey.

Cry Baby sold out fast in 2017, and Melanie later shared that the original maker shut down, ruling out restocks.

I checked resale sites and saw 2.5 oz bottles going for $1,000-$2,500.

Portals Parfums, launched in 2023, also vanished quickly.

I snagged a set after obsessively refreshing the website, feeling like I’d scored concert tickets.

Limited runs create a frenzy, driving demand and prices through the roof.

As a fan, I felt the urge to grab these before they were gone forever.

• Artistic Packaging

Melanie’s perfumes double as art pieces.

Cry Baby’s baby bottle, with a rubber nipple cap, came in a tin case stuffed with pink confetti.

Unboxing it was magical—the porcelain-like bottle screamed Melanie’s pastel-goth vibe.

It’s not just a fragrance; it’s decor for my vanity.

Portals Parfums is next-level: a 12-inch four-eyed creature sculpture opens to reveal four glass vials.

I set mine on my shelf, and friends mistook it for a custom statue.

Crafting these designs—hand-cut crystal, intricate molds—costs a ton.

The Portals bottle, born from Melanie’s sketches, feels like owning a piece of her music videos.

• Celebrity Brand Value

Melanie’s fame as a singer-songwriter adds a premium to her perfumes.

Her “Cry Baby” album and whimsical aesthetic have a cult following since her 2012 “The Voice” stint.

I fell in love with her pastel-horror world through her music videos.

Her perfumes extend that universe, making me feel like I’m part of her story.

Cry Baby ties to her 2015 album, while Portals reflects her 2023 release.

Unlike generic celebrity scents, Melanie’s are deeply personal, with her input on every detail.

Fans like me pay extra for that emotional connection, knowing it’s her vision in a bottle.

• High Production Costs

Making these perfumes is expensive.

Cry Baby was crafted by a skilled perfumer, while Portals involved three fragrance experts blending 18 notes.

Top perfumers charge thousands, and ethically sourced ingredients like sandalwood or vanilla add up.

Portals’ sculpture required boutique production, not mass factories.

When I held the Portals set, the weight and detail felt bespoke, not cheap.

Small-batch runs and high-quality materials mean higher costs passed to buyers.

I could tell every dollar went into making these fragrances special, but it still stung my wallet.

• Collector’s Appeal

Melanie’s perfumes are like rare Pokémon cards for fans.

I’ve seen collectors display Cry Baby bottles unopened, treating them like museum pieces.

My half-used Cry Baby sits on my shelf because I can’t bear to finish it.

Since its discontinuation, it’s become a holy grail.

Portals, with its bold sculpture, is also a collector’s dream.

I met a fan who bought two sets—one to use, one to preserve.

This obsession drives prices, as fans see them as investments, like signed albums.

My Portals feels like owning a piece of Melanie’s legacy.

• Resale Market Frenzy

The resale market for Melanie’s perfumes is insane.

I browsed online marketplaces and gasped at Cry Baby bottles listed for $400-$2,500, even chipped or empty ones.

Portals vials, part of the $275 set, sell solo for $50-$150.

This chaos comes from scarcity and fan FOMO.

I saw fans online panicking over missing the Portals drop, willing to pay triple for resales.

Resellers know Melanie’s fanbase will shell out for these relics.

I thought about selling my Cry Baby but couldn’t—it’s too tied to my fandom.

• Exclusive Marketing

Melanie’s team markets her perfumes as rare experiences.

Cry Baby launched with scented magazine ads and free samples with merch, building hype.

I got a sample with a T-shirt order, and it convinced me to buy the full bottle.

Portals used a direct-to-consumer site with limited pre-orders, creating a buzz.

I waited months for my set, hyped by cryptic social media teasers.

This exclusivity makes fans feel like insiders, but it also justifies high prices.

I fell for it, paying $275 for Portals to be part of Melanie’s world.

Maintenance Tips for Melanie Martinez Perfumes

• Store Away from Heat: Keep bottles in a cool, dark spot to preserve scent. I tuck my Cry Baby in a drawer.
• Avoid Bathrooms: Store in dry areas, not humid bathrooms. My Portals lives in its tin box.
• Spray Lightly: Use 2-3 spritzes to stretch bottles. I make my Cry Baby last with restraint.
• Shake Portals Vials: Mix oils by shaking gently. I shake Fiery Passion for a richer scent.
• Wipe Bottles Clean: Use a soft cloth to keep bottles shiny. My Cry Baby looks brand-new.
• Save Original Tins: Store in packaging for protection. My Portals tin is part of the charm.
• Seal Tightly: Close caps to prevent air exposure. I seal my Cry Baby after every use.
• Display Carefully: Place sculptures on sturdy shelves. My Portals statue avoids wobbly spots.
• Clean Hands First: Apply with clean hands to avoid smudges. I learned after greasing my Cry Baby.
• Check Vial Caps: Tighten Portals vials to prevent leaks. I check mine weekly.

Health Benefits of Melanie Martinez Perfumes

Melanie’s perfumes did more than smell good—they boosted my mood.

Cry Baby’s strawberry milk scent felt like a hug, calming me before stressful meetings.

I’d spritz it and feel like a kid again.

Portals’ Fiery Passion, with its bold vanilla, gave me swagger at parties, earning compliments.

The scents lasted all day, keeping me confident.

Unboxing them was a ritual, easing my anxiety with their beauty.

Melanie’s cruelty-free ethos made me feel good about my purchase, aligning with my values.

Sharing my love for these fragrances online connected me with fans, lifting my spirits.

Should You Buy Melanie Martinez Perfumes?

If you adore Melanie’s music or unique scents, her perfumes might be worth it.

Cry Baby’s $1,000+ resale is for hardcore collectors—I’d only pay if I missed the 2017 drop.

Portals’ $275 set is for those who love art; I splurged for the sculpture.

If money’s tight, try dupes for $40-$60.

I weighed my fandom against my budget and chose Portals, but Cry Baby’s rarity tempts me.

Think about your love for Melanie, scent taste, and if you’re okay with splurging on collectibles.

Pros of Melanie Martinez Perfumes

• Unique Scents: Cry Baby’s milkshake vibe and Portals’ elemental notes are one-of-a-kind. I get compliments every time.
• Gorgeous Packaging: Baby bottles and sculptures are art. My Portals statue steals the show.
• Collector’s Dream: Limited runs feel exclusive. My Cry Baby is a prized possession.
• Premium Quality: Long-lasting, rich notes. Fiery Passion stays on me all day.
• Emotional Tie: Links to Melanie’s music. I feel her art in every spritz.
• Cruelty-Free: Vegan and ethical. I love her commitment to animals.
• Unboxing Magic: Tins, confetti, and vials thrill. My Cry Baby unboxing was pure joy.
• Strong Sillage: Projects well. Cry Baby trails behind me in crowds.
• Melanie’s Vision: Her personal touch shines. Portals’ design screams her style.
• Fan Community: Connects me with others. I swapped Portals tips online.

Cons of Melanie Martinez Perfumes

• Sky-High Prices: $70-$275, plus $2,500 resales, hurts. I saved for months.
• Hard to Find: Sell-outs are stressful. I nearly missed Portals’ drop.
• Resale Rip-Offs: $400 for empty bottles is nuts. I saw absurd listings.
• Discontinued Risk: Cry Baby’s gone forever. I fear Portals’ fate.
• Polarizing Scents: Sweet notes aren’t universal. My sister found Cry Baby cloying.
• Plastic Feel: Portals’ $275 sculpture feels plasticky. I wanted metal.
• Shipping Waits: Portals took ages to arrive. I checked tracking daily.
• No Early Refills: Portals refills came late. I rationed my vials.
• Hype Inflation: Fandom drives costs. I wonder if $275 is fair.
• Niche Taste: Not for minimalists. My coworker disliked Fiery Passion.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Enhanced Scents Pheromone Perfume

Comparing Melanie Martinez Perfumes to Other Celebrity Fragrances

• Cry Baby Vs. Ariana Grande Cloud

Ariana’s Cloud, at $65 for 3.4 oz, is a sweet, fluffy scent like Cry Baby.

I wear both, and Cloud’s marshmallow is cozy, but Cry Baby’s caramel and woods feel edgier.

Cloud’s plain bottle lacks Cry Baby’s baby bottle magic.

Ariana’s mass-market availability keeps it affordable, unlike Cry Baby’s resale madness.

• Cry Baby Vs. Billie Eilish Eilish

Billie’s Eilish, at $68 for 1.7 oz, shares Cry Baby’s warm vanilla.

I tried Eilish, and its berries are fresh, but Cry Baby’s lipstick note adds drama.

Eilish’s bottle is sleek, but Cry Baby’s nostalgic design wins my heart.

Billie’s ongoing stock beats Cry Baby’s rarity.

• Portals Vs. Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth

Sabrina’s Sweet Tooth, at $41 for 1 oz, mimics Portals’ Fiery Passion with vanilla.

I sampled Sweet Tooth, and it’s playful, but Portals’ sandalwood feels richer.

Sweet Tooth’s chocolate bottle is cute, but Portals’ sculpture is art.

Sabrina’s price is lower than Portals’ $275.

• Portals Vs. Taylor Swift Wonderstruck

Taylor’s Wonderstruck, at $60 for 3.4 oz, has fruity vibes like Portals’ Earthy Abundance.

I owned Wonderstruck, and it’s sweet, but Portals’ turmeric adds depth.

Wonderstruck’s bottle is pretty, but Portals’ statue is unmatched.

Taylor’s wide release keeps it cheaper.

• Cry Baby Vs. Affordable Dupes

Some brands offer Cry Baby-inspired scents for $40-$60.

I tried one, and it had strawberry notes but missed Cry Baby’s caramel richness.

The generic bottle felt boring next to Cry Baby’s iconic design.

Dupes are budget-friendly but lack Melanie’s magic.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Valentino Voce Viva 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Melanie Martinez’s perfumes, from Cry Baby’s nostalgic bottle to Portals’ stunning sculpture, are expensive for a reason.

Rare ingredients, limited runs, and Melanie’s creative touch make them treasures.

I found their scents and artistry worth the cost, but resales like $2,500 are wild.

You decide if their magic fits your budget and fandom.

Snag a bottle or dupe to join Melanie’s fragrant world!