Tag: affordable

Affordable Autumn Treats for All – grab these offers while you can!

Now that the weather finally feels like autumn in the U.K. – and honestly, isn’t it sort of delicious (for the moment!) to have that bracing breeze on your cheeks?  – it’s the perfect moment to switch up your fragrance wardrobe and indulge in something truly seasonal. The Perfume Society’s Black Friday olfactive extravaganza – with up to 40% off until November 30th – means there’s never been a better time to treat yourself, or squirrel away some scented gifts for the festive season ahead.

And if, like many, you’re not quite ready to jingle your bells and whisper the ‘C’ word just yet, why not focus on affordable autumn treats that simply lift your mood and fill your days (and nights) with perfumed joy? Below you’ll find an array of discovery sets and brand boxes currently on offer – each one an invitation to adventure, self-celebration, and fragrant generosity for all ages and tastes. And no better time to explore and broaden your fragrant horizons than right now.

The boxes described below are merely a scented snapshot of some of amazing savings you can make – see here for the full fragrant list – but read on for an overview, and just LOOK at these deals…!

 

 

 

 

Map of the Heart Discovery Set WAS £40 / NOW £32

Transport yourself through eight evocative scents, each one a story in a bottle, from the intoxicating mineral depths of V.8 Abundance to the metallic spark of V.4 Peace. Picture luminous narcissus, shiso leaf, decadent violet, and mysterious oud playing out across skin like enigmatic love letters. Whether you’re drawn to smoky woods, green saltiness, ripe tuberose, or vanilla with rebellious intent, this set beckons anyone with a poetic heart and a keen nose for the unconventional. Ideal for autumn introspection, or gifting your most artistically minded friend.

 

 

 

 

Experimental Perfume Club Discovery Set WAS £50 / NOW £40

Autumn is the season for creativity and contrast – this blend-able box delivers that in spades. With layers from crisp bergamot incense and herb-laden Fig Neroli to deep, comforting Sandalwood Musk and powdery Amber Iris, it encourages you to compose your own personal symphony. Perfect for experimenters, perfumistas who want to understand their olfactory chords, or anyone keen to spice up their spritzing routine. Dive into the workshop of your own senses.

 

 

 

 

 

Niche Day Discovery Box WAS £22 / NOW £13.20

Step into a world of artistry with this eclectic selection, featuring everything from Atkinsons Mint & Tonic’s exhilarating green sizzle to Molton Brown’s wild lavandin, and Parfums de Marly’s regal Valaya. There’s purple-memories and botanical intrigue, crystalline neroli, and smoky, intense extrait. This is your invitation to niche perfumery – perfect for seasoned collectors and curious fragrance newcomers alike.

 

 

 

Sarah Baker Red Carpet Discovery Set WAS £40 / NOW £32

Ever fancied a bit of cinematic glamour with your spritz? This set brings red-carpet drama! Hypnotic Peach’s Revenge is all juicy summer madness, Atlante gives you salty hair and sunkissed skin, while Gold Spot is pure luxe lounging. Riders and Flame & Fortune offer leather, woods, and gunpowder gourmand for the bold of heart. For anyone dreaming of stardom, or simply wanting to feel centre-stage in their own life.

 

 

 

 

Vallense Discovery Set WAS £21 / NOW £16.80

Three signature scents designed to balance, inspire, and celebrate nature – Spirit’s leafy-green brightness for busy mornings, Sun’s languorous tropical lull for moments of escape, and Source’s plush warmth for evenings you want to feel your most opulent. Irresistible for anyone with a love of natural beauty and energetic vibes, or as a thoughtful gift for those yearning for a little uplift.

 

 

 

 

 

strangelove Discovery Set WAS £92 / NOW £73.60

Prepare for full autumnal scented sensuality: every scent here is built on the lush luxury of precious oudh, blended with rare ingredients for maximum swoon. Whether you crave the mysterious, empowering ‘dead of night’, the cosmic wonder of ‘fall into stars’, or want to lose yourself in the floral rapture of ‘lost in flowers’, strangelove is niche perfumery at its most hypnotic. One to keep for those velvet evenings – or share with someone you love.

 

 

 

 

Essence Deluxe Discovery Box WAS £75 / NOW £60

Ten brands, one massive box of gorgeousness that was already huge value at full RRP – this is a fragrant festival! Expect everything from Marc-Antoine Barrois’ luminously nostalgic yet modern creations to Elie Saab’s glamorous designer notes and Boadicea’s heroic flair. Travel from opulent, amber-rich oudh, sparkling neroli, seductive patchouli, and classic cologne in a single box. The perfect present mix of miniatures and samples for the fragrance obsessive in your circle, or an EPIC journey for yourself.

 

 

Granado Coleção Elixir Discovery Set WAS £48 / NOW £38.40

A direct ticket to Brazil’s perfume heritage, this set offers creamy sandalwood, earthy patchouli, spicy tonka, and soft, sensual leather; then evokes sun-drenched woods, mossy rainforests, and spicy warmth that lingers. Just the thing for a scent trip away from soggy U.K. weather – or to save for brighter summer nostalgia in the New Year.

Whether you’re seeking your next signature, hedging bets for your festive gift drawer, or simply want a cheering fragrant treat, now is the season to dive into the world of autumn luxuries made all the more affordable with these brilliant limited-time offers. Don’t forget, the Black Friday prices only last until 30th November or until stock runs out!

As an added bonus: for Seasonal Scent Subscriptions apply code SEASONS at checkout to get 20% off your first box.

Now, go forth and sniff these bargains bravely and, dare we say, perhaps a teeny bit smugly, knowing how much you’ve saved on your new scent selections.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Wrapped in Brambles – Blackberry Scents to Welcome Autumn’s Arrival

Get ready to feast your senses on a bounty of blackberry scents, because as the exuberance of summer yields to autumn’s golden hush, a shift occurs in the air – a coolness, a softening, a whisper of change that rings with the promise of misty hedgerows and brambly adventures. Let’s explore…

 

Yes, okay, part of us wishes the beautiful summer sunshine could have carried on awhile longer; but there’s also beauty to be found in the days when the earth’s palette deepens, shadows lengthen under coppery light, and nature offers up the succulent yield of late harvest. Plump, wild blackberries, their skins inky and glistening with dew and tinged with the sense of transition.

The poet Sylvia Plath once marvelled at coming across a lane laden with blackberries, sharing that sense of wonderment at seeing them en-masse, and at the world proffering us such jewelled, juicy gifts:

Blackberrying by Sylvia Plath

Nobody in the lane, and nothing, nothing but blackberries,
Blackberries on either side, though on the right mainly,
A blackberry alley, going down in hooks, and a sea
Somewhere at the end of it, heaving. Blackberries
Big as the ball of my thumb, and dumb as eyes
Ebon in the hedges, fat
With blue-red juices. These they squander on my fingers.
I had not asked for such a blood sisterhood; they must love me.
They accommodate themselves to my milk bottle, flattening their sides.

How wonderful, then, to now allow ourselves to revel in fragrances which seize upon this luscious note, bottling late summer’s last hurrah and welcoming the cosy embrace of the colder months ahead. We feel blackberry-centred scents can marry both worlds: they fizz with fun and fruity brightness, yet linger with spice, woods, and warmth, offering a sense of sensory escape and snuggle-worthy hugs with every spritz.

Now then, which of this lusciously juicy crop of blackberry perfumes would you pick first…?

 

 

Shay & Blue Blackberry Woods 100ml

Shay & Blue Blackberry Woods

This is a dusky stroll through an enchanted forest as twilight seeps through the branches. Created by Julie Massé, we’re plunged into the heart of blackberry season, the first cool nip in the air raising goosebumps on your arms, fingers stained purple from the sweet-tart juice of berries picked at their prime. Sparkling zesty orange flutters at the top alongside the signature sleekness of blueberry, painting a scene of sweet anticipation. The fragrance blossoms into a creamy heart of magnolia and orange blossom, their soft florals lending a gentle embrace before being enfolded in the comforting warmth of musk and cashmere wood. You’re left with the sensation of leaves crunching underfoot and the woodsmoke of dusk in the distance – a perfectly woven olfactory scarf for autumn’s arrival.

£65 for 100ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

 

 

 

Lalique Amethyst

Unfurling like a freshly embroidered berry tapestry, this exuberant ode to hedgerows is groaning with the bounties of blackcurrant, blackberry, mulberry, and a whisper of blueberry for extra piquancy. Nathalie Lorson crafts a vibrant opening – nutmeg’s spicy prickle meets the tangy, jammy explosion of blackberry, underscored by the gentle freshness of blackcurrant. As the fragrance deepens, its heart reveals the silky, powdered blush of peony, a subtle dusting of rose peppered with spice, and the hypnotic warmth of ylang ylang. The base emerges soft and feathery with vanilla and musk, evoking the last rays of late afternoon sun glinting through a many-faceted amethyst gem, glowing with the remembered heat of summer and the anticipation of autumn’s many mysteries.

Currently £44.50 for 100ml eau de parfum superdrug.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay

Ah, now this conjures a rush of childhood memories – muddy boots stomping through tangled brambles, cheeks flushed from crisp air, baskets overflowing with glossy fruit. The initial impression is a bold, tart burst – blackberry juice bursting beneath your teeth, blackcurrant and bucco tree essence lending their green snap to a portrait of autumn hedgerows. Bay leaves in the heart – fresh, herbaceous galbanum and leafy verdancy – signal the moment when fruit and foliage are entwined. Anchored by cedarwood’s dry, charismatic depth, the fragrance lingers like the memory of a wild ramble, wrapping your senses with the promise of comfort and exploration.

From £56 for 30ml Cologne jomalone.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Salvatore Ferragamo’s Signorina Misteriosa

Effervescent as the last sparkling sip of summer, we find this quickly drapes itself in intrigue fit for long, candle-lit evenings. Wild blackberry and neroli fizz vivaciously atop the fragrance, beckoning you closer to an opulently plush heart of orange blossom and tuberose – florals that unfurl in sultry, petal-soft waves. Finally, the base, a mesmerising black vanilla mousse, emerges like dusk itself – sweet, enigmatic, almost edible, cocooning you in an irresistible, velvety warmth as night falls outside.

Currently £64 for 50ml eau de parfum debenhams.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl Forever

That first glorious rush of blackberry is joined by the sunlit optimism of bergamot and juicy pear. It is nostalgia and modernity entwined, echoing the familiar warmth of the beloved icon with the joyful anticipation of new beginnings. Peony, iris, and jasmine bloom in the heart, like a floral crown tossed joyfully in the breeze, before settling into a gently enveloping base of amber, sandalwood, and cedarwood. This fragrance is a soft, nostalgia-laden embrace, wearable for crisp spells and those golden afternoons destined to become scent memories.

From £22 for 30ml eau de toilette theperfumeshop.com

 

With blackberry scents, it’s as though autumn reveals its playful side, yet at the same time invites us closer, urging us to wrap ourselves in the comfort of berries and woodsmoke, spice and memory, with an invitation to linger a little longer in the mellow magic of the season.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Exploring more affordable niche perfumes: 7 scents from £30 – £85

While we may recently have spent hard-earned cash on gifts for loved ones, that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to something special. But we know at this time of year, our budgets may be more limited. The good news is that some niche and independent perfume houses are making their scents more accessible, with many now also offering smaller sizes and more affordable price points.

Here are seven brilliant affordable niche fragrances that won’t break the bank, perfect for banishing those post-holiday blues…

 

 

 

Noyz Lost + Found

Let’s start with Noyz Lost + Found, a fragrance that punches well above its price tag. This scent is a masterclass in blending, with notes of Italian lemon, jasmine petals, and cedarwood creating a fresh, citrusy kick that lingers on the skin. The quality of ingredients is evident from the first spray, with each note singing in perfect harmony. It’s a scent that feels both modern and timeless, perfect for those looking to make a subtle yet memorable impression.

£85 for 50ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

 

Arkive No One Elsie

For those on a tighter budget, Arkive’s No One Elsie is a scented steal! Don’t let the price fool you – this is a beautifully crafted fragrance that showcases the skill of its creators. With notes of tomato leaf, rhubarb, and honeysuckle, it’s a scent that’s both uplifting and comforting. The blend is seamless, with each ingredient complementing the others to create a nostalgic yet refreshingly contemporary fragrance that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

£30 for 50ml eau de parfum arkiveheadcare.com

 

 

 

Affordable niche Fragrance

Soki London Artemis 

Soki London’s Artemis is a fragrance that truly captures the essence of its namesake, and offering exceptional value for a truly long-lasting niche scent. The perfumer (Ruth Mastenbroek no less!) has skilfully balanced notes of peach, osmanthus, and woods to create a scent that’s both fierce and tender. The beauty of the ingredients sings through the composition, with each note clear and distinct yet perfectly integrated into the whole.

£75 for 50ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom

Floral Street continues to impress with their affordable collection, and Sweet Almond Blossom is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using high-quality, sustainable ingredients. The scent is a delightful blend of almond, vanilla, and matcha, creating a fragrance that’s both gourmand and sophisticated. It’s a perfect example of how niche brands can create complex, yet subtly balanced and interesting scents at more accessible price points.

£74 for 50ml eau de parfum floralstreet.com

 

 

 

 

Mabelle O’Rama Phoenix Flame

For those who prefer to try their fragrances in smaller doses, first, Mabelle O’Rama’s Phoenix Flame offers a very afforable 7.5ml size (and you can buy the full trio of scents for £95 – though they’re currently on offer at £85). This concentrated blend of spices, amber, and incense is a powerhouse of a scent that simmers beguilingly. It’s a scent that evolves beautifully on the skin, revealing great depth and providing much-needed confidence boosts at this time of year.

£35 for 7.5ml eau de parfum mabelleorama.com

 

 

ARgENTUM Everyman 

ARgENTUM’s Everyman is a standout unisex scent in their range, now offering a 30ml size of pure olfactory pleasure. This citrus-woody scent is joyous, a true call to spring on the way, with notes of daffodils dancing among lemon, star anise, and cedarwood, creating a fragrance that’s both fresh and grounding. We love wearing this to ward off the gloom, and to revel in the brightness on the breeze. Try their ‘fragrance reading’ on their website to see which they match you to for some extra fragrant fun.

£78 for 30ml eau de parfum argentum.com

 

 

 

 

Thursday Fragrance Marzi

Thursday Fragrance’s Marzi, meanwhile, is a delightfully tempting treat for gourmand-lovers (or those keen to explore this fragrance family). This scent is a testament to the alchemy of perfumery, creating a photo-realistic dive into with bitter almond, vanilla, and brown sugar for a fragrance that feels at once comforting and addictively delicioous. From the initial burst of almond to the lingering sweetness of the dry down, it’s a olfactory treat we’re going back for seconds of, for sure!

£75 for 50ml eau de parfum thursdayfragrance.co.uk

 

These seven affordable fragrances prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the creativity and quality of niche perfumery. Each offers a unique olfactory experience, showcasing the skill of their creators and the beauty of their ingredients. So why not treat yourself this winter? Your nose (and your wallet) will thank you…

Written by Suzy Nightingale 

Resolve to Smell AMAZING: 5 Fragrance Goals for 2025

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to set some olfactory objectives. Whether you’re a seasoned fragrance aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of scent, these five fragrance goals for 2025 will help you expand your horizons and discover new olfactory delights.

 

 

 

We’ll be bringing you a plethora of exciting perfumes to delve into in the coming weeks and months, but for now, let’s focus on some broader, yet informative tips to enhance your fragrant journey…

 

 

 

  1. Explore the World of Indie Perfumery

Make 2025 the year you venture beyond mainstream brands and discover the unique creations of independent perfumers. Indie houses often offer innovative, daring compositions that push the boundaries of traditional perfumery. They frequently use high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and create in small batches, ensuring a level of exclusivity. Look for online niche perfume retailers, attend perfume events, or join fragrance communities to learn about these hidden gems.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Uncover Affordable High Street Treasures

Don’t overlook the potential of high street fragrances. Many affordable brands are stepping up their game, collaborating with renowned perfumers to create sophisticated scents at accessible price points. Next time you’re out shopping, take a moment to explore the fragrance sections of your clothing and makeup shops, local chemists or department stores. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and complexity of some of these budget-friendly options.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Rediscover the Classics

2025 is the perfect time to revisit some legendary fragrances that have stood the test of time. Whether it’s a scent you used to wear years ago or a famous perfume you’ve always meant to try, classic fragrances offer a window into the history of perfumery. Many of these can still be found at reasonable prices, especially if you look for older formulations in vintage shops or online marketplaces. Remember, classics are classics for a reason – their enduring appeal speaks volumes about their quality and artistry. Begin with our two part feature on 50 Fragrances You Must Try…

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Expand Your Olfactory Vocabulary

Challenge yourself to describe fragrances more accurately and eloquently. Start by keeping a scent diary where you jot down your impressions of different perfumes. Try to go beyond simple descriptors like “fresh” or “sweet” and delve into specific notes, textures, and emotions evoked by each scent. Attend perfume workshops or masterclasses to learn from experts and enhance your ability to discern and articulate different fragrance elements.

  1. Embrace Seasonal Scenting

Make 2025 the year you curate a fragrance wardrobe that changes with the seasons. Just as you switch up your clothing throughout the year, your perfumes can reflect the shifting moods and temperatures of each season. That’s why we began the Seasonal Scent Subscription Boxes – perfectly curated to bring you newness and beloved names that always smell right for right now. Experiment with lighter, fresher scents for spring and summer, and richer, warmer fragrances for autumn and winter. But don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations – a traditionally summery scent might bring a delightful contrast to a cold winter’s day.

Remember, the world of fragrance is vast and endlessly fascinating. These goals are meant to guide you on a journey of olfactory discovery, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and experience the full spectrum of what perfumery has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to niche creations, rediscovering classics, or finding hidden gems on the high street, 2025 promises to be a year filled with amazing scents.

Stay tuned for our upcoming features on exciting new scents to try as you work towards these fragrant resolutions. It’s going to be a fragrantly FABULOUS 2025, we can just feel it!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Pocket Friendly Perfumes: How to smell expensive when you’re on a budget…

At The Perfume Society, we believe that smelling luxurious doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.

We understand the allure of high-end fragrances, but we also know that many affordable options can deliver truly exquisite scents. Our mission has always been to explore fragrances across all price ranges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the pleasure of a refined scent without breaking the bank!

In our multi-award-winning magazine, The Scented Letter, one of the most perennially popular sections is called Latest Launches, where we highlight the best new fragrances from mega-bucks to much more affordable: those that offer exceptional quality at an accessible price. Readers can sign up for a free digital copy or purchase a glamorously glossy print edition, as we know many discerning perfumistas still prefer their long-form reads in print.

In this blog feature, for a differing take on our monthly theme of luxury, we are focusing on some affordable fragrances already out there, that smell incredibly expensive and are just waiting for your skin to discover them. These are the scents we’re reaching for right now—beautifully crafted and sophisticated, yet far pocket-friendlier than many others you may have found…

 

 

Floral Street Chypre Sublime

This gloriously glamorous woody scent dives into one of our favourite families – chypre. The velvety damask rose and powdered violet at its heart swoons to rich patchouli and labdanum for added depth. An elegant scent that more than rivals luxury perfumes.

From £29 for 10ml eau de parfum floralstreet.com

 

 

 

 

Soki London Artemis

Capturing the essence of a moonlit forest, Artemis opens with luscious peach and plum notes. Osmanthus flower adds elegance, while sandalwood and cedar provide a grounding finish. This enchanting new fragrance feels like a luxurious escape into nature.

£75 for 50ml eau de parfum shop.sokilondon.com

Granado Nostalgia

A tribute to Brazilian flora, this scent balances tradition with modernity. The spicy pink pepper and citrus top notes lead to an elegant floral heart of lily and rose. Its woody base of cashmere and musk exudes sophistication, making it feel like a high-end creation.

Try it in the Granado Coleção Perfumes Discovery Set £58 for 5 x 10ml eaux des parfums

 

 

 

 

 

Shloksha Bouquet Monument MVP 

This fragrance envelops you in the luxurious embrace of a flowering citrus tree. With top notes of orange and grapefruit, it transitions into an elegant heart of jasmine and rose, warming to sandalwood and orris. Smells far more expensive than its price suggests!

£54.95 for 30ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge

Vibrant and energising, this fragrance (by Master Perfumers Amandine Clerc-Marie and Alberto Morillas, no less!) combines natural ginger extract with pink berries for a fresh start. The sensual benzoin base adds warmth, making it feel both indulgent and refined.

£20 for 30ml eau de Cologne thefrenchpharmacy.co

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scent Shopping: When to Save & When to Splurge?

It’s the eternal fragrance dilemma: when to save and when to splurge on our beloved scents? As devoted enthusiasts here at The Perfume Society, we know the thrill of both a bargain find and a luxurious indulgence. So, let’s dive into the aromatic world of scent-shopping economics, shall we?

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should we say, the giant perfume bottle on the dressing table? Premium fragrances often come with a heftier price tag, but there’s a method to the olfactory madness. These high-end concoctions typically boast a higher concentration of fragrance to carrier (usually alcohol), meaning they tend to last longer on the skin. Not only that, but the ingredients used can be of superior quality, allowing you to use less product overall.

Now, if you’re aiming to build a fragrance wardrobe that rivals the perfume counter of a department store, opting for budget-friendly scents might be your best bet. There’s something utterly delightful about having a different fragrance for every day of the week (or several – no judgment here!), so you might want to spend less, but have far more choice.

 

 

 

 

However, if you’re after an olfactory journey that unfolds like a beautifully crafted novel, with twists, turns, and a satisfying denouement, you might want to consider investing in more costly fragrances. These artisanal creations often offer a complex, nuanced experience that evolves over time, unlike their mass-market counterparts which tend (not always, but it’s more usual) to maintain a more consistent scent from first spritz to dry down.

But here’s a little secret: the gap between luxury and high street fragrances isn’t as wide as it once was. Many mass-market houses are now collaborating with the same perfumers who create those swoon-worthy niche scents. It’s like finding a designer dress at a high street price – a win-win situation!

Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Sometimes, it’s worth saving up (or dropping heavy hints to friends and family) for that special bottle that makes your heart skip a beat. Perhaps if it’s really expensive, a family or friend group could ‘crowd source’ to save for a fragrant gift? Other times, a spontaneous purchase of an inexpensive scent can provide an instant mood lift – it’s amazing how a spritz of something new can transform your day.

 

 

Spend or save? Samples help you do both!

 

 

For the best of both worlds? Treat yourself to a discovery box filled with a good selection of fragrance samples. It’s like a treasure chest of olfactory delights, allowing you to explore a mix of luxury niche and designer high-street brands from the comfort of your own boudoir. Take your time, let each scent unfold on your skin, and decide which ones are worth investing in for the long haul.

If you save or decide to splurge on scent, remember, fragrance is deeply personal. Whether you’re spritzing on a budget find or dabbing a precious drop of luxury, what matters most is how it makes you feel. So go forth, experiment, and find the scents that make your soul sing – at any price point!

 

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Affordable Fragrant Treats – for a Fresh New Start in February

Let’s face it, we all know January can be hard on the pocket (and the soul!) but we don’t know about you – we are CRAVING occasional treats to self and some scented newness like never before.

A little luxury arriving through the post can go a long way to cheering yourself up on a grim day – or simply letting someone else know you’re thinking of them, giving them something to smile about. Here’s our current rota of go-to of perfume presents (to us, or others) that also happen to be extremely pocket-friendly, for when you need to add a bit of a pep to your step…

 

 

 

 

The best way to treat yourself (or others, must keep remembering to add that) is to buy a Discovery Set – these can range from collections from a single scent house, or curated selections of perfumes from all sorts of brands. Testing them on your own skin, at home and in your own time, is THE safest way to avoid making expensive mistakes by buying a full bottle after the first spritz, then realising it perhaps wasn’t quite for you (we’ve all done it!)

Air sign birthdays are still in the swing (Aquarius until February 18) and Earth sign birthdays on the horizon (Pisces February 19 – March 20), but anyone who appreciates soulful, beautifully balanced fragrances would love to try one of these character-driven ARgENTUM scent discovery sets.

 

 

‘As an element, air encapsulates a masculine energy of thought and communication. Born at sunrise in the crisp breath of Spring ~ air is imaginative and intelligent, but without flow can become stifled and cruel. Moist and warm, air symbolises a nurturing energy that celebrates your knowledge and ideas, the beginning of something intangible and without permanent form. This brisk and exhilarating element stimulates the mind and cuts to the heart of your quest for connection.’

  • Become: All encompassing, balancing, beginnings
  • Creator: Creative energy, trust, manifestation
  • Sage: Wisdom, knowledge, awareness
  • Ruler: Balance, adaptability, vulnerability

ARgENTUM Discovery Kit – Air Collection – £28 for four fragrance samples

 

 

‘As an element, earth encapsulates a cleansing feminine energy of strength and solidity. Born at midnight in the depths of Winter ~ earth is grounded in fertility and security, but left to harden can lack vision and freedom from material things. Cold and dry, earth symbolises the physical, immersed in reality and centred in groundedness with intuitive abundance. This generous and nurturing element guides you to wisdom on your quest to find nourishment.’

  • Become: All encompassing, balancing, beginnings
  • Everyman: Human connection, trust, loyalty
  • Explorer: Personal journey, growth, learning
  • Caregiver: Soothing, nurturing, guiding

ARgENTUM Discovery Kit – Earth Collection – £28 for four fragrance samples

 

 

 

 

 

Containing 9 fragrances from their Native Collection, this Goldfield & Banks Discovery Set allows you to explore Australia via the brands use of indigenous ingredients producing unique fragrances that take you from beach to forest to outback. Beautifully crafted, these perfumes blend French expertise with Australian botanicals for a stunning journey down under.

Wood Infusion – A luxe ambery scent surrounded by an elixir of rich woods, buttery roots and aromatic notes.

Bohemian Lime – Bohemian Lime mellows to reveal blissful grounding notes of vetiver, cedar wood and sandalwood.

Sunset Hour – A heavenly elixir of citrus and spicy delights await, giving way to a deliciously gourmand and sensuous floral heart.

Pacific Rock Moss – An aquatic and fresh perfume with a distinctive marine note. Cedar wood gives this perfume a sturdy base on which to reveal a fresh, sea spray scent that speaks of summer day.

Desert Rosewood – A rich, amber and woody fragrance that evokes thick, arid deep forests.

Southern Bloom – An immediately lavish, pure and sensational floral-woody fragrance, with a smooth, velvety sensation and glimpses of exquisite green notes combined with red coloured fruity notes.

White Sandalwood – White sandalwood and amber provide a comforting base, while saffron, pepper and thyme cast an exotic dry heat, tempered by a heart of sweet powdery Turkish rose.

Velvet Splendour – The first inhale is an immediate mix of green stems, yellow blooms, cool air and warm light. Bold, sensual and glamorous.

Blue Cypress – Blue Cypress provides a fragrant woody base, lifted by a fusion of invigorating lavender and exotic patchouli, clove and star anise.

Goldfield & Banks Discovery Set – £30 for nine fragrance samples

 

 

 

 

American-born Sarah Baker has resided in London for a long time. As well as being an artist and film-maker, she has also developed perfumes at the Institute for Art and Olfaction in Los Angeles. These fragrances are bold, distinctive, and not for the faint of heart. Presented in a compact, elegant box finished in the collection’s signature Enlightenment Green, it also includes an integrated booklet with information on our eau de parfums.  It’s ideal for gifting or when you want more choice while on the go. The 5 eau de parfums included are:

  • Bascule: Horses, hay and leather. The sun-ripened notes of succulent fruit, woods and prominent green notes. Equestrian.
  • Far from the Madding Crowd: A picnic in the countryside. Botanics, deciduous fruits, wild flowers and woods. Meadows.
  • Flame & Fortune: White flowers, spice and citrus heated until it catches fire in the dryness of the fragrant desert. Dramatic.
  • G Clef: Jazz-inspired. Coastal, citrus and woody and notes of a fougére. Californian or Mediterranean? Savoire Faire.
  • Symmerty: The fragrance hub of the Ancient World. Combines oud, with the freshness of a cologne tradition. Classical.

Sarah Baker Eau de Parfum Discovery Set – £30 for five fragrance samples

 

 

 

 

 

 

You don’t need to be going to some swanky party, or even out-out, to want to smell wonderful – and with this selection of scents you can feel fabulous very day (for weeks!) The scent you wear can be the starting point of how you want to approach each new day. Do you want to be fun and flirty? Maybe you feel a bit more daring and edgy? Are you in need of a confidence boost with something classic? Containing a brilliant range of olfactive offerings from beloved designer and exciting, emerging niche names too, it’s just the thing to set you up for the month ahead.

Adscenture Holographic 2ml extrait de parfum
Creed Carmina 1.7ml eau de parfum
EauMG FlorFunk 2ml extrait de parfum
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Black tea 2ml eau de toilette
Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger 2ml eau de parfum
Granado Expedição 1.8ml eau de parfum
Lancôme Idôle 1.2ml eau de parfum
Malin + Goetz Strawberry 0.75ml eau de parfum
Mizensir Palissandre Night 2ml eau de parfum 
Parfum de Marly Althair 1.5ml eau de parfum
Pictor Parfum Flash 2ml extrait de parfum
Robert Piguet Notes 1ml eau de parfum

Fabulous Fragrances Discovery Set – £19 VIP price  or RRP £ £23 for twelve fragrance samples

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Pocket-Friendly Perfume Gifts

It can be rather daunting trying to buy gifts that show you care but don’t break the bank, so we’ve a line-up of perfect perfumed present ideas that showcase fabulous fragrances but happen to be brilliantly priced. In fact, these are pocket-friendly enough to even consider treating yourself, too, don’t you think…?

 

 

Florals, but absolutely not as you know them – this was the driving passion that launched British niche house Floral Street in to the perfume world, and has since seen them become a global, award-winning scented success story. Find out why with this brilliant set, which offers a whole wardrobe of contemporary eaux de parfums, all ‘powered by flowers’.

Chypre Sublime An utterly modern take on this sophisticated fragrance family, blending incense with Damask rose absolute, midnight violet, pink pepper and geranium, on a stunning base of benzoin, labdanum and olibanum.

Black Lotus The classic English-Rose dressed in a black leather jacket. Intoxicating, spirited, bohemian and alive. Complex and multi-faceted, the sweet honeyed scent of centifolia rose adds depth to lighter, spicy nuances by way of red peppercorn and saffron.

Arizona  Bloom A dry floral amber. A sense of freedom and happiness — scented and bottled.

Electric Rhubarb White florals and powdery sandalwood are combined with the scent of English Rhubarb and an unexpected blast of salty sea air.

Neon Rose You will never have smelt flowers like these. Freshly chopped jasmine draped around your neck. Roses around your wrist. And yet no roses were harmed in the making of this showpiece – these buds were cooked up in a lab for extra punch. Crisp, green Angelica leaves bring a botanical dimension, while fresh Bergamot floats overhead.

Wild Vanilla Orchid It’s vanilla, but not as you know it. A raw-edged confection of creamy vanilla beans, blossom, cassis and citrus, dressed in a bunch of just-plucked jasmine. Offsetting the lingering sweetness; bamboo and sandalwood bend and fold underneath.

Ylang Ylang Espresso  A strikingly modern blend of red rose, ylang ylang and jasmine cross paths with a soothing cloud of just-brewed coffee, fresh cream and Sichuan pepper – sustainably harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas. A fragrance to get lost in.

Floral Street Discovery Set £16 

 

 

A cult house, created by maverick duo Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz in New York, back in 2004; their easy-to-use, easy-to-understand skincare rapidly became a word-of-mouth favourite, and now their incredible, ground-breaking perfumes revolving around a central ingredient (surprisingly explored), are absolutely a fragrant force to be reckoned with.

Bergamot – a citrus orchard in bloom, with the spice of bitter fruit, bell pepper and ginger, with undertones of earthy musk and woody notes.

Cannabis – rich and herbaceous, with soft, floral notes of muguet and magnolia, on a base of earthy cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood.

Dark Rum – a refreshing dark and spicy aroma, sweetened with plum and bergamot, with notes of leather, rum and creamy milk.

Leather – a formula of muted florals with smooth leather while rustic wood notes call to mind the softness of a well-worn vintage find.

Stem – luscious notes of green hyacinth, muguet, mandarin leaves, and green elements from wild freesia, all softened by a trio of modern musk molecules.

Vetiver – a combination of fresh citrus peel twists that are warmed by savoury celery seed, amber and guaiacwood.

Malin + Goetz £22 

 

 

Annicke Fragrance Discovery Set

 

Albert Fouquet was the young Parisian aristocrat, who founded beloved NICHE house, Eight & Bob. His life was turned upside down one evening in the French Alps, where he attended a high society soirée and was introduced to the strikingly beautiful Annicke. This collection was created as a contemporary fragrant tribute to Fouquet’s love – and you’ll be bound to fall…

Annicke 1 – an ode to the extraordinary beauty and elegance of a woman with feminine floral aromas of lily of the valley, peony and jasmine

Annicke 2 – deliberately sensual and irresistible with harmonious notes of fruity fig and mandarin that uplift the senses, and hazelnut that brings a delicate touch of sugar

Annicke 3 – inspired by the sophisticated and glamorous charm of the early 1920s as white rose unfurls an air of vintage femininity across a dancefloor

Annicke 4 – inspired by an enchanted forest with woody and earthy undertones of Cashmeran and oakmoss, with spring-like floral notes of rose, ylang ylang and jasmine

Annicke 5 – discover the art of seduction via rich notes of full-bodied plum, golden honey with a dash of spicy rum and a base of sensual patchouli

Annicke 6 – personifying the complex dimensions of a woman, through juxtaposing notes of Sichuan pepper, bergamot and carnation

Annicke £20

 

Having launched new iterations of their best-selling Molecule 01, a fragrance that showcases the artistry and depth of synthetic molecules and has become a global superstar, the first three of the M+ collection showcases the iconic original boosted with the most beautiful accompanying notes. Truly original, utterly addictive, they’re all-day compliment-getters for sure.

Molecule 01 + Patchouli – has a cool, rather aloof woodiness to it.

Molecule 01 + Iris – iris is luxury, with a creamy powderiness.

Molecule 01 + Mandarin – radiates off the skin, with a citrus zing.

Escentric Molecules M+ £20

 

 

 

Contemporary artist Sarah Baker’s photography, sculpture and films are inspired by ‘fashion, luxury and celebrity’, but little did she know that when she created a fictional fragrance house as part of her artwork, her passion for the project (and the public’s reaction to it) would result in a real-life fragrance house. Vibrant, evocative, powerfully playful yet totally wearable, these are luxe for less!

Bascule: Horses, hay and leather. The sun-ripened notes of succulent fruit, woods and prominent green notes. Equestrian.

Far from the Madding Crowd: A picnic in the countryside. Botanics, deciduous fruits, wild flowers and woods. Meadows.

Flame & Fortune: White flowers, spice and citrus heated until it catches fire in the dryness of the fragrant desert. Dramatic.

G Clef: Jazz-inspired. Coastal, citrus and woody and notes of a fougére. Californian or Mediterranean? Savoire Faire.

Symmerty: The fragrance hub of the Ancient World. Combines oud, with the freshness of a cologne tradition. Classical.

Sarah Baker £25