Tag: discovery box

Luxury fragrances for less? (The REAL deal, no ‘dupes’ allowed!)

Luxury and niche fragrances are always lusted after, but of course can become somewhat injurious to one’s wallet if you want to try several all at once (and we always, always do!)

The problem is, this often leads people to try ‘dupe‘ fragrances (a nice word for ‘copy’ or ‘rip off’) when we are bombarded by companies aggressively advertising these copies on social media, which promise to be ‘as good as the real thing’ or saying ‘you’ll never know the difference’. It’s understandable some are (literally) duped this way – it sounds too good to be true…

And it is.

 

 

 

Luxury copies are often completely unregulated, using untraceable, unsustainable and inferior materials they can be made in unsanitary, sweat shop conditions, in huge vats of copycat smell-alikes, which may not have been fully safety tested, or have been adulterated with rogue ingredients and then passed off as being a ‘bargain’. Presented in such a way these companies suggest they are somehow doing you a favour, in fact, it’s daylight robbery – a theft of artistic ideas (often pretending to be the real thing by copying names and labels). And we have never once, in our combined decades of professional experience, found anyone, with any knowledge of fragrance, who has smelled the real thing and a knock-off dupe and not IMMEDIATELY been able to tell the difference. Fact.

Those in the know have found the way forward when we’re on a smaller budget. Luxury Discovery Boxes are the chance to indulge in the fragrances of niche and designer houses, often giving you the opportunity to try the scented wares from cult brands you’ve not heard of, or not everyone knows about yet. And, of course, not everyone happens to live near a niche perfumery (or feels brave enough to go in, even if you do). Very few of us could go out and purchase full-size bottles of every brand we want to try. Luxury boxes allow you to afford to wear every single one… and get to experience the real deal, made by perfumers, not thieves.

 

 

 

Where to Get Samples?

The best idea is to get a Discovery Box of fabulous mini sizes and samples from a wide range of luxury, niche and top-end designer fragrance houses. That way you can start exploring and trying them all in the comfort of your own home, before you splash out on a full size. This way, you also get to try things you may never have picked up to try in store (indeed, may never have heard of previously!) and have proper time to try on your skin.

 

 

Want to Explore More…?

Luxury Brand Boxes are the way forward. You may know you like one scent from a particular house, and are ready to be a bit braver and see what else they do. It’s a fantastic leaping-off point, actually, as many houses offer differing styles of scents while still retaining a kind of olfactory handwriting – the same way an artist will have a certain look to their work you can recognise, or a clothing designer tends to work with shapes or tones that suit you. So, when you’ve found one you love, do explore the rest in their collection (and obvs samples are the best way to do this without breaking the bank).

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

How to find the ‘true you’ with fragrance…

How do find the ‘true you’ and know if a fragrance suits you? This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get at PSHQ, and to be honest, it’s one of the reasons we launched (incredibly, nine years ago, now!)

One of the the best ways to really tap into that ‘true you’ and discover what you need from a fragrance on any given day is how it resonates with you – how it makes you feel, not just what it smells like.

Personal Preferences:

From childhood, we are all conditioned to have individual smell preferences, and our response is based partly on our individual genetic make-up (our DNA), and partly on our life experiences. So: that crushed tomato leaf note that reminds you of a beloved grandmother and her greenhouse – or the jasmine that was growing round a door when you were poorly on holiday, and which you can hardly stomach. Technically, we all have an ‘olfactory fingerprint’, which is unique to us: it is our life’s experiences all locked away in our smell memory. In the same way that we each respond differently to different smells, we don’t all like the same pictures, or the same music. (And wouldn’t life be boring, if we did…?)

 

 

Your DNA:

Your physical make-up can have an impact, but there are many, many exceptions… Please remember this is a very broad rule-of-thumb, and can also change with hormone levels…

  • Blondes with fair skin may find they are happiest with rich florals, as their skin may have a tendency to dryness, and subtle/citrus fragrances will evaporate quickly.
  • Brunettes / black hair often have medium/dark skin which tends to contain higher levels of natural oils, allowing scents to last longer; they may find Ambreés (deeper, more resinous) notes work well.
  • Redheads tend to have fair and delicate skin, and sometimes this turns out to be incompatible with perfumes dominated by green notes.

How to Find a Fragrance You Like:

We’ve previously published a piece on how to find a fragrance, where you will find all the tips and tricks you need to get your hands (and nose) on a selection of scents

 

 

But… Does it Suit Me?

Ask yourself this question, only, at first: Do you really like it? If so, then yes! We can never hope to please everyone with our scent choices, so our advice is, don’t even try.

Sometimes, though, when people ask this question it’s because the fragrance is out of their comfort zone. It’s completely true that some fragrances – particularly the bolder or more complex and unusual ones – can take longer to fall in love with. The most important thing is to give fragrances TIME on your skin – not just one spray on one day, then walking away if it doesn’t immediately grab you.

 

 

 

If you’ve smelled the scent on your skin on more than one occasion and you’re still not sure, make sure you check our tips to try before you write it off as a definite ‘no’.

Other times, people ask this question if they simply can’t smell a fragrance on themselves very strongly. This might be because you’re ‘anosmic’ (unable to smell) some of the notes. This can happen with large molecule notes (like musk), and amazingly, scientists currently still don’t know why we can smell some things but not others. Or, it might be because you’re so used to smelling the same ‘signature’ scent that your nose has ‘switched off’, and doesn’t register it anymore.

 

The best way to find the ‘true you’ with fragrance…

…is to try several – try scents you’d never normally consider wearing, even those that feel so different they might be a little challenging at first. That’s why we started doing our Discovery Boxes nine years ago, and so love curating them to this day!

Really get to know the new fragrance samples – and yourself – by considering what it is you do or do not like about them. It’s just as useful to learn what we dislike, at times, rather than sticking with something safe but dull. Do you wish they were brighter, lasted longer, were bolder, smoother, softer…? Now you know a little of what you need, what the ‘true you’ requires, and you can ask an assistant in store, or search for those key words online.

It’s a starting point, and the beginning of a wonderful journey. Next, you might have learned of a brand you’d like to explore more of. And then you’re already in the midst of a wonderful journey…

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scents to love yourself (show some self-care – for Valentine’s or just whenever!)

Why not show some self-care this Valentine’s (or whenever, just because)? We spend so long thinking of others, and yes ’tis the season for romance etc etc; but maybe you’re done with the oodles of over-priced single roses, have already given loved ones lots, or simply aren’t in (or into) romantic relationships right now?

Well we’re with you, and happen to think you deserve to treat yourself for a change. So, have a browse and decide which of these you like the sound of, then fall back in love with yourself with some of these scents… (Okay, okay – you can treat someone else, too, if you really want; but you know what they say? Self care isn’t selfish, so make sure you do you, first).

 

 

 

Map of the Heart Discovery Set £35

Co-founders Sarah Blair and Jeffrey Darling created Map of the Heart – award-winning fragrances that come from a passion for telling stories and their understanding that scent can transport the wearer in a split second. Proudly Australian, each fragrance by perfumer Jaques Huclier has a seam of sandalwood at its core, and it throbs life through the perfumed pulse of this niche house’s scents, using indigenously and sustainably sourced Santalum spicatum. Understanding that scent can transport the wearer just as words, images and films can whisk us to another world – this set showcases their wearable art forms, and is a wonderful gift for the artistic travellers who deserve some new adventures to explore.

 

 

 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose (just one of the scents in the Exquisite Essences Discovery Box: £23 / £19 for VIPs)

Molton Brown are right on the trend (as always) of grown-up versions of good-enough-to-eat fragrances, here firmly rooted in cherished childhood memories of baking with rhubarb’s unique tartness sprinkled by just enough sweetness. In this utterly addictive eau de parfum, those seeking scrumptiousness can indulge with joyfully juicy raspberry and a vivacious kick of pink pepper enhancing rhubarb’s sparkle, as luscious lychee and the tender peony showcase rose’s powdered charm, with a soothingly sensual base of cedarwood and musk swathing you in a gossamer soft trail. This is one to wear when you want to smell utterly scrumptious, and simply can’t get enough of yourself. Delicious, darling!

 

 

edeniste Love Lifeboost™ £68 for 30ml eau de parfum

We adore the description the house give this scents, saying it’s ‘A gesture of scented self-care that twists the traditional ideals of love into a new and meaningful ritual of confidence, compassion and generosity, to oneself and to others.’ And it’s not just words – edeniste back up every claim of the way their fragrances make you feel with extensive research. Having worked with top neuroscientists to prove the efficacy of the way our brains react to the scents, this new addition couldn’t be more timely. Ripe cherries, green leaves, radiant jasmine and tuberose with a duo of roses feel like a wearable giggle of delight, the smooth, woody dry down a hug that keeps going.

 

La Montaña Wisteria Candle £39

Oh, this wisteria’s as lush and beautiful as an idyllic cottage, the kind where those stunning flowers have scampered up and settled en-masse, garlanded so stunningly as to make you gasp. Says Cassandra Hall, the vivacious founder of the house: ‘We have a long history with wisteria, from the flower-festooned walls in Granada on our first wedding anniversary to the wisteria we tried to grow in a pot next to our front door in England. But now (finally!) we have it growing abundantly in our garden here in Spain and it’s a divine scent that says ‘home’ to us. Wisteria is a stunning, one-of-a-kind fragrance anywhere, but when it’s flowering in pure mountain air, the beauty of its perfume is life-affirming.’ Affirm your life now by burning this beautiful candle, and lightening even the greyest of days!

 

 

 

Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum (Try it in our Scintillating Scents Discovery Box: £33 / £29 VIPs)

We can just imagine the fun that Givaudan’s Sonia Constant and Quentin Bisch – a most mischievous creative pairing – got up to here, fully intending to lead us into temptation, casting an olfactory spell via a succulent, sensual cocktail of vanilla, pear, almond, belladonna, musk, bergamot and roasted tonka, which dance around each other like nothing so much as naughty nymphs. Having smelled this sample we think you might succumb to the full-sized rose-bedecked bottle, but you’ll definitely agree it’s 100% fun. This is for those of us who like to kick up their heels (even if it’s just a kitchen disco), so let your hair down and live it up with La Belle!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Funny Valentine – tips & tricks to buying a scent for someone you love

Valentines Day – love it or loathe it – is just around the corner, and it’s still the day that generates the most fragrance sales, peaking at 42% of all prestige beauty products sold. So if you’re thinking of splashing out on a fragrance for your significant other, follow our guide to ensure a scented success…

 

If you just have no idea where to start

Don’t panic and just buy something random! The best idea is to get a curated Discovery Box of fabulous mini sizes and samples from a wide range of fragrance houses, that way they can start exploring and trying them all in the comfort of their own home, and most importantly, in their own time. Each box is carefully put together to include something for all tastes – so they’re bound to fall for one of them.

Once they’ve found ‘the one’ (or perhaps several) you can then buy a full size later, safe in the knowledge they’ve already fallen for it.

 

 

If you already know what they love (and they don’t want to change)

Great! But instead of buying just another bottle, why not have a look at matching products available, such as a gorgeously decadent bath oil, rich body cream or even a fragranced hair mist. It’s often possible to find travel-size versions of perfumes at this time of year, and if you really wanted to push the boat out – how wonderful it would be to book a couple of nights in a nice hotel or day spa trip, and add the ticket to the box of mini sizes in a golden envelope! (Well, we can dream…)

 

 

If you already know what they love (and they DO fancy a change)

This is a fantastic starting point, now all you need to do is type the name of that scent into our genius Fragrance Finder, and the clever algorithm – based on information we source directly from the fragrance houses and perfumers themselves – will suggest six new fragrances that, while different from the original you typed, share a similar mood, character or key ingredients.It really works!

 

 

If you’ve an idea of fragrances they like, but aren’t sure which they have

A ‘selection box’ of scents showcasing a range of fragrances from the same house is your best option, here. Brand Boxes give you breathing room if they happen to have already got one of them, but haven’t yet explored the rest of their range. It’s a brilliant way to ensure they’ll love such a thoughtful gift, while encouraging them to smell their way through others they perhaps wouldn’t have thought about trying!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Seasonal Scents Subscription – the gift that keeps on giving!

Seasonal Scents refer to the way we instinctively like to change-up our fragrances to suit the weather, so if you know a perfume lover (of any gender) we have THE perfect present idea – and it keeps on giving!

As the colder days are here, we tend to reach for fragrances that wrap us in a hug with warm woods, spices and even delicious gourmand notes are a thing, because of the way temperature makes them change on your skin, but ‘rules’ are entirely up to your personal taste.

We know it can be confusing, so with the weather and our moods in mind, we put together specially curated selections of fragrances within a Seasonal Scents Subscription Box…

Each box contains fabulous fragrances for anyone to adore, no matter their gender or taste, chosen from leading fragrance houses beloved around the world. The sample sizes include gorgeous miniatures, and will land at your gift recipient’s door each passing season (approximately every three months) – so they will always have a new scent to make them feel fabulous.

 

 

You can choose a Quarterly (£18) or Yearly (£68) subscription, and keep the contents a secret until they land at your door – because we just know how many of you adore a scented surprise arriving in the post, no matter what the weather’s doing…

 

How it works:

Pick your Quarterly or Yearly plan

Seasonal Scents Subscription choose plan

Discover new launches and bestsellers from well-loved brands, curated with the seasons in mind.

Arrives at your door for the new Season

Seasonal Scents Subscription delivery

Receive your seasonal box every 3 months and start smelling fabulous.

Get exclusive access to the online smelling notes and unboxing video.

 

We think you’ll agree that new perfume is the very best kind of post to receive – and it’s something to look forward to the whole year through for whomever is lucky enough to get this gorgeous gift.

Actually, maybe you deserve something nice to look forward to as well…? How about getting one for you and one for a dear friend who lives far away – you could compare your thoughts on Zoom or a phone call, and turn each Seasonal Scents Subscription Box delivery into a perfume party day!

Feel Good Fragrances – scents to help you feel stronger

Feel Good Fragrances are very much on our minds right now, what with the current state of the world and the stresses we’ve all experienced these last few years. It can feel easier to cope in the summer, sometimes, can’t it? Those lighter, brighter for longer days can really help make things seem better; but we know the incredible power our sense of smell has to help, too, even on the greyest, coldest days. That’s why The Perfume Society have curated an extra-special Feel Good Fragrances Discovery Box…

 

 

 

Priced at just £23 / £19 for VIP Club members, the Feel Good Fragrances Discovery Box has been put together to boost feelings of peace, inner-calm, strength, resilience and simply a sense of well-being (which goodness knows, we could all certainly do with right now). Here’s how…

 

Cochine Tuberose & Wild Fig

An evening walk in a garden in Saigon was the inspiration, and puts one in mind of moonlight reflected on water – a silvery, cool sigh of relaxation that segues to a white floral heart and vetiver base. Inviting us to take a moment and breath deeper, this multi-layered scent is light yet has a lasting depth.

 

 

edeniste Vétiver Imaginaire

Invigorating yet grounding, this incredible woody citrus scent is backed by neuroscience for its effectiveness. With natural nuances of citrus, flint, wood, smoke, and earth, it compels quietude, contemplation, and contains a unique ‘Destress’ accord proven by neuroscientists to enhance a feeling of safety and well-being.

 

 

 Electimuss Mercurial Cashmere

A fragrance to ride with us amidst changeable moods, maybe? ‘The most popular of the gods, Mercury was adored for his irresistible charm and wit and the inspiration for this sensuous and seductive scent.’ We say: wear this fluffy, irresistiable scent and feel better for every possible perfumed mood-swing!

 

 

Elementals Tong Ren

Based on wisdom of the I Ching, ‘Tong Ren speaks of how humanity has traversed a time of darkness’ and urges us via spiced citrus and exquisite Egyptian jasmine and apricot-like osmanthus ‘to come together in harmony and a spirit of equality to promote peace and create something new and beautiful.’ Yes please!

  

 

Maison Crivelli Ambre Chromatique 

A vertiable mood-board for an ultra modern take on amber, we’re instantly transported: ‘Rainbow jungle, a spicy trek, vanilla vines, cut multicoloured bark: a golden resin. Pointed flowers, a davana pigment, sunlike feathers, an akigala leaf. An amber colorama.’ Incense-infused, sheer yet characterful, it’s a must-sniff.

 

 

Parle Moi de Parfum Wake Up World 

Encouraging us to ‘feel more alert, alive and to acknowledge the wonders of the world around us,’ this invigorating scent fuses the brightness of bergamot and lime, a fusion of green apple and Turkish rose with enveloping warmth of a vanilla / tonka rich base. It’s a wake up call followed by a hug – the best kind.

 

 

 

 

Ruth Mastenbroek Gaia

Happy memories inspire every one of this brilliant British perfumer’s scents, and thinking about where each fragrance takes you, allowing yourself to escape, is such bliss. Inspired by the zen-like tranquility of the Norfolk Broads, soothing chamomile, grown in Norfolk, a sense of calm and contentment is assured.

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Baker Loudo

Mischievous, flirty and fun, this is a scent to wear for an instant confidence-boost, and encourages us to enjoy ourselves a while. A pun on ‘ouhd’, one of its key ingredients, and the Latin word for ‘play’ or ‘a game’, the delicious mix of cherry, white chocolate and orange blossom on a woody musky base is simply addictive!

 

To the Fairest London Élan Vital 

This restorative new scent is an earthy and utterly unique vetiver, paying homage to the thrill of connecting with the natural world around us. Élan Vital – ‘life force’ – is so grounding, so right for right now, the vetiver ultimately taking you by the hand and leading you to secluded, shady forest-y notes as it warms on your skin.

 

Tocca Colette 

Freedom to be yourself, explore your more sensual side and, ultimately, take the time to reconnect with yourself, dare to imagine: ‘A mysterious poet, Colette dares to ask and to be asked love’s most challenging questions. Her notes of sandalwood and incense are as spicy and seductive as they are alluring.’ Ooh-la-la!

  

 

 

Scentered Sleep Well Aromatherapy Balm

A sophisticated floral lavender, with added therapeutic benefits of soothing chamomile, palmarosa and ho wood, bois de rose and geranium. With a modern yet gentle patchouli, clove and ylang ylang heart, it’s time to switch-off, unwind and give yourself permission to relax – whenever and wherever you need it most.

 

 

Weleda Skin Food Body Butter

This FULL SIZE cult item is adored by beauty editors – it imbues your skin with a unique combination of botanical extracts while gently scenting with sweet orange, lavender and scrumptious, resinous benzoin. Fast-absorbing, the butter leaves skin petal-soft and ready to scent with whichever you require from the above.

 

Read more about the fragrances by clicking of each of the pictures in the Shop page – but we hope, whatever your need, you’ll find some blissful moments with this incredible collection of Feel Good Fragrances. Know a friend or loved one who’s been through a lot lately? Why not treat, them, too…?

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fathers Day gift guide – your fragrant toolkit to find the right one

The options for a Father’s Day gift haven’t exactly kept apace with the vast array of more meaningful presents proffered for Mother’s Day, so maybe this year you’d like to consider giving something really special this year in the form of a specially selected fragrance?

But it can be difficult enough to select a new perfume for yourslf to wear, so when it’s a gifting occasion for a wonderful man in your life – be that a dad, father-figure or perhaps the father of your own children, where do you begin?

We’ve curated a fragrant toolkit of a gift guide be a starting point for your favourite chap(s) to explore fragrances. These Discovery Boxes have been chosen to encompass a wardrobe of scent styles, with something to please every age – or occasion. Because you don’t only have to buy these for giving on Fathers Day, do you? Why not consider purchasing ahead of time for other occasions. Especially considering we have an extra special promotion to announce…  

Running until June 8th, we’re delighted to offer you all 20% off Men’s Must Have, Suave Scents and Niche VI Discovery Boxes to treat your papa to perfume for Father’s Day!

Use the Code: FATHERS22 at the checkout to redeem!

  

Men’s Must Have 

RRP (before discount) £15 / VIPs £12

The perfect treat or gift filled with all the fragrances men simply must have! This collection of male and unisex fragrances features globally adored best sellers and just launched scents from THoO, Jeroboam, DSquared2, Paco Rabanne, Bentley, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace & Initio. Delve into the collection and get ready to be truly addicted to your new favourite fragrance….

 

 

 

Suave Scents

RRP (before discount) £23 / VIPs £19

A stellar line up of globally adored perfume houses, here:  Creed Viking Cologne to celebrate the explorer, Parfums de Marly Greenley for a burst of green freshness, and Comme des Garçon Rouge for an earthly and elegant spritz. Showcasing the incredible Floral Street Black Lotus (10ml)! And even more loved names including Bentley, Eight & Bob, JUSBOX, Mercedes Benz, Molton Brown, Paco Rabanne, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace. We also bring you two fabulous grooming products! The divinely scented Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash (100ml), and Ultrasun Lip Protection 30spf to keep you, you guessed it, effortlessly suave…

 

 

Niche VI

RRP (before discount) £23 / VIPs

Help him prep for a perfume ‘holiday’ with these newly launched and cult classic niche unisex fragrances – that really are some of the best in the world. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, we believe, should be part of everyones perfume wardrobe, so we’ve included a generous 7.5ml to spritz and layer, alongside the decadent classic 24 Old Bond Street from Atkinsons! Also including the newly launched Brioni, Lalique Noir Premier Plume Blanche 1901 and Sånd from ånd fragrance.

We’ve also included trailblazing and frankly exquisite fragrances from some of our best-loved brands; J.U.S Parfums Sexycrush, Paco Rabanne Pacollection Strong Me, St Giles The Writer, Initio Addictive Vibration, Eight & Bob Annicke 1 and this addictive extra from A’Kin with the cooling Cleansing Micellar Water. Spray away!

Still stuck for ideas? Searching for any fragrance gift (or treat yourself!) – our Find a Fragrance tool is here to help. Simply type in the name of a scent you know they (or you) already like, and our so-clever database will present you with six new fragrance options to try, with several budgets in mind. Scented and sorted!

Dream Scents – unboxing fragrances for when love is in the air

Just-launched, this Dream Scents Discovery Box is SO perfect for right now. Not only because love is in the air, and this collection would make a wonderful gift for someone you adore; but because we’ve especially curated these scents to encourage you to escape via fragrant fantasies…

 

We know that times have been tough for so many, and continuing uncertainties make everything feel less than secure. We also know for a fact that fragrance can help. Smelling wonderful is not merely some frivolity – connecting to scent and allowing your imagination to take flight genuinely helps. There’s a reason that fragrance sales soared worldwide during lockdowns. Which of your loved ones would be most thrilled to receive this incredible collection of niche, new and hard-to-find scents, we wonder?

Intentions, resolutions, promises, fantasies — whichever form they come in, dreams and aspirations are never more achievable — not to mention more necessary — than now. So here at PSHQ we’re hoping to help you capitalise on this with our new Dream Scents collection of fragrances. From dreaming of new beginnings to far-flung destinations that house exotic ingredients to finding new levels of confidence, we hope these scents help to unlock the power of dreaming for each and every one of you.

Watch the unboxing on our IGTV channel, and revel in your own fragrant flights of fancy while wondering who to send this to… We suggest if you’re having it sent as a valentines gift, it’s best to order by February 10th to ensure it gets there on the big day.

 

 

 

The Dream Scents Discovery Box is priced £24 + p&p* to VIP Club Members & £27 + p&p to everyone else – be sure to log into your account to take advantage of the special VIP Club price. Inside, you’ll find this amazing line-up of niche scents we know your inteneded recipient will fall in love with.

In fact, don’t you deserve a box, too…?

 

 

Juliette Has A Gun Lipstick Fever 5ml eau de parfum
Juicy raspberry greets us, tempting us to take a bite, followed by an almost-edible violet note, whose powdery virtues are swiftly compounded by the arrival of softest iris. Patchouli and vanilla then finish the fragrance off with a voluptuous, gourmand quality that whispers of the woman who wears this fragrance – a seductive and worldly Parisienne who knows precisely what she wants.

Creed Spring Flower 2ml eau de parfum
Vibrant fresh green notes combined with succulent fruits including peach, apricot, melon and apple shimmer over an exquisite floral heart of jasmine and rose. A subtle musk base provides just the right note of playful sensuality.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold Edition 5ml eau de parfum
The dominant impression in this gender-fluid creation is of silky- smooth Chantilly cream, whipped with a sprinkling of spicy nutmeg to add a tingle of heat to the sublimely lingering amber of the dry-down.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver Edition 5ml eau de parfum
Marrying nutmeg to amber in the top notes, a bitter berry aspect drifts from the heart, buoyed by a surprisingly floral coriander seed essence that smells of summer blossoms and sunshine, somehow. In the base we snuggle down to get musky tones – the amber smoothing the dry-down here, the vanilla delivering an irresistible sense of warm skin.

Atelier Materi Cacao Porcelana 2ml eau de toilette
White cacao yields sensuous notes of walnut and milk with hints of tonka bean. After opening on sweet, syrupy top notes, Atelier Materi’s Cacao Porcelana unpacks its bitterness, sustained by powdery and woody notes. Light tobacco, patchouli and sandalwood scents give Cacao Porcelana a sensual, even fleshy signature.

Maison Crivelli Iris Malikhân 1.5ml eau de parfum
This fragrance is a fusion of opposites and surprises. Resinous beginnings make us feel sure we’re going in a green direction – yes, a fresh, piney, green direction. Definitely. But what’s this? Soft-powdery orris and sweet-powdery mimosa, the green facets of mimosa making for a seamless handover. So, by the time we get to the amber-leather dry down, we’re no longer surprised at how tame the leathery note is under the mesmerising spell of perfume creator and Maison Crivelli founder, Thibaud Crivelli.
      
Maison Crivelli Rose Saltifolia 1.5ml eau de parfum
Inspired by a stroll by the sea, through a field of roses exposed to the salty sea air, Rose Saltifolia combines a delicate and very fresh Centifolia rose with silky seaweed to create a totally unprecedented gender-free perfume.

Maison Crivelli Santal Volcanique 5ml eau de parfum
Spicy and explosive ginger grabs our attention, piqued with a little effervescent lime, which together ensure we’re fully engaged. Why? So that we don’t miss a second of the charred sandalwood that then comes to the fore of course, in all its smoky, milky, evocative wonderfulness.

How to buy a fragrance for someone you love…

Valentines Day – love it or loathe it – is just around the corner, and here at The Perfume Society, we believe it should be about treating someone you love with a scent that’s perfect for them (and that can be anyone you care about, not only someone you’re romantically involved with!)

Have you got a friend who could do with some kindness coming their way, or a loved one you’ve not been able to see in person for some time? Follow our guide, and we’ve several suggestions to help you find some truly fabulous fragrances that will truly suit them, and which they’re bound to fall for…

 

 

 

If you already know what they love

Well you’re off to a good start! Now all you need to do is type the name of that scent into our genius Find-A-Fragrance, and the clever algorithm – based on information we source directly from the fragrance houses and perfumers themselves – will suggest six new fragrances that, while different from the original you typed, share a similar mood, character or key ingredients. It really works!

 

 

Or, why not have a look at matching products available for their favourite fragrance, such as a gorgeously decadent bath oil, rich body cream or even a fragranced hair mist. It’s often possible to find travel-size versions of perfumes at this time of year, or, if you really wanted to push the boat out, many fragrance houses offer engraving or other forms of personalisation for a full-size bottle.

 

 

 

If you have no idea what they like (or they want to try something new)

The best idea is to get a Discovery Box of fabulous mini sizes and samples from a wide range of luxury, niche and top-end designer fragrance houses. That way they can start exploring and trying them all in the comfort of their own home, and most importantly, in their own time. Each box is carefully curated to include something for all tastes, and once they’ve found ‘the one’ (or perhaps several) you can then buy a full size, safe in the knowledge they’ve already tried it on their skin. It’s a particularly brilliant way to get people trying fragrances they’ve perhaps never heard of, or wouldn’t have thought about spraying in a shop. We know SO many people who’ve discovered their all-time scent loves this way!

 

 

 

 

How to know if a fragrance will suit them?

Think about how they dress, or the way they decorate their home – this is an excellent indication as to their character, and therefore the style of scent they probably prefer. Are there particular materials they’re drawn towards, or colours they normally go for? Fragrance, texture and colour and have many qualities in common.

Look for scents packaged in those colours – huge amounts of time and money are spent ‘matching’ the juice to the mood evoked by those hues – or described with those words, such as ‘velvety’, ‘suede’ or ‘crisp cotton’ in the notes. Or consider their interests: sporty gym types might prefer fresher scents, artistic types might prefer a more opulent aesthetic.

Once you’ve narrowed it down – either by using Find-A-Fragrance or perhaps finding them a new scent from a house they’re already drawn to – the best solution is to buy them a Brand Set: these showcase a wide selection of scents from the same house, and chances are if they already like one, they could swoon for another in that range.

Remember – scent selection isn’t always a matter of joining the dots, some people like fragrances you’d never guess at! They may even surprise themselves with their favourite. And really the best thing is that thrill of exploration while discovering their new scent love is a gift that keeps on giving (and showing how much you love them) for years to come…

 

Fragrant gift ideas for men this Christmas

Looking for fragrant gift ideas for men but don’t know where to start? Follow our handy guide to find the perfect one…

The days are long gone when chaps wore one scent for life (possibly something sold on TV by an ex sportsman) which they were urged to ‘splash all over’, and those in their immediate vicinity likely wished they hadn’t.

Indeed, we know many of our readers and subscribers are men who love exploring the wider world of fragrances available to them now. But if you’re scent shopping for the special guy in your life – perhaps someone who’s interested but hasn’t quite figured out his personal scent style yet – it can be a tricky business thinking of something that shows you’ve been thoughtful and considered their character, but also pushes them (gently!) out of their comfort zone a little.

So, where to begin?

If you happen to know some names of fragrances they’ve loved wearing, type one in to our simple Find a Fragrance tool: the so-clever algorithm suggests six new scents with similar characters to try. Narrow down the selection by asking yourself…

What type of a chap are you buying for?

Age, character, hobbies and career are all pointers to fragrant gift ideas for men, but can never be an absolute guarantee of what he’ll prefer – he might just surprise you (and himself!) Masculine fragrances have moved on somewhat since the one-size-fits-all sporty-fresh-or-nothing days. Now there are ‘gender fluid’ fragrances categories, and men are offered a fragrant feast along with sophisticated fougéres; addictive gourmands, bigger, bolder Colognes, opulent ambers and even floral-forward scents that smell utterly incredible on a man’s skin.

However, we know not all chaps will be as open to more experiemental scents styles, so we’ve put together the ideal starting point with a selection of Discovery Boxes, specially curated with a range of fragrances to suit all tastes – from more classic and designer names to cult, niche houses they’ll love to explore.

Have a look at our current top picks of fragrant gift ideas for men, below…

 

 

Contemporary scents putting a modern twist on a local apothecary approach to luxury, MALIN+GOETZ have excelled with this NEW Discovery Set of SIX invigorating fragrance delights. £22

 

 

 

Music-lovers will adore these stunningly packaged, musical genre-inspired fragrances. Each of the 14 JUSBOX scents pays homage to an icon or era in music, with their own playlists on Spotify! £35

 

Paring fine fragrance with fashion-leading (cruelty free) pampering treats since 1973, iconic British brand Molton Brown built a global reputation on modern classics, with scents suit all tastes. £33

 

 

Founded in 1730, Floris create beautiful contemporary-style fragrances, as well as true classics. Still run by members of the family, heritage is taken to new levels with this niche-led collection. £35

 

 

The perfect gift for scent lovers to create their own bespoke fragrance, Emmanuelle Moeglin started Experimental Perfume Club in 2016. Now you can share & compare your layer combos! £32