Tag: floral

The Myth & Magic of Marigold Scents

What do you know of the humble marigold? You may love its pops of vibrant colour in a garden setting, but how about in the world of scent? Let’s explore how this unusual note has a surprising complexity – and discover which fragrances we recommend you try it in…

The marigold is a flower ablaze in sunburst-orange and saffron gold, often the first to catch your eye in a border. Yet for all their visual exuberance, marigolds remain a fragrant enigma – their scent rarely captured by memory, a paradox for a bloom so bright. Lean in closer, and you’ll discover a whole new aromatic landscape: marigold brings a tangled tapestry of aromas, shimmering between honeyed spice, bitter green herbs, just-crushed apple peel and even a subtle, dusky leather – unexpectedly complex, more than a mere floral flourish.

 

 

 

 

The name ‘marigold’ sings of legend, derived from ‘Mary’s gold’ and linked to the Virgin Mary, these flowers have been cherished symbols of devotion and celebration across continents for centuries. While we call them ‘marigold’ as though they’re a single species, we’re really speaking of a double act: the sunny Calendula officinalis and the vivacious Tagetes species (often dubbed French marigold or Indian Carnation).

It’s from their petals and seeds that perfumers tease out their essence – Calendula’s musky pungency is isolated via steam distillation, while tagetes oil, similarly coaxed from those feisty little seeds, delivers a comparable, almost interchangeable olfactory personality. Together, they offer the perfumer an extraordinary palette, able to lift a fragrance into the light, or deepen it with an aromatic shadow.

 

Marigold’s undeniable charisma has caught the attention of contemporary perfumers, and in a composition, marigold often unfurls as a note you may not first recognise, but can resonate as flash of spicy verdancy or a whisper of slightly bitter, resinous warmth, giving classical chypres and contemporary florals an unexpected olfactory backbone.

 

Now, knowing all this, which of these marigold-centric scents might you like to explore…?

 

 

 

Kajal Lamar

Sunrise gold in a bottle, Lamar opens in an amber-lit burst, radiant with ripe fruits and sun-warmed marigold that conjure a garden wild with light and memory. Here, marigold is no mere supporting player – it glides through the composition as a golden thread, infusing the cushion of roses and jasmine with an earthy heat, a bittersweet tang that heightens the lush sweetness, never letting it grow too saccharine nor too predictable.

Lean closer – there’s a slow-blooming tension, as marigold’s green, aromatic edge melds with smooth woods and velveteen musks, grounding the ecstatic florals with a burnished touch. Lamar becomes a scented tapestry, marigold’s secret spice flickering at the heart, both grounding and illuminating, as the composition settles softly on the skin, vivid and unforgettable.

£167 for 100ml eau de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Byredo Bal d’Afrique

Evoking the vibrant pulse of Parisian nights and the bright rhythms of Africa, Bal d’Afrique revels in joyfully complex contrasts. The marigold note performs a sun-drenched dance against the juicy tartness of blackcurrant and an airy sweep of bergamot – its gilded facets weaving through the heart, adding a fresh, green intrigue to what could have been merely bright and playful.

As the perfume warms, marigold’s dry, tangy edge merges with creamy violet and velvety woods, imparting a sultry subtlety and an almost tactile depth – bittersweet, just a touch wild. There’s a sense of motion, of far horizons and electric possibility, with marigold as the glowing lantern that lights the way home.

£150 for 50ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

The Merchant of Venice Red Potion

A story of hidden passions and Venetian twilight, Red Potion sweeps open on spiced, bittersweet breezes, the marigold an altar flame burning bright beside sparkling citrus and crimson roses. Its presence here is vividly aromatic, lending both a verdant sharpness and an ambered resinous warmth, nestling between the cleaner clarity of fruit and the deep velvet of patchouli and vanilla.

Marigold’s slightly herbal, honeyed chord weaves through the heart of the scent, tempering lushness with restraint and seduction with sophistication. With each breath, Red Potion evolves into a more mysterious elixir – marigold’s golden aura whispered on the air, lingering softly long after dusk falls.

£205 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

Boadicea the Victorious Blue Sapphire

With a flourish as dazzling as its namesake, Blue Sapphire opens in luminous style – fresh citrus gleaming over a heart where marigold glows like captured sunlight. The note brings with it a twining green sharpness, lending natural complexity to the composition’s spicy florals and the gentle fruitiness that swirls beneath.

As the fragrance unfurls, marigold settles in among herby sage and chamomile, creamy jasmine and rose – a warm, subtly bitter counterpoint that transforms the floral heart from mere beauty to brilliance. An underlying oudh and amber accord underscores marigold’s glowing presence, creating a scent both noble and new, fiercely bright and endlessly regal.

Try in the Bestsellers Gift Set £175 for 4x10ml eau de parfum boadiceaperfume.com

 

 

 

 

Jillian Switzerland Intangible

Intangible floats in like a reverie – translucent, enveloping, yet quietly audacious. Marigold here is a painter’s brushstroke under perfumer Mark Buxton’s hand: nuanced, lightly spiced, and ever so slightly bittersweet, breathed into life amid soft white florals and a diaphanous musky haze. Its green, almost dew–damp aspect adds a gentle intrigue, anchoring the fragrance’s ethereal impression.

There’s a hush of greens and a whisper of warm, herbal light, marigold weaving a golden ribbon through luminous petals and silken woods. Intangible is poetry in fragrant form – everyday beauty made extraordinary by marigold’s elusive charm, echoing long after memory stirs.

€300 for 100ml eau de parfum jillianswitzerland.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

In-Season Blooms: Sweet Pea Scents

There is something so charming, almost wistful, about the delicate scent of sweet pea flowers. Their pastel petals and gentle curves evoke memories of cottage gardens and sunlit, dewy mornings in late summer. Yet in the world of perfumery, sweet peas remain elusive – so-called ‘mute’ flowers – whose exquisitely subtle perfume cannot be captured as a natural extract. Instead, perfumers turn to alchemy, artfully blending other notes and magical accords to conjure the beloved spirit of sweet pea in fragrantly bottled form.

Each fragrance below is a celebration of that creative ingenuity – an olfactory tribute to the ephemeral, delightfully mischievous muse that is sweet pea…

 

 

 

 

Yardley London Bluebell & Sweet Pea

A shimmering homage to gentle femininity, this fragrance opens with the first gleam of lemon, bergamot, and uplifting cassis – a citrus syrup topping woodland berries, bright and inviting. Bluebell, jasmine, and lily of the valley skip hand in hand through a blossom-strewn glade, peony petals catching in the breeze and sweet pea offering its sun – warmed smile. Together, they paint the memory of laundry dancing on a line, a day as fresh as linen and as soft as laughter.

As the sunlight filters through, the heart deepens into gently creamy notes of vanilla and smooth woods, shored by the reassuring caress of musk. Brimming with the piquancy of just-picked blackberries bursting with juice and the clear – floral delight of bluebells, it lingers with a whisper of English summer. Here, sweet pea is the unspoken melody, reimagined and radiant; bound into an embrace of natural elegance, and promising confidence and comfort with every spritz upon skin.

£18 for 125ml eau de toilette yardleylondon.co.uk

 

 

 

Jimmy Choo Blossom

Fizzing with anticipation, this modern bouquet whirls you first into a sweet/tart dance of raspberry and red berries, where citrus glimmers like laughter at a garden party. Sweet pea emerges, luminous and dewy, leading the flutter of rose petals into a sunlit swirl. The heart of the fragrance feels like a cheeky wink of effervescence – pretty, and forever poised between dream and desire, rose and sweet pea entwined in a playful pirouette.

The base settles gracefully into a silky blend of white musk and creamy sandalwood, softening the fruity sparkle into a tender finish. Blossom is a celebration of joy in motion, an ode to early evenings glittering with possibility. Sweet pea here is transformed into a pink, sparkling chiffon – a flower given fresh voice through the artistry of perfumer Louise Turner, and her ability to conjure sweetness from air.

£76 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Jo Malone London

 

Jo Malone London English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne

Golden orchards glimmer beneath the late afternoon sun, where juicy Williams pears hang heavy on branches and their fragrance calls forth summer’s lush rewards. Into this scene glides the gentle, petal-like sweetness of sweet pea – pastel – hued and unassuming, yet softening the juicy abundance with its powdery, luminous charm. This fragrance casts the orchard in a dreamy haze, the fruit’s ripeness entwined with the giddiness of spring blossoms.

White musk brings a featherlight touch, like the fine silks of a vintage scarf fluttering at your throat. Over time, the fragrance becomes an intimate embrace – clean, subtly floral, and skin-close, leaving the impression of sun-warmed gardens and walks amidst pear trees in flower. Sweet pea’s voice is a whisper through the foliage, a subtle serenade that wraps the senses in memories you didn’t know you cherished.

From £56 for 30ml eau de parfum jomalone.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Van Cleef & Arpels Thé Amara

Imagine the first rays of sun piercing the serenity of a green tea garden where bergamot glistens on the leaves, mint exudes its refreshing clarity, and a tickle of pink pepper enlivens the dawn air. At the heart of this fragrance, sweet pea entwines delicately with rose – a pairing that sketches a fresco of dew-kissed petals and blushing freshness. The bouquet is nuanced and luminous, casting blissful emotions in olfactory brushstrokes.

As Thé Amara evolves, the base reveals an enveloping softness – white musk mingles with cedar and cashmeran, lending a gentle, woody warmth that caresses the skin in a memorable trail. Here, sweet pea drifts through like a silk ribbon: subtle, elusive, and utterly graceful. This perfume captures the poetry of a garden after rain: light, transparency, and the joy of fleeting beauty captured in a bottle.

£164 for 75ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Femme

A luminous whirl of amyris and iris sweeps you into this vibrant dance – each spritz an invitation to twirl amidst sunlit lemon trees and the porcelain white curves of sweet pea blooms. Joy unfurls here, spun from a bright heart of floral and honeyed facets, sweet pea breathing its slightly unbuttoned innocence alongside creamy iris. The impression is at once sparkling and serene, as if caught in a gentle updraft of wind-blown petals.

With musky amber humming in the background, Amyris Femme carries an undercurrent of soft, powdery sensuality. Sweet pea’s presence is both finely embroidered and ephemeral – it serves as a scented tribute to the feelings its scent inspires, of optimism, romance, and shimmering possibility of a sunny day. In Francis Kurkdjian’s hands, the once-mute flower’s impossible beauty finds its voice – delicate yet unforgettable, forever dancing just out of reach.

£185 for 70ml eau de parfum franciskurkdjin.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Garden Party Perfumes

There’s something inherently magical about a garden party: the gentle clink of glasses, laughter floating on a breeze, and the air alive with the scent of fresh blooms and cut grass.

While many of us picture these joyous gatherings taking place in our own back gardens – surrounded by familiar flowers and cherished memories – the beauty of fragrance is its ability to transport us far beyond our fences.

In this special edit, we celebrate perfumes that evoke the spirit of the garden party, whether rooted in the English countryside or whisking us away to sun-dappled groves and grand estates abroad.

Join us as we explore a selection of scents that capture the essence of alfresco revelry, inviting you to travel via your nose to garden parties both near and far…

 

 

 

Kingdom Scotland Botanica

Kingdom Botanica was a passion project for founder Imogen Russon-Taylor, who told us: ‘When I moved to Edinburgh and had my first child, I’d walk with my pram through the gardens every day. I saw them through all the seasons, as my maternity leave progressed, and the gardens always gave me such an incredible sense of peace and tranquillity.’ Having been given access to botanic samples carried over by Darwin on the Beagle, Botanica is a scented tribute to ‘all the botanists, scientists and adventurous Scottish plant hunters of the past, present and future’, created with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Think blackcurrant meets pine needles, herbaceous verdancy and a soothing woodiness that hugs its borders. Glorious!

£132 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mizensir Vert Empire

For this one, let’s imagine we’re attending a garden party in Italy (how fabulous!) and are sauntering beneath the shade of citrus groves – the sparkle of their zest filling the air, the whole trees appreciated, from leaf and stem to trunk and earth, and of course the abundance of luscious, sun-warmed fruit. The house say: ‘Vert Empire from Mizensir is inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean, the abundance of lemon and orange trees basking in the sunshine. Uplifting in composition with aromatic intensity and zest. Essence of mandarin and petitgrain conjure the beauty of citrus fruits yet to be harvested, the freshness of the Mediterranean is represented with paradisone, a floral citrus note, with a hint of cardamom. The scent allows you to travel amongst the Italian groves with hints of woody notes, sandalwood and ambrox, angelica and sage.’ Oh let’s grab our passports and go, shall we?!

£185 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4160 Tuesdays Ealing Green

Firmly on home ground for this garden party, we imagine bunting gently fluttering in the breeze, cloudless blue skies, bumblebees droning and afternoon teas. Perfumer and founder Sarah McCartney explains the inspo best, saying: ‘We were invited to make a midsummer scent for a 2013 charity evening in Ealing, West London, using plants and flowers named in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, so we imagined the scenes taking place by Pitzhanger Manor on Ealing Green, and created the aroma of a magical summer evening. Its perfect for wearing in the heat. It starts with a wander through the herb and flower gardens of Walpole Park, takes in a picnic on the grass and ends up lying on the lawn by the pond, staring at the clouds floating by, smelling the warm earth.’ Just about the perfect English summer’s day, bottled, we’d say.

£65 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

Angela Flanders Taffeta

For this party, we think of a grand house, and an elegant lady flitting from the hubbub for a moment of contemplation in the wilder part of the garden. Her taffeta skirt brushes hedges and flower borders along the way, and as dusk settles the scent of the garden is carried in swirls and eddies around her, like an invisible shawl to match her light-shifting gown. As Angela Flanders beautifully evoke: ‘A dewy top note of hyacinth enhances the delicate notes of iris and rose in the heart of Taffeta. A touch of smoky vetiver, calamus and civet in the base add a sophisticated depth as the perfume warms and opens on the skin. Taffeta captures the early evening when dusk starts to fall, and we prepare to embark on an evening adventure. The elegant dry and mysterious quality of silk taffeta, which appears to change with the light, is the inspiration for this elusive and elegant perfume.’

From £85 for 30ml eau de parfum angelaflanders-perfumer.com

 

 

 

Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet

A right royal garden party, this one, which Penhaligon’s explains as having been inspired by the unique atmosphere of this treasured place: ‘In Summer, Highgrove Gardens hum with a smell often described as earthly sunshine’ they say, continuing: ‘The grass bows to weeping silver lime, mimosa, and cedar.’ Captured quite literally (using Headspace Technology) the linden blossom in this beguiling scent glides through a fluffy breeze of of that mimosa, grounded in the cedar, and enlivened by citrus. It’s a radiant delight to wear at any time, of course, but really comes into its own when wafted forth during the summer – the very season it seeks to capture in scented form. Incredibly, this wasn’t a mere ‘inspired by’ project. Highgrove Bouquet was created with HRH King Charles III (then The Prince of Wales), in part as a tribute to the magnificently fragrant summers he’s spent at his beloved Highgrove Gardens.

£175 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

Whether you’re hosting friends on the lawn, daydreaming beneath a shady tree, or simply longing for a moment of escapism, these garden party perfumes promise to conjure the joy and splendour of outdoor celebrations with every spritz. From the comforting familiarity of homegrown blooms to the allure of distant, fragrant landscapes, let your senses lead you on a scented adventure. Wherever your garden party takes place – be it close to home or in the wildest corners of your imagination – these fragrances ensure the festivities are always in full bloom.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Petal Power: Surprising Takes on Spring Scents

Spring is a time of renewal, of fresh beginnings and blossoming possibilities. But not all floral fragrances are created equal, and some take us on journeys far beyond the expected garden path. Here are five extraordinary scents that reimagine what a spring floral can be, each one challenging our perceptions and delighting our senses in the most unexpected ways…

 

 

 

 

spring floral scents

 

4160 Tuesdays Tokyo Spring Blossom

Imagine standing in a parallel universe where cherry blossoms whisper secrets carried on ethereal winds. Tokyo Spring Blossom exists in this liminal space, neither here nor there, but somehow everywhere at once. It begins with a cascade of citrus notes dancing like sunlight through branches, before revealing its true character: a powdery violet and rose heart that feels both nostalgic and utterly contemporary. As time passes, the fragrance transforms into something altogether more mysterious – a smooth, resinous embrace of tolu, opoponax and benzoin that grounds the floral lightness with earthy wisdom. This is more than just a delightfully unique spring floral scent, it’s a philosophical question bottled – a scent that demands contemplation as it shifts between familiarity and strangeness, between the natural world and artistic interpretation. Sarah McCartney’s creation exists in that magical space where chemistry becomes poetry, where synthetic notes paradoxically create something that feels more authentic than nature itself.

£65 for 50ml eau de parfum in our Shop

 

 

 

Edeniste Lifeboost Love

The bottle alone – soft pink, sensually curved – hints at the transformation within. Lifeboost Love reimagines the spring floral as a self-care ritual, a daily affirmation bottled in liquid form. The initial encounter brings a burst of crimson berries and cherries, their juices running wild amongst torn green leaves: vibrant, alive, and utterly mouthwatering. This fruity overture gradually melts into a heart that pulses with deep emotion – velvety rose petals unfurl alongside heady tuberose and jasmine, their white petals steaming with intensity. What elevates this beyond a simple floral is the creamy almond oil that weaves throughout, transforming the composition into something akin to a fragrant elixir brewed by a modern alchemist. The result is not merely full of the romance of spring but soul-elevating – a scent that celebrates love in all its forms, beginning with the most important relationship of all: the one we have with ourselves.

£75 for 30ml eau de parfum  in our Shop

 

 

 

 

Ormonde Jayne Bukhara

Bukhara doesn’t simply evoke spring flowers – it transports you along the ancient Silk Road, where cultures and scents intermingled in a grand olfactory exchange. The journey begins with succulent peach and blackcurrant, their sweet juiciness creating a mirage-like oasis in the desert of everyday life. As you travel deeper into the fragrance, a triumvirate of white flowers emerges – tuberose, jasmine, and orange blossom—their voices harmonising in perfect pitch, carried on warm, arid winds that speak of distant lands and exotic promises. The dry-down reveals the true treasure at the end of this aromatic expedition: sumptuous woods and vanilla create a foundation of quiet luxury, while a whisper of oudh adds an element of mystery that lingers like a half-remembered dream. This is no ordinary floral—it’s an olfactory tapestry woven with threads of history, geography and imagination.

From £35 for 10ml eau de parfum ormondejayne.com

 

 

 

GRANADO Flora Magnifica

The Brazilian rainforest meets classical perfumery in this exuberant creation from Givaudan perfumer Leandro Petit. Flora Magnifica pulses with the vibrant energy of South American biodiversity, reimagining spring flowers through a tropical lens. Traditional floral notes—rose, magnolia, and jasmine—are transformed by their proximity to exotic coconut blossom, creating an unexpected alliance that feels both familiar and thrillingly new. Juicy nectarine adds a succulent dimension, its sweetness tempered by the sophisticated embrace of musk and creamy sandalwood. The result is a fragrance that seems to shimmer with sunlight filtered through dense jungle canopy – at once verdant and bright, soft and assertive. Like the samba that inspired it, Flora Magnifica moves with a rhythm all its own, bringing the carnival spirit to the often-predictable world of floral fragrances.

£125 for 75ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

 

Floris Wilde

Who better to inspire a subversive take on spring florals than literature’s most famous dandy? Floris Wilde pays homage to Oscar Wilde’s legendary wit and style with a composition that defies convention at every turn. The opening salvo of citrus blossom and bergamot feels deceptively traditional—a gentleman’s cologne from a bygone era… but this is merely setting the stage for what follows. The heart reveals the fragrance’s true character: a specially created green carnation accord (Wilde’s signature buttonhole flower) intertwined with spicy ginger and white jasmine. This unexpected combination struts and preens with all the confidence of its namesake, challenging preconceptions about what a floral scent can be. As it settles, notes of sandalwood, benzoin and olibanum create a sophisticated foundation worthy of Wilde himself—intellectual, complex, and utterly compelling. This is not a fragrance for wallflowers, but rather for those who, like Wilde, understand that being natural is simply not dramatic enough.

From £30 for 10ml eau de parfum florislondon.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Now Blooming: Spring Garden Scent Ingredients

As spring unfurls its tender green shoots and bursts of colour across gardens in the U.K., we find ourselves drawn to the beauty of familiar blooms and verdant landscapes. These are the sights and scents that herald the season’s arrival, yet their olfactory counterparts in perfumery often remain under-appreciated.

This month, we celebrate those fragrances that elevate ‘humble’ yet evocative notes – camellia, pear blossom, daffodil, crocus, saffron, and yes, even grass (so welcome as a splash of green re-emerging at this time of year) – transforming them into radiant expressions of springtime… and HURRAH for that much-needed breath of fresh air!

 

 

Grass – CHANEL Les Exclusifs Bel Respiro Eau de Toilette

Bel Respiro captures the very essence of a dew-kissed morning in a lush, manicured garden. Its opening is a vivid burst of crushed greenery, evoking freshly mown grass with a whisper of herbal sharpness. The bitterness softens as it develops, revealing a delicate interplay of transparent florals that float above the verdant base. This fragrance is an ode to simplicity and elegance – a restrained yet luminous portrayal of nature’s renewal. With its airy sophistication, Bel Respiro feels like stepping into a sunlit meadow just as the earth begins to awaken.

£240 for 75ml eau de parfum chanel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daffodil – Yardley English Daffodil

The cheerful daffodil, a quintessential symbol of spring in British gardens, takes center stage in this fragrance. Yardley’s English Daffodil offers a sparkling introduction with citrusy notes of grapefruit blossom and lemon zest. As it unfolds, the heart reveals the golden warmth of daffodils intertwined with lily of the valley, creating a floral harmony that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Anchored by soft musk and cedarwood, this scent exudes joy and optimism – a fragrant embodiment of sunlight streaming through petals.

£12 for 125ml eau de toilette boots.com

 

 

 

Camellia – ELLA K Camelia K

Camellia flowers are rarely used in perfumery, but perfumer Sonia Constant used headspace technology to capture it’s allure, transforming this elegant bloom into an intoxicating masterpiece. The fragrance opens with a burst of ginger and blood orange, lending a zesty vibrancy that mirrors the camellia’s velvety petals glistening with morning dew. At its heart lies an opulent bouquet of red camellia and jasmine sambac, their creamy sweetness balanced by subtle hints of orange blossom. As it dries down, warm notes of vanilla and patchouli add depth and sensuality. Camelia K is both bold and refined: a floral symphony that lingers like sunlight on skin.

£215 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

Pear Blossom – Eight & Bob Guethary

Pear blossom’s delicate charm is beautifully captured in Eight & Bob’s Guethary. This fragrance opens with a light dusting of pear blossom mingled with marigold’s herbal brightness. A salty amber accord weaves through its heart, evoking coastal breezes that carry hints of blooming orchards. As it settles, subtle suede and white musk provide a creamy backdrop that enhances its ethereal quality. Guethary is a serene yet striking composition – a fragrant stroll through an orchard by the sea.

£238 for 50ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

Crocus / Saffron – Parfums de Marly Haltane

From the humble crocus emerges saffron, one of perfumery’s most prized ingredients. Parfums de Marly’s Haltane showcases saffron’s duality – its honeyed warmth and leathery spiciness – against a backdrop of oud and dry woods. The composition opens with bergamot’s brightness before unveiling saffron’s golden glow, which lends a rich depth to the fragrance without overwhelming its balance. Sweet praline nuances soften its edges, creating an interplay between gourmand richness and earthy sophistication. Haltane is an evocative celebration of saffron’s complexity – a scent as luxurious as the crocus stamen from which it originates.

£270 for 75ml eau de parfum uk.parfums-de-marly.com

 

 

 

 

This spring, let us revel in these familiar yet transformative notes – each one a fragrant reminder that beauty often lies in what we see every day but rarely stop to truly appreciate. These perfumes invite us to rediscover the extraordinary within the ordinary, bringing gardens to gorgeously blossoming life – not just in sight, but in all their scented splendours.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Bright Home Scents for a Fresh Start…

As the winter chill lingers, and the days slowly stretch towards spring, there’s a palpable yearning for renewal in the air. It’s that time of year when we find ourselves longing to shake off the cobwebs, fling open the windows and invite a breath of fresh air into our homes. But what if we could capture that essence of a new beginning, that promise of brighter days, in a more tangible form?

Well, in the world of home fragrances a simple flicker of a flame can truly transform your living space into a sanctuary of scent, transporting you to sun-dappled meadows, crisp mountain mornings, or the heart of a citrus grove. For those of who understand the transformative power of perfume, you know the right candle can be a passport to olfactory bliss, a way to infuse our homes with the very essence of optimism. Something we all sorely need right now!

 

 

 

 

In this feature, we’ll be exploring a curated collection of candles that promise to bring a fresh start to your home. From the invigorating zest of Calabrian citrus to the wild exuberance of summer blooms, each of these scented treasures offers a unique journey for the senses. We’ll wander through dewy grass at dawn, bask in the radiance of Mediterranean sunshine, and even indulge in a moment of fragrant daydreaming.

So, if you’re feeling the winter blues, prepare to be whisked away by the alchemical magic of master perfumers and candlemakers, and light these for instant brightness (literal and metaphorical!)

 

 

 

La Montaña First Light candle: £39 for 220g

We love the inspiration for this home scent, which is akin to throwing open the curtains and smiling as the delicate dawn’s rays caress your face. Say La Montaña: ‘On our mountain, at first light, there’s a heavenly fragrance in the air; before anyone starts an engine, or lights a fire, the air is clear, and still, and silent. The first breath of the day carries the perfume of wild mountain herbs, the alchemy of which, blended naturally on the breeze, weaves a magical spell…’ We’re here for this kind of olfactory magic, so beautifully recreated for your own home.

 

 

 

 

Aqua di Parma Luce di Colonia candle: £70 for 200g

Inviting you to ‘Infuse a sense of radiant brightness and refined lightness into your home’, Aqua di Parma bring the brilliance via mouthwatering ripe citrus notes of orange and lemon, with the crisper stems and leaves of the bitter orange tree, incorporated thanks to the petitgrain and neroli. Amidst these instant pick-you-up notes, earthy patchouli and cool vetiver gently ground the luminescence. One to light immediately and feel better, while being transported to the brighter climes of Calabria (yes please!)

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Mastenbroek Blooming Wild candle: £45 for 220g

Forget the grey, freezing, sleety days and bask in this flower-filled candle sunny walk captured in fragrant candle-form. Joyous and exuberant, it’s a whole field of blooms that smells like sunlit summer meadows calling you to frolic. It may seem far away, but lighting this, with all its green layers of snapped stems and crushed leaves, brings the happy possibility much closer. Is it our imagination, or does the day seem brighter already…?

 

 

 

Paul Smith Daydreamer candle: £75 for 240g

If you’re feeling the back-to-work blues, take some time out for vital moments of perfumed pondering by lighting this, sitting back, closing your eyes for a minute, and letting your thoughts wander where they will. Fragrant meanderings are via head-clearing verbena, calming clary sage and a cool breeze carrying promises of bee-buzzed lavender and sun-warmed hay to come. Perhaps time to book your next trip away and dream of better days?

 

 

 

Stories No.2 Trio of Candles: £95 for 3 x 70g 

This is such a clever idea, because by splitting the original scent and reflecting the top, heart and base notes of STORIES Nº.02, this candle trio are fragrant facets to brighten any day. Inspired by, yet not identical to, there are some creative tweaks. Light one at a time or all at once for mood-boosting stroll through dewy grass, hazy drifts of pipe smoke on a frosted breeze, and stopping on a woodland walk to dabble your fingers in the silvery ripples of a stream. However you use them, they feel like scented whispers of freedom.

 

 

 

Whether you’re seeking to banish the winter blues or simply to add a touch of aromatic elegance to your abode, these candles are sure to spark joy and kindle the spirit of renewal. Join us as we light the way to a fresher, brighter home, one exquisite candle at a time. After all, in the world of fragrance, every new scent is an opportunity for a fresh start – and who knows what delightful discoveries await when we open our homes, and our senses, to these illuminating possibilities…?

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Now Serving: fragrant gins (scents you can sip…?)

As you sip a gin and tonic, you’re indulging in a symphony of fragrant botanicals that elevate this spirit above all other alcoholic beverages. Distillers meticulously craft their creations by selecting unique botanical ingredients, with juniper berries traditionally taking centre-stage. However, it’s the additional fragrant notes that often steal the spotlight…

 

Recently, a fragrant trend has emerged in the distilling world, one that has perfumers everywhere raising their glasses in delight. Flower-powered gins are blossoming, particularly in the summer months, bringing a floral flourish to this classic drink.

 

 

These gins infuse the essence of summer blooms, offering a refreshing twist that captures the imagination and taste buds alike.In the world of gin, as in fragrance, the choice of botanicals is paramount. It is this careful selection and blending that transforms a simple drink into a sensory experience, much like a well-crafted perfume. So, next time you enjoy a gin and tonic, take a moment to appreciate the artistry involved—a nod to the perfumers’ craft and a celebration of botanical beauty in every sip.

 

 

In the heartland of perfumery, Comte de Grasse is redefining the art of distillation by drawing inspiration from its aromatic roots. Nestled in what was once the historic home of fragrance house Roure, known for crafting raw materials since 1820, this innovative distillery is now a beacon of modern techniques. Comte de Grasse employs cutting-edge methods such as ultrasonic maceration, vacuum distillation, and CO2 supercritical extraction to create their signature gin, 44°N. This floral-infused gin is a testament to the seamless blend of perfumery and distillation, offering a sensory experience like no other.

 

Comte de Grasse 44°N Gin £75 fortnumandmason.com

 

CEO & Founder Bhagath Reddy proudly states, ‘Utilising practices from the perfume industry for producing our gin has resulted in a flavour like nothing else we’ve tasted.’ 44°N gin unfolds on the palate with bright citrus top notes, salty samphire, and sharp, woody juniper, leading to a floral heart of Grasse’s Rosa centifolia, jasmine, honeyed mimosa, and a base of spicy, peppered patchouli grounded with elegant, powdery orris. This bold fusion of flavours promises to play with your senses, much like a fine fragrance.

 

For those seeking other floral-inspired gins, consider these olfactory-rich options: [pictured left to right]

  • Custom Spirit Co Flower Power Gin: A host of florals including lavender, rose petals, chamomile, and elderflower. £31.16 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
  • Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin: Infused with violet flowers for a vibrant, Italian taste. £24.99 for 70cl at distillersdirect.com
  • BLOOM London Dry Gin: Crafted by Joanne Moore, featuring chamomile, honeysuckle, and pomelo. £25.99 for 70cl at spiritly.com.
  • Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Gin: A blend of local botanicals and imported juniper. £36 for 70cl at dunnetbaydistillers.com.
  • Mary-Le-Bone Orange & Geranium Gin: A fragrant mix inspired by historic pleasure gardens. £22.51 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
  • City of London Distillery Rhubarb & Rose Gin: A small-batch gin with a floral and fruity profile. £30.90 for 70cl at thewhiskyworld.com.
  • Silent Pool English Rose Gin: Infused with English roses, perfect for summer. £25.50 for 50cl at thespiritbottle.com.
  • Edinburgh Orange Blossom & Mandarin Gin Liqueur: Featuring orange and thyme botanicals. £14.75 for 50cl at thewhiskyexchange.com.

 

 

Mixers are also embracing floral notes to complement your G&T or other cocktails:

  • Artisan Drinks Violet Blossom Tonic: Offers a meadow-like taste with elderflower and violet. £16.80 for 12 x 200ml at thenorfolkhub.co.uk.
  • Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade: Scented with Bulgarian rose oil and lemons. £1.55 for 275ml at sainsburys.co.uk.
  • Belvoir Floral Soda: Elderflowers blended with hibiscus & geranium petal extracts for a delightfully floral fizz £2.25 for 500ml at ocado.com.
  • Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic: Celebrates the Hanami season with aromatic blossom. £1.90 for 20cl at piccantino.co.uk.

These fragrant gins and mixers invite you to explore a sensory journey, perfect for those who want to create their own bespoke ‘blend’ and fully appreciate the art of perfumery in their glass. Cheers!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Summer Garden Scents – set your senses free

With the gardens in full bloom, so many of us are taking every opportunity to run to a patch of green and bask in sunlight this summer (you only have to see the parks or green spaces of any major town or city, filled with workers making the most of their lunch breaks, to know how vital it is for us to be taking time out to enjoy nature.

And – naturally – this leads us to ponder which perfumes we’d wear to maximise this fabulously flower-filled time of year.

 

 

 

Not a fan of floral fragrances? We’ve all manner of gorgeously evocative scents, from green and shady to full-on florabundant to recommend, each of them celebrating the joy of gardens in their own unique way, and all of them blooming beautiful…

 

 

 

THoO Cypress Shade

Part of their ‘Klem Gardens’ collection – which celebrates ‘the timeless garden’ that’s inspired perfumers through the centuries, Cypress Shade offers a welcome breeze of coolness, in shadows ‘cast by the boughs of a cypress tree brings a moment of relief and refreshes the soul. The sparkling notes of mandarin, lemon and bergamot light up to enjoy the first invigorating lights of sunrise. The fresh and vivid light of the dawn has something miraculous. each ray cleaves the huge fronds of the cypresses moved by the wind as in a dance. On the skin, aromatic and woody variations break up and overlap each other, giving the fragrance a disarming depth.’

From £220 for 75ml eau de parfum  harveynichols.com

 

 

 

Fornasetti Giardino Segreto

Creators of the most covetable candles, Fornasetti are back on the scent scene with three so-divine wearable fine fragrances: the florabundant Giardino Segreto being our focus here, of course. The powerful green of Tomato leaves and frshly plucked black raspberries are mysteriously swirled with myrrh, and draped in silken sandalwood to create the kind of secret garden you long to explore – we picture tiptoeing through dew-pearled grass at dawn in a gauzy gown, the morning sunlight drowsily awakening the freshness before settling to a contented cat-stretch in a patch of warmth (on a Fornasetti-patterned cushion amidst a garden maze? We feel it’s scent appropriate). A considered purchase, for sure, but oh it’s a glorious journey (and oh! That BOTTLE!)

£480 for 100ml extrait de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

Clive Christian Queen Anne Rock Rose VII Noble Collection

The fragrant inspiration for this garden-centric scent came from none other than Clive Christian’s own Queen Anne house gardens, which he’s worked hard to restore to their former glory, encompassing a planting scheme that echoes the history of the place. Inspiration that blossoms fully within this classically styled and late summer-mistily refined fougére with a surprisingly modern edge. Citrus, bergamot and neroli are sprinkled with black pepper a superbly dry lavender, violett and intriguing scent of rock rose simmer in the heart. In the base, base, cocoa, patchouli, amber and vetiver glow as if lit by the last sunlight of the day.

£490 for 50ml parfum selfridges.com

 

 

Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet

Captured quite literally (using Headspace Technology) the linden blossom in this beguiling scent glides through a breeze of mimosa, cedar, and citrus. It’s a radiant delight to wear at any time, of course, but really comes into its own when wafted forth during the summer – the very season it seeks to capture in scented form. Incredibly, this wasn’t a mere ‘inspired by’ project. Highgrove Bouquet was actually created with HRH The Prince of Wales, in part as a tribute to the magnificently fragrant summers he’s spent at Highgrove Gardens.

£175 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

(Psst! See details for The Garden of Delights Discovery Box, below, to learn how to get a sample of this and many more…)

 

 

 

Adscenture Secret Garden

‘Luring you in, you’re unable to resist the enchanting bouquet of white flowers. Night is looming, the last sunlight cascades over this secret place. As darkness descends, frangipani comes to life. Magical notes of peach and coconut delight you, whilst undertones of amber and woods ground you. You’re on your ADSCENTURE. Exotic notes of bergamot and peach linger with sweet and creamy coconut. The heart of this scent brings sun-kissed frangipani combined with delicate jasmine and fleshy ylangylang. A base of vanilla santal, warming amber and musk complete this scent.’

£60 for 30ml eau de parfum in our shop (or why not try this AND the Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet as part of the sample found in The Garden of Delights Discovery Box? See below for all the details!)

 

Now we are all set to scamper with wild abandon this summer in our gardens (when the weather allows!), why not treat yourself to that fragrant feeling of joy and freedom via an entire wardrobe of verdant and flora-bundant fragrance samples to be found in The Garden of Delights Discovery Box?

 

We know that gardens help us to feel renewed, so we curated this collection of vibrant, bright fragrances, so everyone can feel the rejuvenating benefits of gardens in every single spritz…

 

Garden of Delights box

 

The Garden of Delights Discovery Box is priced £19 + p&p to VIP Club Members & £23 + 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 scents…

Adscenture Secret Garden 2ml eau de parfum
Cosmoss Sacred Mist 1.5ml eau de parfum 
EauMG Rockin Rose 2ml extrait de parfum
Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom 2ml eau de parfum
Granado Jardim Real 1.8ml eau de parfum
Juliette has a gun Magnolia Bliss 1.7ml eau de parfum       
Mizensir Vert Empire 2ml eau de parfum
Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily 1.5ml eau  de parfum
Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet 1.5ml eau de parfum 
Shay&Blue Amber Rose 2ml eau de parfum 
Versace Dylan Purple 1ml eau de parfum
Yardley London English Rose Body Mist 200ml
SBC Arnica Moisturising Gel 100ml

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Chelsea Flower Show 2024: blossom & bloom with these joyful spring scents!

As flower and garden lovers we are, of course, super excited about this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show – the annual event celebrating the very best of garden design, the growers, movers and shakers in the horticultural world. And of course, it’s the season when the perfume landscape is naturally burgeoning with florals for late spring and early summer.

 

 

 

At The Perfume Society, we have rooted out some florals for you to fall for – no matter if you are lucky enough to have a ticket for Chelsea Flower Show, are looking forward to visiting some spectacular public gardens over the coming weeks, or simply enjoying your own garden or local park.

Here you will discover a whole garden of floral and seasonally sublime samples – SO brilliant for trying before you buy a full-size – with earthy tones, fruity notes and even a subtle dusting of spice. Each fragrance sample has been specially picked to form a panoramic view of all the blossoming promise a floral fragrance can bring. They’re perfect for popping in your pocket or throwing in a bag for travel, too.

 

 

We know even those who thought they didn’t like floral and scents have fallen for several of the seasonally perfect perfumes from this selection! And you can find them all handily gathered within the Seasonal Scents Box Spring Box. Which will you pick to wear first? In the box you’ve got ALL these blossoming glories to try samples of…

 

 

4160 TUESDAYS SONNET No.1 eau de parfum
Fragrance Family: FLORAL

‘We first made a limited edition of Sonnet No. 1 for the Barnes Fragrance Fair, and the aim was to blend the aroma of Shakespeare’s flowers. Shakespeare’s first sonnet mentions “beauty’s rose” hence the name. To rose – both the absolute and essential oil – we added lavender, beeswax, narcissus and hay absolutes, and evoke the aromas of lily and violet. It floats on a bed of white musks. This is the most expensive fragrance we’ve ever made…’

 

 

BRIONI ESSENTIEL eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: WOODY AMBRÉE

‘The intriguingly green opening with sparkling bergamot and bright aromatic cardamom create a play of light through tender tomato leaves. Earthy patchouli enhances the heart’s woody facets which features an exclusive tonka bean variety, used for the first time in perfumery. The enveloping amber drydown brings out two truly spiritual notes – resinous frankincense and creamy sandalwood – and reflects a sense of calm and well-being.’

 

 

CREED SPRING FLOWER eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: FLORAL

‘Pretty in pink, Spring Flower is a playful and unapologetic celebration of femininity. Succulent peach extracts and soft florals blend effortlessly into notes of jasmine and white flowers, transporting you to a quintessential English garden on a perfect spring morning. Sensual ambergris and musk follow, adding depth and tranquillity to ensure every accord of this powerful female fragrance is fully savoured.’

 

 

 

GOUTAL PETITE CHERIE eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: FLORAL FRUITY

‘Petite Chérie is the irresistible fragrance Annick Goutal bestowed on her daughter Camille as a gift. Petite Chérie is a bright and cheerful floral-fruity musky perfume. Beneath its soft, mischievous and carefree airs, the fragrance unveils captivating, devilishly tempting and dangerously endearing charms. It seduces firstly with its playful notes of sweet and juicy pear and freshly-cut grass then blossoms into sumptuous and sensual rose with petals as velvety-soft as skin. It is said to be reminiscent of a young girl’s cheek that you want to lovingly kiss.’

 

 

 

FLOWER BY KENZO IKEBANA eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: FLORAL WOODY

‘This second fragrance in the FLOWER IKEBANA collection brings the Japanese mimosa to the fore. The Mimosa Absolute is at the heart of the scent and offers a unique floral expression close to nature. The verticality of hinoki wood supports the entire composition, with golden sesame extract resonating in a sillage of addictive comfort.’

 

 

LALIQUE SOLEIL VIBRANT eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family:  WOODY FLORAL

‘Woody, floral, with a hint of vanilla. Soleil Vibrant Lalique bottles a beaming energy whose scent is a joyful ode to femininity and wildness. A fragrance that smells as delicious as sun-kissed skin. That makes you feel as happy as a summer day.’

 

 

 

MOLTON BROWN DELICIOUS RHUBARB & ROSE eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: FLORAL FRUITY

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!

 

RUTH MASTENBROEK SIGNATURE eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: CHYPRE

‘A story of freedom…set along a winding path of wet and earthy leaves that lead to a secret garden. In Signature, fresh fruity notes of mandarin, bergamot and pineapple waltz elegantly together with rose on a stage of patchouli and oakmoss. The result is a sparkling and elegant perfume with an evolving woody base, that lives as an accolade to times gone by.’

 

 

 

SHAY & BLUE CEDARWOOD GRAPEFRUIT eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: WOODY CITRUS

They say: ‘Huck the Fipsters! This fragrance is not just for beards. Sparkling pink grapefruit will put some style in your step contrast with coffee bean for character. Finish with refreshing cedar wood for a sense of mystery.’ Discover Cedarwood Grapefruit Eau de Parfum from Shay & Blue, an uplifting scent with notes of juicy pink grapefruit, neroli, vibrant coffee bean and cedarwood. This gorgeous scent will make a refreshing addition to any perfume collection.

 

 

 

TOCCA COLETTE eau de parfum sample
Fragrance Family: FLORAL AMBRÉE

‘Colette is a heady bouquet of florals with warm, spicy edges that linger everywhere she goes. Sparkling citrus and pink peppercorn swirl around jasmine and violet, drying down to musk, vanilla, and sandalwood. Spicy. Mysterious. Seductive.’

 

So, whether you’re looking for a new signature scent, want to settle down with a Shakespearean-inspired floral, or even dream of some Parisienne armchair travel, throw open the windows as we indulge in the Spring Seasonal Scents Subscription Box…

Guerlain Muguet Millésime 2024 – excuse us while we swoon…

Every year in the month of May, Guerlain releases their much-anticipated Muguet – a limited edition, Bee-bottled fragrant homage to the the spring season, and artistically referencing legends surrounding lily of the valley…

 

Only available on guerlain.com and in Guerlain boutiques, this annual exquisite collectors piece represents Guerlain’s olfactive ode to their heritage – utilising a beloved floral symbol which we happen to adore at The Perfume Society, too, lily of the valley being the emblem we chose for its fragrant folklore meanings (and because we began ten years ago on May 1st, when bouquets of lily of the valley, or muguet in French, are traditionally bequeathed to loved ones.

Guerlain Says: ‘Like every year, the House of Guerlain celebrates the arrival of spring with its emblematic Muguet in a limited, numbered pieces edition. For this long-awaited and exclusive lucky rendezvous, Guerlain reaffirms its commitment to arts and crafts by collaborating with Anne Lopez.’

 

 

 

 

‘On the iconic Bee Bottle, the sculptor brings to life subtle bells fashioned in stucco and enhanced with 22-carat fine gold, turning the 2024 Millésime into a singular sculptural work. A trail, which freshness reminisces of a freshly-picked sprig of lily of the valley.’

Artist Anne Lopez was chosen to design the precious flaçon this year, and Guerlain explains that ‘The adornment of lucky bell-shaped flowers was born from her delicate sketches, drafts that create a singular vision. Fashioned in stucco, a coating made of marble powder, the twenty-four bell-shaped flowers illuminated with gold and the two green leaves are sculpted by Anne Lopez directly on the glass. Just like a delicate necklace, the lily-of-the-valley sprig composition unfolds in a considered way around the bottle’s curves : plump bell-shaped flowers at the top, then gradually refining into an utterly graceful string.’

 

 

 

 

Although each year the bottle design and embellishments change depending on the artist Guerlain is collaborating with, the stunning scent remains – gracefully, gratefully – unchanged. ‘It is to Guerlain’s Master Perfumer that we owe the feat of reproducing the fragrance of lily of the valley.’ And Guerlain reminds us that the this flower is one of the trickiest to translate in fragrant form. ‘Described as “mute”, its natural essence is impossible to extract. Guerlain’s Muguet, composed since 2016 by Thierry Wasser, captures as faithfully as possible the scent of the lucky sprigs. In a burst of freshness, the green notes meeting the floral preciousness of jasmine and rose adorn this emblematic trail with soft and pearly green and rosy facets. At the heart of this bouquet, the olfactory illusion of a freshly picked sprig of lily of the valley emerges.’

Of course this is a dream piece – these are collected, and beloved all over the world. But how wonderful that such artistry can still be found, and admired (even in simply gasping at pictures of the work, or watching the bottle spin in the film found on Guerlain’s website). Drink in the artistry of the images, and (we urge you) do go and smell the scent in-store, and allow yourself to be awed awhile by something beautiful. It’s good for the soul…

 

 

 

Guerlain Muguet Millésime 2024 (4885 limited and numbered collection pieces), £675 for 100ml Bee Bottle + 30ml Spray Bottle guerlain.com

 

By Suzy Nightingale