Tag: fruit

Peel the Love: Mandarin Scents to Lift Your Mood

Mandarin in perfumery is often described as a soft-focus citrus, think: juicy, sweetly tangy and gently sparkling rather than bracing or sour, with a playful brightness that instantly lifts the opening of a fragrance while adding a subtle, almost floral, sunny warmth…

Used as a top note, it can make compositions feel more joyful and approachable, smoothing the edges of sharper, more bite-y citrus notes and weaving happily between florals, woods and seasonal spices to bring an easy-going radiance and a sense of “natural” freshness to a fragrance compositions.

Mandarin somehow seems the most user-friendly of citrus ingredients: not in-your-face fresh as lemon and lime, nor tenaciously zesty as orange, it’s a happy-making scent linked to fortune and good luck in Chinese culture, and a reminder of happy childhood memories for many of us.

Sarah McCartney of 4160 Tuesdays shared her thoughts with us on mandarin, and how it’s often mixed with other fruity notes to grant it some extra oomph: ‘It’s childhood Christmases for me. I’d use more of it except that citrus fruit essential oils are restricted these days, and I almost always want to get some grapefruit in there too. It has more character than sweet orange; it seems naughtier to me. It’s a special treat and it’s packed with sunshine.’

 

 

 

 

Sarah continues: ‘Oddly enough, I find that my customers describe certain synthetic fragrances as ‘fresh and natural’. Tangerine is one of the genuine natural fragrances that has the same effect. It’s light and flighty though, so it works as a top note then flits off, leaving an impression but not hanging around to be judged. Mandarin works nicely as long as you don’t mind its lack of commitment!’

Mandarin’s fizzing brightness is instantly uplifting, with a sweetness that feels juicy and mouthwatering, a playful, fruity juiciness and a rounded citrus glow laced with gentle, neroli-like blossom facets. It is exactly the kind of note perfumers reach for when they want to ‘lift’ the opening of a fragrance and add a smiling, sunlit sparkle to the top notes. In compositions, mandarin also cosies up effortlessly to warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and clove – just as it does in festive cooking and the scented atmosphere of our homes at Christmastime.

 

 

 

 

 

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mandarino di Sicilia

Ahhh, this feels like bottling that first sharp inhale when you step into Sicilian sunshine! And it is the mandarin that does all the heavy lifting. Here, the green mandarin is picked early, so its zest smells almost leafy and luminous, immediately brightened by bergamot, lemon and juicy red orange to give a sparkling, almost spritz-like opening. As the scent settles, the mandarin’s greener facets are echoed by bracing petitgrain and spearmint, stretching out that citrus buzz rather than letting it fade away after a few minutes. Cedarwood and soft musk then step in to frame the fruity brightness, polishing the mandarin into something more dressed-up and elegant, like swapping a linen shirt for a sharply tailored blazer, all housed in that deep-blue bottle that looks as cool as the fragrance smells.

£153 for 100ml eau de toilette spacenk.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

4160 Tuesdays London 1969

In London 1969, mandarin is the mischief-maker that keeps this “hippie citrus” grinning from ear to ear. It joins orange, lemongrass, grapefruit and cedrat in the opening, adding a juicy, slightly sweet twist that stops the citrus cocktail from feeling too sour or soapy – more festival-ready fizz than health-club spritz. As the fragrance develops, the mandarin’s warmth melts into Moroccan cedarwood, sandalwood and incense, its cheerful brightness catching on curls of smoke and polished wood like sunlight hitting a hazy gig poster. By the time the Indian patchouli, labdanum and musk base comes through, that mandarin has left a fond echo, giving the whole composition a nostalgic, free-spirited glow rather than a straight-up retro haze.

£95 for 50ml eau de parfum 4160tuesdays.com

 

 

 

 

 

Diptyque Corail Oscuro

Corail Oscuro treats mandarin as a flash of light under dark, rolling waves. Right from the first spritz, the mandarin sparkles like tiny bubbles rising in a glass, cutting through the salty mineral accord and keeping the composition buoyant rather than brooding. Rose bourbon absolute softens its edges, but the citrus doesn’t disappear; instead, it dances over the marine-tinged base, making the scent feel like skin warmed by sun after a swim, rather than a chilly, aquatic cliché. That contrast between mandarin’s crystalline brightness and the sea-bed darkness is what makes the fragrance so compelling, echoed visually by coral-like black lines and watercolour washes on the bottle and sleeve.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Vallense Source

Source uses mandarin as the opening flare – that moment the lights dim and the evening really begins. The first impression is a spicy, juicy pop of mandarin tangled with black pepper, which gives the fruit a grown-up, almost sparkling-wine twist instead of simple sweetness. As frankincense, cypriol and praline unfurl, the mandarin note acts like a glowing thread, stopping the smoky, gourmand heart from feeling too heavy and keeping everything just this side of addictive rather than overwhelming. When amber, benzoin and Vallense’s signature musk accord finally take over, the citrus has mostly melted away, but its memory lingers as a kind of inner radiance, which is exactly what makes this award-recognised scent feel so confidently “dressed for the occasion.”

£202 for 100ml eau de parfum vallensefragrances.com

Vallense Discovery Set available in our shop

 

 

 

 

 

Soki Cleopatra

In Cleopatra, mandarin is the golden crown that never quite slips. The fragrance bursts open with Orange Gelato and sunlit mandarin, a truly mouthwatering citrus duet that feels more like dessert on a marble terrace than a sensible daytime spritz. Crucially, that mandarin brightness doesn’t vanish after the first selfie; it threads right through the heart of Orange Blossom, Neroli and Jasmine Sambac, turning what could have been a purely floral bouquet into a glowing, orange-tinged halo. As the base of liquid Amber, plush Vanilla and smooth Sandalwood wraps around the skin, the mandarin’s sparkle is still perceptible, giving the warmth a luminous edge and making Cleopatra feel less like a typical “sweet oriental” and more like a confidently radiant aura you actively put on to rule your day – or your night.

£79 for 50ml eau de parfum shop.sokilondon.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

An apple (fragrance) a day…

In the gentle shifting of the seasons, as the air is laced with autumn’s orchard offerings – the ground scattered with gold – apple fragrances ripen anew. They evoke not only the fruit’s celebrated crispness but also ancient harvests, folklore of comfort and communion, and that exhilarating tang of orchard-fresh fruity skin against the cool, misty air.

In fragrance, this fruit can bring a fresh, mouthwatering quality – conjuring the sensation of biting into an apple at its ripest. Or it may meld with more gourmand deliciousness – offering a simmeringly-spiced or addictively caramel-swirled sensory experience. Each scent pays homage to the apple’s poetic versatility – framing it as a sun-warmed memory, a bite into brightness, an emblem plucked from centuries of scented dreams. But did you know that the apple belongs to the rose family?! Although to be fair, it boasts thousands of members, for there are countless varieties of Malus domestica, a tree whose origins trace back to Asia.

 

 

 

 

Indeed, apples have woven their way into the world of perfume since the medieval era of Arab perfumery. But it isn’t solely the fruit that’s cherished – apple blossom lends a soft, floral air, while a recent trend sees perfumers blending in ‘apple tree’ notes. These are, in fact, synthetic, fantasy ingredients – artfully crafted to infuse compositions with a nuanced fruity-woodiness.

As fruit notes can very rarely be distilled or otherwise extracted to use in fragrance, how are apple notes created in a fragrance? Some noses might opt for a ‘headspace’ recreation of the entire tree, others may use a combination or ‘accord’ of some of the following, depending on the effect they want to achieve. Perfumers, ever inspired by the apple’s evocative qualities, employ a blend of artistry and science to bring its scent to life:

 

 

 

 

Synthetic fruity esters – such as hexyl acetate and ethyl-2-methyl butyrate – capture apple’s juicy freshness and green tartness, conjuring both orchard-bright and honeyed skin facets.

Apple blossom accords are woven in for delicacy – layering a soft floral air like mist threaded through boughs at dawn.

Woody nuances or “apple tree” notes – evoke the entire tree in autumn, adding fruit-laden branches and sun-warmed wood to the composition.

Gourmand and spiced apples arise when perfumers marry apple notes with caramel, vanilla, cinnamon or clove – echoing the warmth of baked apples and festive tables.

 

 

 

 

Each creation is an aromatic echo of orchard walks and harvest gatherings, delicately crafted to evoke both freshness and nostalgia. And we have a wealth of apple-centric scents to tempt you with this season. The only question is, which will you pick first…?

 

 

 

 

 

DKNY Be Delicious original

Time to re-visit this original scent (and discover it’s still a stunner). Mouthwatering bites of green apple conjures the atmosphere of orchards on an autumn morning – dew still clinging to the grass. Its sheer juiciness forms the core – crisp, fresh but never cloying – wrapped in cucumber’s coolness and a glint of grapefruit, magnolia petal, and violet. As rose and tuberose unfurl, the apple’s tart brightness glistens through until dusk: awakening the senses and uttering the promise of harvest in every perfumed pulse.

£47 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

 

Kajal Lamar Noir

The apple here is bathed in a dusky glow – glinting amid a tapestry of tropical fruits and velvet violets. In the opening, it feels like a secret just picked at sunset – sharp and lively, shimmering above caramel’s deep warmth and vanilla’s comfort. Rose and geranium lend their opulence – rendering the apple not as innocence but as allure. The finish, swathed in smoky woods and soft leather, whispers of autumn’s late nights – the languor of orchard shadows.

£198 for 100ml extrait de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penhaligon’s Artemisa

Nestled alongside plump nectarines, violet, and the silken touch of lily of the valley, the green apple is tender yet vibrant . Like orchard mist caught in moonlight, the apple note glimmers – illuminated by the brightness of the opening notes, then swiftly swirled with wisps of jasmine tea and vanilla. The fruit’s facet is gentle and luminous – a subtle nod to the season’s mellow drift and the comfort of gathering indoors as oakmoss and sandalwood blanket the senses.

£175 for 100ml eau de parfum sephora.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Parfums de Marly Greenley

Here, green apple shines with the exhilarating clarity of autumnal sunlight – coursing through Sicilian bergamot and mandarin, a burst of crispness that’s almost effervescent. The heart pulses with cedar and violet – evoking the snap of twigs and foliage, while petitgrain and pomarose add layers of green and fruit. With oakmoss and amberwood grounding the trail, the apple is the soul of autumn – life’s vividness, distilled.

£220 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marc-Antoine Barrois B683 Extrait

In this extrait, apple is rendered acidic and seductive – harmonising with spice-laced pepper berries and cumin. The note’s tart freshness slices through leathery depth and smoky oud – both daring and intimately carnal. Violet leaf enhances the green bite, while sandalwood and patchouli soften its edge – revealing an apple that’s more than a fruit: it’s memory, skin, and velvet, ripened in autumn’s waning shadow.

£270 for 50ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Perfect plum – fruity fragrances for autumn

This autumn, you may notice plum has emerged as one of the most seductive shades of the season – a colour that feels both sumptuous and comforting. Rich with depth, plum has always carried with it a sense of quiet drama, a touch of decadent mystery. In fashion this autumn, it slips between velvet and silk, lipstick and lacquer, embodying a mood that is at once opulent and understated.

Just as colour can carry texture, so too can fragrance. Plum in perfumery is never merely fruity – it’s plush, velvety, and enveloping, often conjuring the sensation of fabric against skin. It can feel juicy and mouthwatering on the one hand, or shadowy and cocooning on the other, and it is this duality that makes it fascinating. Worn as a scent, as on the fashion catwalk or in now-cosier interior furnishings, plum invites us into autumn’s embrace with a richness that lingers, like dusk gently gathering around you.

 

 

While plum scents are what we’re plumping for right now, did you know that creating fruity notes in perfumery is a far more intricate process than it might first appear? Fruit notes are typically recreated synthetically rather than extracted directly from the fruit. This is because the natural extraction process for fruit essences is often challenging due to their high water content and the complexities of their aromatic compounds. Synthetic molecules are cleverly used alongside naturals to mimic the desired scent profiles of these fruits, while some houses may use Head Space technology to capture the scent of the air around the naturally growing fruit, to evoke climate and place as well as it’s smell.

Well luckily, the clever noses who created our curated selection, below, know exactly how to best evoke the complex scent of plum. And so, if perhaps you are casting aside the more summery scents, finally, and looking for a transitional note to welcome the season (without feeling too wintery and swaddling just yet); well then, plum may be the note to seek. Here we array a bounty of perfect plum perfumes just ripe for the picking…

 

 

Affordable niche Fragrance

Soki London Artemis

This enchanting exploration of a moonlit woodland opens with luscious plum, a juicy sweetness evoking ripe fruit kissed by a cool evening dew. The heart reveals delicate osmanthus flower, that apricot-leather-y note settling as warm sandalwood and cedar emerge. Inspired by ancient trees and magic, this plum will have you hooked.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glossier You Rêve

While still designed to adapt to the wearer’s natural skin-scent – the thumbprint on the bottle is a clue to that – Glossier Rêve most definitely has a gourmand sweetness, leading us into temptation with its notes of buttercream, plumptious plum butter and toasted almond, with white sandalwood, iris and an Ambroxan va-va-voom smooch.

£70 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.glossier.com

 

 

Pictor Parfum Silhouette

Inspired by a perfectly composed photograph, vibrant mandarin and lychee are reminiscent of an initial bright flash. but Its heart of powdery rose and plum form a central soft focus that pulls the perfume together. Suede adds texture, spices of clove and pink pepper base provide a sharp contrast, casting deeper shadows as the plum still swirls.

From £84 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

 

Lalique Velvet Plum

Here, we are invited to wrap ourselves in suede and cashmere, the ripe plum soon to be enfolded in a soft velvety swathe of bohemian lushness via heliotrope with iris and osmanthus – all snuggled up on a dark chocolate-y patchouli base. And that extraordinary coloured juice! In the frosted bottle, it looks (and wears) otherworldly.

Now £67.09 for 100ml eau de parfum superdrug.com

 

 

EAU.MG Berry Fleur

Berries, yes – bursting from first bite with delicious, sticky cassis. But it’s the plum that grounds in a more velvety opulence. From the piquant to the playfully flirtatious, as it warms we find a passionate floral heart of delicate rose and heady white flowers. smoothed and sensorially heightened by creamy vanilla, rich patchouli and more-ish musk.

£95 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Cherry Picking Perfumes…

Cherry fragrances have blossomed into a veritable orchard of olfactory delights, their sweet and tantalising aroma captivating perfume lovers and becoming an increasingly prominent trend in the ever-expanding fruity gourmand family.

Far from being a fleeting fancy, cherry scents have taken root in the fragrance world, branching out into diverse and sophisticated interpretations that are anything but one-note wonders….

 

Cherry has an allure in perfumery because of its versatility. It can be playful and innocent, evoking memories of childhood sweets and summer picnics, or it can be deep and sensual, reminiscent of ripe, juicy fruit dripping with perfumed possibility. Cherry notes can add a luscious, mouthwatering quality to fragrances, often serving as a bridge between tart fruity accords and richer, more indulgent bases.

As the cherry trend has matured, we’ve witnessed a delightful evolution in how perfumers are utilising this beloved note. What you might have thought of as being syrupy-sweet cherry scents are now more complex compositions that explore the multifaceted nature of this fruit. Cherry is being paired with unexpected, more, deeper and darker ingredients like leather, tobacco, and even oudh, now – creating cherry-infused aromas that are at once familiar and intriguingly novel.

 

 

 

The new crop of cherry fragrances we’re sniffing are more sophisticated than ever, bringing differing vibes to suit every mood and occasion. Some perfumers are opting for a more realistic interpretation, capturing the slight tartness and green facets of fresh cherries. Others are leaning into the gourmand aspect, blending cherry with almond, vanilla, and chocolate for an utterly decadent experience. Still others are using cherry as a subtle accent, a fleeting whisper that adds depth and intrigue to otherwise prominently floral or woody compositions.

 

Which of these cherry scents would you pick, we wonder…?

 

 

 

Cherry

 

THoO Oud Guilty Crush wraps black cherry in a velvety embrace of dark chocolate and smoky tobacco, creating a scent as indulgent as it is mysterious. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a midnight rendezvous in a luxurious speakeasy.

£220 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

Cherry

 

Edeniste Oud Ghazal marries the sweetness of red cherry with the rich, resinous depth of oudh, resulting in a fragrance that’s both opulent and inviting. It’s like biting into a juicy cherry while lounging on plush silk cushions in a Moroccan riad.

£240 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

Cherry fragrances

Electimuss Caspian Cherry offers a sophisticated take on sour cherry, blending it with crisp apple and warm amber. The result is a scent that sparkles like sunlight on water, refreshing yet comforting.

£200 for 100ml extrait de parfum electimuss.com

 

 

 

 

Fragrance Du Bois Sirene captures the essence of glacé cherry, combining it with delicate rose and creamy sandalwood. It’s a scent that whispers of vintage glamour and stolen kisses in secret gardens.

£255 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

Cherry

Initio Narcotic Delight lives up to its name, presenting a heady cocktail of black cherry liqueur spiked with pink pepper and smoothed with vanilla. It’s an addictive concoction that leaves you craving just one more sip.

£265 for 90ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

4160 Tuesdays Cherry Who takes a playful approach, blending tart cherry with zingy citrus and a hint of almond. It’s quirky and fun, like a cherry-flavoured sherbet fizzing on your tongue.

£190 for 100ml eau de parfum 4160tuesdays.com

 

Cherry as a trend is continuing ti flourish and diversify, and one thing is certain: these fragrances are far from the cough syrup-sweet scents you might have sour flashbacks of from yesteryear. Today’s cherry perfumes are sophisticated, nuanced, and yes – utterly irresistible. Whether you prefer your cherries black, red, sour, or glacé, there’s a cherry fragrance out there waiting to seduce your senses and become your pick of the perfumed crop.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Berry Different: Exploring Strawberry’s Multiple Personalities in Perfumery

The sweet, succulent allure of strawberries has long captivated perfumers, who’ve found myriad ways to capture both the cultivated and wild varieties of this beloved fruit in their creations. As we delve into some of the most intriguing strawberry-forward fragrances we’re wearing this February (and continuing well in to summer!), we discover just how versatile this note can be.

 

 

 

strawberry

 

 

 

Bluebell & Wild Strawberry is Molton Brown’s newest offering, presenting woodland strawberries in their natural habitat, intertwining with earthy violet leaf and dew-kissed bluebells. The strawberry here feels authentically forest-like, with that characteristic tiny-but-mighty intensity that anyone who’s discovered wild strawberries while walking will recognise.

£140 for 100ml eau de parfum moltonbrown.co.uk

 

 

 

 

strawberry

 

In Widian’s Luban, strawberry takes an unexpected turn, appearing in the opening as a honey-sweet prelude that mingles with resinous frankincense. This isn’t your typical fresh strawberry – instead, it’s a sophisticated interpretation that feels almost candied, creating an intriguing contrast with the spicy-resinous heart of the perfume.

£335 for 50ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

strawberry

 

 

Creed’s Fragaria captures sun-soaked strawberry fields in full bloom, where bergamot and mandarin amplify the fruit’s natural radiance. The strawberry note here feels warm and ripened, kissed by sunshine and bursting with vibrant energy – imagine walking through a strawberry field at the height of summer.

£260 for 75ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

strawberry

 

Pomona Vitalis by Electimuss London presents a voluptuous interpretation, where strawberry mingles with lychee and Calabrian bergamot. The result is a sophisticated fusion that transforms the familiar fruit into something altogether more opulent and complex.

£215 for 100ml extrait de parfum electimuss.com

 

 

 

 

 

strawberry scent

 

 

Soki London’s Empress takes a more abstract approach, where the strawberry note plays hide and seek with the wearer, sometimes appearing distinctly, other times melting into a sophisticated blend with patchouli and toffee notes. It’s a masterclass in how strawberry can be used as an accent rather than the star, creating intrigue rather than announcing itself too boldly.

£75 for 50ml eau de parfum intense theperfumeshop.com

 

What’s fascinating about these interpretations is how they demonstrate the remarkable versatility of strawberry in perfumery. From woodland wanderings to sun-drenched fields, from candied sweetness to sophisticated abstractions, each perfume house has found its own unique way to capture this beloved fruit’s essence.

 

 

Perhaps that’s why strawberry remains such an enduring note in perfumery – its ability to surprise us, even when we think we know exactly what to expect…

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Playing Gooseberry (& mulberry, blueberry, tayberry…)

Scents with berry notes aren’t a new thing, but we’re starting to see the less usual berry ingredients cropping up in fragrance formulas. Of course perfumers and fragrance houses are always looking for ways to entice, and in our earlier trend report we predicted that fruity fragrances are going to be everywhere. We’ve already sniffed several new crops of this vibrant fragrance family, and to get ahead of this trend, let’s take a look at some already-available scents who’ve embraced this distinctive and gloriously juicy trend by using the less often used berries.

February being ‘the month of love’, with the traditional Valentine’s it’s fascinating to note how often berries feature in romantically themed scents, and there’s a long history of berries and love being linked this way. Strawberries are perhaps the most obvious – being pleasingly heart shaped and often presented to loved ones, perhaps decadently dipped in chocolate. But those less-often usedfragrant berry notes also have many links to mythology and flower lore.

 

 

 

 

As Courtney Alexander, from the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University explains, in Victorian flower language, for example, ‘an elderberry branch signified remorse’, while ‘the cranberry blossom signifies that the receiver extend kindness to the giver.’ Meanwhile, ‘Gooseberries are also associated with a wide range of meanings’ (often rather nudge-nudge, wink wink ones) because ‘when British children ask where babies come from, they are told that they can be found “under a gooseberry bush.” This agrees with the Victorian flower meaning of the blossom: anticipation.’ And of course, ‘The phrase “playing gooseberry” signifies the third person and possible chaperone of a group where the other two people are dating.’

Whichever ripe berry you plump for, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect perfume, from our pick of the berry bunch this month…

 

 

berry fragrances

Gooseberry – Abercrombie & Fitch Authentic Self Woman

As bright and cheery as a sunny day in the English countryside. The vibrant yellow flacon hints at the explosion of freshness within – a zesty wake-up call that’s sure to lift your spirits on even the gloomiest of mornings. The star of the show is the tart, green gooseberry, which adds a delightful zing to the composition. Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe gooseberry, its sharp, tangy flavour bursting on your tongue. This vivacious note is beautifully complemented by the citrusy punch of lemon peel and the luscious sweetness of pear. As the scent develops, a beautiful bouquet of freesia, jasmine, and lily of the valley emerges, their delicate floral notes softened by a woody musk base.

£39 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

berry fragrances

Cranberry – Pictor Parfum Airbrush

Painting a picture of sophistication with its unique cranberry note, think of strolling through a misty landscape, the tart berries glistening with morning dew. The scent opens with a smattering of ripe cranberry, its sharp, slightly bitter aroma mingling with the sweetness of mandarin and the exotic allure of lychee. As it settles, the composition reveals a heart of rose and cyclamen, with an unexpected twist – the glamorous scent of waxy lipstick. The final brushstroke is a creamy blend of vanilla, dry amber, and soft musk, creating a truly flawless olfactive masterpiece.

£84 for 50ml eau de parfum In our Shop

 

 

 

 

berry fragrances

Tayberry / Loganberry / Sloe / Raspberry Leaf – Jorum Healing Berry

A veritable cornucopia of berry notes. This fragrance transports you to the Valley of Strathmore, where wild berries grow in abundance. Imagine crushing tayberries, loganberries, and sloes in a timeworn pestle and mortar, releasing their tannin-sweet juices. The scent is a complex tapestry of aromas, weaving together the herbaceous notes of artemisia and wild mint with the fruity richness of blackcurrant and violet leaf. As it dries down, the earthy warmth of raspberry leaf and orris butter emerges, grounded by a unique cereal accord that evokes images of sun-warmed fields.

£89 for 30ml extrait de parfum jorumstudio.com

 

 

berry fragrances

Blueberry – Shay & Blue Blueberry Musk

Created by perfumer Julie Massé, is a bewitching concoction that showcases the often-overlooked blueberry note. Close your eyes and imagine biting into a plump, ripe blueberry, its sweet-tart juice staining your fingers. This vivid note is paired with zesty orange in the opening, creating a sparkling, mouthwatering effect. The heart of the fragrance blooms with the heady white floral notes of magnolia and orange blossom, their creamy sweetness perfectly balancing the fruity top notes. As the scent settles, a sensual base of musk and cashmere wood emerges, wrapping the wearer in a warm, inviting embrace.

Try a 2ml sample as part of The Perfume Party Discovery Box (nine differing fragrance samples) £22 / £18 for VIPs In our Shop

 

 

berry fragrances

Blackcurrant / Blackberry / Mulberry / Blueberry – Lalique Amethyst

A true berry extravaganza created by Nathalie Lorson, this is a celebration of dark, juicy berries – blackcurrant, blackberry, and mulberry – with a hint of blueberry for good measure. Picture yourself in a sun-dappled forest, surrounded by bramble bushes heavy with ripe berries. The scent opens with a burst of spicy nutmeg mingling with the rich, jammy aroma of blackberry and the tart, slightly green note of blackcurrant. As it develops, a lush floral heart unfolds, featuring pepper-spiced rose, delicate peony, and intoxicating ylang-ylang. The base is a soft, powdery blend of Bourbon vanilla and sensual musk, creating a scent that’s as multifaceted and captivating as the amethyst-inspired bottle it’s housed in.

£63 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.lalique.com

 

These innovative fragrances prove that berries are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a versatile and exciting addition to the perfumer’s palette. From the tart zing of gooseberry to the jammy richness of blackberry, each berry note brings its own unique character to these olfactive compositions, creating scents that are truly unforgettable.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Craving salad? Let these crisp veg-inspired scents refresh you!

After the festive season’s indulgences, our palates and noses often crave a refreshing change. Just as we might yearn for a crisp salad after weeks of rich fare, our olfactory senses seek lighter, more invigorating scents. Enter the world of vegetable-based fragrances (featuring ingredients that wouldn’t look out of place in a a salad), and get ready to discover this burgeoning trend in modern perfumery that’s as surprising as it is delightful…

The past few years have seen a veritable harvest of vegetable notes sprouting up in perfumes. From the earthy sweetness of beetroot to the green crunch of cucumber, perfumers are exploring a whole new ‘gourmand’ category that leans away from sugary sweetness and into savoury notes. These scents don’t merely mimic their botanical inspirations; thanks to cutting-edge extraction techniques and innovative aroma molecules, they capture the true essence of these garden delights in ways that are both familiar and fantastically novel.

 

 

Victoire in her gorgeous vegetable garden

 

 

The launch of L’Officine Universelle Buly’s ‘The French Garden’ collection exemplified this trend beautifully. Co-founder Victoire de Taillac describes a garden as ‘a perfect universe, a paradise, a haven,’ where ‘smells come together and surprise you.’ The six fragrances in this line intertwine vegetable notes with flowers and musks, creating olfactory experiences that evoke the dewy freshness of a morning garden stroll.

 

 

 

Les Jardin Français is available online at www.buly1803.com and at their Selfridges counter: £145 for 75ml. La Sizaine collection of six x 9ml travel perfumes is also available for £108, selfridges.com. The perfect way to sample the whole collection (because you will need to smell them all!)

 

 

 

 

Another notable entry in this verdant realm is L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Le Potager collection. This range celebrates the humble vegetable patch, transforming common garden produce into sophisticated scents. As perfumer Quentin Bisch, who worked on the collection, notes, ‘The challenge is to dress the vegetable with a classic material to keep a part of the mystery.’ This approach results in fragrances that are both reassuringly familiar and intriguingly complex.

So now, with the spirit of freshness and seeking something new for our noses, let’s explore these garden salad-inspired scents – which would you pick as a refreshing change from the heavier scents you’ve been wearing, we wonder…?

 

 

 

4160 Tuesdays Le Jardin de Monsieur McGregor

This whimsical creation traces a mischievous rabbit through a Lake District garden. The scent opens with crisp cucumber and celery notes, complemented by leafy greens and creamy mushrooms. A hint of nibbled strawberries adds sweetness, while a trail of pipe smoke lends a touch of human presence to this botanical adventure.

From £40 for 15ml eau de parfum 4160tuesdays.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Shay & Blue Clementine

Don’t let the name fool you – this fragrance is more than just citrus. Succulent clementine is entwined with swags of laurel leaves and the surprisingly bright, peppery green of watercress. The addition of petitgrain brings a piquant sunshine that revives flagging spirits, making this an ideal scent for banishing winter blues.

From £25 for 10ml eau de parfum shayandblue.com

 

 

Officine Universelle Buly Indian Cucumber and Syrian Mint

Offering us a refreshing olfactory journey through a sun-drenched garden (yes please!) the crisp cucumber provides an invigorating opening, while Syrian mint adds lively aromatics that feel cool and clean, yet definitely pep-up flagging sprits. A whisper of iodine evokes sea breezes, and white musk lends a soothingly soft base. It’s, elegantly wearable and will have you craving more!

150 for 100ml eau triple buly1803.com

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Perfume Covent Garden

Inspired by London’s famous market, this scent captures the essence of a morning stroll among the stalls. Carrot takes centre stage, its aromatic sweetness tinged with ginger. The overall effect is reminiscent of munching on fresh vegetables while an exciting breeze carries hints of exotic spices.

£95 for 100ml eau de parfum jovoyparis.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum

In this reimagining of their classic rose scent, Diptyque add an unexpected twist: artichoke. This fleshy, green note enhances the original rose oil, adding a slightly bitter edge that speaks of melancholy moments in walled gardens. The result is a more complex, arboreal take on floral romance.

 £153 for 75ml eau de parfum diptyqueparis.com

 

 

 

 

To the Fairest Élan Vital

Oh this takes us to a forest floor in all its lush complexity. A medley of green notes, including a hint of stinging nettle (which make a nourishing soup, apparently – have you ever tried it?), and settles onto a base of grounding vetiver. Soft moss and patchouli create a cosy bolthole, while a cover of golden leaves adds warmth to this woodland-inspired scent.

£85 for 50ml eau de parfum tothefairest.com

 

 

 

 

 

Comme des Garçons Rouge

True to the brand’s avant-garde spirit, Rouge subverts familiar notes in daring ways. Blood-red berries mingle with earthy beetroot, creating a vegetal sweetness that’s grounded by swirls of iced incense and charred leather. It’s a bold, unconventional take on the vegetable trend we can get behind.

£135 for 100ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

 

L’Artisan Parfumeur Iris de Gris

‘How many times, while shelling fresh peas, have I dreamt of this green fragrance?’, exclaims perfumer Quentin Bisch. Ethereally airy thanks to bright green galbanum, (‘an herbaceous plant with a scent akin to the pea’ L”Artisan tells us), ‘this fragrance is a hymn to green in all its forms, punctuated with iris, which makes a refined imprint on skin.’ We concur – and it has us dreaming of dew-dappled plants and brighter days, for sure.

£170 for 100ml eau de parfum artisanparfumeur.com

 

 

 

 

 

As we embrace a new year, why not resolve to explore these garden-veg inspired scents? They offer a fresh perspective on perfumery, proving that vegetables can be just as alluring as flowers when it comes to fragrance. So go ahead, spray your five a day – your nose will thank you for the olfactory boost!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Long-lasting citrus-fresh, Cologne-style scents (which won’t wilt in the heat)

We adore the freshness of a citrus-infused Cologne, but soul-reviving though that sparkle of freshness is in summer, they traditionally don’t last very long on the skin. Now, there’s a whole banquet of thirst-quenching and uplifting citrus scents to try, which last WAY longer and keep our spirits up for HOURS, hurrah!

There’s no doubt that in July, juicy citrus scents are the order of the month, we feel – yes, of course when it’s sunny they feel so appropriate, but even when the weather’s not playing ball (as of late) it’s time to let those citrus scents shine! Wearing juicy-smelling citrus Cologne-style fragrances brings the feeling of joyous sunshine in a fragrance, no matter the weather. Now, put the brollies away and get sparkling with these contemporary twists on the traditional Cologne…

 

 

 

 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Forte

Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Cologne Forte collection is suffused with light and freshness, its philosophy seeking to help us cultivate ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’. Thus, we welcome Media Forte, ‘the embodiment of balance and harmony’, a deceptively simple construction that is tangibly fresh and citrus bright, showcasing Italian bergamot, radiant hedione and aromatic sweet fennel, grounded in a green moss facet, patchouli and woody musks. Spray, breathe, chill.

From £115 for 35ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

Shloksha Bouquet Monument

This scent stands out from the rest of the stunning collection for its vivacious vibrancy and freshness. Excitingly zingy, they describe it as ‘young, aquatic and sparkly with an amber base’ (we’d say it makes you feel ten years younger to wear it, energy-levels-wise!’ From the juicy exuberance of the opening fruitiness there’s a floral bouquet as it warms, the petals fizzing as they bloom, with that warming amber glow of a base as the lasting, resonant trail…

£54.95 for 30ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

LABORATORIO OLFATTIVO Pompelmo

Master of understated simplicity, Jean-Claude Ellena taps into his Italian background here, where – as he explains – ‘several beverages celebrate bitterness.’ Front and centre is grapefruit, considered in Asia to be a sacred fruit which was offered to the gods; Jean-Claude worked on the fruit’s ‘lively and sour freshness’, while stressing its bitter scent.’ Pink pepper, resinous lentisque, patchouli, white musk and vetiver feature in the olfactive chorus line of this fresh, shareable masterpiece.

£90 for 100ml eau de parfum Cologne harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

Experimental Perfume Club Bergamot / Incense

A bergamot full of complexities. This brings out all the facets of this radiant citrus fruit via contrasting ingredients, with frankincense and olibanum bolstering the dry warmth and slight smokiness of incense oil. Juniper berry plays to its bright, zingy nature, with a tingle to the nose. Tea notes and a supple iris absolute calm and soothe.

Currently £92 for 50ml eau de parfum experimentalperfumeclub.com

(Try Bergamot / Incense with eight other EPC sample sizes in their Discovery Set Essential, £50 for 9 x samples in our shop

 

 

 

 

Robert Piguet Cravache

Originally launched in 1963, we celebrate the revivification of Piguet’s classics, now under the guardianship of genius nose, Aurelian Guichard. Here, the citrus zing has the sparkle turned up to eleven, with quenching mandarin, bitter orange and bright petitgrain zesting up even the dullest of days. Granted the addition of jasmine, orris, sage and saffron, the clarity of the composition remains, even in the snuggle of tree moss-lined woodiness as it warms.

£205 for 100ml eau de parfum fenwick.co.uk

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Marvellous mandarin – the citrus scent to cheer

Mandarin somehow seems the most user-friendly of citrus ingredients: not in-your-face fresh as lemon and lime, nor tenaciously zesty as orange, it’s a happy-making scent linked to fortune and good luck in Chinese culture and reminder of happy childhood memories, for others.
Sarah McCartney of 4160 Tuesdays shared her thoughts with us on mandarin:  ‘It’s childhood Christmases for me. I’d use more of it except that citrus fruit essential oils are restricted these days, and I almost always want to get some grapefruit in there too. It has more character than sweet orange; it seems naughtier to me. It’s a special treat and it’s packed with sunshine. Oddly enough, I find that my customers describe certain synthetic fragrances as ‘fresh and natural’. Tangerine is one of the genuine natural fragrances that has the same effect. It’s light and flighty though, so it works as a top note then flits off, leaving an impression but not hanging around to be judged. Mandarin works nicely as long as you don’t mind its lack of commitment!’
And were you one of the original Aqua Manda mandarin fantatics, or a newcomer to the happily revived – by consumer demand – brand? Perhaps the iconic affordable scent of the 60s and 70s, its sweetly zingy fragrance of mandarin infused with ginger, lavender, patchouli, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tarragon and juniper berries spelled grooviness abounding, and a surge of interest in mandarin as a note in perfumery. Sunshine-y in a laid-back way, it’s the perfect note to explore for summer…
 
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Read more about mandarin and other fragrances to explore this ingredient in our dedicated Ingredients section of the website – what are some of your favourite notes – or perhaps it’s time to branch out and try something new…?
Written by Suzy Nightingale