Vyrao’s newest fragrances, Ludeaux and Ludatrix, put feel-good vibes (and, this time, a delightfully playful naughtiness) centre stage, blending their energetically enlivening ethos with masterful perfumery for a truly uplifting experience. But which tempts your fancy, first, we wonder?
Yasmin Sewell, Vyrao’s inspiring founder, was once an internationally acclaimed powerhouse in fashion, lending her creative finesse to iconic names including Browns, Chloé, Mulberry, Farfetch and Liberty. Her discerning eye even helped guide fledgling designers (now household names) such as Acne, The Row, Christopher Kane, Roksanda, and J.W. Anderson. What, then, sparked her leap from high fashion to high vibrational fragragrances?
The answer arrived unexpectedly in 2019, as Yasmin experienced what she calls “an aha moment.” Giving herself permission to pause, she finally listened to those creative ideas that had been bubbling under the surface, realising her true calling: to channel energy as the lifeblood of her brand. Long dedicated to therapeutic and energetic wellness, Yasmin made energy her guiding principle, intuiting that this positive force could be shared—with fragrance as its conduit. In her own words: ‘Channelling it came first, what it’s channelled into came second. So, we started with fragrance.’
Having taken the fragrance world by storm since their launch, Vyrao now offer two new olfactory sensations for your skin, via Ludeaux (‘for flirtation and seduction), and Ludatrix (‘for passion and arousal’). Also available in the smaller – and we think utterly adorable – 30ml ‘Mini Woo’ sizes, perhaps one (or both) of these could awaken the naughty and nice within you…?
Ludeaux
Imagine a scent that flirts with the senses from first spritz, where a milky peach accord instantly lifts, paired with a luxurious trio of osmanthus, jasmine and magnolia. There’s a coquettish twist thanks to ambrette and latex: both provocative and playful, like a wink across a candlelit table. Amyris and sandalwood create a cocoon of tranquilly creamy woods, while tonka bean pulses through the composition, adding a subtle warmth and golden deliciousness. Musk, Ambrox, and that cheeky latex linger long after, leaving an irresistible, self-affirming trail. With seduction, confidence and delight in a single bottle, why not claim your own little slice of joy?
Bold, bright, and just a bit audacious, Ludatrix is pure empowerment bottled. Lipstick accord and latex evoke glamorous evenings and whispered secrets, while Sichuan pepper electrifies, opening the senses to possibility. Essential rose and powdery orris weave an air of courage into the heart, the floral notes blooming over rich olibanum and sandalwood, grounding the composition in warmth and positivity. Finally, Ambrox and musk provide the finishing touch in an invisible cloak that’s sensual, smooth, and absolutely unmissable. With each wear, Ludatrix becomes your scented shield and invitation to live out loud.
Sarah Baker Perfumes is a house where glamour gets playfully reimagined and luxury is never just surface-deep – it’s a fragrant journey that gathers every sense and emotion for the ride. Sarah Baker herself is an artist whose creative impulses have always been fuelled by fashion and culture, her journey from gallery installations to olfactory artistry marked by a unique desire to make iconic style accessible, layer by scented layer. Collaborating closely with perfumers she admires – each creation is a true extension of her bold, camp-tinged aesthetic – Sarah’s fragrances, created by some of the world’s most daring niche perfumers, are conceptual, distinctive, and loaded with stories waiting for wearers to inhabit.
Says Sarah: ‘Perfume has a lot of connotations as being a glamorous, frivolous rich-person’s thing but it’s completely attainable – I just have to hold the bottles, and I love that ritual of putting on a perfume while getting ready for a night out.’
We think you’ll agree that her sense of joy and ritual spills into every Sarah Baker Discovery Set (each sold at attainable prices so you can try the samples before you decide which full-size bottle to buy); and you’ll find them all in The Perfume Society Shop. So shall we explore them together…?
Where else could you meet a collection that’s part treasure chest, part personality test? There are now several fabulous ways to dip your toes (or douse your wrists) in every facet of the Sarah Baker universe, mixing, matching, and exploring the full collection in combinations to suit your own mood and style. The Discovery Sets are a decadent perfumed passport, each one curated to showcase unique blends, punchy personalities, and inventive, decadent storylines you’ll definitely want to star in for yourself each time you spritz.
Starting with the Peach Trilogy Discovery Set(£27 for 3 x 2ml extrait de parfum): Peach’s Revenge is pure anticipation, creamy vanilla and caramel against velvet orris and a Renaissance mood. Pastel Rumours brings a fruity milkshake twist, ready for a Vespa ride and a swirl of gossip, while Loudo serves innocence with a wink – evoking childhood treats and clever nostalgia.
Craving something a little rebellious? The Unplugged Discovery Set(£27 for 3 x 2ml extrait de parfum) introduces Prism Head, capturing the scent of damp soil, cannabis, and wild mushrooms; Tartan Cask channels the Scottish Highlands with peaty whisky and a fireside snuggle; Loudo returns, sweet yet deliciously woody and forward.
For those hunting red carpet fantasies, the Red Carpet Discovery Set (£40 for 5 x 2ml extrait de parfum) parades Peach’s Revenge, with its deliciously addictive peachy passion; Altante – imagine a mermaid with shimmering beach vibes – and Gold Spot, a tribute to broadsheets in bed and butterscotch bonbons. Riders delivers horses, leather and tryst-worthy greenery, while Flame & Fortune races through a field of tuberose set ablaze, turning high-speed car chases into scent.
If the high life beckons, the High Life Discovery Set(£40 for 5 x 2ml extrait de parfum) lines up Peach’s Revenge, Charade (a cut-glass white flower meets leather), Jungle Jezebel (banana-bodied, bombastic, totally unique), Gold Spot and the unashamed eighties glamour of Leopard – best worn with shoulder pads and swaggering attitude.
Prefer off-the-road adventure? The Wilderness Discovery Set (£40 for 5 x 2ml extrait de parfum) lets you roam through Symmetry (oud in perfect balance), Altante, Greek Keys (yachting in the Med – fresh, oceanic, luxurious), Tartan Cask, and Loudo, all charm and delicious woods.
For the true connoisseur – or the endlessly curious – the Portfolio Discovery Set (£90 for 11 x 2ml extrait de parfum) is a true olfactory spectacle. Each vial nestles securely, reflecting a rainbow light like opening a jewellery box, and includes Peach’s Revenge, Symmetry, Flame & Fortune, Atlante, Charade, Jungle Jezebel, Gold Spot, Greek Keys, Leopard, Loudo, and Riders. There’s a beautifully designed leaflet that guides you through every scented story, with perfumer credits for each – making this set the perfect companion for explorative types and creative souls who love the unboxing as much as the sniffing.
Sarah Baker’s artistic and fun-filled, 80s opulence-exuding soul shines through in every Discovery Set – a luxurious, high-concept thrill for artists, dreamers, collectors, fragrance fiends, and anyone looking to add fun and sophistication to their scent wardrobe. Whether you’re searching for a specific mood, needing to match your style for a special occasion, or just want to get your nose into something gloriously offbeat and artistic, these boxed journeys are a must.
Book your scented escape by exploring all the Sarah Baker Discovery Sets in detail now – and star in the next great adventure, wherever you want it to take you, and whoever you choose to be…
Summer is the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a truly memorable event: a Perfume Party. Whether you’re looking for a lively garden gathering or a cosy evening of scent exploration, we reckon you’ll agree that this idea is as versatile as it is scent-fully fabulous.
Here’s how to throw the ultimate fragrant bash, featuring the Perfume Society’s exquisite Discovery Boxes – each one a veritable a treasure trove of olfactory wonders…
Setting the Scene: A Perfume Picnic or a Chilled Olfactory Occasion?
If the sun is shining, why not take your Perfume Party outdoors? Transform your garden or patio into a fragrant paradise with tables adorned in flowers and colours that echo the vibrant hues of the Discovery Boxes. Think bright yellows, soft pinks, and golden tones – just like the notes inside the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box. Lay out blankets, scatter cushions, and let the summer breeze carry the scents through the air.
For a more relaxed vibe, set up inside with plenty of comfy seating and good lighting, or even consider a ‘scented sleepover’ (because why should pyjama parties only be for kids, eh? And how much more fun with some perfumes and bubbles!) The focus is on fragrant discovery, conversation, and the shared joy of scent.
The Discovery Boxes: Your Fragrant Party Guests
At the heart of your Perfume Party are the Perfume Society’s curated Discovery Boxes. Each box is a carefully selected collection, perfect for sampling, sharing, and sparking lively discussions.
Embrace the season with the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box, a limited edition set that captures the essence of summer. Each scent is a ray of golden light:
Molton Brown Rose Dunes 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: A delicate, sun-warmed rose kissed with sea salt, evoking lazy afternoons on the dunes.
Ruth Mastenbroek Gaia 2ml Eau de Toilette: Earthy, green, and uplifting – like a walk through a wildflower meadow at dawn.
Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, sparkling, and elegant, with a hint of fresh citrus and soft florals.
Lalique Soleil 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, radiant, and enveloping – imagine amber and vanilla bathed in sunlight.
Memoize Concordia 2ml Eau de Parfum: Vibrant, zesty, and joyful, with unexpected twists of spice and fruit.
Floral Street Sunflower Pop 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Bright, cheerful, and playful – a burst of sunflower and citrus that’s pure summer in a bottle.
Jeroboam Oriento 1ml Extrait de Parfum: Rich, mysterious, and exotic, with smoky woods and a touch of spice.
skinSense Hydranet Face Mask 25ml: A refreshing treat for the skin, perfect for a summer skincare moment between sniffing sessions.
Scent Matching: Playfully ‘match’ each guest to a perfume you think suits their personality. It’s a fun way to spark conversation and laughter.
Blindfolded First Impressions: Blindfold guests and let them sniff each fragrance, sharing their immediate thoughts and feelings. It’s amazing how scent can evoke vivid memories and emotions.
Sample Swapping: Encourage guests to swap their favourite samples and discuss what they love (or don’t) about each scent.
Lucky Dip: Guests get a scented surprise as they wont know what they’re choosing – a brilliant way to ensure everyone explores outside of their usual ‘comfort zone’. And they may just meet the fragrance of their dreams!
Zoom Sniff-Along: If friends can’t make it in person, send them the same Discovery Box and host a virtual ‘sniff-along’ over Zoom. Pour a glass of something lovely and enjoy a good catch-up while exploring scents together.
Perfume + Cocktail Pairings: Get creative and make cocktails that evoke your favourite fragrance from the box. For example, a citrusy cocktail for Floral Street Sunflower Pop or a smoky old fashioned for Maya Njie Tobak.
Hen Night Perfection: This party idea is ideal for a hen night – unique, interactive, and budget-friendly. Plus, scent and memory are so entwined, your celebration will live long in everyone’s happy memories.
Whether you’re hosting a garden picnic, a relaxed evening in, or a virtual event, the Discovery Boxes offer endless possibilities for fun, fragrant discovery, and a genuine sense of emotional connection. So, gather your friends, open your senses, and let the scents of summer (and beyond) inspire your next unforgettable celebration…
In the world of fragrance, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as the moment you lift the lid on a beautifully presented Discovery Box or Brand Set. The promise of olfactory adventures lies within, each tiny vial a portal to new sensory experiences. But how can you truly make the most of these scented treasures? Whether you’re a seasoned perfume aficionado or a curious novice, our guide will help you navigate the enchanting realm of fragrance sampling with finesse and flair.
There’s never been a better time to try a Discovery Box for yourself – or purchase for friends if you’re getting ahead of your Christmas shopping – because with our Black Friday offers, you can get even more fragrances for your money! Simply use these codes at checkout:
20% off x2 Discovery Box [Perfume Society & Brand Boxes] – Use code BF20 30% off ×3 Discovery Boxes – Use code BF30 40% off x4 Discovery Boxes – Use code BF40
£5 for all Magazines [Excludes all 2024 issues]
(Be aware: Offers END midnight 2nd of December, and these coupons canNOT be used in conjunction with other offers.)
But why might you consider buying a box anyway, and how can you get the best from it?
Well, at The Perfume Society, we pride ourselves on the meticulous curation of our Discovery Boxes. Each one is a labour of love, carefully assembled to offer a diverse tapestry of scents. From the opulent creations of established luxury houses to the avant-garde offerings of niche perfumers, our boxes are designed to take you on a journey across the fragrance spectrum. ‘We spend months selecting the perfect mix,” explains Lorna McKay, co-founder of The Perfume Society. ‘Our aim is to create a harmonious balance that caters to various tastes while also gently pushing boundaries.’
This thoughtful approach means that within a single box, you might find a classic floral nestled next to an experimental oudh, or a fresh citrus sharing space with a complex chypre. It’s this variety that makes our Discovery Boxes so beloved by fragrance enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
While Discovery Boxes offer a broad overview of the fragrance world, the Brand Sets in our online shop provide a focused exploration of specific perfume houses. These sets are invaluable for those looking to acquaint themselves with a particular brand’s olfactory signature. For brands with limited distribution, these sets become even more crucial. They offer a rare opportunity to experience fragrances that might otherwise be inaccessible, bringing the exclusivity of high-end perfumeries to your doorstep.
The Art of Sampling: A Step-by-Step Guide
To truly appreciate the nuances of each fragrance in your Discovery Box or Brand Set, follow these expert tips:
Set the Scene: Create a calm, neutral environment free from competing scents. This will allow you to focus on the fragrances without distraction.
Start with Blotters: Use perfume blotters (also known as scent strips) to get your first impression of each fragrance. Label each strip clearly to avoid confusion.
Take Notes: Jot down your initial thoughts. What images or memories does each scent evoke? Don’t worry about identifying specific notes at this stage – focus on your emotional response.
Skin Test: After narrowing down your favourites, apply them to your skin. Use different areas of your arms, leaving enough space between each to prevent mixing.
Time It Right: Give each fragrance at least an hour to develop on your skin. The top notes will dissipate quickly, revealing the heart and base notes that form the true character of the scent.
Revisit: Return to each fragrance several times over the course of a day. You’ll be surprised how your perception can change as the scent evolves.
Context Matters: Try your favourites in different settings – at home, at work, during an evening out. A fragrance that seems perfect in one context might feel out of place in another.
Beyond the Box: Expanding Your Fragrance Horizons
Discovery Boxes and Brand Sets are more than just a collection of samples – they’re an invitation to expand your olfactory palette. You might discover that you love a note or style you’d never have considered before.
Also, if you find some you fall for in a big way, they can be your scented stepping stone to finding even more you adore by using our brilliant Find a Fragrance online tool! You simply type the name of the fragrance, and it will cleverly suggest six new scents to try (all at differing price points) which are linked by style, notes, perfumer, the mood they give and even the words perfumers were briefed with to compose the perfumes.
Discovery Boxes and Brand Sets also make exceptional gifts, especially for those hard-to-buy-for individuals in your life. For the gift-giver unsure of the recipient’s tastes, these sets offer a safe yet exciting option. They provide the joy of discovery without the commitment of a full bottle, allowing the recipient to explore at their leisure.
Sustainability in Sampling
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, fragrance sampling through Discovery Boxes and Brand Sets offers a more sustainable approach to perfume exploration. ‘Sampling before buying full bottles reduces waste,’ points out sustainable beauty expert Dominika Minarovic. ‘It ensures that when you do invest in a full-size fragrance, it’s one you truly love and will use.’
As the fragrance industry continues to evolve, Discovery Boxes and Brand Sets are likely to play an increasingly important role. With the rise of online shopping and the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar stores, these curated collections offer a vital link between perfumers and consumers.
‘We’re seeing a trend towards more personalised and interactive sampling experiences,’ predicts fragrance trend forecaster Michael Edwards. ‘Virtual reality and AI might soon play a role in helping consumers navigate the vast world of scent from their homes.’
So, whether you’re unboxing your first Discovery Box or adding to an extensive collection of samples, remember that each vial is a doorway to a new olfactory experience. Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to challenge your preconceptions.
The world of fragrance is vast and varied, with something to delight every nose.By approaching your Discovery Box or Brand Set with curiosity and an open mind, you’re not just sampling fragrances – you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Who knows? Your next signature scent, or an entirely new fragrance love affair, might be waiting for you in that unassuming little vial.
So go ahead, lift that lid, and let the adventure begin. Your perfect scent awaits, ready to be discovered…
Looking for perfectly portable handbag sized scents? We have curated a scented selection to tempt all tastes!
Now we’re in September, our thoughts turn not only to the changing of seasons, but to the forthcoming global fashion weeks. Although not all our working lives can be so glam, and the back to school vibes are sinking in; let us for a moment imagine rushing from show to show, our handbags filled with essentials for the day ahead. Among these must-haves – of COURSE – is a fragrance (or several, for any given scenario).
In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience meets luxury, travel-size perfumes have emerged as a must-have accessory for fragrance enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. These petite bottles pack a powerful punch, offering a delightful array of scents without the bulk of full-sized counterparts. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe, heading to the office, or simply enjoying a night out, travel-size perfumes are the perfect solution for anyone looking to enhance their fragrance game.
Why Travel-Size Perfumes Shine
Portability: The most obvious advantage of travel-size perfumes is their compact design. They easily fit into any handbag, clutch, or even your pocket, making them ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. No more worrying about spills or breaking glass bottles; these miniature marvels are designed for life in motion.
Variety: With travel-size options, you can explore a multitude of scents without the commitment of purchasing a full-sized bottle. This variety allows you to experiment with different fragrances, helping you discover what truly resonates with your personal style.
Affordability: Travel-size perfumes often come at a lower price point, making luxury fragrances more accessible. This affordability means you can indulge in high-quality scents without breaking the bank, allowing you to expand your collection without guilt.
Try Before You Buy: One of the best aspects of travel-size perfumes is the opportunity they provide to “try before you buy.” You can wear a scent for a few days, experiencing how it evolves on your skin and how it complements your lifestyle. This hands-on approach helps you make informed decisions when investing in a full-sized bottle.
Perfect for Gifting: Travel-size perfumes make thoughtful gifts for friends and loved ones. They offer a taste of luxury without the pressure of choosing the perfect full-sized fragrance, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Granado Coleção Elixir EDT Discovery Set: Perfect for Busy Lifestyles
Whether you’re a fashion week attendee or a busy professional, these handbag-sized fragrances cater to our fast-paced, on-the-move lifestyles. They’re ideal for touch-ups during the day, perfect for travel, and essential for those unexpected moments when you need to transition from day to night. It doesn’t matter if you’re navigating the bustling streets of Paris during Fashion Week, or simply looking to elevate your daily fragrance routine: this set offers a perfect blend of sophistication and on-the-go scented convenience.
Époque Tropical: Perfect for evening events, with its enveloping woody notes balanced by citrusy mandarin
Imperial: Ideal for daytime shows, offering a fresh and light scent with an intriguing Brazilian-Portuguese duality
Nostalgia: Suitable for romantic dinners, featuring spicy top notes and an elegant floral body
Jardim Real: Great for outdoor events, combining citrusy freshness with delicate floral notes
Infusão Botânica: Invigorating for early morning shows, with its spicy and aromatic profile
Scents of Occasion Discovery Box: Perfect for not knowing ‘what to wear next’
Here, we offer a beautifully curated collection of fragrances in handbag / travel-size, that are perfectly portable – making them ideal for trying new scents on the go. The compact sizes of each fragrance provide a convenient way to explore a variety of olfactory experiences without committing to a full-size bottle (especially brilliant when we’re between-seasons and you’re never quite sure what scented mood you’re in, we find!) In the box, you’ll discover…
Kingdom Scotland Kingdom Botanica (7.5ml Eau de Parfum)
This scent captures the essence of Scottish botanicals, offering a fresh and earthy aroma that evokes the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape.
Thameen London Chords (10ml Eau de Parfum)
A harmonious blend that combines rich and luxurious notes, making it a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate complex fragrances.
Granado Bossa (25ml Eau de Toilette)
Inspired by the vibrant culture of Brazil, this fragrance delivers a lively and refreshing scent, perfect for those who enjoy bright and energetic aromas.
Shay & Blue Oud Alif (10ml Eau de Parfum)
A deep and exotic fragrance, Oud Alif offers a rich and opulent scent profile, ideal for evening wear or special occasions.
Comme de Garçons Rouge (9ml Eau de Parfum)
Known for its bold and avant-garde approach, this scent provides a unique and striking fragrance experience. Some boxes may contain Comme des Garçons Zero instead, offering a different olfactory journey.
Juliette Has A Gun Lust for Sun (5ml Eau de Parfum)
This fragrance captures the essence of a sunny day with its warm and radiant notes, perfect for those who love a bright and uplifting scent.
Goldfield & Banks Discovery Set (6ml total)
Includes Pacific Rock Moss, Sunset Hour, and Bohemian Lime Moss (2ml each), offering a diverse range of scents from fresh and aquatic to warm and citrusy, reflecting the diverse landscapes of Australia.
4160 Tuesdays Dancing With Strangers: Perfect for going ‘out-out’
We love that 4160 Tuesdays offer 15ml handbag size bottles – so handy when you want to take a perfume with you that’s going to last more than a few days, but is still easily portable / able to be taken on travels. If you fancy a fragrance that smells of the contents of (albeit a very glamorous) handbag, as well as being hand-bag sized; this is your chicly scented go-to. It’s a perfume for going ‘out-out’ (or smelling like you are, but actually slumped on the sofa in your PJs and not regretting a thing). Think: vintage compacts full of face powder, scarlet lipsticks in bejewelled tubes, flirting outrageously, laughing uproariously, and dancing with whomever you please. As perfume and founder Sarah McCartney elucidates: ‘This is a deep, floral musk with traditional iris and violet powdery lipstick notes, entwined with honeysuckle. It’s quite the opposite of baby powder; this is only for adults. It hugs you inside an invisible fluffy blanket, and strokes you with skin-tingling caresses.’ So, be assured, those strangers will be remembering your scent, longingly…
Shay & Blue Fragrance Wardrobe: Perfect for on-the-go perfumistas
Here we have a whole fragrant wardrobe of possibilities, each in the perfect handbag sized bottle! This proudly British house create stunning scents that transcend trends yet feel totally part of the fragrant zeitgeist. Says perfumer Julie Massé: “Perfumery is a language. Composition is the translation of an artistic vision of life, something between pure creation, interpretation and affirmation.” Learn to speak fluent S&B, then, and choose a different bottle to try every day. In the box, you get 10ml bottles of…
Amber Rose – May rose blended with white amber and sweet creamy notes
Atropa Belladonna – Cassis berries and jasmine dance with patchouli and vanilla
Black Tulip – Exotic plum flirts with white chocolate and woods
Blackberry Woods– Glossy berry juice with punk-sharp citrus
Blood Oranges – Lip-smacking burst of zest underpinned with musks, woods and smoky leather
Dandelion Fig – Fig and dandelion leaf blended with lemongrass, tomato vine and juniper
English Cherry Blossom – Airy blossom with black cherries, fig and bergamot
Oud Alif – Oud spiked with chocolat noir, saffron and dark patchouli
Salt Caramel – Tonka bean and sandalwood meld into sea salt
Tallulahs Camellia – Bluebells and white flowers nestle in blond woods
We’ve learned all manner of tips and tricks at The Perfume Society, which we’re thrilled to share with you, here. We’ve been privileged to meet some of the world’s best perfumers and foremost fragrance experts over the last seven years we’ve been going, and want to share their advice with you, below.
If you want a fabulous new fragrance to try, need tips on how to smell it as a perfumer does or how to describe what you’re smelling, consider some of these most useful fragrant facts to help you enjoy your fragrances even more…
Your taste in fragrance changes over the years – just as in food preference – and depends on weather, what you’ve eaten recently, your mood and hormones. So, take your time to explore a new scent out of your comfort range.
Spray on a blotter first and come back to it at hourly intervals. Write down your initial thoughts, then re-try a few days (and weeks) later.
Many perfumers trained for more years than a heart surgeon, memorising ingredients by connecting their smell to personal scent memories and images that immediately spring to mind, unbidden.
Smell has no distinct language. If you’re struggling to describe a scent, try likening it to fabric (is it velvety, suede-like, cotton fresh, silken or fluffy?) Perhaps it reminds you of music (played on which instruments? Fast or slow?) Or you might picture a place – imagine the air temperature and scenery it evokes…
Your nose gets used to smelling the same things, so avoid wearing the same thing daily. Try layering to re-awaken your senses or branch out with exciting new discoveries!
Like all artists, perfumers tend to have a certain style. If you fall in love with one (we’re predicting several) of these, research them online: we bet you’ll fall for others.
Scent molecules are volatile and evaporate at differing rates. Citruses are lightest, often found in top notes and disappearing rapidly; florals tend to be in the heart while base notes are heavier, woody or resinous. Make these stages last FAR longer by using matching or unscented body lotion, spray into your hair or on clothes (after testing on tissue!)
Undecided? Spray on a scarf rather than skin: you can take it off and sniff again, later! Spraying on fabric (or your hair) also helps make it last far longer as the molecules don’t warm up so quickly (or evaporate) as on skin. As does…
Use an unscented (or matching) body lotion or oil. Fragrance doesn’t last long on dry skin (or in hot climates). It clings far longer to moisturised skin – so slather up, then spray.
Don’t know what to try next? Use our simple Find a Fragrance tool: just type the name of a fragrance you already know and love, and the so-clever algorithm suggests six new scents with similar characters to try.
Fragrance samples are THE best way to try new things, dive nose-first into a whole new house you’ve never tried or perhaps a differing perfume family than you’d normally go for.
We know that a full bottle can be a big investment and not everyone happens to live near a shop with a great selection. That’s why we put together carefully curated Discovery Boxes. Our Launches We Love Discovery Box is a stunning selection of new names, with gorgeous mini bottles and generous samples from niche and luxury houses we know you’re going to love as much as we do…
Looking for pocket friendly perfumes that smell fabulous but won’t break the bank? They’re the holy grail at any time, but most especially in January – the bleakest time of year – when we most need a little something to perk ourselves up.
Perfume has come to mean so much to so many more people these last few months – we can use it revive flagging spirits or grant us some courage when we need it most. A quick spritz can swathe you in comfort and soothe frazzled nerves, transport you instantaneously to somewhere else in the world or reanimate a long-forgotten memory of happier days.
But perhaps you’re like us and have just paid your tax bill (hello reality) and though you’re not feeling flush, still really, truly, desperately need SOMETHING NICE to look forward to?
Never fear! We have selected some of our favourite fragrant treats – perfumed pick-me-ups that wont break the bank but still smell utterly wonderful. There’s nothing over £50 here, but you’ll still smell – and feel – like a million dollars…
Berdoues Avoine & Coquelicot£25 for 100ml eau de toilette
The cool intrigue of cardamom is warmed with a tingle of saffron and the soothing softness of oats before the fresh bouquet of poppy, jasmine, lily of the valley and violet peek through – a heralding of spring. Sublimely powdery heliotrope swirls with creamy almond, a glimmer of amber and delicate white musk: comforting as cashmere.
Dsquared2 Green WoodGift Set RRP £44, currently £35 for 30ml eau de toilette
Invigorating lemon and aromatic santolina are sprinkled with spicy bourbon pepper, while suave cedarwood and vetiver ripple to the verdant breeze of cypriol; the base resonates with deeply warming notes of ambrox and musk. Although marketed as a ‘masculine’, this is for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve been for a head-clearing walk in the forest.
Miller Harris Lumière DoréeRRP £14, currently £9 for 9ml eau de parfum
Neroli has to be one of our all-time favourite notes – it feels like wearing sunshine – here celebrated with the golden fizz of bergamot, a luminescent jasmine and delicously honeyed orange flower. Luminous amber and reasuringly clean musks makes this a sheer delight, in every sense oif the word, and a so-welcome burst of happiness, bottled.
Yardley Daisy SapphireRRP £20, currently £16.00 for 50ml eau de toilette
Close your eyes and remember what summer felt like – waking up to blue skies, leaving the house without worrying about an umbrella or a coat… Now let the delightful flurry of green leaves and apple flutter to the heart of hyacinth and white rose before drying down to snuggle of sandalwood and musk in the base. Instantly cheering on the dullest days.
Perfumer Antoine Maisondieu invites you on a sunny road trip through the American West. Along the imaginary open road, with the roof down, you’ll encounter notes of bitter orange, juicy pear, cactus flower and gardenia, concluding your journey with notes of Joshua tree and musky Ambroxan. And we adore the apothecary-inspired new bottle!
No round-up of pocket friendly perfumes would be complete without the iconic 4711 – it’s often reached for on hot days, but don’t wait ’til summer to experience the mood-enhancing whoosh! Colognes take on a new aspect in the cooler months; the classic lemon, rosemary, lavender and neroli notes feel like sunlight filtered through unfurling leaves. escentual.com
The La Montaña Discovery Set is a cute wallet of home fragrance samples (to try at home) – a completely genius idea! Find out how to explore them all and use our discount code, below…
We’re all used to the idea of buying a Discovery Set of personal perfume samples – something we’ve been eulogising about for years as the best way to try new scents and be introduced to the style of a fragrance house before buying a full size bottle.
But home fragrances are far more difficult to try before we buy. And as the way our homes smell is such a personal choice, it’s completely genius to have the opportunity of trying the full range in the very home we’ll be scenting with a full size room mist, candle or reed diffuser.
Sustainability is another issue the fragrance industry is (and fragrance lovers) are making a priority right now, and all La Montañga products are sustainable, plant-derived, biodegradable, have a low carbon footprint, and are ‘non-toxic to humans or the environment.’
The La Montaña Discovery Set gives you the opportunity to try ALL NINE of their home fragrances in dinky little room mist form. The La Montaña fragrances are the same across their full range of candles and reed diffusers – so once you’ve tried the room mist samples and found your faves, you’ll know how how the other methods of scenting your space will smell. You can spray them onto the blotters provided, or La Montaña advise you ‘…spritz them into the air, wait a couple of seconds and step into the mist.’ But there’s a number of other ways you miught think of using them….
– Why not keep a set in your car? Much more chic than a garage-purchased novelty air freshener.
– Founder Cassandra says she even spritzes hers on to jumpers to snuggle up in the scent (only dark coloured fabrics, and do a patch-test, first!)
– If you’re lucky enough to be going away on holiday, these are the perfect size to slip into your suitcase to make a hired cottage or hotel room smell like home.
– We think this wallet of home fragrance samples would also be a great stocking filler gift – send to a friend and get them to pick a favourite, which you can offer to buy the full-size of, later.
Usually, the set costs £25, BUT for one week only, you can use our discount code to get it for only £10!
Have a browse of the evocative home scent descriptions – and the incredible reviews – on the La Montaña website – personally, we are huge fans of Winter Oranges to fragrance our homes at this time of year, though First Light is our first choice for the day when working at home, followed by Sacred Roses for a sublime way to wind down. Which rooms will you choose to sample them in, do you think…?
‘It is everything pure, good and evil. It aches, it desires, it is who we are.’ This is how Map of the Heart co-founders Sarah Blair and Jeffrey Darling describe the human heart, and a clue to the inspirations behind the fragrances.
With a creative partnership in writing, design and film, it felt like a natural step to take that expression further in to fragrance – a wearable art form – borne out of their collective need to creatively explore ‘the full atlas of the senses’.
Proudly Australian, each fragrance by perfumer Jaques Huclier has a seam of sandalwood at its core, and it throbs life through the perfumed pulse of this niche house’s scents, using indigenously and sustainably sourced Santalum spicatum. Huclier says that for him, the smell is ‘woody and explosive,’ providing ‘a unique signature of sensuality, texture and deepness to the range—it’s the heart of the Hearts, a beat within the fragrances.’encompassing a passion for telling stories and their understanding that scent can transport the wearer just as words, images and films can whisk us to another world. And oh, those bottles!
Designed by the legendary Pierre Dinand to resemble an anatomical model of the human heart, each piece looks like it’s straight from a gallery of modern art. Each perfume has been carefully crafted to evoke a differing emotion – the perfumer translating the co-founders words and startling imagery in to the notes he uses, the bottle designer evolving the story through the colours that echo the theme. So you will discover that, gilded, brightly coloured or starkly monochrome, the flacons hold juices just as experimental. From burned bush land juxtaposed by snow, forbidden fruits, passion and the essence of bravery, the spirits of rebellion and attraction: all are unique, and utterly wearable.
Map of the Heart fragrances are £150 for 90ml eau de parfum fromharrods.com, but we are thrilled to now stock the Map of the Heart Discovery Set in our shop – try the entire collection for only £25!
Clear Heart v.1 – Australian summer: surfing, swimming, hot days, cool breezes and the salt that hangs in the air promising more.
Black Heart v.2 – Smoky. Impolite. Dangerous. Its smoky heart of mysterious spices is shot through with shards of fresh eucalyptus and citrus to create an impolite mix of opposites.
Red Heart v.3 – Explosive. Seductive. Addictive. A composition of feijoa, tuberose and spices with sensual notes of musk and vanilla.
Gold Heart v.4 – Nurturing. Precious. Ancient. An exotic warm breeze that wraps around to protect and comfort.
Purple Heart v.5 – Brave. Instinctive. Triumphant. Inverting the olfactory pyramid by opening darker and then brightening.
Pink Heart v.6 – Mingles on the skin with the spiciness of the sumac accord and cistus absolute for a mesmerising ride.
White Heart v.7 – The ethereal and sharp opening of French lavender, aldehydes and cardamom coolly invite us into the vast landscape of love.
So now the only thing left for you to wonder is, which fragrance will pull on your heart strings…?
When we were curating the Limited Edition Niche Discovery Box, we wanted to include the most exciting niche fragrances we’ve come across lately. It can be really difficult to find these houses if you don’t happen to live in London or near an independent perfumery – and even if you do, it would take ages to seek out all these scents – FOURTEEN in all! – so we’ve saved your legs and done all the pre-sniffing to find the hottest niche brands right now…
Have a look here to read all about the fragraces, with three huge luxury size samples and the entire contents worth over £75, but costing you only £23 (or just £19 forVIP Club members ); but right now let’s focus on why we think you should be excited about exploring these niche houses, now.
One of the things that truly sets a ‘niche’ house apart is their founders hands-on approach – and the unique personalities they bring to their brand’s creation. At The Perfume Society, we truly believe perfume lovers want to know more than merely ‘this is new’ – it’s one of the reasons we started! – and that’s why we dedicate entire pages to houses’ histories, from tracing heritage and discovering why they’ve embraced niche, to finding out what makes their founders tick, and what drives their perfume passions…
Anima Vinci
Showcasing fragrances created by some of the world’s most renowned perfumers, Anima Vinci is the creative expression of one woman’s strong belief in the power of fragrance and the positive effect it can have on your heart, mind and spirit. With a background at the very first ‘niche’ perfumery house – and years at the creative helm of one of the UK’s most historic fragrance names – Nathalie Vinciguerra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. But it’s her passion for authenticity and sustainability within the world of fragrance that finally drove her to create Anima Vinci.
Atkinsons
Oh, what a wonderful fragrant story this is: a traditional British perfume house, restored to its glory in the 21st Century – with the 2013 niche-focused relaunch of Atkinsons fragrances. A sleeping beauty of a tale, actually, interwoven with the names of heroes and heroines, princes and dandies. And as if that wasn’t enough, a rags-to-riches story, too.In spring 1799, an enterprising young man named James Atkinson set forth from the wilds of Cumberland for London. In his suit pocket were recipes for fine fragrances and toiletries he’d created himself. And next to him sat a generous amount of rose-scented bear grease balm. (Yes, really.) Even more extraordinarily, next to the balm sat a real, live bear who – so the tale goes – was utterly devoted to James…
BDK Parfums
One of the city’s newest niche perfume house, BDK has its roots firmly in Paris’s perfumed history, while its design is even inspired by an iconic Parisian building. Unlike the names Guerlain, Creed or Dior, Benedek isn’t one you’d immediately associate with perfume. But in its own way, 29-year-old David Benedek‘s family has also played a pivotal role in sharing the love of French fragrance within France and beyond its shores.
E. Coudray
There are few fragrance houses still as ‘relevant’ after almost 200 years as the wonderful Paris-based house of E. Coudray – which can trace its roots back to the reign of Louis XVIII, no less, and the year 1822. The Paris-born founder was a doctor-chemist, Edmond Coudray (the ‘E’ in E. Coudray), who went on to enjoy a spectacular career, creating eaux de Cologne, pomades, creams and soaps for the crowned heads of France, Italy and England – including Queen Victoria, for whom the perfume ‘Reine Victoria’ was made. Now enjoyed by niche fragrance-lovers who appreciate their unerring quality and dressing-table worthy bottles, no wonder this heritage house is proudly thriving.
Fragrance du Bois
With their headquarters in Paris and a number of privately owned sustainable plantations in Asia, Fragrance Du Bois are world experts in the protection and harvesting of oudh – sometimes known as ‘liquid gold’. And they have mastered the blending of this fabled ingredient, using some of the best ‘noses’ in the world. Fragrance Du Bois are, quite unashamedly, so oudh-obsessed. And are we surprised? Derived from the dark resinous wood of the Aquilaria tree, oudh (often spelled ‘oud’) is an utterly fascinating material – a resin that occurs in less than 7% of trees, in the wild. Which explains why the material is so precious – and, sought-after. And not all oudh, it transpires, is harvested with the focus on sustainability that Fragrance Du Bois are renowned for.
Juliette Has a Gun Romano Ricci has perfume in his DNA. His great-grandmother was the legendary couturier Nina Ricci and his grandfather Robert was creator of the equally iconic L’Air du Temps. He launched Juliette Has A Gun in December 2006: a brand devoted to women, offering a new type of elegance within niche perfumery: ‘The innocent Juliet of Shakespeare is transposed to the 21st Century with a gun… Metaphor for the perfume, weapon of seduction, or simple accessory of bluff. “Gun” essentially symbolises the liberation of women towards men… And sometimes with an aftertaste of revenge.’
Kingdom Scotland Imogen Russon-Taylor has created the very first Scottish fragrance house – capturing the history and majestic landscapes of her home country in a portfolio of utterly contemporary fragrances…The worlds of whisky and fragrance have much in common, believes Imogen Russon-Taylor. And she should know: after a distinguished career in the aromatic world of Scotch whisky, Imogen has now gone on to create her own fragrance house – the very first to be based north of the border. ‘Both whisky and perfume are produced by traditional distillation methods,’ she explains. Both evoke a complex sensory experience and both rely upon the innovative use of ingredients or flavours to distinguish themselves from competitors.’
Merchant of Venice
When the princess Teodora Ducas – daughter of the Emperor of Byzantium – married the Doge Domenico Selvo in 1060, it can be said the grand Venetian tradition of perfumery (and the accompanying products with which the royal court liked to adorn themselves) truly began. Later centuries would come to see Venice as a centre for the art of European perfumery – a vibrant city that never shied away from revelling in the finer things life has to offer. Surrounded by such beauty, it seems only natural the aristocrats would wish to look – and smell – just as fabulous. Skip forward several centuries to 2011, and the Vidal family – already renowned in the world of perfumery for more than a century – decided to pay homage to this glorious cultural tradition.
Modernist Perfume
It’s easy to look back and think the timing was spot on,’ says John Evans, founder of Modernist Fragrance and (perhaps somewhat surprisingly) former financier. ‘That was true to a degree,’ he admits, ‘but the rest was like anything you’re passionate about: hard work, perseverance, some setbacks, a bit of luck.’ Through books, involvement with industry organisations, meetings with perfumers, as well as a research to Grasse – global epicentre of perfume creation – he immersed himself in the techniques of fine perfumery, painstakingly experimenting with building his own compositions. ‘Time and space change once compounding begins,’ John explains, ‘like being enthralled by something you’re writing or reading.’
Prosody
Rising star fragrance house Prosody London believe that plants are more than just useful ingredients on which we rely, saying ‘they are the basis of human wellbeing, the silent friends without which our planet would be bare and our lives unthinkable…’ With a green ethos that flows through every fragrance, Prosody London take equal delight in their scents being so beautifully composed, so harmoniously sophisticated, that many people don’t even realise they are – gloriously, unashamedly – all natural and organic… Taking the beauty of plants – their stems, leaves, petals, and even the their cycle of growth and maturing beauty – as their guiding inspiration, Prosody London talk passionately about how ‘some of the earliest cultures saw plants as a grammar, a code and a cosmology.’
Parterre
When David and Julia Bridger decided to combine the ruling passions of their lives – art, gardens, travel and perfume – and gather a team of experts (literally) in their field, they set in motion a series of events that is poised to change the face of British fragrance forever. And put Parterre on the map… Embracing the concept of ‘from seed to bottle’, David and Julia not only set out to to grow, harvest and distil many of their own ingredients – but they also had a longing to try growing crops that had never before been grown on British soil. (Even including – astonishingly – vetiver.) The fragrances, made by world-renowned perfumer Jacques Chabert, evoke the idyllic setting and, in strictly limited, hand-numbered bottles, are truly ‘niche’.
Parle Moi De Parfum Michel Almairac has created award-winning, world-renowned blockbusters for just about every perfume house you’ve ever heard of. And now, to the delight of perfume-lovers, he has launched his own fragrance house (with his family) – and opened a boutique in Paris’s Le Marais. His astounding CV encompassing a literal A-Z of perfumes from Dior Fahrenheit to Le Labo Ambrette 9, via Gucci Rush, Chloe Eau de Parfum (2007), Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum (2011), Burberry for Woman and Burberry for Men – and so the list of hundreds goes on. But Michel found that he was having literally to shelve his most treasured creations because they didn’t quite work for the corporate briefs. He could never forget about them, however – and sometimes would take a scent home for his family to smell. Now these ‘lost’ fragrances have been completed, and are available for you…
Serge Lutens
Enigmatic, talented and exceptionally creative – it’s no exaggeration to say that Serge Lutens helped pioneer ‘niche’ perfumery. He once told an interviewer that ‘Morocco gave me the taste of perfume. It is very difficult to detach the olfactory sense from the other senses; however, I can say that before my arrival in Morocco in 1968, this fifth sense was largely fallow for me… The aroma of Morocco is linked to a form of life that allows you to be an individual in a dense crowd. The crowd here is a movement, a sound, a laugh, a game. By the end, smell was united with the other senses…’ Today, he lives in Marrakech, Morocco: a city of colour, exotic fragrances and mystery – the place where he discovered the creative potential of the world of scents. And the rest of the world waits eagerly, always, for his next olfactory vision, his next scent ‘dream’.
Tom Daxon
I grew up in fragrant surroundings,’ Tom Daxon recalls. That’s something of an understatement, for Tom began sniffing around the business as a child, when his mother – creative director for a leading fragrance and cosmetics name for over 30 years – ‘would often give me new shower gels to try, fragrances to sniff.’ Where Tom’s story may diverge from most is that he was lucky enough to accompany his mother on many of her working trips to Grasse, the epicentre of perfumery – aged just four, on that first visit. Truly modern, other-worldly, imbued with texture, beautiful ingredients and a wealth of creativity, they’re modern luxury redifined.
Whichever of these fragrances you most enjoy exploring in your Limited Edition Niche Discovery Box, we defy you not to fall madly for at least one, and begin a life-long love affair with these niche houses that we feel everyone deserves to try…
Coach Dreams £35 for 40ml eau de parfum
