Tag: new

Ataratma – where scent meets soul

Ataratma – a fragrance house with a spirit as intriguing as its name (a portmanteau of Sanskrit words for ‘scent’ and ‘soul’) – wafts into our lives just as autumn demands a caressing, soul-stirring embrace.

Ataratma London set out to be far more than just another pretty bottle on the shelf (though those flacons are rather fabulous, we must admit); instead, wanting to be a journey for the senses and the spirit alike. Drawing ancient wisdom into the swirl of every spritz, here the perfumes aren’t so much worn as inhabited – mood-shifting, grounding, truly transformative. So: let’s dive in, shall we…?

From the off, Ataratma’s olfactive and optimistic mission emerges: this is scent as spiritual practice, where every fragrance is infused with intentions drawn from Ayurveda and the latest insights from neuroscience. If that sounds ambitious, just wait until you smell what they’ve managed – perfumers like Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, Paul Guerlain and Fanny Bal (yes, the A-list) have brushed their perfumed palettes across the line-up. But don’t worry if the wellness factor all sounds a bit much for you. There’s absolutely no need to concentrate on that aspect if you don’t want to. The main draw for us is the fact that the connection runs far beyond concept; these fragrances are, quite simply, ravishing. No worthy undertones, no retreat-in-a-bottle clichés – just beautiful, lasting pieces of wearable art for your skin. As they should be.

 

 

Ada Panday [pictured above, centre, in striking orange) is Ataratma’s founder, and weaves her passion through each scent in the collection. Hailing from a world of jewellery design, Ada brings a magpie’s love of beauty combined with a longing for resonance that goes beneath the surface. Each bottle reflects her belief that perfume should empower, strengthen and uplift as much as it delights the senses. And delight it does: rich concentrations (every scent is poured at 25–30%) ensure the fragrance lingers, subtle but persistent, an aura connecting you to what truly matters. Working with Creative Director Claire Sokell Thompson (whose previous portfolio includes Thameen London and Electimuss) they truly have created something extra special.

Ataratma launched this year with with four initial collections – Atma (spiritual connection), Ananda (happiness), Kama (love), and Zakra (strength) – and nine scents to explore your own story through fragrance. Each pillar draws on both ancient rituals and innovative research: Ananda’s Chakra Champaca blooms with bright white florals and pistachio – instantly uplifting, airy but opulent. Smitam Santal flutters with a smile in the language of tuberose, sandalwood and cardamom, shimmering with optimism. Kama Carnal curls close to the skin, voluptuous with neroli, coconut water and vanilla, while Rati Patchouli feels like a spaciously elegant swirl of a dance – vibrant, passionate, unforgettable.

 

 

But what elevates these perfumes is the fusion of their philosophies with lab-level ingredient sourcing. Many ingredients are selected for their proven effects on mood – think geranium for balance, cypress for calm, sandalwood for courage, all sourced via LMR Naturals by IFF (the gold-standard for responsible, sustainable perfumery). Nothing is hurried, nothing bulked out; even the essential oils are steam-distilled to preserve every nuance at its brightest.

Perfume, for Ataratma, becomes beyond pleasure and into the realms of a treasured daily ritual – a modern scented ceremony, if you will, for those of us in search of greater harmony. And oh boy, how we increasingly need that in these turbulent times. So how comforting, then, to discover a collection of perfumes where wearing one is like carrying a secret amulet: invisible yet powerfully felt.

In a world of fleeting trends and scented noise, Ataratma’s debut feels like a long exhale – sophisticated and reassuring, full of stories, artistry and soul. The Discovery Set a chance to live with the scents before you choose, and even redeemable against a full-size. Because if there were ever a time to find not just what smells beautiful, but what feels right for who you are and what you wish to become – it is surely now.

The only question is: which version of the real ‘you’ d’you fancy evoking in fragrance today…?

Explore the fragrances

The Ataratma Discovery Set can be found in our Essence Deluxe box.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Nuts about perfume? Join us in adoring THESE nutty scents!

Nuts about perfume? Well, so are we – and the world’s most adventurous noses, it seems. There’s something irresistibly comforting, decadent, and dare we say, downright addictive about nutty notes in fragrance. From the smooth and creamy to the lavishly roasted, perfumers are increasingly drawn to the evocative warmth nuts can bring, spinning them through bouquets of florals, glimmering citrus, or velvety gourmands for truly unforgettable blends.

So, prepare to be seduced by scents that wrap you in plush pistachio, gloriously golden hazelnut, toasted sesame, delectable almond and smoky, velvet-draped walnut. Whether you fancy a spritz of nostalgia or crave something wickedly moreish for autumn’s chill, these bottles promise pure pleasure with every spray. Let’s crack on and explore the nutty wonders making us swoon right now…

 

 

 

 

[Pistachio]: Ataratma Chakra Champaca

 Caroline Dumur channels the energy of the sacral chakra, crafting a nutty white floriental with a vibrant twist. Orange flower absolute, neroli and ylang ylang create an utterly intoxicating heart, crowned by an irresistible pistachio accord that adds a subtle green nuttiness and uplifting texture. Fruity florals and sparkling citrus oils swirl alongside champaka, playing on purity and joy while pistachio lends plushness and intrigue, as dazzling as spiritual energy itself.

£215 for 50ml extrait de parfum ataratma.com

 

 

 

 

 

[Sesame]: Experimental Perfume Club Tonka Sesame

Okay, look…neither sesame OR tonka are, technically, nuts (seeds, y’see?) but they happen to be two of the most intensely nutty notes in perfumery (and people allergic to nuts can also be triggered by them); so, we’re including this in our nutty guide, notwithstanding. Whirling nutty green hazelnut and creamy almond around sesame, sweetened slightly by velvety tonka; heliotrope lends a floral, marzipan-like lift, while earthy patchouli and cedarwood add just the right grounding touch. The scent is golden, toasted, and utterly moreish. Addictively nutty in the best way. ‘Nuff said.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hazelnut]: Devotion EDP Intense

Well golly, Olivier Cresp didn’t have to do anything to convince us that he is the ultimate master of the gourmand – but here’s yet more evidence, as he confects a more powerful version of Devotion, dusting the original orange blossom and mouthwatering vanilla notes with gloriously roasted hazelnut. And as before, the bottle is the very embodiment of glamour, emblazoned with D&G’s signature Sacred Heart symbol. Nothing ‘demure and mindful’ about this, we’re pleased to note!

From £77 for 30ml eau de parfum escentual.com

 

 

 

 

[Almond]: Thursday Marzi

A joyfully nutty homage to marzipan, you cannot help but picture a traditional Battenberg cake, with its pretty pastel squares and squidgy almond layer. Starting off with an almost photorealistic hit of bitter almond, it’s soon softened by clouds of vanilla and brown sugar. Carnation adds a subtle, spicy warmth, while musk lends a gentle, comforting finish. Marzi is a scent that wraps the wearer in the happy memories of tea times past, so perfect for grey, chilly days ahead, bringing a nostalgic smile with every spritz.

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

(PSST! Why not try a sample as part of the Thursday Fragrance Discovery Set: 3 x 2ml for £20 in our Shop?)

 

 

 

 

 

THAMEEN Bravi

What if the diva lost her voice and needed this nut-powered power perfume to regain her bravado? This was the starting point for the third of Thameen’s ‘Britologne’ series, overseen by Christopher Chong’s infectiously passionate creativity, and realised by Bruno Jovanovic’s brilliance. Adding aphrodisiac ginger’s tingle to decadent tuberose, seducing with wild honey, and weaving the wonderfully smoky toasty-ness of walnut throughout, this packs a punch like a splintered crystal goblet smothered in velvet. Encore!

£250 for 100ml Cologne elixir harrods.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

New MCM ‘Park Collection’ fragrances – fun & finessed!

Introducing the MCM Park Fragrance Collection – an array of scents inspired by the iconic animal characters of the Munich House. Explore this daring new fragrance collection (created by some of the world’s top perfumers, as you shall discover) and find your fragrant spirit animal…

These perfumes mark a playful new chapter from the Munich-based luxury house, where scent meets signature style in the most endearing way. Known for its iconic bags and accessories that marry German heritage with cutting-edge innovation, MCM now ventures once again into the perfume world, but this time instead of bottles designed to resemble mini versions of their iconic luxury bags (which you know we squealed about when we first saw them!), these new fragrant faces have a delightful twist — bottles crowned with adorable animal icons that perfectly match the brand’s bold and youthful spirit.

 

 

 

 

This new ‘Park’ collection captures the essence of MCM’s aesthetic and ethos: aimed at dreamers, creatives and global nomads who defy boundaries with confidence. The MCM philosophy is firmly rooted in revolutionising classic design with futuristic materials and a fearless attitude, appealing to a new generation that values empowerment and self-expression. Here, the animal characters aren’t only cute companions but symbolic totems embodying the fragrance’s personality, all crafted by some of the industry’s finest perfumers.

Within these sassy yet sophisticated concoctions, expect well-balanced compositions that invite you to discover your own scented spirit animal. So, read our reviews and see which critter calls your name…

 

 

Zen Elephant

Zen Elephant embodies wisdom and serenity, paying homage to the peaceful state of mind that balance can bring. It opens on brisk grapefruit and delicate freesia, lifted by a subtle touch of seaweed that lends an unexpected freshness. The heart blooms with cardamom, magnolia and earthy truffle, while the base lingers with the softness of cedarwood, oakmoss and ambroxan. ‘Inspired by the pursuit of balance, I experimented with ingredients that complemented each other like yin and yang, striving for a harmonious blend of floral and woody elements,’ explains Hamid Merati-Kashani, principal perfumer.

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Darling Doxie

Representing loyalty and friendship, Darling Doxie embodies warm dependability. The perfume unfolds with pepper, nutmeg and a sunny lemon accord, mellowing into a soothing heart of chamomile, ylang-ylang and styrax. Cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver anchor the fragrance with enduring depth. Frank Voelkl, the perfumer behind this devotion, remarks, ‘I intended to craft a fragrance that embodies reliability, serving as a genuine signature — timeless and devoted.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Charming Pup

Charming Pup strikes a poised yet inviting tone with its elegant nature. Citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and orange ripple through the top, giving way to a floral-spiced heart of rose, carrot seed and iris. The base, a seductive blend of cedarwood, tonka bean and vetiver, wraps the scent in smooth confidence. Steve Guo shares his vision: ‘I aimed to encapsulate the subtle texture seen in pearls under sunlight — shimmering delicately without overwhelming, exuding beauty with confidence and charm.’

£127 for 100ml eau de parfum (available at): uk.mcmworldwide.com

 

 

 

 

Daring Dragon

Daring Dragon captures the allure of power and mystery with a confident blend that invites you to embrace the unknown. Its vibrant top notes of bergamot, yuzu and clementine sparkle with energy and sweetness. The heart is a delicate bouquet of almond blossom, lily of the valley and a hint of tea tree, leading into a comforting base of vanilla, cedarwood and sandalwood. Sophie Labbé, the perfumer, says, ‘For the Daring Dragon, enchanted by the mystery and allure of the unknown, I created something unexpected, filled with hidden treasures.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Jolly Rabbit

Personifying playfulness, Jolly Rabbit is an effervescent burst of vitality and joy. The lively citrus combination of orange, lemon and red currant energises the top, while a charming contrast of ginger, neroli and jasmine blooms at the heart. The fragrance settles with creamy ambroxan, guaiac wood and vetiver to round off the exuberance. Alexandra Monet crafted this as ‘a scent brimming with sparkling ingredients, a true celebration of the exuberance, positivity and vitality that life has to offer.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Mighty Bear

Finally, we embrace the Mighty Bear, a fragrance that speaks of strength and resilience. Elemi and bergamot ignite the fragrance, while the unexpected heart of sesame and patchouli adds complexity and warmth. Finally, a creamy base of tonka bean, vanilla and sandalwood lends the scent a comforting, powerful finish. Sophie Labbé reflects, ‘I was motivated to create a fragrance infused with strength using powerful ingredients that tell the tale of inner resilience.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

This collection is a vivid reminder that luxury fragrance can be both fun and finessed, marrying the iconic heritage of MCM with seriously accomplished scent-making. Want to discover even more? Do explore the world of MCM, the history of the house and its audacious style further at our dedicated MCM page.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Spring: Make it happen with these spring-forward scents!

Dare we say it ALMOST feels like the turning of the seasons, and that, although not actually spring, there’s tiny buds appearing, and with them a sense of renewal and hope.

So, with the aim of making spring happen (or at least feel more like it, weather-wise), this not-quite yet time is surely the perfect moment to explore a new perfume – to draw a metaphorical line under the colder months behind us and look forward to brighter days, in fragrant form…

 

 

 

 

 

 

shay & Blue english cherry blossom 100ml

Shay & Blue English Cherry Blossom

A fragrant journey from blossom to fruit, this scent encapsulates the entire cherry tree experience. Sparkling bergamot evokes sunlit mornings, while delicate cherry blossom notes transition seamlessly into luscious black cherry. The composition is grounded by mellow cherry wood, creating a multi-faceted olfactory story. This perfume doesn’t just offer a fleeting glimpse of spring; it’s a full sensory immersion, allowing wearers to relive the joy of cherry blossom season with every spritz.

£65 for 100ml eau de parfum in our Shop

 

 

CHLOÉ Nomade Eau de Parfum Naturelle

Celebrating ‘the merging of cultures and the poetry of encounters’ this new, 100% natural origin evocation is an olfactory exploration that whisks us to distant landscapes as dusk falls. Bergamot breezes its zesty freshness over sandy dunes, Egyptian jasmine absolute’s joyful glow meets the addictive smoothness of succulent date accord, rippled with creamy sandalwood and vanilla. It seems to billow hopefulness, somehow: soothing memories of skin still warm from a day’s adventures.

£68 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

BVLGARI Rose Goldea Blossom Delight

Swapping out heavier scents for fresher fragrances feel like a proper escape from winter, an exuberant change in the weather here evoked by the delicacy of lily of the valley, powdery peony and a kiss of musk. This pretty bouquet is further refreshed ‘by incorporating the freshness of the rosebuds at sunrise, embraced by just-picked spring flowers.’ We’re dropping down the denier scale in olfactory form, wearing this joyous ode to spring.

£104 for 75ml eau de toilette thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

 

Creed Wind Flowers

Inspired by the flowing movements of a dancer, this feminine fragrance feels like a handful of petals tossed to the breeze. Indian jasmine and Tunisian orange blossom are twirled with a peachy softness, the perfumer adding a further flurry of jasmine sambac, tuberose and the fruity notes of the Centifolia rose into the fragrant ballet. Orange blossom blankets the base, with a delicious praline that swirls to a finale of hushed musk.

£260 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

GABAR Ground II

‘We’re rooted in Myanmar and made for the world,’ the founders of this niche house rather beautifully explain, and the inspirations are firmly planted there, too. Based on traditional La Phet (tea leaf salad) and Thanaka (tree bark) the verdant crunch of stalks is seamlessly stirred into dough-like orris, fig, saffron and sandalwood silkiness that had us burying our noses in our wrists. A majestic oudh, patchouli and vetiver trail truly feel grounding, hours later.

£120 for 50ml eau de parfum gabarmyanmar.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

New Beginnings: How to Refresh Your Fragrance Wardrobe

Looking to freshen up your fragrance wardrobe and try samples of new scents? Well there’s something magical about experiencing a new scent for the first time – and January is the perfect month to begin.

After all, a new scent can transport you to unexpected places, evoke long-forgotten memories, or even alter your mood. By sampling new fragrances, you’re not just expanding your collection—you’re broadening your horizons and potentially discovering your next signature scent (or several!)

 

 

winter fresh fragrances samples

 

Winter is the Perfect Time for New Fragrant Beginnings

The start of a new year is traditionally a time for fresh starts and new resolutions, so why not extend this spirit of renewal to your fragrance choices? Winter, with its crisp air and cosy moments, provides the ideal backdrop for experimenting with richer, more complex scents that might feel too heavy in warmer months, while also freshening up your scent choices via some brighter notes and fragrances you may not have explored.

 

The Beauty of Discovery Boxes

Fragrance discovery boxes are a treasure trove for the curious nose. They offer an affordable way to truly test a variety of scents without yet committing to full-sized bottles. This approach not only saves you money but also allows you to live with a fragrance for a while, seeing how it develops on your skin and interacts with your body chemistry throughout the day.

 

 

 

The Winter Box is a carefully curated selection of scents that capture the essence of the season and will carry your forward into welcoming Spring. Let’s take a peek at some of the olfactory delights waiting to be discovered among the samples inside…

 

Bentley Become: A smooth, spicy journey that mirrors the luxury of the iconic cars. With crisp bergamot, evocative myrrh, and a leather-edged blend of vetiver and sandalwood, it’s pure elegance in a bottle.

Guess Iconic: This delicate floral scent features the intriguing Lilybelle, offering lily of the valley facets with ozonic-green undertones. Pink pepper and mossy amber provide an expansive, wintry feel.

EAU.MG Cheeky Chypre: A playful take on the classic chypre, featuring tart rhubarb, smoky saffron, and a sultry base of labdanum and benzoin. It’s irresistibly rebellious.

Soki London Artemis: Transport yourself to a moonlit grove with this fruity-woody blend. Juicy peach, nectarine, and plum mingle with honeyed osmanthus and smooth sandalwood for a truly enchanting experience.

Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper: Capture the crispness of winter air with this aromatic explosion of lavender, cardamom, and peppers, grounded by earthy oakmoss and vetiver.

 

Seasonal Scents Winter Box: now shipping (until March). Select your subscription model here – choosing from a Quarterly or Yearly plan, from £20 every three months.

 

 

 

 

Continuing our journey, the Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Boxoffers another fantastic opportunity way to invigorate your senses and expand your fragrance horizons this season.

This carefully curated collection of samples allows you to discover sumptuous scents from prestigious houses and niche names, helping you break free from old habits and refresh your fragrance wardrobe in a treasure trove of olfactory opulence!

 

Memoize London Aurora: A true essence of enchantment, this fragrance opens with fascinating marine notes before transitioning through a fruit medley of pineapple and tangy rhubarb. A luxuriously smooth jasmine heart leads to a base of delicious amber and noble sandalwood, creating a scent reminiscent of relaxed evenings with a sensual undertone.

BDK Parfums Vanille Leather: Perfumer Dominique Ropion reinvents the leather fragrance style with this masterpiece. White flowers – honeyed tuberose, sweet jasmine, and carnal orange blossom – dress up the leather accord, while earthy patchouli and oakwood add a dark chocolate quality. Madagascan vanilla provides a sumptuous finish, making this scent the epitome of luxury.

Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold: This fragrance positively glitters from the first spray. Opening with bright bergamot, black pepper, and cardamom, it broadens to reveal precious saffron and black tea. A wash of rose welcomes the star – a resinous base of oud and leathery styrax accompanied by a honeyed tobacco quality. It’s the ideal party perfume.

Ruth Mastenbroek London Dusk: A sophisticated blend of innocence and complexity, this fragrance begins with coconut and fig, supported by sparkling water. Saffron and incense provide a golden smokiness, hinting at distant parties and morning mist. The scent concludes with earthy vetiver mixed with sweetened sandalwood, evoking the night revealing the morning.

Brioni Suave: True to its name, this fragrance is charming, confident, and elegant. Vibrant pink pepper and tart mandarin create an uplifting start, leading to earthy vetiver and smooth leather. The scent comes to rest on a resinous amber and sandalwood base with a mere hint of oud, making it the perfect accompaniment to the snappiest suit.

Creed Aventus: A worldwide bestseller for 14 years, Aventus opens with a disarming pineapple note, develops through resinous birch and floral jasmine, and concludes with earthy oakmoss and animalic ambergris. It’s a fragrance staple that continues to captivate all ages.

Goldfield & Banks Mystic Bliss: Inspired by the Aurora Australis, this fragrance begins with a fig and cassis pairing, shot through with green cardamom and clary sage. A recreation of the native kunzea flower adds an aromatic purple hue, while a restless incense appears along with a sweetened amber accord, completing a truly mystical and mesmerising experience.

Parfums de Marly Valaya: This radiant fragrance explores scented contrasts within a wonderfully luxurious perfume. Effervescent white peach and bergamot dance with lily of the valley, creating a veil of scent that drapes effortlessly on the skin. Orange blossom adds a weightier floral quality, while a final touch of patchouli and a whisper of oudh ensure you’ll turn heads.

 

 

 

 

Freshening up your Fragrances = Embracing the Adventure!

Trying new fragrances is more than just a sensory experience—it’s an adventure in self-discovery and personal expression. Each scent you try is an opportunity to discover a new facet of your personality or to challenge your preconceptions about what you like. Exploring these Discovery Boxes allows you to push the perfumed boundaries of your usual preferences, and potentially uncover your next new olfactory obsession(s).

 

 

So you see, these curated selections are THE perfect ways to refresh your fragrance wardrobe and indulge in some of the finest perfumes the industry has to offer. As the seasons turn and new scents are waiting to be sampled, what are you waiting for…?

Written by Suzy Nightingale

How to get comfortable with a new fragrance…?

Getting comfortable with a new fragrance can often feel like an uphill battle. Our initial reactions to unfamiliar scents can be surprisingly strong, leading us to dismiss something that doesn’t immediately resonate with our olfactory preferences.

This is especially true when a fragrance is being worn on our skin, where it mingles with our natural scent and transforms in ways we might not expect. The challenge lies in our instinct to retreat to the familiar, shying away from the unknown.Yet, if we allow ourselves the time and space to truly experience a new fragrance, we may uncover a world of olfactory wonders.

 

 

 

 

As scents warm and develop on our skin, they can reveal layers and nuances that were initially hidden. What starts as a fleeting impression can evolve into an enchanting presence that lingers in our subconscious, captivating our thoughts and igniting our curiosity. Before we know it, a once-foreign scent can become an essential part of our identity, something we feel we cannot live without.In this blog post, we will share tips and tricks gleaned from years of experience with perfumers and professionals in the fragrance industry. From understanding the importance of skin chemistry to exploring the art of layering scents, we’ll guide you through the process of embracing new fragrances with open arms. So, if you’ve recently encountered a scent that left you puzzled or intrigued, join us on this aromatic journey. You may just find that what once felt alien can transform into a beloved signature scent that resonates with who you are. Embrace the adventure—your next olfactory obsession awaits!

 

 

 

 

With the realisation that the once standard ‘Signature Scent’ is no longer up to the job of reflecting every facet of our characters (or helping mask the more tender bits of our souls on a difficult day), it can still be difficult to know where to begin. So, with the world as your olfactory oyster (though smelling rather more appealing), and with such a plethora of perfumes to choose from; where does one start the scent journey to  feel comfortable and ‘find yourself through fragrance’?

Firstly, you need to get to know what you like, and more than that: how particular perfumes make you feel. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But so many of us become stuck in a bit of a scented rut, or just don’t know where to start with widening our fragrant horizons. Follow these tips to start your own ‘new you’ scent journey, here…

 

 

Where to Start?

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, with prices to suit all budgets!

 

 

How to Test?

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

Where to Get Samples?

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

 

 

Want to Explore More…?

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

 

 

Our Biggest Tip?

Give fragrance TIME. Let it settle. Try it several times (in the morning and /or evening, and when you’re in differing moods, if possible). How we’re feeling, the weather, our hormones and even the food we ate recently all have a huge effect on how scents smell on our skin. Plus, being braver can take time, too. Allow yourself the pleasure of exploration, take notes, compare with friends: have FUN finding yourself with fragrance, while finding a new fragrance for you.

You may surprise yourself with what you end up falling madly for. You know, the one that goes beyond merely smelling nice to that eyes rolling back in your head moment, emitting guttural noises of pleasure at, which people stop you in the street and beg to know the name of.

Oh. You don’t know that one? Well, you’ve just not found it yet! It’s out there. Waiting for you… whomever you feel like being today, tomorrow, and next week.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Reset your senses with Molton Brown’s NEW Wild Mint & Lavandin

Get ready to reset your senses with Molton Brown Wild Mint & Lavandin – a totally new (and completely contemporary) take on the classic fougère fragrance…

 

Firstly, forget everything you think you know about lavender – there’s nary a trace of the dusty, somewhat old-fashioned note in Senior Perfumer Nathalie Koobus’ creation for Molton Brown. Instead, she used lavandin – a far greener, fresher, and more powerful raw ingredient that’s infinitely preferred by those noses who create fine fragrances.

Secondly, rethink all you’d assumed about the fougère – that classic character found in fragrance families since 1882, and perhaps also one of the most overlooked. The time was ripe for a revival from its ultra-trad (dare we say ‘fuddy-duddy’ perception by some?). But it took the always fashion-forward house of Molton Brown to masterfully reinvent it, with the launch of their new Wild Mint & Lavandin collection.

Koobus explains she wanted to ‘…capture the forest walks in my home of Provence, where nature’s invigorating air of verdant herbaceous shrubs is edged by purple fields of lavandin.’ Think bright but lightly frost-tinged air, the silvered ripples of a crystal-clear stream, the sense of nature surrounding and emboldening you to take an off-grid adventure in the heart of the forest. And the fragrance takes further surprising twists depending on your choice of Wild Mint & Lavandin Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum.

 

 

The EDT revives flagging spirits via wild mint, the vivid verdancy of freshly torn basil leaves grounded by a caress of orris, silky sandalwood and rounded by tonka bean.

Molton Brown Wild Mint & Lavandin eau de toilette: £85 for 100ml

 

 

 

For the EDP, meanwhile, Koobus balanced the coolness of mint with a touch of nutmeg as the counterpart amidst the supporting notes – the resulting tingle of warmth its distinctive signature.

Molton Brown Wild Mint & Lavandin eau de parfum: £120 for 100ml 

Molton Brown’s first foray into fougère a rugged coastline, bottled, via the marine-tinged Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel collection. Wild Mint & Lavandin ventures further off the beaten path by beckoning us to explore the further inland. Whichever format you plump for [and here’s a fabulously soul-reviving Bath & Shower Gel [£25 for 300ml) as part of the collection, too]; Wild Mint & Lavandin is an utterly unisex, fragrant invitation to get back to nature, with Molton Brown’s finger firmly on the fragrant pulse.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Step into Les Jardin Français with Officine Universelle Buly’s vegetable-inspired scents

As we predicted last year in the (now Jasmine award-winning!) article for The Scented Letter Magazine, How to Spray your Five-a-Day, vegetable plots have been a place of much inspiration for perfumers. Now, there’s a whole new bumper crop of L’Officine Universelle Buly Les Jardins Français fragrances to explore and enjoy – and we promise, you’ll really dig them…!

‘The French Garden’ is a new collection of six fragrances from L’Officine Universelle Buly that garland vegetable notes with flowers and musks, all giving off a morning dew freshness. The launch happily coincided with the publication of our own garden themed latest edition of the magazine, The Perfumer’s Garden – because really, ever since the pandemic, it has all been about how much we get from our gardens and green spaces we can access for our mental health; how they inspire us all.

‘A garden is like a perfect universe,’ agrees Buly’s co-founder, Victoire de Taillac (pictured in her own garden, below). ‘A paradise. A haven… Gardening means being outside in all weathers, with all your sense awakened. The smells come together and surprise you…’ Also taking the senses by surprise are combinations like Indian Cucumber and Syrian mint, offering ‘crazy minty joy’, in a cloak of musk, and Iraqi Beetroot and Egyptian Rhubarb, tethered to the earthiness of patchouli. Or enjoy that note du jour, geranium, adding an extra dash of green to Oriental Watercress & Sardinian Parsley.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the notes (like rhubarb, carrot and cucumber) have been used for many years by noses in their creations, while others seem more peculiar at first: sweet potato? It seemed incongruous, but oh it works amazingly well! They all do, having been expertly blended to achieve an almost photo-realistic encounter at first sniff, which then melds with your skin to become the fine fragrances they truly are. Basically put, no matter which you plump for, we promise you will NOT end up smelling like a soup or bowl of salad!

The project began when Buly co-founder Ramdane Touhami bid on an antique seed box in an auction. Having won it, he wondered if these precious seeds collected over hundreds of years could still be planted. Sadly that experiment didn’t flourish, but it did plant the seed of an idea: what if their next fragrances could reflect the love we all had for our gardens and green spaces during lockdown? A scented escapism in every spritz?

 

“Les Jardins Français” brings back to life an intoxicating and unique palette of garden fragrances. They all seem to be seized by the morning dew during a morning stroll through the vegetable garden and orchard, between rows of plants coming from the farthest ends of the world, acclimatised since Antiquity by patient monks, meticulous collectors and erudite healers, all genius gardeners and gatherers. Like a miraculous harvest in a universal garden, with freshly raked paths adorned with rare flowers, these armfuls of familiar vegetables and simple herbs, these aromatic and sunny delicious bouquets delight the senses and the heart.

 

 

 

 

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. The perfect way to sample the while collection (because you will need to smell them all!)

Since the launch of the fragrances, there’s been another crop of newness with Savon Superfin soaps and the divinely moisturising Lait Virginal to complement. One thing’s for certain – this growing L’Officine Buly Les Jardins Français collection is un-beet-able. [Apologies]

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Shake up his scents for Fathers Day!

Fathers and father-figures come in all forms, but before we get on to gifting ideas: why do some of them keep getting given the same old scent for any occasion? Very likely the one they’ve been using since they were first shaving?

Okay. Some dads do ‘like what they know’, but perhaps that’s because they’ve never found out what they actually like?

Let’s change it up…

Tell him that something exciting’s on the way, and treat him to a discovery box of new scents (you can always buy the full-size of the one he loves most, later!) The joy of a curated Discovery Set is an exciting olfactory voyage into the unknown with all the inherent fear removed – think of it as an opportunity to sniff new things, niche brands you may never have tried, but with someone holding your hand a little.

The Smelling Notes we present with each of our boxes (which you can find by scanning the VR code) guide your thoughts, detail some of the ingredients and give a little background information on the fragrance house and their inspiration. You can then take a deeper dive into each scent on our dedicated brand pages, if you wish. But it’s up to you (or your recipient). It’s an adventure you are in charge of, and a Discovery Box uniquely allows you to explore a whole world of possibilities without making an expensive mistake.

 

 

Our just-launched Scented Gent Discovery Box is THE perfect gift for dads who could do with shaking up their scent wardrobe – or for anyone who feels it’s about time they refreshed their fragrances for the season ahead. A stunning hand-picked selection of both classic and new fragrances crafted for the stylish gent offers the opportunity to try each in your own time, from the comfort of your own home…

 

 

The Scented Gent Discovery Box is priced £19 + p&p* to VIP Club Members & £23 + p&p* to everyone else – be sure to log into your account to take advantage of the special VIP Club price. This fabulous collection of fragrances for him is something to relish.

Montblanc Explorer Platinum 2ml eau de parfum

Brioni Éclat 1.8ml eau de parfum

Floris No.007 2ml eau de parfum

Parfums de Marly Percival 1.5ml eau de parfum

Shay & Blue Dandelion Fig 2ml eau de parfum

TUMI Continuum [12:00] 2ml eau de parfum

Floral Street Black Lotus 1.5ml eau de parfum

Jimmy Choo Man 2ml eau de toilette

Bvlgari Bvlgari Man Rain Essence 1.5ml eau de parfum

Kenzo Homme Intense 1ml eau de toilette

Bentley For Men 1.8ml eau de toilette

 

 

 

If you think he’s ready to explore more, maybe add the Men’s Must Have Discovery Box to your cart, too? For just £15 (or £12 for VIP members) it’s a specially put together collection of some masculine and unisex (to be worn by anyone) fragrances featuring globally adored best sellers and some recently-launched scents from brands such as THoO, Jeroboam, DSquared2, Paco Rabanne, Bentley, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace & Initio!

Dsquared 2 Wood 2ml eau de parfum (full size £59 for 50ml)

Paco Rabanne Phanthom 2ml eau de parfum (£55 for 50ml)

Bentley Momentum Unbreakable 2ml eau de parfum (£69.50 for 100ml)

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Pour Homme 2ml eau de toilette (£69.50 for 100ml)

Jeroboam Oriento 1ml eau de parfum (£90 for 30ml)

Versace Eros  1ml eau de parfum (£65 for 50ml)

THoO Never Ending 2ml eau de parfum (£190 for 75ml)

Initio Oud for Happiness 2ml eau de parfum (£190 for 75ml)

 

 

 

And if you think he’s now fully immersed into the fabulous world of fragrance (or will be, by the time he’s explored those two), we suggest it’s time to embrace the world of Brand Boxes – these are collections the brands themselves have put together, showcasing some of their most iconic scents, with names from all-time classic houses and ultra-trendy indie brands alike.

 

 

 

 

Get extra ‘favourite child’ points by signing him up to get the FREE digital edition of the multi-award-winning magazine, The Scented Letter, sent straight to his inbox. If he’s more intellectually analogue-inclined and still loves print, we’re also thrilled to say you can buy an annual subscription to the print edition of The Scented Letter magazine to adorn his coffee table, which will be sent to him hot off the press.

However you choose for it to begin, get ready for him to be nearly as addicted to fragrance as you are (especially whem the compliments start flooding in!) And hey – if that also means you get to ‘borrow’ some of his scents, way after Fathers Day? Win-win!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

April Fool’s Scents? Actually… these are all REAL!

Sometimes we receive news of fragrance launches that makes us ask if it’s April Fool’s Day – but did you know that many companies have actually created fragrances inspired by anything and everything from fast-food brands and Stilton cheese to Captain Birds Eye fish fingers? (Yes, really!)

Fragrance is such an individual choice, don’t you think? We all have completely differing reactions to certain notes or combinations – what’s one person’s yum is another’s yuck, and that can be based on anything from childhood memories and cultural or long-buried associations to the simple fact of personal preference. What’s more, there are scents that may remind us of favourite foods or sweet treats we enjoy – hence the Gourmand family of fragrances have held sway since the 90s.

It would take the concept of ‘niche’ to a whole new level, however, for fragrance fans to actively seek out scents that smell of fried chicken, pizzas and sprouts – no matter how much we might love munching them. Well… you’d think so, wouldn’t you? But increasingly, brands are latching on to the power of perfume to promote their products. Though these might be novelty scents, they did actually sell!

Have YOU tried any of these, or purchased one as a joke gift for a friend…?

 

 

Birds Eye recently offered consumers the chance to win a limited edition eau de toilette inspired by Captain Birdseye himself – played by Italian-born actor and seafarer Riccardo Acerbi, who was unveiled at the start of 2018 as part of an £8m marketing campaign for the brand. ‘We know the British public have a soft spot for our captain,’ explained Birds Eye spokeswoman Annalisa Fanali, and so they gave him his own signature scent, ‘inspired by the hypnotic and evocative power of the high seas.’

Named Ahoy! the fragrance promises top notes of grapefruit and mandarin with patchouli, thankfully nothing fishy to smell here. Fifty bottles of the scent were up for grabs in the competition, which ran on Birds Eye’s Facebook page in the run-up to Christmas. If you weren’t a lucky winner, one imagines you wont be able to pop down the shops and pick yourself up a bottle in the immediate future, which is a shame because it sounded rather appealing. Unlike some of the previous novelty fragrances, below…

 

 

In 2012, having revolutionised the pizza world with stuffed crusts, the fragrance world was perhaps not ready for Pizza Hut Perfume. What began as a joke on their Facebook page escalated to an actual scent being created, which they temptingly described as ‘boasting top notes of freshly baked, hand-tossed dough.’ The limited edition perfume was designed to commemorate Pizza Hut Canada, and only 110 bottles were produced and shared with fans. ‘Will we be seeing Pizza Hut perfume in department stores any time soon?’ their press release asked. ‘Only time will tell.’ Spoilers: nope.

 

 

Currently showcasing their vegan-friendly range, those missing their whiff of something meatier were recently offered a unique opportunity to ‘fill your home with the scent of Gravy’ in a KFC Candle. Another limited edition (no, really?) candles were limited to only 230 editions and again, used as a competition prize on social media. We cannot comment on the authenticity of the gravy scent, sadly, but certainly the wax colour looks… somewhat disturbingly… realistic.

 

 

Now this will raise eyebrows (or twitch nostrils), but I don’t think this next one’s as crazy as it perhaps sounds. Eau de Stilton was launched to promote the cheese as part of a marketing campaign all the way back in 2006, and apart from genuinely loving the bottle design, while the sound of a blue cheese-inspired scent might seem off-putting, I think certain undiluted jasmine oils smell like strong cheese – due to the huge amounts of ‘indoles’ found in the aromatic molecules, which to some noses even smells sightly fecal. It goes to show, it depends how something is described before we actually smell it. I’d have given this one a go!

 

 

Those fast-food chains really love their fragrances, it seems, because in 2015 we saw Japan promoting a Whopper-scented Burger King Perfume. Alas only available for one day, reportedly, it’s another meaty scent I cannot report first hand (or nose) on, and I will have to try and get over the huge disappointment of that, somehow. And, championing the love of the great gastronomic institution that is the Full English Breakfast, one fragrance garnered headlines around the world when they launched a perfume based on the aroma. Meatier still, popular meat-based snack company, Peperami, once released a spray ‘Puperami’ that, it claimed, would unite lost dogs with their owners. A case of ‘we’ll meat again’, maybe?

 

 

But it’s not only food products that are the inspiration behind novelty scents: In 2021, Richard Branson launched not only a new cruise-liner, but a scent to go with it, called No.1 Ship (and with the tagline, ‘It smells like ship!’ showing his tongue was firmly in his cheek. Perhaps we might place our final novelty fragrance example in the same bracket _ a whole set of scents based on… condoms. Yes. Just when you think you’ve seen (and smelled) it all.

 

 

While the majority (if not all) of these are novelty items – released in strictly limited editions to create a media buzz around the brand – it’s an interesting concept that engages us in a different way, and the fragrances will still have been created by a perfumer working to a brief (albeit rather more bizarre than they are used to!) Of course those highlighted above are to be taken with a pinch of salt (and vinegar, as far as the captain’s concerned), but it will be fascinating to see if any other brands pick up on the perfume buzz and create their own ‘scent of’.

What would you like to see (and smell) next…?

Written by Suzy Nightingale