Tag: party

How to Throw a Perfume Party…

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.

 

Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box

 

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.

£21 (VIP Price £17) in the Shop

 

 

Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box

 

For those who crave opulence, the Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box is a showcase of fifteen outstanding scents, each set to stun and delight:

 

 

BDK Parfums Vanille Leather 2ml Eau de Parfum: Decadent vanilla meets supple leather – smooth, sensual, and utterly indulgent.

Brioni Suave 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Sophisticated and refined, with aromatic woods and a whisper of spice.

Creed Aventus 2ml Eau de Parfum: Bold, confident, and iconic – pineapple, birch, and musk for the modern adventurer.

Edeniste Oud Ghazal 2ml Eau de Parfum: Deep, resinous oud with a touch of sweetness – mysterious and magnetic.

Goldfield & Banks Mystic Bliss 2ml Eau de Parfum: Aromatic, fresh, and uplifting – like a breeze through Australian bushland.

Lacoste Original 2ml Eau de Parfum: Classic, clean, and sporty – a timeless scent for every occasion.

Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Powerful, woody, and animalic – a scent for the bold.

Ruth Mastenbroek London Dusk 2ml Eau de Parfum: Moody, atmospheric, and elegant – London at twilight.

Memoize London Aurora 2ml Extrait de Parfum: Ethereal, luminous, and otherworldly – a scent inspired by the northern lights.

Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord and Gold 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Opulent, spicy, and golden – a true treasure.

Oman Luxury Paramour 2ml Eau de Parfum: Exotic, floral, and intoxicating – romance in a bottle.

Ormonde Jayne Muscat 2ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, fruity, and effervescent – like a glass of chilled Muscat wine.

Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: (Yes, this star appears in both boxes – a testament to its modern icon status.)

The Merchant of Venice Gold Regatta 2ml Eau de Parfum: Sparkling, golden, and festive – a celebration in scent.

Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Fragrance 9ml Eau de Parfum: (A surprise generous size picked from the La Douzaine Parfumée collection)

Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Concrete 10ml Hand and Foot Cream: A luxurious treat for hands and feet, perfect for pampering.

£35 (VIP Price £31) in the Shop

 

 

 

Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box

 

For those who love a touch of adventure and intrigue, the Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box is a passport to imagination…

 

 

D’otto 1+7 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Mysterious, complex, and layered – a scent full of secrets.

Maison Crivelli Neroli Nasimba 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Zesty, floral, and vibrant – like a simmering, sunlit citrus grove.

Tocca Colette 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Flirty, playful, and feminine – a bouquet of peony and violet.

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Pour Homme 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: Bold, woody, and seductive – for the modern gentleman.

Maya Njie Tobak 2ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, smoky, and nostalgic – leather and tobacco with a modern twist.

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue 2ml Eau de Parfum: Fresh, energetic, and invigorating – adventure in a bottle.

Experimental Perfume Club Pistachio Haiku 2ml Eau de Parfum: Creamy, nutty, and poetic – a scent to spark conversation.

BDK 312 Saint-Honoré 2ml Eau de Parfum: Chic, floral, and urban – Parisian elegance at its finest.

Yardley London English Rose Hand Cream 50ml: A classic English rose scent, perfect for keeping hands soft and fragrant.

£22 (VIP Price £18) in the Shop

 

 

Perfume Party Ideas and Tips

 

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…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Summer Spritz! (Matching perfumes to drinks for perfect parties)

Summer is the season for sun-drenched gatherings, laughter with friends, and sipping something cool and delicious in the garden. But why should your glass have all the fun? This summer, let your fragrance be as refreshing and playful as your favourite cocktail. We’ve matched five fabulous perfumes to refreshing summer drinks, so you can spritz and sip your way through every party with style and flair.

Picture yourself at a garden soirée, the clink of ice in your glass and the scent of something wonderful on your skin. Here are our top picks for matching perfumes to drinks – each one as vibrant and irresistible as the cocktail it’s inspired by (which we’ve also provided links to recipes for). Cheers!

 

A classic G&T calls for Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling – a fragrance that fizzes with the energy of London in the roaring twenties. It opens with a sparkling hit of juniper berries, instantly conjuring the crispness of a freshly poured gin and tonic. As you linger, spicy cardamom and black pepper swirl through the air, like laughter in a secret speakeasy. The base – a delicious blend of brown sugar, black cherry and vetiver – leaves a sweetly sophisticated trail, perfect for those who love a dash of nostalgia with their evening tipple.

£175 for 100ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 

 

 

If a piña colada is your summer drink of choice, you’ll adore Kajal Aican. This scent bursts open with juicy pineapple, as if you’re sipping a cocktail straight from the fruit itself. Bergamot and apple add a zesty twist, while jasmine and ylang ylang bring a sun-drenched floral heart. The base of vanilla and musk is as smooth as a lazy afternoon, making this fragrance the ultimate choice for anyone who dreams of tropical escapes and poolside parties.

£191 for 100ml eau de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Fancy something truly indulgent? We’re LOVING the sound of this Bakewell Tart-ini, and it’s perfectly paired with EAU.MG Frangi Frenzy. Imagine biting into a sweet – yet tart – cherry and almond tart, the scent of rose absolute weaving through the air. A hint of bitter liquorice keeps things interesting, while creamy musk, woody patchouli and tonka linger like the last crumbs of dessert. This gourmand delight is for those who believe every party needs a little treat.

£95 for 50ml extrait de parfum in the Shop

 

 

For lovers of sangria, 4160Tuesdays Take Me to the River is a must. This fragrance captures the easygoing spirit of summer with a burst of ripe berries and citrus, just like the first sip of a perfectly chilled sangria. As it settles, a rich red wine and rum accord emerges, mingling with subtle spices and woods. It’s the scent of lazy afternoons, laughter, and stories shared as the sun goes down.

£100 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

 

 

 

 

And if nothing says summer quite like a mojito, reach for Diptyque Eau de Menthe. This scent is as invigorating as freshly crushed mint leaves, cooled with a breeze of nutmeg and a whisper of sweetness. Geranium and patchouli add an earthy depth, grounding the fragrance like the muddled herbs at the bottom of your glass. It’s pure refreshment in a bottle – the perfect companion for sunlit patios and long, balmy evenings.

£160 for 75ml eau de parfum diptyque.com

 

So, whether you’re mixing up cocktails or simply want to capture the spirit of summer, these perfume and drink pairings are sure to make every party a little more fabulous. Here’s to a season of spritzing and sipping: hoorah!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Bridesmaid Fragrances (what to wear without overshadowing the bride)

Picture the delicate balance of a wedding day: the bride radiant at the centre, surrounded by a constellation of bridesmaids, each a vision in their own right. As a bridesmaid, choosing a fragrance is about finding something that feels personal, elegant, and celebratory, yet never threatens to outshine the leading lady. The perfect scent for the day should whisper rather than shout, lingering in the air with understated charm, a gentle reminder of the joy and beauty of the occasion.

These fragrances are not only ideal for bridesmaids – they make wonderful choices for wedding guests, too. Just as it’s considered the height of wedding day etiquette to avoid wearing white as a guest, so too is it best to steer clear of any outfit – or indeed, any scent – that might overshadow the bride.

 

 

The perfumes featured here are crafted with subtlety and charm in mind; they are not the kind to dominate a room or announce your presence from twenty paces away. Instead, each one carries a distinct and memorable personality, ensuring you’ll feel confident and elegant throughout the celebrations – and long after the confetti has settled.

Whether you’re standing by the bride’s side or raising a glass to the happy couple, these scents offer a touch of individuality and grace, making them just as wearable for a lifetime as they are for a single, special day…

 

 

 

Granado Jardim Real

Step into the golden light of a Rio de Janeiro garden, where the air shimmers with the zest of bergamot and mandarin, as effervescent as laughter. The heart blooms with orange blossom, its creamy sweetness tempered by magnolia and jasmine – a bouquet picked at the height of summer. There is a romantic delicacy here, a whisper of pink pepper adding a subtle spark, while sandalwood and patchouli anchor the scent in timeless elegance. It is a fragrance that moves like silk, swirling around its wearer with the lightness of a floral breeze – never overwhelming, always poised. For the bridesmaid who wishes to carry the spirit of celebration in every step, this is the scent that lingers in the air long after she has walked by – a memory as beautiful as the day itself.

Try it as part of the Granado Coleção Perfumes Discovery Set, £58 for 5 x 10ml

 

 

Tocca Giulietta

Picture a sun-drenched villa by the sea, where green apples glisten on the vine and roses tumble over whitewashed walls. This fragrance is a daydream of romance, its heart a bouquet of Bulgarian rose, ylang-ylang, and pink tulips, woven with the freshness of lily of the valley and iris. There is a sweetness here, but it is soft, never saccharine – balanced by the earthiness of cedarwood and the warmth of vanilla orchid. It is the scent of a bridesmaid who embodies timeless grace, her presence as refreshing as a Mediterranean breeze – her fragrance as light and uplifting as a morning in Capri. She is elegance itself, never overpowering, always enchanting.

£85 for 50ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

Creed Spring Flower

A burst of apricot and bergamot, as bright and cheerful as a ribbon tied in one’s hair. This fragrance is a celebration of spring, its fruity heart dancing with powdery rose, tuberose, and jasmine – a bouquet that feels both vintage and utterly modern. The base is a whisper of cedar, vanilla, and sheer white musk, grounding the scent in warmth and comfort. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who brings joy to the occasion, her scent as light and uplifting as laughter – never heavy, never cloying, always just right. She is the one who brightens the room, her presence as fresh as a garden after rain – her fragrance a gentle reminder of happiness.

£265 for 75ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

Memoize Rose Luxuria

A cascade of raspberry and blackcurrant, as rich and velvety as a summer dessert, opens this scent with a flourish. The heart is a fairy-tale bouquet – ylang-ylang, muguet, and tuberose – wrapped in vanilla and powdered sugar, as airy as meringue and as comforting as a warm embrace. There is a gourmand sweetness here, but it is balanced by a musky cloud – light and playful, never overwhelming. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who sparkles with joy, her scent as indulgent as a secret treat, yet never stealing the show. She is the one who dances through the day, her presence as delightful as a confection – her fragrance a whisper of happiness and warmth.

£227 for 100ml extrait de parfum in the Shop

 

 

Yardley English Jasmine

A morning meadow bathed in golden light, where white blossoms unfurl beneath a sky brushed with lemon and mandarin. This scent is an opulent embrace of jasmine and tuberose, their heady richness softened by the innocence of calamondin and frangipani. The base is a whisper of precious musk and cedarwood, lending depth without weight – a gentle caress on the skin. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who moves with quiet elegance, her presence felt but never forceful, her bouquet a reminder of timeless beauty and gentle restraint. She is the one who smiles softly, her scent as memorable as a sunlit garden – lingering long after the vows are spoken.

£18 for 125ml eau de toilette boots.com

 

Glossier YOU Fleur

Imagine petals caught in a sunbeam, delicate and dewy, kissed by the morning mist. This scent unfurls with a whisper of neroli and the crispness of just-picked pear, as if plucked from an orchard at dawn. Beneath the airy floral veil, a soft musk hums, warm and intimate, inviting you closer – but never demanding the spotlight. It lingers like a blush on the skin – fresh, flirty, and utterly wearable, as though spring itself were wrapped around your pulse points. No cloying sweetness, no powdery heaviness, just a gentle hum of ambroxan and iris, grounding the bouquet in a way that feels both familiar and elusive. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who glides through the day with effortless grace, radiating quiet confidence, never upstaging the bride, but always remembered for her charm.

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

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Party Perfumes & How to Pick Them!

Get set to celebrate with this selection of instant glam-in-a-bottle scents – and it doesn’t matter if it’s a full-on out-out event or a kitchen disco. We say: put on your glad rags, spritz something fabulous, and dance until dawn (well. Or sway along in time from the comfort of the sofa) while smelling utterly glorious…

If you’re in the mood to see in 2024 wearing something new and exciting but still in your comfort zone, there’s a whole world of fragrances out there to support and reflect how you’re feeling (or would like to feel). If you’re still wondering what would be the best scent to suit you, take a look at our genius Find-a-Fragrance. Simply type in the name of a fragrance you love and it will suggest six others of varying price points, thanks to the so-clever personality-matching algorithm!

 

Meanwhile, if you’re wondering, here are some party-perfect perfumes we’re lining up right now to spritz all through January, and ALL of which you can try in The Fabulous Fragrances Discovery Box for only £23 (or just £19 if you’re a VIP member!)

 

Fabulous Fragrances Discovery Box

 

Adscenture Holographic 30ml

ADSCENTURE Holographic

TOP NOTES: Magnolia, Bergamot, Mango

HEART NOTES: Sea Breeze, Jasmine Sambac, Rose

BASE NOTES: Tonka Bean, Cedarwood, Sandalwood

Utterly intriguing (even slightly metallic) floral shapeshifts to warm amber as it melds seamlessly with your skin. Fabulous For: keeping them guessing.

 

 

 

 

 

CREED Carmina

TOP NOTES: Black Cherry, Saffron, Pink Pepper

HEART NOTES: Rose de Mai, Violet, Cashmere Wood, Peony

BASE NOTES: Frankincense, Myrrh, Amber, Musk

Modernity infused with charismatic elegance, this sultry cherry scent is bang on trend and vibrating with energy. Fabulous For: falling in love.

EAU.MG Flor Funk

TOP NOTES: Pear, Violet Leaf

HEART NOTE: Orange Flower

BASE NOTES: Moss, Musk, Sandalwood

Orange flower delivers an immediate hit of sunshine, while juicy pear trickles to a mossy, snuggled base. Fabulous For: dancing in the rain.

 

 

 

 

 

ESCENTRIC MOLECULES 01 + Black Tea

NOTES: Iso E Super, Black Tea

Addictive as the iconic original, shot through with sophisticated leather and hay-like facets, it’s an all-day wrist-sniffer. Fabulous For: causing a sensation.

 

 

 

 

GOLDFIELD & BANKS Ingenious Ginger

TOP NOTES: Australian Ginger Accord, Bergamot, Lemon

HEART NOTES: Magnolia, Jasmine, Rose, Mandarin

BASE NOTES: Australian Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk, Cashmeran, Amber

Radiating with a gilded sparkle – like a handful of glitter thrown joyously in the air – it’s succulent yet warmly sizzling. Fabulous For: spontaneous parties.

 

 

 

 

 

GRANADO Expediçāo

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Lemon, Black Pepper

HEART NOTES: Iris, Frankincense, Pine

BASE NOTES: Amber, Cedarwood, Sandalwood

Delicately evoking a ‘journey through the Atlantic rainforest’ the beautifully verdant notes and woody base hints at hushedness. Fabulous For: escaping.

 

 

 

LANCÔME IDÔLE

TOP NOTES: Pear, Bergamot, Pink Pepper

HEART NOTES: Rose, Jasmine

BASE NOTES: White Musk, Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar

Gorgeously, a perfume that feels perfectly ‘you’, radiating understated confidence, with a trail that always beguiles. Fabulous For: everyday chicness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALIN + GOETZ Strawberry

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Strawberry, Pink Pepper

HEART NOTES: Jasmine Petals, Woodland Greens

BASE NOTES: Cedarwood, Oakmoss, Musk, Orris Root

Never sickly, the strawberry here’s deconstructed, cleverly celebrating the lifecycle from dewy leaves to budding fruit. Fabulous For: mindful moments.

 

 

 

 

MIZENSIR Palissandre Night

TOP NOTES: Nutmeg, Ambrox, Cetalox

HEART NOTES: Cypriol, Cistus, Elemi, Guaiac Wood

BASE NOTES: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk

Contrasting misty, cool and resinously warm notes, the stillness invites you to wander a moonlit forest at midnight. Fabulous For: Night Owls seeking space.

 

 

 

PARFUMS DE MARLY Althäir

TOP NOTES: Orange Blossom Absolute, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cardamom

HEART NOTES: Bourbon Vanilla, Elemi

BASE NOTES: Ambrox, Guaiac Wood, Praline, Musk

Leading the new wave of gourmand fragrances, a freshness, and hints of smoke balance the luscious sweetness. Fabulous For: sophisticated seductions.

Pictor Parfum Flash 100ml

PICTOR PARFUM Flash

TOP NOTES: Pink Pepper, Ginger, Raspberry

HEART NOTES: Creamy Rose, Ylang Ylang

BASE NOTES: Powdery Musk, Vanilla, Tonka Bean

Taking inspiration from artistic imagery and the process of photography, brightness zings to dreamy creaminess. Fabulous For: being your best self.

 

 

ROBERT PIGUET Notes

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Clary Sage

HEART NOTES: Geranium, Orange Flower, Costus

BASE NOTES: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Tonka Bean

Embracing the connection between music and scent, and the legendary designer’s favourite ingredients. Fabulous For: contemporary vintage glam

 

 

 

 

PENHALIGON’S Quercus Hand & Body Wash / Lotion

TOP NOTES: Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Bergamot, Galbanum

HEART NOTES: Jasmine, Lily of the valley, Cardamom

BASE NOTES: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber

From the Latin for ‘Oak’, it’s simply timeless, nostalgic yet always right for right now. Speaking for you, silently assuring. Fabulous For: effortless elegance.

 

Fragrances For… Carnival!

With the Notting Hill Carnival on the summer event horizon, and the weather (touch wood and crossing fingers) currently glorious, we are feeling rather overcome by a need for sultry, sassy scents which echo the Carnival spirit. So many ways we could go with this, but let’s plump for perfumes which are built around a ravishing rum note.

Now, slip on those spangled and feather-bedecked costumes and sashay your way to sniffing some of these…

 

An unexpected mix of piquant, spice-infused bergamot and plum with a ‘your-skin-but-so-much-better’, creamy leather dry-down, the warmth of the rum gets jiggy with a tingle of amber, then simmers for hours. The roller-ball bottle makes this especially useful for travelling (if you’re lucky enough) or touching up your scent, even if you’re shaking those hips in a Carnival parade!

Malin & Goetz Dark Rum Perfume Oil £29 for 9ml malinandgoetz.co.uk

 

 

An irresistible combination of rum, leather and tobacco is sprinkled with a sweet frisson of vanilla and a tingle of warming cinnamon – the effect quite spellbinding. The rum-enriched woodiness is both reassuring and playfully addictive while the rich spiciness instills confidence and daring. The overall impression? Those who follow your (feathered) fragrant trail will be left enchanted…

Initio Parfums Privé Side Effect £230 for 90ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

‘Defined by an exhilarate rum distilled from sugarcane and aged in oak barrels’ the party really gets going when that silky smooth booziness is joined by the exotic glam of passionfruit. A vivaciously sparkling scent, the rum heart is additionally glammed up with gardenia, all resting on an amber wood base that melds with the heat of your skin, and making this a veritable cocktail party in a glass to samba with.

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP £53 for 30ml eau de parfum carolinaherrera.com

 

 

 

 

Paying homage to English gentleman and pirate Sir Francis Drake, Pirates’ Grand Reserve puts an intoxicating spin on an Atkinsons fragrance with accord of fine cask rum. Paired with cocoa bean and cedarwood, this one practically swaggers out with every spritz. Topped with a perfect posy of floral notes and rounded off with a deep, dark vanilla pod and patchouli, it’s never too heavy yet totally character-filled.

Atkinsons Pirates Grand Reserve £158 for 100ml eau de parfum atkinsons1779.com

 

 

The vibrant allure of an illicit after-party in a wood-panelled club is evoked here via a fizz of pink pepper, the brightness of neroli and lemon slinking to the rum-infused fun of the rich heart. There’s a shadowy coolness of vetiver oil from Java, a sense of refinement from the tobacco, and a sensually resinous vanilla base; but it’s the kind of night that will linger long in your memory, and your secret smiles…

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club £115 for 100ml eau de toilette maisonmargiela.com

 

Written by Suzy Nighingale

 

Fragrances for the Wimbledon finals (and the rest of summer!)

Although it’s the last of the tennis, there’s the rest of summer to make the most of – so we’re celebrating with scents that evoke the excitement of a popped cork, glasses of chilled bubbles shared with friends, picnics with Pimms, making the most of sitting in our gardens (or escaping to the nearest green space) whenever we can, and eating our own bodyweight in strawberries.

It’s been a bit of a mixed bag of a summer, weather-wise, and with everyone seemingly as exhausted as dehydrated bumble bees who need to be spoon-feed sugar syrup and placed gently within a hollyhock to recuperate, it’s surely time to wear something which lifts our spirits, adds a certain zing to our day, and allows us to appreciate the here and now?

 

Psst! Don’t forget you have until midnight on Sunday 16th July to enter our Wimbledon Legends prize draw, to win a huge bundle of Montblanc fragrance prizes!]

Meanwhile, with with 70 days of official summer left in the northern hemisphere, why not try these happy-making scents for size…?

 

Memoize London Vita

Piquant pepper, cool cardamom and a sizzle of saffron enliven the juicy fruits that drench the heart of this summer-tastic scent. A hazy drift of incense tickles sun-warmed strawberries lapped by creamy milk, and the woody dry-down billows engagingly for hours. Bliss!

£177 for 100ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory Elixir Parfum Intense

Urging us to push our limits and celebrate victories (even if that means putting your shoes on the right feet currently, we feel!) a sublime blend of Provençal lavandin’s sliced through with green cardamom, while Indonesian patchouli envelops addictive tonka and vanilla.

£71 for 50ml eau de parfum boots.com

 

 

 

Maison Margiela When the Rain Stops

There’s at least one moment during Wimbledon (or the BBQ you’ve been planning for ages) when, inevitably, the heavens open, but at least we can revel in the scent of ‘petrichor’ so beautifully evoked here via dewy Isparta roses and mossy, rain-washed, lung-clearing air.

£55 for 30ml eau de toilette theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

MALIN + GOETZ Strawberry

Banish thoughts of sickly sweet versions of a strawberry scent, this is ‘deconstructed’ and reimagined – a freshly picked garden strawberry with stalk attached, shafts of pink pepper and bergamot given a floral flourish by orris root, jasmine petals and soft musks.

£78 for 50ml eau de parfum malinandgoetz.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

VYRAO I AM VERDANT

Sprouting acres of mown grass and green verges with every spritz, cyclamen joyously bursts through the undergrowth, swags of moss-bedecked ivy draping the powdery comfort of iris, and bergamot bolstering the brightness of orange flower absolute. Smiles, bottled.

£135 for 50ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

(Try a sample in the Vyrao High Five Set for £79)

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Perfect pool party perfumes

Okay, the weather is v unpredictable here in the U.K. but we are buckling down and hoping for the best (as ever) so have set our sights on perfumes we could wear to a pool party. Now, we realise that it might be more likely a paddling pool set up than a Miami poolside scene, but these are also perfect for taking on holiday (or for wearing during drizzle to perk up your spirits!)

So, with the cocktail trend for scents in mind, let’s get those inflatable pool toys ready and pool party perfumes on…

‘Make a splash with Lime Mojito, a vibrant scent from the DKNY Be Delicious Pool Party collection. Inspired by the trendy summer cocktail, this refreshing, fruity floral fragrance invigorates and energises the senses with a dance of zesty bergamot, Italian lemon and mandarin. Dewy honeysuckle transitions the scent into an addictive mix of modern musk and blonde woods warmed by the summer sun.’

DKNY Be Delicious Lime Mojito £36.99 for 50ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

For fellow gin-lovers, this is now an absolute classic – a crisply refined cocktail on a pleasingly debauched base of black cherry, soft leather, crytalised brown sugar and exotic amber. To be splashed with abandon and relished at leisure. Penhaligon’s say: ‘This eau de toilette is a complex cocktail. Better make it a double.’ We totally agree, and always have a bottle to hand during the warmer months!

Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling from £80 for 30ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 

Alive with Asian aromatics, tingling like a ginger martini, the sun-kissed mandarin squeezes sweetness onto ginger’s vibrantly quenching, just-grated spiciness. Wrapped in the golden glow of amber, it has us dreaming of digging our toes into sand, sipping cocktails at sunset, and closing our eyes in the blissfully balmy air caressing our skin. We’re madly spritzing this until a pool party actually happens.

Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger £138 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

Presented in the most whimsically joyous ‘cocktail glass’ bottle, you’ll certainly be the life and soul of the pool party wearing this unusual blend of sweet and savoury notes, designed to keep your senses alert, so we’re told! Popcorn, black pepper and chestnut smooth their way to a cheerful floral heart, the intriguing mix all underpinned by plumptiously creamy vanilla and a soft white woody base.

Pepe Jeans Celebrate For Her £39.95 for 80ml eau de toilette superdrug.com

 

 

 

 

Did you ever sip a Blue Moon, that cult beachside 90s party cocktail? Kilian Hennessy clearly feels it’s time the intoxicating blend of lemon, vodka and blue curaçao was revived; he recruited Sidonie Lancesseur to remix it in scent form, adding a whoosh of organic ginger essence from Madagascar for spice, a swirl of Ambroxan, which laces the limited edition blend with a warm yet mineralic feel.

KILIAN Paris Blue Moon Ginger Dash £185 for 50ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

5 sultry, ‘spooky’ scents for Halloween… dare you wear?

With Halloween approaching and the nights drawing in, now is the perfect time to explore the sultrier, even ‘spooky’ side of fragrance…

When the weather gets colder, there’s a particular pleasure to be found in trying something new – a scent that perhaps plunges deeper than you’re used to, invites us to wrap ourselves in a cosy blanket and sit by the fireside (maybe telling a few Gothic ghost stories as we hunker down for the night?) Because there’s a delight in challenging your preconceptions, in shivering slightly as you do so, with anticipation. The Germans use the term unheimlich, which roughly translates to the experience of something feeling weirdly familiar while remaining mysterious, slightly uncanny.

We always liken wearing a bolder, more mysterious fragrance to playing dress-up (in the most fabulously sophisticated way), because a scent is more than a nice smell – it allows you to explore other sides of your character, just as wearing a costume can bring out hidden depths that might even surprise your nearest and dearest…

These intriguing scents are best worn with a nip of frost in the air, golden sunlight softly streaming through brightly-dressed trees, and sense of delicious mystery swirling through those misty mornings and rapidly darkening nights.

We dare you to try them on for size…

 

Indulge your inner libertine with this oppulent, swagger of a scent, inspired by Cassonova himself. You can smell his favourite tipple, ‘cordial orgeat,’ through dusky cognac-infused rose and bitter orange flower, with a saffron-soaked throb of leather, hot wax, animalic cumin lashed to the darker base of amber and deep woods. (P.S: There’s a sample of this one in our Niche VII Discovery Box and in their Contradictions in Ilk Discovery Set).

Contradictions in Ilk Libertine £150 for 50ml extrait de parfum
ilkperfume.com

 

 

 

Inspired by the destructive and regenerative Australian bush fires, its smoky heart of mysterious spices is spiked with shards of fresh (surprisingly fruity) eucalyptus and citrus to create a wonderful juxtaposition of hot/cold and intriguing textures. A smouldering smoky wood accord underlines this contrast of dark and light, with the house’s signature Australian sandalwood smoothing the seared edges, wonderfully.

Map of the Heart Black Heart v.2 £150 for 90ml eau de parfum
harrods.com

 

 

Pythia, the mythical oracle of Delphi inspires this scent – as high priestess she delivered her oracles ‘after entering a state of delirium by inhaling the vapours emitted by the sacred chasm beneath the temple.’ A crisp apple is studded with bay leaves, the juice mingling with wafts of spiritual smokiness that richly swishes leather, amber, oud and ambergris in a cloak that surrounds, comforts and beguiles in equal measure. (Why not try this in the Manos Gerakinis Discovery Set?)

Manos Gerakinis Omen £185 for 100ml eau de parfum
shymimosa.co.uk

 

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The joy of spooky season is actually the cosiness of feeling scared but then being immediately comforted. Here’s a scent you can snuggle up by a wood fire with, eating spiced biscuits as another presence makes itself known when the scent of dried roses and lavender fill the room. From a hidden floral display, or conjured by ghost stories, shared…? Familiar in the best way, think flicking through old photos and smiling as you remember the happiest of days with people you love.

4160 Tuesdays Another Kiss By the Fireside from £25 for 15ml eau de parfum
4160tuesdays.com

 

BANANA_REPUBLIC_DARK_CHERRY_AMBER_

Black cherries are apparently perfumer Claude Dir ‘s favourite fruit, which he swags in blossom here before before lavishing them with praline and the resinous luxury of a glowing amber accord. Evoking plump, candoed fruits laced with something altogether darker, the tart juiciness swirls with an addictiveness that’s boozy and rich, but never too sweet. Trick or treat? The emphasis firmly on the latter, in the most indulgently lascivious way.

Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber £55 for 75ml eau de parfum (currently on offer at £22.99!) theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrances for ‘when this is all over’ – soothing scents + party perfumes

How often have you heard the phrase when this is all over during the past year? Well, the “when” is soon – at least in the U.K. with the government’s ‘roadmap’ for easing restrictions seeing the return of shops and outdoor hospitality services reopening on Monday, April 12th.

However, while our hearts may be full to bursting at the prospect of seeing loved ones we’ve missed for so long – there’s some real anxiety in the mix, too.

Because we know the ‘new normal’ (ugh, another saying that needs to get in the sea) is still far from resembling what our lives looked like in those hazy ‘before’ days, when many of us (perhaps lazily) took our freedom foregranted. To travel, to meet a friend for coffee, to hug them when we arrived – blimey, just to walk into a shop! And things will remain strange for some time. So we’re going to need some extra help, still, to get through this together.

 

 

If you’re feeling anxious about mixing in public again, you’re certainly not alone. The medical website patient.info has a great article with tips to combat stress in a post-Covid world, quoting psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers, who says of course we’re all still worried, because ‘Over the course of the past 12 months, there has been significant change to adapt and acclimatise to.’ and explains: ‘Without a clear future anchor and the ability to create a longer-term plan, we lack the ability to prepare, and the constantly changing rules lower our tolerance to uncertainty.’

We know that so many more of you have been finding comfort and great mental-health support from scent during lockdown. It stands to reason we’ll need a fragrant anchor to help us get through the next few months as well. So, here are some soothing scents to help calm your nerves and help you feel grounded, but also some party perfumes for when the celebratory spirit strikes and you need an instant spritz of glamour.

Whatever your mood, there’s a fragrance to match or counteract, if needs be. Think of them as bravery: bottled. For when this is all over? For right now, or whenever you need them…

 

 

Nancy Meiland Gaia £45 for 30ml perfume attar
A beautifully nurturing scent delievered via a handy rollerball. A nuzzle of jasmine wrapped in warming nutmeg, brightening bergamot and a soft breeze of blue lotus on a caressing base of cedar and sandalwood.

 

Vines House Parfum Signature Story £75 for 30ml eau de parfum
Founder Rebecca Harrison shares her signature scent ‘for a mood of composure and contentment’ – a veriutable hug in a bottle. Cool lychee snuggles with ginger lily in a whisper of warm amber-rippled vanilla.

 

Angela Flanders Bleu de Chine £79 for 50ml eau de parfum
Swathe yourself in the hush of dry lavender, grounding patchouli aged for extra depth and the woody heart of bois de rose. Inspired by vintage Chinese textiles, it’s immediately comforting yet effortlessly elegant.

 

 

Histoires de Parfums 1899 £35 for 15ml eau de parfum
With a pop of Champagne corks flying, the bohemians emerge from the clubs of Paris into the dazzling lights of the city. The fizz of bergamot and juniper floats on orange blossom ablaze with amber in the vibrant base.

[Try a sample in our Scented Retreat Discovery Box]

 

HERMES_LOMBRE_DE_MERVEILLES

Hermes L’Ombre de Merveilles  £75 for 50ml eau de toilette
Perfumer Christine Nagel encourages us to ‘see the world from new and marvellous angles’ via contrasting light and shade. Shimmering tops notes swirl to black tea and simmering tonka.

 

Kierin NYC Nitro Noir £65 for 50ml eau de parfum
Mathieu Nardin’s powerhouse gourmand/floral positively swings its hips, with ripe berries swirled through rich patchouli and dusted with orris for a hypnotic, individualistic ‘hurrah!’

[Try a sample in the Kierin NYC Discovery Set]

Whether you need soothing or a chance to celebrate, there’s a whole world of fragrances out there to support and reflect how you’re feeling (or would like to feel). If you’re still wondering what would be the best scent to suit your mood, take a look at our genius Fragrance Finder. Simply type in the name of a fragrance you love and it will suggest six others, thanks to the so-clever personality-matching algorithm…

By Suzy Nightingale

Kingdom Scotland launch seasonal scent events online

Kingdom Scotland are launching a series of seasonal scent events online, and invite you to join the virtual party…

Party season is upon us once again, but of course this year the festivities will have to be somewhat different. But we’re not letting that stop us! Perhaps more important now than ever before, it’s a great time to connect – to reach out and join in rather than feeling secluded and lonely, or like you’re missing out. So with this in mind, the brilliant niche fragrance house Kingdom Scotland have a whole host of magically transportive fragrantly themed activities for you this month. And they describe a rather tantalising roll call:

‘…perfumed journeys, whisky, gin & Champagne tastings, daring magic, Scottish pipers, Kilt & Sword dressing, historical storytelling and a diamond masterclass!’

The worlds of whisky and fragrance have much in common, founder of Kingdom Scotland, Imogen Russon-Taylor has always believed. And she should know: after a distinguished career in the aromatic world of Scotch whisky, Imogen went 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.’

 

 

Indeed, Kingdom Scotland excell at creating stunningly evocative moments in scent – using perfume to share old narratives in new ways, tapping into the rich stories associated with perfume and natural ingredients in Scotland. So sharing these online – at a time when many of us feel isolated by #lockdowns, Tier systems or otherwise – is particualarly pertinent.

For the fragrant festivities to be something everyine can join in, no matter where you are in the world, Kingdom Scotland have partnered with the luxury experience experts Beyond Curated and Scotland’s leading whisky-focused travel company, Maclean & Bruce.

To find out more and book your place, simply email [email protected]

By Suzy Nightingale