STORIES Parfums – even more reasons to fall in love & layer the scents

Containing aloe vera, Provitamin B5, glycerin and coconut oil cleansers, these washes are exquisitely luxurious, lather wonderfully, and being woven through with their iconic, memory-laden scents, are of course are brilliant to layer with. Not only are they SLS and cruelty free, the multi award-winning wash formula has now been stunningly re-packaged for extra wow-factor in the bathroom, and are now available in our shop!
STORIES Parfums comments:
‘At STORIES Parfums we believe passionately in beauty without boundaries. While our story may have started with deep roots in traditional perfumery methods and ancient craftsmanship, our ethos is that of a thoroughly modern brand and at the heart of our brand is a deep respect for the planet we live on, and we want to make sure that the place we call home does not simply survive but thrives.
We view ourselves as New Niche Fragrance Pioneers, bringing luxury and sustainability together. This true sense of connectivity is why we are committed to ensuring that we are as sustainable as possible.’
All STORIES fragrances have been created ‘with the lightest carbon footprint we can,’ they continue. ‘It is also why all of our labels are rock paper derived from marble mining waste, we use recyclable Zamak caps for our glass bottles, all of our bottles are refillable and our boxes are made to be repurposed.’
This thoughtful re-working is all part of STORIES ongoing commitment to ‘recycle, reduce and reuse’ – a campaign and ethos that runs through the heart of the house, and which has already seen them win awards for sustainability in beauty two years running. A fact that means so much to founder and creative director, Tonya Kidd-Beggs.
I believe passionately in beauty without boundaries. Right from the concept of STORIES it was hugely important to me to create a luxury fragrance house that came from traditional perfumery methods and ancient craftsmanship but with the ethos of a thoroughly modern brand. At the very core of the brand I wanted to carry a deep respect for the planet we live on – I want to make sure that the place we call home does not simply survive but thrives.”
The hardworking but so skin-gentle formula is laced with the delicate yet always evocative scent of the original STORIES Nº.01 fragrance, which contains notes of bergamot, grapefruit, cedarwood, and jasmine, and feels like tip-toeing through a garden at dawn.
Scent Notes: Bergamot – Grapefruit – Orange Blossom – Cedarwood – Jasmine – Heliotrope – Fig-Tea – Amber – Sandalwood – Vetiver
£68 for 500ml 
A gentle, foaming hand and body wash that leaves skin clean, deeply hydrated and feeling balanced. The hardworking formula is infused with truly personal scent memories of their STORIES Nº.02 fragrance, which contains notes of Bulgarian rose, ginger, green tea and honey tobacco.
Scent Notes: Bulgarian Rose – Ginger – Cardamom – Green Tea – Honey Tobacco – Cedarwood – Opoponax – Tonka Bean – Patchouli – Amber – Musk
£68 for 500 ml
The fragrant layering needn’t end there, as the sensorially and skin-soothing matching Hand & Body Lotions are available at £75 for 500ml – we’re all for these fragrant super-sizes, as apart from meaning they last way longer, they’re so stunning to display in your bathroom!
Written by Suzy Nightingale

Stock up on these 7 scented stocking fillers (they’re little but SO lovely!)

Stocking fillers used to be novelty gifts, somewhat lacklustre confectionery goods and perhaps a satsuma – lovely to open as a child, of course, but now we’re finding adults are massively in to the nostalgia of exchanging Christmas stockings. And we require the fillers to be a little more… fabulous, let’s say.

Because let’s face it, the stocking presents were the highlight of Christmas – encapsulating the excitement of waking up and ripping off the wrapping paper with wild abandon. You may wish to rise at a rather more dignified hour, now, and perhaps begin the day with a cup of tea (or a long glass of Mimosa – well it is Christmas!)

But why not consider putting together a stocking stuffed with lovely little gifts to give a partner – or send a friend you can’t be with this year, and face time them as they open it?!

Here’s some mini sets and exciting fragrant finds we’d love to find in our stockings this year… Give them the whole box, break up a set to gift several friends (or keep some for yourself? We won’t tell…)

 

Annicke Fragrance Discovery Set £20

Love, desire and dreams: the Annicke Fragrance Discovery Set is a collection of SIX exquisite and totally feminine fragrances inspired by the woman who dazzled their creator. Each is a story, bottled, and each will take you on a journey – as only fragrance can… The story began in the early 20th Century with Albert Fouquet, a young Parisian aristocrat, who founded beloved NICHE house, Eight & Bob. Alberts’s life was turned upside down one evening in the French Alps, where he attended a high society soirée and was introduced to the strikingly beautiful Annicke. Now this collection has been created as a contemporary tribute to Fouquet’s love.

 

Kierin NYC Discovery Set £15

New York is one of the most exciting cities on the planet. Now we invite you to tap into its vibe – while discovering one of the most talked-about perfume houses to emerge from that metropolis in years. Kierin NYC‘s so-stylish Discovery Set includes FOUR NICHE eau de parfum fragrances, with real staying power, capturing the love that co-founder and former international model Mona Maine de Biran feels for her city. (But wearable anywhere, we feel.) Nitro Noir is perfect for sipping a decadent cocktail, Sunday Brunch for a fabulous catch-up, Santal Sky for a Central Park stroll (or a country walk, we’re thinking.) As for 10 a.m. Flirt? We’ll leave that to you…

 

L’Orchestre Parfum Mix Tape Vol.1 £25 for six fragrances
A mix tape? It genuinely is – you simply scan the QR code to listen to tracks inspired by the fragrances (which are, in turn, inspired by musical instruments). And oh, the fragrances are stunning: carnal florals to soothing sandalwood; a fizz of electro-pop to the smoky rose throbbing with deep vibrations of a trombone. There’s something for everyone to fall for, here (particularly great for music lovers!) and we’re sure a number will strike a chord with you.

 

Alex Simone French Riviera Discovery Set £21

In the French Riviera collection, Alex Simone explores the idyllic moments of a perfect day in Monaco. This discovery set includes 2ml vial sprays of all six fragrances that make up the collection – and are all precious moments that draw the olfactory itinerary to a succession of refined and timeless snapshots and a sensory experience so… Chic! Included Fragrances: Villa Simone, Tellement Bleu, En Terrasse, Encore Un Peu, Après Vous, L’Invitation.

 

Floral Street Discovery Set £14

With creations by one of the world’s leading perfumers, the new perfume house Floral Street is going to shake up your opinions about florals with their contemporary spin on floral fragrances. Floral Street’s are as far from your granny’s florals as it’s possible to get – each created by the star perfumer Jérôme Épinette, who is known for his mastery of natural ingredients. As Floral Street put it: ‘These are bunches – not bouquets. Ingredients, not notes. And it’s about ease, modernity and joy.’ Try all eight fragrances for yourself, with this must-have Discovery Set!

 

Experimental Perfume Club Discovery Set £25 for six fragrances
This fun set features fragrances to layer, explore and learn with – a brilliant gift for those wanting to become a perfumer, or hungry to explore their sense of smell. Each eau de parfum is either a TOP LAYER, MID LAYER or BASE LAYER. Wear alone, or mix them up – cards within each box offer inspirations to start to your scented experiments. Dive into the fun of discovering your own favourite combination – a unique fragrant blend that’s as close to bespoke as you can get!

Escentric Molecules M+ Discovery Set £20

Escentric Molecules have launched THREE M+ fragrances – iterations of their best-selling Molecule 01, a fragrance that showcases the artistry and depth of synthetic molecules and has become a global superstar. To say we are obsessed with M+ at The Perfume Society HQ is, quite honestly, an understatement. Now you can delve into all three M+ fragrances from the comfort of your own home with this divine Discovery Set trio encompassing Mandarin, Iris and Patchouli – ingredients set against the backdrop of the iconic Molecule 01.

Stocking fillers – mini scented sets!

Stocking fillers used to be novelty gifts, somewhat lacklustre confectionery goods and perhaps a satsuma – lovely to open as a child, of course, but now we’re finding adults are massively in to the nostalgia of exchanging Christmas stockings. And we require the fillers to be a little more… fabulous, let’s say.

Because let’s face it, the stocking presents were the highlight of Christmas – encapsulating the excitement of waking up and ripping off the wrapping paper with wild abandon. You may wish to rise at a rather more dignified hour, now, and perhaps begin the day with a cup of tea (or a long glass of Mimosa – well it is Christmas!)

But why not consider putting together a stocking stuffed with lovely little gifts to give a partner – or send a friend you can’t be with this year, and face time them as they open it?!

Here’s some mini sets and exciting fragrant finds we’d love to find in our stockings this year… Give them the whole box, break up a set to gift several friends (or keep some for yourself? We won’t tell…)

 

Banana Republic ICON Discovery Set £8 for four fragrances
This pocket-friendly set showcases four of the Banana Republic fragrances – scents that have fast gained a cult status among fragrance afficionados, who were wowed by their originality, longevity and and diversity. From sun-soaked orange blossom to smoky rose, a cashmere soft hug to vibrant forest-y freshness – you’ll definitely know someone who’d adore exploring these.

Sous Le Manteau Collection: £19 for five fragrances
Olivia Bransbourg discovered a 19th Century book of actual French love potions in a Parisian flea market. Fascinated by the centuries-old recipes and with the help of perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer, these potions were reincarnated into FIVE divine fragrances, in a dinky parcel that fits in the palm of your hand. You’ll be enraptured by honeyed sensuality, wrapped in a cloud, grounded in the moment, embraced by powdery kisses and tempted by feverish naughtiness…

 

Maison Matine Discovery Set £15 for six fragrances
This quirky French niche house urges everyone, no matter our ages, to be ‘a bit more daring every day.’ With free-spirited, immediately uplifting fragrances, each one has been created by emerging ‘noses’ and possesses its own unique charm. They believe – as we do – that perfume has the power to help you overthrow a bad morning and actively choose to change your day. Tropical odysseys, calming cocoons, zesty adventures and the whole world awaits!

 

Rook Perfumes Discovery Set £15 for three fragrances
Here’s a perfume house with infinite layers – rule-breaking and innovative as well as beautiful. Described as ‘a diplomat dressed as a punk rocker’, Rook was created by founder, Nadeem Crowe, as his signature scent, while Forest conjures damp earth, wet moss and cedar and Undergrowth exactly evokes ‘pulling fresh garden mint from the earth.’ Crowe happens to be an NHS frontline doctor AND actor (yes, really!) and uses the power of perfume to transport himself. Where, we wonder, will his creations transport you…?

 

L’Orchestre Parfum Mix Tape Vol.1 £25 for six fragrances
A mix tape? It genuinely is – you simply scan the QR code to listen to tracks inspired by the fragrances (which are, in turn, inspired by musical instruments). And oh, the fragrances are stunning: carnal florals to soothing sandalwood; a fizz of electro-pop to the smoky rose throbbing with deep vibrations of a trombone. There’s something for everyone to fall for, here (particularly great for music lovers!) and we’re sure a number will strike a chord with you.

 

Experimental Perfume Club Discovery Set £25 for six fragrances
This fun set features fragrances to layer, explore and learn with – a brilliant gift for those wanting to become a perfumer, or hungry to explore their sense of smell. Each eau de parfum is either a TOP LAYER, MID LAYER or BASE LAYER. Wear alone, or mix them up – cards within each box offer inspirations to start to your scented experiments. Dive into the fun of discovering your own favourite combination – a unique fragrant blend that’s as close to bespoke as you can get!

By Suzy Nightingale

7 scented stocking fillers & mini gifts!

We go by the theory that absolutely nobody can resist a miniature size of something lovely, so whether you’re looking for Secret Santa presents, smaller gifts to give fussy family members or to fill up the stockings of scent-loving people in your life – look no further for a round-up of favourites…

What to buy the fragrance fanatic in your life who pretty much has it all? How about this stunning silver perfume bottle charm necklace – exclusive to us! It’s a limited edition piece from one of the rising stars of British jewellery, and will let them wear their passion with pride. It’s also small enough (and securely packed) to pop in a Christmas card to save on bulky postage!
Estella Bartlett Perfume Bottle Necklace £20

Also known as ‘spills’, our blotters are created from a special form of absorbent paper created to ensure that when it’s sprayed or dipped, it gives as accurate as possible a sense of what that fragrance smells like. Invaluable during a scent-shopping trip for eliminating ‘no-nos’ and helping you edit down to a selection of scents you might want to try on the body. Utterly indispensible for perfumistas on-the-go!
2 x Perfume Society Scent Blotter Packs £5

While these next three might be too bulky to fit into a stocking, we think they’re just perfect to split into several gifts (for the same person or different family members), to put inside home-made crackers or give as table/tree gifts – making them absolute bargains!

The opulent and extravagant perfumes in this box include offerings from some of the most interesting names in perfumery – including the most stunning mini bottle of Vince Camuto‘s Amore, the cult Philosophy Purity Cleanser, and a FULL SIZE huge bar of Green & Black’s Velvet Collection Orange & Almond Dark Chocolate. (We won’t tell if you keep that for yourself…)
The Velvet Collection Discovery Box (was £19 – now £12 when added to your basket!)

For intrepid travellers and anyone dreaming of sunnier days, with scents from Atelier Cologne to Moschino (in THE dinkiest mini you have to see) via Issey MiyakeÉtat Libre d’OrangeAnnick Goutal and more. The travel-friendly ‘extras’ this time are Molton Brown’s brand new (shareable) Coastal Cypress and Sea Fennel Bath & Shower Gel, plus Philosophy’s Exfoliating Facial Wash.
The Travel Edition Discovery Box (was £19 – now £12 when added to your basket!)

 

Curated with a masculine focus, here’s a whopping 13 fantastic fragrances like Creed Viking (winner of The Fragrance Foundation‘s Best Male Fragrance 2018), niche offerings from Nejma, Floris, Jack (Richard E. Grant’s fragrance line) and Shay & Blue King’s Wood. Plus, a FULL SIZE luxury shower gel from the niche house of Escentric Molecules worth £20 on its own!
The New Man Discovery Box £19 (£15 for VIPs)

 

Featuring eight of Molton Brown‘s best-selling eaux de toilette – each one beautifully showcases rare ingredients gathered from all around the world. From the iconic Black Pepper, Heavenly Gingerlily and Orange and Bergamot, to newer incarnations of Mesmerising Oud Accord and Gold plus so much more – there’s truly something for every taste, and this gift is certain to be highly appreciated.
Molton Brown Art of Fragrance Box £12.50

 

Perfect for travellers or those who want to carry fragrance in a handbag without lugging bulky botttles, each stylish, refillable Travalo spray enables you to carry up to 5ml of your favourite scent with you, wherever you go. Both the sleek metal Travalo Classic HD (£12.49) and chic leather Milano Elegance (£28) collections are approved for hand luggage and glass-free, to avoid risk of breakage. PLUS! Each Travalo comes with FREE postage!
Travalo Travel Sprays £12.49 – £28 FREE P&P

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Miniature perfumes – because sometimes, the best things do come in small (scented) packages…

Glossily packaged and adorable pocket sized perfumes, with Viva La Juicy Parfum, Viva La Juicy Noir Eau de Parfum, I AM JUICY COUTURE Eau de Parfum and I Love Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum. Just perfect for bright young things exploring their perfume personality…
juicy_couture_house_of_juicy_couture_deluxe_minis_gift_set_1477999348House of Juicy Couture Deluxe Miniatures £31 for
Buy it at Debenhams
Who could resist the petite charms of some of Penhaligon’s perennial best-sellers? Artemisia, Vaara, Empressa, Iris Prima and Halfeti are the women’s selection, but there’s an equally tempting masculine set of tiny treats for the chaps.
minihersetPenhaligon’s Christmas Collection £41 for 5 x 5ml
Buy it at Penhaligon’s
Effervescent, stylish and effortlessly chic, the Armani Miniatures Set contains the cutest curation of greatest hits: Si, Acqua Di Gioia, Diamonds Rose & Armani Code pour femme cannot fail to enchant the more sophisticated gals about town. We foresee twirling silk dresses in moonlight.
armani-miniatures-gift-set-for-her-5027246054333-armani-miniatures-1Armani Miniatures Set £24.99 for 4 x
Buy it at The Perfume Shop
Miniature fragrances to match his moods, they say: active, rebellious, inspired and refined? John Varvatos have it covered, with generous 15ml bijou bottles of John Varvatos, John Varvatos Vintage, John Varvatos Artisan and John Varvatos Artisan Acqua.
john_varvatos_mini_fragrance_collection_1475145757
John Varvatos Delectable Minis £41 for 4 x 15ml
Buy it at Debenhams
The dinkiest versions of Versace you’ll ever see, modern fashion icons can strut their stuff or indulge their inner goddess with this women’s coffret of contemporary olfactive delights, including Crystal Noir, Bright Crystal, Eros Pour Femme, and Eros Pour Femme.
img_1015-copyVersace Women’s Coffret £27.50 for 4 x 5ml
Exclusively at Boots
A luxurious duo of their multi-award winning Bath & Shower Oils, Revive Morning and Deep Relax are best sellers with good reason: they deliver what they promise! This duo helps to energise and deeply relax mind and body, making an ideal gift for anyone you care about.
img_1016-copyAromatherapy Associates Perfect Partners £19 for 2 x 15ml
Buy it Aromatherapy Associates
Written by Suzy Nightingale