Tag: warm

Pumpkin Spice Latte Season: perfumes giving PSL

Love them or loathe them, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back. Yes, the PSL has returned to herald the season of crunchy leaves, oversized scarves and questionable woolly hats. For some, the very idea conjures disdain – too sweet, too hyped, too “basic” – but really, isn’t that missing the point? The iconic PSL blend smells downright divine, its tumble of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger swirling into a haze of autumnal comfort.

And in truth, there’s very little actual pumpkin in a Pumpkin Spice Latte. The “pumpkin” is mostly nostalgia talking. So, for those of us who prefer to wear our seasonal indulgences rather than drink them, the PSL profile is surprisingly easy to recreate in perfumed form – or to gently layer into being. But where did this contemporary cultural phenomenon begin?

Before Pumpkin Spice fever became a marketing machine, it started in coffee-central, Seattle, back in 2003. A small team at the Starbucks Liquid Lab – led by Peter Dukes, then Director of Espresso – were asked to come up with a new autumn drink. Pumpkin pie was a classic American comfort, but no one had thought to bottle its scent and warmth into a cup of coffee before. The first test took place in just 100 stores across Washington, D.C. and Vancouver. Cue immediate mania.

 

 

The PSL went national the following year, and by the time Facebook and Twitter joined the party, it had become less a drink and more a cultural phenomenon. With it came a tidal wave of pumpkin-spiced everything – candles, lip balms, even washing powder – and an aroma that’s now synonymous with ‘sweater weather’ itself.

If you love PSLs but think wearing one might sound kitsch, remember that (apart from those with PSL proudly in their name), these aren’t as overt. And layering can be your fragrant friend – you are in complete control, and can create your own seasonally spiced extravaganza to your own tastes.

 

 

Now, whatever your opinion of the PSL, we’re encouraging you to fight through the froth and allow yourself to fall for these gloriously spiced scents. We suggest…

 

 

 

 

Etat Libre d’Orange Like This

Inspired by actor Tilda Swinton’s idea of “home in a bottle,” Etat Libre d’Orange Like This was composed by Mathilde Bijaoui with yellow tangerine, ginger, pumpkin, immortelle, Moroccan neroli, Grasse rose, vetiver, heliotrope and musk. It feels like autumn wrapped in cashmere – cosy but clever. Ginger whirls with velvety pumpkin sweetness, evoking the scent of a pie emerging from the oven. A fragrance you’ll want to wear while watching leaves fall, from your favourite window seat.

£70.95 for 100ml eau de parfum allbeauty.com

 

 

 

Lush Pumpkin Spice Body Spray

Pairs perfectly with an oversized scarf and a trip to the pumpkin patch. Clove and ginger mingle with golden carob resin and carrot seed oil, creating an instant hit of nostalgia and a generous dose of compliments. Carob resinoid brings deep, caramel decadence – a wink to anyone who dares call Pumpkin Spice “basic”. Carrot seed oil softens the spices with gentle warmth, as comforting as a morning latte between mittened hands. Made with organic ethanol from sugar cane in a circular, zero-waste system, it’s the perfect scent to spritz over chunky knits and let autumn envelop you.

£28 for 200ml body spray lush.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger

For those who prefer suggestion over sweetness, Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger captures PSL warmth with a fresher twist. Its star ingredient, Australian Red Back Ginger, feels citrusy and solar rather than sticky. Bergamot, mandarin, magnolia, vanilla, amber and sandalwood whisper of sunsets across the Atherton Tablelands. Sunrise notes shimmer bright and juicy, while sunset notes bring floral, ambered spice that feels like a PSL enjoyed under tropical skies.

£140 for 100ml parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

Jo Malone London Ginger Biscuit Cologne

Truly one of THE most deliciously festive fragrances they’ve ever created, this smells like a bakery at golden hour. Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon swirl around roasted hazelnut, caramel and vanilla-tonka richness, the whole thing buttery and crumbly at the edges. Perfect for layering with other Jo Malone scents to add that spiced creamy effect without veering into dessert territory. A PSL enjoyed in a vintage china cup and wearing silk pyjamas rather than a paper cup at the bus stop, perhaps?

£128 for 100ml eau de parfum jomalone.co.uk

 

Other PSL-adjacent scents perfect for layering? Try these!

 

The Merchant of Venice Accord di Profumo Tonka Venezuela – Rich, sensual and tempting, this celebrates the tonka bean’s toffee and cocoa aspects. The nuts fall and are roasted, their resinoid distilled into an addictive scent recalling caramel, coffee and imagined delights, an ideal note for deepening any composition.

The Merchant of Venice Accord di Profumo Patchouli Indonesia – Velvety woods and soft greenery tangled with earthy tobacco notes – a PSL base in perfume form, grounding, enveloping and irresistibly wearable. Crafted from hand-dried, fermented leaves distilled into oil on the island of Sulawesi, its depth completes the blend beautifully.

The Merchant of Venice Accord di Profumo Zafferano Iran – Saffron, the red gold of spices, glows in this luminous blend where zesty freshness meets amber, cistus and honey. A mist of this feels like sprinkling your perfume wardrobe with sunlit spice, in any season. But it’s so right for right now, in our humble opinion.

£65 for 30ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

The Myth & Magic of Marigold Scents

What do you know of the humble marigold? You may love its pops of vibrant colour in a garden setting, but how about in the world of scent? Let’s explore how this unusual note has a surprising complexity – and discover which fragrances we recommend you try it in…

The marigold is a flower ablaze in sunburst-orange and saffron gold, often the first to catch your eye in a border. Yet for all their visual exuberance, marigolds remain a fragrant enigma – their scent rarely captured by memory, a paradox for a bloom so bright. Lean in closer, and you’ll discover a whole new aromatic landscape: marigold brings a tangled tapestry of aromas, shimmering between honeyed spice, bitter green herbs, just-crushed apple peel and even a subtle, dusky leather – unexpectedly complex, more than a mere floral flourish.

 

 

 

 

The name ‘marigold’ sings of legend, derived from ‘Mary’s gold’ and linked to the Virgin Mary, these flowers have been cherished symbols of devotion and celebration across continents for centuries. While we call them ‘marigold’ as though they’re a single species, we’re really speaking of a double act: the sunny Calendula officinalis and the vivacious Tagetes species (often dubbed French marigold or Indian Carnation).

It’s from their petals and seeds that perfumers tease out their essence – Calendula’s musky pungency is isolated via steam distillation, while tagetes oil, similarly coaxed from those feisty little seeds, delivers a comparable, almost interchangeable olfactory personality. Together, they offer the perfumer an extraordinary palette, able to lift a fragrance into the light, or deepen it with an aromatic shadow.

 

Marigold’s undeniable charisma has caught the attention of contemporary perfumers, and in a composition, marigold often unfurls as a note you may not first recognise, but can resonate as flash of spicy verdancy or a whisper of slightly bitter, resinous warmth, giving classical chypres and contemporary florals an unexpected olfactory backbone.

 

Now, knowing all this, which of these marigold-centric scents might you like to explore…?

 

 

 

Kajal Lamar

Sunrise gold in a bottle, Lamar opens in an amber-lit burst, radiant with ripe fruits and sun-warmed marigold that conjure a garden wild with light and memory. Here, marigold is no mere supporting player – it glides through the composition as a golden thread, infusing the cushion of roses and jasmine with an earthy heat, a bittersweet tang that heightens the lush sweetness, never letting it grow too saccharine nor too predictable.

Lean closer – there’s a slow-blooming tension, as marigold’s green, aromatic edge melds with smooth woods and velveteen musks, grounding the ecstatic florals with a burnished touch. Lamar becomes a scented tapestry, marigold’s secret spice flickering at the heart, both grounding and illuminating, as the composition settles softly on the skin, vivid and unforgettable.

£167 for 100ml eau de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Byredo Bal d’Afrique

Evoking the vibrant pulse of Parisian nights and the bright rhythms of Africa, Bal d’Afrique revels in joyfully complex contrasts. The marigold note performs a sun-drenched dance against the juicy tartness of blackcurrant and an airy sweep of bergamot – its gilded facets weaving through the heart, adding a fresh, green intrigue to what could have been merely bright and playful.

As the perfume warms, marigold’s dry, tangy edge merges with creamy violet and velvety woods, imparting a sultry subtlety and an almost tactile depth – bittersweet, just a touch wild. There’s a sense of motion, of far horizons and electric possibility, with marigold as the glowing lantern that lights the way home.

£150 for 50ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

The Merchant of Venice Red Potion

A story of hidden passions and Venetian twilight, Red Potion sweeps open on spiced, bittersweet breezes, the marigold an altar flame burning bright beside sparkling citrus and crimson roses. Its presence here is vividly aromatic, lending both a verdant sharpness and an ambered resinous warmth, nestling between the cleaner clarity of fruit and the deep velvet of patchouli and vanilla.

Marigold’s slightly herbal, honeyed chord weaves through the heart of the scent, tempering lushness with restraint and seduction with sophistication. With each breath, Red Potion evolves into a more mysterious elixir – marigold’s golden aura whispered on the air, lingering softly long after dusk falls.

£205 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

Boadicea the Victorious Blue Sapphire

With a flourish as dazzling as its namesake, Blue Sapphire opens in luminous style – fresh citrus gleaming over a heart where marigold glows like captured sunlight. The note brings with it a twining green sharpness, lending natural complexity to the composition’s spicy florals and the gentle fruitiness that swirls beneath.

As the fragrance unfurls, marigold settles in among herby sage and chamomile, creamy jasmine and rose – a warm, subtly bitter counterpoint that transforms the floral heart from mere beauty to brilliance. An underlying oudh and amber accord underscores marigold’s glowing presence, creating a scent both noble and new, fiercely bright and endlessly regal.

Try in the Bestsellers Gift Set £175 for 4x10ml eau de parfum boadiceaperfume.com

 

 

 

 

Jillian Switzerland Intangible

Intangible floats in like a reverie – translucent, enveloping, yet quietly audacious. Marigold here is a painter’s brushstroke under perfumer Mark Buxton’s hand: nuanced, lightly spiced, and ever so slightly bittersweet, breathed into life amid soft white florals and a diaphanous musky haze. Its green, almost dew–damp aspect adds a gentle intrigue, anchoring the fragrance’s ethereal impression.

There’s a hush of greens and a whisper of warm, herbal light, marigold weaving a golden ribbon through luminous petals and silken woods. Intangible is poetry in fragrant form – everyday beauty made extraordinary by marigold’s elusive charm, echoing long after memory stirs.

€300 for 100ml eau de parfum jillianswitzerland.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Francis Kurkdjian: Capturing Light in a Bottle

Francis Kurkdjian is a master of capturing light in fragrance, a gift that radiates through every creation bearing his name. Now the in-house perfumer at Dior, while very much continuing to helm his own Maison Francis Kurkdjian, he balances a disciplined, methodical approach with a poetic sensibility.

Let’s explore the luminosity…

Rising as early as 5 a.m., Kurkdjian begins his day with remarkable efficiency and clarity. ‘People generally link creativity to romanticism, like a free spirit with your hair blowing in the wind, but it doesn’t work that way; you need a frame within which to work,’ he observes. This structured mindset, combined with a minimalist aesthetic and a meticulously organised workspace, allows him to distil moments of light and emotion into scent with extraordinary precision.

 

 

 

 

 

Within his Maison, Kurkdjian’s fragrances are singularly suffused with radiance, each bottle seeming to glow softly from within. Indeed, many of his compositions are conceived as luminous expressions of time and mood – from the delicate freshness of dawn to the warm embrace of twilight. ‘I have a creative routine that I apply for most of my projects,’ he explains. ‘As an early bird I am at the office around 7:30 – 8 the latest. It’s the best time for me to work on a scent, to smell the trials I have made previously.’

This dedication to routine and focus is reflected in the clarity and elegance of his perfumes, which unfold like carefully composed symphonies of light as they warm on the skin. Now, which of these light-filled fragrances have you tried, we wonder…?

 

 

 

Petit Matin

‘Rise at dawn, escape into the delicious freshness of an early morning in Paris and rediscover a taste for beauty.’

Petit Matin sparkles like the first light of day, evoking the quiet streets and deserted arcades of Paris bathed in dawn’s gentle glow. The fragrance opens with the vibrant zest of litsea cubeba and orange blossom, their citrus brightness immediately awakening the senses. The floral softness of lavandin and hawthorn adds a delicate, dewy freshness, conjuring the sensation of morning air kissed by light. Beneath this radiant veil, a labyrinth of musky notes weaves subtle warmth without diminishing the scent’s airy clarity. Petit Matin is a bright, shimmering eau de parfum that invites wearers to dive into the excitement and promise of a new day.

From £113 for 35ml eau de toilette franciskurkdjian.com

 

 

 

 

Grand Soir

‘Before the City’s lights turn on, a range of dazzling colors from honey to a captivating amber paint the sky.’

Now we are bathed in the sumptuous glow of twilight, when daylight’s last golden embers mingle with the approaching night. Rich and enveloping, it opens with a deep accord of cistus labdanum, lavandin, and cinnamon leaf-a tapestry of resinous warmth and gentle spice. The heart and base unfold into an amber-vanilla accord enriched with sweet balsamic benzoin facets, creating an olfactory glow that is both vibrant and sensuous. Grand Soir wraps the wearer in a soft caress of evening light, exuding a magnetic allure that is simply irresistible.

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

 

 

 

 

Gentle Fluidity Gold

‘An overdose of musks and vanilla with the floral, spicy note of coriander seeds brings ethereal volume and a lingering trail.’

A warm, generous hug where the richness of vanilla and amber-y gilded woods is lifted by the sparkling floral-spicy essence of coriander seeds and an abundance of musks. The fragrance radiates a glowing warmth, reminiscent of candlelight filtering through sun-dappled rooms. Its enveloping trail is both comforting and luminous-a sensuous melody that lingers with effortless elegance. This scent invites the wearer to bask in a golden aura of radiant intimacy. Yes, please!

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

 

 

 

 

Gentle Fluidity Silver

‘An ascending, ultra-fresh, aromatic note, similar to a “gin frappé” effect, balanced by the dry, slightly balmy, spicy notes of nutmeg.’

Shimmering with crystalline freshness, it’s hard to believe Kurkdjian conjured such a differing character from the exact same notes as Gold. Yet here juniper berries burst forth with invigorating piquancy, evoking the cool fizz of a gin-based cocktail. Nutmeg and amber woods add a dry, balmy warmth that grounds the composition without dulling its airy brilliance. The musks and vanilla base reveal facets ranging from sweet and enveloping to clean and powerful, creating a scent that is both vibrant and comforting. Silver’s luminous trail is like a delicate lace shawl spun from dew-speckled spiderwebs-ethereal, shimmering, and utterly captivating.

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

 

 

 

 

Aqua Vitae

‘The idea of sensuality, pulsing with brightness and warmth, inspired by the island of Formentera.’

Embodying the radiant balance of sun and shade, inspired by Kurkdjian’s summer escapes to the island of Formentera. It opens with sparkling Sicilian mandarin and Calabrian lemon, their citrus brightness tempered by the soft, luminous floralcy of sweet mock orange and lily of the valley. The base of guaiac wood, vanilla, and tonka bean lends a gentle, glowing warmth that feels both fresh and sensual. Aqua Vitae captures the magnetic attraction between two people-a luminous dance of light and shadow, cool air and sun-kissed skin-distilled into a fragrance that is at once energising and tender.

From £175 for 70ml eau de toilette franciskurkdjian.com

 

 

 

 

APOM (A Part Of Me)

‘A carnal eau de parfum with a sensually luminous, radiant, and generous sillage.’

Diving deeper into a gilded trail, this scent is an intimate dialogue between fragrance and skin, where light and warmth unfold in a floral, aromatic amber embrace. The top notes sparkle with bursting freshness of lavender and generous orange blossom, creating an immediately familiar and radiant signature. Ylang-ylang lends sunny brightness, while vanilla and white musks wrap the composition in a soft, airy sillage. It seems to hug the contours of body and personality with a glowing sensuousness.

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

 

Francis Kurkdjian’s Maison creations are a testament to his extraordinary ability to translate light into olfactory poetry. Whether it is the crisp clarity of dawn in Petit Matin, the golden depths of Grand Soir, or the shimmering duality of the Gentle Fluidity duo, each fragrance is a radiant expression of mood and moment. His disciplined routine, early mornings, and orderly mind are reflected in the elegant minimalism and luminous complexity of his scents – a true master of bottling light…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrances for… Feeling Spicy

Spicy scents are the perfect choice for this season, evoking festive feelings without veering into overtly ‘Christmassy’ territory (so you wont end up smelling like a department store’s Christmas Grotto, never fear!) These fragrances offer a sophisticated alternative to the more traditional holiday scents, allowing us to embrace the season’s spirit in a subtler, more refined manner, while feeling fabulously warmed and comforted by their duality of cosiness and boldness.

Spices have of course long been prized in perfumery for their ability to add depth, complexity, and intrigue to fragrances. Their rich history in trade and cultural exchange between East and West has imbued them with an air of exoticism and luxury. In perfumery, spices work wonders by enhancing and blending seamlessly with other ingredients, creating harmonious compositions that are greater than the sum of their parts. For example, spices in a fragrance composition can amplify the warmth of woods, balance the sweetness of florals, and add a zesty kick to fresh citrus notes.

 

 

One such spicy gem is Goldfield & Banks’ Ingenious Ginger, a fragrance that captures the essence of its namesake ingredient in a truly ingenious way. This scent opens with a fizzy, effervescent burst of ginger, reminiscent of a sparkling ginger ale on a hot summer’s day. As it settles, the ginger note evolves, becoming creamier and more nuanced, intertwining with vanilla and amber to create a scent that’s both refreshing and comforting.

£130 for 100ml perfume concentrate selfridges.com

 

 

 

A symphony of spices from the first spritz, Marc-Antoine Barrois B683 captivates your very soul. A bold opening of black pepper and saffron gives way to a heart of violet leaf and amber, all resting on a sumptuous sizzle of chilli, patchouli and sandalwood. This sophisticated fragrance strikes the perfect balance between daring and refinement, making it an essential for your collection.

£110 for 30ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight & Bob’s Egypt takes us on an olfactory journey through time and space, evoking the exotic marketplaces of ancient Egypt. The fragrance opens with a burst of citrusy bergamot and lavender, quickly giving way to a spicy heart of nutmeg and cardamom. As it dries down, the spices mingle with earthy patchouli and creamy sandalwood, creating a scent that’s both mysterious and inviting.

£161 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

THoO’s Neverending is a testament to the longevity and complexity that spices can bring to a fragrance. This scent opens with a peppery punch, softened by the sweetness of pink grapefruit. As it evolves, the spices become more pronounced, with cumin and nutmeg taking centre stage. The drydown reveals a rich, leathery base accented by smooth vanilla, creating a fragrance that truly lives up to its name.

£220 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vyrao’s Mamajuju is a spicy fragrance with a spiritual twist. This scent combines cardamom and pink pepper with earthy saffron and cumin, creating a warm, grounding aroma. The addition of a Herkimer diamond crystal in each bottle is said to amplify the fragrance’s energetic properties, making this a perfect choice for those seeking a scent that nourishes both body and soul.

£160 for 50ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

Finally, Molton Brown’s Re-Charge Black Pepper is a modern classic that showcases the versatility of spicy fragrances. This groundbreaking fragrance (so ahead of its time) opens with a bracing hit of black pepper, tempered by the freshness of bergamot and coriander. As it develops, the pepper note softens, blending with warm amber and cedarwood to create a scent that’s both invigorating and comforting.

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

[PS: You can try a sample of Re-Charge Black Pepper in the Winter box, now shipping from our Seasonal Scent Subscription box: more details here!]

These spicy fragrances offer a sophisticated way to embrace the festive season, providing warmth and cosiness along with a touch of excitement. They demonstrate the enduring appeal of spices in perfumery, showcasing their ability to enhance and harmonise with a wide range of other notes. Whether you prefer your spices fiery and bold or soft and subtle, there’s a fragrance out there to suit every taste and mood.

So this season, why not spice up your scent wardrobe and discover the warmth and intrigue that these fragrances have to offer?

Which amber scents are we wearing for Autumn…?

We don’t know about you, but we’re reaching for our amber fragrances, lately. With their rich, resinous character, amber perfumes are the perfect olfactory companions for autumn. Here we give a quick run-down of what makes a scent part of the ‘amber’ fragrance family, and suggest some glorious modern examples of amber perfumery to try…

 

Firstly: what is an ‘amber’ perfume? Well, these complex creations typically blend labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla to create a soft, sweet, and balsamic accord that wraps around the wearer like a cosy cashmere scarf. Amber fragrances are not only perfect for autumn but will continue to provide solace throughout the winter months. Their warm, enveloping nature serves as a balm for the soul during the coldest, darkest days of the year.

 

amber

 

In the forthcoming Christmas edition of our award-winning magazine, The Scented Letter, we’ll be delving MUCH deeper into the world of amber fragrances. We’ll explore the recent surge in popularity of these comforting scents, tracing the trend back to the first commercial ‘amber’ fragrance. One of our lead features will unravel the confusion surrounding amber resin and ambergris, distinguishing them from the amber accord many perfumers craft for their compositions. We’ve also had the privilege of speaking with some esteemed perfumers about their ideal bespoke amber creations. So, make sure you’re signed up to receive your FREE digital copy of the Christmas edition of The Scented Letter magazine when it lands – it’s going to be a gorgeous feast for the senses!

 

You can also buy fabulous, fragrance-filled back issues of this invaluable guide to the perfume industry in our shop

 

Meanwhile, to whet your appetite for the amber-infused pages to come, let’s explore four contemporary evocations we adore of this beloved amber fragrance family from the past few years…

 

 

 

 

Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Alambar, created by perfumer Enrico Buccella, is a sumptuous interpretation of amber. It opens with a burst of saffron and pink pepper, leading into a heart of rose and geranium. The base is where the amber truly shines, complemented by patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla. This scent is perfect for crisp autumn evenings, its warmth lingering like the last rays of a setting sun.

£50 for 30ml eau de parfum bloomperfume.co.uk

 

 

 

amber

 

Maison Crivelli’s Ambre Chromatique is a modern twist on the classic amber. Perfumer Quentin Bisch crafted a scent that begins with a surprising note of coffee, which melds seamlessly into a heart of iris and violet. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated amber accord, enhanced by sandalwood and patchouli. This amber is ideal for those brisk autumn mornings when you need an extra boost of warmth and energy (and don’t we all?)

£205 for 50ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

amber fragrances

 

Shay & Blue’s Amber Rose is a delightful fusion of floral and amber notes, by perfumer Julie Massé. The scent opens with a lush bouquet of roses, softened by peach and brightened by bergamot. As it develops, the amber emerges, intertwining with sandalwood and patchouli to create a velvety base. Ideal for those who prefer their amber scents not to feel too cloak-like and heavy, it’s for autumn days when the sun still holds some warmth, bridging the gap between summer’s florals and winter’s deeper scents.

£65 for 100ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

 

Atkinsons’ Amber Empire is a truly regal interpretation of amber. It begins with a spicy blend of cardamom and coriander, leading into a heart of jasmine and ylang ylang. The base is a luxurious combination of amber, vanilla, and labdanum, creating a scent that’s both opulent and comforting. Absolutely wonderful to wear on those chilly autumn days (and nights) when you want to feel wrapped in warmth and luxury.

£148 for 100ml eau de parfum atkinsons1799.com

 

As we move further into the cooler (and sometimes freezing!) months, these amber scents offer a sensory reminder of the cosiness and comfort we seek during this time of year. So, as you reach for your favourite jumper and a steaming cup of spiced tea, consider adding an amber fragrance to your autumn and winter wardrobe. It might just become your new seasonal signature…

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Winter Candles & Diffusers to Bring the Outdoors In…

In the winter we can often be pining for the outdoors but feel stuck at home, hardly wanting to crack open a window in gale-force winds, or be able to sit in the garden or take a long walk to feel at one with nature. However, we can bring the feeling and freshness of outdoors inside, and transform the stuffiness and whole atmosphere of a room simply by  switching up our home fragrances via ‘green’ and woody scented candles and fragrance diffusers.

 

Whichever option you plump for, here’s our perfumed pick of perfect home scents to look for right now…

 

 

Cochine Agarwood & Amber Candle £45 for 230g

This rich candle combines agarwood with the warmth of white amber, tuberose and patchouli. Known as ‘Wood of the Gods’, agarwood is highly sought after due to the unique richness of its fragrance, and feels like living in a fairytale forest.

 

 

 

La Montaña Cloudburst Candle £39

Inspired by the mountainside after a summer storm, when the rain clouds part and strong sunshine lances through, stirring up a heavy mist of fragrance. In this haze, notes from our herb garden mingle with fresh citrus. Utterly uplifting!

 

 

 

Stories Parfums Nº.02 Bougie Parfumée Scented Candle Trio £95 for 3

Uniquely splitting the notes of the fine fragrance between three candles, you can dot these around your room to create the ideal harmonious ‘scent-scape’, with velvety moss, moonlit herbs and roses, wisps of smoke and honeyed wood.

 

 

 

Cochine Juniper & Ginger Diffuser £60 

Combining the crisp scent of juniper with the sweet spiciness of ginger, reminiscent of lush, green woods and exotic, evergreen mountains; this uplifting scent has hints of clove, bergamot and patchouli with the freshness of eucalyptus.

 

 

 

 

La Montaña First Light Candle £39 

“On our mountain, at first light, there’s a heavenly fragrance in the air” Founder Cassandra says. “Before anyone starts an engine, or lights a fire, the air is clear, and still, and silent.” Frosted herbs, wild fennel, and a soothing breeze. Blissful.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scenting the Winter Solstice

Marking the rebirth of the sun, and a renewal of hope and lighter days ahead, the Winter Solstice has enthralled cultures around the world for many centuries. That gradual waning of daylight hours – which, oh golly, has felt eternal and gloom-laden – is reversed, and in religious ceremonies, in the alignment of ancient monuments, and in households eager to fling back the curtains, we gratefully welcome the light again.

It takes time, of course, for us to notice the incremental extra minutes, then hours, that we can look to the sky and feel hopeful again; but there are things that can help. A brisk walk in whatever nature you can access (even twice around the block when you’re in a funk) can shake off some of the frosted cobwebs; and a generous spritz of a scent that has somehow captured the midwinter sunshine and magnified it – a perfumed prism of happiness, if you like – is fantastic for an instant uplift. These aren’t the balmy, beachy scents of summer, which can feel a little brash and jolting right now; but the gentle winter sunshine contained within can add a sparkle and genuinely can help boost your mood.

Until the sun feels like it’s in the right place again, please consider seeking these out to help you feel a bit lighter of spirit….

 

 

la montana first light 50ml

La Montaña First Light

A cool gasp of surprise as sunlight sets the top of a mountain ablaze, dew-sparkled fennel, the rosy-green fuzz of geranium and silvery pine needles warmed by a touch of balsam-burnished leather in the base.

£65 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

Moncler Les Sommets Le Solstice

Sun-glistened icicles viewed from the snugness of your luxury wooden cabin in a chic ski-resort. Smooth, powdery iris hugs cool violet and buoyantly radiant musk. It’s sipping Champagne wearing fluffy slippers time!

£175 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

Moncler Sunrise Pour Femme

Moncler have clearly  also been inspired by sunlit mountain peaks (and why wouldn’t you be?) this time the rays ripple through bursts of grapefruit, golden pear, velvety petals and a violet-dusted woodiness that lasts ‘til dusk.

£76 for 60ml eau de parfum houseoffraser.co.uk

 

 

 

Frederic Malle L’Eau d’Hiver

Soothing whispers of endless comfort swirl in exquisite minimalism, a blanket of iris covering frosted hawthorns, radiant hedione glistening through melting icicles, the sun low but bright and rising, slicing through sadness.

£240 for 100ml eau de toilette libertylondon.com

 

 

Edeniste Néroli Sensuel 

Neroli doesn’t have orange blossom’s summer swagger, but it feels like light pouring into a room when the curtains are flung open. Crystalline pear and juicy white musk-swathed peach match the glittering, frosted aura.

£68 for 30ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

Cloon Keen Atelier Frosted Moon

Ethereal moonlight kisses frosted grass, sparkles of ice shards piercing beneath winter’s mantle to vetiver’s welcoming earthiness: spring’s bulbs warmly cocooned.

£120 for 100ml eau de parfum lessenteurs.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Glorious Ginger

Ginger fragrances are definitely having a moment – perhaps we’re simply gravitating toward them more at this time of the year, for their warming spiciness? But ginger can do far more than add a tingle to scent: there’s the juiciness of freshly sliced ginger root for adding an almost aqueous touch to a composition, too.

Many of us are familiar with the beige-skinned, yellow-fleshed fresh spice, which adds pungency to cooking – as the Romans, who first imported it, discovered. Those same roots we love to spice up our food with – rhizomes, to use the perfume world’s word for them – can be steam-distilled to produce this useful scented oil.

Ginger can be variously bracing, uplifting and almost nose-tinglingly spicy, depending on the type (and how much) a perfumer chooses for their formula. And ginger can be very versatile – it pairs beautifully with vanilla, woody notes and citrus, for example; as well as white flowers like jasmine and sunlight-filled neroli. This spice is used quite widely in perfumery – as well as a wide range of foods and medicines, too, produced everywhere from South America to Malaysia, the Caribbean, Japan and Africa.

With many people now enjoying ginger ‘shots’ for a bracing morning drink – using it to clear the cobwebs and ward-off colds – we’re suggesting you seek out these gloriously ginger-spiced scents for a more fragrantly lasting (and just as soul-reviving) boost…

 

When this launched as an eau de parfum, it became a best-seller, setting many hearts aflame. Now the latest to be intensified as an extrait, the orange blossom is a new, buxomly formidable accord developed by Sarah, with caramelised zest and ginger’s zing . A car chase through tuberose fields on fire, she says. Oh MY! Fan me.

Sarah Baker Flame & Fortune Extrait Pre-order for £120 instead of £145 sarahbakerperfumes.com

 

 

Alive with Asian aromatics, tingling like a ginger martini, the succulent mandarin squeezes sweetness onto ginger’s vibrantly quenching, just-grated spiciness. Wrapped in the golden glow of amber, the ginger grows spicier and drier as it warms on skin. Utterly delicious, it seems to segue through all the seasons, seamlessly.

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

(P.S.: Try a sample as part of the Fabulous Fragrances Discovery Box – £23 / £19 for VIPs)

Oh this is much-needed at any time, but never more than in winter! A uniquely spicy green floral that boosts confidence via zingy Ethiopian ginger absolute and crisp pink peppercorn; the fresh spices tingle amidst the verdancy, with gorgeous wafts of Indian jasmine absolute and iris concrete to enhance the instant bliss.

Edeniste Lifeboost Well Being £68 for 30ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

floris-vert-fougere

 

An imagining of a fern in an English garden at twilight, lavender and patchouli entwine galbanum for a damp, earthy beginning. A cool lingering of tempered sunlight is evoked via a bitter-citrus accord of bergamot, neroli and grapefruit, the encroaching darkness cut through with ginger’s sparkle, then grounded in smoky shadows.

Floris Vert Fougére from £30 for 10ml eau de parfum florislondon.com

 

 

 

Exploring the believed ‘psychoactive and spiritual’ facets of oudh, joyous bergamot greets you like a dear friend, a surge of ginger awakening senses before cedar smooths a path to the main feature. When the oudh hits it’s like a bear hug. One to spritz on sluggish mornings when the duvet refuses to release you from its plump embrace.

INITIO Oud for Happiness £305 for 90ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrances For… Feeling Warmer

Seemingly endless grey days of rain and chilliness call for a snuggle of warming fragrances, so we are currently hunkering down with soul-hugging spices and mood-shifting citrus-burst scents that have the power to uplift and slice through ‘meh’ like a hot knife through butter.

Come on, let’s buck-up via these tempting, tingle-laden perfumes…

 

 

 

VYRAO Sun Rae

Seasonally sad? Console yourself with this gloriously uplifting scent – infused with ‘a supercharged Herkimer diamond crystal for clarity and to boost energy levels’, the brilliant Lyn Harris creates her own magic from a ZING! POP! FIZZ! of citrus explosions that feel like you’re being beamed above the clouds with every spritz. Turmeric and black pepper add layers of welcome warmth while bergamot, lemon, and aqueous ginger sparkle like bottled sunshine throughout.

£135 for eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

Try the first fragrances in VYRAO’s collection in travel-size form via their High Five Discovery Set

 

 

Parfums de Marly Althaïr

Eau. My. God. Vanilla lovers, you are going to NEED to get this on your skin. Vanilla naysayers? You’re going to need to try it, too. Swoony Bourbon vanilla (deliciously dark, decadently delicious) will be to blame for your new addiction, generously swirled through tobacco smoke rings, which seduces orange blossoms to embrace praline, convinces sparkling citrus to kiss sizzling spices and swathes guaiac wood in butter-soft leather. Go on, we dare you to succumb.

£230 for 125ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

(PSST! Try a sample of Althaïr in the Fabulous Fragrances Discovery Box – 14 x samples £19 for VIPS / £23 RRP)

 

 

Abercrombie & Fitch Authentic Self Woman

Brilliant in every sense, the vibrant yellow bottle hints at the explosion of freshness within – a zesty wake-up call at a time when spirits may well be flagging, wonderfully enlivened with this welcomingly vivacious gem. Lemon peel, sharp gooseberry and luscious pear get the nose a-tingle before a beautiful bouquet of freesia, jasmine and lily of the valley are mellowed by the woody musk of the base. And look at the price!

£39 for 50ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

AKRO East

Inspired by his frequent travels across the Middle East, perfumer, and co-founder (with his daughter, Anais) Olivier Cresp here explores the love affair with oudh – a note he skilfully coaxes to still surprise. Paired with raspberry, the sharpness slices through the smoky-spiced woodiness, and one can imagine it placed on a burning coal, the sootiness and succulence a marriage made in scented heaven, the fruitiness contrasting yet utterly complimenting the smouldering depths. Quite magnificent.

£220 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

PACO RABANNE Invictus Victory Elixir Parfum Intense

When you need a fragrance that keeps going and powers you forward through any obstacle, this is the one to reach for when spirits are flagging. As Paco Rabanne says, it’s ‘A potent elixir made to push victory beyond limits. The time has come to embrace your moment of immortality.’ A thrust of freshness up top from Provençal lavandin provides aromatic, almost peppery pungency with bursts of green cardamom and mysterious, vanilla-swirled woods as it warms.

£71 for 50ml parfum boots.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Desperately Seeking Sunshine? Try These Orange Blossom Scents!

‘Did you ever sleep in a field of orange-trees in bloom? The air which one inhales deliciously is a quintessence of perfumes. This powerful and sweet smell, as savoury as a sweetmeat, seems to penetrate one, to impregnate, to intoxicate, to induce languor, to bring about a dreamy and somnolent torpor. It is like opium prepared by fairy hands and not by chemists.’

― Guy de Maupassant, 88 Short Stories

Orange blossom is beloved by perfumers in light-filled ‘solar’ scents – a newly emerging category, and a word I’ve found increasingly used for fragrances which aren’t merely fresh, but attempt the alchemy of bottling sunshine. And these fragrances are more welcome than ever when the season’s change means the darkness hits early, the days seem unnaturally shortened, yet somehow endlessly grey. As such, I urge you to seek out these orange blossom scents – SO right for right now!

 

It’s the bitter orange tree we have to thank for these heady white blossoms – one of the most benificent trees in the world, for it also gives us neroli, orange flower water and petitgrain – all utterly unique in smell, from verdant to va-va-voom depending how they are distilled and the quantity used in a fragrance.

Originating from Asia, the bitter orange was introduced to North Africa by crusaders of the VIIth century, and now it’s just six villages in the Nabeul region of Tunisia that provide the majority of the world’s crop. Women do most of the harvesting, the pickers swathed in headscarves climbing treacherously high-looking ladders to reach the very tops of the trees, typically working eight hours a day and gathering around 20,000 (approximately 10kg) of flowers.

 

 

When the blossoms are hydro-distilled – soaked in water before being heated, with volatile materials carried away in the steam to condense and separate – the extracted oil is neroli, the by-product being orange flower water, while petitgrain is the essential oil steam distilled from the leaves and green twigs.

Long steeped in bridal mythology, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, she chose orange blossom to decorate her dress, carried sprigs in her bouquet and even wore a circlet of the blossoms fashioned from gold leaves, white porcelain flowers and green enamelled oranges in her hair. It firmly planted the fashion for ‘blushing brides’ being associated with orange blossom – but this pretty flower can hide a naughty secret beneath its pristine petals…

 

 

While the primly perfect buds might visually convey a sign of innocence, their heady scent can, conversely, bring a lover to their knees with longing. In his novel The Leopard, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa chronicles crossing an orange grove in full flower, describing ‘…the nuptial scent of the blossoms absorbed the rest as a full moon does a landscape… that Islamic perfume evoking houris [beautiful young women] and fleshly joys beyond the grave.’

 

It’s the kind of floral that might signify sunshine and gauzy gowns or veritably snarl with sensuality. Similar to the narcotic addictiveness of jasmine, with something of tuberose’s potency; orange blossom possessses none of that cold, grandiose standoffishness of some white florals: it pulsates, warmly, all the way.

 

Perfumer Alberto Morillas associates the scent of orange blossom with his birthplace: ‘I’m from Seville, when I’m creating a fragrance, all my emotion goes back to my home,’ Alberto told me, talking about his inspiration for his Mizensir Solar Blossom fragrance. ‘You have the sun, the light and water – always a fountain in the middle of the square – and “solar” means your soul is being lifted upwards.’

Oh, how we need that bottled sunshine when summer fades; an almost imperceptible shifting of the light that harkens misty mornings, bejewelled spiderwebs and sudden shivers…

Why not swathe yourself in these light-filled fragrances to huddle against the Stygian gloom? I love wearing them year-round, to remind me sunny days will return, that things will be brighter, presently. I promise.

 

 

Packed full of the brightest orange blossom, swathed in a cloak of earthy moss, soft musk and smooth sandalwood – the creaminess is an addictive layer of warmth. One to swish through leaves while wearing, grinning joyously.

EAU.MG Flor Funk £95 for 50ml eau de parfum

 

 

 

 

A shimmering haze of Moroccan magic, the orange blossom diffused by dusk, a languid sigh of inner contentment that resonates for hours – soothing, weaving its way around your soul and making for a blissful beam of happiness with every spritz..

Sana Jardin Berber Blonde £95 for 100ml

 

 

 

 

 

Waves of orange blossom-infused warmth giving way to fig tea sipped beneath the shade of whispering trees, the memory of laughter, and of bare feet on sun-warmed flagstones, fingers entwined, forever dancing, giddy on sunshine.

Stories No.1 £75 for 30ml eau de parfum

 

 

 

Perfumer Chris Maurice swirls delectable butterscotch and a ripple of dark chocolate through this orange blossom soaked scent. Vibrating with an amber-oudh glow in the base, it’s a scent that will surprise and delight you throughout the dullest of days.

Sarah Baker Gold Spot £145 for 50ml extrait de parfum

 

 

 

Suffused with a stillness that tingles expectantly, there’s a silvered gleam of a wooden boat gliding over a lake – the orange blossom darker here, sweetened a touch with candied peel, mellow greengage segueing to a seaweed-tinged purr of myrrh.

Prosody London Whistle Moon £57 for 30ml eau de Cologne

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale