Tea in a fragrance is almost as refreshing as in a china cup. Notes reminiscent of this favourite, soul-restoring beverage made from the dried leaves of the Camellia Sinensis on plantation slopes – have made their way into an increasing number of compositions over the years
Sometimes, of course, the tea note required is deeper, darker, smoky and more complex, for there are as many types of tea in fragrant form as there are scented brews to sup, and so perfumers can weave these richer layers into their tea fragrances. Whichever strength you choose, the effect is always uplifting and, we find, supremely comforting amidst the current chaos of the world. So, however you take yours, make sure to seek out some of these tea-centric scents this season…
It’s remained an absolute modern classic since it was first launched in 1999 – but did you know the perfumer was none other than Francis Kurkdjian? It totally makes sense, now, knowing his personal penchant for radiant, spacious scents. Soothingly herbaceous and totally uplifting, refresh your senses with rhubarb, mint and orange-infused green tea above the powdery sophistication of carnation, musk and a lightly glowing base of amber and oakmoss. Always pleasing.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea £16.99 for 100ml eau de toilette
theperfumeshop.com
How many times have you let yourself be well and truly enticed by a fragrance wafting from a cafe terrace?’ asks Jovoy owner and Creative Director, Francois Henin. Not nearly often enough for our liking, so we’re give in to the seductive delights of milky chai tea spiced with cardamom and ginger, as the floral breeze of frangipani flowers drifts towards you on tendrils of sun-warmed airiness.
Jovoy Paris Remember Me £130 for 100ml eau de parfum
Jovoy Mafair
With a rich (and Royal) heritage, Floris marked Her Majesty’s Jubilee year with this fittingly timeless fragrance, now a fond fragrant tribute. Intriguingly melding the cool powder of orris to the comforting note of oats, sparkling blackcurrant and lime add vibrancy atop a perfect bouquet of roses. Amidst the prettiness, verdant violet leaves and herbaceous clary sage bring nature to the fore while black tea, cedar and amber provide a soothing, always stable base to rely on.
Floris Platinum 22 £200 for 100ml eau de parfum
florislondon.com
An intensified version of the original, patchouli has been invited to the party, a seamless ripple of noir that nuzzles at the silkiness of sandalwood and nutty tonka in the base. Cool cardamom slinks throughout, combined with smoky black tea, Bourbon vetiver, a lick of fig milk and dusting of orris. Wearing this, we know those who’ve been followed around supermarkets, begged to reveal their addictive scent.
BDK Parfums Gris Charnel Extrait £220 for 100ml extrait de parfum
selfridges.com
Celebrating the historic places where the art of perfumery was born, spiriting us to the ‘desert winds and golden amber sands’ of the ancient ‘lost city’ of Petra, Penhaligon’s entice adventurers to continue their fragrant explorations via this vivaciously nostalgic, mystically beguiling composition. Sweet fennel fronds brush bright bergamot, an incense-infused trail of green tea refreshes, while rivulets of liquid myrrh purr in the base.
Penhaligon’s The Legacy of Petra £190 for 100ml eau de parfum
penhaligons.com
We’ve a partiality toward Lapsang Souchong, and many an issue of the magazine has been powered by its reassuring strength. Carlos Huber developed this tribute with Calice Becker – plumes of aromatic smoke swirling through a forest, merging with temple incense and melding to the dramatic Wuyi Mountains vista. Magnificent! We were fascinated to learn from Arquiste the tea was developed by fleeing monks in 1646, preserving their leafy crops by smoking them over pinewood.
Arquiste Indigo Smoke £170 for 100ml eau de parfum
fiole.co.uk
Written by Suzy Nightingale
