Monday 19 December 2022

My Favourite Five From 2022

My Favourite Five launches that have been featured on stephanmatthews.com
Every year brings its share of triumphs and disasters, with the latter currently being solely reserved for the revolving door of Prime Ministers that the UK has recently had to endure, but the perfume industry always manages to shine a light in the darkness. 2022 was the first year since lockdown that every company's plans could be relied on to go full steam ahead, and the results have been well worth the wait. So, as we approach the end of 2022, it’s time to look back at twelve months of reviews on stephanmatthews.com and, while once again channelling my inner Blyton, pick My Favourite Five.

Monday 12 December 2022

DYLAN BLUE POUR FEMME by Versace

Dylan Blue Pour Femme perfume bottle by Versace
If you’re in the last throes of Christmas shopping, and the various strikes are proving problematic for those last minute online orders, the answer to your gifting dilemma could be waiting for you on the high street instead. It might be the last place that you’d usually plan on visiting when the crowds start pushing and shoving, but simply stepping out of the “new release” queue could save you a lot of time and a lot of stress. There are thousands of fragrances that, while not “new” to the industry, will be “new” to the recipient, and my top tip for floral lovers is the delicious 2018 Dylan Blue Pour Femme from Versace.

Monday 5 December 2022

My Top Three Diffusers For Christmas 2022

Isle of Skye Candle Company, Born of Botanics and Milan Cento Reed Diffusers
Those scented sticks that sit so comfortably inside your favourite diffuser are just as much a part of Christmas as the more traditional candle, although they’re often unfairly overlooked in the mad rush to suggest fragranced gifts and festive room aromas. We instantly gravitate towards the flickering flame, but there are thousands of reed diffusers that are also perfect for this time of the year. So, whether you’re looking for a seasonal hit of fir trees or an uplifting sparkle of seasonal citrus, I’ve picked out my Top Three Diffusers For Christmas. The only question is, will you be able to part with them?

Monday 28 November 2022

My Top Five Candles For Christmas 2022

Top Five Christmas Candles for 2022
Christmas is just around the corner and the tinsel is about to be cajoled into yet another outing, but that also means it’s time for a little bit of scented seasonal celebration. Every household has their own set of traditions that mark the month-long festivities, and one of mine is my annual recommendation of which piece of flickering magic to have as pride of place in your home this year. We always have our personal favourites, but I’m going to try and get you to try something new. This year sees us travel from Paris to Bonnyrigg via Dorset, so the time has finally arrived to reveal my Top Five Candles for Christmas.

Monday 21 November 2022

GOLD SPOT by Sarah Baker Perfumes

Sarah Baker Perfumes Gold Spot Fragrance Bottle
When we read a book or listen to music, we're in control of the images that are conjured in our minds. From putting a face to the dashing hero or visualising a band as they record your favourite song, the freedom of your imagination is as important as the inspiration itself. When it comes to fragrance it can often be a little more constricting. We’re given the inspiration for the scent and pretty much guided as to how we should feel, but it doesn’t always hold firm. Gold Spot from Sarah Baker Perfumes is intended as an homage to Hollywood glamour but, in my mind, it takes you to the dangerously addictive world of adultery.

Monday 14 November 2022

MACASSAR OIL - The Classic Returns

Bottles of Rowland's and The Dandy Gent's Victorian Macassar Oil
Men’s grooming has always been a potentially profitable business for any company. That is, as long as the products on offer manage to capture the imagination and develop a loyal following. Most men simply buy what they need from the local supermarket or pick it off the shelf of the high street chemist, it's easy, but it wasn’t always like this. Back in the Victorian period, hair and body preparations were displayed in neat rows and embossed glass bottles, and this plastic-free approach is thankfully returning. So, 229 years after it first launched, it’s time to rediscover Rowland’s Macassar Oil courtesy of The Dandy Gent.

Monday 7 November 2022

GREEN SPELL by Eris Parfums

Eris Parfums Green Spell Bottle by Antoine Lie and Barbara Herman
Green scents are for spring, citrus fragrances are for summer, woody perfumes are for autumn and amber concoctions are for winter. This is the rule that many fragrance fans still adhere to with a vengeance, and it’s always surprised me. The point of perfume is that it’s individual and transportive, whether that’s in a physical or emotional sense, so to have a fragrance pigeonholed to a particular season is something that we really need to stop doing. The perfect example is Green Spell from Eris Parfums. Originally thought of as a spring-inspired delight, it’s time to discover why it’s perfect for colder months as well.

Monday 31 October 2022

ABU DHABI by Gallivant

Gallivant Abu Dhabi Perfume Bottle
With many of us having experienced the hottest summer on record, the deepening switch to darker and colder winter months has not been universally welcomed. It may have been hot but we learned to live with it, and so it’s a shock to the system as temperatures start to plummet. If only there was a way to regain a little of that almost forgotten heat. Well luckily there’s help at hand in the form of the latest fragrance release from the travel-inspired Gallivant. With the company having already made numerous successful stops around the world, destination twelve sees us heading for the sand dunes of Abu Dhabi.

Monday 24 October 2022

AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS by Fragonard

The Fragonard Christmas Candles for 2022 that feature Lizzie Riches illustrations
There are certain markers that happen throughout the year that signal a new season or celebration is approaching. This could be leaves changing colour on the trees, the first tips of the daffodils breaking through the soil, or the scent of chocolate as Easter eggs begin to fill the shelves. When it comes to the festive season however, you can’t get a better signal than the launch of the Fragonard Christmas Candle Collection. Every year sees beloved scents temporarily return in newly-inspired packaging, and 2022 is no different. Drawing on their strong relationship with UK audiences, it’s time to discover An English Christmas.

Monday 17 October 2022

SHEM-EL-NESSIM by Grossmith

Shem-el-Nessim Perfume Bottle from Grossmith
There aren't many perfume houses that have managed to survive the journey from historic fragrance to mass market crowd pleaser, because these two styles of scent usually resonate with very different groups. The change often happens because of a change in tastes, but it’s the act of recognising this that can mean the difference between a company continuing or closing. Grossmith is an example of a historic company that survived by cleverly switching to post-war fragrance fashions, but their original perfumes really are still the stuff of legend. Remastered and reinvigorated, it’s time to rediscover the iris-laden Shem-el-Nessim.

Monday 10 October 2022

24 OLD BOND STREET - TRIPLE EXTRACT by Atkinsons

Bottle of Atkinsons 24 Old Bond Street Triple Extract Cologne
As hard as we try, time can often be cruel to both people and companies. The first flush of youth or success can be replaced by a faded lustre and an ageing appearance. Now, people can have a little bit of cosmetic help to regain their sparkle, but reviving a company is a much bigger challenge. Corporate takeovers, selling the company outside of the founder’s family, both of these can see the original ethos reduced to a shadow of its former self. So, when it was announced that Atkinsons was going to get a facelift it was met with a wave of excitement, and 24 Old Bond Street was the glorious result.

Monday 3 October 2022

L'APPARTEMENT DE MADAME DE FLORIAN by Charles Wong

Bottle of L'Appartement de Madame de Florian perfume by Charles Wong
Scent is often described as having the ability to conjure up the memories of long-forgotten people, places and events. However, you’re not always in control of where those memories will take you. It could remind you of the scent of a ex-lover, or bring back images of an old address, but it even has the power to stimulate a little bit of scented time travel. A fragrance that is based on a time or place outside of our own experience runs the risk of being difficult for customers to relate to, but L'Appartement de Madame de Florian from Charles Wong perfectly combines romantic Parisian danger with unexplained mystery from another time.

Monday 26 September 2022

PURE WATER by Paul Guerlain

hej:pure Pure Water perfume bottle
The subject of sustainability and safety is one that goes far beyond just the perfume industry, but that hasn’t stopped it being a major topic of discussion amongst both high street and niche fragrance customers. We’ve all become much more conscious in recent years about what goes in and on our bodies, and companies have tried to address this with both spin and science. It’s often thought that “sustainability and safety” comes at a financial cost, at least that's what we usually see when we get to the checkout, but Müller have smashed this idea with their new hej:pure trio of clean and environmentally-friendly fragrances.

Tuesday 20 September 2022

VICI LEATHER by Electimuss London

Electimuss London Vici Leather Perfume Bottle
There are times when the most carefully thought out product launch, whether that be perfume or literature, can end up taking on a whole new relevance. What starts out as a focused interpretation of a place or time can, without any preconceived intention, become associated with a completely different subject. When Electimuss London decided to launch their newest perfume, Vici Leather, it was designed to sit comfortably within the existing Nero collection. Samples had been sent out, reviewers had been briefed, and then the passing of the longest reigning monarch shone a different light on this new launch.

Monday 12 September 2022

4711 REMIX COLOGNE by Delphine Lebeau

4711 Remix Cologne 2022 Grapefruit Bottle
Every perfume company longs to create a fragrance that stands the test of time. Recent releases are considered timeless if they last ten years, but a scent that manages to reach its two hundred and thirtieth birthday is most definitely legendary. A favourite of soldiers returning from Germany, and possibly the ultimate refreshing cologne, I’m talking about 4711. Originally launched in 1792, the difficulty of following up a worldwide hit is the double edged sword that comes with success. 4711 tackled this head on and when they started their Remix collection, and this year’s grapefruit explosion is destined to continue the tradition.

Monday 5 September 2022

MACHRIE by Arran

Arran Machrie Perfume Bottle
There are times when you probably wish that you could step off the mad roundabout of life for a few moments to catch your breath. We’re constantly pushed and pulled in so many directions that finding time for ourselves can often be difficult. This search for that magic “pause” button is something that gets harder as we get older, and that is when fragrance can really come into its own. The thought of being in open countryside surrounded by symbols from previous centuries would be most people’s dream. However, the dream just became a reality thanks to the windswept and aromatic Machrie from Arran.

Monday 29 August 2022

THE SOINS ESSENTIELS COLECTION by Fragonard

Fragonard Soins Essentiels range of natural and organic skincare
When we think about perfume our thoughts instinctively go to the scented spritz that comes out of our favourite bottle. However, we forget that our daily lives are also scented with everything from fabric softener to shower gel. It’s natural then that customers have started to ask questions about the suitability of fragrance within certain products, and especially within skincare. The scent of your favourite face cream or hand lotion is often as important as the result, but can scent and substance be made to work together? Fragonard have just launched their Soins Essentiels range, and the results are a little piece of Provençal perfection.

Monday 22 August 2022

BOHEMIAN LIME by Goldfield & Banks

Goldfield & Banks Bohemian Lime Perfume Bottle
Summer is the season when people are generally encouraged to switch up their fragrance wardrobes and reach for the effervescent citruses over the more resinous perfumes. Now, I’ve never really believed that scent has a season, it’s the same argument as scent having a gender, and so I’ve always gravitated towards citruses throughout the whole year. There’s nothing nicer than a crisp fragrance on a cold winter’s day, and to find a new citrus that can straddle summer, autumn, winter and spring is always a treat. So, grab your passport because we’re bound for Australia to discover Bohemian Lime from Goldfield & Banks.

Monday 15 August 2022

DOUBLE MYSTERY by Franck Muller

Franck Muller Double Mystery Perfume Bottle and Agatha Christie Five Little Pigs Book
Everybody loves a good mystery, even if we don’t always end up solving it. Whether it’s a TV crime drama or a classic piece of fiction, attempting to follow the clues and unmask the villain is the perfect way to idle away a couple of hours. Now, pairing perfume with literature is nothing new, and many fragrances have been inspired by the characters and settings from famous books, but marking a celebration with one is even more fun. So, it’s time to litteraly mix the undisputed Queen of Crime with the actual hands of time as we discover the ravishingly intriguing Double Mystery from Franck Muller.

Monday 8 August 2022

ZEPHYR by Ruth Mastenbroek

Ruth Mastenbroek Zephyr Perfume Bottle
Fragrance inspiration often sees us travelling to distant shores, ancient periods of history or even literature that we may never have read. It’s these experiences outside of our usual lives that can easily conjure up a sense of mystery or excitement, so it’s not surprising that perfumers regularly call upon them when a new release beckons. Now, what’s distant to one person is actually just around the corner for the next, but the British Isles are definitely not a regular source of inspiration for scent. However, Ruth Mastenbroek has decided to buck this trend with her latest release. So, it’s time for some homegrown excitement courtesy of Zephyr.

Monday 1 August 2022

A SCENTED ADVENTURE IN DORSET

Padua Garden at Keyneston Mill in Dorset
With summer holidays now in full swing, and the weather showing no signs of switching from sunshine to rain, you may have already reached the point of wondering how to fill those long weekends. Mooching around another National Trust property can quickly lose its appeal, and endless days on packed beaches can become a little stale, so what are the options for fragrance fans? After concentrating merely on the scent that comes from a perfume bottle, now is the perfect time to go back to basics. So, grab your lunch box as we enjoy a Blyton-esque "scented adventure in Dorset", and discover two gardens that are well worth a visit.

Monday 25 July 2022

AFTER THE RAIN from Arran

Arran After The Rain Candle and Diffuser
The world of home fragrance is a massive industry, and it’s one that just keeps getting bigger. The idea of creating a scented mood or a feel within our homes has never been more popular, and this was really amplified during the periods of lockdown. That’s why with people still spending so much time inside their homes, for both work and for pleasure, your fragranced environment is so important. Whether that’s uplifting citrus, calming florals, or inspirational woods, the sky really is the limit. One company that have created the ultimate scented home pairing is Arran, and their After The Rain fragrance is as popular as ever.

Monday 18 July 2022

HÉLIOTROPE BLANC by L.T. Piver

L T Piver Héliotrope Blanc Lotion Perfume Bottle
With the weather getting hotter, and people making the most of the sunshine, many are looking at ways to cool down while still smelling fantastic. Now, those living in France, Germany and Spain know exactly how to achieve this, but their traditional approach is still not really embraced by fragrance fans outside of those countries. I’m talking about the wonderfully inexpensive option of liberally splashing on a cologne. Colognes are one of the most cost-effective ways to scent, at the same time as beating the heat, and one of my favourites has always been the legendary Héliotrope Blanc Lotion by L.T. Piver.

Monday 11 July 2022

GREEN ORANGE & CORIANDER DUO by Jo Loves

Jo Loves Green Orange & Coriander Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion Bottles
There are certain names that have become synonymous with particular products, whether that’s fragrance or homeware, because they are acknowledged to be the experts in their fields. This expertise is often the result of spending years honing their craft, but can also include the act of sidestepping from one similar career to the next. One of the biggest examples of this is surely the Queen of Layering, Jo Malone. She built her empire on the basic foundation of providing beautiful scents in a variety of forms, and one of the most popular of these must surely be her famous shower gels and body lotions.

Monday 4 July 2022

BEAU DE PROVENCE by Fragonard

Fragonard Beau de Provence Perfume Bottle
The subject of gender in fragrance is something that is still being discussed at length, and it’s just as vocal in the niche sector as it is in the high street. The fragrances that you’ll find in the department stores are clearly split into masculine, feminine and unisex because this helps to guide customers to their “safe” choice. The more independent boutiques will split by fragrance family or style, but this does mean that the customer has to take a much bigger journey of discovery. It’s very hard for established companies to break this cycle, but that is exactly what Fragonard have done with Beau de Provence.

Monday 27 June 2022

ABODE MIST INTENSE TRIO by Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward Abode Mist Intense Trio Box
Jonathan Ward
has built his reputation on being the finest candle maker in the United Kingdom, and so it’s no surprise that his fragrances can be found burning brightly in the lobby of Britain’s iconic Claridge’s Hotel. With a spectacular attention to detail, from the packaging right through to the scent, he truly is a master of his craft. His candles eventually spawned his equally amazing diffusers and, in a final touch of artistic ambience, matching room mists also arrived. With summer not always about citrus, it’s time to discover Jonathan’s newest pocket-sized trio of his ever-popular Abode Mist Intense collection.

Monday 13 June 2022

TEA ROAD by Momento Perfumery

Picture of a Momento Perfumery Tea Road Fragrance Bottle
When a new niche perfume company launches it’s often off the back of a single successful fragrance that has grabbed the public’s attention. While his can guarantee an initial flurry of orders and reviews, the inevitable follow up fragrance is often the make or break for the brand. Will it stand up to the promise shown by the first release? Launching instead with a small curated collection can minimise some of these fears, and allow customers to find their own favourite, and that is exactly what Mladen Dragic did with Momento Perfumery. So, with five fragrances in the range, why was I drawn to the delicious Tea Road?

Monday 6 June 2022

WHISTLER by Wild Coast Perfumery

Wild Coast Perfumery bottle of Whistler perfume
The world of natural fragrances is one that increases every year as more companies try to carve out a little piece of the market. With quantity comes choice, but it doesn’t always equate to quality. Natural fragrances can easily veer into heavy and overbearing territory due to the complexity and richness of the ingredients, with the result being a dense fragrance that lacks a feeling of space. However, there are perfumers that have managed to combine both the natural and expansive aspects. One such perfumer is Laurie Arbuthnot of Wild Coast Perfumery, and her tuberose-focused Whistler is a springtime delight.

Monday 30 May 2022

CAREYS SECRET GARDEN by ånd fragrance

Carey's Secret Garden fragrance bottle called The Orangery by Simon Constantine
There can’t be many people that haven’t, at some point in their lives, wished that they could momentarily escape from the world by disappearing into their own private space. That wonderful thought of tranquillity and nature rubbing along with each other hand in hand. This idea of an undisturbed place was immortalised in Frances Hodgson Burnett‘s famous 1911 book, the Secret Garden. Now,
Simon Constantine’s discovery of his “secret garden” was just as exciting, although a little less manicured, and he’s chosen to immortalise it in a strictly limited edition perfume release. So, are you ready to hunt out the green door in the ivy?

Monday 23 May 2022

DŪMBO by THE 5TH

DŪMBO perfume bottle from the company called THE 5TH
The words “niche”, “wearable” and “fragrance” are not always found in the same sentence. Many fragrance fans delight in hunting out a perfume that isn’t on the high street but, in doing so, occasionally end up purchasing something that will rarely be worn. Yes, the craftsmanship will be appreciated and discussed at length with likeminded fans, but it may struggle to find its place in the purchaser’s everyday line-up. There’s nothing wrong with a niche fragrance being wearable, and it doesn’t always have to pack a boxer’s punch, so it was great to find exactly this combination in the recently launched DŪMBO from THE 5TH.

Monday 16 May 2022

COTTAGE GARDEN by Karen Timson

Karen Timson Cottage Garden Candle
One of the industries that has seen phenomenal growth in recent years has been candles. This was partly driven by individuals starting up during the pandemic as a way of earning extra money but, even with this now behind us, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of a slowdown. However, from expensive luxury brands to the more modest home kitchen ones, the selection of scents and their performance varies dramatically. This is why hunting out a truly excellent and versatile candle is always a challenge. Cottage Garden by Karen Timson is the latest to join an already saturated marketplace, but this one is pretty special.

Monday 9 May 2022

SUMARA by Barry Gibson

Sumara bottle from The Art of the Perfumery, which is based on Eau de Lubin
The perfume industry is a fast paced environment where the focus is usually on the future rather than the past. Companies race to find the latest trend or the newest ingredient, and so perfumes from history are often relegated to the archives. Barry Gibson is a name that's familiar to vintage scent lovers as the man who brought back The Crown Perfumery, which later became Clive Christian. He breathed new life into the company’s forgotten fragrances but, once it was sold to Clive, they were forgotten once more. However, Barry Gibson is back with The Art of the Perfumer, and vintage perfume lovers are once again about to go wild.

Monday 2 May 2022

VETIVER by Terres Dorees

A bottle of Vetiver fragrance by Terre Dorees
One of the great things about being able to travel is that it unlocks the possibility of making perfume discoveries in foreign city side streets. You may come across a brand that's specific to a country, perhaps one that's still in its infancy, or even a fragrance house that is determined to remain a hidden treasure. Whatever the reason, spending some time off the beaten track is guaranteed to uncover exciting surprises. A great example of this is the South of France’s Terres Dorees. Originally located in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but also found in Nice’s old town, it’s time to go back to basics with their exciting Vetiver.

Monday 25 April 2022

MOSS & ADAMS - The Great British Collection

Moss & Adams Handwash Collection Bottles
Fragrance is always thought of as the one item that can immediately cheer you up if you’re feeling down and even give you confidence if you’re feeling unsure. It’s part of our everyday armoury but, for many, it’s no longer an essential. With inflation and energy bills currently going through the roof, and perfume beginning to be considered an extravagance, the good news is that there’s an alternative. The past few years have seen us washing our hands more than ever before, and this is the inexpensive way for you to easily add scent into your daily life. That’s why it's the perfect time to discover the Moss & Adams collection.

Monday 18 April 2022

BLACK CAVIAR by Electimuss London

Black Caviar perfume bottle by Electimuss London
The word “luxury” is one that is used very freely in the world of perfume, but it doesn’t always feel as though it suits every intended subject. There are many aspects that can let the whole experience down. This could be an ill-thought-out piece of packaging or, in some instances, scents that don’t live up to expectations. To be a truly luxury brand you need all of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle to fit together perfectly. One of the most recent examples of a company that has got it exactly right is
Electimuss London. Now in its seventh successful year, let’s go back to the beginning and rediscover the indulgently decadent Black Caviar.

Monday 11 April 2022

RAW GOLD by Thomas De Monaco

Attempting to make changes to an established industry is always difficult, especially when we’re talking about the perfume industry. There are so many expected stages, including everything from the process to the final reveal, that it can often feel like a new fragrance is just the latest off a conveyer belt of launches. There are companies and individuals fighting this perception, actively trying to do things differently, and their successes absolutely deserve to be celebrated. One such partnership is Thomas De Monaco and Fredrik Dalman. They’ve challenged both convention and communication in their first joint venture, Raw Gold.

Monday 4 April 2022

LOWBROW JAZZ by Elementary

The launch of a new fragrance company is often accompanied by a “bells and whistles” approach to marketing, and the inevitable combined saturation of every social media channel. It absolutely gets you noticed, and very quickly, but whether this initial interest is lasting is another thing. That’s why more and more companies are taking the slow and steady approach, in the hope that they will create loyal customers that are genuinely interested in the brand. Elementary did exactly this when they launched at the end of 2019 and, now in their third year, it’s time to revisit the creative duo and rediscover Lowbrow Jazz.

Monday 28 March 2022

FIOLE - The Virtual Perfumery

Every time you speak with a member of staff in a department store, or pick up one of the various perfume discovery boxes that are available, your recommendations will often be decided “for” you rather than “with” you. The sales assistant may be on commission for a certain brand, the boxes may be filled with what’s available rather than what’s requested, and so it’s not really a true indication of what suits you. In-depth and unbiased perfume consultations are available in some stores, but what happens if you’re not near one of them? Enter Fiole, which promises to be “the world’s first virtual perfumery”.

Monday 21 March 2022

FÅR by ånd fragrance

Whenever I interview people for “Stephan’s Six”, the question about their first scent memory often gravitates towards deliciously scented food. The aroma of fresh bread, the sweet scent of buttercream, or even zesty homemade lemonade, these subconscious childhood fragrances can really shape our future perfume preferences. No one can forget the experience of biting into an unripe gooseberry, or getting to lick the uncooked cake mix off the spatula, so finding all of these sensations combined in a perfume is an unexpected treat. Får from ånd fragrance is the latest in their collection, and it’s every Bake Off fan’s dream.

Monday 14 March 2022

HALSTON 1-12 by Halston

When we talk about the newest fragrance, or the latest must-have release, our thoughts will instantly turn to those images of the bottles that we’ve seen in magazines or online. We instinctively look forward at what is to come, but there is a treasure trove of perfumes that are also waiting for us in the past. The idea of “newness” is often confused with “latest” but, if you stop and think about it, everything is “new” to someone. With finances getting a little tighter, some historic searching can turn up some fantastic fragrances at inexpensive prices. So, with that in mind, it’s time to rediscover Halston 1-12.

Monday 7 March 2022

FLEUR VERTE by 1000 Flowers

I’ve never been able to pin down a particular season that I love over the others, and I think that’s because each of the four have their own individual appeal. Summer is the time for hot weather and shorts, autumn means watching the leaves turn from green to brown, and winter definitely sees the appearance of Christmas trees and spices. However, spring always feels like it’s the start of something new. The first blossoms on the tree, the daffodils pushing through, but all with a very present touch of crispness in the air. We’re not far off the start of spring now, so what better way to get in the mood than with Fleur Verte from 1000 Flowers.

Monday 28 February 2022

EAU DES DÉLICES by Le Jardin Retrouvé

If the past two years have taught us anything then it’s surely the importance of space. We all spent so much time stuck at home that it gave us a much-needed opportunity to look around at a lifetime of amassed belongings and ask, “Do I really need all of this?” In the world of perfume we’re always encouraged to go bigger and invest in the largest size, whether we want it or not, but a few companies are thankfully starting to go in the other direction. Le Jardin Retrouvé has just launched a new 15ml size in all of their fragrances, and there’s no better way to try out this space saver than with the classic Eau des Délices.

Monday 21 February 2022

BELLA BERGAMOTTA by Ancienne Ambiance

If you’ve had the same weekend that I’ve had then it’s mostly been spent worrying what Storm Eunice was planning to inflict upon us. I got off fairly lightly, four ridge tiles crashed down off the main roof and landed on the kitchen extension, but it did mean that there was a definite need for something that could provide a little additional calm and relaxation. With the insurance claim under way, I turned to the gentle flicker of a candle flame. Luckily for us all, Ancienne Ambiance have the limited edition Bella Bergamotta to soothe away our troubles, but you’ll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on one.

Monday 14 February 2022

IRIZOM by Prestige de Menton

When we think of the word “niche” our minds almost immediately start seeing pounds signs and three figure sums. A company that isn’t part of a major corporation will of course have extra costs, and these often end up being transferred to the customer. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. If the bottle isn’t the most expensive looking, or the box is perhaps a little basic, isn’t it the contents that are the most important? Prestige de Menton is a well-known perfume brand in the south of France and celebrates its 75th birthday this year. So, there's never been a better time to rediscover Irizom.

Monday 7 February 2022

MYSTÈRE VETIVERT by The Perfumer's Story

One of the hardest things to decide as a perfume company is how you’re going to tell your story to the customers. The fragrances aren’t always enough by themselves. Sometimes it’s that little extra piece of information that will turn a browser into a purchaser. Getting it wrong at the beginning can often be difficult to correct at a later date, and so it’s always worth making sure that you’re 100% happy with your decision. One company that absolutely nailed this was The Perfumer’s Story and, as we approach their seventh birthday, it’s time to go back to the beginning and rediscover Mystère Vetivert.

Monday 31 January 2022

4711 REMIX COLOGNE by Nathalie Lorson

When a company tries to reinvent itself for a new generation the results can often be decidedly mixed. The brand may veer off into unfamiliar territory or accidentally alienate their current customers, neither of which is a desirable outcome. One company that have absolutely achieved this reinvention however is 4711. Arguably the most famous cologne in the world, their yearly limited edition Remix Cologne collection continues to captivate both existing and new fans, to the extent that it’s now become a permanent addition to the catalogue. So, let’s get up to speed by discovering the 2021 edition, and join in the celebration of neroli.

Monday 24 January 2022

THE CONFIDENCE COLLECTION by Leighton Denny

Fragrances always used to come with a massive amount of “upper class” baggage and about as much fun as a wet weekend in Woking. So, as the celebrity scents started to break the monopoly on the big high street regulars, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when the playfulness finally arrived. Now, celebrity fragrances have dramatically altered over the years, with many now having no direct involvement from the actual "name", but that is certainly not true of the latest trio from the King of Nails, Leighton Denny. With a FiFi award already under his belt, it’s time to discover his new Confidence Collection.

Monday 17 January 2022

EGLANTINE by Fragonard

With every new year comes a new selection of perfume releases, and 2022 shows no signs of disappointing. From Guerlain right through to Jo Malone London, this year’s latest launches have been created, bottled and are waiting to be unveiled to the public. However, even though we may only just be coming out of the Christmas period, one company have already revealed their newest fragrance. The latest addition to Fragonard’s Flower of the Year collection is Eglantine and, in the clever hands of perfumer Karine Dubreuil, you will be powerless to resist it. So, you'd better get ready for a well-timed rose resurgence.

Monday 10 January 2022

KANSAS by Jonathan Ward

The past two years will live in people’s memories for the rest of their lives. The world saw one of its biggest upheavals and, after having displayed a “me first” approach to life for far too long, households found themselves reconnecting with their neighbours and communities. How long this ultimately lasts has yet to be seen, but it definitely feels as though many have exited the storm into this new world with a determination to build on newfound ideals and beliefs. This realisation deserved to be celebrated, and that’s exactly what Jonathan Ward has done with his long-awaited debut fragrance Kansas.