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.
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.
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?
