There are certain rituals that can provide us with a momentary step away from the daily grind and, in a world where “me time” is becoming more of a rarity, can also help to reset our senses. I’m talking about the humble act of washing our hands. From the days of the famous Coal Tar Soap right through to the more modern perfume-inspired offerings, the release of scent that comes from plunging your hands and the bar into water is the perfect way to achieve fragranced cleanliness. So, in an effort to get you to ditch the hand washes and reconnect with this simple pleasure, it’s time for me to share my favourite five.
The United Kingdom and Ireland has, between them, the most standing stones and stone circles in the world. However, with Scotland and Cornwall featuring high in the listings, there’s clearly a Celtic thread. The meaning of them has become lost over the centuries, with popular theories being markers or ceremonial spaces, but one thing is clear about them all - they all have an energy and a connection with the past that is palpable. The vibrations that many pick up on are said to be the energies of past gatherings and occurrences, whether that be peaceful or otherwise, and this is perfectly realised in the new perfume Spirit from Vallense.
There are certain products that, with the best will in the world, seem to defy reinvention. Companies are constantly tweaking bestsellers, adapting award-winners, even persuading customers that the same offering is somehow “new and improved”. It takes a real visionary to look beyond the tried-and-tested, and create something that pushes the accepted norm into a whole new realm. Unsurprisingly, the latest break-through product comes from an independent creator. Jonathan Ward has reinvented the diffuser, thrown in a generous splash of creativity, and is set to scent the season with his new Hermitage Noel Pourri Mouillé.
The horizon is something that often reignites memories, brings thoughts into focus, or even forces us to confront challenges that have lain buried. Looking out onto an expanse of ocean, rolling fields, or even deserts, unlocks feelings and emotions in a way that feels private and unobstructed. This idea of “vastness” has often found itself as part of the inspiration for perfumes, because with vastness comes expanse, and with expanse comes volume. The fashion for voluminous, head-turning fragrances shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, and Soki London has definitely delivered with their new release. All hail Cleopatra.
