Stephan Matthews

Monday, 2 November 2026

Three Scented Hand Washes for Winter

Three bottles of hand wash by C.Atherley, Bronnley and William Morris At Home

There was a time when every sink in the country had a bar of soap sitting beside it, usually in a dish that needed cleaning almost as often as your hands. Then along came liquid hand washes and, before we all knew it, the humble soap bar had some serious competition. Both do exactly the same job, but the addition of beautiful fragrances and attractive packaging has really turned handwashing into something a little more indulgent. With winter fast approaching, it's a good opportunity to change the scents around the house and introduce something that brings a little extra pleasure to this everyday routine.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 29 October 2026

MUSCAT by Ormonde Jayne

As autumn draws to a close, there’s a definite change in the air. The days are shorter, the temperatures are falling, and the lighter fragrances of summer seem less appealing than something with a little more warmth. It’s a particularly good time to explore La Route de la Soie, the collection from Ormonde Jayne inspired by the ancient Silk Road and the extraordinary exchange of ingredients, cultures and ideas along its trading routes. With fragrances drawing on everything from exotic flowers to spices and resins, there’s plenty to discover as winter approaches. One that feels especially appropriate for the season is Muscat.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 26 October 2026

KING'S SALUTE by Grossmith London

A bottle of the perfume King's Salute from Grossmith London

Fragrance and nobility have long enjoyed a close relationship. Perfume has been associated with wealth, ceremony and the art of making an impression, so it's hardly surprising that royalty has inspired special creations. From Guerlain’s Shalimar, with its associations to an Indian emperor’s love story, to Creed’s Royal Princess Oud, inspired by royal elegance, fragrance can capture a world beyond the everyday. Sometimes the inspiration is a person, a place or a moment in history, and the stories we attach to them. For Grossmith, this connection with royalty is part of its own story, and continues with King’s Salute.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 22 October 2026

ORIGINAL EAU DE COLOGNE by Farina

A bottle of the Original Eau de Cologne from Farina

There are many claims made in the perfume world that companies are “the original”, “the trendsetter”, “the pioneer”, but these often end up being merely cleverly-created marketing. Making a customer feel as though they're in possession of something that is, or will be, timeless is the goal of every brand when they launch a fragrance. However, when you have a documented history stretching back to 1709 then you really can shout about your achievement. Farina is the originator of the Eau de Cologne and, after too many years of under-appreciation, the company are once again triumphantly shouting about their famous creation.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 19 October 2026

A FLAME IN YOUR HEART by 4160 Tuesdays

The dramatic growth of independent perfumers and niche brands shows no signs of slowing any time soon. Whilst this offers wonderful choice from which customers can discover new creators and fragrances, it also brings the inevitable “rush to market” scents and “pop-up companies”. These often disappear as quickly as they arrive, and finding a permanent place within the perfume industry becomes harder with each year that passes. One company that has trailblazed British niche perfumery, and continues to be a benchmark for creativity, is 4160 Tuesdays. So, what better way to celebrate this than with A Flame In Your Heart.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 15 October 2026

FÉMINITÉ DU BOIS by Serge Lutens

What makes a modern-day classic? It’s a question that gets asked a lot in perfume, particularly when the shelves are filled with new launches every week. Mitsouko and Chanel No.5 have had decades to earn their legendary status, but a new generation is now beginning to share the spotlight. Creed Aventus is a good example, having become instantly recognisable and hugely influential in a relatively short space of time. For me, a modern classic needs something more than popularity. It needs character, originality and the ability to keep surprising us. Féminité du Bois by Serge Lutens definitely ticks all three boxes.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 12 October 2026

JACK by Richard E. Grant

A bottle of Jack perfume by Richard E. Grant

There’s a big difference between having your name on a perfume bottle and knowing what goes into it. Celebrity scents have become a familiar sight, although the famous face on the box often has little involvement beyond it. Richard E. Grant had something very different in mind when he created Jack Perfume. He financed the business himself and became involved in everything from fragrance development and testing to packaging and launch. More importantly, he wanted to create something that reflected his lifelong fascination with scent. The result was Jack, a fragrance that was personal from the beginning.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Saturday, 10 October 2026

When Did We Stop Smelling Perfume Before Buying It?

When did we stop smelling perfume before buying it?

It's a strange question because perfume is one of the few things we buy that we can't really understand until we experience it. You can read every word written about a fragrance, look at the bottle, watch a video and listen to someone describe how it develops on skin, but none of that can tell you exactly what it will smell like to you. And yet we now discover perfume in all sorts of ways before we ever put it on our skin.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Friday, 9 October 2026

The Smell We Leave on Our Clothes

I've caught myself smelling my own clothes and wondered what exactly I was checking.

It usually happens without thinking. You pick up a jumper, a shirt or a coat and bring it towards your nose. Perhaps you're deciding whether it needs washing. Perhaps you're checking whether the perfume you wore earlier is still there. Or perhaps you've no real reason at all. You simply smell it. It's one of those tiny things we do that makes perfect sense while we're doing it, but becomes rather strange if we stop to think about it. We don't normally stand around smelling our clothes for pleasure. Yet the moment something familiar reaches our nose, we seem to want to know what it smells like.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 8 October 2026

The Perfume We Inherit

I don't think we choose all the smells we love.

We like to think we do. We stand in front of a collection of perfumes and decide which ones suit us, which ones we want to wear and which ones we could happily leave on the shelf. We read about ingredients, discover new brands and develop our own preferences. Eventually, we become quite certain about what we like. I know the kinds of fragrances I'm drawn towards, and I've spent enough time around perfume to think I understand why. But long before we know what bergamot or vetiver smells like, we've already started learning what feels familiar.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Why Do We Smell the Cap?

I've no idea why I smell the cap.

The perfume has already been sprayed. I've smelled it on my skin. I know what it smells like. And yet, almost without thinking, I pick up the cap and put it under my nose. It's a tiny ritual that serves no obvious purpose, but anyone who loves perfume will probably recognise it. Spray the fragrance, smell the skin, then smell the cap as though it might have a second opinion. Of course, it doesn't. The perfume on our skin is the real experience, warmer, more personal and constantly changing. The cap is simply holding a little of what was left behind.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Whatever Happened to the Signature Scent?

I wonder if we've lost the ability to smell like ourselves.

There was a time when a fragrance could become part of your identity simply through repetition. You found something you loved, wore it often and, eventually, it stopped being just a perfume. It became your perfume. People knew it was you before they saw you. Friends associated it with you. Years later, they might smell it again and immediately think of you, even if you hadn't crossed their mind for years. The idea of a signature scent has always interested me because it suggests something more profound than having a favourite perfume. A favourite is something you enjoy wearing. A signature is something that has become part of who you are. The difference is repetition. You have to wear a fragrance often enough, and for long enough, for it to become woven into everyday life.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 5 October 2026

The Smell of Someone You Love

I know what the people I love smell like. I've never really asked myself how I know.

It's one of those things we learn without realising we're learning it. You can walk into a room and know that someone familiar has been there before you've seen them. It might be their perfume, but often it's not. It could be the smell of their hair, their clothes, their soap, or the faint trace of whatever they've been doing that day. Gradually, all these things become so closely associated with a person that they're difficult to separate. We never sit down and commit the details to memory. Somehow, we just know.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 28 September 2026

The William Morris At Home Kitchen Garden Collection

The William Morris At Home Kitchen Trio - the Sunlit Tomato Candle, the Hand Wash and the Hand Lotion

There’s something wonderfully atmospheric about a kitchen in use. Coffee brewing in the morning, herbs being chopped, and something slowly cooking on the hob all bring their own aromas to the room. Scent is naturally part of the experience, so the products we use can add to it too. A beautifully fragranced hand wash and lotion turns an everyday moment into something more luxurious, while lighting a candle as you cook can change the mood. The kitchen may be one of the most practical rooms in the home, but it can still be beautiful. That idea fits perfectly with Heathcote & Ivory’s William Morris At Home Kitchen Garden collection.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 21 September 2026

NINTH WAVE by Neshama

A bottle of the perfume Ninth Wave from Neshama

Niche perfumery has come a long way from being the slightly eccentric alternative to the big fragrance houses. Fragrance has been one of beauty's great success stories, growing by around 8% a year in recent years, and it’s expected to continue growing by about 6% annually into 2030. High-end niche fragrances are expected to be one of the biggest drivers, and it's easy to see why; smaller houses can take risks, use unusual materials and create perfumes that don't have to appeal to everyone. Luca Turin has enthusiastically said, “I think it's terrific – the more the better,” and Neshama's Ninth Wave is a perfect example.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 14 September 2026

SOAP POETRY - Where Literature Meets Fragrance

Three soaps from the Soap Poetry company - Pride And Prejudice, Jane Eyre and The Secret Garden

There are plenty of ways to find a little scented relaxation during the day, even when life seems determined to keep us busy. A beautifully scented hand wash, a favourite body lotion or a few extra minutes in the shower can turn an everyday routine into something rather more enjoyable. It's a bit like settling down with a good book. For a while, everything else can wait, and you allow yourself to be transported somewhere else. As a book lover, perhaps that's why I find the idea behind Soap Poetry so appealing. It takes two things that have always made me slow down, fragrance and literature, and brings them together perfectly.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 7 September 2026

CORNISH BLOOM by Mor & Meadow

A bottle of Cornish Bloom from Mor & Meadow

Fragrance in skincare has traditionally been seen as something of an added extra. A beautifully scented cream or lotion might make the experience more enjoyable, but the fragrance itself rarely contributes to what the product is actually trying to achieve. Skincare looks after the skin, while scent appeals to our emotions and senses. However, those boundaries are increasingly disappearing as companies explore how the scented ingredients can also add to the product's potency. One new British brand taking this idea in an interesting direction is Mor & Meadow, beginning its story with the beautifully conceived Cornish Bloom.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 31 August 2026

ROLLR - The New Deoderant

Fragrance is all around us, often in places we barely give a second thought. It’s in the shower gel we use first thing, the fabric conditioner that makes freshly washed clothes smell so good, and even the hand wash sitting beside the sink. Fine fragrance might get most of the attention, but functional fragrance is just as much a part of our everyday lives. In fact, there’s an argument that one scented product gets closer to our skin, more regularly, than almost anything else. Deodorant is there every day, so why shouldn’t it be something we actually enjoy using? That’s where London-based Rollr comes into the picture.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 24 August 2026

SWEET PEA by Heathcote & Ivory

A bottle of the Heathcote & Ivory perfume Sweet Pea

With autumn approaching, it’s nice to hold on to a touch of summer. Autumn is associated with woody scents, and occasionally green notes, so finding a perfume that combines floral aspects with fresh, leafy nuances is a real treat. Sweet pea is a quintessentially British garden flower, bringing memories of sunny days, colourful borders and freshly cut stems. It has a delicacy that feels suited to the changing seasons, when summer is lingering but cooler days are beginning to arrive, and that makes the new fragrance from Heathcote & Ivory such an exciting discovery. Sweet Pea is a beautifully bright floral with a distinctly fresh character.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 17 August 2026

ROSMARINUS by Careys Secret Garden

A bottle of Rosmarinus Eau de Cologne by Simon Constantine for Careys Secret Garden

There's something comforting about keeping things simple. In a world where everything seems to demand more, some of life’s greatest pleasures can be found in the uncomplicated things. A quiet walk, a cup of tea, or simply enjoying a fragrance that doesn’t shout for attention. Perhaps this is why simpler perfumes are finding a place within the new idea of “slow perfumery”, where part of the pleasure comes from taking time to appreciate the materials themselves. There's something refreshingly honest about that approach, and Rosmarinus from Simon Constantine and Careys Secret Garden captures it perfectly.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 3 August 2026

LEMON EAU FRAÎCHE by Bronnley

The bottle and box for Bronnley's Lemon Eau Fraîche

British heritage brands occupy a unique place in the world of fragrance. They don't rely on passing trends or clever marketing, because their reputations have been built on decades of consistently producing products that people return to time and time again. Citrus has always occupied a special place in that tradition, but few British brands have championed it quite like Bronnley. For more than 140 years, the company has been known for quality, craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Now, with their new alcohol-free Lemon Eau Fraîche, that enduring legacy continues with a fragrance designed for modern living and warm-weather escapes.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 20 July 2026

4711 PORTUGAL by 4711

A bottle of 4711 Portugal Eau de Toilette

Few ingredients capture the feeling of summer quite like citrus. Bright, sparkling and uplifting, notes such as lemon, bergamot and orange have the ability to conjure a burst of sunshine, making them a natural choice for warmer days. However, while citrus fragrances are often associated with freshness and simplicity, adding aromatic herbs and gentle woods can completely transform their character. These deeper notes add texture, warmth and longevity, creating a fragrance that still feels bright and refreshing, but with a complexity that moves beyond the boundaries of a simple summer scent. One such example is Portugal from 4711.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 6 July 2026

EAU DES VACANCES by Fragonard

Certain scents have an incredible way of whisking you straight back to your favourite summer holiday. A splash of coconut might remind you of sun cream on a golden beach, while salty sea notes bring back breezy walks along the coast. Juicy citrus can transport you to lazy afternoons in Italy, sipping fresh lemonade beneath orange trees, and tropical fruits instantly evoke poolside cocktails and warm evenings. Fragrance has a unique connection to memory, making it one of the easiest ways to relive those carefree moments. That’s why one spritz of Eau des Vacances from Fragonard can capture the feeling of sunshine and adventure.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 29 June 2026

L'EAU DE ROSE by 1000 Flowers

A bottle of L'eau de Rose from 1000 Flowers and Jessica Buchanan

When an existing perfume company is looking to extend their fragrance collection, it more than often ends up taking the form of a complex new scent. However, that doesn’t always need to be the case. Many ingredients that are used in perfumery can be thought of as a fragrance in themselves, made up of a multitude of facets, and so the decision to launch a singular floral water can be a welcome change. That is exactly what Jessica Buchanan of 1000 Flowers has done with her L’eau de Rose, and the result is an uplifting scent that is perfect for mind, body and the imminent arrival of the hot weather.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 22 June 2026

HIGHER LOVE by Tessa Williams

In an increasingly unsettled world, the strains of “all you need is love” have never been more pertinent. From overseas conflict right through to home-grown confusions, finding a way to navigate the everyday seems to have become more difficult. There are many ways to bolster spirits and provide encouragement, such as music and art, but fragrance also has an important part to play. The scents that surround us can give us the strength that we may be missing, or the armour to tackle the day. The latest perfume to offer some scented security is Higher Love from Tessa Williams, and it comes with a large dose of love.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 15 June 2026

NARCISSE NARCOTIQUE by Orosmo Perfumery

A bottle of Narcisse Narcotique from Orosmo Perfumery

The world of intoxicating florals in perfumery is one that stretches back to dawn of popular fragrance. The heady aromas that came with the likes of jasmine, tuberose and narcissus were said to make ladies “swoon” and create an almost narcotic effect on the wearer. The cause of this was the naturally occurring chemical compound called indole, which is found in high quantities in these flowers. Now, while the “swooning” effect may have lessened, the glorious power of these florals has survived, and it’s been proudly placed front and centre in Narcisse Narcotique from Orosmo Perfumery.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 18 May 2026

FOLK ARCHIVE by Ånd Fragrance

The FOLK ARCHIVE set of fragrances from AND FRAGRANCE

Fragrance is something we usually just think of as a product that is spritzed from a bottle, escapes from a diffuser or candle, or is enjoyed in a moisturiser. All of these are firmly anchored in our desire to either smell good or to scent our surroundings. There is another way to enjoy fragrance though, and that’s though experiential scents. These are designed to conjure locations, emotions, or events, but should be experienced in a space rather than worn. This type of scenting is enjoying a real resurgence at the moment, and Simon Constantine is the latest to absolutely nail it with the Folk Archive from Ånd Fragrance.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 27 April 2026

DANCING LIGHT by Told London

The Dancing Light Lake Como candle from Told London

Changing seasons bring with them scented wants and desires that vary as we move from one to the next. Winter is traditionally ambers and spiced citruses, spring demands the first hint of glorious greens, summer radiates solar florals, and autumn relaxes into comforting woods. However, where two seasons join is the exciting period because there’s an overlap that produces incredible choices and exciting variations. We’re now centrally in spring but, with summer on the horizon, the scent of green aquatic florals is the perfect fit. That means it’s the perfect time to discover the new Dancing Light candle from Told London.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 20 April 2026

GERANIUM No.4 by C.Atherley

The bottle and box for the new Geranium No.4 Face Oil from C.Atherley

The way that we apply fragrance, and use fragrance, has always been a subject that has divided perfume fans. However, this idea that a true “perfume” is something that is spritzed out of a bottle, rather than something that is contained within a product, has been hotly challenged over the past decade. Scented face care has built on Nivea and Estee Lauder foundations, shower gels transcended the famous offerings from Molton Brown, and perfumed candles have left Jo Malone London in the shade. The newest release to take scent into a new sphere is C.Atherley, and their stunning Geranium No.4 collection.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 6 April 2026

ABOUT THYME by Thursday Fragrance

Every country has their own particular phrases that truly embody the spirit of the inhabitants. The United Kingdom is abundant with them, but the two that instantly spring to mind are “Would you like a cup of tea?” and “It’s about time”. The former is the British answer to whatever catastrophe might occur, while the second is our sarcastic side-eye comment after having to wait for absolutely anything. So it’s wonderfully appropriate that, after what seems like the longest and wettest winter, we can finally welcome the arrival of spring with the gloriously aromatic About Thyme from Lizzie Brooks and Thursday Fragrance.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 23 March 2026

PLATINUM BLEND by Atkinsons

A bottle of the perfume Platinum Blend from Atkinsons and Pierre-Constantin Guéros

The world of perfume is one that never stands still, whether that’s due to trends or regulations. Customers’ tastes change over time, and what's fashionable quickly becomes outdated. Similarly, a growing list of restricted ingredients means discontinuations and reformulations. Some classic perfumes have stood the test of time, even with tinkering along the way, so companies are once again revisiting the archives for renewed inspiration. One of the latest to dust off the formula books is Atkinsons, and the result is the successful Reserve Collection which celebrates “iconic heritage, pure preciousness and distinctive intensity”.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 9 March 2026

SUNBURN by Sense 'N'

A bottle of the perfume Sunburn from Sense 'n' by Sherif

Music has a link with perfume that is engrained in the very fabric of every scent that you smell. The mention of “notes” and “chords” is often cited as the main similarity, but we often forget to reference the emotional response that both of these can have on the wearer. The way a piece of music swells and crescendos absolutely mirrors the way a perfume reveals its layers, from those sparkling opening notes to the deeper base ones. This link between music and perfume is something that Leonie Sherif has based her whole Sense 'N' perfume range on, and the latest Sunburn scent is just waiting to be played.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 23 February 2026

EAU DE MENTON CITRON D'ÉTÉ by Prestige de Menton

A bottle of Eau de Menton Citron d'Ete perfume from Prestige de Menton

With a seemingly never-ending barrage of rain, mist and wind, you could definitely be forgiven for craving anything that is going to remotely signal that spring is actually around the corner. It feels as though winter has now rumbled on for far too long, and the promised warmth is showing no signs of arriving anytime soon. Unfortunately I can’t control the weather, but I can point you in the direction of a little scented sunshine. So, grab your passport because we’re heading to Menton, the undisputed home of the lemon, to discover the deliciously tangy Eau de Menton Citron d’Été from Prestige de Menton.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 16 February 2026

SABOTAGE by Art de Parfum

A bottle of the perfume Sabotage from Art de Parfum

Who wouldn’t like to turn the clock back and relive moments from the past. You could make different choices, take different routes, or just revel in the situations that made you who you are today. Reliving these memories can often be achieved by smelling a fragrance that puts you squarely back in your chosen moment, but what if you want to relive an entire decade? The department store shelves are groaning with the tried and tested perfume releases, but how about plumping for a new scent that conjures up the past? Sabotage from Art de Parfum cleverly takes us to the 90s, and it’s a decade not to be missed.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 9 February 2026

T–HÉRITAGE by Galimard

A bottle of the perfume T-HÉRITAGE from Galimard, that focus on tuberose

Grasse is world-famous for its fragrant flowers, which have been cultivated for centuries to supply the perfume houses, because the region’s climate and soil nurture iconic blooms like jasmine, May rose, orange blossom and tuberose. Still harvested with great care, these flowers are prized for their complex scents. Jasmine adds sensual warmth, May rose brings soft elegance, and orange blossom offers luminous freshness. Together they form the heart of many classic fragrances. Among these flowers, tuberose stands out for its creamy, intoxicating depth, and the latest perfume to capture this is T-HÉRITAGE from Galimard.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 2 February 2026

NOTTING HILL by Hugh Parsons

When we talk about fragrance notes in a perfume, our thoughts can often go straight to the ingredients rather than considering the texture. However, it’s often the latter that resonates more with a customer. These sensory references play on our emotions, and help us to “feel” the scent in action rather than merely rely on the smell. The idea of texture obviously links perfectly with the world of fashion, and so it’s no surprise that many of these clothing companies have explored the world of fragrances. Hugh Parsons is one of the most recent “reboots” to re-enter the market, and so how would you like a trip to Notting Hill?

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

After twenty successful years as an actor, I decided the time was right to begin a new career, and that was in the perfume industry. Scent had always been a passion of mine, and working alongside a new group of creative minds ended up being the perfect fit.

As a Brand Consultant, Evaluator, Copywriter and New Business Advisor, the variety of work is exciting, and definitely draws on my acting background. Every day brings new challenges, experiences and delights to a workplace that is crammed full of new releases, evergreens, and fading classics.

This website brings together my ramblings on all aspects of the perfume industry from bottle design to fragrance, companies to noses, and everything in between.

Opinions are my own and do not in any way represent the views of the companies mentioned. Where products or services have been provided by the companies it is stated at the end of the article.

Companies and readers are welcome to contact me by using the Send Me A Message option below.

Pages

Monday, 2 November 2026

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Monday, 26 October 2026

Thursday, 22 October 2026

Monday, 19 October 2026

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Monday, 12 October 2026

Saturday, 10 October 2026

Friday, 9 October 2026

Thursday, 8 October 2026

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Monday, 5 October 2026

Monday, 28 September 2026

Monday, 21 September 2026

Monday, 14 September 2026

Monday, 7 September 2026

Monday, 31 August 2026

Monday, 24 August 2026

Monday, 17 August 2026

Monday, 3 August 2026

Monday, 20 July 2026

Monday, 6 July 2026

Monday, 29 June 2026

Monday, 22 June 2026

Monday, 15 June 2026

Monday, 18 May 2026

Monday, 27 April 2026

Monday, 20 April 2026

Monday, 6 April 2026

Monday, 23 March 2026

Monday, 9 March 2026

Monday, 23 February 2026

Monday, 16 February 2026

Monday, 9 February 2026

Monday, 2 February 2026