tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21866060724812501972024-03-18T08:49:20.167+00:00Stephan MatthewsJasmine Award nominee Stephan Matthews writes about the perfume industry, the latest niche releases, and the newest ways to scent your home.Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.comBlogger695125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-20176070561032084182024-03-18T07:00:00.000+00:002024-03-18T08:48:48.531+00:00JARDIM REAL by Granado<b></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtcauUcmZ7hOAOlIPXiLERGPMPa25w3QuA7fg6ui0stCvGcRKj0n1VXRgDaf7762XjVDdnfbUz6bA6wSjI0rUaVRO-eFf15WJSb0FTsTot8h4_ZOw3Kp0K3ucgUOqMpXEG-1OMKV85Ywq_JczGEKKspt7DUl5ffA8rK87e_V577eunREC_8M6A-sfIfSi/s2839/Granado%20Jardim%20Real%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Jardim Real perfume from Granado" border="0" data-original-height="2839" data-original-width="2839" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtcauUcmZ7hOAOlIPXiLERGPMPa25w3QuA7fg6ui0stCvGcRKj0n1VXRgDaf7762XjVDdnfbUz6bA6wSjI0rUaVRO-eFf15WJSb0FTsTot8h4_ZOw3Kp0K3ucgUOqMpXEG-1OMKV85Ywq_JczGEKKspt7DUl5ffA8rK87e_V577eunREC_8M6A-sfIfSi/s2000/Granado%20Jardim%20Real%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Jardim Real perfume from Granado" width="200"></a></div>There is always something so refreshing in perfumery about finding fragrances that speak of another time, another era, when life was “simpler” and distractions were few. Of course, the actual real life experiences would have been far from simple, just focused in a different way to ours, but scents that don’t follow today’s trends really are a welcome relief. With many historical brands choosing to jettison portions of their back catalogue in favour of trend-following releases, discovering a company that actively honours its past and dedicates time to its creations is a breath of fresh air, and it helps that we’re heading to Brazil.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/03/jardim-real-by-granado.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-81685771223252383862024-03-04T16:24:00.048+00:002024-03-06T23:25:42.697+00:00ENGLISH CHERRY BLOSSOM by Shay & Blue<span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZRiohpxm_DLkF534F2U3_yaoEhtjMcUtfSfuLbv4bQr-AW_N6A7ZVEOFc4O0L7uBF-LZnbWOpeqy5HF8KGfrtq9ZIMUX6zq9sJeBfpXLH7Omy7o5XbHwlhuPU3CqLVBKXE-SamhVxVbf1bWt3FD5cbJE013xOrOBvYo1QACFa6vNAu6XzcUxXfQlH0Tw/s2567/Shay%20&%20Blue%20English%20Cherry%20Blossom%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume English Cherry Blossom from Shay & Blue" border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="2567" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZRiohpxm_DLkF534F2U3_yaoEhtjMcUtfSfuLbv4bQr-AW_N6A7ZVEOFc4O0L7uBF-LZnbWOpeqy5HF8KGfrtq9ZIMUX6zq9sJeBfpXLH7Omy7o5XbHwlhuPU3CqLVBKXE-SamhVxVbf1bWt3FD5cbJE013xOrOBvYo1QACFa6vNAu6XzcUxXfQlH0Tw/s2000/Shay%20&%20Blue%20English%20Cherry%20Blossom%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="A bottle of the perfume English Cherry Blossom from Shay & Blue" width="200"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are few things in life that you can be truly sure of, with the exception of the changing seasons. However, with the continuing issues around climate change, even these are getting a little out of kilter. Though the start and end dates might now seem to vary from year to year, the order at least remains the same. Most people take summer to be season one, followed by autumn and winter, but by spring we’re all definitely ready for a little hint of returning sunshine. That’s why spring is the perfect time to reach for a much-needed bottle of blossom, and you can’t go far wrong with <b>English Cherry Blossom</b> from <b>Shay & Blue</b>.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/03/english-cherry-blossom-by-shay-blue.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-8455158710209721272024-02-19T07:00:00.005+00:002024-02-25T18:40:18.911+00:00VERDANT by Eau de Boujee<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhAuEOjFEDkyEwqCDYhJLZ0Xx6ir7ftoLzh0BV5XAmYNBrM2DkZ-sgfgT2KAB-LYNpfbSjInOQyMiBHtBBmHJbzEHZH5mPNOan5hS2T8AzLHjsSXfHJcfvGFeDF0Uq3Rn0-FZYlzjHECTAYakUv8JCu67jCONkNjKlozEdqEccP5xPxl4zqcjSJVsah8N/s2449/Eau%20de%20Boujee%20Verdant%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Verdant perfume from Eau de Boujee" border="0" data-original-height="2449" data-original-width="2449" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhAuEOjFEDkyEwqCDYhJLZ0Xx6ir7ftoLzh0BV5XAmYNBrM2DkZ-sgfgT2KAB-LYNpfbSjInOQyMiBHtBBmHJbzEHZH5mPNOan5hS2T8AzLHjsSXfHJcfvGFeDF0Uq3Rn0-FZYlzjHECTAYakUv8JCu67jCONkNjKlozEdqEccP5xPxl4zqcjSJVsah8N/s2000/Eau%20de%20Boujee%20Verdant%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Verdant perfume from Eau de Boujee" width="200"></a></div>Every industry has its own set of rules that are supposed to be followed without question, and in the perfume industry that relates to which ingredients are suitable for which season. As a general rule of thumb you are supposed to concentrate on vanilla and ambers in winter, woody notes in autumn, citruses in summer, and green notes in spring. Now, if you’ve been following me for any length of time then you’ll know I think this is absolute nonsense. Wear what you like, when you like, for whatever reason you like, it’s as simple as that. So, with this in mind, it’s time to discover <b>Verdant</b> from <b>Eau de Boujee</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/02/verdant-by-eau-de-boujee.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-43871314232393761492024-02-12T07:00:00.011+00:002024-02-19T01:15:32.140+00:00UN PATCHOULI by Obvious Parfums<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTJT2kAdJ1R8ZoTOePZBDMNAxKnoXtXcxVCxXZTjCQ4kFpZtc5QFERaFdEInZ7xkQXivYxb9jMv7Gf85PsIujUnyhPlnj7OO9x1oIFsKxqhpUlHlP7c-TPmE7kxXJSRyv0L8G-jBF1E2oV0ck8icG_HB0QzOjbcOENSceKIzoQUq0oN7ofghig-W8nMdp/s2480/Obvious%20Un%20Patchouli%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Un Patchouli fragrance by Obvious Parfums" border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTJT2kAdJ1R8ZoTOePZBDMNAxKnoXtXcxVCxXZTjCQ4kFpZtc5QFERaFdEInZ7xkQXivYxb9jMv7Gf85PsIujUnyhPlnj7OO9x1oIFsKxqhpUlHlP7c-TPmE7kxXJSRyv0L8G-jBF1E2oV0ck8icG_HB0QzOjbcOENSceKIzoQUq0oN7ofghig-W8nMdp/s2000/Obvious%20Un%20Patchouli%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="A bottle of Un Patchouli fragrance by Obvious Parfums" width="200"></a></div>Simplicity in scent is something that's often attempted by the perfume industry but, with the exception of companies like Shay & Blue or 4711’s Acqua Colonia collection, results can be quite linear and uninspiring. The complexity of traditional methods ends up being replaced with single notes, or a blend of similar aromas, so there isn’t any excitement in the finished fragrance. One of the companies that have managed to embrace “simplicity” but also still retain “style” is <b>Obvious Parfums</b>. With the moto that their fragrances are <i>“simple, sophisticated and respectful”</i>, it’s time to discover the distinctly different <b>Un Patchouli</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/02/un-patchouli-by-obvious-parfums.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-14580108338857435482024-02-05T07:00:00.016+00:002024-02-07T00:06:58.134+00:00SLEEP EASY PILLOW & ROOM MIST by College Green<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFXmkIdto2jrnHwvNnazJAW6p08RceC7sldF8muRV5RSm1-KihCpry1pdO1b5iZ-OF5UheREjcY03dQrTaqGqvCIj76AKmK3wK1SNyxSx3a8WBmA21EbR6MiEvJmieH0DgaoNAv0OPOcrkj7Vfn0L9XPAO73_Uzsm0R_9t4179IcWmCuBfKEc6ok3NHxR/s2964/College%20Green%20Sleep%20Easy%20Pillow%20&%20Room%20Mist%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Sleep Easy Pillow & Room Mist from College Green" border="0" data-original-height="2964" data-original-width="2964" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFXmkIdto2jrnHwvNnazJAW6p08RceC7sldF8muRV5RSm1-KihCpry1pdO1b5iZ-OF5UheREjcY03dQrTaqGqvCIj76AKmK3wK1SNyxSx3a8WBmA21EbR6MiEvJmieH0DgaoNAv0OPOcrkj7Vfn0L9XPAO73_Uzsm0R_9t4179IcWmCuBfKEc6ok3NHxR/s2000/College%20Green%20Sleep%20Easy%20Pillow%20&%20Room%20Mist%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Sleep Easy Pillow & Room Mist from College Green" width="200"></a></div>The days of fragrance being solely used for the production of perfumes is long gone, as can be seen in the multitude of scented products that are available in every high-street store. From soaps to diffusers, and car fresheners to candles, our love of fragranced items seems to have no bounds. It’s this demand for ever more interesting ways to scent our homes that brought about the Pillow Mist craze, although many companies have since moved away from this “difficult to market” product. However, always up for a challenge, <b>College Green</b> have just launched a new <b>Sleep Easy Pillow & Room Mist</b>, and the result is first class.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/02/sleep-easy-pillow-mist-by-college-green.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-90215391080130659162024-01-29T07:00:00.000+00:002024-01-31T01:06:39.367+00:00CITRUS OUD by Teniqua<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE71DpqIOJLaQzexkcDxjMoRacSOrNKglPRFsVxIxpUjemPdrjslfXIs8UavnEuplhPYDziJgZdBWoHs1NJRG_lKaSMbrVbRyzgTwR-ZmyDBhgGXz_pLCHyiL6BHpsNPrYMvGeXtF16lLjSO7jxgAaJUP5cJi-P9NZwYf-orwRCzpe5femZ_-zBfl2WDP/s2472/Teniqua%20Citrus%20Oud%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume Citrus Oud from Teniqua" border="0" data-original-height="2472" data-original-width="2472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE71DpqIOJLaQzexkcDxjMoRacSOrNKglPRFsVxIxpUjemPdrjslfXIs8UavnEuplhPYDziJgZdBWoHs1NJRG_lKaSMbrVbRyzgTwR-ZmyDBhgGXz_pLCHyiL6BHpsNPrYMvGeXtF16lLjSO7jxgAaJUP5cJi-P9NZwYf-orwRCzpe5femZ_-zBfl2WDP/s2000/Teniqua%20Citrus%20Oud%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="A bottle of the perfume Citrus Oud from Teniqua" width="200"></a></div>The perfect perfume can release long-hidden memories, conjure up forgotten experiences, or even act as the scentscape to new adventures. Its ability to push deep into our senses is just one of the reasons why it’s often thought of as a magical potion. Perfume also often patiently waits to be discovered, or rediscovered, at the exact moment it’s needed. A moment too soon and it can be overlooked, but experienced at the ideal time can create a bond that will last forever. </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Citrus Oud</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> from </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Teniqua</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> was originally launched at the end of 2021, but 2024 was my year to discover its magic.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/01/citrus-oud-by-teniqua.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-19773453766070150222024-01-22T07:00:00.003+00:002024-01-22T09:04:09.958+00:00ROCKIN' ROSE by EAU.MG<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdrs1pPkkl_g_tabMk5a-MgGLijwe8ZF-e8AR7-in_4ZGNtg3xj-aQS4JOFr_Ofnl3SwEJe35rlGbEugQQIcy81OYtVdBrlsS4VLQRd2cqPNJ7GNZ9s04MMmkV3Pcgl2G_NhK5qq3MboMpWki3NQ8HTqxlOGvzMCNXc3aQOwvkP-5mdFTFAtMvO7Hq16U/s2480/EAU.MG%20Rockin%20Rose%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the Rockin' Rose perfume from EAU.MG" border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdrs1pPkkl_g_tabMk5a-MgGLijwe8ZF-e8AR7-in_4ZGNtg3xj-aQS4JOFr_Ofnl3SwEJe35rlGbEugQQIcy81OYtVdBrlsS4VLQRd2cqPNJ7GNZ9s04MMmkV3Pcgl2G_NhK5qq3MboMpWki3NQ8HTqxlOGvzMCNXc3aQOwvkP-5mdFTFAtMvO7Hq16U/s2000/EAU.MG%20Rockin%20Rose%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="A bottle of the Rockin' Rose perfume from EAU.MG" width="200"></a></div>Perfumery, like anything else that has an artistic bent, is often less about creating something new and more about presenting something in a different light. The ingredients that are open to a perfumer are, with the exciting advances in synthetics, almost limitless, but there are a few core ones that always demand attention. Patchouli, iris, vanilla, jasmine - all of these have an inbuilt familiarity that feels safe, but showcasing them in original ways is what customers are look for. Now, rose is such a well-known ingredient that finding an original take on it can be hard, but that’s exactly what you get with <b>EAU.MG</b>’s <b>Rockin’ Rose</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/01/rockin-rose-by-eaumg.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-67755176669820772322024-01-15T07:00:00.001+00:002024-01-15T12:24:11.178+00:00CÅKE by ånd fragrance<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E-ys2jNBl5wfd-YnwPUEz3xz4Grt7E9PiWvHBy_3HjU6yAmfNWjDC7wbgGhqcIZUg9eZQwD6N2yLuZnmdXUr5FHeS6TBtAQsNz1Z_QTnZZLzf9MYKF6hzyXfSrEdq9V-11w7hWZ9InnZ98a_6Eq-DFHuonI3VFMlneCvkeRsWmijyiwMSjK8UIm1cx1Z/s2489/and%20fragrance%20cake%20perfume%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Cåke, the new perfume from and fragrance" border="0" data-original-height="2489" data-original-width="2489" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E-ys2jNBl5wfd-YnwPUEz3xz4Grt7E9PiWvHBy_3HjU6yAmfNWjDC7wbgGhqcIZUg9eZQwD6N2yLuZnmdXUr5FHeS6TBtAQsNz1Z_QTnZZLzf9MYKF6hzyXfSrEdq9V-11w7hWZ9InnZ98a_6Eq-DFHuonI3VFMlneCvkeRsWmijyiwMSjK8UIm1cx1Z/s2000/and%20fragrance%20cake%20perfume%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Cåke, the new perfume from and fragrance" width="200"></a></div>We place a lot of importance on words and titles in everyday life, and the same is also true in the world of perfumery. The difference with the latter though is that words can very much be open to personal interpretation. If you think about “note lists” versus “ingredient lists”, “fragrance families” versus “fragrance styles”, or even “eau de parfum” versus “eau de toilette”, you’ll begin to see how it’s not as clear cut as it might first seem. So, this brings us to the latest release from <b>ånd fragrance</b>. <b>Cåke</b> is the name but, if you’re expecting a gourmand overdose that means a trip to the dentist, then you’ll be happily relieved.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/01/cake-by-and-fragrance.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-63072309782272721212024-01-08T07:00:00.002+00:002024-01-08T18:43:48.313+00:00PINEDE by Tessa Williams<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2vpeYBSyMnSuDoR1lHATq2EVXKn53CmSOupFyryVEEwkyEfdP6TlE4NV0h43uGeaaRL9uboxNQEIzN1CL9ATfAeX4o-xoC53TgyutfsvQPjiwkymczDttmRcwcPByZteNjB6QYJdMzI1onXqLdnOdeBFJgiA-B_YnsMdviF245yaEfTS3-Qj9nnx-EP7/s2480/Tessa%20Williams%20Travel%20Collection%20Pinede%20Candle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The New Tessa Williams Travel Collection Candle called Pinede" border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2vpeYBSyMnSuDoR1lHATq2EVXKn53CmSOupFyryVEEwkyEfdP6TlE4NV0h43uGeaaRL9uboxNQEIzN1CL9ATfAeX4o-xoC53TgyutfsvQPjiwkymczDttmRcwcPByZteNjB6QYJdMzI1onXqLdnOdeBFJgiA-B_YnsMdviF245yaEfTS3-Qj9nnx-EP7/s2000/Tessa%20Williams%20Travel%20Collection%20Pinede%20Candle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="The New Tessa Williams Travel Collection Candle called Pinede" width="200"></a></div>A New Year always brings with it the usual set of resolutions, which honestly have very little chance of being achieved, the excitement of a whole twelve months of new perfume releases, and also a little bit of tradition. Before heading into the ever-expanding world of fragrance, many people look forward to switching out their festive home scents in favour of some January newness. It’s a relatively inexpensive treat after the excesses of the holiday season, and one that you can easily achieve with the last of the Christmas money. This January I’ve plumped for the comforting <b>Pinede Candle</b> from <b>Tessa Williams</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2024/01/pinede-by-tessa-williams.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-3072647791899568902023-12-18T07:00:00.000+00:002023-12-21T20:52:05.504+00:00My Favourite Five From 2023<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1wjSegALssFBBeMn549EGteNrOYGD056GeT3KzU9LI4h19ZhMUZxCxMPPNOMGazxTaWGC26GEPbBe9HuhQWkqDp2eeC-XMU25ch3jrnWda30oUAsA8lWsHAMJrElys2flHYKSY6QMfCHundgv30ArHq7drw0e1eSMpjG6mbYplXllS8mOGtAzUyWHu97/s2204/My%20Favourite%20Five%20stephanmatthews.com%20Square.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The main image for Stephan Matthews' Favourite Five From 2023 article" border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="2204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1wjSegALssFBBeMn549EGteNrOYGD056GeT3KzU9LI4h19ZhMUZxCxMPPNOMGazxTaWGC26GEPbBe9HuhQWkqDp2eeC-XMU25ch3jrnWda30oUAsA8lWsHAMJrElys2flHYKSY6QMfCHundgv30ArHq7drw0e1eSMpjG6mbYplXllS8mOGtAzUyWHu97/s2000/My%20Favourite%20Five%20stephanmatthews.com%20Square.jpeg" title="The main image for Stephan Matthews' Favourite Five From 2023 article" width="200"></a></div>I always wonder how the fragrance industry can possibly improve on its previous twelve months of releases, but 2023 has once again been an incredible year for perfume. It felt like a big melting pot of styles this year, with no particular “trend” overtaking any other, but the independent companies really did take the big corporations on at their own game. Whether you are a niche lover or a high street stalwart, there was something for everyone. So, as we approach the end of 2023, it’s time to look back at twelve months of articles on stephanmatthews.com and, while once again channelling my inner Blyton, pick <b>My Favourite Five</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/12/my-favourite-five-from-2023.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-37866433590674455942023-12-11T07:00:00.000+00:002023-12-11T09:21:16.045+00:00DYLAN PURPLE POUR FEMME by Versace<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv-Vza2xTDbCdsqC9w0JFdNm0CBOtz1MjuiJ0gj9W64Tnp2GjpiKi9rVFmYZIRrgWwfuk_IatY9p8JVh7yPkJ-2clanbrmy_UN9sLsiF7XlELZ9ybWynbEZADGXdXGzeQ9md1UMwgzxM66tILPK9qXvjcINvLDSNyml1oyu-HnTO1oDQjf_xpAoIBQtl1/s2702/Versace%20Dylan%20Purple%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume Dylan Purple Pour Femme by Versace" border="0" data-original-height="2702" data-original-width="2702" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv-Vza2xTDbCdsqC9w0JFdNm0CBOtz1MjuiJ0gj9W64Tnp2GjpiKi9rVFmYZIRrgWwfuk_IatY9p8JVh7yPkJ-2clanbrmy_UN9sLsiF7XlELZ9ybWynbEZADGXdXGzeQ9md1UMwgzxM66tILPK9qXvjcINvLDSNyml1oyu-HnTO1oDQjf_xpAoIBQtl1/s2000/Versace%20Dylan%20Purple%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg.jpeg" title="A bottle of the perfume Dylan Purple Pour Femme by Versace" width="200"></a></div>It feels as though 2023 has raced towards the finish line as we suddenly find ourselves in the final throws of Christmas shopping. More by accident than design, I’ve managed to find myself recommending exactly the same perfume company as your ideal high street stocking saver that I did last year. That’s because, if you’ve left it until now to buy your festive floral of choice, you’d better jettison any idea of online ordering and head to the safety of the department store. Your 2023 “mad dash purchase” has got to be <b>Dylan Purple Pour Femme</b> from <b>Versace</b>, because sometimes only a designer fragrance will do.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/12/dylan-purple-pour-femme-by-versace.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-8100272449113878362023-12-04T01:00:00.001+00:002023-12-04T08:06:11.549+00:00My Top Five Candles For Christmas 2023<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAKJ8GaMCjigiHOpPHr-4C4iP_rNBkV7K_7Ajd3JEnkr1U2LQsS3h5De10HISlTsauE6Jwq915L5d6TA87ZhXMvCzUdIbKknPK8qE7KNoHi38i8BxD5M6yUGkthxN-ykpbVP3olVaZGbQTYBpQ6ejkYFrA6vDgXjzZ2mDGz0up0OHCUHo387hheugjz86/s2480/My%20Top%20Five%20Candles%20For%20Christmas%202023%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A group shot of my Top Five Candles For Christmas 2023" border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAKJ8GaMCjigiHOpPHr-4C4iP_rNBkV7K_7Ajd3JEnkr1U2LQsS3h5De10HISlTsauE6Jwq915L5d6TA87ZhXMvCzUdIbKknPK8qE7KNoHi38i8BxD5M6yUGkthxN-ykpbVP3olVaZGbQTYBpQ6ejkYFrA6vDgXjzZ2mDGz0up0OHCUHo387hheugjz86/s2000/My%20Top%20Five%20Candles%20For%20Christmas%202023%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="A group shot of my Top Five Candles For Christmas 2023" width="200"></a></div>December is possibly the biggest month of the year for customer shopping. It’s when the presents are bought, the wish lists are written, and you try your hardest to remember exactly where you put the decorations. You know they've got to be in the loft somewhere! It’s my favourite time of the year, but it does come with its challenges. There are so many choices to be made during the Christmas period that it can seem daunting. So, to help you out, I’m ready to share the eighth edition of my <b>Top Five Candles For Christmas</b>. The choice this year was as strong as ever, but there are some real scented surprises in here.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/12/my-top-five-candles-for-2023.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-52103866582373842942023-11-27T07:00:00.009+00:002023-11-30T10:29:03.753+00:00SWEET ALMOND BLOSSOM by Floral Street<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKhGrZzxDvvVnsND4GVI8q3iTeiT0aqMmfj3KlDw-5Qw3XOFall6oVqM9OTdytzzSjyNbjRwqVZwnNUF_jDoObkX52grlA38tSBTkFIQSsXd-lmd7Ak9tL1-uFLHj_1JgnJVgermUxprunZJz2A8C-5Az_2aBUIKtA8k7P7IvCeMzRuayHrSrvLVfJRVs/s2891/Floral%20Street%20Sweet%20Almond%20Blossom%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume Sweet Almond Blossom by Floral Street" border="0" data-original-height="2891" data-original-width="2891" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKhGrZzxDvvVnsND4GVI8q3iTeiT0aqMmfj3KlDw-5Qw3XOFall6oVqM9OTdytzzSjyNbjRwqVZwnNUF_jDoObkX52grlA38tSBTkFIQSsXd-lmd7Ak9tL1-uFLHj_1JgnJVgermUxprunZJz2A8C-5Az_2aBUIKtA8k7P7IvCeMzRuayHrSrvLVfJRVs/s2000/Floral%20Street%20Sweet%20Almond%20Blossom%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of the perfume Sweet Almond Blossom by Floral Street" width="200"></a></div>The link between perfume and the arts is one that has been explored many times in the past - whether that’s its similarity to music with the notes and chords or its sensory use as a surround scent at exhibitions - but the most recent discussion centres around whether the creation of a fragrance should be thought of as an art form rather than merely a product. The olfactory impact of a scent clearly mirrors the visual impact of a painting, so why not recognise it? <b>Floral Street</b> has taken this one step further with their latest Vincent van Gogh-inspired fragrance release <b>Sweet Almond Blossom</b>, and the result is an absolute delight.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/11/sweet-almond-blossom-by-floral-street.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-67127749109850559352023-11-13T07:00:00.000+00:002023-11-25T03:01:10.858+00:00WŪLÓNG CHÁ X by Nishane<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXjfrKNqrKSs4sZNU7F9UQkAITa41m_8AvQNCHKeFg-AM3Q4ncErfrBZZddcj0hTIyDgB_z03WKhcMnpV9syVDGIBKj_rx2GYzsgMkeJHsdu7qJsaLbGjGl-Q3mbhZ-_TdnkkTO7LGUXyllGnwUfgTHcoYIToht9KqctE02yjmQ9wcL7Lcx9qT9pjBDHV/s2784/Nishane%20Wulong%20Cha%20X%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Wulong Cha X perfume from Nishane" border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="2784" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXjfrKNqrKSs4sZNU7F9UQkAITa41m_8AvQNCHKeFg-AM3Q4ncErfrBZZddcj0hTIyDgB_z03WKhcMnpV9syVDGIBKj_rx2GYzsgMkeJHsdu7qJsaLbGjGl-Q3mbhZ-_TdnkkTO7LGUXyllGnwUfgTHcoYIToht9KqctE02yjmQ9wcL7Lcx9qT9pjBDHV/s2000/Nishane%20Wulong%20Cha%20X%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Wulong Cha X perfume from Nishane" width="200"></a></div>The anniversary of any perfume brand can be a tricky celebration when it comes to managing customer expectations, but it's made harder when you're globally renowned. Do you launch a new fragrance? Do you bring something back from the archives? Do you simply let it pass with no fanfare at all? This is the situation that <b>Nishane</b> found itself in this year as it celebrated its tenth birthday. The route that they've taken though is a wonderful way to both honour their heritage as well as looking to the future. So, prepare yourself to revisit one of their classic fragrances but from a different angle, as we discover the sensational <b>Wūlóng Chá X</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/11/wulong-cha-x-by-nishane.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-91848406376407596392023-11-06T07:00:00.001+00:002023-11-25T03:01:00.671+00:00OF GOLD AND LIGHT by Fragonard<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RNtwcekMLOKdxF7EvGXdNl6Bmd-9mxV_vpzMSBVRyvQFrrT1jXyjV4berUOFt9KBKFiP-jA7w5ozRxpddbxG1FH42rmnH-TYED9V8nhVh-2deFHKdAja-BaboOofzxUlOqInZuTfUczgZsAsB-s2U8Lk_x5lqJB7dATcRFbQg_pob73_X6vhIcMGc5R/s2466/Fragonard%20Christmas%20Candles%202023%20Alessandro%20Florio%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The three Fragonard Christmas candles from their OF GOLD AND LIGHT collection illustrated by Alessandro Florio" border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="2466" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RNtwcekMLOKdxF7EvGXdNl6Bmd-9mxV_vpzMSBVRyvQFrrT1jXyjV4berUOFt9KBKFiP-jA7w5ozRxpddbxG1FH42rmnH-TYED9V8nhVh-2deFHKdAja-BaboOofzxUlOqInZuTfUczgZsAsB-s2U8Lk_x5lqJB7dATcRFbQg_pob73_X6vhIcMGc5R/s2000/Fragonard%20Christmas%20Candles%202023%20Alessandro%20Florio%20stephanmatthews.com.jpg" title="The three Fragonard Christmas candles from their OF GOLD AND LIGHT collection illustrated by Alessandro Florio" width="200"></a></div>Christmas is always a time for traditions, and it’s also often the only period in the year when we can truly trust what has gone before. All of those delicious memories of food that was loved, the presents that were eagerly anticipated, and the wonderful scents that surrounded us with a feeling of security and familiarity. This also goes for the companies that we buy from, especially when it comes to candles. There are so many to choose between, especially at Christmas time, but one company that always excels is <b>Fragonard</b>. This year they’ve teamed up with the artist <b>Alessandro Florio</b> to create <b>A Christmas of Gold and Light</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/11/of-gold-and-light-by-fragonard.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-2083486521770641802023-10-30T07:00:00.002+00:002023-10-30T07:15:46.990+00:00STEPHAN'S SIX - DANIEL MARTIN<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaq_AJCgNeSp_SkFYzZ0BfzaZymcsf43tk3PVYoN_BOEB_1nRtaP5zhhokoAwHpQqzWpNtFCGKc-mSWEGewEQrgdJAySWg2-p-rX9owEP1B86qGjYkF6UUqj7pH7oK3NrHPFFfBI4T-BRaR88Xp7ow0ZZnd3H7J1gBxtKkLTfkET9PGjTetOShs7_aLEK3/s926/Daniel%20Martin%20Pilgrim%20Potter%20c%20Alistair%20Appleton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A picture of the potter Daniel Martin" border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="926" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaq_AJCgNeSp_SkFYzZ0BfzaZymcsf43tk3PVYoN_BOEB_1nRtaP5zhhokoAwHpQqzWpNtFCGKc-mSWEGewEQrgdJAySWg2-p-rX9owEP1B86qGjYkF6UUqj7pH7oK3NrHPFFfBI4T-BRaR88Xp7ow0ZZnd3H7J1gBxtKkLTfkET9PGjTetOShs7_aLEK3/s2000/Daniel%20Martin%20Pilgrim%20Potter%20c%20Alistair%20Appleton.jpg" title="A picture of the potter Daniel Martin" width="200"></a></div><br>The world of pottery has become a massive fascination around the world, not least because of television programmes like <b>The Great Pottery Throw Down</b>, and it’s seen independent potters finally getting their share of the spotlight. <b>Daniel Martin</b> started his creative journey as a successful contemporary dancer, but there was another skill that was to become his calling. As well as being a Yoga teacher, Daniel is a self-taught potter who uses the East Sussex coastline’s mossy greens, chalky whites, and sea blues as the inspiration in his firings. With such a varied background, I thought it was time to learn his scented secrets in “Stephan’s Six”.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/stephans-six-daniel-martin.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-59727932542430441352023-10-23T07:00:00.003+01:002023-10-25T00:35:58.564+01:00POIVRE DE SICHUAN by Place Des Lices <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6mcyDGnSFMwVnqXS1fMmMVBVmbqITm9MPyjPZEmueeQUGdpgLNuLh-1MlwSqz25vG2SS3cDLktV_nbLbMMBcdWi_JWwMiI5wsqda84HH4PSpjMOp_5ORpXRXoUWAin6KqFjZmEKX4EBTZE6EMGYkxzKIUh3W3SmQX91M8R7Fm4AS1lO6YftRgh60_Ec4/s2705/Place%20des%20Lices%20Poivre%20de%20Sichuan%20bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Poivre de Sichuan from Place des Lices" border="0" data-original-height="2705" data-original-width="2705" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6mcyDGnSFMwVnqXS1fMmMVBVmbqITm9MPyjPZEmueeQUGdpgLNuLh-1MlwSqz25vG2SS3cDLktV_nbLbMMBcdWi_JWwMiI5wsqda84HH4PSpjMOp_5ORpXRXoUWAin6KqFjZmEKX4EBTZE6EMGYkxzKIUh3W3SmQX91M8R7Fm4AS1lO6YftRgh60_Ec4/s2000/Place%20des%20Lices%20Poivre%20de%20Sichuan%20bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Poivre de Sichuan from Place des Lices" width="200"></a></div>One of the roles that fragrance often plays is that of transporting the wearer to a different place or time. These real-life experiences may be out of our everyday reach, unless we have a time machine or a wealthy benefactor, and so indulging in some “armchair travel” really is the next best thing. Now, taking inspiration from a location or a particular period in history is nothing new, but achieving both the style as well as the substance is not always as easy as it may first appear. Thankfully it’s exactly what is on offer from <b>Place des Lices</b>, and their <b>Poivre de Sichuan</b> is ideal as we ease ourselves into autumn.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/poivre-de-sichuan-by-place-des-lices.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-19381325818698484482023-10-16T07:00:00.003+01:002023-10-16T07:31:04.504+01:00STEPHAN’S SIX - PATRICK GALE<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX4beGnWWkdFOmojyfpPT8JNV711fEq46YQUF5nua4f-D69nf802g2PNbIDrShposU8NkdKDiG_xNLeWxcfYPjtzegSmcgDguNoTcLsX4Cd-b5e7higsOEdzNnn9qvi7c9Xjk_llQfv2EJ4BAeJ2IlnRa9bmLiiU-YLncIOnU8GBTp_TjQEv5Uk0pA6gN/s3634/Patrick%20Gale%20c%20Daniel%20Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A picture of author Patrick Gale taken by Daniel Hall" border="0" data-original-height="3634" data-original-width="3634" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX4beGnWWkdFOmojyfpPT8JNV711fEq46YQUF5nua4f-D69nf802g2PNbIDrShposU8NkdKDiG_xNLeWxcfYPjtzegSmcgDguNoTcLsX4Cd-b5e7higsOEdzNnn9qvi7c9Xjk_llQfv2EJ4BAeJ2IlnRa9bmLiiU-YLncIOnU8GBTp_TjQEv5Uk0pA6gN/s2000/Patrick%20Gale%20c%20Daniel%20Hall.jpg" title="A picture of author Patrick Gale taken by Daniel Hall" width="200"></a></div><br>Patrick Gale</b> jokingly confesses that he's never had what many would consider a “grown up” job but, with perseverance and an instinct for fascinating subjects, he has become a critically acclaimed author. From the BBC drama <i>Man in an Orange Shirt</i> through to his latest book <b>Mother’s Boy</b>, which looks at the life of the Cornish Poet Charles Causley, his seventeen novels have been described as “gripping”, “unflinching”, while at the same time being “playful and wise”. Now based down on the tip of Cornwall, I wanted to discover what scented secrets he would reveal during “Stephan’s Six”.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/stephans-six-patrick-gale.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-63665898471082932892023-10-09T07:00:00.001+01:002023-10-11T08:32:55.327+01:00AMBER ROSE by Shay & Blue<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINKHfkY-OCzzLddcm1K-1gIbVOB-eCgVYPbo73dv6uDH7kRm7YsZm9D-EEz3VItp0VMtjel1L_34YPMoiKAJLPmPTPvQ6C11HPfo42UBRxKFLo-Q2ROPfxUYmOmxvA3k6aMgOGJNxzHHs0i1oRDjKikqSdsyVeJRTmdHEUsAk6H0EdbxgBuZN6lG-oDg8/s2361/Shay%20&%20Blue%20Amber%20Rose%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Amber Rose perfume by Shay & Blue" border="0" data-original-height="2361" data-original-width="2361" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINKHfkY-OCzzLddcm1K-1gIbVOB-eCgVYPbo73dv6uDH7kRm7YsZm9D-EEz3VItp0VMtjel1L_34YPMoiKAJLPmPTPvQ6C11HPfo42UBRxKFLo-Q2ROPfxUYmOmxvA3k6aMgOGJNxzHHs0i1oRDjKikqSdsyVeJRTmdHEUsAk6H0EdbxgBuZN6lG-oDg8/s2000/Shay%20&%20Blue%20Amber%20Rose%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Amber Rose perfume by Shay & Blue" width="200"></a></div>The call that you’ll constantly hear in department stores up and down the country from fragrance fans is, <i>“what’s new?”</i> It’s always a difficult question to answer because, to quote <b>Luca Turin</b>, <i>“every fragrance is new to someone”</i>. This constant quest for “newness” in terms of time runs the risk of missing out on some cracking fragrances that may have escaped you along the way, or perhaps even ones that you’ve forgotten about, and so that’s exactly what you’re going to be treated to today. So, grab your party hats because we’re heading back to 2013 to celebrate the 10th birthday of <b>Amber Rose</b> from <b>Shay & Blue</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/amber-rose-by-shay-blue.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-74037642439072676632023-10-02T07:00:00.001+01:002023-10-02T22:57:39.428+01:00STEPHAN'S SIX - ALEXANDRA HARWOOD<b></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJ5ew7lfO1OsvyiBUib_aIRxJH0uWyXrg7nuFAJ81uTpWtg59Ue5JgLA3R25B7RUJhH50-eMD6nBA-4eum5ddD_Vz4TMbtmzP_KN5Uk5Jdf7Z7fFoz0Mb68yxM7paNRlI6SZT79jphPb8ICgW4NCU3aurzUdFdzJANddHBVLEhGliELhqPP1t634O0Gh6/s1308/Alexandra%20Harwood%20stephanmatthews.com%20Stephan's%20Six%20Interview.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A picture of composer Alexandra Harwood" border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJ5ew7lfO1OsvyiBUib_aIRxJH0uWyXrg7nuFAJ81uTpWtg59Ue5JgLA3R25B7RUJhH50-eMD6nBA-4eum5ddD_Vz4TMbtmzP_KN5Uk5Jdf7Z7fFoz0Mb68yxM7paNRlI6SZT79jphPb8ICgW4NCU3aurzUdFdzJANddHBVLEhGliELhqPP1t634O0Gh6/s2000/Alexandra%20Harwood%20stephanmatthews.com%20Stephan's%20Six%20Interview.jpeg" title="A picture of composer Alexandra Harwood" width="200"></a></div><br>There can’t be many television programmes that have been as well-received in recent years as Channel 5’s reboot of <i>All Creatures Great And Small</i>, and a lot of its success lies with the composer of its evocative music. <b>Alexandra Harwood</b> studied at the Royal College of Music and The Juilliard School, and her list of award-winning credits embrace television, film and theatre. With her musical creations mirroring the notes and chords of perfumery, I wanted to hear what scented memories she would reveal during her “Stephan’s Six”.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/stephans-six-alexandra-harwood.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-10809571555806750642023-09-25T07:00:00.022+01:002023-10-02T10:14:53.357+01:00ALMOND by Widian<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVnb9eoEY0S0DH-LO2FN_RaplItPsF-HKWHmIeAlAPcZZJs0lbiO8N_JJXQc7C5a6zhKhXFlR-wopyygmEWVxogqcGrJ33mmTln0RRTcYHHwMv1ug5LP-4zOyGnP_-blbG5qkj5hvnWZguSkmhNjcpBJ76o9wnNgha0fY3kKD59FMrkNGlFr2dlCSOrER/s2803/Widian%20Almond%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Almond perfume by Widian" border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="2803" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVnb9eoEY0S0DH-LO2FN_RaplItPsF-HKWHmIeAlAPcZZJs0lbiO8N_JJXQc7C5a6zhKhXFlR-wopyygmEWVxogqcGrJ33mmTln0RRTcYHHwMv1ug5LP-4zOyGnP_-blbG5qkj5hvnWZguSkmhNjcpBJ76o9wnNgha0fY3kKD59FMrkNGlFr2dlCSOrER/s2000/Widian%20Almond%20Bottle%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Almond perfume by Widian" width="200"></a></div>The question of how a perfume company can expand its range, and at the same time potentially attract a new set of customers, is one that every brand has to eventually ask itself. It’s very easy to continue in exactly the same vein, especially if you’re experiencing success, but this can also actually limit a company’s overall growth. If you’re famous for exceptional extrait strength perfumes then the obvious route is to move into the more affordable Eau de Parfum concentration, but this needs to be done sensitively. One company that has achieved this seamlessly is <b>Widian</b>, and their <b>Almond</b> fragrance is absolutely delicious.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/09/almond-by-widian.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-53630371626315290652023-09-18T07:00:00.007+01:002023-09-21T08:36:25.065+01:00FIREFLY by Adscenture<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhne1tp0vx0pv53wfN8jGRkFFCSj24-C-uDhAWqmrW54s_4guK9NssOknLtG1VVPENT5SQsFzMzRT4jE4c7MTsCtKIk7kYO-UMoA9EaCadfTcItjTvSw77DIkxr2UIpIJv5Ty0iZ3Zm9z_8WQUJpy2ZzN2AcDTU_f6_fr-F76TsyB88-6927EQ3Z8Kg6F3/s2512/Adscenture%20Firefly%20Holly%20Hutchinson%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume Firefly by Adscenture" border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="2512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhne1tp0vx0pv53wfN8jGRkFFCSj24-C-uDhAWqmrW54s_4guK9NssOknLtG1VVPENT5SQsFzMzRT4jE4c7MTsCtKIk7kYO-UMoA9EaCadfTcItjTvSw77DIkxr2UIpIJv5Ty0iZ3Zm9z_8WQUJpy2ZzN2AcDTU_f6_fr-F76TsyB88-6927EQ3Z8Kg6F3/s2000/Adscenture%20Firefly%20Holly%20Hutchinson%20Bottle%201%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of the perfume Firefly by Adscenture" width="200"></a></div>The act of finding a new fragrance is one that can seem like a tangle of suggestions, opinions and emotions. We’re often influenced by the season, even the occasion that the perfume is going to be worn at, but hopefully the final decision is something we trust to our own noses. It’s still often hard though to cut through the marketing messages and get to the heart of the scent, but it’s this constant quest for discovery that makes it a true vocation and an exciting “scent adventure”. You'll see that <b>Adscenture</b> have cleverly combined these words to form their name, and their <b>Firefly</b> fragrance is the perfect way to start your own scented travels.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/09/firefly-by-adscenture.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-28693438410413058372023-09-11T07:00:00.000+01:002023-10-29T23:05:31.971+00:00APHRODITE by SOKI LONDON<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLfMEKrTowZhOVZpoOmdUmiJHz-bk-npOsoetPdxMTQXECVPLDNtBkBXCmCgDjST4X2_LkIrmlWql7I2Ko8fzmxUr0s0c0Fl55HEqztZWGMB-B0wE0KqnQCYx9F5k3HCTQC-0Vmh2_iyuVn-x-HPh2DMGUsS3DmK2hyphenhyphenT-Me-iMDH97CXr12JAN5HfyrmE/s2516/SOKI%20London%20Aphrodite%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of Aphrodite perfume by SOKI LONDON" border="0" data-original-height="2516" data-original-width="2516" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLfMEKrTowZhOVZpoOmdUmiJHz-bk-npOsoetPdxMTQXECVPLDNtBkBXCmCgDjST4X2_LkIrmlWql7I2Ko8fzmxUr0s0c0Fl55HEqztZWGMB-B0wE0KqnQCYx9F5k3HCTQC-0Vmh2_iyuVn-x-HPh2DMGUsS3DmK2hyphenhyphenT-Me-iMDH97CXr12JAN5HfyrmE/s2000/SOKI%20London%20Aphrodite%20Bottle%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of Aphrodite perfume by SOKI LONDON" width="200"></a></div>When you wake up to the rain hammering on the windows or the heating beginning to switch on by itself, your thoughts can quickly turn to the image of a sun-drenched beach and a tropical cocktail within reach. These thoughts quickly disappear though as the reality of real life makes itself known, but that’s when perfume can quickly come to the rescue. Just one spritz can metaphorically allow you to pack your bags reach fo the suncream, and grab your passport. This was the idea behind <b>Aphrodite</b> by <b>SOKI LONDON</b>. Promising to <i>“transport the wearer to a sensual paradise”</i>, are you ready to enjoy some autumn sunshine?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/10/aphrodite-by-soki-london.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-22034360102574384922023-09-04T07:00:00.000+01:002023-09-28T08:12:20.152+01:00MAGIC + SCIENCE by Thursday Fragrance<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQYzfHkwpyzlVMT3qBMruxSsnN77x_l-5KsclYSlvQy3sZhixkWCtxAhjoHgqwhbrpug5bl_u0jZxzH9IrBZWO44LUmsFspMbeqVXT2iiN2y8ebd2omLuWnItlDEY5o27Wg5nILW-kLHhGzZQKnN4i4RdclwLp_zY_LP6UmjPvd5fVTEr8JBgyrxWT3oW/s3024/Thursday%20Fragrance%20Magic%20+%20Science%20Bottle%202%20Pilgrim%20Potter%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the perfume Magic + Science from Thursday Fragrance" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQYzfHkwpyzlVMT3qBMruxSsnN77x_l-5KsclYSlvQy3sZhixkWCtxAhjoHgqwhbrpug5bl_u0jZxzH9IrBZWO44LUmsFspMbeqVXT2iiN2y8ebd2omLuWnItlDEY5o27Wg5nILW-kLHhGzZQKnN4i4RdclwLp_zY_LP6UmjPvd5fVTEr8JBgyrxWT3oW/s2000/Thursday%20Fragrance%20Magic%20+%20Science%20Bottle%202%20Pilgrim%20Potter%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of the perfume Magic + Science from Thursday Fragrance" width="200"></a></div>Anybody that launches a new perfume brand in the current climate either needs a huge round of applause for throwing all of their common sense out of the window, or a serious talking to about the inevitable pitfalls that they will experience. However, when a person’s passion to create bubbles to the surface, it’s often impossible not to follow that dream. You obviously have a better chance of survival if you study hard and take expert advice, and that’s the case with <b>Thursday Fragrance</b>. One of the latest cabs off the rank in terms of perfume companies, they’ve done their homework, and it shows in their debut trio of scents.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/09/magic-science-by-thursday-fragrance.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186606072481250197.post-61311152229436014282023-08-28T07:00:00.012+01:002023-08-31T10:47:56.996+01:001828 by Histoires de Parfums<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQdsVuj5UTcxfzHeIpFuvPYMw8Iuy14cVmG9NdFwjrqoijlH9OlJsTXQCuVXxtl2S9v4A8S10ANluigtU3dwIwm9kzbtX4y3ETgvT1YPcqXuQtaoM43jz8TvlU_o0AS6LQaGgt-8UtkrIpW1mjrX1SBITZQthJaHPn275JbIEKyr_UbBLgFClBhJGtcKd/s2397/Histoires%20de%20Parfums%201828%20Jules%20Verne%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bottle of the 1828 perfume from Histoires de Perfumes in front of two Jules Verne books" border="0" data-original-height="2397" data-original-width="2397" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQdsVuj5UTcxfzHeIpFuvPYMw8Iuy14cVmG9NdFwjrqoijlH9OlJsTXQCuVXxtl2S9v4A8S10ANluigtU3dwIwm9kzbtX4y3ETgvT1YPcqXuQtaoM43jz8TvlU_o0AS6LQaGgt-8UtkrIpW1mjrX1SBITZQthJaHPn275JbIEKyr_UbBLgFClBhJGtcKd/s2000/Histoires%20de%20Parfums%201828%20Jules%20Verne%202%20stephanmatthews.com.jpeg" title="A bottle of the 1828 perfume from Histoires de Perfumes in front of two Jules Verne books" width="200"></a></div>The quest for new experiences and undiscovered places is something that seems to resonate deeply with fragrance fans. This may be because the ingredients that are used in perfumery come from all around the world, perhaps it’s because we understand the exciting link between science and synthetics, or it could just be that we’re an inquisitive bunch. Whatever the reason, linking fragrance to the idea of mysterious lands and vast oceans is irresistibly tantalising. When <b>Histoires de Parfums</b> used <b>Jules Verne</b> as the inspiration for a scent it was always destined to have a nod to travel, so get ready to set sail with <b>1828</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.stephanmatthews.com/2023/08/1828-by-histoires-de-parfums.html#more">Click here to read the rest of this post >></a>Stephan Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727326641985250322noreply@blogger.com0