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 men’s grooming market is one that is forever being touted as “the next big thing” and “the sector to focus on” but, in reality, it’s one that has happily ticked along for generations. Whether we’re talking about the legendary Macassar Oil, the traditional Geo F. Trumper Shaving Cream, or even the new Eight & Bob Bath and Body range, men’s grooming products have always been an established part of daily routines. In more recent years the bestsellers may have changed, eye balms in favour of aftershave splashes, but tradition always powers through. That’s where Milano Cento comes in with their new Shaving Cream.
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?
I wonder how many bottles of fragrance end up languishing in the forgotten corner of a cupboard or get passed on to a friend with the greeting of “I think that this will suit you more than it does me.” When we find a perfume that we love it often becomes our signature and, understandably, others that are gifted or purchased can sometimes compare unfavourably next to it. Even the act of moving from an Eau de Toilette to an Eau de Parfum can prove problematic so, with this in mind, has Milano Cento successful managed to intensify its signature scent to match the expectations of a new decade?
The turkey has been ordered, the tree has been brought down from the loft, and that unlabelled box has just provided twenty metres of unexpected tinsel. It can only be Christmas. Along with the seasonal decorations, every home will be lighting this year’s chosen candle to scent the house during the festivities. Whether it’s an old favourite or a new discovery, scented candles are big business and literally come in every shape, size, and smell. With such a daunting selection to have to choose from it’s time for me to give you a little helping hand with my Top Five Candles For Christmas 2018.
So we’re well and truly into the Christmas season now with queues starting to form and products selling out. Are you still looking for inspiration? Well, every day in the run up to Christmas I’m posting things on Twitter which might be helpful for the perfumistas that you need to buy for, but there’s also twelve months of reviews on here for you to look through. I guessed that you probably don’t have much time so I’ve had a rummage thought the files myself and picked out five of my favourite products which I think would make excellent gifts. Hopefully one of these might be added to your cart by the end of the day.
Many reviewers describe fragrance as a "time machine" which can take you on a journey into your past, but that is always dependent on your having a link to the fragrance in the first place. What if a perfume came along which catapulted you back to the eighties without ever having smelled it before? I'm not going to lie, I was a little scared of this beast initially because the late eighties and early nineties were not known for subtlety. However that is exactly the joy of this powerhouse, which is back after a twenty four year absence. Pick up your VHS, reach for your Dynasty shoulder pads, and let me reintroduce you to Milano Cento.
