Stephan Matthews

Monday, 4 May 2020

MONSIEUR DE PROVENCE by Prestige de Menton

You’ve probably heard the saying “all that glitters is not gold,” and it’s definitely one that can be applied to the fragrance industry. Jewel encrusted bottles that look more like an ornament than a perfume seem to be a must-have fashion accessory, but the contents can often be questionable. Looking at this from the other direction, “don’t judge a book by its cover” should also be applied to the simple way that some companies present their fragrances. One example of this is the enduring Monsieur de Provence by Prestige de Menton. It may be understated to look at but the perfume is a fantastic survivor of a bygone age.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 30 April 2020

DARK QUEEN by Sarah McCartney and ÇaFleureBon

The fashion for bloggers, vloggers, and reviewers to release their own fragrance seems to be at an all-time high at the moment. It’s clear that the majority of these are just a blatant attempt to cash in on their already entrenched audience’s admiration and, as such, the results can often be overly emotive or decidedly underwhelming. That’s why it was with some trepidation that I approached the latest release from ÇaFleureBon. The third in her celebratory series, and once again created by Sarah McCartney of 4160 Tuesdays, is Dark Queen a force to be reckoned with or a sibling to be ignored?

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 27 April 2020

TIARELLA by Fragonard

One of the questions that I get asked most often is “Which perfume do you wish that they would bring back?” Now this usually ends up relating to the particular fragrance house that you’re talking about, and so the answer is a little weighted in their favour. When you’re given free rein to decide then the decision becomes more about whether you go down the “scholarly” route or choose something more personal. So, in the current climate of reduced launches, I asked myself this question and the answer may surprise you. The fragrance that I would like to see come back is Tiarella by Fragonard.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 23 April 2020

SEA SALT TAR and POUDRE DE RIZ by Sven Pritzkoleit

When we are faced with troubles it’s almost second nature to try and remember happier times. This recollection can come in the form of music, a scent, or even the immediacy that you get with food. However it is summoned up, a familiarity that is entwined with positive memories is always the best antidote to the blues. With the current need to limit travel and even see our families, many people’s rituals have been thrown up in the air. However, Sven Pritzkoleit has come to the rescue with his emotionally evocative Sea Salt Tar and Poudre de Riz, which both come laden with smiles and sunshine.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 20 April 2020

WHISKEY & VANILLA by Every Nook

The fashion for candles shows no signs of slowing down and, in times of uncertainty and challenge, that gently flickering flame in the corner of the room really can provide a feeling of comfort. There are thousands to choose from and every company has their own unique take on the combination of wax and wick. Also when we add in the cost, you start to wonder what you’re paying for. One company that is steering a steady course through the turbulent waves of the home fragrance market is Every Nook. This independent brand is providing some well needed decadence in the form of their Whiskey & Vanilla candle.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 16 April 2020

ST. PAUL'S by Exaltatum London

The job of a perfumer is to take a jumble of ideas and turn them into a fully formed fragrance. Now, when you work for a large company you can find yourself caught in the middle of many egos all wanting a say on the finished scent. However, as an independent perfumer you are solely accountable to yourself, and so the finished fragrance can often be closer to the original concept. One perfumer that has shown herself to be the mistress of translating emotion and place into scent is Eglija Vaitkevice of Exaltatum, and her latest fragrance takes the wearer on a journey to baroque London. It's time to visit St. Paul's.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 13 April 2020

FANTASY by Britney Spears

Everybody loves a birthday and the world of perfume is no different. With so many fragrances released annually it’s often hard for some of them to even reach a second birthday, let alone a very impressive fifteenth. Capturing the moment and securing a fan base is what every new launch strives to do, and that is exactly what happened in 2005. In the year that she sang “I see you lookin' at me,” Britney Spears launched the first of her Fantasy perfumes and it took the celebrity fragrance to new heights. So, fifteen years on, let’s go back to where it all began and see if it still leaves “a tantalising trail of embracing sensuality.”

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Thursday, 9 April 2020

DELINA by Parfums de Marly

One of the most amazing parts about the perfume industry is experiencing the moment when the stars really do align. This doesn’t happen very often but, when it does, the results are exceptional. Finding the perfect perfumer for the perfect project, and then watching the company allow them space to create, is a luxury that is not always afforded to mainstream releases. However, in the niche sector it is more common. One such collaboration was between Quentin Bisch and Parfums de Marly. Their 2017 release was the epitome of cashmere soft romance, and it’s time to rediscover the exquisite Delina.

Click here to read the rest of this post >>

Monday, 6 April 2020

HOPE by Tessa Williams

There have been many occasions where the original direction of a product has taken a different route because of events that are out of a company’s control. This isn't always a bad thing, in fact it's a compliment when it becomes a source of comfort. In unsettling times it often feels reassuring to reach for a product that affirms a positive message, and this is what has happened with the most recent launch from Tessa Williams. Always intended as the conclusion to her scented trilogy, Hope has recently become a fragranced wish that many have chosen to turn to in these challenging times.

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, 4 May 2020

Thursday, 30 April 2020

Monday, 27 April 2020

Thursday, 23 April 2020

Monday, 20 April 2020

Thursday, 16 April 2020

Monday, 13 April 2020

Thursday, 9 April 2020

Monday, 6 April 2020