Lately we’ve had all possible spring weather, from beautiful bright days to downpours and even hail storms thrown in. While we await true spring laying ball for several days in a row, instead of cursing any rain showers, we’ll be wearing rain-scented fragrances and embracing the weather while we can! ‘It is certain that the best soil smells like a fine unguent… It is the odour often recognised at sunset… at the place where the ends of the rainbow meet the earth, or when rain has soaked the ground after a long drought. Then it is that the earth exhales her own divine breath, received from the ..read more

You may have noticed we’re fully embracing a spring-fling of magnificent magnolia fragrances to wear this season, so from that initial edit of some favourite magnolia scents, and having taken a closer look at the science and history behind why we (and perfumers) adore the smell of magnolia; now we’re going in for a second floral frolic. Which of these have you tried so far? Your nose is going to need to smell them ALL, and we’re pretty sure you’ll fall – or rather, spring – for at least one…     Magnolia branch         THE MERCHANT OF VENICE BLUE TEA With each fr ..read more

Now that spring has truly sprung, and the weather feels that much more hopeful [looks out window to check…] we’re welcoming this change of season with the fragrances we chose to wear – but don’t forget to bring spring indoors, too, with our guide to scent-scaping your home via this scent-sational Stories No.1 Candle Trio to match the lighter, brighter mood… ‘The story of a fragrance wrapped itself around me like a cocoon. It came from nowhere; a divine aroma laced with sharp citrus and the warmth of something woody. It was this aroma I sought to create in my first perfume. STORIES No.01 tells ..read more

Spring is the time of the year when we finally start to see newness in both our surroundings as well as the perfumes that are on offer. Green notes traditionally begin to be talked about and, with the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, the merest hint of sun-kissed citruses and lazy afternoons arrive. (Bliss!)   Seasonal Scents refer to the way we instinctively like to change-up our fragrances to suit the weather, and because we always have our fingers on the pulse point, The Perfume Society’s Seasonal Scent Subscription Boxes have been perfectly curated for perfume lovers (of any ..read more

This month, among other spring blooms that have inspired perfumers, we’re focusing on the stop-in-your-tracks beauty of magnolia. From our initial edit of some favourite magnolia-centric scents we simply can’t get enough of right now, to later features exploring the differing delicate (and sometimes surprising) aroma facets that can be coaxed from those magnificent blooms; today’s topic takes a look at some of the fascinating myths and history that surround this ancient flower…   Named after a renowned French botanist, Pierre Magnol, who first came up with the ingenious concept of classif ..read more

Magnolia trees in full-bloom is one of those gasp-inducing moments that defines the coming of spring – from fat buds bursting to those outrageously blowsy blossoms, magnolia also happens a white floral ingredient that perfumers are so inspired by for its petal-powered, creamily sweet yet wonderfully fresh edge. Here, we seek out some of our favourite magnolia-centric scents…   There are around 200 different types of magnolia (named after the renowned 17th Century French botanist, Pierre Magnol, by the way; who was the very chap that came up with the concept of classifying flora into ‘plan ..read more

We could not be more thrilled (or humbled) at the announcement of the Jasmine Awards 2024 finalists! Read on to discover the full fragrant list… The Fragrance Foundation U.K. says: ‘Launched in the UK in 1990 the Jasmine Awards are recognised as the most prestigious journalistic awards in the beauty industry. They recognise and reward the talents of journalists & visualisers whose difficult task it is to translate the complex art of perfumery into words and pictures. A new panel of judges is recruited annually and includes experts from the worlds of journalism, literature, fashion, lifesty ..read more

We’ve set a fragrantly themed trail of clues to lead you around our website – simply follow your noses, find the hidden easter eggs and in our fragrant prize draw, one lucky person will WIN a 100ml bottle of Maison Tahité Cacao2, worth £90! Maison Tahité is a new niche house specialising in stunning, contemporary versions of gourmand fragrances – using deliciousness rippled through every creation, the collections span Cocoa, Coffee and Vanilla. As it’s Easter, of course we’re focusing on the chocolate, and their Cocoa collection investigates the aromatic universe of this divine raw materi ..read more

Having experienced the third full moon of the year – and the first of true spring – this is traditionally a time to reflect on what has passed and is no longer useful to dwell on; and look to the future with hopefulness and a renewed sense of optimism in our hearts. One brand which so brilliantly connects these soulful moments with their beautiful scents is ARgENTUM, and this year, they’ve even created a Full Moon Playlist to enhance this period of self-reflection.   Listen to the Full Moon Playlist here!   ..read more

Our just-published new issue of The Scented Letter magazine focuses on the ‘Rites of Spring’, and the ways we use fragrance beyond merely smelling lovely, to become part of a daily ritual of wellbeing. Here we’re sharing our edit of the home fragrances that can help us wind down, chill out and truly relax – at any time, but these feel especially right for right now…       Ostens Illuminations Rose Candle £65 Ostens reminds us that, ‘In the valleys of Anatolia, Turkey, the harvesting of Rosa Damascena the ‘Queen of Flowers’ begins at dawn.’ And here, that cool morning air, fille ..read more