On The Scent

This week is a truly madcap sniffathon HOPEFULLY encompassing [*takes a
deep breath*] wild seascapes, fragrant ghosts and a notorious rake; a spicy
summer scent to set your senses tingling; a fruity treat based on a perfumer’s
favourite breakfast; a splendiferous peacock strutting its scented stuff; a stunning
sueded rose; perfumes pulled straight from the vegetable patch; Harrods
exclusives to swoon over; a seriously affordable new niche house; a mesmerising
myrrh, and Alice du Parcq’s book pre-order discount code…
AND if all that wasn’t enough, we’re also answering a #listenerprescription for a
jasmine fragrance to remind her of a dance while wearing jasmine garlands.
Phew!
Can we possibly fit it all in without going off-topic? Listen along and find out!
BeauFort London continued: Following on from last week’s fascinating interview
with founder Leo Crabtree, Nicola tries a trio of intriguing scents:
Cape Wrath
‘Cape Wrath Eau De Parfum. Named after the rugged area of coastline on the
most North Westerly tip of Britain, Cape Wrath pulls inspiration from this wild,
treacherous seascape. The remote landmark - named after the old Norse word
for ‘turning point’ has for centuries been used by sailors to safely navigate the
coast of Britain, yet its treacherous waters have claimed countless vessels.
Character: Powerful; wild; windswept

 THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Elemi, Galbanum, Angelica Root
Opens with a blast of
bracing ocean air.
Heart Notes: Frankincense, Mastic, Geranium
Resinous smoke and geranium
add both warmth and austerity.
Base Notes: Ambergris, Vetiver, Ambrette, Seaweed, Oakmoss
Absolute
Mossy oceanic base which powerfully lingers.
Perfumer: Euan McCall
Absent Presence
‘‘O absent presence, Stella is not here’
The fifth and final instalment of the Revenants collection draws inspiration from
the Elizabethan poet Sir Philip Sidney. In his Sonnet sequence ‘Astrophel and
Stella’ Sidney develops and captures the essence of a haunting… the presence
of one that is always felt but never seen.
‘Now I, wit-beaten long by hardest fate,

So dull am, that I cannot look into
The ground of this fierce love and lovely hate,
Then some good body tell me how I do,
Whose presence absence, absent presence is;
Blesst in my curse, and cursed in my bliss.’
Comprising the highest level of natural ingredients of any BeauFort fragrance,
Absent Presence explores its themes with typically ‘overdosed’ concentrations of
violet leaf absolute, vetiver bourbon oil, smoky leather and black pepper oil. As
with all the Revenants family, Absent Presence is presented as 30% Eau De
Parfum.
Character: Dark; enveloping; waves.
THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Pepper
Fresh, green, and fleeting felt but out
of reach.
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Violet
 Jasmine and violet bloom with intensity.
Base Notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Cedarwood 
Warm leather,
woods, amber and musk linger like a ghost on the skin, the violet heart returning
in waves.
Perfumer: Julie Dunkley.’
Rake & Ruin
‘Rake & Ruin Eau De Parfum is inspired by the works of satirist William Hogarth,
this fragrance summons his characters from a gin soaked 18th century London.
This debauched Eau De Parfum incorporates the botanical ingredients of gin;
dark woods, civet, musks and amber bringing to life 'all manner of Vice and
Wickedness.’

THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Angelica, Liquorice, Juniper, Coriander, Szechuan Pepper, Pink
Pepper, Orange, Lemon
Opens with a sharp, gin-like freshness, spiced and
effervescent.
Heart Notes: Cypress, Pine Needles, Castoreum, Labdanum, Cade Oil, Costus,
Violet Orris
Bowing to a heart of smoky woods, animalic tones and powdered
florals.
Base Notes: Dark Woods, Ambrarome, Sandalwood, Musk
Dark woods, musk
and animalic. Ambrarome complete the seductive yet slightly sinister finish.’
Alice du Parcq’s book: The Philosophy of Perfume
Pre-order at Waterstones for £10 (25% off with code SUMMER26)
https://tinyurl.com/AliceWaterstones
‘The Philosophy of Perfume is a fun, warm, thoughtful and practical book all
about fragrance, which looks at its origins and how it's made, how we smell and

how best to shop for perfume. It is an adventure into the facts, folklore and
fantasies surrounding perfume, delving into how it has evolved through the eras
and decades as an artform, reflecting our cultural patterns through history. In the
book, you'll meet perfumers who share insights into their fascinating creative
process; you'll learn the science behind how we smell and the wild emotional
voyage from smell to soul! There are tales of scented superstitions, and the
literary and historical figures who inspire perfume, plus the ways in which AI is
impacting the future of fragrance and a helpful guide on how to shop for perfume
and find The One(s!).
It was so important to me that this book was not for perfume experts, but for
fragrance lovers of all ages who want a moment of enchantment laced with
interesting facts, a sprinkle of science and some practical guidance when on their
next scent shopping safari.’
AKRO Heat
‘HEAT is our addictive chili fragrance.
Chili is not just a spice. It is a rush. A burn you think you can handle. The first
time you smell it, it hits, it wakes you up. Then it warms you. Then you want it
again.
The best chili doesn’t just flavour. It ignites. It makes your skin tingle. Your
temperature rise. Your pulse quicken. Your senses sharpen.
HEAT is that moment when warmth turns into craving. When your body asks for
more. A vibrant indulgence. A dopamine shot you keep coming back to.
HEAT is a scent that sets you on fire and makes you love the burn.
TOP: CORIANDER SEED, LEMON, RED CHILI
MIDDLE: CARDAMOM, GINGER, JUNIPER
BASE: CEDARWOOD, AMBROX, MUSK.’
Jeroboam Oud Morning
By Vanina Muracciole
‘Oud Morning from Jeroboam is the perfect balance of brightness and depth.
Opening with an unexpected burst of blueberry, saffron and resins, the
composition moves into a heart of Indian oud, softened with leather and aged
woods. Sandalwood, ambroxan and white musk anchor it into a smooth, sensual
base, finishing the creation on an intimate note.
Top Notes: Blueberry, Gurjum Balsam, Saffron
Middle Notes: Indian Oudh, Leather, Dry Wood, Violet
Base Notes: Sugar, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, White Musks.’
Alexandre J Royal Peacock (Harrods Exclusive)

‘At the turn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau reshaped the decorative arts.
Mucha, Gallé, Tiffany, Lalique, all drew on nature to invent a new grammar of
curves, stylised plants and extraordinary birds. Among them,
the peacock reigned supreme: its iridescent eyes and regal bearing embodied
the movement's core belief in beauty for beauty's sake.
The opening evokes an Italian espresso served with Viennese pastry. Roasted
coffee dialogues with hazelnut in a frankly gourmand accord, before maple
syrup brings its unmistakable amber roundness, sweet without cloying, almost
woody. Caramel amplifies the indulgence, while violet casts a powdery floral veil
that keeps the composition from tipping into excess. The vanilla-almond base
settles into a lasting, addictive warmth.’
Ormonde Jayne Suede Silhouette
‘Bathed in crimson and violet, Suede Silhouette reflects the warmth of saffron,
the richness of raspberry and the quiet confidence of suede. Exclusively at
Selfridges.’
Jo Malone London Veggies collection:
Celine Roux says: ‘We just loved that people, even in the middle of cities like
London, can grow their own carrots and herbs – the fact that everyone wants to
have a grasp on nature from wherever they are. This [collection] takes that idea
of something homegrown and unmanicured but gives it a fresh take’
Velvety Butternut:
‘The path ahead is smooth, just like a velvety butternut playfully plucked from the
veggie patch. Notes of smooth butternut, warm tonka bean and patchouli create
a woody gourmand scent.
Top - Ginger
Spicy and fresh with a zingy lemon quality, it opens the fragrance with lively
brightness.
Heart - Butternut
Smooth and nutty, notes of butternut imbues the fragrance with a delicious
warmth and creaminess.
Base - Patchouli
Grounded in patchouli, a sensuously deep woody note that enhances the
longevity of the fragrance.’
Carrot Blossom:

‘Life is sweet, just like carrot blossom gloriously gathered from the veggie patch.
Notes of subtly sweet carrot, orange flower and white musk create a fresh floral
scent.
Top - Fennel
Herbaceous with hints of aniseed, it adds a dewy sweetness to the top notes.
Heart - Carrot Blossom
Lightly floral and sweet, with an earthy accent, complementing the powdery notes
of orris.
Base - Patchouli
Grounded in patchouli, a sensuously deep woody note that enhances the
longevity of the fragrance.’
Suzy’s favourite: Scarlet Beetroot
‘Colour is all around, just like a scarlet beetroot splendidly spied in the veggie
patch. Notes of beetroot, vibrant blackcurrant and a dash of...

[AD: This episode is proud to be in partnership with BeauFort London - a house Suzy has championed from the start, spoken about passionately over the years, and continues to be excited by.]

From a single, hand-poured moustache wax to one of the world’s most daringly distinctive fragrance houses, BeauFort London’s story is as elemental as the scents themselves. Founded in 2013 by musician Leo Crabtree, the brand was born from salt-spray memories, naval histories and a fascination with the poetry of smoke — quite literally “per fumum” (‘through smoke’).

In this episode of On The Scent Podcast, Suzy Nightingale and Nicola Bonn sit down with Leo to trace that journey: from the formative fragrances he wore as a teenager to the moment he realised scent could become a storytelling medium for his fascinations with maritime might, Shakespearean drama, and the awe-inspiring power of nature.

With the launch of Come Hell Or High Water in 2015 — featuring the now-iconic Tonnerre, Coeur de Noir and Vi et Armis — BeauFort London set out its stall with unapologetically bold compositions, rich in unusual materials and deliberately ‘overdosed’ in their intensity. As you listen, you will hear Suzy, Nicola and Leo smelling some of the creations together — Nicola encountering them properly for the first time, while Suzy revisits fragrances she has worn and championed for years, having known Leo since the brand’s earliest days and even helping to shape the direction of Fathom V.

Together, we delve into the inspirations behind the scents, the emotions they stir, and the evolving landscape of perfumery that Leo reflects upon with candour. It is a conversation about transformation — personal, creative, and within the industry itself — and one that invites you to explore these boldly original fragrances for yourself…

Embracing the heat, and leaning into the ‘Sunscreen Scent’ perfume profile this week, we’re following on from the BONUS episode originally available to Patreon subscribers (which should soon be available here too - keep checking & scroll back in your podcast app to find it), in which we explored our favourite scented sunscreens. Flipping that fragrant theme on its head, this time we’re all about those solar, ‘holiday in a bottle’ type perfumes, and find ourselves particularly drawn to those with a vintage vibe.

Later in the episode, Nicola answers a listener question from someone who had fallen head over heels for spicy tonka / vanilla fragrances way out of her budget, and seeks affordable scents to satiate this new obsession…

We discuss;

Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum
This first launched in 2012, and was created by Serge Majoullier (who also created Mugler Womanity Eau Pour Elle and Viktor&Rolf Bonbon).
Top notes are Orange Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Orange and Bergamot; middle notes are Gardenia, Magnolia and Rose; base notes are Coconut Milk, Vanilla and Pebbles.

DIOR La Collection Privé Eden-Roc
We rather suspect that Dior’s resident perfumer, François Demachy, enjoyed even more than usual his ‘research’ for this fragrance, a hymn to one of the world’s most legendary hotels, on the rocky shore of the Côte d’Azur. Flooded with sunlight, it’s cooled and ruffled by a salty breeze, revealing an accord reminiscent of nothing so much as expensive suntan oil, suffused with jasmine and a touch of coconut. Truly the stuff of holiday dreams.

Juliette Has a Gun Sunny Side Up
Ohhh allow yourself to dream of a scented destination somewhere more far flung. Close your eyes and imagine an impossibly perfect beach: warm sand, warm skin, an omnipresent hush of crystal waters massaging brightly coloured pebbles and your own deep, contented breaths. Sunny Side Up is all blissfully relaxed limbs glowing with the retro-smelling scent of suntan oil, the softness of the blanket beneath you and a waft of vanilla ice-cream on the breeze as the sun dips its toes in the ocean. Bliss in fragrant form!

Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière
‘Like an haute couture dress, Elie Saab fragrances adorn the feminine form, with a radiant sensuality. Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière captures the sensual sparkle of light. The Dawn. The time when night meets day, when a ray of light softly glides across the darkness and reveals the golden hues of daybreak. Inspired by Mediterranean sun rays, Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière is an ode of warm light.’
Top notes
Mandarin Essence, Ylang-Ylang
Heart notes
Jasmine Samac Absolut India, Tuberose
Base notes
Patchouli, Musky Woods & Soft amber

Tom Ford Soleil
‘Soleil Brûlant captures the high-shine brilliance of the golden sun beaming on a private oasis. Sun-kissed citrus mingles with spices giving way to an ornate and regal floral heart—while orange flower absolute and black honey release a seductive vapor, melting into the burnished warmth of amber.
Soleil Brûlant releases sun-kissed florals warmed by amber, conjuring a blazing encounter between gilded rays and naked skin. Your own private summer.’

Jennifer Elizabeth:
Hi Nicola and Suzy, I find myself turning to your podcast and fragrance in general to comfort and sweeten my day during the cold winter in Melbourne. I am really enjoying my perfume journey and recently discovered a Libertine Parfumerie near me! I got a sample of Amouge, guidance and Tonka Kumaru Atelier Materi. I didn’t think I would like the spicy saffron in Guidance but I have really warmed to it! And now expanding my tastes into spicy fragrances with a bit of heat. I absolutely love Tonka Kumaru it has become my favourite! Unfortunately both perfumes are way above my budget, and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for a similar fragrance with tonka, vanilla, almond and a spice. I find this fragrance very complex and addictive and its projection is amazing, so it would be may to find something under 100 pounds . I love this scent so much I’d also like to find a candle with similar almond and cardamon notes.
I also like Vanilla Powder Matiere Premier.

Ps I am so happy I can walk into Mecca or libertine and identity so many of the perfumes from your podcast! It brings me such joy!

Nicola’s suggestions:

Essential Parfums Divine Vanilla
Granado Tonka Eau de Toilette
L'Occitane Almond Candle
Mama Moon Prosperity and Courage Candle
Scents Journey - Masala Chai Candle
Jsala - Apothecary Candle

Talk about varied - we go from a ‘posh banana’ Brazilian carnival in a bottle Nicola experienced at a vibrantly fun perfume pop-up in Liberty, to an extraordinary, burning, bloodied rose Suzy’s entranced by (don’t worry - it’s not as scary as it sounds!)

We’re also featuring two incredibly inspirational women on this week’s show - one who’s created her own fragrance brand to reflect a life lived in scent and adventure, and another who’s bringing the playfulness back into perfumery by allowing you (and your friends) to attend a blending workshop via Zoom - to create your own fragrance with her stunning and easy-to-use accords. A whole group of the #fragfam (Suzy, Nicola, Jo, Alice du Parcq, Amanda Carr, Thomas & Hayden attended a Zoom, and we were HUGELY impressed, plus love the scents we blended!)

Amidst all of that there’s talk of a naughty Toy Boy who’s back in town, and Suzy finds two exquisite (and very affordable) iris-forward fragrances for a listener.

Plus: get the second issue of On The Scent magazine which has just been published and is already flying out again! Order online here:

https://www.onthescentmedia.com/on-the-scent-magazine

Now, on with the show, and let’s jump in…

We discuss:

Granado Yes, Nós Temos Banana!
The Brazilian brand has taken over Liberty’s historic Atrium for the whole of July with a huge banana pop-up! Do see it in-person if you can. They say: ‘Evoking the tropical vibrance of Brazil in olfactive form, Yes, Nós Temos Banana! eau de parfum from Granado is an invigorating addition to any fragrance collection.
Anchored by a classic, woody base of sandalwood and cedar, this fragrance combines vibrant notes of banana and peach blossom with the romantic delicacy of fig and iris, while highlighting banana leaf as the protagonist of the creation - spritz onto skin for a breath of escapism.’

L’Entropiste Ensang Noir
[From Sainte Cellier] ‘This rose is on fire… Ensang Noir is an extraordinarily pungent rose perfume, sanguineous red petals stained with black ink, rusted at the bleeding edges. A scent of temptation, danger and the ritualistic fumes of burnt love. Fanatical, obsessive. Skin becomes an altar for this most plush and smoky offering.’
Top Notes: aldehydes, blackcurrant, coriander, cucumber
Heart Notes: red rose, magnolia, peony
Base Notes: incense, birch, opoponax, patchouli, vetiver, caramel

Moschino ToyBoy 2
‘Moschino’s celebrated fragrance for him is back! This time, the new TOY BOY 2 will take you on a sensory journey that opens with a spicy spark and closes with an amber caress.
Toy boy 2 comes alive with an explosion of intriguing nutmeg and sparkling ginger and sets out on a quest to start a journey of lively and ironic charm, to escape from the daily greyness by retracing distant but ever-present emotions. It wraps you in a warm embrace of intense coffee, while akigalawood adds a bold touch. As the adventure continues, it leaves behind a soft trail of myrrh and vetiver, comforting you and promising even more surprises.’

Top notes
saffron accord, nutmeg Indonesia, fresh ginger
Heart notes
coffee extract, cedarwood, akigalawood
Base notes
cistus concrete, vetiver oul, myrrh resinoid

Liz Astor Fragrances
‘Three perfumes, three chapters of a life lived through fragrance.
From an English garden to distant horizons and star-filled nights — each captures a moment in Liz Astor’s journey: where she began, where she wandered, and what she became.’

HETHERSETT
‘Hethersett is a return to origin — a chypre–fruity fragrance that feels like sunlight through orchard branches and summer gardens in full bloom. Each breath reveals the early whispers of creativity: petals, citrus, and memory intertwined. Bright, romantic, rooted — the scent of home becoming art.

Olfactory Notes Orange • Citron • Jasmine • Magnolia • Orange Blossom • Saffron • Cedarwood • Musk
From £40 for 7.5ml

8.7°S 118.3°E
‘The coordinates point to a remote stretch of the Indonesian sea — a place etched in Liz Astor’s travels, when she chased adventure beyond familiar shores.
8.7°S 118.3°E captures the spirit of exploration — the scent of salt spray and sunlight, the pulse of courage, and the thrill of finding beauty in the unknown. It is both fearless and fluid, an ode to self-discovery carried on the ocean wind.
Tone Wild, radiant, unbound — freedom bottled in light and sea air.
Olfactory Notes Bergamot • Mandarin • Grapefruit • Clary Sage • Jasmine • Patchouli • Vetiver’

From £40 for 7.6ml eau de parfum

Nadira No.9
‘Nadira No.9 evokes the sensual hush of desert air beneath a vast night sky — where time slows and the spirit expands. It’s a fragrance of reverence and reflection, born of distant travels and the quiet awe of standing beneath a thousand unfamiliar.
Soft, luminous, intimate — starlight woven through spice and skin.’
Amber • Musk • Night-blooming Florals • Spiced Woods’

From £70 for 7.5ml parfum

Discovery Set: £25 for x3 samples
Purchase the collection for £25 — this is fully redeemable against a future purchase of any 75ml fragrance once you’ve chosen your favourite.

https://lizastor.com

Elix perfume blending workshop (via Zoom)
Nicole founder Elix because: ‘Scent is uniquely powerful, yet we rarely have the opportunity to play and experiment with it. After a career in product innovation and creative facilitation, I returned to my childhood dream of perfume alchemy. Artisan perfumery became my creative outlet during lockdown, and I was inspired by the joy and mindfulness it brought into my life. I founded ELIX Personal Alchemyto share that playful magic with others and make artisan personalised perfumery more accessible.’

‘Our hand-crafted Eau de Toilette blending accords harmonise beautifully in endless combinations. Blend 2–4 accords together to create a range of scents that evolve with your mood, style or occasion; or enjoy them solo.
Our luxury set contains everything you need to enjoy a mindful personal ritual or a shared creative experience at home.
Our curated collections are inspired by some of the most-loved accord combinations created during our live workshops, and include a selection of popular blending ideas to inspire your own journey.
• Up to 70% naturally derived ingredients l • Blending accords can be worn alone or combined • Two refillable atomisers with replenishable elements • Additional accords available individually • Hand-crafted and hand-packed in the U.K.’

£149 Personal Alchemy Blending Kit

https://www.elixfragrance.com

Listener Prescription:

Joanna Caccavo:
Dear Suzy and Nicola,

First of all, a big congratulations on the new magazine! It is absolutely mouthwatering and Suzy’s prose is exquisite - I MUST read more! I am also eager for a perfume prescription for an affordable ($100 or under) very iris-forward fragrance. I’m accustomed to seeing iris perfumes raved about online, but they tend to be quite pricy. However, I recently blind-bought Zara’s Romance d’Iris Elixir, which is almost an iris soliflore and about $70, and I fell head-over-heels in love! I know that iris is a note in many fragrances, both expensive and inexpensive, but in my (admittedly limited!) experience it’s usually quite subtle. Surely there must be other affordable super-iris-y perfumes out there? (They needn’t smell only of iris, but I’d like that to be the dominant note.) Thank you! :)

Suzy suggested:

Fragonard Belle de Paris
Composed by Daniela Andrier (of Prada Infusion d’Iris fame!) here,;lbase notes are Musk and White Cedar Extract.
‘Belle de Paris is elegantly cloaked in iris, a symbol of chic, and wears its incomparable scent.
Its fruity head notes of green mandarin, neroli, and pear brighten a generous heart of iris absolute adorned
with violet and incense. Musk and white cedar form its base.’
Top Notes: neroli, pear and green mandarin;
Heart Notes: iris, violet and incense
Base Notes: musk and white cedar extract.
€42 for 100ml eau de toilette

4160 Tuesdays Hush Hush
‘Imagine a secret 1920s party, the perfumes that people are wearing are the new things: violets and iris, vanilla and musks. They're wearing smart suits and straight silk dresses with beaded tassels. Someone opens a new paper packet of cigarettes, and they all whip out their elegant holders, even the women!
It has a powdery feel reminiscent of early 20th Century perfumes, because we both love the violet-iris texture and aroma created by ionones and irones, including those from natural orris (slightly extravagant but worth every penny). Among the many materials assembled here to create a completely new scent, we have a smidgen of natural rose, a fair quantity of Cashmeran, woods, sparkly orange flower, bergamot, creamy ethyl vanillin and layers of musks.’
£35 for 15ml eau de toilette

Looking for some truly outstanding and very affordable fragrances? Have we got an episode for you! This week, as challenged by you, we went on a scent safari sniffing our way around the new fragrances in one of the U.K’s most beloved high street shops. The results? Well, we were rather awe-struck with how wonderful they were, to be honest.
Suzy is totally in love with a new perfume shop she popped into for a (free!) half-hour hand and massage the other day; and we’ve also got some suggestions for a listener desperately missing their favourite (now discontinued) fragrance, and start this week’s episode with some lovely feedback about a previous listener prescription…
Listener feedback:
Anja:
‘Hello, after listening to your brilliant podcast episode over the weekend and the scent prescription on marocan scents one perfume came straight into my mind: Andi Tauer's L'air du Desert Marocain.
Thanks again for your podcast and hard work, it brings us all joy every week. I blind bought DS&Durga Big Sur Eucalyptus after Suzy described it and it so amazing and exactly whati was looking for (for years!) in a eucalyptus scent. Thanks, Anja’
Marks & Spencer fragrances:
We asked our Instagram followers to suggest a high street store to find some affordable fragrances in, and share our favourites. The top request by FAR was Marks & Spencer. So, we went to the Oxford Street store, and were SO impressed by the selection, layout, accessibility and thoughtfulness that’s gone in to the design - not only of the scents, but the space they’re displayed in.
Not only was the layout chic and welcoming, the shelves were well-stocked with blotters and testers, making it a truly inviting place to go and explore perfumes (both M&S own-brand ones, and a great curation of other brands).
First up, we sniffed the Summer Limited Edition duo (which we’d already promised to test for you a couple of episodes ago):
Suzy’s favourite:
Marshmallow Delight £12 for 100ml eau de parfum
‘Indulge in a scent that feels soft, sweet and irresistibly playful with this Marshmallow Delight eau de toilette from our Discover range. Juicy raspberry brings a bright opening, melting into fluffy marshmallow and smooth cream for a comforting, dessert-like finish.’
Nicola’s favourite:
Solar Fleur £12 for 100ml eau de parfum
‘Capture the warmth of sunlit skin with this radiant eau de toilette from our Discover range. A bright burst of mandarin opens the scent, softened by delicate jasmine and wrapped in the creamy sweetness of coconut milk. The result is a smooth, glowing fragrance that feels effortless and uplifting.’
Then we made a beeline for the brand new M&S Studio Fragrance collection - and were both completely blown away! The quality is apparent the second you pick up the bottles: stylishly pared back they feel satisfyingly weighty with good quality lids, and even the labels are slightly recessed - a very luxe touch, all for £22.50 per 100ml eau de perfume. And the SCENTS! Oh my. So many great ones to choose from (shall we do a whole series?) but we chose…
Suzy’s favourites:
M&S Studio Amber Crème
‘This Amber Crème eau de parfum is a refined and evocative choice. Sensual amber and rich vanilla combine with notes of rum, patchouli and crème anglaise to create a lavish, indulgent scent.
Top note: Brown Sugar Middle note: Tonka Base note: Amber’
M&S Studio Ginger Flower
‘Enjoy a fresh and contemporary scent with the Ginger Flower eau de parfum. The heart of the fragrance combines lively ginger with sweet citrus and orange blossom for an uplifting accord. Sensual white musk and blond woods create a warm, grounded finish.
Top note: Ginger Middle note: Orange blossom Base note: White musk’
Nicola’s favourites:
Darkest Vanilla
‘Enjoy a rich and velvety accord with the Darkest Vanilla eau de parfum. The sensual vanilla heart is complemented by warm amber, luscious tonka bean and dreamy patchouli. Notes of floral orchid and sweet brown sugar ensure a luxurious finish.
Top note: Vanilla bean Middle note: Tonka Base note: Amber
Sheer Musk
This Sheer Musk eau de parfum from M&S Studio is a subtly sensual choice. A heart of vegan sublimolide™ musk and ambrette absolute is complemented by floral rose and velvety orris. Cashmere and sandalwood notes create a grounded finish.
Top note: Pink pepper Middle note: Cashmere Base note: Musk
They really are knocking it out of the park at M&S - in the beauty area (our fave, obvs) but also in their fashion and accessories. So many reasons to be excited again about going in-store! We must go back to try more perfumes, though, don’t you think?
Nicola loved her Atelier Rebul mixing masterclass experience, and this is a house we want to tell you much more about (and smell our way through all their creations) in future episodes.
Meanwhile….
Suzy had the most incredible FREE half hour scented hand & arm massage at Norfolk Natural Living in their Lambs Conduit Street shop. This relaxing, unhurried ritual uses their all-natural products and ends with a bespoke fragrance discovery.
Suzy chose to finish with a layered spritz of:
Geranium & Tomato Leaf
‘Beyond the glass the garden breathes a little slower. Leaves stir with a soft whisper as the warmth begins to soften at the edges. The scent of crushed tomato vine lingers green and vivid against the rosy sweetness of geranium bloom. Neroli drifts through the shade like a pale ribbon of light while cool earth settles everything into an easy calm.
It is the sort of afternoon that asks nothing of you. Sun warming terracotta. Green stems rubbed gently between the fingers. A bright citrus breeze wandering through open windows carrying lime and eucalyptus with it. The garden smells alive and a little unruly in the loveliest way.’
(Layered with)
Rose Garden
‘The afternoon unfolds in layers of scent and light. I sit beneath the cedar tree, reading... The breeze is bright, alive, moving through the garden like thought. It brings the first shimmer of geranium leaf and Sicilian lemon, quick and green, a scent that catches the light like a silver blade. Then, the roses. They lean into the air, full and fresh, their sharp sweetness almost shocking after the citrus. The garden hums with life: petals opening, leaves trembling, sunlight deepening into gold.
This rose is no dowager; it’s an ingénue with perfect posture. Geranium keeps it clean and quick, jasmine gives it flesh, cedar lends gravity, and amber that quiet, golden hum anchors it all. The air itself seems to thrum, half floral, half mineral, alive with that peculiar English freshness that smells of rain remembered rather than falling.’
The fragrances start from £20 for 10ml and every one Suzy smelled was genuinely excellent (though we also need to go bs k here and try many more!)
Norfolk Natural Living have stores around the U.K. (as well as selling their products online:
You can enjoy the free Norfolk Natural Living hand & arm massage at selected stores (Cambridge, Southwold, Lambs Conduit St London, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh & Holt] by booking online, here:

https://tinyurl.com/Norfolk-Natural-Living-Massage
Listener Prescription:
Meira:
Hi! I’m reaching out because I’ve heard you are experts in tracking down lost or discontinued fragrances. I’ve been on a long quest to find Ananya by The Body Shop (the original 1980s/90s version).
​It holds so many memories for me, and I’ve been struggling to find it anywhere. Since it seems to be unavailable to ship to Europe, I was wondering if you could help me find it or, if not, recommend a fragrance that is a very close match in terms of scent profile (tuberose, peach, coconut, and sandalwood).
​Any guidance or tips you could provide would mean the world to me. Thank you so much for your time and help!
Suzy suggests:
Chopard Casmir
‘Casmir was launched in 1992. The nose behind this fragrance is Michel Almairac. Top notes are Peach, Coconut, Mango, Fruits and Bergamot; middle notes are Geranium, Jasmine, Floral Notes and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli and Woodsy Notes.’
Kayali Eden Sweet Peach | 35
‘Sweet, luscious, and velvety, Eden Sweet Peach | 35 Eau de Parfum is pure happiness in a bottle. On first spritz, sweet-and-tangy peach and crisp red apple create a bright, mouthwatering opening while creamy frangipani adds softness and warmth at the heart of the juice. As the fragrance dries down, comforting musk melts into the skin, leaving a tender yet addictive trail that radiates effortless joy.’
(Layered with)
Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco | 21
‘Take a dip in your daydreams, where the clouds seem within reach and you’re blissfully floating in a glittering pool of possibilities. Creamy sandalwood and sweet white florals are topped with milky coconut, then whipped together with vanilla bourbon to evoke that sense of freedom from reality, transporting you to your perfect world, your Utopia.’
On The Scent Magazine
To purchase a print issue of the first issue of On The Scent Magazine follow this link to order yours (delivery worldwide):