The Niche Collection V Discovery Box Smelling Notes

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SOME OF OUR BEST TIPS FOR TRYING AND WE ARING FR AGR ANCE We ’re deligh t ed to share some of our ‘insider secre ts’ here , gl e aned f rom ye ars in t he perf ume worl d...

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Should I try fragrance on my skin, or a blotter? We suggest you try all of the fragrances in this Discovery Box on your skin – because only then does a fragrance’s true character emerge. (Not more than one on each wrist, ideally.) If you’re out shopping for fragrance in store, though, always use blotters; use the blotters from your Perfume Society Discovery Box and if you run out, you can order them from us at perfumesociety.org. But whenever you spray a blotter (or have one sprayed, now), label it. Everyone, but everyone, gets perfume ‘amnesia’: it’s literally impossible to remember what you sprayed where.

they’re what you live with once the top and heart notes have dissipated.

And this is why choosing a new scent should never be rushed.

Once on skin, explore the different phases of the fragrance. You get an overall sense of the fragrance at first spritz, but never make up your mind about a scent immediately because it evolves over several hours. First, you’ll experience the fleeting top notes, some of which last just minutes. The heart notes fully make themselves known as the top notes are fading, with the base notes revving up, the longer your fragrance has been on the skin. It is these base notes that you really want fall in love with, because

How relevant is it whether a perfume’s ‘masculine’, ‘feminine’ or ‘shared’? Completely irrelevant.

A few centuries ago, there was no such thing as gender, in perfume – and we’re seeing a return to that. And while it’s true that not every man wants to waft around in a cloud of sugar violets, and not that many women we know what to smell bracingly of a sea-breezy, ocean-inspired men’s aftershave, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t wear what you darned well like.

Is there a good time of day for exploring my box? Ideally, in the morning when your nose is fresh.

But failing that, do it at a point in the day when you’re relaxed; when we’re stressed, it’s actually harder to smell.

To get the most out of each fragrance, you write down a few notes about it – what it reminds you of, what you can smell. The more deeply you explore a fragrance with your mind, as well as your nose, the more you’ll get out of it.

EDITORS’ LET TER

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e just know you’re going to love The Niche Collection V as much as we do. And at a time when it’s still really difficult to sample fragrances in store, we are just so, so delighted to give you the opportunity to delight in exploring so many new and/or fabulous fragrances – 19, in all, plus two terrific ‘extras’.

In these Smelling Notes, you’ll find questions which draw you into each of the fragrances, deepening your enjoyment. And to find out much more about any of the perfume houses whose creations feature in the box, you can visit perfumesociety.org – they all have a dedicated page there with info about the creators, founders, perfumers and history.

First off, you can’t miss the amazing Maison Matine discovery set – a box-within-a-box, showcasing six varied creations from this exciting Parisian perfume house. The name ‘Matine’ references both the French word ‘mutine’ (meaning rebellious), and ‘matin’ – translating to morning – which reflects the brand’s philosophy of being ‘daring every day’.

You can swoon to three fragrances from Venice’s Storie Veneziane by Valmont, one from each of their Palazzo Nobile, Storie Veneziane and Collezione Privata collections – plus three luscious flower-powered creations featured in Bentley The Beyond Collection. Equally opulent is Moresque Lady Tubereuse – tapping into one of two strong dominant trends we’re seeing right now, for va-va-voom fragrances. More sensually whispery – but just as beautiful – is Ostens Cashmeran Velvet, reflecting the other trend: for more intimate, cocooning fragrances.

There are three fabulous plays on wood, from DSQUARED2 – Green Wood and Red Wood, along with Molton Brown Juniper Jazz – offering a deep-dive into this gender-blurring fragrance family that perfectly illustrates how versatile woody notes are, in perfumers’ expert hands. From the other end of the scent spectrum, we’ve Trudon Elae, which is bathed in light and freshness. And we think you’ll agree: the intriguing Mihan Aromatics Guilty Story is like nothing we’ve ever smelled before. (We love it when perfumes make us think, as well as swoon.)

Of course our boxes wouldn’t be quite the same without a special treat or two – here, iconic OLVERUM bath oil, with its sleep-beckoning blend of 10 botanical oils, plus Weleda Pomegranate Firming Day Cream – a new skincare ‘superstar’.

JO FAIRLEY & LORNA MCKAY, CO-FOUNDERS

PS We also invite you to get creative, and photograph your box. Post it on #Instagram, tagging us @theperfumesociety – and if we repost your picture, we’ll send you a voucher for another Discovery Box!

The Perfume Society

theperfumesociety

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B EN T L E Y T H E CO L L E C T I O N M EL LO W H EL I OT R O PE FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLOR AL TOP NOTES: bergamot, mandarin, blackcurrant, gardenia HEART NOTES: raspberry, pink peppercorn, elemi BASE NOTES: heliotrope, violet, ambrette, vanilla, praline

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BENTLEY THE COLLECTION MELLOW HELIOTROPE

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he might be the praline-sweet quiet one, but Mellow Heliotrope is no wallflower.

Gentle, yes; feminine, yes; empathic, yes; but she has hidden depths and an inner strength that gives her a quiet confidence; this scent speaks of soft power, patience, truth and intimacy. Ms. Mellow Heliotrope is immediately approachable and accessible in all her fruityfloral glory, while simultaneously complex as the velvety facets of heliotrope and violet unfurl – subtly assertive, enduring, elegant, and unforgettable. This is, we think, one of those fragrances that just gets better and better as it develops. Just like the women who will choose to wear her…

And Mellow Heliotrope is not alone: she has two sisters who make up the trio of fragrances in Bentley’s latest Beyond The Collection.

Following the success of last year’s debut Beyond collection, Bentley has created three more scents that are inspired by and dedicated to women. Perfumer Karine Dubreuil-Sereni started by imagining three personalities, then sourcing their three corresponding flowers, and magicked them into three exquisite fragrances.

SMELLING NOT ES:

MELLOW HELIOT ROPE Which notes are the most ‘quietly confident’, in your opinion?

At what time of day do you like this fragrance best on skin?

Do you know a woman who embodies the qualities of Mellow Heliotrope? If so, would she suit this scent?

In a film, which Hollywood actress would play ‘Ms. Mellow Heliotrope’?

Which three words best sum up Mellow Heliotrope for you?

Soft? Strong? Captivating? Over to you…

£165 for 100ml eau de parfum bentley-fragrances.com

Frankly we all need one (or perhaps all three) of these women in our lives.

BentleyMotors

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BentleyMotors

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B EN T L E Y T H E CO L L E C T I O N R A D I A N T OS M A N T H U S FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLOR AL FRUIT Y TOP NOTES: neroli, mandarin, lemon HEART NOTES: osmanthus, jasmine, seringa, peach BASE NOTES: cedarwood, white amber, sandalwood, musks

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o describe a fragrance as positively glowing might sound a little odd, but that is precisely what this perfume projects – a sense of palpable radiance. And perhaps this is because master perfumer Karine Dubreuil-Sereni has done such a spectacular job with this scent that you can almost see a big, joyful, light-filled smile, as you first encounter the sparkling citrus opening. As the peachy-floral heart unfolds – central to which is the delicate and soft osmanthus flower – we are introduced to an optimistic, charming but unaffected woman who, as we move on to a dry-down of grounding woods and warm-glowy amber, exudes an inner confidence. Her self-assured loveliness is infectious.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE RADIANT OSMANTHUS Do you identify with the personality of this fragrance?

In your opinion, does the scent suit the character depicted?

Which notes would you most associate with radiance? Why? What attitude does this fragrance inspire in you?

Which three words best sum up Radiant Osmanthus for you? Luminous? Assured?

Upbeat? Over to you…

£165 for 100ml eau de parfum bentley-fragrances.com

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B EN T L E Y T H E CO L L E C T I O N VIBR ANT HIBISCUS FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLOR AL TOP NOTES: blackcurrant, bergamot, mandarin, violet HEART NOTES: hibiscus, red peony, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley BASE NOTES: sandalwood, patchouli, musks, moss

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o say that the Vibrant Hibiscus gal likes to live each day to its fullest would be an understatement. This woman’s love for life is inspiring, infectious, and utterly seductive. She is a whirlwind of fabulous flamboyance from the outset – juicy berries and citrus fruit outrageously combined with an unexpected powdery violet note. But she doesn’t stop there (heck, she’s only just begun). An explosion of robustly fragrant florals – including the imagined vibrancy of hibiscus and red peony notes – encapsulate her; she is vivid pink, bright red, deep laughter and big love. And as day turns to night, her playfulness gives way to her passion, conveyed through hazy-heady patchouli and musks.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE EXPLORE VIBRANT HIBISCUS Which character in a novel would this fragrance be?

What colours, fabrics and textures does this scent conjure up?

What state-of-mind does this fragrance put you in?

Which note stands out most in this scent? Why? Which three words best sum up Vibrant Hibiscus for you? Abundant? Lifeaffirming? Joyous? Over to you…

£165 for 100ml eau de parfum bentley-fragrances.com

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DS Q UA R E D G R EEN W O O D FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY AROMATIC TOP NOTES: lemon, santolina, Bourbon pepper HEART NOTES: cedarwood, vetiver, resin accord BASE NOTES: cypriol, Ambrox, musk

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DSQUARED GREEN WOOD

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ig skies, breathtaking landscapes and unfettered freedom is what this fragrance (very vividly) calls to mind.

We’d go as far as to say that it is the olfactory equivalent of a road trip through the most beautiful and remote parts of Canada, experiencing the grounding feeling of being surrounded by giant, majestic trees; the refreshing solitude of no one around for miles; the intensely liberating – almost seductive – sense of being at one with nature. This is truly a fragrance for free-spirits, adventurers, and those in search of life’s most visceral and authentic experiences.

As is often the case, the duo behind DSquared – identical twin brothers Dan and Dean Caten – looked to their homeland of Canada for inspiration when creating Green Wood and its sister scent, Red Wood. As the third most forest-covered country in the world, woods and resins were a natural starting point for both these and many of the house’s previous perfumes, making DSquared now somewhat expert in this fragrance family field. Influences from the duo’s adopted home of Italy, meanwhile, are evident in their love of lemony top notes. A combination made in perfume heaven, in our opinion.

DSQUARED2

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SMELLING NOT ES:

E XPLORE GREEN WOOD Which paintings or photography does this fragrance bring to mind?

What journeys does it inspire you to take?

What would be the soundtrack to this scent?

Which notes feels most like a big breath of fresh air? Why? Which three words best sum up Green Wood for you? Expansive?

Real? Invigorating? Over to you…

From £44 for 30ml eau de toilette dsquared2.com

Dsquared2

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DS Q UA R E D RED WOOD FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY FRUIT Y TOP NOTES: pink pepper, cranberry, lychee HEART NOTES: magnolia, rose BASE NOTES: cedarwood, ambery woods, musk

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DSQUARED RED WOOD

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f Green Wood is a road trip, Red Wood is an invigorating hike through the forest. The pep and zing of crunchy-plump fruit greets you as you set out, lining the path ahead with energy and optimism. But as this segues to the floral notes at the heart of this fragrance, the mood becomes more magical. This part of the forest belongs to the flora, the fairies, the feminine; it is the domain of secret festivals, fantastical rituals, and free spirits. And by the time the base accord of this fragrance settles in – exerting the magnetism of the forest’s woods, barks, resins – we have been completely enchanted.

SMELLING NOT ES: E XPLORE RED WOOD

Does this fragrance bring to mind any landscapes you’ve visited?

What folklore or fairy stories does this fragrance make you think of?

How do the woody notes evolve for you?

How would you style yourself to suit this scent?

Which three words best sum up Red Wood for you? Inspiring?

Nomadic? Magical? Over to you…

From £44 for 30ml eau de toilette dsquared2.com

DSQUARED2

dsquared2

Dsquared2

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M A I S O N M AT I N E AVA N T L’O R AG E FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY FLOR AL TOP NOTE: pink pepper HEART NOTES: jasmine, benzoin BASE NOTES: vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean, musk

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M A I S O N M AT I N E A V A N T L’ O R A G E

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f this fragrance had a starsign, it would almost certainly be Scorpio — all brooding, intense, and magnetic. And if you are wondering why the astrological analogy, it seems fitting for a fragrance that is inspired by the tireless human search for meaning and guidance in all aspects of our lives. This is one for the seekers of truth, of hidden depths, of that which isn’t always visible, immediate, obvious. This fragrance – whose name translates as ‘Before the Storm’ – is for those who continue to ask the difficult questions; who embrace their own contradictions and endeavour to reveal the flowers hidden amongst the resins, smoke and spices, until ultimately they reach a place of inner balance.

Avant l’Orage is, we think, such a clever fragrance and offers one of those moments where you feel like you’re experiencing something truly new and fresh in perfumemaking. This is one in a six-strong collection – all of which you can try in this box – from the disruptive, creative minds behind Maison Matine, Marie Kellou and Arthur Ponroy.

Together they envisioned a brand founded on creative collaboration and rooted in zeitgeist storytelling, which speaks to a generation ‘looking for freedom’ (and by generation, they mean anyone from the age of 15 to 90 who is of a similar, progressive mindset). Expertly made, exciting niche fragrances (incidentally bearing irreverent, beautiful illustrations) at accessible prices… What’s not to love?

Maison-Matine

SMELLING NOT ES:

E XPLORE AVANT L’ORAGE Do you think there’s an otherworldliness to this fragrance’s scent profile?

Which truth-seekers throughout history does this scent bring to mind?

Which note most encapsulates a sense of searching? Why? What fabric textures does this scent evoke? Why? Which three words best sum up Avant l’Orage for you? Paradoxical?

Curious? Elevating? Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

maison_matine

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M A I S O N M AT I N E BAIN DE MIDI FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLORIEN TAL TOP NOTES: bergamot, coconut HEART NOTES: tiaré flower, ylang ylang, gardenia BASE NOTES: vanilla, musk

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reedom, travel, emotional connections and memory-making; this perfume captures our primal need to invest in vital, visceral life experiences. A sparkly, smiley opening of bergamot and coconut, followed closely by exotic tiaré flower and ylang ylang whisk us off to myriad places – a languid lunch with friends on the Côte d’Azur; sipping cocktails in a tropical beach paradise with a loved one; trekking through lush, fragrantly floral landscapes in remote parts of the world with new acquaintances. This fragrance has a deft lightness of touch, reminding us that, while we can’t hold on to anything for too long, journeys, memories, and the chance crossing of paths can last a lifetime.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE BAIN DE MIDI Which of your own life experiences does this fragrance bring to mind?

In which landscapes could you see yourself wearing this scent?

If this fragrance was a movie, which would it be?

What does this scent inspire you to do?

Which three words best sum up Bain de Midi for you? Light? Inspiring? Optimistic?

Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

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M A I S O N M AT I N E E S PR I T D E CO N T R A D I C T I O N FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY AROMATIC TOP NOTES: yellow mandarin, lemon, black pepper, coriander HEART NOTES: ginger, ylang ylang, orris, clove BASE NOTES: musk, vetiver, sage, cedarwood

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elevant isn’t usually the first word that springs to mind when describing a fragrance, but in the case of Esprit de Contradiction, it seems fitting. And that’s because this is a fragrance that is both inspired by and echoes the current climate of environmental and political activism; a fragrance all about using one’s voice, fighting for what we believe in, and no longer accepting compromise. The vibrant and zingy opening to this scent tells of energy, of enthusiasm, of fighting spirit. But the mellow floral-spicy heart and warm dry down remind us that this is peaceful protest; idealistic but intelligent activism that strives for harmony, balance and progress.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE ESPRIT DE CONTRADICTION Does this fragrance give you energy to act on ideas? If so, how?

Which notes, for you, best capture a desire for change?

What time or place does this fragrance transport you to?

Who do you know that would suit this scent?

Which three words best sum up Esprit de Contradiction for you? Strong? Intelligent?

Harmonious? Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

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M A I S O N M AT I N E HASARD BA Z AR FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY AROMATIC TOP NOTE: Sichuan pepper HEART NOTES: rose, Ambroxan BASE NOTE: patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla, musk

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ulti-tasker, multi-hyphenate, renaissance man or woman: the label isn’t important.

What IS important is that we are in a time of breaking down creative boundaries – there are no real limits on what each of us is free to try, to create, to enjoy, and this fragrance celebrates that. Sichaun pepper, rose and Ambroxan combine for an accord that is at once daring, bold and artful. Complex and changeable, this is a fragrance that eschews one-dimensionality in favour of ever-evolving, ever-shape-shifting forms; a fragrance carved out for industrious and prolific creatives who flit between art, cookery, writing, dance… whatever takes their fancy. Something we think should most certainly be celebrated.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE HASARD BAZAR Which creative pursuits does this fragrance make you want to try?

How would you style yourself to suit this scent?

Which character in a novel does this fragrance bring to mind? Why? How much does this scent change throughout the day?

Which three words best sum up Hasard Bazar for you? Mercurial? Creative? Faceted?

Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

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M A I S O N M AT I N E I N TO T H E W I L D FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY SPICY TOP NOTES: cardamom, juniper berries, pepper HEART NOTES: ginger, magnolia, frangipani BASE NOTE: chocolate

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n our increasingly digital age, going off-grid is something we seem to wish for more and more, and this desire has been cleverly (not to mention succinctly) captured in Into the Wild. This is, without doubt, a WiFi-free zone: aromatic spices mingle with tart juniper berries, exotic flowers and bitter-sweet chocolate to evoke a sense of adventure, to tell stories of exploration, and of travelling deep into the unknown where life-changing discoveries await.

The structure of this fragrance has, we think, been perfectly orchestrated to make us want to sling on a backpack, take our leave, and get re-connecting with nature and the earth… bare feet optional.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE INTO THE WILD Where precisely could you see yourself wearing this fragrance?

What adventures does it remind you of?

Or make you want to have?

Do you find that fragrance helps with digital detoxing? If so, how?

What would be the soundtrack to this scent?

Which three words best sum up Into the Wild for you? Exhilarating? Free?

Grounding? Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

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M A I S O N M AT I N E WA R N I WA R N I FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLORIENTAL TOP NOTES: tea, cardamom HEART NOTES: freesia, orange blossom BASE NOTES: cedarwood, coumarin, musk

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M A I S O N M AT I N E WARNI WARNI

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he delicate, fragrant tea note that opens this fragrance is not only beautiful; it is also communicating with us. It whispers of hospitality, of sharing, of open arms and the welcoming nature of a tea ritual. In fact the name Warni Warni literally translates as ‘Come to me, come to me’, in Arabic.

As the fragrance then segues into a transcontinental mix of florals, woods, and human-touch-evoking vanillic-musk notes, all these factors come together to present a perfume that is diverse, global, human, and inclusive. As strange as it might sound, we feel like this fragrance is wrapping its olfactory arms around us. And this spirit echoes the collaborative nature of Maison Matine in general – something which is of paramount importance to the brand.

SMELLING NOT ES:

E XPLORE WARNI WARNI What travels does this fragrance take you on? Why? Which notes do you think make the scent feel inclusive? How? If this fragrance were a colour palette, what shades would it be?

Does this scent bring to mind a particular style of dancing? If so, which?

Which three words best sum up Warni Warni for you? Expansive?

Warm? Hopeful? Over to you…

£55 for 50ml eau de parfum maisonmatine.com

Maison-Matine

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M I H A N A R O M AT I C S G U I LT Y S TO R Y FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: ORIEN TAL AMBER TOP NOTES: bergamot, lime HEART NOTES: saffron, guaiac wood BASE NOTES: cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, musk, amber

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M I H A N A R O M AT I C S G U I LT Y S T O R Y

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xtremely deviant’ is how the creative duo behind this fragrance has described it, and we couldn’t have put it better ourselves; Guilty Story is hedonism, bottled. This is a fragrance that knows (and unapologetically indulges in) its vices, while maintaining an irreverent attitude. The sparkling, convivial opening tells of social butterflies enjoying extravagant dinner parties; of champagne and caviar. But this is soon followed by spices, smoky woods and warm, sensual, skin-like notes that lead us to somewhere even more decadent – to pleasure-seeking parties that go on until dawn. This fragrance captures a desire to live one’s best, most bon vivant life, and regret absolutely nothing.

Mihan Aromatics is an artisanal Australian fragrance house that first started out 11 years ago when couple Julia Brown and Joshua Mihan began collecting aromas from their travels and experiences around their country, translating them into what turned out to be extremely evocative, sensory scents.

This passionately invested level of care and attention also gets paid to the perfume formulations themselves. Each is developed with locally sourced organic sugarcane ethanol – a clean carrier for the fragrance that allows the notes to really sing – and which is as kind to skin as it is to the environment.

SMELLING NOT ES:

EXPLORE GUILTY STORY What does this fragrance make you want to immediately do?

Do you know any hedonists who would suit this scent?

Which cocktail would complement this fragrance?

Of the notes, which feels the most pleasure-seeking? Why? Which three words best sum up Guilty Story for you? Decadent?

Deviant? Fabulous? Over to you…

From AUD$15 for 2 x 3ml parfums mihanaromatics.com

mihanaromatics

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M O LTO N B R O W N J U N I PER JA Z Z FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY AROMATIC TOP NOTES: juniper berries, metallic notes, mint HEART NOTES: orris, woody notes, guaiac wood BASE NOTES: sandalwood, musk, patchouli

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M O LT O N B R O W N JUNIPER JAZZ

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t Christmas in 2019, when Molton Brown launched Bizarre Brandy, we described it as the famous parties of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby captured in a scent. And if Bizarre Brandy was the dark and mysterious yin, then let us introduce you to its yang – Juniper Jazz.

SMELLING NOT ES:

Light, bright and fizzing with frivolity, Juniper Jazz whisks you off to the height of the Roaring Twenties, to the famous glittering Galaxy Ball of London’s bohemian Bright Young Things, to all their hedonistic revelry and specifically, to their cocktail ingredient of choice: gin. The scent’s perfumer, Nathalie Koobus, had ‘…a gin-soaked, botanical infusion in mind’ – and, thanks to juniper berry, mint and metallic notes combined with heady orris and smoky-warm woods, she perfectly captures this in all the extravagant excess of the era.

How would you dress up and accessorise this scent?

Like all Molton Brown’s finely-crafted, Royal Warrant-holding fragrances and toiletries, Juniper Jazz is part of a wider collection that includes the Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, and Scented Candle, all of which are blended in London with ingredients sourced from all over the world. The limited edition Juniper Jazz collection also extends to an oh-so-pretty festive bauble… of which we ‘might’ have ordered an undisclosable number already.

MoltonBrown

MoltonBrown

EXPLORE JUNIPER JAZZ Which novels and their characters does this fragrance bring to mind? Why?

What gin cocktail would, for you, best accompany this fragrance?

Which note feels the most extravagant? Why? Which three words best sum up Juniper Jazz for you? Hedonistic?

Sparkly? Glamorous? Over to you…

From £60 for 50ml eau de toilette moltonbrown.co.uk

MoltonBrownUK

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MORESQUE L A DY T U B ER EU S E FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLORIEN TAL TOP NOTES: tuberose, fruity notes, ginger HEART NOTES: lily, ylang ylang, angelica root BASE NOTES: vanilla, resins, amber, vetiver, cedarwood, tonka bean, white musk

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MORESQUE L ADY TUBEREUSE

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n she slinks, all languid limbs draped in gauzy veils, bejewelled, beautiful, provocative and utterly captivating.

Because while you can’t actually see her, this fragrance does such an incredible job of conjuring up a sense of Mata Hari, the world’s most famous seductress, that it feels as if you are right there watching her, experiencing one of her exotic dances with all its potent, hypnotic power. Night-blooming, moonlight-loving tuberose is the starting point – releasing its heady, intoxicating scent. Frisky ginger and a robust floral heart then engage us more deeply with this femme fatale, and suddenly we are committed – right through to the last, longestlingering notes of sensual, skin-scented musk, amber, vanilla and seductive vetiver… we didn’t stand a chance.

The story of Mata Hari – a Dutch woman who made her (scandalous) name in Indonesia – is the perfect narrative snapshot with which to sum up Moresque. Why? Because this was a fragrance house born out of one woman’s passion to merge east and west. Cindy Guillemant, who spent her formative years between Europe and the US, always wanted to fuse European sensibilities with Eastern charm, both in the fragrances themselves, and in the design of her flacons. The result is five fragrance collections (Lady Tubereuse reclines within the Secret Collection), that smell as beautiful and culturally mercurial as they look.

moresqueparfum

SMELLING NOT ES:

EXPLORE LADY TUBEREUSE Which other femmes fatales does this fragrance bring to mind?

What emotions and feelings does this scent stir in you?

What music would best accompany this fragrance?

Which notes feel most seductive to you? Why? Which three words best sum up Lady Tubereuse for you? Seductive? Passionate?

Subversive? Over to you…

From 130 euros for 75ml eau de parfum moresqueparfumshop.com

moresque_parfum

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OS T EN S C A S H M ER A N V ELV E T FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY TOP NOTES: amyris, frankincense, Cashmeran Velvet HEART NOTES: cedarwood, sandalwood, orris BASE NOTES: vanilla, patchouli, musks

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OSTENS C A S H M ER A N V ELV E T

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f you’re looking for the olfactory equivalent of an enveloping cashmere blanket from your fragrance this winter (and who isn’t?), then pay attention because you’ve just found it. The combination of the warmth and comfort extolled by Cashmeran, the smoky-embers-feel of cedar- and sandalwood, and the celestially soft powdery puffs billowing off the orris note in this scent, and we’re positively wrapped up. Add to that the reassurance of vanilla and skin-scented musks alongside a dreamy dose of patchouli, and this fragrance has the power to send us off into the most sublimely calming and cosy slumber.

It’s clear from the moment you sample Cashmeran Velvet that it is a fragrance created by a team of people who know exactly what they are doing. A team, in fact, of two men who have worked in the fragrance industry for 20 years – Laurent Delafon and Christopher Yu, who have built a highly successful fragrance distribution business. Now, at the helm of their own fragrance house, they have dedicated their business to delivering scents that speak for themselves thanks to the quality of their raw materials, letting a central note be the star of the show and not over-complicating things, which we very much appreciate.

Ostens.official

SMELLING NOT ES:

EXPLORE CASHMERAN VELVET What colours and textures does this fragrance bring to mind?

In what sort of setting could you see yourself wearing this scent?

What feelings does this fragrance stir in you? Why? Which note do you feel is the most warm and reassuring?

Which three words best sum up Cashmeran Velvet for you? Cosy?

Comforting? Serene? Over to you…

From £105 for 50ml eau de parfum ostens.com

Ostens_official

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S TO R I E V EN E Z I A N E BY VA L M O N T CO L L E Z I O N E PR I VATA L A DY CO D E FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: CHYPRE TOP NOTES: pink berries HEART NOTE: jasmine BASE NOTE: almond

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S TORIE V ENE ZIANE BY VAL MONT C O L L E Z I O N E P R I VATA L A DY C O D E

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harismatic, chic, confident but always understated: this fragrance embodies a woman who woos by saying almost nothing; she is cool and stealthily sensual with her tempting berries and elegant jasmine, but her almond base accord – revealed only to those close to her, those who stick around long enough – is warm and loving. Part of cofounder Sophie Guillon’s Collezione Privata – a trio of perfumes that serve as love letters to the sisterhood – you can really feel how personal these fragrance creations are to her. Each is a celebration of a different type of womanhood and this one in particular is positively dripping with Gallic charm, not to mention a certain je ne sais quoi.

SMELLING NOT ES:

Having headed up the prestigious skincare brand Valmont Valmont for many years, with a knack for creating cult beauty products, CEO Sophie Guillon and her husband Didier – an avid storyteller and art collector respectively – saw fragrance as their next natural step.

Combining their years of experience in the beauty industry with their love of art and narratives, the couple wanted to bring to life their beloved city of Venice – its history, quirky spirit, artisanal heritage, and the attitudes of its people – in three glorious collections of different concentrations, with Collezione Privata offering eau de parfum strength.

Which three words best sum up Lady Code for you? Seductive?

Timeless? Feminine? Over to you…

Valmontofficial

valmontcosmetics

EXPLORE COLLEZIONE PRIVATA LADY CODE

Do you identify with the personality of this fragrance?

Which note might best sum up ‘ je ne sais quoi’? Why? Which fictional heroine would encapsulate this scent?

How would you dress to suit this fragrance?

£230 for 100ml eau de parfum lamaisonvalmont.com

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S TO R I E V EN E Z I A N E BY VA L M O N T PA L A Z ZO N O B I L E C A S A N OVA 2161 FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: WOODY AROMATIC TOP NOTE: juniper berry HEART NOTE: iris BASE NOTE: vetiver

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sense of duality and contrasts is what this fragrance immediately brings to mind – both masculine and feminine; light and airy yet darkly passionate; tartly juicy and softly powdery; this scent is supremely confident in its contradictions. And this pays off because it is, we feel, one of those mercurial fragrances that suits a range of personalities and will smell unique on each wearer – clever perfumery at its best. Casanova 2161 is part of La Maison Valmont’s six-strong Palazzo Nobile collection, which is inspired by emotions, sensations and soulfulness – encouraging us to be more attentive to the intuitive, the intangible, the visceral… and to simply embrace and enjoy life as much as is humanly possible.

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE PALAZZO NOBILE CASANOVA 2161 What emotions or sensations does this scent provoke in you?

Do those feelings change as the fragrance develops?

Which two notes feel most contrasting?

Why? What sort of personality, do you think, would suit this scent?

Which three words best sum up Casanova 2161 for you? Contrasting?

Energising? Inclusive? Over to you…

£136 for 100ml eau de toilette lamaisonvalmont.com

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S TO R I E V EN E Z I A N E BY VA L M O N T S TO R I E V EN E Z I A N E V ER D E ER B A I FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLOR AL BOUQUE T TOP NOTE: syringa HEART NOTE: papyrus BASE NOTE: vanilla

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he freshness, hopefulness, and promise of spring – specifically spring in the inexplicably romantic air of Sant’Elena, a little island off the easternmost tip of Venice – is at the heart of this fragrance. And oh, is it palpable; this scent sings of verdant horizons, delicate new shoots, light, and love through its subtle and sophisticated bouquet of syringa (lilac), woody papyrus and gentle, contented vanilla. Verde Erba I is part of the Storie Veneziane collection, which takes inspiration from the eternally mysterious and artistically rich city of Venice. Reflecting the opulence of the fragrances within, Storie Veneziane extraits de parfum feature exquisite handblown Murano glass details on the bottles. We want them all…

SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE ERBA I Where and when does this fragrance transport you to?

What does this scent inspire you to do?

Why? What novels does this fragrance bring to mind?

Have you smelled papyrus before, in a fragrance? Can you make it out, in the composition?

Which three words best sum up Erba I for you? Hopeful? Romantic? Opulent?

Over to you…

£173 for 8.5ml extrait de parfum lamaisonvalmont.com

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TRUDON EL A E FR AGR ANCE FAMILY: FLOR AL TOP NOTES: neroli, apple, bergamot HEART NOTES: ylang ylang, jasmine, tuberose BASE NOTE: sandalwood

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TRUDON EL AE

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SMELLING NOT ES:

question to lovers of winter whites: have you ever thought about extending this sartorial penchant to your choice of fragrance? And by this we mean trying out traditionally heat-associated white floral perfumes during the colder months. Because if so (and even if not), this fragrance is such a perfect balance of cool-yet-warming white florals, it’d be rude not to. The scent begins with the translucent softness of neroli – given an almost blustery-fresh feel by a crisp apple note – that leads into the heady, heat-seeking white-floral dream team of tuberose and jasmine. The effect that this has is similar to that of slipping on a white cashmere polo neck: a cool-toned, delicate composition that belies its ability to instantly warm you up in the gentlest, most satisfying way.

EXPLORE ELAE

Do you ever consider fragrances as cool or warm, cold or hot?

Which is this For you, do scents have to suit a season? If so, how?

If this fragrance were a destination, where would it be?

How does your sense of this fragrance change as it develops?

Which three words best sum up Elae for you? Bright? Warming?

Sophisticated? Over to you…

Given that Trudon have only been creating liquid perfumes for three years, their scents are extremely accomplished and sophisticated.

And this is in no small part down to the fact that as a candlemaker and home fragrance brand, Trudon has in fact been around since 1643. With all of their knowledge and artisanal expertise now poured (quite literally) into their fragrances, consider getting to know Trudon’s perfumes a compulsory module in your olfactory education.

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£180 for 100ml eau de parfum trudon.com

trudon

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As e ver, we love to bring you a coupl e of e x t r a indulgences – and we t hink you’re going to just love t hese t re ats for face and body

WELEDA P O M E G R A N AT E F I R M I N G D AY C R E A M Rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, pomegranate really is a super fruit, and Weleda has harnessed its healing and rejuvenating benefits and poured them into the Pomegranate Firming Day Cream, developed to target mature skin. Weleda goes to great lengths to get the best from nature – seeking out its most potent active ingredients from pure plant oils and seeds.

The Pomegranate Firming Day Cream has been formulated with organically grown, coldpressed hand-picked Turkish pomegranate seed oil and argan oil, which work together to stimulate skin cell renewal and protect against free radicals. This in turn, according to the brand’s research, improves the skin’s elasticity by 11%, and reduces the depth of wrinkles by 14%. And the cream’s delicious essential oilderived fragrance is the cherry on top.

£28.95 for 30ml weleda.co.uk INSTRUCTIONS: Apply each morning to a cleansed and toned face, neck and décolletage. If you’re applying make-up directly after, leave the cream to sink in for two minutes or so first.

Weleda

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You can capitalise on and extend the benefits of pomegranate by adding it to other parts of your skincare routine via Weleda’s Pomegranate Firming Night Cream, or the Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream (or, of course, both)

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Weleda

O LV E R U M B AT H O I L While it might seem like oils are currently trending in the beautysphere – from facial oils to hair oils to cleansing oils º those in the know have been using them for decades (not to mention Cleopatra a few millennia ago). So it’s always exciting to discover a brand like Olverum; a brand that has been working with oils for years — in their case almost nine decades. Olverum Bath Oil has been formulated in pretty much the same way since 1931.

A unique blend of carefully selected plant extracts – with lavender, verbena and eucalyptus among them – each is chosen for its therapeutic properties. But it is, we think, the inclusion of the Siberian fir needle that sets this bath oil apart; the needles from this mystical tree emit a fragrance that is like having a little bit of the dense, fragrant forest in your bath. It’s scent for the soul – relieving stress, restoring calm, and soothing aching muscles.

£36.50 for 125ml olverum.com

INSTRUCTIONS: As this oil is highly concentrated, you only need very little. After running your bath, pour in half a capful (5ml) and disperse it with your hand.

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The oil will remain on your skin after you get out of the bath; rub in any excess to get the most from its moisturising properties before you reach for your towel. And if your skin is extra thirsty, you can apply a little Olverum The Body Oil directly on top.

olverum

olverum

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We hope you love your box – and enjoyed these Smelling Notes Explore our other Perfume Society Discovery Boxes – and print issues of our 60-page award-winning magazine The Scented Letter – via: perfumesociety.org/SHOP

perfumesociety.org