Man In The Mirror

What makes a really great haircut, and why can a visit to the barber make us feel so much better about ourselves?

In episode 2 of the new season of Man in the Mirror I’m chatting with Guray Kesman, founder of Kesman Male Grooming, which has two premium men’s hair & grooming salons in London.

We talk about Guray’s journey in the barbering industry, what makes a great grooming experience and how men’s attitudes towards their hair, appearance and personal style are changing. We also explore the connection between looking good and feeling confident, and why a good barber can be so much more than someone who cuts your hair (it may or may not involve ‘the trust equation’!) Plus, Guray shares his own grooming essentials, his thoughts on getting older, what he sees when he looks in the mirror.

Guray mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

Recipe For Men - Face Wash, Moisturiser

https://www.thegroomingclinic.com/collections/recipe-for-men

Louis Vuitton - Ombre Nomade

https://uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/ombre-nomade-perfume-nvprod7290021v/LP0529

Maison Crivelli - Hibiscus Mahajad

https://www.johnlewis.com/maison-crivelli-hibiscus-mahajad-extrait-de-parfum/p109468033

You can find out more about Kesman Male Grooming - and make a booking for the salons in Victoria & Farringdon here:

https://kesmangrooming.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kesmanmalegrooming/

https://www.instagram.com/guraykesman/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

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https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

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Welcome back to a brand new season of ‘Man in the Mirror’. I hope you had a great summer. In this first episode of Man in the Mirror, I’m joined by Tomáš Ric, founder and creative director of Czech fragrance house Pigmentarium.

Tomáš talks about building a contemporary perfume brand deeply rooted in Prague and Czech culture, and how architecture, art, photography and design all feed into Pigmentarium’s distinctive creative world. We explore the process of turning memories, moods and abstract ideas into fragrance, including the story behind the house’s newest scent, Aereo, as well as Tomáš’s ambitions to take Pigmentarium beyond perfume into art, objects and collaborations.

Away from fragrance, we head into Tomas’s bathroom cabinet to discover the grooming products he actually uses, before talking about what he sees when he looks in the mirror and the things outside work that bring him joy.

Tomáš mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

Phyris - Cleanser, Tonic & Face cream

https://www.grandel.com/en/phyris-products

Kevin Murphy - Free Hold Hair Paste

https://www.kevinmurphystore.com/kevin-murphy-free-hold/

You can find out more about Pigmentarium here:

https://www.pigmentarium.com/en

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pigmentarium_parfums/

https://www.instagram.com/tmsrc/

https://fiole.co.uk/collections/pigmentarium

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guests on the season finale are David Benedek, founder of bdk Parfums and Jordi Fernandez, Senior Perfumer at Givaudan. The pair have teamed up on a brand new trio of fragrances for bdk called ‘Collection Studio’. The collection comprises of ‘Stella Silk’, ‘Oud Paradiso’ and ‘Silver Ceremony’ - all inspired by haute couture and textiles. They use some of the finest ingredients in the Givaudan perfume palette at an ‘absolu’ strength of perfume oil (in relation to the alcohol) of over 40%. Suffice to say, the trilogy have presence, refinement and are a true statement of creative craftsmanship.

David is one of the few guests to make a second appearance on the show, but he was in town doing an event at Horrods and it was too good an opportunity to miss, particularly as the brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary. I always find David to be such a warm, open person to chat to, someone who is also modest and humble. He clearly relishes collaboration and the excellent working relationship with Jordi Fernandez was palpable. It all started with ‘Impadia’, released last year and continued on to ‘Collection Studio’ in 2026. It was a real coup and a huge thrill to have Jordi Fernandez on the podcast - he’s one of the most in-demand perfumers in the world and he brought joy, energy and enthusiasm to our conversation. 

*Special thanks to Phoenix Beauty, Profile PR and bdk for arranging the recording. 

Dave & Jordi mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

Jordi:

Magna - Shower Gel (Classic)

https://www.lemonfreshuk.com/magno-classic-shower-gel-black-original-550ml

Nivea - Face Moisturiser

https://www.nivea.co.uk/products/nivea-soothing-day-face-cream-spf15-50ml-40058089244170045.html

David:

Avene - Hydrating Cream

https://www.avene.co.uk/p/hydrance-rich-hydrating-cream-3282779390132-b5405ca4

+ lots of water!

You can find out more about bdk Parfums here:

https://bdkparfums.com/en

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bdkparfumsparis/

‘Collection Studio’ is out now.

https://bdkparfums.com/en/collections/collection-studio

I will now take a short summer break, but see you in the Autumn for Season 12. Thanks so much for listening!

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Pierre Ravan, a multi-hyphenate who is a fragrance brand founder (Eternal Journey) a world renowned club DJ, music producer and yoga practitioner. Pierre & I met earlier this year in London and I’ve seen him subsequently at a couple of big trade shows in Paris and Milan. We bonded over our mutual love of music and scent - and Pierre has the rare ability of managing to combine all his passions as part of a unified ‘whole’, rather than as disparate elements. 

It’s fair to say that Pierre has a spiritual and holistic outlook on life and his brand ‘Eternal Journey’ is a reflection of his beliefs. There are 2 collections that explore an inner and outer journey and the good news is that they will soon be available in the UK in the first Fraegra store in Manchester, opening this summer. He talks much more about the range during our conversation. 

It was a fascinating to chat to Pierre hand I greatly admire his positivity and spiritually connected outlook on life. I hope you enjoy our conversation - and do let me know what you think via the ‘Man in the Mirror’ podcast socials @maninthemirrorpod - or by commenting on your podcast platform of choice. Your comments and reviews really help the show!

Pierre mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

La Prairie - Various products

https://www.laprairie.com/en-gb

Nuxe - Huile prodigieuse Dry Oil

https://uk.nuxe.com/products/huile-prodigieuse-100ml-multi-purpose-dry-oil-face-body-hair

Vichy - Deodorant 

https://www.vichy.co.uk/all-products/deodorants/deos-clinical-control-96h-man

You can find out more about Eternal Journey here:

Brand website:

https://theeternaljourney.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eternaljourneyofficial/

Pierre’s website

https://pierreravan.com/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Jack Randall, the co-founder of luxury fragrance, candles and homeware brand RNDL. A British success story, RNDL takes a multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary approach, influenced by fashion, food, art and culture - and crafted with the finest raw materials.

Jack talked to me about being inspired by his artist Father, being part of a cohort of supportive UK indie brands and the joys and challenges of building a business. We also chatted about his morning and evening routine and what he sees when he looks at the ‘man in the mirror.’

Jack mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

Molton Brown - Bath & Shower Gel

https://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/bath-body/bath-body-bestsellers/catUKBBestsellers

Aesop - Body Cleansers

https://www.aesop.co.uk/hand-body/body-cleansers-and-scrubs/

Byredo - Body Wash

https://www.byredo.com/uk_en/c/body-care/categories-hand-and-body-care/categories-body-care-products/body-wash

Aesop - Shaving Serum

https://www.aesop.co.uk/skin-care/shaving/moroccan-neroli-shaving-serum/SK26.html

Beauty of Joseon - SPF

https://www.boots.com/beauty-of-joseon-relief-sun--rice-and-probiotics-50ml-10348088

RNDL - Circus

https://rndl.co.uk/collections/fragrances

You can find out more about RNDL here:

Brand website:

https://rndl.co.uk/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rndl.ltd/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Ben Janoušek, the CEO UK & Europe for Kaorium, a company that builds tech to enhance the in-store customer experience with fragrance. Billed as ‘the scent sommelier’, Kaorium sits at the intersection between retail, technology and the customer. It’s an intuitive table-top unit that helps fragrance discovery using words around feelings, emotion and mood, rather than brands, perfume notes or materials.

Ben and his team are keen to make the perfume shopping experience as frictionless and fun as possible, with no barriers to participation. It was fascinating to find out more about his career to date, his extra curricular activities in the theatre (!) and of course his morning and evening routines.

Ben mentioned the following products from his grooming routines:

Original Source - Mint & Tea Tree shower gel

https://www.original-source.com/uk/products/originals/mint-tea-tree-shower-gel/

Sure - Deodorant 

https://www.suredeodorant.co.uk/products.html

Wella - Shockwaves hair gel

https://www.wella.com/international/about-wella/shockwaves

Parfums de Marly - Haltane

https://uk.parfums-de-marly.com/products/haltane

Gallivant - Gdańsk

https://www.gallivant-perfumes.com/products/gdansk-eau-de-parfum

You can find out more about Kaorium here:

Brand website:

https://www.kaorium.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/discoverkaorium

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is recognisable by his first name alone - and is someone that’s been at the vanguard of niche and luxury perfumery throughout the 21st century. Roja Dove is the Founder of Roja London. He’s had a long and storied career that’s taken him from working personally with the Guerlain family to setting up the ‘Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie’ in the Salon de Parfums in Harrods, then going on to create his own brand, Roja London.

I sat down with Roja in the brand’s boutique in Burlington Arcade in London in April 2026. We chatted about his background, his career, his favourite products - and what he thinks about the man that looks back at him in the mirror. This was a hugely enjoyable conversation - and thanks to Roja for being so kind, thoughtful and generous with his time.

Roja mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:

La Roche Posay - Effaclar Toner 

https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/%C2%A0effaclar-clarifying-toner-for-oily-blemish-prone-skin-200ml/LRP_065.html

Chanel - Sublimage Eye Serum

https://www.chanel.com/gb/skincare/p/147960/sublimage-le-serum-yeux-ultimate-eye-serum-reinvigorates-and-illuminates/

Chanel - Antaeus stick deodorant

https://www.chanel.com/gb/fragrance/p/118700/antaeus-deodorant-stick/

Roja London - Bespoke perfume

https://rojalondon.com/

You can find out more here:

Brand website:

https://rojalondon.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rojalondon/

Roja Dove on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/rojadove/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is a Max Foucaut, a young menswear designer I met earlier this year. I was hugely impressed with the collection and then I found out he has also released a trio of fragrances to sit along side the menswear, so I had to chat to him on the podcast!

Max was born in Paris, educated in Southern California and studied in London at Central St Martins. His designs take all those contrasting cultures and environments and create something fresh - there’s elements of French workwear, relaxed Californian silhouettes and then the precision and craftsmanship of Savile Row in London. I particularly loved a boxy indigo jacket in the Max’s latest collection shown in Paris Fashion Week, there’s incredible details in the cut and the pockets. Max is a name to watch out for - and an exciting future talent in the fashion and fragrance industries. I’m thrilled he agreed to spend some time talking to me about his life and his work. 

Max mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:

Aesop - various products from the hand & body range.

https://www.aesop.co.uk/hand-and-body.html

Max Foucaut Parfums - Ombre Vivante, Ombre Solaire and Ombre Nocturne

https://maxfoucaut.com/parfums

You can find out more here:

Brand website:

https://maxfoucaut.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/max.foucaut

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s your weekly ‘Man in the Mirror’ fix and this week’s guest is someone I’ve wanted to get on the show for a long time - it’s Geza Schoen, co-founder & perfumer at Escentric Molecules.

The brand turns 20 years old this year and is about to open their first stand-alone store in Berlin. It was the perfect chance to chat to Geza about his background, his work, the brand and the plans for the future. There’s a brand new fragrance pillar called ‘Cologne One’ that has just been released and it fits seamlessly into the range. Bright, refreshing, optimistic and a riff on a Gin & Tonic. It has the signature Escentric Molecules ease-of-wear and a dry down of ambroxan, Iso E Super and musk that helps it linger on the skin. I’ve been loving wearing it over the last few weeks. 

https://www.escentric.com/products/cologne-one

Geza mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:

Biotherm Homme - Aquapower Cream

https://int.biotherm.com/en_GB/mens-grooming/by-mens-collection/aquapower/

Eccentric Molecules - 01, 03, 05 Body Lotion

https://www.escentric.com/collections/body-lotion

Sebastian - Craft Clay

https://www.sebastianprofessional.com/en-GB/products/specialists/craft-clay-texturizing-and-flexible-styling-clay

Davidoff Cool Water - Deodorant Stick

https://www.justmylook.com/products/davidoff-cool-water-for-men-deodorant-stick-75g

You can find out more here:

Brand website:

https://www.escentric.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/escentric_molecules/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Man in the Mirror! There’s been a slight hiatus between seasons, slightly longer than planned, to be honest - but I’m back! Thanks so much for joining me for this first episode in season 11, with perfumer Nicolas Bonneville.

Nicolas is a perfumer with DSM Firmenich, one of the major fragrance houses. He was in London recently to talk about the Harrods exclusive ‘London Confidential’ for Givenchy. We met in Harrods and chatted about his background, how he got into fragrance and of course the beautiful fragrance he’s created to celebrate the brand new Givenchy boutique within Harrods, London. It draws on the luxury brand’s heritage and its connection to the famous Knightsbridge department store. 

You can find more information here:

https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/c/givenchy-la-collection-particuliere

Nicolas mentioned the following products/services from his morning and evening routines:

L’Oreal Men Expert - Moisturiser

https://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/men-expert-hydra-energetic/men-expert-hydra-energetic-anti-fatigue-moisturiser

Hair Wax - Various

You can find Nicolas on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/bonneville.nicolas/

Brand website:

https://www.givenchybeauty.com/gb

Brand Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/givenchybeauty/

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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

On TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.