We've got a cracking Listener Prescription special for you, and let us tell you, it's a real corker. You wouldn’t believe the range of questions we receive, and this week’s episode of On the Scent podcast really showcases the breadth of the people and feelings, places and personas that fragrance can conjure.
From scenting an Irish adventure and matching the weather, to choosing a fragrance to wear for a loved one’s funeral, and even creating a whole new perfume persona for reinvention – our listeners never fail to surprise us with their diverse and deeply touching requests.
We're diving deep into how fragrance can comfort us during difficult times, enhance travel experiences, and even help us embody our most fabulous selves. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and scents, and we can't wait for you to join us on this olfactory journey.
So, pop in those earbuds and let us guide you through our suggestions – and let us know any scents that spring to mind in answer, too!
Here are the questions we answer & scents we suggest:
For Ashley:
@cloonkeen Báinín - Meaning 'little white', evokes the softness of ivory wool, embodying innocence and plushness in a timeless garment. A delightful blend of freshness and warmth, it carries hints of coastal gorse, dewy herbs, and petrichor after a cloudburst. (Named after the homespun wool used in Aran jumpers and tweed jackets worn by Irish fishermen for generations).
@cloonkeen Roísín Dubh – A mystical Irish rose, Róisín Dubh blends Damascena rose with dry paper and inky patchouli.
The scent deepens into smoky incense, black pepper and tobacco absolute, creating a brooding base.
Named after a rebellious 16th-century song, Róisín Dubh has become a cherished symbol for Irish writers.
@cloonkeen Castaña – A delectable haze of singed yet creamy chestnuts and golden caramel unfolds into a voluptuous blend of Haïtian vetiver, cardamom, and red pepper.
Enriched by delicate cassia absolute and lush jasmine blossoms, it’s a masterpiece.
@laboratorioolfattivo Nun – Nun evokes the primordial waters of Ancient Egypt, symbolising rebirth and the Sun God. Waves of citrus and pear wash to a surging, luminous heart of lotus, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, worshipped by a woody, musky base.
@memo.paris Irish Leather – Irish Leather blends a leather accord with the fresh essence of juniper berries and bitingly green mate. Featuring a fizz of pink pepper, herbaceous clary sage, iris & tonka on a smoked amber base, it pays homage to the Irish roots of Memo Paris' co-founder.
@perfumerhlondon Rainwood – Capturing the essence of the (okay, Scottish) Highlands with grounded beauty, snapped stalks of galbanum and elemi coalesce with clean pepper and droplets of myrrh; all grounded by wet, woody juniper and cedar and patchouli leaves.
For Becca Monet:
Pocket-sized, calming and strengthening roll-on scents for wellbeing from @aromatherapyassociates, @neomwellbeing, @tisseranduk, or @marksandspencer.
For Hannah (& ‘Glory Magnolia’!):
@jovoymayfair @jovoyparis Psychédélique – A groovy time capsule, this scent struts its stuff with the swagger of a '70s rock god. Patchouli takes centre stage, belting out woody notes with the gusto of a Woodstock headliner. It's the olfactory equivalent of a vintage vinyl, crackling with retro charm and rebellious spirit.
@dsanddurga Wear at Maximum Volume – A fragrant ode to Soho's neo-Tudor wonderland, this @libertylondon exclusive scent cranks up the English eccentricity to eleven. An evocative trip through Liberty prints and cosmic rock stars; fancy, wild, and unapologetic: it's the smell of London's heart beating to its own mad rhythm.
@histoiredeparfums 1969 – This scent is the aromatic lovechild of spice markets and flower power, born in the summer of love. It whispers tales of bohemian nights and secret liaisons, wrapped in a gourmand embrace. Patchouli plays the lead in this olfactory theatre, with supporting acts of mystery and unblushing eroticism.
@fredericmalle Musc Ravageur – Swaggering into the room like a minxish heartthrob with a heart of gold, a citrusy wink reveals its true colours: a warm, devil-may-care, velvety blend of naughty and nice. Unapologetically irresistible, it's a come-hither look across a smoky members-only club.
