The closer it gets to Christmas, the more messages we’re getting from listeners desperately trying to find fragrances for gifts, or replacements for much-loved but sadly discontinued scents. So today, we’re thrusting our hands into the mailbag and answering as many as possible while handing out the perfect perfume prescriptions. Recommendations for missing classics, budget-friendly versions, extra special scents to treat someone with and even laundry detergents that smell like puddings – this episode has it all… (SO sorry we didn’t get time to answer all your questions - we’ve got them on file and will answer in the next prescription episode!)

Fragrances mentioned:

@gucci Gucci Rush

@abscentuk AbScent

Rihanna Reb’l Fleur

@rochasofficial Rochas Femme

@bananarepublic Banana Republic 83 Leather Reserve

@veroniquegabai Veronique Gabai Le Point G

@lanvinparfums Lanvin Arpege

@calvinklein Calvin Klein Obsessed for Women

@paulsmithdesign Paul Smith Portrait for Women

@vilhelm_parfumerieVilhelm Dear Polly

@sisleyparisofficial Sisley Eau de Soir

@hermes Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit

@lush Lush Grass

@lelaboftagrances Le Labo Santal 33 & Rose 31 Laundry Detergents

@maisonfranciskurkdjian Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Detergent & Fabric Softener

@wilton_london Wilton London Jasmine / Cedarwood Laundry Detergents

@marcelsgreensoapMarcels Vanilla & Cotton Laundry Wash

@tangentgc Sugar Perfume cashmere laundry detergent @luxevida

@evover_uk Ecover Delicate Laundry Liquid for Wool & Silk, Waterlily & Honeydew

@shayandbluelondon Shay & Blue Watermelons

@thetravalo Travalo refillable atomisers

In this episode we’re catching up with the joyous beauty and fragrance journalist and broadcaster, Alice du Parcq, for part TWO of her mega-list of fabulous fragrances. (If you haven’t already, do go and listen to Part 1 (episode 11) where Alice hilariously explains how one of her favourites is forever entwined with frogs legs… Meanwhile, here we delve into those she’s adored for decades and more recent scent discoveries made on a shopping trip with Sali Hughes!

Part 2 of Alice’s Fragrance List:

@ysl Kouros

@ysl Rive Gauche

@guerlain Cuir Beluga

@guerlain Bois d'Armenie

@guerlain Tonka Imperiale

@lartisanparfumeur Bois Farine

@acquadiparma_official Colonia Essenza

@diorbeauty Éden Roc

@fredericmalle Musc Ravageur

@celine Black Tie

@loccitane_uk_ire Terre de Lumière

@tomford Métallique

Patchouli is basically the ‘Marmite of the perfume world’ – those who fall firmly in the LOVE it camp have our passionately held views matched only by those who devoutly LOATHE it. Whatever you feel, get ready to forget all you thought you knew about this ingredient as we trace its history from scenting luxurious fabrics, being worn by courtesans, hippies & bohemians right through to very modern compositions…

Perfumer Bruno Jovanovic: ‘…if magic had a scent, it would smell of patchouli!’

Perfumes mentioned:

@santamarianivella1221 Patchouli

@muglerofficial Angel

Rihanna Reb’l Fleur

@diorbeauty Patchouli Impérial

@officialbyredo Bibliothèque

@rogergallet L’Homme Patchouli Eau de Toilette

@diptyque Tempo

@chanelofficial Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense

@histoiredeparfums 1969

@ostens_official Patchouli Heart No.1 / Patchouli Heart No.2

@zara Fleur de Patchouli

@escentric_molecules M+ Patchouli

In this episode Nicola and Suzy do a much requested follow up to their last home fragrance episode. Scenting our homes has become a form of escapism in the past two years for so many of us and in this episode they chat about candles that are festive, cosy, luscious, and just perfect for this time of year.

Suzy's recommendations:

@boujeebougees Gilt Candle
@ginori1735 La Dama Black Stone/Purple Hill/Orange Renaissance Candles
@sun.dayoflondon Botanicall Body Oil Massage Candle
@skandinavisk SKOG/JUL Candles
@themuseslondon BE candle
@kalmar_official Soulstates Candle Set (calm/joy/peace/love)
@wearefirmenich Scentmate
Skin Alchemists Autumn 21

Nicola recommends:

Holistic London Moroccan Orange and Mimosa
Emma Hardie Moringa Candle
White Company Winter Candle
Neom Christmas Candles
La Montana

In this episode we’re tackling the tricky issue of gifting, with Grazia Daily’s Haydn Williams. Among other writing projects, Haydn also blogs, using the name ‘You smell great! What is it? Outside of writing, he works in the music industry and says his ideal day would involve satisfying all the senses with a classic barbershop shave and haircut, a wander round Liberty’s, a good meal, then a gig…
Find Haydn on Instagram: @yousmellgreatwhatisit
https://graziadaily.co.uk/author/haydn-williams/
https://yousmellgreatwhatisit.com

Fragrances / ideas mentioned:

@murdocklondon

@ateliercologne Musc Imperial

@jusboxperfumes

@gallivant.stories

@timothyhanedition

@maya.njie.perfumes

@acquadiparma_official

@jomalonelondon

@dropthehooha

We’re starting a new series of ingredient-focused episodes, and in this one we’re exploring the history - and enduring appeal - of vanilla fragrances. Why do perfumers use it so often, what have scientific studies proven about its effect on us and why are vanilla scents proving so popular again, now…?

Vanilla fragrances mentioned:

@guerlain Jicky

@chopard Casmir

@diorbeauty Hypnotic Poison

@rochasofficial Tocade

@jeroboamperfumes Insulo

@maya.njie.perfumes Vanilj

@juliettehasagun Vanilla Vibes

@diorbeauty Vanilla Diorama

@sanajardin Vanilla Nomad

@guerlain Shalimar Millésime Vanilla Planifolia

If you want a perfume prescription make sure that you give us a DM on Instagram @onthescentpodcast.

In this episode we are diving DEEP into our mailbag for a Listener Prescription Special. We’ve been totally blown away by how many DMs, comments & emails we’ve had the last few weeks, and how many of you are not only enjoying the podcast, but are connecting with fragrance on an emotionally helpful level…

Suzy’s been wearing:

@skinalchemists Equilibrium pulse point oil
@guerlain Santal Pao Rosa

Nicola’s been wearing:

@Lelabo Ambrette 9 and The Matcha 26
@Veroniquegabai Le Point G

Answers to Prescription Questions:

@dior Patchouli Impérial

@lesnereidesparis Patchouli Precieux

@jomalonelondon Blue Agava & Cacao

@dsanddurga Amber Kiso

Nuvol de Llimona by Roca Perfumes (discontinued)

@4160tuesdaysperfume Fluffy Lemon Top

@arquiste Architect’s Club

@spacenk

@diptyque Baies candle

@diptyque Amber candle

@boy__smells Rhubarb Smoke candle

@millerharris Perfumer’s Library La Feuille

@beauty.by.laperla La Perla Signature

@til_timetocare https://til-time.com

@frau_tonis_parfum Linde Berlin

@millerharris L’air de Rien

@lelabofragrances Thé Matcha 26

@guerlain Cashmere

@beauty.by.laperla La Perla Invisible Touch

In this episode we’re joined by Ruth Crilly - aka A Model Recommends - who describes herself as “…erstwhile fashion model, dedicated beauty insider and prolific writer of nonsense.” In fact, Ruth brilliantly documents life updates, favourite beauty products & her fashion discoveries on her much-loved Instagram account @ruthcrilly, and on her website: https://www.ruthcrilly.co.uk

But here we’re taking a different path and exploring Ruth’s emotional connections to fragrances she adores, her list including scents that make her go “loopy” and “still make me feel funny inside…”

Ruth Crilly’s List:

@thebodyshop Clementine

@loccitane_uk_ire Calanques - Discontinued?

@diptyque Philosykos

@lancomeofficial La Vie est Belle

@lelabofragrances Santal 33

Suzy’s Prescription for Ruth:

Charity that helps people experiencing smell loss (anosmia) and things smelling ‘off’ or weird (parosmia) - Fifth Sense @fifthsenseuk

https://www.fifthsense.org.uk

Also AbScent @abscentuk (who have smell training kits):

https://abscent.org

@lelabofragrances Ambrette 9

@lebabofragrances Thé Matcha

@dsanddurga Debaser & Radio Bombay

@parlemoideparfum Milky Musk 39

@glossier You

@lorchestreparfum Piano Santal

@fredericmalle Synthetic Jungle

In this episode we’re sharing with you the scents we’ve been slathering ourselves in following our sessions of sniffing-around perfume shops. These are the ones that made it beyond “oh yes, I like that” to Lust Lists status. Plus we’re answering more of your questions and prescribing the perfect perfumes for you…

Suzy:

@naomigoodsir Bois d’Ascese
@naomigoodsir Iris Cendre
@zoologistperfumes Chipmunk
@zoologistperfumes Snowy Owl
@strangers.parfumerie Salted Green Mango
@fredericmalle The Moon

Nicola:

@cartier La Panthère
@andotherstories Sardonyx Fire
@zoologistperfumes Chipmunk / Snowy Owl
@theperfumersstory Fever 54


Listener Prescriptions:

@bananarepublic Dark Cherry Amber
@fredericmalle Portrait of a Lady
@exnibiloparis French Affair
@caronparisofficiel Tabac Blonde
@roullierwhite

In this episode join Suzy and Nicola on their fragrant adventure in London.

Come with them as they explore and get very excited about the perfume offerings in Liberty, And Other Stories and Bloom Covent Garden. Perhaps your dream perfume will be one of the ones that they discovered.

Here's what they sniffed in the order that you'll hear during the episode:

Liberty:

Ellis Brooklyn - Bee
Azzi Glasser - Mr Vetivert
Timothy Han - The Decay of the Angel
Timothy Han - She Came To Stay
Ds and Durga - Jazmin Yucatan
Ds and Durga - Amber kiso
Byredo - Mixed Emotions
Le Galion - L'Ame Perdue
Le Galion - Aesthete
Ormaie Paris - Yvonne
Sana Jardin -Berber Blonde
Sana Jardin - Jaipur Chant
Maya Njie - Tobak
Maya Njie - Tropica
Maison Matine - Avant L'Orage
Lalique - Perle de Lalique
Lalique - Encre noire
The Nue Co Forest Lungs
Laboratorio Olfattivo Rosamunda and Salina

And Other Stories

Sardonyx Fire Eau De toilette
Punk Bouquet
Riviera Postcard
Arabesque Wood

Bloom Covent Garden

Zoologist:
Chipmunk
Snowy Owl
Nightingale
Squid
Chameleon
Bee
Bat

Choeur des Anges: Atelier des Ors

Suzy also mentioned the charity Fifth Sense.