Incense is having a real moment and in this episode we're exploring why and also talking through some of our favourite incense scents.

Why is incense so popular again? 

Incense has moved from temples and churches into living rooms,

studios and perfume wardrobes; it’s become a chic, modern ritual as

much as a smell.

Trend reports link the boom to the hunger for spiritual and holistic

practices – incense is an easy way to pause, “set an intention” and

create a little ceremony around everyday life.

Incense vs frankincense

 “Incense” is the whole blend you burn – it might be on a stick, cone, coil

or rope – and can contain resins, woods, herbs, spices and florals.

 “Frankincense” (also called olibanum) is one particular resin, tapped

from Boswellia sacra trees in Oman, Yemen and parts of the Horn of

Africa.

 Etymology you can play with: “frankincense” comes from Old French

“franc encens” – high quality or “pure” incense – while “incense” itself

goes back to Latin for “to burn.”

 When a perfume lists “incense” as a note, it may mean a full accord of

resins (frankincense, myrrh, opoponax, labdanum, elemi, woods,

flowers) or a composition that highlights frankincense alone.

What incense actually smells like

 Frankincense: resinous yet airy; earthy, piney, slightly smoky with a

surprising citrus brightness.

 Myrrh: darker, spicier, slightly medicinal and very “churchy”, often

associated with ritual and antiquity.

 Opoponax: honeyed, vanillic, balsamic and comforting – it softens the

harsher edges of smoke.

 Labdanum: rich, ambery, leathery and almost animalic; gives incense

perfumes that plush, warm body.

 Elemi: sharp, lemony, peppery resin that brings sparkle and lift to the

smoke.

 Woods (sandalwood, cedar etc.): add dryness, creaminess or

pencilshaving smokiness and form the backbone of many incenseheavy

fragrances.

Quotes from perfumers:

 Francis Kurkdjian on why he loves Japanese incense at home: partly

practicality, because “it fills the room in five minutes, whereas candles

take ages.”

 Yasmin Sewell on the moodshift: “Where a candle may take twenty

minutes to resonate in your space, when you light incense there is an

immediate scent that fills the room.”

 Sewell again on why incense made more sense than candles for her

brand’s next step: “I felt that incense really connected with our values,

since it’s been used in spiritual rituals for so long,” and “what I really

love about incense is that it shifts the mood instantly.”

 Lyn Harris on her daily ritual: “It sets a spiritual tone to my day,” and

incense is “an ethereal veil that lingers in the air.” She burns it in the

morning to set her mood, sometimes midday to reinvigorate her senses,

and even before bed so “there is a sensual haze passing over my

nostrils before I sleep.”

 Chris Rusak on the psychology of burning it: incense is “a great vehicle

for empowerment or catharsis via controlled destruction” and “incense

use is intentional. It requires fire or directed heat for full expression,

which we must effect, contain, and control, in order to destroy it but not

ourselves.”

 How it’s harvested: frankincense resin oozes from cuts in the

Boswellia sacra tree and dries into golden “tears”, sometimes called

“frankincense tears” or “olibanum tears”.

 The jinn love story: a girl from the jinn falls in love with a human boy –

forbidden, of course. As punishment she’s turned into a tree; her grief

becomes crystal tears that people burn on coal for healing smoke with a

bitter taste that mourns lost love.

 Ecology: frankincense forests in northern Ethiopia are under threat as

they’re cleared for agriculture, with scientists warning production could

halve over the next 15 years.

 Mood altering science: frankincense contains a compound called

incensole acetate, which has been shown to have pain relieving and

psychoactive effects – helping with depression and anxiety and

activating a warmth perception channel in the skin.

 That might explain why those “sexy church smells” (as Alice du Parcq

so memorably terms them) can feel both spiritually elevated and

physically comforting – sacred, nostalgic, a bit forbidden and strangely

swoony all at once.

Suzy’s faves: 

@amouage Purpose 50

@jeroboamperfumes Ambra extrait

@eaudeboujee Gilded 

@vancleefarpels Perfume Extraordinaire Encens Précieux

@ataratmalondon Aroha Absolute

@nissaba.fragrances Berbera

Nicola's choices:

@aromariamx giant incense sticks

@the_virtue Holy Smoke

@lartisanparfumeur Passage d'Enfer

@matierepremiereparfums Crystal Saffron

Nicola:

Penhaligon's Festive Mini Set

https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en/p/festive-mini-set-for-her-5x5-ml--000000000065224079

Jo Malone London Festive Cologne Duo

https://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/26322/127599/gift-sets/festive-cologne-duo

Bamford Geranium Candle

https://shop.claridges.co.uk/products/bamford-geranium-candle?srsltid=AfmBOopvh-fHP_E4r3friAxcOw4J40HInA0W1PQfVTCUGf2Ym_wb9mHM

Neal's Yard Orange and Geranium Hand Soap

https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/products/geranium-orange-hand-wash?_pos=2&_psq=orange+and+geranium&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Granado Gift Sets

https://www.granado.uk/uk/amazonico-scented-suitcase

Suzy:

Meadowfarm Smoked Honey & Orange 1 Wick Candle £25

‘This stunning new candle is inspired by my love of bee keeping. It’s a unique blend of bergamot, orange flowers and ylang ylang, with added honey notes and just a hint of smokiness from the amber. It’s summery and bright, yet has an intricate depth to it. This is guaranteed to be one of your new favourites, it’s perfect for summer but will work equally well all

year round.’

https://meadowfarmlifestyle.co.uk/shop/candles/smoked-honey-orange/

Lords Fragrance House Cotswold Scented Hand Dipped Taper Candles £30

‘Inspired by days spent with my best friend in the serene beauty of the English country side. This fragrance captures cottage gardens, surrounded by rolling hills, on sunny days spent laughing in the sunshine. A delicate blend of bergamot, lemon and orange, with heart notes of rosemary, lavender and mint, with a cedar and vetiver base. The perfect scent for those seeking a moment of calm.’

https://lordsfragrancehouse.com/products/monteverde-scented-hand-dipped-tapered-candles-copy

Boujee Bougies Candles (now 50% off RRP!) £30

Tart: ‘What comes to mind when you think of tartness? We wanted to capture that delicious, mouth-watering, and life-affirming taste sensation. Tart is our vivid homage to fresh tarts and invigorating teas - a feel good tonic with irreverent and unexpected twists. Tart is lush with greenery – cool, refreshing herbal notes of mint and basil - and fizzing with fruitiness – the juicy flesh of green plum and blackcurrant. To make sure it’s zesty, we played with the crisp zing of lemon, rhubarb, and ginger, and served it all over ice with the sweet apricot facets of osmanthus. Tart is vibrant, fun, and uplifting AF.

Mouthwatering, moreish, green-hued tartness

Mint, Lemon, Blue Ginger, Cassis, Green Plum, Rhubarb, Basil, Osmanthus, Moss, Musk’

https://eaudeboujee.com/collections/boujee-bougies/products/tart-candle

Vetiver items from RE:Found Objects

Vetiver Room Freshening Brush £7.50

Vetiver Pan Scrubs £4.95

Vetiver Soap Mat £7.50

https://www.re-foundobjects.com/product/view/vetiver-soap-and-bath-mats

Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil Mini Roller 3ml £17

‘A Timeless,endlessly wearable, deeply personal Perfume Oil Bois de Balincourt is inspired by Marie's family home, nestled deep within an ancient forest. This signature scent layers creamy sandalwood and cedar with warming cinnamon and nutmeg, anchored by earthy vetiver — a romantic, comforting fragrance with effortless depth.’

https://www.boots.com/maison-louis-marie-no-04-bois-de-balincourt-perfume-oil-mini-roller-3ml-10370280

CRA-YON Vanilla CEO Eau de Parfum 10ml £26

‘Vanilla CEO Eau de Parfum - A Gourmand, Vanilla, Amber, Woody Fragrance. Vanilla CEO Eau de Parfum is all about power, but refined and subtle. It serves as a reminder that power does not always equal strength and intensity.

Power can be in softness, power can be in kindness and power can be in a knowing rather than a loud voice. The Vanilla and soft woods work beautifully together and linger well on the skin without ever overpowering.

Vanilla CEO Perfume is a modern take on a classic Vanilla note, but here in good company with soft woods and fresh notes of orange blossom. The scent ignites the wearer with a sense of vigour, thanks to endorphin-boosting notes of orange blossom and juicy mandarin.’

https://www.boots.com/cra-yon-vanilla-ceo-eau-de-parfum-10ml-10373524

Eau de Boujee Gilded eau de parfum travel spray 7.5ml £30

‘All that is gilded will be bold. A celestial temple of golden light transcends Earthly reality. The whispered mysteries of ancient spirits, covered in gold by awe and time. All life endeavours to ascend to a higher plane, a state attained through incense and devoted spirituality.

Light, space, serenity; incense resin dipped in gold 

Top Notes: Lemon, Saffron, Gold accord
Heart Notes: Frankincense oil, Frankincense resin, Carnation, Cedar Leaf, Beeswax absolute
Base Notes: Myrrh, Cedarwood, Labdanum, Leather, Civet, Musk’

https://eaudeboujee.com/collections/travel-spray/products/gilded-eau-de-parfum-travel-spray

https://www.justmylook.com/products/dolce-gabbana-devotion-eau-de-parfum-30ml?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=All%20Products%20-%20UK&utm_content=Dolce%20%26%20Gabbana%20Devotion%20Eau%20De%20Parfum%2030ml&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22637679829&gbraid=0AAAAADoybkpIyrNmwddpvf5BZNRJI0YzY&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjiudBiY1dJakQ44xHskMnFzYh03ruVaBXvZWZg1LZ3AauhaebOPcBEaAhQ5EALw_wcB

Iris & Olive Scented Pencils £14

‘A set of six cedarwood pencils. These pencils are lovingly made for us by a 100 year old pencil factory, the cedarwood they are made from is impregnated with different garden fragrances.’

(Suzy’s favourite is the Orange Blossom, but they’re also do Gingerbread, Rose Geranium, Jasmine, and Lavender)

https://irisandolive.co.uk/products/copy-of-scented-pencils-orange-blossom?_pos=1&_psq=pencils&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Buly 1803 Scented Matches Sacre

‘Scented matches exhaling an elating pine, honey, incense and cedar fragrance.’

€16

https://buly1803.com/fr-gb/products/allumettes-parfumees-sacre

Papier d'Arménie - Rose Perfume Booklet £5.50 at The French Pharmacy

‘This fragrance was imagined in 2009 by Francis Kurkdjian, renowned perfumer creator.

Papier d’Arménie triple is the oldest room freshener in paper form, produced in France since 1885. 

It has been famous since the Antiquity for its antiseptic, healing and expectorant vertues; formerly, the benzoin balm was used externally to treat asthma, coughing and hoarseness. It has an efficient impact on the psyche and the emotions and the stressed persons appreciate it. It is said to evacuate the dark and dirty thoughts.’

DIY Advent Calendar (24 mini stockings) £13 at Hobbycraft - full with perfume samples, travel sprays, Travalo atomisers, mini soaps, votive candles, Papier d'Arménie

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/advent-stockings-24-pack/6783351000.html

Listener Prescription:

Taia:

“Incoming Patreon perfume prescription request

______________________

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat, chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, and we’re dreaming of a white Christmas. A special time of year to rug up, put on your cozy knits and pull out your favourite boozy, smoky, sweet, spiced, festive fragrances.

Unless you live in the southern hemisphere that is. No, not for us, where Christmas Day is more likely to be spent at the beach, manning the bbq or lying prone under the air conditioning. What’s a perfume lover who wants to get into the spirit of the season, fragrantly speaking, to do?

That’s where you come in!

Please help me with a perfume prescription that evokes the feel of Christmas, but in a summery way. I am pretty open minded, however, I don’t love vetiver (sorry Suzy!), leather or oud, and I’m yet to meet a coffee note I get along with. Also, I’m in Australia so if your suggestions could be available here that would be grand.

Thanks, both for this and On the Scent in general - you two are a real spark of joy in my week.

Ho, ho, ho!

Taia x”

ANSWER:

Hart + Heidi Cocktail Hour

Founded by Juliette Fournier and Richard Adamson, Hart + Hedi is a modern, independent, Australian Fragrance House (Suzy was sent some samples by Clare of Paperback Perfumes podcast, then met the founders at Pitti Fragranze)

‘Capturing the possibilities of twilight and the flights of fancy of the sunset hour, this fresh and uplifting scent plays on the promise of what is to come. A plush emerald green velvet lounge chair, the eclectic interiors surrounding it, multifaceted glassware, and the effervescent excitement of Privat-Livemont absinthe faires captivate your senses. Taking you back to the era of prohibition and the roaring 20s, this scent utilises the classic ingredients of cocktails. Fresh citrus in the form of lime, grapefruit, and bergamot play with spicy ginger on the top note. As you drink in the scent further, the heart reveals woody juniper, elderflower and ambrette seeds. The dry down of creamy tonka bean is enticing - a sweet finish that leaves you wanting more. 

Top NotesLime, Fennel, Pink GrapefruitHeart NotesJuniper, Elderflower, AniseBase NotesTonka Bean, Frankincense, Ambrette’

Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum 30ml £33.95 at justmylook.com

‘Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau De Parfum (30ml) is a delightful fruity gourmand EDP which celebrates the irresistible Italian dessert of Panettone with its delectable aromas.

Top notes of radiant Candied Lemon, subtly sweetened to perfection, lead on to a heart of honeyed Orange Blossom which radiates a sunny warmth and generous aura of optimism, whilst the base of sensual, creamy Vanilla effortlessly blurs the lines between gender, making this a versatile and unisex choice for all fragrance lovers. The sacred heart which adorns the bottle is a visual reference to Dolce & Gabbana's coveted clutch Devotion bag.’

https://www.myer.com.au/p/dolce---gabbana-devotion-eau-de-parfum?size=50ml

In the podcast this week, Suzy & Nicola talk fragrances they’ve been obsessed with wearing lately (& some are quite unexpected…) Plus, there’s an absolutely BRILLIANT #listenerprescription from ballet costume designer Isabelle, who asked for recommendations to scent her way through working on costumes for a 2026 tour of Don Quixote - dreaming of Spanish sunshine in the depths of a chilly English winter!

Fragrances we can’t stop wearing…

Nicola:

@nosuparfum Been Trying to Meet You - wistful, hay & meadow-infused memories

@nosuparfum Sain No More - Smoked herbaceous rituals welcome a fresh start

@merit Retrospect - Nostalgia meets newness via juicy sparkles & second-skin

@floraiku Sand & Skin - Amber-glazed skin, vanilla horizons & gilded dreams

@bamford Geranium Candle – Instantly-uplifting botanical bliss

Suzy:

@angelaflanders Rose Sauvage – Dew-bright, berried wild rose bursts with sheer joy

@headspaceparfum Rose - A rose frozen in glass, awoken by a silver bullet

@bdkparfumsparis 312 Saint-Honoré - Couture chalky floral drifts chic clouds of comfort

@memoizeperfume Imber - Succulent cherry, cassis & rhubarb spiced to a musky trail

@juliettehasagun Powder Love - Marshmallow, sugared almond & a gentle hug

#listenerprescription for Isabelle / Don Quixote ballet:

Principal Lady

@monegalperfumes Flamenco extrait – Raspberries, roses & sizzling saffron woodiness. Passion personified

@lartisanparfumeur Histoire d’Oranger – Orange trees, dappled sunlight & tendrils of incense

@parfumsmicallef Ylang in Gold – A solar shimmer of ylang-ylang, orange, fluffy vanilla & coconut for a glimmering finalé

The Rascals

@jusboxperfumes Studio 54 – Cocktails, cardamom-studded vanilla & naughty patchouli – for hedonists: flamboyant & ready for anything

@rndl.ltd Together – Bergamot & mandarin, irresistible vanilla praline & a spicy trail of suede – the scent of friendship & assurance for scene-stealers

The scent of Spain

@lamontagnacandles Winter Oranges – The scent of a Valencian orange harvest, warmly spiced, evoking citrus-soaked sunsets & festive cheer

@alvarez_gomez_perfumes Agua de Colonia Concentrada – Mediterranean lemons & aromatic herbs, bottled Spanish sunshine with historic soul

Listener @somestarrynight messaged us from Paris about the @maisonfranciskurkdjian installation at @palaisdetokyo (on until 23 November - so hurry if you want to see it!)

As it happens, Laurent from @ostens_official shared smelling strips from the expo at a recent dinner, a reminder of scent’s communal, artful side. So although we can’t get to see it, we *have* smelled the scents created for it)

Perfume: Sculpture of the Invisible (celebrating 20 years of MFK & @franciskurkdjian_official’s olfactive artistry - scenting galleries, theatrical performances, music, & places) “has opened up perfume to new forms and destinations, taking it out of the bottle.” - Jérôme Neutres, Exhibition Curator

#perfumeprescriptions

17-year old listener Sadbh asks for starting points in perfume shopping, balancing jasmine, fresh ginger, roses, amber, and not-too-sweet vanilla

Our guidance:

@marksandspencerstyle Spiced Amber EDT: powdery depths, amber heart, cedar and geranium

@marksandspencerstyle Apothecary Warmth EDP: cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood, sandalwood for warming comfort

Nicola notes that niche shop @bloomperfumery’s site suggests related scents when you search a name, and well-trained staff at perfume departments can be invaluable - don’t be afraid to ask them for help.

@tocca Wonders Collection (stocked @theperfumeshop) – £55 for 6 x 5ml EDP:

Florence Eau de Parfum: green garden bouquet of gardenia, tuberose, iris; Parisian romance.

Cleopatra EDP: grapefruit, jasmine, patchouli—seductive and regal.

Stella EDP: citrus and florals with Italian sunshine; breezy, radiant.

Lucia EDP: sunlit lemon, vetiver, fig; slow living, luminous.

Laila EDP: luxurious indulgence, confident sensuality.

Colette EDP: citrus, floral, woods; Parisian literary spirit with daring edge.

New fragrances @oliverbonas

Fig & Tonka, Pomelo & Basil EDPs (£12.50 each)

Mandarin & Jasmine, Warm Oud & Saffron EDTs (£20 full size, £9.50 rollers)

Also at Oliver Bonas:

@floralstreet_: Wild Vanilla Orchid (£28/10ml); vanilla, jasmine, cassis with bamboo and sandalwood.

@ghostfragrances Orb of Night (£24/30ml EDP): Dark fruit, jasmine, roasted tonka—sundown to sunrise.

We’re plotting a full episode on this topic of helping those who feel overwhelmed by choice / want affordable starting points, & will also crowd-source tips from friends of the pod!

Nicola talks about the new scent from @granadobrazil Amazonica

The wonderful Claire @paperbackperfumes asks for a green / woodland-like, non-powdery violet scent…

Our picks:

@murphyanddaughters Violet Perfume Oil (Melbourne): violet leaf heart, violet flower high note; green and sparkling

@orizalegrand Violettes du Czar: violet-forward with green citrus undertones, smoky woods, iris in the background

@molinardparfums Violette: violet with black currant, bergamot, lemon; layered floral notes

@olfactivestudio Violet Shot: green grass, violet leaf, leather, patchouli; violet with edge

In this week’s episode we’re talking about atmospheric fragrances we love, which helped set the scene for our Halloween Scented Story. Because we believe just as reading a book can be an escape route; so too can perfume be a portal… 

You can watch the whole story from the start by clicking on the Halloween highlight circle beneath our Instagram bio @onthescentpodcast

Using those fragrances and describing them as part of our Scented Story, we infused the spooky tale with scents you can go and smell for yourselves (or perhaps have already experienced). 

We so hope you enjoy this deep-dive into fragrance, mood, memory and scented scene-setting. 

Meanwhile, we’d LOVE it if you were inspired to smell along with us by either collecting samples of the following scents or (as we’ know it’s not always possible), to imagine which fragrances you’d have used for each section. 

We chose: 

Chapter 1: Suzy

@marcantoinebarrois - Ganymede Extrait

@thesocietyofalchemists - Familiars

2: Nicola

@erisparfums - Green Spell

@pinewardperfume - Funerie

3: Suzy

@millerharris - WANDER through the parks

@headspaceparfums - Styrax

@diptyque - L’Eau Papier

4: Nicola

@perfumerhlondon- Dust 

@naomigoodsir - Bois d’Ascèse

@sergeslutens - Lait du Dent 

5: Suzy

@diptyque - Feu du Bois candle 

@lorenzovilloresi - Teint de Neige 

6: Nicola 

@bienaime_1935 - Vermeil

@the_virtue - Holy Smoke

7: Suzy

@beaufortlondon - Sirenide

@thesocietyofalchemists - ’Til Death

@shopforas - Mushroom Forest

@soulnotes.co - Soul Notes

@marksandspencerstyle - Apothecary Reassure

In this week’s On the Scent Podcast we’re back with your #perfumeprescription postbag – finding perfect matches for every mood & memory. You write in with such gorgeous questions & we love nothing more than playing fragrant matchmakers!

Sharon asked for a bright, zesty replacement for her mum’s beloved Bahoma Pomelo Grapefruit. We suggested  these citrus stunners:

@boadicea_the_victorious Energizer – glowing grapefruit, vetiver & soft musks.

@sana_jardin Air of Aquarius – lemon & rosemary serenity.

@jamesheeley Pomelo Crush – crisp grapefruit & white florals.

@hermeticaofficial Pomeloflow – radiant pomelo, rhubarb & jasmine.

@ruthmastenbroek Signature – sparkling mandarin & soft woods.

Susan asked about wellbeing fragrances following our discussion of the @ifra Fragrance Forum. Curious about how scent truly lifts our mood? Brands like @edenisteofficial, @esteelauder, @yslbeauty, @native, @pacorabanne & many more are exploring neuro-perfume science – using aroma to boost happiness, calm & focus.

Finally, Robyn’s craving a sexy, cool yet cosy leather perfume. Try:

@chanelofficial Cuir de Russie – smoky jasmine & birch.

@tomford Tuscan Leather – supple leather & amberwood.

@marcantoinebarrois B683 – saffron & soft woods.

@millerharris Soufflot – hazelnut-tobacco leather cocoon.

@beaufortlondon Coeur de Noir – inky leather, rum & pipe smoke.

@headspaceperfums Styrax – amber, labdanum & animalic skin warmth.

Listen to the full questions then let us know which scents would YOU pick for their prescriptions? 

 #OnTheScentPodcast

In this week's episode we're joined by the amazing @makingscentsmakesense Thomas Dunckley.

Following Thomas and Suzy's hugely popular reel about the reformulation of Vivienne Westwood's Boudoir, we're chatting not only about that but about reformulations in general.

It's a fascinating chat where the three of us delve into scent memory and how it can shift over time plus some of the reformulations that we've experienced over the years and what we think of them.

Tasha Marks @avmcuriousities is an award-winning scent artist and historian who recreated the smells of Marie Antoinette’s life at the current @vamuseum exhibition Marie Antoinette: Style. In this fascinating interview, she tells us how she constructed the aromas this doomed Queen would have known - from powdered wigs and courtly balls at Versailles, the wildflower meadows of Petit Trianon, to her eventual damp-filled prison cell. 

We’re also following up our previous Patreon episode of ‘Would Marie Antoinette Wear Now (on a budget), by asking which niche perfumes she’d plump for in modern day (if money were no object). 

We discuss…

@maisonfranciskurkdjian á La Rose

À la rose eau de parfum is a tribute to femininity, a declaration of love translated into a fragrance. A light and sensual fragrance showcasing two exceptional roses: Damascena rose and Centifolia rose. They build on one another to bring you a musky floral perfume which is in turn subtle and exuberant. 

@parfumsdemarly Delina

Frivolously pretty peony & lily of the valley swoon to damascena rose, brightened by lychee & rhubarb

@officine_universelle_buly Rose de Damas 

Opulent rose bathes in milk spiced with hints of ginger, vetiver, cedar & musk for decadent beauty

@leseauxprimordiales Iris Palladium

Silkily powdered, yet threaded with a silvery backbone, this shimmers with cardamom & violet atop the warmly woody base

@byredo Blanche

"Blanche explores the dynamic nature of the senses with an edge of floral freshness. Inspired by the delicacy of bodies slipping between fresh sheets, the crisp comfort of clean laundry, and the romantic whisper of heady florals. The scent opens with top notes of aldehydes and intoxicating rose centifolia. It then softens into vibrant peony and violet before settling into a base of soft musk accented with earthy sandalwood. A veil of scintillating scent awaits."

@akrofragrances Bake

"A gourmand fragrance made up of Tart Lemon notes, followed by sweet Vanilla and rich, nutty Praline."

@dsanddurga Cognac Reign

Baroque ‘n Roll via rouged cheeks, clouds of powder, ribbons of caramel, bergamot & toasty oak over rivers of fine French spirit

Suzy also mentions some incredible historical costume accounts to follow, if you’re interested in seeing more of Marie Antoinette’s fashion influence: 

@asta.darling - who recreates the most exquisite gowns and attends lavish 18th Century balls in them at Versailles 

@americanduchess - who make period accurate shoes and accessories, plus post videos on everything from wig-dressing techniques to how women wore those corsets and ultra-wide skirts in everyday life.  

*This episode is in partnership with Ormonde Jayne*

In this fabulous episode, recorded before our lovely live event in the Royal Arcade, we're getting to know the utterly incredible Linda Pilkington.

Prepare to hear about the scents (and bottles) that helped shape Linda's passion for fragrance, the incredible travels that Linda went on that have shaped so much of what she does today and how making a candle for a Chanel boutique was the start of her spectacular brand and career.

We'll also be sniffing and celebrating the brand new Ormonde Jayne fragrance Sybarite (which is available exclusively at their glorious boutique in the Royal Arcade)and exploring the Reimagined Four Corners Collection which totally took our breath away.

Enjoy getting to know this truly brilliant woman.

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of On the Scent, where Suzy and Nicola are diving deep into the world of oud (or Oudh – however you like to spell it!) today. Get ready for a fragrant journey through smoky woods, golden honey, contemporary twists and opulent blends — all celebrating the many faces of this legendary ingredient, in order of intensity.

We discuss…

@andotherstories Arabesque Wood

Lemon and ginger glimmer atop a heart of tangerine and watery notes, swirling through earthy moss and amber to reveal an oud embraced by sunlight and citrus, mysterious yet uplifting.

@marksandspencer Smoked Oud

An earthy impression of smoked woods and musk deepens within spicy sandalwood, conjuring a quietly powerful warmth that lingers on skin, wrapping you in a gentle cloak of incense.

@neverfullydressed 001

Spices gather atop a velvet cloud of coffee and rose, rum and plum. Oud sways through vanilla and tobacco, sweetened amber and Kashmir fusion flowing into a night-time dream of skin and bohemian outfits.

@florislondon Honey Oud

Golden English honey melts with rich rose and deep oud, the sweetness alive with vanilla and velvet, a bouquet glowing softly, seducing and whispering close.

@maisonfranciskurkdjian Oud Satin Mood

Damascena rose and violet melt seamlessly into a shimmering oud, entwined with vanilla and amber. Like silk on skin, it envelops you in plush warmth and luxurious depth.

@neelavermeire Mohur

Spiced cardamom pirouettes with moghul roses over subtle leather and almond milk, shadows of history blooming with Indian grandeur and British elegance, golden and ornate.

@vallensefragrance Source

Opulent mandarin and black pepper lead to smokey heart notes of frankincense and cypriol, praline and amber glowing in warmth and mystery, conjuring anticipation and timelessness.

@rpparfums Oud Delice

Provençal honey and caramelised amber blend in a confit of oud, patchouli and vetiver. A feast for the senses, luxurious and moreish—amber and oud swirled with a gourmand golden glow.

@kajalperfumes Lamar Noir

Bergamot and green apple lend their brightness to tropical fruits and violet, rose and vanilla blooming in a luscious embrace. Leather and oud ripple throughout, sensual and balancing.

SO many outs we love, in fact, that we couldn’t fit them all in one episode! Watch out for Part Two of our must-sniff list, coming soon…