Perfumed Postbag Special

This week, we’re sharing heartfelt listener messages and scent stories that remind us why fragrance is so powerful – it’s a balm for the soul, a memory trigger, and a way to connect.We answered your burning questions:Incense lovers – searching for that nag champa glow? Try @aromafume Nag Champa roll-on, @lush Breath of God (mystic desert incense), @lush Karma (hippy shop bliss), and @amouageofficial Decision (frankincense, myrrh, vanilla – a warm embrace of acceptance).Wannabe Perfumers – ready to create your own scent? @experimentalperfumeclub, @maya.njie.perfumes, and @4160tuesdays offer brilliant courses and workshops for every level.Fruit & floral fans (no musk, please!): @jeroboamperfumes Hauto (pineapple, tuberose, white musk – but not as you know it), @themerchantofvenice Accordi Profumo Bergamotto Italia (juicy bergamot, woody sparkle), @vallensefragrance Sun (tropical fruits, frangipani, amber – sun-kissed serenity).Travellers to Japan – want to battle humidity & bottle the magic? @isseymiyakeparfums A Drop d’Issey Eau Fraîche (raindrops, lilac, sandalwood), @kenzoparfums Flower Ikebana Indigo (inky iris, blue vanilla – new for 2025!), @kenzoparfums Homme Indigo (marine iris, leather, sandalwood – inspired by indigo dyeing).#adDuring this episode, join our scented sniff-along! We’re diving deep into @the_rac_on_teur Discovery Set II – starting with Daintree Rain Tea (steamy rainforest, cool tea leaves, a whisper of green mystery) and No Tell Motel (olives, intrigue, midnight secrets, a lingering embrace).Grab your set @bloomperfumery and use code onthescent10 at checkout or in-store for 10% off The Raconteur Discovery Sets & full sizes.https://bloomperfume.co.uk/products/discovery-set-ii?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLBOpFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHk3kHtkPW7pPjt6QWyvk7s_6l8FKDdh9fy9hM02wJwLRdrYVyW5-poEsS77p_aem_q2sEe1iolzOiRoqvwk1F6QSets are flying out, but more are coming in – so keep trying! We will be discussing the reasoning four new ‘Australiscious’ collection scents as part of the next two episodes… (Code valid until 9th July 2025.)

This episode is in partnership with RaconteurIn this episode we get to know the incredible Craig Andrade at one of our favourite fragrance stores @bloomperfumery . Craig is the founder of niche fragrance brand @the_rac_on_teur  and his story is both emotional and inspiring.During the episode we learn about the moment in his life that changed everything and took him from being a lawyer in a high-stress environment to being totally immersed in the world of fragrance to the point that he enrolled himself into the Grasse Institute and started his journey as a perfumer and brand founder.Craig's brand is astonishing in a number of ways. Not only does he bring little known Australian botanicals to the fore and give them a beautiful spotlight, but there is a wonderful sense of humour and irreverence. (Craig injects so much of his amazing personality into the brand).Craig is the most passionate and supportive man as you'll hear. He champions everyone in the industry and we feel so lucky that he has also chosen to support our podcast not only for this episode for the next few weeks.During the episode we have our first encounter with his mind-blowingly brilliant collection. Join us as we sniff six gourmands, each with a uniquely Australian twist and some world-first notes that define his frontier perfumery practice: Killr Vanillr — Australians have a bit of a reputation for knowing how to have a good time. This is a scent for 3am — for lovers of late nights and legendary Australian dancefloors. Deep, dark, rich and smokey — a vanilla slice mirror ball.  No-Tell Motel — Date night scent — If a dirty martini and spicy margarita hooked up, this would be their motel lock-in. Boozy, flirty, unapologetically fun. Two “world firsts” in fine fragrance: an “olive fruit absolute” extract and a CO2 extract of Tasmanian Mountain Pepper — which introduces a new earthy green facet to the spice family. I pioneered this new spice for the signature scent I designed for Australian pop star, Troye Sivan, and No-Tell Motel continues the story of this rare Tasmanian spice.  Pavlova Kasanova — A bittersweet ode to long-distance love, built around Australia’s most iconic dessert: the pavlova.  Ms. Macadamia — Bold and free-spirited, a scent I designed as a tribute to all the women in my life: Australia’s native macadamia nut, native golden wattle, precious orris root and sultry smokey peach. Lord Lamington — A classic cologne, laced with ambition and a slice of Australia’s cocoa-dipped nostalgic cake. For those who want to have their cake and eat it.  Daintree Rain Tea — A meditative scent inspired by Australia’s ancient Daintree Rainforest. Rain, tea and rare blue lotus in quiet communion.AND THIS IS WHERE IT GETS EVEN MORE EXCITINGFor the three episodes that follow this one, Suzy and I will be delving even deeper into these fragrances and we'd love for you to join us.Head to the Bloom Covent Garden website (Or go in store) and purchase one of the amazing Raconteur Discovery Kits via this link . Craig is giving you 10% off with the code onthescent10 . Then join us for an On The Scent sniffalong in each episode, where we can all experience these amazing scents together. The code will work from 19th June 2025 for four weeks.We can't wait to go on this journey with you xx

#AD We want our homes to smell great all the time, with a scent wardrobe to match every mood. Baylis & Harding’s Signature Hand Wash collection lets you do just that: luxurious, affordable, and perfectly crafted to elevate your everyday. We were so happy to partner with Baylis & Harding for this episode, and to talk about our absolute favourites in their Signature collection…Both of us love the Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit Hand Wash, a refreshing citrus blend with mandarin, grapefruit, soft florals and warm amber. We also adore the creamy, indulgent Jojoba, Vanilla & Almond Oil Hand Wash, rich with vanilla and sandalwood, plus the sophisticated Black Pepper & Ginseng Hand Wash, spicy with black pepper, bergamot and cedarwood. Nicola’s picks include the fresh and floral Jasmine & Apple Blossom Anti-Bacterial Hand Wash, combining wild jasmine with crisp apple and peach, and the soothing Wild Lavender & Geranium Hand Wash, with eucalyptus, citrus, lavender and cedarwood. Suzy’s favourites are the warm, woody Vetiver, Cedar & Lemongrass Anti-Bacterial Hand Wash, blending vetiver, juniper berries and moss, and the vibrant Peony, Lychee & Vanilla Hand Wash, a romantic mix of peony, pear, lily, rose, lychee and vanilla. Each hand wash is £2.25 and available at Waitrose, Amazon, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado. Discover more at @baylisandhardingplc and baylisandharding.com PLUS, in this episode, after our deep dive into scenting our world and moods, we’re thrilled to bring you an interview with @richard.e.grant – actor, author, broadcaster and founder of @jackperfume – about how he was ‘led by his nose’ all his life, and eventually created his own fragrance house (hugely influenced by his own scent memories). Don’t miss it!

This week on #OnTheScentPodcast, Nicola returns from her travels, bringing a suitcase of scented stories and soul-soothing rituals. To calm flight nerves, she reached for the tranquil embrace of @neomwellbeing Calming Pen, the protective cocoon of @subtleenergies Aura Protection Body Mist, and the bohemian spirit of @thameenfragrance Bohemian Infusion, woven through her scarf like a fragrant talisman.The hotel’s air shimmered with the signature scent of @annesemoninfrance - luxurious, luminous, and lingering in every soap and lotion, a memory Nicola carried home & treasures.Back in London, she delighted in the luminous @diptyque & @susannekaufmann_ scented lip oil collaboration, and the witty, fresh @akt_ldn Hay Fever deodorant balm, inspired by Noël Coward’s iconic play.While Nicola wafted abroad, Suzy uncovered new treasures here: she was enchanted by @4160tuesdays Vianne’s Confession, a story in scent: sea salt and cacao, incense and tomato leaf, rose and rain-dappled cobblestones; crafted with Joanne Harris for her latest novel.Both Suzy & Nicola swooned in the stunning @cologneandcotton’s Marylebone boutique, celebrating the relaunch of their own fragrances (both fell for Arbela: a sparkling, sunlit blend of petitgrain, sweet orange, and lemon.)Suzy’s fragrant adventures continued at a @nissaba.fragrances Masterclass @jovoymayfair with Sébastien Tissot. Her faves: Provence sang of lavender fields and aromatic herbs, Berbera smouldered with ancient incense and myrrh, while Grande Ile enveloped her in a spiced vanilla embrace, rich with Madagascar’s precious ingredients.Finally, Suzy donned green to match the bottle for the launch of @ormondejayne Vetiveria: a dreamy Sicilian lime and Timur pepper fizz atop a heart of snowbell and lavender, rooted in vetiver, moss, and creamy tonka.

We can't WAIT for you to hear this live recording from our Top Of The Morning event at The Barnes Fragrance Fair last Sunday.What a wonderful day it was and it was so lovely to see so many of you, our dear listeners there.During our event we had the utter pleasure of interviewing fragrance lover, Barnes resident and acclaimed actress Hayley Mills as well as fragrance industry royalty Chris Yu. It really was a moment that we'll never forget.

We’re still pinching ourselves after winning the Jasmine Awards New Media Award for the second year running, for our Halloween Scented Story project! And huge congrats to Suzy @fragrantmaven for her Judges Special Recognition Award for her Substack feature on Rivals characters and their signature scents. We spill a few behind-the-scenes secrets from the ceremony (and those legendary goody bags) in last weekend’s Patreon extra episode – available for subscribers to our patreon.com page. @marcantoinebarrois were double-winners too, for the magnificent happiness-bottled fragrance, Tilia.Nicola discovered @parfums_d_inza, a Cotswolds-based house, and loved trying Reine de la Nuit (which she’s sure Suzy will adore) & Eclat Rouge.Suzy is obsessed with waking up to the glorious new @matierepremierparfums Neroli Oranger Body Wash & Body Lotion – orange blossom, neroli, bergamot, ylang - ylang and musks make every morning a scented sanctuary.Nicola can’t be without @neomwellbeing Real Luxury Cocooning Shower Cream – her new shower must-have.Suzy tuned in to the online launch of two new @amouage fragrances: Decision & Existence by Quentin Bish and Renaud Salmon. Decision is electric juniper, scarred wood and vanilla – her new Amouage favourite. Existence is a luminous blend of frankincense and lily of the valley, evoking white feathers and bright light.Nicola’s go-to is @kilianparis Midnight in Heaven – luscious mango, rice pudding, suncream and pure holiday bliss.Suzy insists Nicola tries @thomasdemonaco Sol Salgado – all gilded warmth and holiday skin vibes.We got to try @grove_england Anemone eau de parfum / Hand Cream, founded by Laura Butler - Madden. Chamomile, jasmine, neroli and cedarwood create a fragrance that’s both nostalgic and modern, inspired by the myth of Aphrodite and Adonis.Suzy is also hugely excited for the new @adidasoriginals @adidasuk Vibes fragrances – fusing neuroscience and scent, created by top perfumers and brilliantly affordable. Huge congrats to @cotyinc and @cotyukpr for doing such a great job on this collection and championing the noses behind the scents. Six mood-boosting fragrances:Chill Zone – lavender and vanilla (Perfumer: Ilias Ermenidis)Full Recharge – cedar leaf and clary sage (Perfumer: Emilie Coppermann)Energy Drive – cardamom and pink pepper (Perfumer: Fabrice Pellegrin)Spark Up – pink pepper, orange, geranium, lemon (Perfumer: Frank Voelkl)Get Comfy – mandarin and vanilla (Perfumer: Gabriela Chelariu)Happy Feels – jasmine and grapefruit (Perfumer: Marypierre Julien)

In is week's episode, Nicola and Suzy are getting excited about the Ormonde Jayne home collection as well as the Jasmine Awards which take place tonight.There's a fragrance that Suzy swooned over and an amazing new niche brand that everyone needs to know about.Here's what they mention during the episode:Ormonde Jayne home fragrances:Nosu Veronique Gabai Eau d’Azur@diemscentsInitio Power Self@tanuta_casati Casati - Black Casati

CAN Suzy @fragrantmaven find fragrances for a listener who wants to smell like a cave (yes, really), and for an actor playing Belle’s eccentric inventor dad, Maurice, in Beauty & the Beast the Musical? Of COURSE she can! This week on the podcast: Nicola shares her dreamy perfumery day in Paris with her mum, exploring the gorgeous Maison @diptyque (complete with its own garden) and falling for L’Eau Papier all over again, before swooning at the divine @dior fashion exhibit. Nicola also finally sniffed some recent launches Suzy raved about: @marcantoinebarrois Aldebaran and @angelaflandersperfumery Shantung Dream.Then we’re on to some other new exciting launches:@chanelofficial Chance Eau Splendide – a joyously fruity, sparkling berry scent with a mischievous twinkle. Perfect for carefree days.@creed Eladaria – “a dreamlike garden reawakening in the silvery mist of dawn.” Budding roses, peonies, lily of the valley and dewdrops – ideal for spring/summer weddings.@aftelier Mandy Aftel Biblioscents – four genius scratch-and-sniff bookmarks scented with vetiver, geranium, frankincense, and ginger. The perfect gift for fragrance book lovers!We’re prepping for our talk and live podcast at @barnesfragrancefair (plus Suzy’s talk with @aliceduparcq later that day). Join us SATURDAY MAY 17th!9:30am: Suzy & Nicola ‘Top of the Morning’ talk show (guests, interviews, fragrant weather forecasts, perfume prescriptions, goody bags!)https://tinyurl.com/SuzyAndNicola11am: Suzy & Alice’s Barnes Fragrance Fair Round-Up (our curated edit of the things you MUST smell, and why… plus goody bags!)https://tinyurl.com/SuzyAndAlice#listenerprescriptions@popeyehut asks for inspiration for playing Maurice in Beauty & the Beast – aiming for “a slightly mad, eccentric French inventor.” Suzy suggests:@beaufortlondon Pyroclasm (cold steel meets fire – think wild inventions!)@dsanddurga Steamed Rainbow (surreal, misty, colourful, dreamlike)Meanwhile, Jessi @grostesquex.o wants to smell like a cave – hidden, wet, strange, glimmering. Suzy’s picks:CAVE Alheba (from @artparfumsmilano) – matured in turf-dug caves, cold and dank yet comforting, with earthy, incense and woodland notes.@vyrao Mamajuju – the earthiest scent, with wet red clay, sandalwood, rum and olibanum. “Smell the earth, soaked by rain; feel grounded, connected, awakened.”What would YOU have answered to both questions?Until next week (when we’re up for our second @fragrancefoundationuk Jasmine Award and Suzy’s shortlisted in two other categories – cross your fingers for us!), wishing you wonderfully fragrant days ahead. xx#onthescentpodcast #perfume #fragrance #perfumelovers #fragrancecommunity

In this episode we're chatting about Nicola's "fragrant" experience on a narrow boat and how she was helped by the power of neroli and uplifting vanilla.We also chat about some of our recent fragrance discoveries including:Acqua di Parma BuongiornoCOS Solaire 'Glossier You Fleur YSL Museplus we have a fabulous marriage related listener prescription and Suzy has a special prescription for one of the main characters in the Court of Thorn and Rose Series.

This week's On the Scent podcast is a sensory feast spanning art, astrophysics, architecture, cults, rituals and embracing your darker side (while finding the light).Suzy was staggered by @marcantoinebarrois Aldebaran - a tuberose like no other that's wild, greenly sap-laden and coconutty cool, currently featured in an extraordinary art installation at Milan Design Week (on until 13th April, tickets here: Mission ALDEBARANeventbrite.frIt's particularly mercurial: on Suzy it's ultra green, then cold, metallic and silvery, creamy and addictive; on @blublazerguy it was coconutty, while on @morebrandscents the intriguing paprika pepperiness really came through, so you need to try it on your own skin!Meanwhile, Nicola’s been delighted about @debenhams upping their fragrance game with niche and heritage brands, including @bastilleparfums Un Deux Trous Soleil (childhood-evoking via sunshine and play dough!), @houbigant_parfum Quelque Fleur (vintage bouquet), and @molinardparfums Molinard de Molinard (70s chic)[email protected] takes us on two fragrant journeys: Portobello Road with its myrtle, rose and rain accord that Suzy's been editing on her skin, and Ithaque - an escape to the mythical Greek island with cedar, bergamot and blackcurrant.Another tuberose that captured Suzy's heart is @manosgerakinis Wild Tuberose - green yet buttery, slightly salty and totally addictive with bergamot, jasmine and woods.Nicola's fallen for @narcisorodriguezofficial For Her Intense with its vetiver/amber trail, juicy peach and white florals, while we were both surprised by @zadigetvoltaire ZADIG's billowing orange blossom, toasty sesame, fiery ginger and sandalwood.Suzy's also raving about @thomasdemonaco collection at @lessenteurs, featuring Sol Salgado (sun-kissed skin with salt and linden), Fuego Futuro (a shamanic journey of smoke and incense), and Raw Gold (desire with davana, suede and vanilla).Finally, both Suzy and Nicola chose @ateliernoite Flowers of Evil Candle with its mysterious datura flower, orange blossom and powdery orris - perfect for after sunset indulgence...