Season 7 Ep 8: What Would Marie Antoinette Smell Like?

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 RoseÀ 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 DelinaFrivolously 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 PalladiumSilkily 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 ReignBaroque ‘n Roll via rouged cheeks, clouds of powder, ribbons of caramel, bergamot & toasty oak over rivers of fine French spiritSuzy 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 WoodLemon 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 OudAn 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 001Spices 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 OudGolden 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 MoodDamascena 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 MohurSpiced 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 SourceOpulent 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 DeliceProvençal 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 NoirBergamot 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…

In this week's episode we're telling you all about our upcoming Ormonde Jayne event. We also have a plethora of exciting new fragrances to tell you about, including the iris that has totally stolen our hearts.Here's what we talk about:Our @ormondejayne event:Brand NEW (boutique-exclusive) fragrance, Sybarite…Goodie bags and lots of fragrant joy guaranteed!Tickets: £15 http://tinyurl.com/ormonde-jayne-sybariteWednesday, October 8 · 6:30 - 8:30pmLocation: Ormonde Jayne, Royal Arcade (Albemarle Street side on the corner opposite Browns Hotel)28 Old Bond Street London W1S 4SR@pittifragranze highlights Part 2:@borntostandout.official Dirty Milk@rhizomescents @headspaceparfum Rose@hellenisteparfums les bras de Morphée@leaumaliz Church BellsSuzy attended @florislondon Honey Oud body products launch, with a mind-blowing honey tasting by @honeysommelierNow with matching shower gel & body moisturiser available#listenerprescription@amouage Epic Woman@januaryscentproject Selperniku

SO many scents sniffed the last few days we can barely draw breath, but buckle-up buttercups, because in this new episode we discuss…Fragrant feedback: Why listener Astrid treated herself to a bottle of @perfumerh Steam (& has now fallen madly for Lyn Harris’ style of perfumery) following our #listenerprescription in a previous episodeThe second half of Suzy’s highlights from the recent @nicheshow London, including…@fumparfum Hot Milk - steaming mug of comfort & blissful nostalgia@kajalperfumes Topaz - chewy, crystallised citrus peel with [email protected] Midnight - urban night-scapes, simmering spiced rum, twinkling stars@thegateparis Secret Encounter - A tingle of anticipation via pink pepper, ginger & tonka-smoothed amberNicola was thrilled meeting the founder of @lessoeursdenoe & went mad for the kumquat / eucalyptus vetiver smoked seduction of Bohemian AbsintheMeanwhile, Suzy’s reminiscences about her trip to Florence & @pittifragranze show Highlights (part 1)…@beaufortlondon Sirenides — the NEW release she’d been aching to try, and it floored me. Myth-wreathed in wild waters, selkies shedding their seal-skin, stolen power, then poisoning the thief to take it back. Bitter almond drips, briny rock pools gleam, sodden fur snarls as it dries. Menacing. Mesmerising. Completely unforgettable.@eaudebougie & @vallense - made Suzy so proud for the British niche scent scene@lorchestre Bouquet Encore Latte - frothy, milky, dreamy steam swirling on skin@reserve_en_afrique - Vanille Mafonja sophisticated & unsweetened; Rouge Karkade enchanted with smoky hibiscus & pomegranate. (Available @soliflore_store)@jorumstudio Unspoken Gesture was nurturing, milky, expansive & cocooning@shekorperfume unveiled a meeting of minds: @sultanpasha78 of @sultanpashaperfumes created Ashar, a monsoon-rickshaw memory where rain flows off cotton shirts with notes of petrichor, bamboo, soaked earth. & Antonio Gardoni @bogue_profumo with Sylhet — dense verdant air, humid, something furred & prowling in the undergrowth.

The new @matierepremiereparfums Vanillas Powder extrait - Suzy is obsessed, Nicola has yet to try but is chomping at the bit. With the added guest note of tonka snd and an even greater concentration of vanilla, this is INCREDIBLE. @perfumerpia Pia Long’s book: Demo Accords A BOOK BY PERFUMER PIA LONGBOOK AND SAMPLE KIT NOW AVAILABLE TO PREORDER FOR ONE MONTH ONLY.Containing ten fully published perfume formulas, one piece of fiction and nine essays on political and personal topics, Demo Accords is a multidisciplinary collection of narratives where perfumery is part of the story and the stories are part of the perfumes.Pia says: “Completely self-published with the help of an indie press and some wonderful early supporters, we appreciate every pre-order as it will help us judge how many copies to print.”PRE-ORDER: https://demoaccords.comDemo Accords book pre-order price: £20Accords kit pre-order price: £55Book + accords kit  pre-order price: £70@ifrauk Fragrance Forum: Suzy cannot WAIT to attend this facing full day of talks from world experts on our sense of smell…“IFRA UK’s annual Fragrance Forum is back this autumn and will be examining the role that the nasal microbiome and the micro-organisms found in our nose and throat play in our personal and collective health.Taking place on Thursday 16 October 2025, we would love you to join us for what is set to be another fascinating day of talks, insights and conversation, chaired by Professor Barry C Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Centre for the Study of the Senses, and Professor Stuart Firestein from Columbia University.”Register at http://evenium.events/ff2025Tickets are £30 for a full day of fragrance talksAttending the @nicheshow in London was fascinating - some really interesting new brands there. SO many fragrances smelled, which Suzy will catch up with next time. But two of the standouts were… @ode.ona (gorgeous new brand available @gather.fragrance online niche store, & launching in 2 weeks @libertylondon & @wild_iris_perfumerie)Dawn Earth: Dawn Earth is a harmonious blend of moss and mastic, this earthy and refreshing fragrance is a bottled journey into the heart of the forest.Teapot Sonder: A toasted green tea fragrance that inspires appreciation. This woody blend of Hojicha and Guaiac Wood is your invitation to pause.Moonkissed Rhapsody: Moonkissed Rhapsody is a unisex fragrance of lavender and musk. This velvety and anchoring fragrance soothe all waves to reach calm waters within.And Suzy met the lively Nicole, founder of @galiarae - Now this is one of THE most glorious diffusers ever. First saw this featured on @blublazerguy’s Instagram, then got to see in-person at the Niche show. The artistry & attention to detail are second to none! It looks like an antique heirloom find, but the ceramic ‘matchbox’ (made in England) houses a terracotta stone you soak with their signature scented oil: an exquisite citrus-infused honeyed floral that smells of happiness. Suzy’s travelling to @pittifragranze in Florence (where she’s hoping - technology/ time notwithstanding - to record some snippets for our Patreon episode). She will return having had a thousand meetings and smelled a million new fragrances, bringing news of her faves next time we...

While we were on a between-seasons recording break [now back with Season SEVEN!] we've had so many more listeners writing in, looking to be united with their perfect perfume (often for extremely specific occasions, calling for suitably specific scents). So, in this week's episode we are playing catch-up - focusing on those #listenerprescriptions & finding THE ideal fragrances for situations encompassing......Celebrating a wedding anniversary in Portugal, overcoming imposter syndrome while attending lectures at Cambridge university, existentially scenting a flipped fairytale of a frog turned into a Queen, an emotional plea for the scent of hope, & a makeup artist's client seeking a bright, floral bouquet echoing a fancy plug-in. Blimey! We recommended...For Luci Tither’s Porto perfume suggestions:@clausporto Agua Clementina – shimmering citrus groves, orange sunlight, Douro river zest.@clausporto Agua Flores – white & gold petals at dawn, jasmine-laced Atlantic breezes, wild volcanic gardens.@clausporto Le Parfum – fig, watermelon & wooded mystery by the riverside. @bdkparfumsparis Nectar Oud – raspberry-leather with a sunset sparkle@kilianparis Moonlight in Heaven.For Astrid's confidence at Cambridge:@perfumerh Steam – crisp, morning-forest inspiration@diptyque L’Eau Papier – musky ink, rice-steamed pages@commesdesgarconsparfums 2 – clever ink shadows & noble woods.For Em’s primordial Queen:@storaskuggan Hexensalbe – enigmatic green magic@walesperfumery Forest – mossy, mulchy mystique@kingdomscotland Portal – botanical, pine-draped Scottish wonder@vyrao Mamajuju – spiced, clay-earth grounding@lartisanparfumeur Abyssae for magical, herbaceous roseFor Katie's fragrance of hope:@maisonfranciskurkdjian Kurky – spiced optimism@olfactiveo Skin – creamy, woody solace@ellisbrooklyn Vanilla Milk – comforting, velvety, vanilla dream@mabelleorama Lunar Dust – celestial, powdery woodsFor LauraSimonMakeup client’s 'Smell of Spring':@florislondon Edwardian Bouquet – green hyacinth, fresh florals, leafy light@alfredsung Sung – galbanum fresh,  verdant florals & creamy vanilla 

Season 7 of @onthescentpodcast is here, & for the very first time, we’re sharing a Patreon-exclusive deep-dive with ALL of you!This week we’re exploring salt in scent: how the mineral magic transforms a fragrance, adding texture, tempting the senses, & evoking everything from windswept cliffs to decadent desserts.We so enjoyed making this episode & couldn’t wait to share our thoughts on these briny beauties (lol!)The line-up:@jomalonelondon Wood Sage & Sea Salt: Imagine the bracing British coast, briny air, wild waves, & mineral cliffs, earthy sage grounding the sparkling saltiness.@shayandblue Salt Caramel: Gourmand temptation with caramel and vanilla, cut by a tang of sea salt, rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist.@penhaligons_london Changing Constance: Cardamom & pimento heat up salted butter caramel, finished with vanilla and tobacco for rebellious [email protected] Oudous Lux Solis: Honeyed pomelo & mandarin glisten over smoothly salty oud & patchouli - a golden radiance from sun to shadow (exclusive at Harrods).@sarahbakerperfumes Atlante: Sparkling yuzu & orris swirl through tidepools of seaweed & ambergris, as ancient & alluring as a siren’s song.@libertylondon LBTY Zephirine: Incense & green fig weave through velvet rose & suede in a palace garden by the sea.@isseymiyakeparfums Le Sel d’Issey: The freshness of the ocean meeting sun-warmed land, salt, incense & seaweed on a sun-bleached driftwood base.Our Patreon supporters get an EXTRA episode every single week (that’s 127 extra episodes so far ) among other perks. If you loved listening, tap the link in our Instagram bio @onthescentpodcast for all the extra episodes in the archive or go via this link

Nicola is currently loving: @kajalperfumes Kolada“When we radiate rays of gratitudeWe bathe in a boundless ocean of abundance.Inspired by the iconic Pina Colada, Kajal Kolada pays homage to happiness, tranquility, and exoticism. The Pina Colada conjures visions of a lush, tropical paradise, where the emerald palm leaves of coconut groves gently sway as a blissfully balmy breeze caresses them, offering momentary respite from the sultry heat. Pristine ivory sands meet shimmering aquamarine waters, seamlessly blending into pastel-colored cotton candy skies as infinite as the hopes and dreams within us all.While we may long for the euphoria of exploring distant horizons, let us not overlook the myriad of blessings that surround us in our everyday existence. When we choose to focus on being truly present in the moment, we become aware of the vast treasures that enrich our lives, allowing us to cherish what may seem to be the smallest of things. Practicing gratitude is among the most precious gifts we can bestow upon ourselves, as it leads us to the tranquil beauty of inner peace and contentment, a realm of happiness beyond compare.Kolada opens with a delightfully vibrant burst of Italian Bergamot combined with fruity notes, including Pineapple, which symbolizes prosperity and friendship. The heart notes reveal the delicate sweetness of violet, exquisitely blended with the gentle freshness of Lily of the Valley, a flower believed by many to symbolize luck, happiness, and love. As Kolada unfurls, we are greeted with an exhilarating fusion of musky warmth from Amber and Siamese Benzoin, combined with the soft, exotic creaminess of coconut milk. Coconuts represent the unity of body, mind, and spirit, which must be in harmony for spiritual growth.”AND Nicola can’t stop wearing:@clivechristianperfume E Cashmere Musk“Immerse yourself in the embrace of a fragrance that delicately envelops the senses, akin to the tender caress of cashmere on bare skin. Enter a realm where musky notes intricately weave a warm, indelible hug, creating an experience that is both calming and comforting. E Cashmere Musk is not just a fragrance it’s a journey . Envision a tranquil haven, where each note weaves a narrative of delicate touches and enduring elegance. The symphony of Baies Rose, Sichuan Pepper, and Fresh Ginger in the top notes sets the stage for an odyssey of scent—an unforgettable olfactory adventure that transcends the boundaries of time. As you delve deeper, the heart of the fragrance reveals a Fleuriste Fusion, Egyptian Jasmin, and Cashmeran. Here, the scent becomes an intricate dance, much like the delicate petals of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of ethereal beauty. The base notes, including Guaiacwood, Ambroxan, and Musks, form a tapestry of lasting impressions. It lingers on the skin, leaving an undeniable presence that is both subtle and captivating—a fragrance that becomes a part of you.”Suzy also adoring @amouageofficial Lustre“Radiating soft light like the gleam of a pearl, by Paul Guerlain & Julien Rasquinet, it’s made with 30% pure perfume and aged for six months with sandalwood chips in oak barrels, to add even more nuanced notes. But basically, Lustre is an incredibly soft, smooth fragrance that manages to be simultaneously feathery and creamy. It’s the iridescent gleam of a pearl’s shell, the flash of silver in a bird’s wing. Aromatic cardamom, powdery, nurturing orris, creamy sandalwood and dark vanilla slightly sweetened by toasty tonka, with a lightly smoky breeze that billows as it warms.”This week we’re mainly focusing on the ‘Brighton Sniffari Part Two’ - Suzy’s visit to independent perfume shop Wild Iris in Brighton: @wild_iris_perfumerie (run by Kate) Suzy LOVED (so many!...

This week we’re focusing on Suzy’s recent Sniffari in Brighton, this time focusing on her visit to @soliflore_store, owned and run by Sarah. We will also be revealing our favourite of the new @the_rac_on_teur fragrances we’ve been exploring the last few weeks, and you can vote for your fave in the poll on our Instagram page, @onthescentpodcast.&nbsp;In this episode we also mention the wonderful kit Nicola’s put together for those who share her anxiety about flying. Find out more about Zen in the Sky kits @outspokenbeautynicola.&nbsp;But now, let’s flit to the fragrant trip to Brighton, and find out which scents Suzy fell for…Soliflore is one of those beautifully curated, cosy shops where walking through the door feels like coming home. Sarah’s eye for design and detail is exquisite, with a large central table featuring an ever-evolving showcase of scents, and instead of blotters, there are silken handkerchiefs (stored in vintage tins) sprayed with each fragrance.&nbsp;Featuring a curated selection honed to what Sarah knows her customers are looking for, including beloved brands and some exclusives &amp; indie houses Suzy had never heard of before, it’s a place you could happily while away several hours sniffing your way around. And there are gorgeous cards, soaps, chocolates and great gift-y items to tempt every taste!&nbsp;In the short amount of time Suzy had, here are three fragrances she found at Soliflore and immediately fell for…@reserve_en_afrique Aube Lumineuse“The sun rises, flooding the great expanses of the sweeping plains, gracing the wilderness with its wash of pure light. The dawn’s intense rays awaken these spectacular lands. Great herds rove majestically in the distance. Bright blue birds perch in the flat-topped acacia trees while giraffes stroll with leisurely grace. The sky is clear. The air is fresh.The fragrance opens with a luminous fresh burst of citrusy notes of Tangerine (South Africa) and Blood Orange (South Africa). A bright heart of fresh Orange Flower (Morocco) and zesty Ginger (Nigeria) is supported by woody base of Cedarwood Atlas (Morocco).”@saintritaparlor Signature Fragrance&nbsp;“Finest quality parfum. Limited unisex fragrance comprised of over 18 rare and organic essential oils. Handmade by Saint Rita Parlor in Los Angeles, California.Rita would tend to her rose garden whilst smoking a hand-rolled tobacco cigarette and drinking a whiskey and water.Notes: Whiskey, Tobacco, and Rose”@arquiste Almond Suede“By Calice Becker. Top notes are Bitter Almond, Honeycomb, Bergamot and Pink Pepper; middle notes are Concrete, Saffron, Neroli, Orange Blossom and Labdanum; base notes are Suede, Pine tar, Sugar and Vanilla Absolute. Almond Suede by Arquiste is a unisex gourmand leather fragrance inspired by Medieval Andalusia and its refined gourmand culture. It balances almond marzipan and suede leather, capturing the essence of the city of Córdoba and almond sweets.”Next week we’ll be catching up with Part 2 of Suzy’s Brighton Sniffari, and finding out what she went mad for @wild_iris_perfumery!#ad Meanwhile, we promised to pick just *one* favourite each of the fragrances we’ve loved exploring in our Raconteur Discovery Set II boxes, featuring the new ‘Australiscious’ collection, and after MUCH prevarication, Suzy chose *Daintree Rain Tea* and Nicola chose *Killr Vanillr*!&nbsp;Don’t forget to try code onthescent10 @bloomperfumery for 10 percent off discovery sets and full sizes (not sure how long code will still be active, as sets sold out a couple of times, but worth trying&nbsp;&nbsp;when checking out!)&nbsp;<a href="https://bloomperfume.com/products/discovery-set-ii" rel="noopener noreferrer"...