Believe it or not, I hadn’t explored the Italian brand THoO before, but I was very familiar with their beautifully distinctive artistic bottles. Previously known as The House of Oud, I had refrained from trying their fragrances, perhaps due to my overuse of Oud scents. However, their creations now transcend the world of Oud revealing [...]
I am incredibly excited to have been selected as a finalist for the Rising Star category at the Jasmine Awards by Fragrance Foundation UK 💫 The Scented Letter Article I am grateful to The Perfume Society for allowing me to express my fragrance journey in their publication, The Scented Letter and On The Scent Podcast [...]
As my plane touched down in a rather rainy Italy, I was already filled with excitement as I was here to attend Esxence 2024. The prestigious fragrance fair held each year in Milan never fails to captivate with its olfactory delights and innovative creations, and this year was no exception. With an impressive selection of [...]
They usually say X marks the spot, but on this particular occasion, it's all about the W. Recently opened at the end of 2023, the much-anticipated W Edinburgh hotel had many tongues wagging due to its unique architecture. Crafted from a winding steel ribbon-like design, likened to the spirals of paper, it is said to [...]
It's probably no surprise by now that you know how much I love Marrakech! Stepping into its bustling labyrinth feels like entering a world where time stands still, and every corner tells a story. The medina, pulsating with history, traditions, culture, art, and handicrafts, serves as the beating heart of this captivating city, where the [...]
If I could sum up my favourite moments of 2023, entering the olfactory realm of ScentXplore would be high up on my list. Situated in the vibrant heart of Chelsea, New York City, this exhilarating international niche perfumer convention proved to be a delightful escapade for myself and fragrance enthusiasts around the world. Launched in [...]
David Benedek, the founder of BDK Parfums, has been immersed in the world of perfume since childhood. Born in Paris in 1989, he grew up surrounded by the universe of perfumery, as his grandparents' store specialised in the sales of luxury fragrances. From a young age, he learned about the history of perfumery and cultivated [...]
It has been a year of many firsts for me as I tumble gleefully down the rabbit hole of fragrance. Last week I was kindly invited to Pitti Fragranze, a prestigious global gathering centred around fragrance and beauty. Held in the historic Italian city of Florence, this renowned event celebrated its 21st edition attracting buyers, [...]
Marc Daniel Heimgartner is a renowned perfumer celebrated for his expressive, passionate, and versatile fragrances. With many years of experience, his creations are driven by a deep curiosity about the world and a profound love for his craft. Marc Daniel draws inspiration from various sources, including artistic design, modern architecture, jazz music, and the delights [...]
As the Creative Director of Thameen London, Christopher Chong has brought a fresh perspective to the brand. He has energetically infused it with a sense of joviality and excitement whilst still retaining their British Heritage DNA. His unique ideas, coupled with his ability to tell captivating olfactory stories, have earned Thameen London a new following [...]
Karen Cummings-Palmer is the visionary founder and driving force behind the highly acclaimed 79 Luxe skincare brand. With a deep passion for skincare and a commitment to creating luxurious and effective products, Karen has established herself as a prominent figure in the beauty industry. Guided by her belief that beauty should be a holistic experience, [...]
The Bohemian Jungle is a small eclectic riad (a traditional Moroccan house) located in the heart of the old medina in Marrakech and only a ten-minute walk from the renowned Jemaa el-Fnaa. With five individually styled rooms, it had an intimate feel allowing you to enjoy some peace and tranquillity amidst the chaotic charm of [...]
Esxence is an annual event in Milan which showcases international fragrance brands. This is a place for distributors, buyers, press, content creators and fragrance fans to gather under one roof to share their passion from all that is olfactory. Esxence provides a perfect platform to experience an array of fragrances, discover new brands, formulate trends [...]
Described as ‘Perfume with Poetry,’ Atelier Des Ors was created by Jean-Philippe Clermont and launched in 2015. This exclusive fragrance house sought to create a range that captured the true heritage of French Haute Parfumerie, one which uses only the finest and most beautiful raw materials. Along with perfumer Marie Salamagne, they have built up [...]
Aptly named the gateway to the highlands, Perthshire has always had a very special place in my heart. Each year as a child I would look forward to visiting this magical part of Scotland for a holiday, excited to play amongst its dramatic heather-cloaked hills, meandering rivers and never-ending pine forests. One of those special [...]
Akro (meaning addiction in French) is a fragrance range inspired by the illusive world of addiction. Cofounded by master perfumer Olivier Cresp and his daughter Anais Cresp this unique concept was born from Anais’s experience of living in London. Known for creating renowned fragrances such as Mugler Angel and D&G Light Blue, Olivier used his [...]
Located on the South West coast of Scotland in the historic county of Ayrshire is the independently owned Gailes Hotel and Spa. With an abundance of esteemed links golf courses on their doorstep and only minutes away from Irvine beach, the hotel is the perfect destination for those looking to relax or for those craving [...]
Juliette Has a Gun - Not a candle For those looking for a contemporary minimalist addition to the home and a scent which is not too overpowering, look no further than this unique scented candle infused with ambroxan, amber, ambergris, cedar and white musk. If you’re a big fan of freshly laid snow, crisp white [...]
Founded in 2015, contemporary luxury fragrance house Electimuss London has taken the perfumery world by storm. In such a crowded market, it takes a special brand to forge through the barrage of scents, but with such a strong identity it isn’t surprising to see why Electimuss is carving their way to the top. Electimuss, meaning [...]
Located just twenty minutes from Edinburgh City centre and nestled in a thousand acres of beautiful countryside is the charming Dalmahoy House and Country Club. The estate was previously owned by the Douglas family, renowned as one of the most powerful families in Scotland. In 1920 it was then leased to Crammond Golf Club, subsequently [...]
Matiere Premiere, or ‘Raw Materials’ to you and me, is a collection of genderless fragrances released in 2019 by esteemed perfumer Aurelien Guichard. As the name suggests, Matiere Premiere perfumes have been produced using the finest raw ingredients that nature has to offer. These natural raw materials have been expertly combined to create an exceptional [...]
There is nothing I love more than coming home, switching the lights off, watching my favourite tv programs and burning my favourite candle. Yes, that’s right it is officially candle season! There is no better feeling than snuggling in (or coorie in as we say in Scotland) and enjoying that flickering flame and ambient glow. [...]
During a memorable visit to Grasse, colleague and good friends Christopher Yu and Laurent Delafon discovered the Cenftifolia Rose in all of its natural glory. Experiencing its green, dewy and fruity nuances first-hand ignited a newfound appreciation for this ingredient and sparked an immediate vehemence to showcase the abundance of other precious ingredients that nature [...]
Founded in 2015, contemporary luxury fragrance house Electimuss London has taken the perfumery world by storm. In such a crowded market, it takes a special brand to forge through the barrage of scents, but with such a strong identity it isn’t surprising to see why Electimuss is carving its way to the top. Electimuss, meaning [...]
As a fragrance enthusiast, there is nothing that excites me more than the emergence of a new fragrance house. Therefore, when I cast my eyes upon Spanish house Wilgermain I couldn’t wait to explore their creations. Wilgermain combines the essence of two city districts, the progressive forward-thinking vibe of New York’s Williamsburgh and the chic [...]
Situated in the Aberdeenshire village of Strathdon and only a 3.5 hour drive from Edinburgh, is the wonderfully quaint Sweet Donside Cabins. Nestled within the majestic Cairngorm National Park, it's impossible not to be immediately swept up in the magic of this place. I instantly felt at home from the moment I opened their large [...]
I got some good news last week! I have been nominated as a finalist for Lifestyle category at this years Scottish Influencer Awards. 🎉 Whatever happens I’m just so happy to be nominated and be amongst some of the most talented and creative people in the country. It feels so good to be recognised for [...]
It is fair to say that I was extremely excited when I first came across fragrance house D’OTTO. Spherical bottles of gold and black began to appear on my social media feed, instantly hooking me in with their eye-catching design and unique concept. D’OTTO meaning 8 in Italian, represents the symbol of infinity, perfectly portraying [...]
Ever since my first visit to the Middle East, I gained a newfound appreciation for perfumery and the particular style of fragrance from this part of the world. The sweet smell of Oud from a passing Emirate in the UAE, the smoke-filled rooms laced with bakhoor and the perfume souks glistening with scented elixirs entranced [...]
It is safe to say I was an instant fan of Jo Loves since walking into their London store on 42 Elizabeth Street . As I took in the scented air and cast my eye over the crisp white packaging embellished with that distinguishable red dot, I couldn’t wait to explore their range of fragrances, [...]
A few years ago I was wandering the busy fragrance halls of Harrods and my eyes immediately turned to a myriad of slick coloured bottles with bejewelled metallic tops glistening in the spotlight. Like the inquisitive fragrance magpie that I am, I quickly scarpered over and right there, cast upon the elegant glass vessels was [...]
My first experience of Maison Francis Kurkdjian was in one of London’s prestigious department stores, Fortnum and Mason. The range of fragrances immediately caught my eye, their striking vessels exuding an alluring understated luxury. With a vast range to choose from, I soon worked my way through each one, treating my senses to a complex [...]
Chateau de Marly, built between 1679 and 1683 was a former French royal residence of Louis XIV who was known to party there with his favourite courtiers. Masked gala balls, concerts and exuberant meals were the norm providing an elegant and refined gathering for only the chosen few. These celebrations also held a scented history, [...]
Situated in Fort William under the gaze of the highest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis Holiday Park by Highland Holidays. Located around a three hours drive from Edinburgh this convenient and easy-to-reach getaway is the ideal place for both a relaxing or adventurous Scottish staycation. Ben Nevis Holiday Park offers a range of [...]
Matiere Premiere is a collection of fragrances released in 2019 by esteemed perfumer Aurelien Guichard. Matiere Premiere, or ‘Raw Materials’ to you and I was born in the fragrance capital Grasse in France. Aurelien was immersed in the world of perfumery from a young age as his grandparents grew a selection of flowers used by [...]
I first came across Maison Crivelli in 2019 whilst visiting Paris, its striking modern orange and white branding immediately lured me in. As I wandered around sampling each of their scents, I was instantly captivated, you could even say it was love at first smell. Founded by Parisian-born Thibaud Crivelli in 2018, this contemporary Haute [...]
As a fragrance collector, I am always on the lookout for unusual and unique brands. Whether through their presentation or their fragrances, if it immediately catches my eye then I know I have to experience it. This is exactly what happened when I came across Kajal Perfumes Paris. Founded by Moe Khalaf in 2014 the [...]
Departing the quaint French village of Seillans, my car eased its way through the charming country roads of Provence. Filled with excitement, I was on my way to meet legendary perfumer Aurélien Guichard at his organic rose farm in Grasse. Known for creating iconic fragrances such as Versace Eros , Gucci Guilty, Burberry Hero, to [...]
Located within 34 acres of the most beautiful grounds and situated near the quaint Scottish town of Dunblane, is the renowned Cromlix hotel. This stunning Victorian mansion owned by acclaimed tennis player Andy Murray has been extensively refurbished to combine modern luxuries whilst respecting the home's historic past. The five-star hotel boasts fifteen luxurious bedrooms [...]
I know what you are all thinking, for someone who thought a birdie was something that sat up in a tree, this guy is surely doing the rounds when it comes to golfing hotels. Even if I don’t know my Albatross to my Eagle (there seems to be a lot of bird-inspired terms in golfing) [...]
Marine and Lawn Hotel’s & Resorts are a collection of bespoke hotels scattered across Scotland and Northern Ireland in the most renowned golfing destinations. When I visited their newly renovated Rusacks Hotel last year, I was instantly enamoured with its unique style, outstanding customer service and excellent location. Therefore, when I was invited to visit [...]
Nestled on the East coast of Scotland is the quaint seaside town of St Andrews, best known worldwide as the home of Golf. Being brought up in The Kingdom of Fife, I often visited this coastal destination as a child, running free on its breathtaking windswept beaches. It wasn’t until later in life that I [...]
There's no secret that Edinburgh is renowned as one of the most stunning cities in Europe, and fortunately for me, I get to reside in this historic jewel. Although Edinburgh is my home, there is nothing I adore more than to experience a staycation in my city, especially since the logistics of foreign travel is [...]
If you are looking for a relaxing winter getaway or future Scottish staycation then look no further than Argyll Holidays. Argyll Holidays offer a collection of eight holiday villages located in numerous locations around Argyllshire in the west of Scotland. I was recently invited to their largest holiday park, Drimsynie Estate which is nestled amongst [...]
I first came across Maison Crivelli in 2019 whilst visiting Paris, its striking modern orange and white branding immediately lured me in. As I wandered around spraying each of their scents, I was instantly captivated, you could even say it was love at first smell. Founded by Parisian born Thibaud Crivelli in 2018, this contemporary [...]
From as far back as I remember I have always known my hair to be fine, thin and flyaway. It wasn’t until I hit my early thirties where I began to notice a gradual thinning and receding of my hairline. Navigating my way through a deluge of thickening products and shampoos, I often became exasperated [...]
It’s that time of year again where we start thinking about finding the perfect gift for our loved ones. I don’t know about you but last year due to restrictions, I had more than enough experience trawling laboriously through numerous websites. Therefore this year I have been so happy getting out to wander and peruse [...]
Founded in Rome in 1945, duo Nazareno Fonitcoli and business partner Gaetano Savini came together to create the epitome of Roman-style tailoring for men, Brioni. Combing their skills of master tailor and entrepreneurship, Brioni’s reputation grew exponentially and it wasn’t long before societies elite were lining up to be dressed by them. After sealing its [...]
Situated in a prominent position in London and only a stone's throw away from the notable Buckingham Palace, is the luxurious boutique hotel, Hotel 41. Overlooking the mews of the Buckingham Palace, the hotel boasts a prestigious Forbes five-star rating and has been recognised as the number one hotel in the UK for more than [...]
Crafted in France, Fragrance Du Bois is a range of niche luxury fragrances that specialise in the use of Oud. This exquisite natural ingredient is renowned for being an opulent addition to any fragrance, enhancing its longevity and adding a depth and complexity that is second to none. Fragrance Du Bois’s ethos is that it [...]
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