Seasonal Subscription Spring 2024 Smelling Notes

SPRING

SEASONAL SMELLING NOTES

WELCOME TO YOUR SPRING 2024 BOX !

Spring is the time of the year when we finally start to see newness in both our surroundings as well as the perfumes that are on offer. Green notes traditionally begin to be talked about and, with the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, the merest hint of sun-kissed citruses and lazy afternoons arrive.

So, whether you’re looking for a new signature scent, want to settle down with a Shakespearean-inspired floral, or even dream of some Parisienne armchair travel, throw open the windows as we indulge in the Spring Seasonal Scents Subscription Box.

The Perfume Society theperfumesociety Perfume_Society

SHAY & BLUE CEDARWOOD GRAPEFRUIT

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: CITRUS WOODY

TOP NOTE: Pink Grapefruit

HEART NOTES: Neroli, Coffee Bean

BASE NOTE: Cedarwood

SHAY & BLUE

CEDARWOOD GRAPEFRUIT

Spring is all about that promise of warmer weather as we finally leave behind the coldness of winter, and that’s exactly what is on offer with Cedarwood Grapefruit. The mix of these two star ingredients provides you with a sparkling and uplifting effervescence that’s perfectly married with a dry, pencil-like woody tone. What you also get though is a carefully measured dose of piercing neroli, almost like cold sunshine in a clear sky, along with an intriguing touch of tonka-enriched coffee bean. After all, who doesn’t need a little warming up after a long walk in the spring landscape?

Perfumes that are “made for everyone and anyone” are definitely the way ahead, as we start to break the myth that flowers are for girls and woods are for boys. Shay & Blue are a small team of rebels who create fun fragrances that are 100% natural and, in their words, ask us to “be bold – be different – be better”.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: SHAY & BLUE

CEDARWOOD GRAPEFRUIT

• What other fragrances do you own from Shay & Blue, and how do they compare to Cedarwood Grapefruit?

• How does the aroma of coffee make you feel in the fragrance?

• Which ingredients would you use to create a fragrance that conjures up spring?

• Cedarwood is often described as the aroma of pencil shavings, so what memories does it conjure for you?

• Where do you image yourself wearing this fragrance, and why?

From £62 for 100 ml Eau de Parfum shayandblue.com

TOCCA COLETTE

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: AMBRÉE FLORAL

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Mandarin, Lemon, Juniper Berry, Pink Peppercorn

HEART NOTES: Jasmine, Violet, Cyclamen

BASE NOTES: Incense, Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Cedarwood

TOCCA COLETTE

There are times in life when you just want to surround yourself with a massive dose of fragranced familiarity and traditional perfumery. Well, this one is the perfect choice for that. The citrus opening is skilfully muted, with just a touch of pink peppercorn in there, before a floral heart arrives that’s like a love story – delicious jasmine, powdery violet, and watery cyclamen. However, the base of Colette truly is magical. It combines a smooth-as-silk amber accord with a delicate dose of incense, and all cushioned by a pillow of musk. It’s like a muchneeded hug in a bottle.

TOCCA began life as a fashionable Manhattanbased fashion house and, thanks to its incredible designs and attention to detail, became the must-have among modern adventurers. However, 2006 saw them venture into the perfume world with Florence, Stella and Touch, and their continuing launches have revealed tales of romance, intellect, and emotion. Are you ready to discover that “indulgence begins within”?

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: TOCCA COLETTE

• Thinking about the idea of a “floral love story”, which ingredients would you add to the current jasmine, violet and cyclamen?

• What links can you find between the world of perfume and the world of fashion?

• Are there any other scents that you think of when you hear “fragranced familiarity”?

• We think that this perfume feels like “a hug in a bottle”, but how does it make you feel?

• Which of your friends would love to receive this perfume as a gift, and why?

From £42 for 20 ml Eau de Parfum lookfantastic.com

GOUTAL PETITE CHERIE

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL FRUITY

TOP NOTES: Pear, Peach, Fresh Cut Grass

HEART NOTE: Musky Rose

BASE NOTES: Vanilla, White Musks

Whether you’re ready for it or not, prepare to jump into spring without a care in the world. Goutal are famous for creating scented landscapes, and this one is no different. Originally launched back in 1998, you’re given a big dose of fresh cut grass, peach and pear, but there’s also an ice note in here that keeps it fresh. The heart reveals a velvety rose, so there’s a change of texture in the perfume, before a final wash of twentieth-century vanilla and musk complete this famous fragrance. Spring is about green notes, and they are here in full force!

Annick Goutal was a musician, a model, an antique dealer, and finally a perfumer. She launched her self-named company in 1981 and, over forty years later, they still offer scents that can accompany all the moments of life. Goutal fragrances leave “an impression on the heart rather than deliver an overpowering sensation”, and that’s welcome in a world of strong personalities.

GOUTAL PETITE CHERIE goutalparis goutalparis

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: GOUTAL PETITE CHERIE

• Which other fragrances that you own have an aroma of freshly cut grass?

• Do you notice any differences between this twentieth century fragrance and modern perfume releases?

• The pear note in Petite Cherie is wonderfully prominent, but what memories does this aroma conjure for you?

• Do you agree that spring is all about green notes, and why?

• Goutal used to be called Annick Goutal, but does the change of name have an influence on you purchasing the fragrance?

From £117 for 50 ml Eau de Parfum johnlewis.com

KENZO FLOWER L’ABSOLUE

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: SPICY Floral

TOP NOTE: Saffron Infusion

HEART NOTES: Damascena Rose, Orange Blossom

BASE NOTE: Vanilla

KENZO

FLOWER L’ABSOLUE

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: KENZO FLOWER L’ABSOLUE

When the original Flower by Kenzo was launched in 2000, nobody could have imagined that it would take the perfume world by storm. There have been many variations over the years, but in 2022 the original perfumer revisited his original. Alberto Morillas has combined a glorious saffron infusion, which presents the exoticism without the edge, and then treats us all to a Damascena rose and orange blossom pairing that is spectacular. All of this rests on the original vanilla base, so there’s a definite link to the past – but perhaps this one is more for spring nights than spring daytimes.

From poppies to lotuses and roses to peonies, flowers have always featured in the KENZO fragrances. From their first perfume in 1988, Kenzo for Women, they have managed to capture successive generations with their joyful and optimistic fragrances. With their latest pledge that each of their new fragrances will now contain 90% natural ingredients, KENZO also maintains its planet-loving commitments.

• Have you smelled previous versions of Kenzo Flower, and if so, how does it compare?

• The saffron note in here has a smoothness rather than a spiciness, but how does this alter the fragrance for you?

• Rose is an important ingredient in most fragrances, but how would you describe the texture of this one? Velvety, effervescent, dewy etc.

• What event could you imagine yourself wearing this fragrance to, and why?

• Is there an ingredient that you would have added to this perfume if you were the “nose”?

From £57 for 30 ml Eau de Parfum theperfumeshop.co.uk

CREED SPRING FLOWER

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL FRUITY

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Green Notes, Lemon

HEART NOTES: Apricot, Jasmine, Peach, White Flowers Bouquet

BASE NOTES: Ambergris, Cedarwood, Musk

CREED SPRING FLOWER

Begin by imagining a shaft of sunlight hitting a frosted spring landscape, and you’re in the right mindset for Spring Flower. This fragrance doesn’t shy away from that cold edginess, and that’s in part because of the tart lemon and sharp grapefruit that welcomes you, alongside a background of dry cedarwood. The florals in here are dominated by an animalic jasmine and “white flowers bouquet”, so there’s a “hot skin under the coat” quality as well. With a final touch of overripe peach and a musky ambergris note, this is definitely the sensuous side of spring – so spray sparingly.

Creed is famous for the worldwide bestseller Aventus, but there is so much more to this company’s history. With a reputation stretching back to 1760, a clientele that included everyone from Napoleon to the future Queen of England, and links to both London and Paris, it’s a wonderful example of storytelling through scent. So, will you be its latest patron?

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: CREED SPRING FLOWER

• Creed is a famous perfume house, but which of their other fragrances have you tried?

• This fragrance has a very sensual aroma because of the white florals, but what other words would you use to describe this effect?

• Do you think that this is a fragrance that could easily be gifted, and why?

• The lemon in the opening is very dominant, but how would you describe its aroma?

• What flowers do you think of when you hear the words “spring flower”?

From £165 for 30 ml Eau de Parfum creedfragrances.co.uk

RUTH MASTENBROEK SIGNATURE

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: CHYPRE

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Pineapple, Blackcurrant, Pink Peppercorn, Mandarin

HEART NOTES: Rose, Jasmine, Lily

BASE NOTES: Patchouli, Oakmoss, Sandalwood

RUTH MASTENBROEK SIGNATURE

We’re often told that we should search for a 'signature' fragrance that embodies who we are, and that’s exactly what Ruth Mastenbroek has done for us. She’s created a perfume that “sparks creativity and confidence”, and I’m sure we could all do with a little of that. With the goal to create a classic yet invigorating fragrance, Signature is an intoxicating set of contrasts – pink peppercorn sits alongside pineapple, delicate rose rubs against a devious jasmine, and an earthy oakmoss plays cautiously with a smooth sandalwood. If you’re looking for your 'signature', then look no further than Ruth Mastenbroek.

Ruth Mastenbroek is an internationally renowned perfumer who, in 2010, stepped out the shadows to launch her very own fragrance company. Originally having trained at Narden International, she was the nose behind perfumes for many brands, although she’s still probably best known for the bestselling Grapefruit candle for Jo Malone London. In Ruth’s own words, “perfume is a personal statement”.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: RUTH MASTENBROEK SIGNATURE

• Do you have a signature fragrance? If yes, what is it and why is it your signature?

• What ingredients would you use in a fragrance that “sparks creativity and confidence”?

• If you were hunting for the perfect signature fragrance, what qualities would it need to have?

• Which of your friends do you think would love this fragrance as their 'signature'?

• When you smell this perfume, how does it convey “classic yet invigorating”?

From £70 for 30 ml Eau de Parfum ruthmastenbroek.com

LALIQUE SOLEIL VIBRANT

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: WOODY FLORAL

TOP NOTES: Pear, Bergamot Essence, Corsican Clementine

HEART NOTES: Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Orange Blossom, Saffron

BASE NOTES: Vanilla Bourbon, Cedarwood Essence, Dreamwood

When you want the sun to arrive, but it’s a bit slow to answer your request, reaching for a summerinspired fragrance in spring is the only answer. Perfumers Alexandra Monet and Nathalie Lorson joined forces to create “a fragrance that smells as delicious as sun-kissed skin”, and it’s a promise that definitely delivers. From the opening notes of clementine through to the delicious floral blend of the finest jasmine and orange blossom, you are literally treated to a scented smile. However, it’s the golden-spiced saffron mixing with vanilla and sandalwood-inspired Dreamwood that provides an early dose of skin-warming sunshine.

Lalique’s first link with perfume was as the bottle designer for the famous Francois Coty, as well as the likes of Guerlain and Worth, but they eventually launched their own fragrance line in 1994. Those original bottles had a unique sense of fluidity and radiance, and it’s this idea that they now also bring to each of their perfumes.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: LALIQUE SOLEIL VIBRANT

• What ingredients make you think of sunshine, and why?

• Do you have any Lalique fragrances in your collection already? If yes, which are they?

• Clementine is an exciting alternative to the usual lemon and orange, but how do you feel it makes the opening different?

• Do you reach for sun-inspired fragranced in the spring, or do you prefer to wait until summer?

• When would you imagine yourself wearing this perfume? Is it more of a day or a night fragrance, and why?

From £79 for 50 ml Eau de Parfum lalique.com

BRIONI ESSENTIEL

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: AROMATIC WOODY AMBER

TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Tomato, Cardamom

HEART NOTES: Patchouli, Tonka Bean

BASE NOTES: Sandalwood, Ambergris, Frankincense

We don’t categorise fragrances by gender at The Perfume Society, instead we encourage you to explore for yourself through our Discovery Boxes. So, that’s why it’s always exciting when we discover a traditionally 'male' fragrance that 'women' go wild over. Remember that spring is all about green notes? Well they are in abundance in Essentiel. From the initial hit of lavender-touched bergamot and cardamom, you’re in exciting territory –especially when you add in a tomato leaf note. This then leads onto a woody patchouli with a touch of resinous frankincense, before a delicious almond-like sandalwood completes a wonderfully tailored fragrance.

Brioni was founded in Rome in 1945 and, from its very beginnings as a luxury fashion house, offered unique tailoring on a modern silhouette. With fans ranging from Rock Hudson through to Samuel L. Jackson, it was only a matter of time before fine fashion met fine fragrance. Designed to instil a feeling of wellbeing and confidence, it definitely “suits you”.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: BRIONI ESSENTIEL

• Would a fragrance that is marketed to your opposite gender affect whether you would purchase it, and why?

• What style of suit or piece of fabric does Essentiel conjure in your mind, and why?

• Tomato leaf is an ingredient that is occasionally used in perfumery. Have you smelled it before, and where?

• Which of your friends could you imagine wearing this fragrance, and why?

• Are there any other fragrances that you own that make you think of particular fabrics?

From £85 for 60 ml Eau de Parfum Brioni.com

4160 TUESDAYS SONNET NO.1

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

TOP NOTES: Lily, Violet

HEART NOTES: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Lavender

BASE NOTES: Beeswax, Hay Absolute, White Musk

4160 TUESDAYS

SONNET NO.1

There’s nothing as British as the words of William Shakespeare, and so to have a perfume created honouring his work is a gift. Shakespeare featured flowers in his writings throughout his career, and Sarah McCartney has translated some of these into scent. Rose obviously plays a huge part in here, with its stems delicately entwined with lily, but you also have a glorious dose of violet which shares its blue hue with a stem of lavender. However, a final quill flourish of beeswax and honeyed tonka bean proclaims it’s “like the sweet sound that breathes upon a bank of violets.”

What’s in a name? Well, 4160 is the number of Tuesdays you’ll experience if you live to be 80 years old. 4160 Tuesdays is a niche perfume company founded by Sarah McCartney and based in Hammersmith. They’ve become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of fragrance and, because they only bottle in batches of 50-200, you’re always guaranteed of something extra special.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: 4160 TUESDAYS

SONNET NO.1

• What other fragrances have you smelled from 4160 Tuesdays, and how did they make you feel?

• Is there a particular piece of Shakespeare that you remember? What type of fragrance matches those words?

• Violet features strongly in the centre of Sonnet No.1, but what other fragrances do you own that contain violet?

• This is a pure parfum rather than the more usual eau de parfum. Do you notice a difference in the strength and longevity of the scent?

• What famous person could you imagine wearing this fragrance?

From £30 for 7.5 ml Parfum 4160tuesdays.com

MOLTON BROWN

DELICIOUS RHUBARB & ROSE

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FRUITY FLORAL

TOP NOTES: Raspberry, Rhubarb, Grapefruit, Litchi

HEART NOTES: Peony, Rose, Pink Pepper

BASE NOTES: Musk, Vanilla, Cedar

MOLTON BROWN

DELICIOUS RHUBARB & ROSE

What is it about rhubarb that is so incredibly addictive, and which makes us all long for the first stems to be ready to snap off? Its tartness almost fizzes on the tongue, and that has been wonderfully replicated here. It’s combined with raspberry and litchi, just in case your mouth wasn’t watering enough already, and then given a floral heart of peony and rose, but with a pink pepper edge. The perfumer Vanessa Prudent finishes the fragrance with contrasting sweet vanilla and dry cedarwood, so really does create a perfume that is “delicious” by name and “delicious” by nature.

The often copied, but never surpassed, pinnacle of bath and body products, Molton Brown have been captivating us all since 1971. Founded by Caroline Burstein and Michael Collis, they’ve come a long way since their first scent (now called Orange & Bergamot) caused queues around the block. The stores are still a go-to, but now it’s for niche fragrance lovers.

SMELLING NOTES:

EXPLORE: DELICIOUS RHUBARB & ROSE

• Rhubarb is the star ingredient in this fragrance, but how does the aroma make you feel?

• When would you see yourself wearing this perfume, and why?

• What other words, apart from “delicious”, would you use to describe this fragrance?

• Do you think of a particular colour when you smell this fragrance, and why?

• Which of your friends would love to receive this as a gift?

From £120 for 100 ml eau de Parfum Moltonbrown.co.uk