Season 7 • Episode 32: Finding Your Perfume Identity and Scenting a Wedding
How do you discover which fragrances evoke your personality, or find those perfumes that portray the character you’d like to be, rather than how you happen to feel that day? In this episode podcast presenters Suzy Nightingale and Nicola Bonn reply to a listener’s email asking for help finding her perfect perfume(s), and discuss how they went about discovering their own perfume identities.
Then it’s on to another listener’s question about scenting a wedding – including how to find fragrances evoking the evening, and the practicalities of perfuming an event…
For Jennifer…
The Raconteur Ms. Macadamia
‘A scent for those who value their independence and always leave room for a delicious slice of adventure. Go nuts!’ The powdery orris in this feels creamy with the macadamia, the prettiness of peach bolstered by grounding vetiver and vanilla. We love the poem that accompanies it!
“Not here for likes, not here for follows; Chasing the sun, not shadows to follow; Built for love, she can’t help herself; Not trying to be anyone – just herself; Got a big heart, she’s street smart; She knows the rules, but tears them apart; Backs herself, always has a go; Has the scars from letting go; Looks to the stars for signs from above; Knows that longing is part of love; Always find her on the dance floor; Always know, she backs up for more!; Fear doesn’t faze her, it just rusts; Some say she’s crazy... maybe even, ...nuts.’
Vyrao Ludatrix
‘Naughty notes of lipstick and latex entwine with powdery rose, energising Sichuan pepper and courage-enhancing orris to cast Ludatrix’s enticing and empowered spell. Tantalising ambrette for igniting arousal is layered with voluptuous cedarwood, sandalwood and olibanum for positivity and protection, while a potent blend of ambrox and musk sparks sensuality. Bold and boundless desire, bottled.’
Goutal Tenue de Soirée
A glorious waxy, lipstick powder scent paired with leather, creating an intimate boudoir-rescue cosmetic aroma. While it doesn’t include tuberose, it does use rose, iris and patchouli with a soft white musk, exuding beauty and inner strength.
Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land
‘The fragrance embodies the quiet power that comes from acts of kindness, with the delicate Rosa Damascena at its heart, enhanced by the bright freshness of pink pepper and Turkish rose petals. A lush blend of raspberry blossom and Turkish rose absolute creates a rich floral depth, while a base of amber and papyrus adds warmth and complexity. This fragrance captures grace, inner strength, and the enduring spirit of empathy.’
Jeroboam Hauto Extrait de Parfum
A potent extrait that beautifully blends a mix of intense white florals with a very powdery, almost ‘bubblegummy’ lipstick feel, and is incredibly long-lasting without being overwhelming. It also has something of a steelier/ silvery backbone.
Floris Tuberose in Silk Eau de Parfum
This one specifically combines tuberose with powdery iris and orange blossom top notes, giving it a sophisticated and slightly vintage makeup scent vibe but still with an effortlessly modern feel.
Nishane Tuberóza X
‘Entrusted to the talent of Master Perfumer Dominique Ropion, this interpretation of Nishane's iconic white floral pays homage to the captivating scent of tuberose blossoms swaying under a starry sky. Built around an exquisite Indian Tuberose Absolute from the Laboratoires Monique Rémy, Tuberóza X is more vegetal than its older version, its greenness here tinged with a bright Violet accord while the sultry character of this supreme flower remains boldened by fruity and narcotic accents of ylang ylang.’
Em – @truckstrailsandfails on Insta – wants to scent her wedding with fragrances that imbue her personality and can evoke the evening itself.
We suggest…
• Having scented candles/diffusers to fragrance the venue and set a scented theme for your wedding which guests will always remember.
• Name tables after your favourite fragrances and have themed decor / floral displays on each or simply have that scent on a display as the table’s central focus, with decants or mini samples of the scent for guests to take away.
• Purchase mini ceramic discs from a craft shop, having ribbons printed with your names & the date of the wedding, and having them on place settings or piled near the perfume display. Then, inviting guests to spray their discs with a chosen scent to remind them of the celebrations.
So - do you think you’ve found YOUR ‘perfume personality yet, or does it change all the time? And how would you want to scent your wedding or a big event?
Let Suzy and Nicola know via DMs @onthescentpodcast on Instagram!
Listen to On The Scent podcast at Apple podcasts here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Or you can catch up with the latest episodes on this website – just click the PODCAST button, on our menu.