Season 8 • Episode 4: Embracing the heat & leaning into ‘sunscreen scents’
Embracing the heat, and leaning into the ‘Sunscreen Scent’ perfume profile this week, the fragrant duo are following on from the BONUS episode available to Patreon subscribers in which they explored their favourite scented sunscreens. Flipping that fragrant theme on its head, this time it’s all about those solar, ‘holiday in a bottle’ type perfumes, and they find themselves particularly drawn to those with a vintage vibe.
Later in the episode, Nicola answers a listener question from someone who had fallen head over heels for spicy tonka / vanilla fragrances way out of her budget, and seeks affordable scents to satiate this new olfactory obsession…
In the show this time:
This first launched in 2012, and was created by Serge Majoullier (who also created Mugler Womanity Eau Pour Elle and Viktor&Rolf Bonbon). Nicola and Suzy were particularly impressed with how well the iconic body oil scent was transformed into an eau de parfum.
Top notes: orange blossom, mandarin orange, orange, bergamot;
Heart notes: gardenia, magnolia, rose
base notes: coconut milk, vanilla, pebbles.
DIOR La Collection Privé Eden-Roc
Dior’s resident perfumer, François Demachy, must have enjoyed even more than usual his ‘research’ for this fragrance, a hymn to one of the world’s most legendary hotels, on the rocky shore of the Côte d’Azur. Flooded with sunlight, it’s cooled and ruffled by a salty breeze, revealing an accord reminiscent of nothing so much as expensive suntan oil, suffused with jasmine and a touch of coconut. Truly the stuff of (ultra luxury) holiday dreams. [Nicola’s still idly browsing their website…]
Juliette Has a Gun Sunny Side Up
Allow yourself to dream of a scented destination somewhere more far flung. Close your eyes and imagine an impossibly perfect beach: warm sand, warm skin, an omnipresent hush of crystal waters massaging brightly coloured pebbles and your own deep, contented breaths. Sunny Side Up is all blissfully relaxed limbs glowing with the retro-smelling scent of suntan oil, the softness of the blanket beneath you and a waft of vanilla ice-cream on the breeze as the sun dips its toes in the ocean. Cheeky fun in fragrant form.
‘Like an haute couture dress, Elie Saab fragrances adorn the feminine form, with a radiant sensuality. Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière captures the sensual sparkle of light. The Dawn. The time when night meets day, when a ray of light softly glides across the darkness and reveals the golden hues of daybreak. Inspired by Mediterranean sun rays, Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière is an ode of warm light.’
Top notes: mandarin essence, ylang ylang
Heart notes: jasmine sambac absolut, tuberose
Base notes: patchouli, musky woods, soft amber
‘Soleil Brûlant captures the high-shine brilliance of the golden sun beaming on a private oasis. Sun-kissed citrus mingles with spices giving way to an ornate and regal floral heart—while orange flower absolute and black honey release a seductive vapor, melting into the burnished warmth of amber.
Soleil Brûlant releases sun-kissed florals warmed by amber, conjuring a blazing encounter between gilded rays and naked skin. Your own private summer.’
Jennifer Elizabeth asks:
‘Hi Nicola and Suzy, I find myself turning to your podcast and fragrance in general to comfort and sweeten my day during the cold winter in Melbourne. I am really enjoying my perfume journey and recently discovered a Libertine Parfumerie near me! I got a sample of Amouge, guidance and Tonka Kumaru Atelier Materi. I didn’t think I would like the spicy saffron in Guidance but I have really warmed to it! And now expanding my tastes into spicy fragrances with a bit of heat. I absolutely love Tonka Kumaru it has become my favourite! Unfortunately both perfumes are way above my budget, and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for a similar fragrance with tonka, vanilla, almond and a spice. I find this fragrance very complex and addictive and its projection is amazing, so it would be may to find something under 100 pounds . I love this scent so much I’d also like to find a candle with similar almond and cardamon notes.
I also like Vanilla Powder Matiere Premier.
PS I am so happy I can walk into Mecca or Libertine and identity so many of the perfumes from your podcast! It brings me such joy!’
Nicola’s suggestions:
Essential Parfums Divine Vanilla
‘Divine Vanille is a tribute to vanilla absolute, sustainably produced in Madagascar. Mysterious, suave, deep, carnal... simply irresistible. Natural tonka bean and benzoin, also sustainably produced, enhance the soft, balmy and addictive facets of vanilla. A blend of natural cinnamon bark and sensual, leathery tones of natural osmanthus reveals rich facets of blonde tobacco and dried fruits.
An innovative fraction of natural cedarwood brings a creamy woody structure highlighted with silky musks, wrapping the fragrance with a delicate luminous veil.’
‘Of Brazilian origin, the tonka bean seed has a balsamic, almondy olfactory profile with nuances of vanilla, bringing a comfortable and delicate gourmand touch to the fragrances. In an engaging interpretation, the Tonka eau de toilette has 90% natural-origin ingredients and explores the amber and creamy side that, combined with woody and vanilla notes, results in a modern and striking creation.
Top notes: coconut, fig, cumaru wood
Heart notes: amber wood, coconut, tonka bean
Base notes: musk, vanilla, amber
‘Your perfect companion for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere, this candle immerses you in the subtle, delicious aroma of fresh almonds that gently fill your space, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort. Crafted with 100% natural wax, this candle offers a long-lasting burn and a soothing scent profile that enhances any room. Ideal for relaxation, self-care, or gifting, this candle transforms your home into a haven of serenity and elegance.’
Mama Moon Prosperity and Courage Candle
Scents Journey - Masala Chai Candle
‘A hearty and robust blend of spiced tea melds seamlessly with the rich essence of cardamom, enhanced by a nuanced hint of subtly sweet roasted almond. These delicate notes evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, enveloping you in a moment of pure bliss and indulgence.’
Have a question you’d like answered on the pod? Send it via a DM @onthescentpodcast and they’ll try to find your perfect fragrant match!
