Sauvage Parfum by Dior | Fragrance Review

Before I crack on with the Sauvage Parfum by Dior review, let me set the table with a quick history of the releases so far. Sauvage EDT (Eau de Toilette) was released in 2015. The EDP (Eau De Parfum) version was released in 2018 and we have the latest Sauvage Parfum.

I wish perfume companies would name their fragrances like Fred the Weather names his hurricanes. There is no doubt in my mind that Dorian is happening right now off the coast to the Bahamas. I haven't confused it with other category five hurricanes like Hurricane Carla, that hit Texas in the 60's. 

Spread the names out a little. 

We'll skip past the fact that the latest advert for Sauvage Parfum has been axed after it was accused to be racially insensitive to Native Americans. Which it's not by the way. 

I always like to start the reviews by giving you an idea of what to look out for, according to the press release. 

From the press release: 

For 2019 Dior presents Sauvage Parfum. Composed by Francois Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, this enriched variation pushes the limits, amplifying the signature freshness and crafting new contours. 

Leading with a zesty whirlwind of bergamot and notes of pulpy mandarin, cardamom and Elemi, the addictive complex of Sauvage Parfum reveals entrancing notes of dry amber core, Virginia cedar and Sri-lankan sandalwood. 

Sauvage Parfum offers extreme freshness coloured with warm oriental-style hues and evocative oriental notes. Adding touches of colour, Sauvage Parfum is highly concentrated with an intoxicating scent, delivering new depths and a palette of contrasts. 

From what I've gathered by following various perfume forums and talking to my people at Dior, the signature bergamot that was used in the original Sauvage is now mixed with a juicier mandarin.

Which might explain why this updated version has a less scabrous dry-down than the EDP. Others have referred to that as the shower-gel tones. I don't think it was quite that bad. Although it does depend on the quality of shower gel you use. 

It's certainly more refined. It does sit closer to the skin and the background is overall very inviting. It wants you to come in and play around with the layers. Price wise it comes in around the same as the Beau de Chanel perfume. So it's towards the high end, which might be too rich for someone that's just after the Parfum as a flanker to the EDT and the EDP. 

But for DIOR nuts, I'd say there's plenty of reason to invest in this. It's a more broodier scent. Darker, smoother, perfect for the upcoming winter months. 

My Sniph Wardrobe | A Different Scent for Every Occasion

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been slowly introducing you to the Swedish fragrance discovery service brand SNIPH, where you can explore the world of scents. You can read all about how the discover service works and my trip to Stockholm to meet the founders, here.

In a nutshell it is a monthly fragrance discovery service. They cater for men’s, women’s and unisex perfumes so this is truly something for everyone.

This time around I want to walk you through what fragrances I suggest wearing for different occasions.

It's one of the most asked questions I get when reviewing fragrances. 'Can I wear this scent to work?' or 'What fragrance should I wear on a date?' You see each scent has its own character.

If I were to use a football analogy you can't switch your best defender and your striker and expect them to do each other’s job as proficiently. (Putting Des Walkers last minute goal for Nottingham Forest versus Luton on January 1st 1992, aside).

For those that are looking to sign up to SNIPH (USE CODE HAWKINS25 FOR 25% OFF) and I can thoroughly recommend the value and the quality of the products.

IN THE MORNING - BERLIN by GALLIVANT

Fresh and zingy top notes of grapefruit, clementine, lemon and schinus molle CO2 extract. A spicy heart containing black pepper and black tea and woody, earthy undertones of Haitian vetiver, cedarwood and patchouli.

It has a real zip to it. I now start the day with one minute under a cold shower, instil some grit and have the body and mind battle ready. Two coffee's, black. Followed by a small spray of Berlin by Gallivant.

IN THE GYM BAG - BSX by OPTICO PROFUMO

It's the locker room scent that I've been dreaming of. It has just the right amount of freshness and mystery that makes me leave the gym on a high.

It's primarily an aqua fragrance so I feel enlivened and invigorated. Not overly complex, not too ambitious. It's sleek and the stripped down bottle design makes it very easy to carry around. Perfect travel accessory. Try this scent via SNIPH.

DATING - MASSAI MARA by BERDOUES 

It's what I like to call the punisher. When you wear the jacket that makes you feel bulletproof. You've hit the barbers a few hours earlier and your breath smells fantastic.

Now it's just the fragrance that is going to help you get that deal over the line. Massai Mara by Berdoues is a very exotic and intriguing scent. With subtle honey notes, blue camomile from Egypt - Labdanum from Spain - Buchu from South Africa.

It's incredibly hypnotic, it makes me feel like I'm bringing my A-game and it's so esoteric, even if the date doesn't get me the result I want, I know I've left a lasting memory.

URBAN NIGHT OUT - NORDIC CEDAR by MAYA NJIE

And how about that voyage into the unknown? For me it could be a press event in unfamiliar settings. It could be a photo shoot for a casual outfit. Or just a night on the tiles in the centre of town,

My go-to for this would be Nordic Cedar by Maya Njie. It's spicy, it's warm. It's reassuringly herbaceous and irrepressibly masculine. Soft Musk and notes of amber sit as a foundation in this warm and piquant fragrance.

Discover a new scent every month, delivered to your door for just £14 a month. No hidden costs. See SNIPH for details and use discount code HAWKINS25 for 25% off.

Creed Fragrances | They're More Than Just Aventus

How much do you know about Creed Fragrances? Did you know you can add personalised engraving? Did you know they have 25 different colognes for men available on their website? 

I know, it's like hearing that Toploader released more than one song right? (Timely reference Carl). Creed is so synonymous with their popular Creed Aventus, that it's become their 'Dancing in the Moonlight'. Little do people realise that Creed are much more than a one-hit wonder.

I went into their Mayfair branch for a fragrance profiling where I got to sit down with their expert and choose a signature scent.

Aventus aside, my top 3 Creed fragrances were below:

Tabarome Millesime

A very alpha male scent, as described eloquently on their website 'an ideal choice for the leaders of the pack'. Inspired by the aroma of tobacco, tea and spices, Tabarome Millesime is equally seductive and assertive.

It has a push of warm ginger, an opening of mandarin and sandalwood and an undercurrent of dark leather. The result is alluring, confident and unashamedly masculine. This is one for the gentleman's club. Tabarome Millesime is available on their website for £230.

Royal Oud

The Royal Oud really spoke to me. It has the imperturbable X factor. A delicate mystery that transported me. You will find wispy citrus notes (lemon) pink pepper, tonkin musk and of course oud. A very woody and oriental offering that can be worn by him or her. Elegant, exotic and spiritual. Royal Oud is available on their website for £265.

Viking

One of the very latest from the House of Creed. Woody base notes of Indian Sandalwood and Haitian vetiver. Possibly the most muscular of all the fragrances. A quick mention on the Creed bottles also. They have a very sleek look about them. With strong shoulders and an assured thick glass structure. I love the silhouette of a Creed bottle fragrance and it really does announce itself on the shelf. Viking is available on their website for £280.

Lastly, as many of you will be fans of the Creed Aventus fragrance, it now has a flanker; Aventus Cologne. It's a fresh, fruitier take and perfectly complements its acclaimed forerunner, Aventus. With notes of ginger, mandarin and pink peppercorn, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver. Aventus Cologne is available on their website for £215.

Creed have numerous concessions in and around London Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis etc. You can check out the link here to find the one closest to you. However, I do recommend heading down to their boutique on Mayfair, 99 Mount Street and speaking to someone from the team who will help guide you to the fragrance right for your style.

Introducing Sniph: Explore the Scents

Today I'm going to introduce you to a new fragrance company out of Sweden called SNIPH. I flew out to their Headquarters in Stockholm for a couple of days and was introduced officially to the brand.

SO WHAT IS SNIPH? 

In a nutshell it is a monthly fragrance discovery service. They cater for men’s, women’s and unisex perfumes so this is truly something for everyone.

The idea is quite simple. The expert perfumers at SNIPH have already sampled hundreds of artisanal scents from the best boutique perfume studios around the world and keep searching globally to find new niche and exclusive fragrances for you. They then select the ones they think you’ll like best and sort them out in their 6 distinctive collections.

Gradually your selection gets more refined as SNIPH comes accustomed to the scents that you prefer.

Finding a new perfume can be tedious. Sniph is a discovery service for perfume that enables you to try new perfumes. Every month they deliver carefully selected perfumes from exclusive brands in a smart and chic 8ml bottle. With 6 distinctive collections to choose from, you’ll receive a new fragrance that is perfectly tailored to you every month, directly to your door. With no commitments and always free shipping. Basically, they are here to make it simple and fun for you to explore new scents, for you to fall in love with and for any mood or occasion. Perfect for finding your new signature scent, or building a scent wardrobe.

They don't do high-street brands, instead they celebrate uniqueness and are welcoming you into the hidden world of scents to let you enjoy carefully selected perfumes from exclusive brands. Sniph partners with amazing perfume houses worldwide. This means the scents in your subscription may be available in the UK or exclusively available through Sniph.

BUT I LIKE MY OWN FRAGRANCE, WHY WOULD SNIPH WORK FOR ME? 

Firstly, it's always good to mix and match your fragrances. I'm a loyal lover and brand ambassador for Jo Malone London for example, but my shelf is not exclusive to their scents.

By experimenting with different fragrances from SNIPH this enables you to 'explore the world of scents' (to coin their campaign slogan).

You also might like to have some of the heavy lifting taken away from you when it comes to shopping for fragrances. Let someone else with experience select a fragrance for you.

Another thing, that I learned during these days with Sniph in Sweden, is the power of scent. Scent has the power to stir emotions, awaken memories, set moods and captivate the imagination.

Think about it, would you want to smell the same at an important meeting and at a date?

 With this being said a scent wardrobe, where you choose your scent after mood and occasion, is the new way of looking at scent. And to be honest there is a full world out there of amazing scents that would be a shame to miss out on. 

ANY OTHER BENEFITS FOR USING SNIPH? 

Sure, they come in very handy travel vials together with a neat and smart case. Less than 100ml which is also convenient for the bathroom. I know it sounds like woe is me sometimes, but I don't always have the space for all the fragrances on my nightstand or bathroom shelf. (Remember this is London, no walk-in wardrobes here).

They are also really hear to share their love for scent with the world and invite people in to their world. To educate people about the world of scents is one of their missions which means that you will never just receive a random scent with learning about it as well. 

HOW WAS THE TRIP CARL? 

Thanks for asking guys, it was short and sweet but a very interesting and relaxing affair. You may have seen from my stories I enjoyed some yoga sessions at the Djursholm Country Club.

It was a perfect induction into sensory awakening. How often do we close our eyes and listen to what it is we're smelling. 

So much focus is on the visual. Instagram is a proven benefactor of that. Imagine an APP that delivered a scent to your phone. (Jesus that's a great idea, Zuckerberg lets schedule a meeting).

After that we made a flower crown and had some drinks. You know, standard Swedish customs. 

In Sweden they have a Midsummer tradition where you place 7 different flowers under your pillow. You then dream of your one true love.

SNIPH had a neat twist on this tradition and left 7 different fragrances for us to spray on our pillow. I dreamt of ice cream!

I'd like to thank SNIPH for inviting me to Sweden and introducing me to their brand. I had a real sense of community and kinship with the founders and staff. I'll be writing more about SNIPH and the fragrances I receive in later posts.

SNIPH offer subscriptions for 14 GBP a month with free delivery. I am very pleased to be a SNIPH ambassador and all thoughts here are my own. 

DISCOUNT CODE: Use my personalised discount code below which will give you 25% OFF.

HAWKINS25

Memoize Imperia x Rowan Row Fragrance Review

Well, this is where the bar is at with Influencers. Collaborating with a perfumery is definitely top of my wish list.  I don't think I'd ever stop bragging about it if Jo Malone London asked me to create a fragrance (hint hint PR team). 

Still, couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. And have you checked out the man's physique of late? If his shoulders could talk to each other they'd just say, 'we'll meet at the balls'.  Rowan Row has partnered with luxury niche fragrance house, Memoize London to collaborate on an exciting scent project.

So what can an influencer bring to the table for a fragrance house? 

Good question. As well as tapping into an audience of 917k followers, having someone easy on the eye for all their lifestyle imagery, Rowan can draw inspiration from his travels, personal development and experiences, together with a little soul searching along the way and born of this was the scent; Imperia.

This is not a scent that's been magically spawn overnight. It's been a passion project of Rowan's that has kept him busy behind the scenes for the past 12 months. It's noteworthy that this fragrance is his first truly interactive collaboration and the first product to bear his name. Imperia, by Rowan Row.

IMPERIA; noun, plural im·pe·ri·a [im-peer-ee-uh] Command; supreme power, strength.

(Damn why didn't I get given that as a middle name at least. I hate my parents). 

On to the recipe, from the Press Release. 

Top Notes: Citrus, Lemon, Green
Middles Notes: Aromatic, Fougere, Lavender, Clary Sage, Mint
Base Notes: Amber, Leather, Woods, Musk, Moss

Is it any good? 

I'm happy to say yes. You'll definitely get that citrus opening, an instant hit of lemon and bergamot mingle with a rich aromatic fougere accord in the heart built around clary sage, lavender and cool mint.

Later the base notes push through, some black amber but moreover, the diffusive leather and spiced woods. I didn't detect the earthy moss, but maybe that was intended to be subtle. 

Overall I don't know if it's worth the price tag (127 GBP is ambitious for an introductory scent) but it's in keeping with the luxury range and the price tags Luxuria and Castitas both retail at 177 GBP. 

Still I've enjoyed my time with this scent. It's got mystery, it's evocative, complex but not overly artisanal. The silage I got about 4-5 hours which is just under what I'd expect for a perfume in this price point. However, I've had some great comments on this scent, the feedback has probably been one of the best I've had in a long time. 

Memoize London prides itself on supporting small, independent British suppliers wherever possible. From hand finished, wooden oak caps crafted in Yorkshire, hand-made boxes made in Leicestershire, to a small filling house in the Lincolnshire Wolds. All components took great time and consideration to create, to ensure we provide the customer with the ultimate luxury experience.

Exclusive to Selfridges, the Memoize Imperia by Rowan Row fragrance launched 16th May and is £127.

Jo Malone London: Fragrance Combining Palette

A new month and it's time to bring you the latest from the Jo Malone London news desk. As a proud Jo Malone London ambassador I'm fortunate to be privy to all the latest news and releases from Jo Malone London, which I’m delighted to reveal to you today. 

As many of you know I'm on the final leg of my Asia/Australia tour. At some point soon I expect to have that George Clooney moment from Up in the Air when the flight crew come out with a cake to celebrate my 10 million frequent flyer miles. 

However, it's been the perfect opportune time to road-test the new on-the-go perfumes from Jo Malone London. The sleek, travel-ready palette is designed to effortlessly encase two solid perfumes for scent on-the-go. Presented in a protective pouch and perfectly sized to slip into a pocket or small bag with room to spare. 

The beneficiaries of this are not just the end-user, but every other passenger on the flight whose senses can often be perturbed by aerosol perfumes. The new condensed balm application offered by Jo Malone London is certainly more discrete, practical for travel and socially acceptable. 

You can pick two of your favourite scents and apply them separately or layered. The small square case is great, it is like a zippo lighter.

Although I don't condone smoking and have never smoked, I appreciate the accoutrements of smoking and the trappings. For example, if you've ever held a Dunhill Rollagas Zippo in your hand you'll appreciate how some struggle to quit, aside from the additive chemicals of course. 

I digress. 

What I'm trying to get at, are these Jo Malone London casings are reminiscent of those same feelings of refined luxury. High quality, with a decent weight. I love it. I showed them to someone who came to visit me in the Philippines. She mooted that they would find a good home in her handbag. 

I told her like a true commercial, that these solid perfume refills can be purchased online at jomalone.co.uk or at Jo Malone London boutiques nationwide.

Customers can fill their palette with their choice of two Jo Malone London scents from a selection of ten of the brand’s most-loved, to create their own irresistible pair:

Lime Basil & Mandarin Basil & Neroli Pomegranate Noir English Pear & Freesia Blackberry & Bay Nectarine Blossom & Honey Peony & Blush Suede Mimosa & Cardamom Wood Sage & Sea Salt Oud & Bergamot

The new solid perfume formula has a light, smooth texture containing pure beeswax, and ensures a rich scent when applied to the skin.

How to use:

Swirl the smooth formula onto wrists, neck, décolletage, even the ends of hair.

Wear solo, or layer together to create a compelling combination. Jo Malone London recommends applying the richer scent of the two first. Mix, match and play.

When it’s time to try a new combination, simply use the enclosed pin to pop the two scents out of the palette.

Fragrance Combining TM Palette RRP £24 / €27 Solid Perfume - Cologne RRP £14 / €16 Solid Perfume - Cologne Intense RRP £16 / €18

Jo Malone London Blossoms: Bloomin’ Marvellous

I might be on the other side of the world right now, but that doesn't stop me waxing lyrical about Jo Malone London and their latest release, Blossoms. 

As a proud UK Ambassador for Jo Malone London I'm fortunate enough to get exclusive access to their pre-releases and a direct feed to their news desk. In this article I'm going to give you the low down (is that what the kids say?) on what they have coming out this month. 

When I first saw the press release for Jo Malone London Blossoms, my mind immediately turned to impressionism. A romantic era where Art allowed invited people to use their imagination. To be transported to an otherworldly realm steeped in colour and vivid expressionism. 

The new blossoms collection, available for a limited time only, really encompasses the romance of Spring. Embraces the conviviality of what fresh light and hope can bring. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

This is not what you call an evergreen article. This is a here and now message, these scents are only available for a limited time from April 2019. 

Carl, tell us about Jo Malone London Blossoms

Dressed in a rainbow of ombré designs, the line-up is comprised of longed-for Star Magnolia and Silk Blossom, long-loved Orange Blossom and the radiant new Frangipani Flower.

You might remember I've written about layering scents before on the blog. In case you need reminding, Jo Malone London fragrances can be worn alone or layered with another to create a unique combination.

When it comes to the Jo Malone London Blossoms collection here are two pairings that are truly mesmerising. 

THE PAIRINGS

Frangipani Flower Cologne with Orange Blossom Hair Mist

A warm oral scent, radiant with frangipani as shimmering orange blossom flows through your hair.

Silk Blossom Cologne with Star Magnolia Hair Mist

An uplifting oral scent with vibrant silk blossoms softened by the gleam of star magnolia in your hair.

The Jo Malone London Blossoms collection includes:

• Frangipani Flower Cologne 30ml and 100ml – £49 and £98  

• Silk Blossom Cologne 30ml and 100ml – £49 and £98 

• Silk Blossom Home Candle 200g – £49 

• Star Magnolia Cologne 30ml and 100ml – £49  and £98 

• Star Magnolia Hair Mist 50ml – £44 

• Orange Blossom Cologne 100ml – £98 

• Orange Blossom Hair Mist 50ml – £44 

• Orange Blossom Diffuser 165ml – £65 

Join the Club 

Just as a caveat to this blog, I'm thinking of hosting a fragrance night round mine when I get back from traveling.

I'll set up the camera and people do one minute vids on what they think their favourite fragrance is and why, then I'll upload it to my YouTube channel. 

I'll get the BBQ going, stick on Goodfellas, get the poker chips out, you know make it less like a scene from Sex and the City. What do you think? DM me on Instagram or in the comment box below if you think this is a decent idea. 

Pasha Édition Noire Review | Best Casual Fragrance out there?

With Pasha Édition noire, Cartier galvanises the original “fougère” accord of its Pasha de Cartier fragrance with a breath of citrus freshness.

And wow, this is one of the best Citrus notes I've smelt in a long time. You'll find many people review this fragrance as 'fresh', which is the generic equivalent of people saying they get vanilla notes from whisky samples. Or lifestyle bloggers referring to a car as having a 'breadth of ability'. 

Yet, to it is an unavoidable cliché to call this fresh. It's also not complex. I've not tried to decipher many layers of different notes. It's fairly straight laced, but not at all perfunctory.  

Cartier expresses the radiance of the fragrance’s powerfully seductive scent through the limited- edition black bottle, gadroons, and three bands. The golden gleam of the three bands which encircle the cap.

Cartier are known innovators anyone that caught their exhibition Cartier in Motion last year at the Design Museum in London will attest. 

It's perfect for a Spring/Summer scent. It's very first date material. In fact this is a perfect first date smell because you want it to last the entirety of the date. It projects well but is not over powering. It's also not too stiff. It doesn't demand your attention. 

I like this because a lot of 'fresh' fragrances out there, even the Cartier Sport and the recently reviewed Spicebomb Night Vision by Viktor & Rolf can feel a little too young. 

It's a versatile scent. I'd say it's an alluring scent. A sexy blend that has gotten me quite a few compliments so far. It's more everyday than black tie. However, with the fantastic silage, (i got 6-7 hours) then you could easily carry this off from late afternoon 'til evening if it's a casual event. 

Pasha Edition noire Limited edition 100 ml spray

Ready for the Riverbanks: Jo Malone London Wild Flowers & Weeds Limited Edition Collection

Is it that time to talk about Jo Malone London already? You bet it is! My regular monthly Jo Malone London news drop focuses on the new Wild Flowers & Weeds Limited Edition Collection set for launch on 1st March. 

It's getting lighter in the mornings. Walks on the common are becoming more enjoyable again. March brings hope with the advent of warmer afternoons. Although as Red would say in Shawshank Redemption 'hope is a dangerous thing my friend'. We all remember the beast from the east that savaged our London high streets this time last year.

Still, smoke 'em while you got 'em. Meaning, let's make hey while the sun is shining!

As a Jo Malone London ambassador I'm fortunate enough to get samples of the new releases and this month I want to talk to you about the limited edition collection of Jo Malone London Wild Flowers & Weeds. 

Immediately my mind turns to my childhood, entire afternoons spent plucking weeds from my folks lawn. Manicuring the crevices of the crazy paving on the first dawn of Spring. My Dad giving me 50p at the end and a rewarding sip of his Bacardi. Blew my head off.

Nowadays Wildflowers and Weeds invoke a different sensibility. I think of the charmed walks along the riverbanks of Hackney Marsh. First date: river walks. Second date: river walks plus pub lunch, on the 3rd date the dogs meet. No 4th date, was it something Charlie said? Ah nostalgia. 

What better way to serenade those new riverbank walks, carve out some new memories, than with the new Jo Malone London Wild Flowers & Weeds Collection.

Five limited edition scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line its banks.

If you caught my last Jo Malone article on how to layer your scents, you'll appreciate that these Jo Malone London fragrances are designed for experimentation. They smell fantastic on their own, but the real fun comes in the dalliance of combining the colognes.

I won't be able to describe the fragrances any better than the press release so below you have the full information on all the Jo Malone London Wild Flowers & Weeds Collection.

Nettle & Wild Achillea: The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

Willow & Amber: The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Cade & Cedarwood: The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Hemlock & Bergamot:  Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Lupin & Patchouli: Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Launching nationwide 1st March 2019  

RRP – £49 for each decorative 30ml Cologne

Artisan Perfumes: Layer Your Scent With Jo Malone London

Today I want to talk about the new fragrances I've just received from Jo Malone London; English Pear & Freesia with 154 and Lime Basil & Mandarin with Pomegranate Noir.

These products stand alone as some of the best smelling perfumes I've ever tried, but I'm getting a great kick out of combining these beautiful, artisan fragrances. 

Each fragrance is designed to be worn alone or layered with another. It's a very unique experience, to have the opportunity to wear a fragrance that can help you express your identity. 

It can almost transform your mood and because the silage is so good with the Jo Malone London scents, you can carry this feeling of luxury and comfort around with you all day. 

The reason why I've chosen the English Pear & Freesia with 154 and Lime Basil & Mandarin with Pomegranate Noir, is because I wanted to experiment and tailor a scent that would help me remain centred and focused on my goals. 

I know, it sounds incredibly zen and 'new man' but I'm going through some changes. I think we all reach a stage in life when we look to shed a skin and try new things and I'm looking for a scent that will be my signature scent and keep me grounded during this self-evolution. 

I've combined the fragrances and found the complexity really evocative. I get the strong opening of citrus and a woody follow through with the English Pear.

It's also really fun to spend a moment trying to discern the different notes. I get to spend a minute masquerading as a master perfumer, pacing around my bathroom trying to decipher the hidden notes. 

As a brand ambassador for Jo Malone London I'm also privy to some of the newsletters and press releases surrounding the products. Here is some tips and hints from the Jo Malone London press office on how you can combine your fragrances. 

Three Ways To Try Fragrance Combining™

For a juicy, golden fragrance, luscious with fruits and fresh with delicate flowers.

1. Holding the cologne approximately 10cm from your body, spritz English Pear & Freesia Cologne two or three times over your neck, shoulders and arms.

2. Press down with your hand to settle the fragrance.

3. Repeat the above steps with Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne, layering it over the first cologne.

For a fruity fragrance, vibrant with zesty freshness, delicious with juicy depth.

1. Warm a generous amount of Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Crème between the palms of your hands.

2. Massage over your skin using large circular movements until the body crème is absorbed fully.

3. Holding the cologne approximately 10cm from your body, spritz Blackberry & Bay Cologne two or three times over your neck, shoulders and arms, or wherever you have applied the body crème. Press down with your hand to settle the fragrance.

For a dewy floral fragrance, fresh and luminous with romance.

1. To help your scent last longer, begin with a fragrant shower. Massage a generous amount of Red Roses Body & Hand Wash over your skin. Towel dry.

2. Warm a small amount of Wild Bluebell Body & Hand Lotion between the palms of your hands.

3. Smooth over your skin using large circular movements.

TOM FORD introduces BEAU DE JOUR: the new fragrance for men & women from TOM FORD BEAUTY

Whilst it's remaining all quiet on the James Bond front, (no mention of whether Tom Ford will be back to do the wardrobe for Bond 25) we at least have a new private blend to look forward to.

The BEAU DE JOUR bottle is in keeping with the other Tom Ford private blends, inspired by classic apothecary containers and crafted with satisfying bold lines and weight.

The opening will be an incontestable fervent entrance of Lavender. Fresh, evocative. The spicy cardamom and saffron initiate the journey at the opening, as floral desert tones reverberate in a constant shift with an enigmatic sweetness of jasmine sambac.

It's been described as maverick by some e-tailors. Which is a near truth. The blend has a very esoteric appeal, an unidentifiable yet palpable undercurrent of danger. Yet there's a classic sensuality to it.

Which kind of silver screen hard man would wear this? Sure James Bond, the maverick. The chancer. But it's less black tie then Bond, it has a tangible thuggery to it. I imagine Edward Woodward's Equaliser would wear this before leaving the house. (Deep pull Carl, I know).

Patchouli and Amber create an earthy foundation of radiant wood and sensual musky warmth, further elevating Beau de Jour’s refreshing notion of masculinity through the finish.

Classed as unisex, which is not unremarkable as it has a very soft, velvet-like dry down. However, I'm more than happy to class this as a masculine scent. The fougere notes, the patchouli and the oakmoss shifts this blend into my wheelhouse. 

Tom Ford continues to create effortless and unique blends that keeps him firmly on top of the heap. Nobody does it better, (touché Carl) nobody daren't.

@TOMFORDBEAUTY  #TFBEAUDEJOUR

RRP:

50ML – £162.00

100ML- £238.00

Jo Malone London Release the Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense

DRUM ROLL! Time for some Jo Malone London news. (One unfurls large reading scroll and positions himself on a balcony 20ft above the hordes of baying Jo Malone London fans). As a proud global ambassador of Jo Malone London I'm extremely blessed with the opportunity to trial at their news trials and fragrances. 

This month we have two new releases to get stuck into. Jo Malone London have not only launched a brand new intriguing fragrance to their Cologne Intense family, entitled Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense, they will also be extending their highly sought after Myrrh & Tonka Collection to include a Home Candle and Body Crème.

It arrives carefully presented  sleek black packaging. As a former student of the Jo Malone gift wrapping class of 2018, I can tell you it's an under-sung, lost art that goes on behind the scenes. 

Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense fragrance

If you're like me and love leather as a note in your fragrances, then you'll LOVE this new blend, rich with precious ingredients. Perfect for the winter months; smoky and warm, enlivened with vibrant juniper and fresh grapefruit and finished with a mysterious twist of vetiver.

It's opulent, it's luxury, it's empowering. The perfect tonic for an evening date. I'm awash with a lot of casual and semi-casual fragrances currently so I'm relieved to have a scent that slots perfectly into evening wear. 

100ml Cologne RRP £120 50ml £75. 

Jo Malone London is available in 61 countries worldwide and will also be extending their Myrrh & Tonka offering to include the decadent new Home Candle (£56) and luxurious Body Crème (£62).

A top tip from Jo Malone London

You can layer your scents much like you can layer your winter wardrobe. Jo Malone London recommends that you moisturise with the new Myrrh & Tonka Body Crème. For the cherry on top add a spritz of Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense for an oriental, woody scent, enriched with deep, resinous myrrh and warmed with cashmere wood.

What's your favourite Jo Malone London scent? I'd love to know which scent resonates with you and how you layer yours. Feel free to drop me a comment or a DM on my Instagram if you have any questions regarding the Jo Malone London scents. 

Davidoff Cool Water Fragrance Review

Have I told you how Davidoff are missing a marketing trick? They should simply sponsor a catwalk showdown between David Beckham and David Gandy! It will be coined the 'Almighty Davidoff'. You see that's why I get the big bucks people.

It leads me swiftly on to this classic scent from Davidoff, neatly entitled: Davidoff Cool Water.

The Gamechanger

It really was. Released in 1988 the Davidoff Cool Water fragrance came about and enlivened the aquatic range. 

The Notes

In the top note, a marine splash awakes the senses with a distinct floral opening. You'll get an immediate introduction to the main theme of Lavender, followed by a subtle push of Rosemary and Orange Blossom. 

I know these all sound like girls that will be linked to Jeff Bezos as he looks to seek solace from divvying up over $50Bn in divorce settlements. But trust me, the signature blend and vibrancy of this blend has stayed the test of time. 

On the dry down you'll get that relaxing flourish of sandalwood, cedar with an undercurrent of musk. A very reassuring masculine vibe. 

What do I think?

Pierre Bourdin created and broke the mould when he introduced Davidoff Cool Water. Other flankers have saddled nicely, the Deep Dive and more recently Cool Wave have been notable inclusions to the Davidoff Cannon. But for my money nothing has usurped the original. 

When and where can I wear it?

It's a very casual fragrance, perfect for the office or out on a lunch date. It's not sophisticated enough for black tie or dinner events. I'll be wearing this to meetings with clients, coffee runs, even on my upcoming trip to Bali.

It's very Spring/Summer, it's fresh, youthful. I'd wear this with shorts, polo, tee shirt. My one reservation is that I'm loving the scent, but definitely feel like I'm at the high end of the demographic for its target audience. Because of the citrus/sweet notes, I'd say it would be too playful for anyone 45 and older.

Would I buy it again?

Absolutely, I've been buying it for years. I can't wait to roll this is out in the hotter months, that's if it lasts the course in Bali. It wakes me up, enlivens my senses. Makes me want to put on Pet Sounds and ride my little Deuce Coupe all the way to Lowestoft.

UOMO Salvadore Ferragamo Signature | Fragrance Review

Today I want to talk about UOMO Salvadore Ferragamo Signature Fragrance, the third instalment in their fragrance collection. I've been road-testing this fragrance for the past week, but before I give you mine and my friends feedback, we should speak about the original. 

In 2016 the UOMO Salvadore Ferragamo was introduced to market, with its flanker the UOMO Casual Life in 2017. The latter being more summer targeted, more youthful and as it says on the bottle, 'casual'. 

The UOMO Salvadore Ferragamo Signature Fragrance is more of a return to the original, with a darkened sensibility. Famously referred to as the Tiramisu fragrance for that piercing, unapologetic wave of sweet coffee. 

The bottle is black, built like a futuristic hip flask. Muscular and sits in your palm without compromise. 

Initial thoughts 

On first spray you'll have that inevitable, creamy-coffee opening. The Tonka bean will come through and that odd, reassuring air of nostalgia to the original hugs you like a long distant friend. 

It simmers down with some grapefruit, the patchouli arrives in time to take you on a wistful journey. It has an oriental flavour to this fragrance, but not overly complex. It lacks a certain mystery, but that's fine. 

Further Thoughts 

As I sat with the fragrance, walked around the flat, I had this odd sense that I was under dressed. I've never felt that way with a fragrance before. That is somehow demanded a better wardrobe than the jeans and hoody I was sporting. 

It did morph into something else, maybe the Tonka bean and the leather started to really push through. 

What others thought  

I didn't get many wow reaction to this on first wear. I wore it to a couple of events, the Gentleman’s Grooming Show, a recent trip to France for Laurent-Perrier. However, I started to get more reaction from women, in fact to put it bluntly, this was tailor made for women. 

Guys just don't want to get onboard with the sweetness, but women were more in favour. Plus it had that undertone of leather to offer just the verisimilitude of rugged masculinity. 

Smells like? 

I've heard some people refer to this as the new POLO Red Extreme, probably because of the Tonka bean reference. I've got that fragrance in my locker and it's not as rich as Extreme. Possibly because it's a little more synthesised. (I'm guessing, don't quote). 

Others talk about it being the new CH for Men, (Carolina Herrera) I'd agree to some extent. It lacks the woodiness of CH, and isn't as pretentious. But it does have that even-keel balance of keeping it light, latte-sweet whilst ensuring a black-tie-esque sophistication. 

Final thoughts

It's more polished than the Casual Life, it has decent silage (4-5 hours) and I love coffee so this UOMO Salvadore Ferragamo Signature Fragrance really speaks to me. 

It's a bit like the Rocky films. The original is better than the other two, but the 3rd is much better than the sequel. Come on, Mr T. That said the 4th with Ivan Drago was the most fun so I'm looking forward to next year. Stay tuned. 

FRAGRANCE DIRECT | My Christmas Fragrance Picks

I consider fragrances to be the skeleton key of Christmas gifts. No one can turn their nose up (pardon the pun) to a decent fragrance when it comes in the guise of a Christmas gift. It works on so many levels; you get to be the stylish arbiter of someone’s scent, they get to inject a room with nice aromas courtesy of your generosity. 

But how do I know what fragrance someone likes? 

I associate that sentiment with, well which kind of woman do you normally go for Carl? Let me tell you something for free. Hot is hot. I'm not prejudice towards any make or mould.

"Hot" as the Americans say, or "Fit" as we Brits like to say, transcends all genres. 

Now apply that logic to fragrance. 

If the bottle looks well presented, the fragrance projects well, sits close to the skin, has decent silage and smells luxurious, then I'm going to like. And so is the person you're gifting it too. 

Fragrance shopping made easy 

That's what I love most about shopping with Fragrance Direct. They house all the best marquee names under one roof, indexed this season into 3 easy categories; for her, for him and new launches, as part of their ‘Festive Fragrance Wonderland’ Christmas theme. 

There a select number of brands to feature which include Gucci, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Joop and Lacoste.

Which ones did you choose Carl? 

Thanks for asking. I'll be honest, it was a coin toss to see if I was just going to gift myself some nice scents this year. (Happens to us all right?) I still might, the prices are the best I've seen on the web. 

NEW FOR 2018

I have a friend who is a Hugo Boss nut so this will be perfect for him. I especially like the bottle, I'm a huge proponent of Black Tea in anything, be it after shave, cheesecake, you name it. HUGO URBAN JOURNEY is a fragrance for the modern urban explorer and embodies the intense aromatic heart of Black Tea, which is reinforced by the masculine Guaiacwood to fuel you with a daring new energy. 

FOR HER

I can't say who this is for because she reads the blog, but this Gucci Guilty Gift Set is an absolute banker for a Christmas gift. This Gift Set includes 90ml Eau de Parfum Spray, 50ml Body Lotion and 7.4ml Roller Ball. Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is a non-traditional women’s fragrance created for a contemporary woman. 

Yes I'll be looking forward to smelling this on her as well. 

FOR HIM

Yes another Boss number. I'm a huge fan of The Scent myself, the bottle is designed as such to look like a cage, a fragrance so powerful it needs to be behind bars. (It's true, I have credible sources). 

This Gift Set includes 100ml Eau de Toilette Spray, 75ml Deodorant Stick and a 50ml Shower Gel.
BOSS Parfums is expertly crafted to reflect the strong personality of the BOSS Man and Woman.

Summary

Just to recap on why I'm plugging Fragrance Direct.

• Easy to use

• A bevy of options for both men and women 

• Great prices, not seen cheaper anywhere else online

• Free delivery over £20 

• Perfect Christmas gifts for those difficult people that you never know what to get

*This sponsored post was created in collaboration with Fragrance Direct.

Robert Graham Fragrance Review | Valour Courage Fortitude

For the uninitiated Robert Graham is a luxury men’s fashion brand, famed for its contrasting cuffs and collars and exotic bold prints and fabrics. The shirts come at a premium price but certainly worth checking out, they say it's as close as you can get to wearing art. I'm going to be talking about the three fragrances, Valour, Courage and Fortitude, designed to reflect the essence of the brand.

The inspiration behind the fragrances

Robert Stock. Founder of Robert Graham, was inspired by the rare craftsmanship of blended spirits for his baptism of fire into the world of men's fragrance.

"Like a great liqueur single malt Scotch or small-batch Bourbon, I saw these fragrances blended from a little bit of this, and of little bit of that," said Robert Stock. "We started with a feeling, where each blended essence had to have its own personality."

The Robert Graham Bottle

It reminds me of something you' expect to house an exotic bottle of Peach Schnapps. Perhaps only served at The Beaufort Bar at the Savoy or The Connaught.  It's angular, housed in a faceted decanter and finished with a foulard print. In the 250ml range they become more ornate in the cap decorations. 

What are the fragrances? 

Let's start with Courage. First off all the names sound like names that were on the whiteboard when it came to naming the next fleet of Autobots. And I don't mind. I mind First Instinct, that's not a good name. 

Courage by Robert Graham opens with a citrus-y vibe. It has the bergamot going on but that's at the back somewhere. You hit the spicy vodka, but it's not direct. It's tangled in a delectable web of aromatic woods and herbs. It's the lighter of the 3, though not casual enough for every day. I'd wear this if I wanted to make a good impression at a smart/casual event. If I was into Ballet this would be my night at the ballet scent. 

Valour - This is my favourite of the 3 as it has a better projection. I noticed the silage was an hour or two longer. Maybe 6-7 hours I carried it round. Moving into the colder months this warm-wooded Oriental fragrance will be better suited for the Autumnal months. 

It opens with a nice spicy hit. There's sage, there's amber. It has a very smooth-creamy feel to it; makes me want to buy a box set of The Man from Uncle and watch them back to back in a Velvet nightgown. This is one that I'd wear to the Gentleman's Club. 

Fortitude - Lastly Fortitude, another Oriental fragrance that is peppered with tobacco sweet balsamic vinegar and Patchouli. 

What is Patchouli? 

Ok so I like to do a little teaching on here. I don't know the qualities of every herb and spice, I'm assuming no one does so here's a quick fact: it's a species of herb from the mint family and performs slightly different to other oils in that it matures better with age. 

The ancient Egyptians couldn't get enough of the stuff and treasured as highly as gold back in the day. 

My thoughts on Robert Graham Fragrances? 

I thought the show pony was Valour. It really spoke of luxury in a non-complex way. Courage and Fortitude would be good squad additions to your cologne bench, however, I wouldn't justify having all three for the price point. 

Valour and Fortitude both have that Oriental vibe so for variety, I'd pick Courage and Valour. Autobots Transform! To Cybertron! Sorry, couldn't resist. 

Paul Smith Hello You! Fragrance Review

The new fragrance from Paul Smith fell on to my lap the other day. It's a unisex fragrance, the bottle isn't gender bias and has a universal appeal. The striped Paul Smith logo is evident both on the box and on the side of the bottle. We know Paul Smith is an avid book collector and this logo placement is a deliberate, yet subtle nod to his love affair with books.

The bottle is square, transparent and the liquid is also clear with a hint of pale green. Possibly to pair the inside pastel green coloured box.

Look out for the pin up girl on the inside of the bottle. Paul Smith is a huge fan of the pin up girls that the pilots would paint on their aircraft in World War 2. This vintage-retro throwback has a universal appeal; I know the pin-up portrait tattoos are ubiquitous right now.

Carl enough about the bottle, what does Paul Smith Hello You fragrance smell like? 

It's very crisp, has a lovely opening. Immediately I was confronted with a freshness, a citrus delivery and some lavender notes.

On the dry down I reached some more green notes, which would have been the apple cores. I can't say I identified the bergamot or mandarin, but there is an overall citrus texture that projects well.

Would I buy this Paul Smith Hello You fragrance? 

This is a very everyday fragrance. Nothing heavy or overwhelming. It's worth noting that Paul Smith is the biggest British fashion brand and for a heavyweight in the industry, the price point is remarkably modest.

50ml £35, 100ml £45.

The silage was also impressive for a summer fragrance, I got 6 hours and change which was quite surprising. The base notes of patchouli and vetiver penetrated through, perhaps not as masculine as the website description might have you believe but it's certainly present.

The Paul Smith Hello You fragrance is available through their website, it would also make a decent gift because of its universal appeal.

Mr. Burberry Indigo Eau De Toilette | Fragrance Review

Finally managed to get my hands on the latest scent from Burberry; Mr. Burberry Indigo Eau De Toilette, coined as a fresh and casual addition championed by British actor Josh Whitehouse. Campaign imagery was taken by Alasdair McLellan down the UK coastline, the unmistakable white cliffs of Dover. Extra points goes to the person who put the Blur track 'Blue Jeans' in the promotional video. I might be reading too much into it, but it's a perfect fit for this. 

A video which flits insouciantly back and forth between colour and black and white. Like all fragrance videos it is ultimately meaningless. I guess it's trying to encapsulate a sense of escapism, start in the city head to the coast cliché. However, it's far less contrite than Kate Hudson whispering 'I am air, I am sea' whilst whimsically pirouetting around with a camera in the new La Mer commercial. 

Created in collaboration with perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the scent is fresh and energetic with citrus and wood notes including aromatic violet-leaf, spearmint oil, lemon, rosemary, amber and oak moss.

On first impressions it's very aromatic, very modern, yet has a dusting of maturity about it which could be the smokey guaiac wood, one of the hardest and most resilient woods in the world. I read somewhere that there is driftwood in this scent. Surely not. Surely we're not out foraging for driftwood in the name of perfume. Maybe Josh and Alasdair brought a truck load back from the beach between takes. 

So it's citrusy, sweet, flirting with the reach of being saccharine but thankfully just falling short. The rosemary and lemon mix brings a nostalgic whiff of something illusory, not another scent, but a memory. The mint follows, the oak moss is there but almost imperceptible and overwhelmed by the grapefruit. 

It's a playful little blend. I have to say it's not ballsy enough for a black tie do, too assertive for a first date breakfast. I'd say it's perfect armament for a date late-afternoon, perhaps a matinee down Soho or a punt down the river Cam, chauffeured of course down the backs of the collages. 

The bottle honours the brands navy trench coat. Bold and masculine, the weighted cap references horn-look buttons while a hand tied knot in English woven gabardine sits around the neck. 

Thoughts on the hand tied knot: Super….fluous. 

For anyone in pursuit of personal vainglory there is a monogramming service available at Burberry stores and online. 3 letters maximum. If your gifting it then monogramming is a good idea as it prevents the other person from fobbing it off on eBay. 

Overall, I'm a fan. The campaign is strong, imagery and music is a 10! The scent can be malleable for most occasions but I think the aforementioned window of first date, late afternoon is a perfect place for this to rest. Available now to buy for £70.

The collection also launches with a Limited Edition grooming line including Face Moisturiser, All-In-One Shaving Cream, and Deodorant Spray, all of which are infused gently with the scent of Mr. Burberry EDT.

Montblanc Legend Night | Fragrance Review

With so many fragrances on the market today it is harder than ever before to stand out as the one fragrance for you. One way to move forward and up in the rankings of perfume makers is to reformulate and improve on an already popular and great scent. Montblanc have done exactly that, a continual improvement on the already popular Montblanc Legend from 2011 and the Montblanc Legend Spirit in 2015. Now for 2018, they have brought us the Montblanc Legend Night. 

In 2011, a new chapter opened with Montblanc Legend which won its reputation thanks to its signature scent and unique visual captured by Peter Lindbergh. The famous photographer depicts a Montblanc man who is as reassuring just as he is inspiring. Then in 2015, this timeless masculine saga continued with Montblanc Legend Spirit, a fresh and bold version of the fragrance. Echoing this record of excellence, the third olfactory chapter now reveals an equally charismatic, but more mysterious side to the extraordinary gentleman. This new timeless fragrance emphasizes the nocturnal aspect of his personality. Its name is Montblanc Legend Night.

Montblanc Legend Night paints a top-flight olfactory picture with remarkable contrasts of light and shadow. Designed by the talented duo Antoine Maisondieu and Olivier Pescheux who set out to reveal “the charisma of the wearer”, this juice is a magnetic woody fragrance, ultra-masculine yet free from aggression. Mysterious. And reassuring. The Eau de Parfum brings out the elegance and aura of the Legend Night man.

The aromatic notes of clary sage and peppermint, enhanced with cool spices (cardamom) and sparkling bergamot, set the fragrance’s fresh and lively tone. The opening is bright, like the natural radiance of our man’s aura.

The middle notes immediately counterbalance this first impression of refreshing coolness with their warm elegance. The precious scents of cedar wood blend well with the floral lavender tones, a classic in men's fragrances, and slightly powdered violet.

"In the base notes, we wanted a strong and memorable signature, full of contrasts,” explain the two noses. “On one side some dense and vibrant woods with a duo of Vetiver and Patchouli Wood, and on the other, the enveloping depth of Musk and velvety black Vanilla.”

The signature counter-accord brings out the distinctive character of the Montblanc man through light and shade.

Montblanc Legend Night will be available exclusively at The Perfume Shop from 12th March 2018. Nationwide from 3rd April 2018.

Photo Credit: Jon Bradley

Best Scents 2018 | The Vanille Fatale Fragrance from Tom Ford Beauty

Step aside 'new year new me', that's not for me, however 'new year new scent' is something I can get on board with, in fact I've been finding a new signature scent every year since my teens. The last few years signature scents have been Creed Aventus (2015), Tom Ford Tuscan Leather (2016), Gold Knight by Kilian (2017) and could Vanille Fatale from Tom Ford be my 2018 scent? Well, yes of course as it has all the sweet, spicy, woody notes that I love in fragrances, it's bold, beautiful and most importantly totally unique. 

To say that I've been a massive fan of Tom Ford private blend fragrances for a few years is an understatement, I'm in love with them. Each and everyone has a story that you are immediately transported to in your scent memory. Tom Ford Tuscan Leather takes me to a cigar and whisky Gentlemen's club with a roaring open fire with big comfortable leather chairs, I can picture it now. I'm going to touch back to Tuscan Leather again and my other current Tom Ford favourite Tobacco Vanille which both have some similarities to the new Vanille Fatale franrgance. So if you love any of the aforementioned scents, Vanille Fatale is most certainly worth checking out.

New for 2018, TOM FORD introduces VANILLE FATALE, the defiant new scent from Tom Ford Beauty. Refined yet raw, polished yet primal, Private Blend Vanille Fatale grips the senses with stirring spices, grounded florals and robust woods. The wearer is transfixed from the start, as if under the spell of a tempest, a force of nature with an unrelenting hold.

Spicy saffron and coriander mingle with the incense of earthy myrrh and olibanum, intoxicating the senses at the opening. The heart reverberates with a tobacco-like pull of roasted barley and roasted coffee absolute, lending a pleasant bitterness, while rich narcissus and creamy frangipani seduce with grounded floralcy. Thick and distinct, Madagascan Vanilla blends beautifully with wood-forward mahogany, its dark, rich, smoky glamour made all the more exotic with primal, musk-nuanced suede at the finish.

TOM FORD VANILLE FATALE is contained in the classic Private Blend bottle. The 50Ml and 100mL flacon has the sleek, architectural look of a chess piece. 

SHOP TOM FORD VANILLE FATALE BELOW