The Fragrance Blog by Shann (2025)

03/02/2025

Camped under a million stars, and finally found some peace.

Onwards and upwards! From strength to strength we go ✨

03/12/2024

So I guess, you’ve not heard of Elvoir yet… let me put you onnnnn! ☀️🥭✨
lk is a Sri Lankan brand run by a very young team of absolutely incredible humans! They are so sweet, friendly and so welcoming and helpful when you shop! Awesome team aside, I know you wanna know about the juice in the bottle so, let me get to it!

This here in my hand, is Lumiére, and it’s so aptly named! With notes of tangerine, mango, heliotrope, vanilla, jasmine, rose and musk, the whole concoction is so luminous, fruity and fun, but never in a juvenile way.

I had a quick sniffathon of their entire range, and Lumiére captured my heart coz it spoke to me, and my lifestyle the most. I pictured sitting on a beach, with the sun blazing down on me, and the lovely soft waves crashing down… and I smell like yummy mangoes, Jasmine and vanilla! 🥭✨

The opening is a little tart, and smells like green mango skins! But then, it settles into a creamier, sweeter, mango custard-like scent. I was having a cup of coffee, about 3 hours after I first wore it in the morning, and my colleague who was stood about 4 feet away from me said “Hey that perfumes *really* nice!” (The colleague did use NSFW language but I can’t say that here! 😂)

It’s feminine, fruity, and like sunshine in a bottle! It’s luminous!

I’m immensely proud of these kids for starting this up! And happy to put them on the map (in my own little way) coz they deserve it! ✨

Perfume review | Elvoir | Lumiére | Sri Lankan Perfume | Fruity Perfumes | Perfumes for hot weather |

29/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it!

I hope your Black Friday shopping is going well! 🥰🥰

This year - I’m abstaining from the sales. I’ve instead, opted to stay home, and watch a movie or two, eat some pasta, and indulge in my favourite little things to make me happy - writing!

It’s been so long since I pulled out a pen and paper and sat and actually wrote prose!!! Feels good to go back to my roots, reconfigure my life and start over! I had let go of most of the things that made me ME over the last couple of years…

These past few weeks have been a journey, deep into my soul. A truly deep introspection into my psyche. It was uncomfortable at first to face my demons, but I’ve greeted them, sat with them, understood them, and kissed them goodbye. So I feel good, with each passing day. Sometimes you just have to tackle the demons in you head on!

Anyways - here’s a picture of me from early September when I chopped off 90% of my hair! Stress makes you do crazy things!

I hope you have an AMAZING Thanksgiving! Enjoy the weekend. Love you! 🥰✨

Ps. To anyone who’s a fan of House Music, pay mind to Ben Böhmer. His stuff is good for your soul! ✨✨

26/11/2024

Ready to turn heads with a scent that’s truly unforgettable? 🌊✨

Let’s dive into the magical world of Hermès’ Eau des Merveilles line, where every bottle feels like a masterpiece waiting to be discovered! Trust me, this collection is the definition of unisex elegance—and I’m OBSESSED.

Here’s the lowdown on the stars of the show:

🌟 Eau Des Merveilles – The OG! Think salty, zesty orange with a woody twist. It’s spicy, marine, and pure perfection.

🍬 Elixir Des Merveilles – Sweet, resinous, and deliciously gourmand. It’s a cozy, warm hug in a bottle and my ultimate fave for this time of year.

🔥 L’Ambre Des Merveilles – Ambery, vanillic, and just the right amount of salty. Gorgeous? Yes. Longevity? Yikes. Had a bottle, but we had to part ways.

💦 Eau Des Merveilles Bleue – Imagine the ocean breeze in a bottle—fresh, marine, and beautifully blue. My go-to for sweltering days or even a gym sesh!

🖤 L’Ombre Des Merveilles – Dark, smoky, and oh-so-mysterious. The most masculine flanker of the bunch, but absolutely stunning for anyone who dares to try it.

What makes this line so special? That salty, marine vibe that runs through every scent. It’s like Hermès bottled the essence of ambergris (even if it’s not officially listed). Pure oceanic magic! 🌊

💌 So, which one would you pick? Are you Team OG, Sweet & Cozy, Fresh & Blue, or Dark & Smoky? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I LOVE hearing your takes! 🥰

Tag a friend who needs to try this line, and let’s spread the perfume love! 🧡

22/11/2024

Because life’s too short to smell the same every day! 💅✨ Swipe to discover why your vibe deserves its own signature scent. 👀💕

Perfume collection, fragrance tips, signature scent, perfume lover, fragrance influencer, why own perfumes, must-have fragrances, scent layering, perfume advice, fragrance for every mood.

20/11/2024

This is the definition of quiet luxury… ✨

Le Solstice by Moncler is a jaw droppingly gorgeous iris perfume. The beauty lies in its simplicity!

With iris (orris butter most likely), violets, sandalwood and musk, the composition is never trying too hard. It’s powdery, well rounded, and classy through and through. I know the bottle and the packaging is all black, but this smells like royal purple to me! ✨

The iris is buttery, suede-like and earthy, the violets are sweet adding a beautifully abstract floral inflection, and the sandalwood… is so creamy. The whole thing comes together like a veil of crystals on your skin. Like sparkling powder! It’s an absolute delight!

This can be worn by anyone, at any time! It’s not one of those perfumes that will scream and announce its presence in a room. But if one approached you, to say hello, believe you me, they will notice it, and not just notice it, they will take a mental note of it.

This is signature scent worthy. If you are a girl or a guy, who is looking for an understated perfume, just one - to take you from the board room to the bar, you need this. It will leave a subtle wake behind you, like you’ve been kissed by a cherub! ✨

It isn’t a groundbreaking perfume - it’s been done before, for sure. But it’s been a while since I came across something so beautifully executed, with such simplicity and that deserves high praise!

If you’ve not tried it yet - trust me, you must!

Ps. I don’t typically comment on longevity and projection - however, a dear friend wore this one time, and it stayed on his necklace from Saturday to Tuesday! And that’s saying something. I wore this on Saturday as well, when I was doing my laundry today, I realised my hamper has been lightly scented with this stuff. So it’s potent. But everyone’s experience is very different. Bear that in mind.

Moncler | Iris Perfumes | Scent of the day | Perfume reviews | Perfume Blogger | Perfume enthusiast | Moncler Le Solstice Review | Niche Perfume |

13/11/2024

Let’s talk about scent memories… 🤍

Unue by Jeroboam is by far, one of my absolute favourite things in my collection. There’s a lot of positive (and I mean absolutely wonderful) scent memories attached to it. However, now, those scent memories have turned a little sour.

Fragrances are a powerful tool to retrieve autobiographical memories, and are able to induce both positive physiological arousal (aka happy scent memories) and even trigger trauma related flashbacks (aka negative scent memories).

How then can one continue to wear a perfume that has now been tainted with negative connotations? Well… I don’t know if there’s a one-size-fits-all approach, but I can tell you what I’ve done.

Focus on yourself. Your well-being, both physical and mental, is the only thing standing in the way of pain. You can wear the perfume, and when you do, when those memories and flashbacks come rushing back, stay still and breathe through it. Life is beautiful as long as you allow it to be. So focus only on the beautiful moments attached to your scent memories.

Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom, used to similarly disturb me because it was the perfume I was wearing, ironically, on the days my dogs passed. So it hurts, even to date, when I wear it. But, instead of focussing on the pain of losing them, I immediately shift my focus onto the better moments. I still got to hug and kiss them goodbye, pet their soft fur, and bury my face in their cuddly bodies one last time. I hold on to those memories. And I treasure them.

Similarly, you too, can shift your focus on to more positive things when the weight of negativity piles up on you. Don’t let it crush you. Mind over matter, always!

To anyone else going through a tough time - I’ve got you and my dms are always a safe space. But above all, get to a place that you can proudly say “I’ve got myself and I need no one else”. And I’ll be happy to jump up and applaud your efforts to have recovered! ✨✨

Perfumes and scent memories | scent associations | Scents and emotions | Psychology of scent memories | Building mental resilience |

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07/11/2024

Scored a bottle of vintage Joy by Jean Patou in perfect condition! 😍

What this ultimately is, is a kaleidoscope of hypnotic and **indolic florals, taking you on a magic carpet ride…

As opposed to it being a tug of war between rose and jasmine, this is more of a waltz between the two powerful flowers. When one ebbs, the other flows, as graceful as seasoned ballroom dancers. Sandalwood rounds off the harshness of the indoles and you can’t help but bury your nose deep into your arm and take every ounce of it in!

Needless to say - this is one of the greatest things I’ve ever encountered.

However, this will have to be one of those perfumes I wear for myself, and only myself. Despite the beauty of the composition, it’s very much of its time. A creation from 1930 - with civet notes, aldehydes and indolic jasmine, I’m aware that the crowds around me would not take this lightly. We live in a world where smelling like a baked good is the only acceptable thing. I do too on occasion enjoy that, but I wish this too would’ve been acceptable.

You truly cannot see where the florals and the sandalwood begins or ends. It’s one beautifully choreographed dance, that keeps going on without breaking rhythm. A complete and total stunner.

Also - my cat, Patch, really loves this stuff! So I guess it’s cat approved! 🐱😽

What a treasure for us vintage lovers! ✨

** Indoles - An aromatic compound which smells strongly of human waste… yeah, kinda like p**p. But in a wonderful way 😂

Joy by Jean Patou review | Vintage Jean Patou | Perfume Review | Perfume Blogger | Vintage Perfume | Vintage fragrances | Niche Perfume |

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06/11/2024

Forever obsessed with Hundred Silent Ways ✨

If you’re new to niche perfumes, and you struggle with complex compositions, but also want to venture into the world of niche perfumery, I genuinely think HSW by Nishane is a fantastic starting point!

What does it smell like? I’d love to lie to you and say this is unisex - it’s not. This is the most feminine perfume I’ve ever tried. Beautiful white florals, mixed with a jammy peach, and the most delectable vanilla! And it stays put through a hurricane!

I understand the hesitation of folks due to the simplicity of the composition, and the comparisons to Black O***m. I picked up on those nuances at the start too. But when you spend more time with it, allow it to mesh well with your body heat/skin chemistry, it blooms in a way that Black O***m never does!

This is also a boy magnet - so, if that’s on the agenda; ladies, you know what to do! 😂

Hundred Silent Ways | Niche Perfume | Perfume Reviews | Nishane | Perfume Blogger |

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31/10/2024

Happy Halloween! 👻🎃💀✨

I reached for Sensuous Noir as my scent of the day on this spooky day!

It’s a strange choice for Halloween, as I mostly wear this around Christmas time, as it has this coniferous inflection Christmas trees and sweets.

But it’s a darkness to it. It has a smoky facet from Guaiac Wood, and sweetness from honey, rose, vanilla and amber. There’s an abundance of spices, pine, and a beautifully earthy patchouli here as well!

It reminds me of a witch. The bottle, the scent, the whole experience. And todays the perfect day to smell like a witch! 🧙🏽‍♀️

The witch I am specifically reminded of is the wicked witch of the west from the Wizard of Oz, don’t ask me why, it’s just what I’m envisioning! ✨

I hope you have a fun Halloween, and remember to behave! 🤍

Halloween Perfumes | Happy Halloween | Perfumes for autumn and winter | Perfume review | Estée Lauder Sensuous Noir | Perfume Blogger |

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15/10/2024

I’ve been in hiding for almost month, with no content… I’m not 100% back, but I thought I’ll make a comeback with an all time favourite.

Like This by !

Mathilde Bijaoui was given the mammoth task by Tilda Swinton to recreate the smell and feeling of home. Now, I cannot possibly relate to what a lavish life Tilda Swinton lives, but strangely enough, this does remind me of home. It reminds me of family, friends and Christmas time. 🎄

It evokes the sensation of my beloved Grand Aunts delectable pumpkin pie, still fresh out of the oven, and served hot with a generous dollop of sweet whipped cream and candied oranges! But this is so much more than just pumpkin pie… 🎃

It’s refreshingly spicy ginger, with a powdery almond-like facet, and has a lasting impression of immortelle that wears eternally on skin and clothes.

It’s that feeling of coming back home on a chilly day, to a heated house, being greeted with a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, with carols playing in the background, all the while you cuddle up in the middle of mum and dad. 🫂

My first introduction to Tilda Swinton was when she played Jadis the White Witch of Narnia… Icy, white and cold. Imagine the exact opposite of that here! This is warm, cozy and enveloping… It’s a roaring fireplace keeping the whole house warm on the coldest days! It’s beloved hot pumpkin pie…

This has been a favourite of mine on this damp, miserable and gloomy rainy days we’ve been experiencing. It’s heart warming, and it gives me hope that better days are coming! 🍂

I have fallen head over heels in love with the house of ELDO. I cannot wait to explore it more!

Have you tried this yet? ✨

Etat Libre d’Orange | Niche Perfume | Like This | Cozy Perfumes | Autumnal Vibes | Sweater Weather | Perfumes for Autumn |

23/09/2024

Once again, this isn’t about perfume…

It’s the heavenly birthday of my two little girls! They would’ve been 16 today. 🥲

Life is a funny thing… one moment, you’re on this tiny, insignificant, blue planet… traipsing your way through life, innocently, and blissfully happy, and completely unaware of the tragedy, devastation and loss you’d have to endure, which had all the while been inching its way towards you.

It isn’t the tragedies of life that make your story; it is how you overcome them and persevere. The lessons in life are what you take with you for the rest of your life.

These are a collection of photographs, of moments in my life, that truly helped me stay alive. These are moments, that I will hold close for as long as I shall live… for they are are sweeter and more beautiful than any perfume I will ever encounter. ❤️

I wish you all a wonderful life blessed with an abundance of happiness and love. And if you too, are going through a difficult time, hang in there. Time, prayer and hope heals… or at least, I hope it will.

Lots of love,
Me.

09/09/2024

Guerlain has a very special place in my little heart. Has Santal Royal stolen center stage as my favourite sandalwood perfume? 🤔

Let me be honest, no it has not. To me, if it is sandalwood, undoubtedly Samsara will forever take first place. The creamy, soft and beautifully sweet sandalwood used there is unmatched!

What I like most about Santal Royal, however, is the fact that, despite using raw materials such as oud, leather and rose, it steers clear of smelling like a typical Arabic rose-oud fragrance. It’s textured, nuanced, and layered, yet each note sings together in perfect harmony like a church choir! ✨✨

It opens rather loud – with a sweet yet, stately rose, with slight animalic touches (it’s perhaps the combination of leather and oud). There’s an unmistakable juicy peachy freshness, which is very fleeting, but adds a happy quality to the opening.

As it begins to dry down, what was once boisterous – the combination of oud, leather, and rose – begins to soften. The sandalwood here, is completely different to what’s in Samsara! It’s woody and rough. Despite being so, it does temper and soften the composition. It separates it from the rest of the rose-oud perfumes and gives it a genteel quality.

It has an air of sweet mystery to it! Like a beautifully dressed, dark, Arabic man, walked right past you, leaving a gentle trail of the most delectable combination of woods and rose.

It dries down to be a rather intimate fragrance, so it is very wearable in hot and humid climates and is bold enough to be worn in colder climates too! I see this as a perfume which one must reserve for special occasions – black tie, preferably! ✨

In Guerlain standards, this is a treasure, one I adore and whole heartedly recommend! 🥰

Given this has been rebottled, I am not entirely certain if the composition in the newer bottles is as good! I will leave it to you to be the judge of that!

Guerlain Santal Royal Review | Sandalwood perfume | Perfumes worth the splurge | Perfumes that smell luxurious | Perfumes for special occasions | Perfume blogger | Perfume reviews |

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29/08/2024

Can I just remind you all that IT’S STILL SUMMER!!! ☀️☀️☀️

I get it… you are excited for the cold weather… cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, Halloween, Christmas and snow! But… why is it that we, in anticipation of the future, often forget to enjoy and cherish what’s right here, right now?

The sun kissing every inch of your skin, trees with bright green leaves that look almost neon, and clouds so white and fluffy they look like cotton candy in the sky!

Before long, I’ll be seeing many complaints about folks being knee deep in winter… and quite ironically, wishing for sunshine!

Me? I don’t have that issue. I love that I live in an island with perpetual sunshine!! I’m a summer gal through and through, with a soft spot for the occasional “cold” and gloomy weather.

Let this be your reminder to wear your summer fragrances to your hearts content until the cold finally greets you!

You only miss what you’ve got when it’s gone… so cherish it while it’s still there! ✨

Perfumes in the picture:
- Un Jardin En Mediteranee by
- Eau Des Merveilles Bleue by
- Herba Fresca by
- Terracotta by
- Still by

Summer fragrances | Summer 2024 | Fresh and uplifting summer fragrances | Fragrances I Wore the most this summer | Beautiful summer fragrances | Niche Perfume | Perfume reviews |

13/08/2024

06/08/2024

Perfect watery roses for summer? I think these are it ✨✨✨

I’ve finally entered my soft, pretty girl, rose era!! Turning over a new leaf! Leave me ALL of your recommendations please! It’s a whole new world for this former rose hater!!

PSA TO SUMMER BRIDES: These would also make FABULOUS wedding fragrances if a fresh rose if your vibe!! ✨✨✨

Super fresh rose fragrances | Rose perfumes for summer | Watery Rose perfumes | Pretty girl perfumes | Fragrance reviews | Rose perfume buying guide | Rose perfumes | Clean girl aesthetic | Signature perfumes for women |

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16/07/2024

Are you tired of the current designer fragrances like I am? Hold on to your hats, boys and girls, I’ve got a real unisex stunner for you!

Lo**ta Lempicka’s Au Masculin and its fresher, crisper flanker – L’Eau Masculin, are unlike anything I have found on perfume shelves today. They are slightly gourmand, with notes of rum, tonka bean, praline and vanilla, but tempered so well with aromatics and spices like ivy, basil, anise and licorice.

The pain and sense of hopelessness I feel when visiting stores to try out the new releases, only to discover it is yet another Dior Homme with a twist, a Le Male with a twist, or Sauvage with even more ambroxan, is simply inexpressible. Each time I go on a sniffing spree only to realise the industry has fully adopted the belief of “rinse and repeat” is gut wrenching for an enthusiast.

If you, like me, are seeking for something that is inextricably different and truly a cut above the rest, but still satiates your craving for something sweet, very slightly boozy, herbaceous, aromatic, spicy and truly gender neutral – you’re in luck.

Au Masculin, and L’Eau Masculin’s primary focus is on licorice and anise. Notes which aren’t used as often in perfumery today. The scent trail, and aura around you feels like succumbing to the sweet and warm embrace of a human you love, someone whose presence is warm, comforting and sets your mind at ease.

You seek them out to allow your soul to feel at ease. L’Eau Masculin, in contrast, is this very same person, brightened up in the heat of the summer sun. Dressed in lighter garments, sipping on citrus teas, still bearing the same soul warming quality you so desperately seek.

It unfortunately discontinued – but worth seeking out. Whether you are a man or woman, this will most certainly please your senses, and calm your soul.

Do you have a perfume that feels like coming home?

Lo**ta Lempicka fragrances | Gender neutral perfumes | Signature scents for men and women | Best sweet and spicy perfumes | Perfume reviews | Rare and discontinued fragrances worth buying | Spicy perfumes | Perfume lovers |

11/07/2024

Why do you need a carnation perfume in your life?

Because carnations, unlike most other florals, albeit sweet, bright and vivid, is also spicy, rich and decadent.

Why do you need this specific carnation scent? Well, firstly, we share the same birth year, and everyone born in 1992 is wonderful. Silly jokes aside, let me explain why…

As it opens, you are greeted with beautiful floral soap bubbles… like the suds from an expensive bubble bath! It also has a kind of aromatic and green quality to it? One which is fresh, and herbal; the scent of basil leave rolled between your fingertips.

As it dries down, the carnation, a sweet, aromatic, spicy and vivid, intertwines with a delicate, powdery and creamy sandalwood… oh that dry down reduces me to tears!

It is the MOST elegant dry down from any of my 90s perfumes… my husband, who was not a fan of the opening, admitted that this has a magical dry down, and couldn’t believe that it was the same perfume. So if you test this, and hate it, believe you me, you’re missing the best part of the entire experience.

It’s romantic, womanly, classy, chic, beautiful, elegant… add all the wonderful adjectives here and that still won’t suffice.

What can I say? You absolutely need this 32 year old beauty in your life.

Vintage Perfumes | Perfume reviews | Dolce&Gabbana by Dolce&Gabbana | Dolce&Gabbana Red Cap | Beautiful Perfumes for Women | Mature Perfumes | Vintage finds | Fragrances for women | Signature scents for women |

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The Fragrance Blog by Shann