Free Daily Podcast Summary
On The Scent: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Nicola Bonn & Suzy Nightingale
On The Scent is the podcast destination for anyone fascinated by fragrance (or keen to learn more) – a place where perfume snobbery is stripped away, and fragrance is accessible to all. What began as a monthly sniff-in on the Outspoken Beauty Podcast soon became so popular in its own right (and with so many listeners sending in questions and asking for more) that On the Scent just had to go weekly - this time on its own perfumed platform! Encompassing everything from icons and all-time classics to what’s new on the high street to the more ‘niche’ indie brands; Beauty broadcaster and columnist Nicola Bonn and award-winning fragrance journalist and expert Suzy Nightingale give personalised perfume prescriptions, describe fragrances in such an intoxicating way you can almost smell them and help navigate the thousands of scents out there to find the truly incredible ones. Also expect interviews with well-known figures, delving into their favourite scents of all time and opportunities to get to know some of the most exciting perfumers in the world. Whether you’ve a collection of 500+ or are just starting on your scent journey, olfactory obsessives Nicola & Suzy are on a mission to find you fragrances that don’t simply smell good, but will re-connect you to long forgotten memories, engage your emotions and very likely blow your mind.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago52 min
Season 8, Episode 19: Dr Kate Lister – Favourite Fragrances and Scented Scandals
We couldn’t do better than quote our brilliant guest Dr Kate Lister’s own bulgingbio: ‘a history sleuth with a passion for uncovering the wild tales of the past. Youmight know me from my bestselling books, “A Curious History of Sex” and“Harlots, Whores, and Hackabouts: A History of Sex for Sale,” where I spill thetea on our ancestors’ sex lives.’ When she’s not ‘deep-diving into historicalhanky-panky’, Kate hosts the award-winning History Hit podcast, Betwixt theSheets, where she and her guests (including an episode with Suzy on historicalfragrances) ‘time-travel through the sauciest and most scandalous stories inhistory.’But there’s something else that Kate’s become passionate about – other than hereternal quest for the best red lipstick in the world – which makes us love hereven more... In this episode we delve deeper into Kate’s burgeoning olfactoryobsession, which she fully admits was Suzy’s fault, as Kate purchased theperfumes Suzy spoke about when she was a Betwixt guest – and as we all know,it’s a slippery scented slope from there.You can listen to that episode here: https://shows.acast.com/betwixt-the-sheets/episodes/cleopatra-to-jane-austen-perfumes-of-powerful-womenFrom Kate’s early experiments with perfumes she and her peers dabbed anddabbled with in their youth, through to expressing her personality, and findingfragrances she’s now fallen madly in love with; of course, our conversations tookan historical turn. Among our discussions: what people in the past actuallysmelled like (did they stink, as many people assume?), the cultural controls overwhat women were supposed to smell of, why we have a deep longing to smelllike forest witches, and a disturbing revelation of how and why Lysol was firstmarketed to women.We think you’ll agree that Kate was an utterly fascinating guest, and we’redetermined to get her back for a Part Two! (Once she’s tried even more of thefragrance recommendations Suzy is going to send her. Sorry in advance, Kate...Dr Kate Lister’s Fragrance List:Body shop DewberryCalvin Klein CK BeGap Grass (the original)Gap Heaven (the original)Rook ForestHistoire de parfum Encens RoiHistoire de Parfum 1968Wales Perfumery Celtic Perfume Discovery SetLe Labo Santal 33Stora Skuggan SylphiumSuzy suggested: Andrea Maack Coven (and has a whole list of other suggestionsto send Kate)Kate’s favourite novel: Perfume: Story of a Murderer by Patrick SüskindSuzy also suggested Kate read Smells: A Culturial History of Odours in EarlyModern Times by Robert MuchembledAnd Suzy also insisted that Kate (and anyone equally fascinated by the scienceand history of our sense of smell) attend next year’s IFRA Fragrance Forum,which you can find out more about in a forthcoming blog feature athttps://www.onthescentmedia.com/You can watch videos of previous IFRA lectures on their website:https://www.ifrauk.org/fragrance-forum-2025
- 2 weeks ago1h 0m
Season 8 Episode 18: Perfume Shopping in Paris!
Can you imagine a whole day dedicated to wandering the streets of Paris and smelling their scented wares? Utter olfactory heaven, right?! Well, recently Suzy had a morning and afternoon to do just this, and in this week’s episode, she and Nicola retrace her steps and recall the gorgeous and inspiring Parisian boutiques she managed to visit, reviewing each of the fragrances sniffed and recounting the memories they evoke.Nicola also adds some personal recommendations of places to stop and watch the world go by and have a spot of lunch - should you be so inclined to follow the perfumed path Suzy took, and which Nicola so fondly remembers during her time of living in Paris.From exclusive Parisian perfumes not sold anywhere else, to newly launched scents, and the unique architecture and aesthetics that make these houses so worth your time - why not settle down with a (good) coffee and fresh croissant, and indulge in this Parisian fragrant fantasy of an afternoon with On The Scent podcast…Boutiques Suzy visited during a morning and afternoon in Paris…Maison Crivelli314 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, FranceDesigned by founder Thibaud Crivelli alongside Myriam Akl, the space functions as an "agora of perfume" combining personal objects collected ted from his travels, a stunning woven ceiling in the consultation room upstairs, signature terracotta tones, burnt wood curved benches, sculptural totems, and a series of interactive exploration boxes for visitors.Ex Nihilo326 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 ParisDesigned like a contemporary art gallery combining architecture, lighting, and modern design. The Osmologue is an exclusive in-store technology system that lets visitors personalise and tailor signature fragrances to their individual preferences.Paris exclusives:Timeless Lovers‘An exclusive fragrance created for the Galeries Lafayette, as an ode to Paris, it embodies the city's universal elegance and its romantic spirit.Paris, the cradle of passion, proudly displays a flaming red color, reminding the typical red lipstick Parisian women wear. The fragrance opens with a spicy Pink Pepper top, then in the heart Cedarwood gently compliments a sensual yet sophisticated floral heart of Rose.Eventually, Leather & Amber notes with Agarwood bring depth and power to this Parisian love story.’Paname Palace by Ex Nihilo is a fresh, fruity unisex fragrance released in 2022. The composition opens with a bright and slightly spicy accord of bergamot, cinnamon, and pink pepper, leading into a heart where creamy fig is paired with rose and ylang-ylang. The base blends cedarwood, tonka bean, and vetiver, giving the scent a woody, softly sweet, and earthy drydown. This fragrance is available exclusively in the brand's Paris store.BDKVelvet Tonka Extrait‘Almondy and vanilla-infused, Velvet Tonka is an oriental gourmand creation dusted with icing sugar, built around tonka bean, almond and orange blossom.Velvet Tonka celebrates the tonka bean, between powdery softness and woody facets, like an oriental indulgence dusted with powdered sugar. Paired with almond and orange blossom, which lend it a luminous facet, it unfolds in a vanilla and honeyed accord, wrapped in amyris wood and tobacco. An addictive, velvety and translucent trail.’"The scent of tonka bean has always been reminiscent of Proust's madeleines for me. Brazilian tonka bean enriches the perfumer's palette and creations with its warm and sensual almond notes. I am particularly fond of its balmy character and its milky hay aspect, which makes it incredibly addictive." Perfumer Alexandra CarlinSolferino310 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 ParisLumiére d’Automne‘Inspired by autumn in Paris, where golden light dances across Haussmann façades and trees are dressed in amber hues. This gourmand fragrance unfolds around a roasted chestnut accord,creamy and addictive, blending into a comforting trail of vanilla and sandalwood.’‘The fragrance opens with notes of angelica, carrot seeds and ambrette, bringing a musky, aromatic breath. At its heart, roasted chestn
- 3 weeks ago46 min
Season 8, Episode 17: Golden Light, Velvet Flowers & a Warrior-Goddess’ Garden
Fancy a scented tour through unexpected florals (via toasted seeds and cool green leaves), autumnal sunsets in California, walled gardens where a warrior goddess might stroll, impeccably tailored heritage, and a gloriously gilded pop fantasy? Step right this way, because this week Suzy & Nicola are discussing perfumes for taking a calm breath, for making an entrance, for leaning into your own glow, and the pleasure of simply choosing the perfect scent to suit the moment.They’re also asking whether fragrance can influence mood, considering solid perfume in a new jelly-like form, and finding plenty to discuss in a line-up that moves from poised and polished to maximalist, sensual and gloriously escapist…Let’s dive in!Dries Van Noten Velvet VioletViolet is so often treated as a sugary, powdery floral that it is genuinely refreshing to find it approached from a greener, more fashion-conscious angle. Here, the leaf is the real focus, giving a cool, woody freshness that feels crisp and modern rather than cosmetic. Pink pepper adds a fizzy brightness, then the texture shifts. Toasted sesame is nutty and savoury, barley brings a softly cereal-like warmth, and vetiver with tonka bean leaves a smooth, earthy-gourmand glow on skin.The effect is tactile and surprisingly chic, with a lovely tension between freshly crushed green leaves and the almost skin-like warmth of toasted seeds. This is violet for those who usually avoid violet, and a quietly unusual choice for anyone who likes their florals with a little friction.Notes: Violet leaf, pink pepper, sesame, barley, vetiver, tonka bean.L’Objet AlentoNamed for a word that can mean breath, spirit, encouragement and vital energy, this is a perfume conceived as an olfactory pause. The opening is bright with juicy orange, though aldehydes give it a sparkling, airy lift that stops it from becoming too obviously fruity. Orange blossom flows through the heart with a fresh, creamy radiance, before lactones, vanilla, ambergris and white musks soften into a cocooning, close-to-skin finish.It feels less like a perfume that announces itself and more like a gentle return to oneself. There is a luminous cleanliness to it, but enough milkiness, warmth and musk to make it feel sensual rather than merely fresh. A lovely choice for anyone craving comfort that still has a little glow about it.Notes: Top: Orange, aldehydes Heart: Orange blossom, fresh floral notes, lactones Base: Vanilla, ambergris, white musksL’Objet OjaiThis begins with the imagined warmth of a California afternoon, when the air is bright with citrus and green things, and the earth has started to hold onto the day’s heat. Bergamot, a green note and cardamom have a breezy, aromatic freshness, before the mango comes through with a rich, softly tropical glow. Bulgarian rose and saffron lend colour and texture, making the fruit feel more nuanced than merely juicy.As it settles, patchouli, frankincense and vanilla bring a dusky, ambery depth that is far more soulful than a straightforward fruity floral. It smells like sun on skin, fruit warmed on the branch, and a trace of incense carried through an open window. This is for days when a perfume needs to offer an instant sense of escape, while still feeling grounded and wearable.Notes: Top: Bergamot, green note, cardamom Heart: Mango, Bulgarian rose, saffron Base: Patchouli, frankincense, vanillaBoadicea the Victorious AndrasteThis is a full, dramatic walled garden scent, where hot brick, flowering vines, crushed greenery and aromatic herbs all seem to release their perfume at once. It has the kind of lavish, maximalist construction that Boadicea the Victorious does so well, combining cool eucalyptus and smoky Lapsang Souchong tea with saffron, thyme and a cascade of flowers. Honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine and rose create an all-consuming floral richness, while powdered orris, ambrette, leather, fumed woods and vetiver darken the edges.There is a sense of strength to it, but it does not feel remotely austere. This is floral drama with a leather-lined, resinous, slightly feral undercurrent. It has the atmosphere of a garden after a storm, when everything smells wetter, greener, hotter and more alive. Wear it when you want perfume to feel like a form of armour, a flourish of theatricality, and a reminder to take up rather more space.Notes: Eucalyptus, Lapsang Souchong tea, saffron, thyme, honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine, Lady Emma Hamilton rose, citrus notes, orris, ambrette, leather, fumed woods, vetiver.Huntsman x Truefitt & Hill CologneThe idea here is understated luxury, and it does that most convincingly by avoiding the kind of brash, traditional barbershop clic
- Oct 1, 202641 min
Series 8, Episode 16: Sumptuous, Textural, Stroke-able Scents
What does a fragrance feel like? This week, Suzy Nightingale and Nicola Bonn arefollowing their noses into the wonderfully tactile world of perfumery, where a scentcan suggest velvet brushing the skin, the smooth swish of nylon, or the crumblywarmth of freshly sliced cake. There’s oudh as soft as autumnal sun-warmed suede,a mineral hush reminiscent of earth after rain, and an aromatic breeze that arriveswind-whipped and bracing before settling into comfort.These perfumes invite you to think beyond notes alone. Some wrap around you;others seem to lift you into cool, open air or draw you into the glow of a city afterdark. Join Suzy and Nicola for an episode devoted to sumptuous scents you canalmost reach out and touch...The fragrances discussed in this episode are:Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Velvet Mood ExtraitVelvet warmed by desert sun is the irresistible idea here. Peach skin, delicate suedeand deep oud wood unfold in a slow, enveloping caress – soft, sensuous and richlytextured, with a sillage that seems to ripple across dunes beneath a starry sky.D.S. & Durga Ain’t That Sweet?The blissful comfort of a freshly sliced cake, with no apology for its sweetness.Cinnamon lends a spicy dusting, fresh floral lily keeps things lifted, and creamyvanilla melts into the skin, leaving a decadent trail that lingers like the last deliciouscrumb.Pigmentarium AereoAiry yet grounding, Aereo feels like finding a quiet moment after rain. Soft, mineralcashmeran suggests warm soil, pink pepper brings a flicker of clarity, and soothingmyrrh anchors it all in a clean, contemplative stillness.Aesop Unforeseen AerWind-whipped and refreshing at first, this aromatic fougère brings rugged, mineralheights to mind. Geranium, lavandin and rosemary create its cool rush of air, whilenutmeg lends a textured warmth as the scent settles into comfort.Prada Olfactories Nylon NoirPrada’s iconic nylon becomes something you can almost feel against your skin.Luminous jasmine gives way to a clean, enveloping nylon accord, before muskemerges in the dry-down, leaving a sleek, softly polished trail.Prada Olfactories Troubled MidnightA city after dark, where hot pavement meets cold air and light flares againstshadow. Smoky incense and patchouli bring depth to this warm amber-musk, whilea date accord adds a softly fruity glow – satin darkness in perfume form.
- Sep 25, 202645 min
Season 8, Episode 15: Pitti Roundup Part Two – The Fragrances That Stopped Suzy in Her Tracks
Suzy & Nicola are back for part two of their Pitti Fragranze roundup, continuing their deep-dive into the perfume launches, houses and ideas that made this year’s Florence fair feel so full of possibility.Having attended Pitti Fragranze for thirteen years, Suzy felt this was one of the most exciting editions yet. Alongside the return of classical perfume structures reinterpreted for contemporary tastes, she noticed a growing confidence in brands drawing upon personal heritage, local materials, food culture, landscape, ritual and memory. In this episode, the pair explore some of the fragrances that most vividly expressed those stories.From a Chinese-French house capturing the transient scent of sun-dried osmanthus, to Korean brands evoking fire-charred ingredients, graceful calligraphy and fine-dining balances of flavour, this episode travels widely through fragrance’s newest creative terrain. There is also a decadent, night-time gourmand journey through Bandra in Mumbai; a woody incense scent from Reserve en Afrique; and two beautifully emotional creations from Italian poet-perfumer Meo Fusciuni.Listen for a perfume that smells of roasted chestnuts, fermented tea and Korean seaweed crisp; a vivid, herbal peach; a “new century” Parma violet growing in a cold spring garden; and a cocoa-rich love story that charts the bitterness and sweetness of heartbreak…https://fragranze.pittimmagine.com/en/events-calendarReserve en Afrique – WoodooReserve en Afrique’s Woodoo is a woody, resinous composition built around the warm, meditative pull of incense, balsams and dry woods.It opens with ginger and olibanum, giving the fragrance both brightness and a slightly peppery, ceremonial character. Labdanum, iris and white flowers arrive at the heart, adding a soft, ambery texture: floral, but shadowed by resin and a certain velvety darkness. The base of musk, benzoin, cedar, tonka bean and cypriol brings a long-lasting warmth, with dry woods, sweet balsams and a gently smoky earthiness.The name suggests ritual, mystery and a connection to wood, smoke and spirituality, and the composition seems to play with all those ideas. This is not necessarily a loud fragrance, but one that gradually develops its presence on skin: incense-lit, softly floral, smooth with tonka, and grounded by a woody, mineral base.Reserve en Afrique draws inspiration from African landscapes, stories and olfactory traditions, translating them into contemporary fine fragrance. Woodoo feels like a particularly atmospheric example of that approach: a scent that uses familiar perfume materials, but lets them tell a more transportive story.Cent.PM – eau de penséeEau de pensée, the debut fragrance from Chinese-French house Cent.PM, begins with an intensely personal memory: founder Haoyuan recalling the childhood ritual of sun-drying osmanthus blossoms in a field.Rather than trying to make a literal flower portrait, Cent.PM treats the memory as something unstable and shifting. The perfume is intended to capture that instant when an old recollection suddenly brightens into focus, only to blur again as past and present overlap. The opening is vibrant and light-filled, with notes including neroli, pink pepper and mandarin lending a sparkling, green-citrus lift. From there, the fragrance becomes more veiled and contemplative, eventually settling into a warm, close-to-the-skin afterglow.Osmanthus can be a fascinating material in perfume: floral, but also capable of suggesting apricot, tea, suede and a certain honeyed, almost leathery softness. Here, its role appears to be as much emotional as olfactory, carrying the atmosphere of childhood, sunshine, landscape and passing time.Cent.PM approaches fragrance as a meeting point between cultures, materials and memory. Its name and first release suggest an interest in the fleeting, in-between time of late afternoon: a moment for reflection, imagination and sensory recollection.Sisology – Être toiKorean house Sisology’s Être toi is a tender, uplifting fragrance built around the idea that being fully oneself is its own kind of beauty.The scent opens with freesia and peach, combining clean floral freshness with soft, gently juicy fruit. Rose sits at the heart, bringing a familiar, romantic bloom, but the fragrance’s real appeal lies in the ease of its overall structure. Patchouli, woods and amber provide a warm, lightly earthy base that gives the composition depth without overwhelming its airiness.Sisology describes Être toi as a perfume for the easy laugh, the hopeful heart and the comfort of sincerity.
- Sep 17, 202651 min
Season 8, Episode 14: Pitti Fragranze Roundup - New launches, brands & reasons to be excited…
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in a fragrance trade fair, get ready for all the news as Suzy reviews this year’s Pitti Fragranze in Florence. There are some some thrilling new launches and brands to get excited by, and she reveals some of the trends we can expect to see filtering their way through to the wider fragrance world over the coming months.In fact, firstly a storm stopped play as we arrived in Florence, with Suzy’s plane stranded on the runway for three hours as lightning struck. Luckily the rest of the trip was exciting for all the right reasons!Suzy has been attending the Pitti Fragranze trade fair for thirteen years, and genuinely felt this was one of the best ever years. The overall vibe seemed to be a return to beauty - classical perfumery elements woven in new and intriguing ways, and with greater cultural diversity from brands showcasing their heritage and aromas they grew up with. We’ll be focussing more in this aspect - as well as talking about the trends Suzy saw emerging this year - in next week’s episode. But until then, enjoy this whistle-stop rundown of some of Suzy’s highlights of the show this year…Suzy’s top picks of the show (well SOME of them - there were a lot! We’ll have to cover some more in future episodes and on our Patreon page).Beaufort London Sunken TobaccoImagine an ancient, lead-lined wooden box of tobacco—lost in a shipwreck and submerged beneath the sea. Centuries later, the wreck re-emerges and its precious cargo is rediscovered. Barnacled and salt-encrusted, the lid is levered off - within, tobacco lies preserved in shadow and silt.Exposed at last to the sun, the furled leaves begin to bloom: warm, dark, faintly honeyed. Salt crystals glitter on wave-lapped rocks as the tobacco is laid out upon sun-bleached driftwood, its leathery richness threaded with mineral air, smoke, tar and sea-spray.A buried treasure, reclaimed from the deep - not pristine, but made stranger and more compelling by its long immersion. Sunken Tobacco is the scent of faded maps and flooded holds - of a sailor’s hoard brought blinking into daylight, still carrying the ocean in its grain.Four new Olfiction Lab Editions (coming soon! Expected launch on their website by end of November)BALSAMNeo-vintage amberAldehydes, Apple, BergamotJasmine, Ylang Ylang, MuguetPeru Balsam, Labdanum, Vanilla absolute, Fir Balsam, Benzoin, White Musks, OakmossSUAVENeo-vintage fougereNutmeg, Shaving soap, Cedar Leaf, Coffee CO2Lavender absolute, Lavender oil, Coffee absolute,Geranium, SageMusk Accord, Suede, Animal notes, Incense resin, Rectified Cedarwood, OakmossCASSISSIMOFruity floralBlackcurrant Bud CO2, Blackcurrant Bud absolute, Blackberry, Red MandarinChampagne accord, Tuberose absolute, Rose absolute Bulgaria, Geranium RosatMusk, Cognac oil, Vanilla syrup, Benzoin, Patchouli, Sandalwood AustraliaLASKIAISPULLAGourmandNordic Shrove BunsWhipped Cream, Marzipan, Raspberry Jam, RaspberryLeaf, OrrisVanilla sugar, Vanilla absolute, Tonka absolute, Tonka infusion, Benzoin, OpoponaxOLYMRAFounder: Born and raised in Greece, Dr. Frida Michailidou is an award-winning scientist whose work is deeply rooted in Greek botanical heritage, nature, and innovation. Previously a Lecturer and Collegium Fellow at ETH Zurich, she led the first scientific expedition to decode the rare scents of Mount Olympus using pioneering non-destructive technology. Recognised as an MIT Innovator Under 35 Europe and TEDx speaker, she is redefining perfumery through the convergence of science, sustainability, and the timeless spirit of Greece.‘Born from the rare botanicals of Mount Olympus, OLYMRA transforms myth, memory, and wild nature into modern extrait de parfum.Grounded in earth, inspired by the divine.’Persephone‘Deep. Intimate. Transformative.OLYMRA PERSEPHONE is a fragrance of dual worlds: one of light, one of shadow. Inspired by the mythic queen who walks between both, it captures a moment of transformation: the instant spring yields to desire, and dusk begins to bloom.The fragrance opens with bergamot, pink pepper, and cardamom; bright, spiced notes that shimmer like sunlight across stone. At its heart, a lush pairing of Damask rose, Centifolia rose, and the OLYMRA plant accord, a precise reconstruction of rare mountain flora, unfurls with velvet intensity. Beneath, a deep base of cacao, tonka bean, beeswax, grey amber, and hyrax evokes warmth, earth, and skin; the lingering traces of a myth reborn.OLYMRA
- Sep 10, 202650 min
Season 8, Episode 13: Getting Our Cosy On
Are you feeling the need for snuggly scents yet? Suzy and Nicola are leaning into the cosiness in this week’s episode and have been gathering together some of new launches and favourite fragrances they’ve been wearing as autumn approaches. The discussion ranges from ultra-sophisticated gourmands encompassing chocolate and lattes, to a bohemian rose, a truly fantastic new woody scent, and an American niche tobacco fragrance Suzy fell for years ago and a listener kindly sourced a sample of for her. Plus, the #listenerprescription this week is for a ‘friendship fragrance’ to link and be shared by a listener and her best friend who is moving far away...Tom Ford Tobacco Chocolat By Daniela Andrier‘TOM FORD has long been drawn to the sensual, masculine heat of tobacco – and now, the perfumer adds another iteration to its repertoire. Tobacco Chocolat is an eau de parfum founded upon the brand’s exclusive cocoa smoke accord, a note that fuses the rich, intoxicating quality of cocoa with the grounding earthiness of tobacco. Alongside this powerful core are a host of complimentary notes, from bright orange essence to balsam and patchouli, coming together to make a fragrance set to capture attention.Top Notes: cocoa smoke co-distillation, Orange EssenceMiddle Notes: peru balsam, chocolat noir grand cru delightBase Notes: patchouli cœur Indonesia, Ambrofix.’NEST New York Cardamom Latte ‘Like cashmere on bare skin, this spicy gourmand eau de parfum is endlessly wearable. The gentle heat of cardamom drifts through jasmine-laced air steeped in the creamy comfort of coconut milk.Cardamom Latte unfolds like the perfect pour—layered and immersive. Heat blooms into softness. Spice melts into cream. Steam diffuses into air. Transforming your atmosphere with warmth you can feel. An enveloping fragrance that surrounds before it settles. Because comfort isn’t static. It’s fluid.’Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Cedar Virtuoso (& body cream)‘Cedro Virtuoso celebrates the sensorial warmth of creation—the moment when an idea begins to take shape and inner confidence turns sensibility into emotion. Like the different stages of a creative process, the fragrance unfolds like a warm embrace, encouraging creativity to rise from within. Between vivid, vibrant notes and deeper, cocooning tones that accompany the journey from intuition to realization is the fragrance’s distinctive singularity: a co-infusion of Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut, whose encounter shapes a creamy woody signature.’Miller Harris Scherzo Extrait ‘Developed at 30% concentration, Scherzo Extrait captures the vibrant spirit of the original Eau de Parfum while unveiling a deeper, more intoxicating signature. Bright, luminous sweetness meets newfound richness and warmth, allowing the fragrance to bloom with a more immersive intensity for lasting presence. The fragrance opens with the familiar rush of tangerine and davana, radiating vibrant fruity luminosity. At its heart, delicate peony blooms abundantly alongside crisp pittosporum, while a new dimension begins to emerge: a more sumptuous and velvety rose, enrobed in golden honey and entwined with creamy vanilla for a richer sensuality, its floral radiance enhanced by threads of incense to bring light and vibration. Together, they introduce a magnetic tension, guiding the fragrance towards more mysterious territory. At the base, shimmering oudh unfolds with greater texture, amplified by intensified patchouli and moss. The introduction of smooth amber woods brings warmth and refinement, creating a striking counterpoint to the fragrance's signature sweetness. As these richer notes emerge, they reveal new facets of its character. The result is a fragrance which is radiant yet mysterious, vibrant yet profound, with a more enduring and enveloping trail.’HEAD NOTES:Tangerine*, Davana* (herb with a fruity, sweet, tea like smell, member of the Artemisia family.)HEART NOTES:Rose Nectar Accord, Peony, Olibanum* (Frankincense), Pittosporum.LASTING IMPRESSIONS:Patchouli*, Vanilla, Oudh, Moss, Amber Woods, Sweet Note.Sonoma Scents Tabac Aurea ‘Tabac Aurea has an enticing golden amber drydown and a pipe tobacco note that is enjoyed by women as well as men. It’s smooth and softly gourmand, with notes of amber, woods, spices, tobacco, leather, tonka, labdanum, patchouli, and vanilla. The amber accord combines dry earthy notes with sweet elements and subtle fruity touches to create an addictive, beautiful, golden aura. One of our top three best-selling scents.’Ormonde Jayne SybariteNicola has been finding great comfort
- Sep 3, 202650 min
Season 8, Episode 12: New Iris Scents & a Fragrant Renaissance
This week Suzy & Nicola are pondering the resurgence of iris - one of the most traditional (and costly) notes in perfumery made modern by exploring it in surprising ways. From one of the all-time classic iris perfumes launching a new version after 114 years, to another historic house who’s just launched a dashingly debonair iris scent; and a brilliantly affordable iris from a high street shop that’s one of our star buys year… There’s a lot to love!After discussing what else we’ve fallen for lately, and Suzy’s perfume picks from an Australian brand’s stunning new East End boutique; we asked Scott (@blublazer guy) to answer a listener’s question about fragrances to wear while visiting Edinburgh.On the show:Guerlain L’Heure Bleu (new)Perfumer Delphine Jelk says she didn’t try ‘to modernise the original L’Heure Bleue from 1912, nor to revisit it, but to pay tribute to a masterpiece and to translate that emotion into the present through a new palette of ingredients.’ A ‘homemade iris tincture created exclusively for this perfume’ is woven into a fresher-feeling ‘ozonic blue sky accord to shiver’, together with ‘the softness of orange blossom’, on a base of vanilla, woods and musk, creating what Jelk calls ‘airy, powdery sensuality’.Creed Iris Debonair‘Unlock Iris Debonair, an addictive fougère floral capturing the allure of an aesthete's domain, where every room reveals an intentional art of living. Opening with a luminous stroke of bergamot co-infused with absinthe leaves, at the heart, crisp English lavender unfolds with cool, aromatic clarity. French iris pallida, suffused in pale blue, is magnetic and among perfumery's most precious materials.Head NotesBergamot & Absinthe, Pink Pepper, CardamomHeart NotesEnglish Lavender, Violet Leaf, Fig Pulp AccordBase NotesFrench Iris Pallida, Ambrette, Amberwood’Boots Last Note Echoes of You50ml fragrance priced at £12.99 from the debut "Last Note" collection. It features a sparkling pink pepper top note, a middle core of velvety iris and cashmere musk, and a warm amber base.Top: Pink pepperHeart: Iris, cashmere muskBase: Warm amberMerchant of Venice Renaissance‘By Calice Becker, this floral-leathery fragrance is inspired by Renaissance ideals of balance and harmony, housed in a golden-accented Murano glass bottle.Top Notes: Galbanum, Orange Blossom Absolute, SaffronHeart Notes: Iris, Indonesian Patchouli, Leather, AkigalawoodBase Notes: Ambrofix™, Vanilla, Frankincense (Incense), Musk.’Jo Malone London Rose & Oud Leather Cologne Intense (Harrods)‘The captivating fragrance is a tribute to the prevailing beauty of the flower and is brought to life by additional notes of patchouli and amber.Top Notes: oud, leatherMiddle Notes: damask roseBase Notes: patchouli, amber.’Thomas de Monaco Luisant Haze (Wild Iris)‘Luisant Haze expands the Gold Collection of Thomas De Monaco Parfums with a fragrance that approaches sweetness in a different way.At the heart of the composition is a reimagined tuberose. Not opulent or dense, but softened, diffused, and luminous. Sweetness appears here in a new form: airy rather than heavy, radiant rather than indulgent. Notes of fraise des bois, cotton candy, and tonka are lifted by white musks and amber facets, creating a transparent structure that stays close to the skin.’Givenchy L’Interdit Elixir‘L'Interdit Elixir evokes a precious talisman infused with power, created to unveil the magnetic strength within every woman.The scent opens with the voluptuous intensity of Black Cherry, illuminated by the delicate bitterness of almond essence. It melts into L'Interdit's iconic bouquet of white flowers, where Orange Blossom, Tuberose, and Jasmine reveal an opulent, almost carnal femininity, enriched by the profound woody nuances of pure oakwood extract.Faithful to Givenchy's art of contrast, L'Interdit Elixir balances shadow and light, sensuality and strength. At its most addictive, a warm, liqueur-like accord unfolds through the richness of Rum Absolute, Davana Essence, and Vanilla Extract, leaving behind a deeply enveloping trail. Fused with the skin, the fragrance becomes a captivating aura of confidence — a pure expression of empowered femininity.’Giorgio Armani I WILL‘A sensual strength forged through time, I WILL awakens tenacity with confidence and leaves an intense, unmistakable trail. Crea
Get On The Scent summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Sniff Perfume Podcast
Nicola Thomis
Alert! Scent Work
Discussions on scent work training, competition, and community with handlers, judges, and enthusiasts in the dog nose work world.
Between Both Cheeks
Four women share candid, unfiltered conversations about beauty, business, and taboo topics with humor and honesty.
Hot and Bothered
A deep dive into romance culture through chapter-by-chapter analyses of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and iconic romantic films.
As the Season Turns
A monthly exploration of seasonal changes through natural history, folklore, music, and field recordings.
Women Over 50 Living Visibly
Lisa D Liguori and Linda Waldon
Miss Me?
Two friends share raw, weekly conversations about life, culture, and personal experiences, from intimacy to politics.
The Dirty Secrets Podcast with Kate Shelor
A hypnotherapist hosts candid conversations about sex, relationships, and taboo topics with guests in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Every Outfit
Two friends dissect fashion and pop culture with sharp humor and insider insight, blending highbrow commentary with irreverent takes.
Growing Cut Flowers
Two flower growers share practical tips, expert interviews, and personal experiences to help you cultivate stunning cut flowers.
Cracking On with Sam Frost and Sarah Roberts
Sam Frost and Sarah Roberts explore how people navigate life’s challenges and changes with humor and resilience.
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Experts break down cutting-edge health and nutrition science to help you make better choices for your body and gut.
About On The Scent
On The Scent is the podcast destination for anyone fascinated by fragrance (or keen to learn more) – a place where perfume snobbery is stripped away, and fragrance is accessible to all. What began as a monthly sniff-in on the Outspoken Beauty Podcast soon became so popular in its own right (and with so many listeners sending in questions and asking for more) that On the Scent just had to go weekly - this time on its own perfumed platform! Encompassing everything from icons and all-time classics to what’s new on the high street to the more ‘niche’ indie brands; Beauty broadcaster and columnist Nicola Bonn and award-winning fragrance journalist and expert Suzy Nightingale give personalised perfume prescriptions, describe fragrances in such an intoxicating way you can almost smell them and help navigate the thousands of scents out there to find the truly incredible ones. Also expect interviews with well-known figures, delving into their favourite scents of all time and opportunities to get to know some of the most exciting perfumers in the world. Whether you’ve a collection of 500+ or are just starting on your scent journey, olfactory obsessives Nicola & Suzy are on a mission to find you fragrances that don’t simply smell good, but will re-connect you to long forgotten memories, engage your emotions and very likely blow your mind.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from On The Scent in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's On The Scent daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of On The Scent as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the On The Scent podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official On The Scent product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Nicola Bonn & Suzy Nightingale.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does On The Scent release new episodes?
On The Scent publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does On The Scent cover?
On The Scent covers topics including Arts, Fashion, Beauty. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting On The Scent summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.