Secret Scentsations Discovery Box by The Perfume Society Review – November 2015

  

  
  

The Secret Scentsations Discovery Box 
Price of the Box is £17.50 for non members (£12.50 for members)
No of Items  – 13
www.perfumesociety.org

There are perfumes that have been around for years, have a cult following and are a household name when it comes to the fragrance world, but there’s also a lot of brands that you may not have heard of which equally deserve your nose’s attention. So with this in mind The Perfume Society have gone on a hunt to uncover some hidden perfume gems you may not be aware of and it’s another impressive edition choc full of the unknown…say hello to the *Secret Scentsations Discovery Box

Showcasing a collective of vials, travel sized bottles and a beauty sample, the box introduces you to a wide array of new discoveries. Inside the box you can also expect to find information cards for each product with a detailed overview as well as some perfume blotters too so you’re pretty much all set to find your next signature fragrance!

1. Comme des Garçon Floriental – Sample Bottle 9ml

Floriental by Comme des Garcons is a woody spicy fragrance for both women and men that launched only this year. The fragrance features pink pepper, plum, incense, labdanum, sandalwood and vetiver. Whilst this sits within the oriental collection, it has a really modern twist that makes it wearable and quite unique.  

2. Pierre Bourdon La Dame en Rose – Sample Vial 2ml

La Dame En Rose by Pierre Bourdon is another oriental floral fragrance with a top note of raspberry; middle notes of violet and rose and base notes consisting of musk, cedar and vanilla. I love rose scented perfumes and this transformation of a classic scent  is light, sweet and a little exotic. I love how the raspberry bursts in with a fruity kick making it ideal for both day and evening wear.

3.  Lalique Living Lalique – Sample Vial 2ml

Living Lalique by Lalique is a floral woody musk fragrance which starts off with spicy notes of bergamot, black, pepper and nutmeg followed by a warm welcome of iris, vanilla and tonka bean. This is quite a unique scent and doesn’t compare to anything I’ve tried before but in my opinion it smells very grown up.

4. Annick Goutal Vent de Folie – Sample Vial 1.5ml

It was only recently that I tried one of Annick Goutal’s fragrances and instantly fell in love so I was expecting this to be just as wonderful and it didn’t disappoint.

With a very youthful edge, Vent de Folie is quite possibly the most beautiful geranium fragrance I’ve ever tried, I love its boldness and crispness which is really refreshing. Although it’s probably best suited for the warmer months, it’s a lovely reminder of the great outdoors in spring/summer.

5. Neela Vermeire Creations Pichola  – Sample Vial 1ml

Pichola is a citrus blend of neroli and orange, lightly spiced with cardamom and cinnamon. Once it dries down the floral notes magically begin to bloom creating a unique but beautiful harmony  of floral, woody, and earthy notes. This scent has very quickly become a favourite, it’s got so much character and definitely deserves a spot on my wishlist!

6. Ormonde Jayne Vanille d’Iris – Sample Vial 2ml

Vanille d’Iris is a latest release from Ormonde Jayne and contains notes of coriander, bergamot, carrot seed, pink pepper, orris, jasmine, magnolia, osmanthus, vanilla, cedar, vetiver, amber and musk. It’s got a nice woodsy feel with a hint of vanilla and whist I really wasn’t expecting to like this but once settled its true beauty really shines through.

7. L’Artisan Parfumeur Noir Exquise – Sample Vial 2ml

Noir Exquis by L`Artisan Parfumeur is a Oriental Vanilla fragrance for women and men with top notes of chestnut and orange; middle notes of orange blossom, coffee and maple sap and the base notes include ebony, heliotrope, vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood.

From the first burst to the dry down this evolves at every stage leaving a rather subtle smoky, warm and sweet with a hint of spice that evokes a cosy yet flattering scent making it the ideal choice for the autumn/winter months.

8. Beaufort London 1805 – Full Size 8ml

On first sniff, you’re greeted by strong top notes of smoky gunpowder that are subtly complemented by Cedarwood and Fir Balsam in the scent’s base, it’s really unusual and doesn’t compare to anything I’ve smelt before.

With Nelsons battle at the forefront, this really sets the scene and whilst this is geared towards men I found it quite unbearable although without a doubt it’s very unusual. 

9. Connock London Kukui– Travel Size 50ml

Connock London are known for their use of natural, exotic and innovative ingredients such as Kukui nut oil, which is sourced from the Hawaiian island of Oahu so I was excited to see this fragrance inside the box.

I love floral fragrances and this is definitely something which appeals to me. It isn’t too heavy making it the perfect choice for everyday.

 10. Sisley Eau du Soir – Sample Vial 2ml

Eau du Soir is the second perfume by the house of Sisley and it’s feminine, elegant and eternal. Its complex and rich composition is based on perfect harmony of contrasted lines: fresh citrus, sensual flowers, warm amber and musk.

11. Atkinson’s Rose in Wonderland – Sample Vial 2ml 

Infused with rose dew accord and blackcurrant buds, geranium, rose centifolia absolute, vetiver and cristal amber, this fragrance takes you on a visit to explore the sexier side of an innocent rose. I think I was expecting a lot more from this fragrance but if you love rose scents it’s very pleasing on the nose. 

12.  Agonist N0.10 White Oud – Sample Vial 2ml

With notes of ylang ylang flowers, patchouli, and tonka beans complex this is an amazing heavenly blend where the musk notes are very dominant at first but then the flower notes soon catch up making this the ideal choice for those who love their floral scents. 

13. Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster – Sample Size 5ml

Last but not least is the Intense Hydrating Booster from Sarah Chapman, the perfect essential for the winter months. 

This lightweight silky serum is perfect for comforting stressed, parched, dehydrated, unbalanced skin. With ingredients such as Bioecolia® and beta glucan, these activate your skin’s natural defences to protect against harsh environmental factors. The formula also benefits from hyaluronic acid, moisture magnets and soothing rose water to visibly plump the look of fine lines and crepiness, restoring your dewy radiant glow and leaving your skin instantly more comfortable and refreshed. This targeted serum can be added into any existing regime to supercharge your skin care routine. 

My Verdict

Curated to perfection, the Secret Scentsations Discovery Box really lives up to its name with an interesting and niche mix of fragrances from high-end brands to unique and artisanal perfumers giving you the perfect opportunity to discover a whole new world of hidden gems that definitely deserve to be in the spotlight.

Overall I’m really impressed and the box itself is laden with samples so you’re bound to fall in love with something. There’s no full sized products but there’s enough of each sample to use for at least 3 days or more giving you plenty of time to decide which one(s) you like best. Since discovering my first ever Perfume Society Box last month I’ve become obsessed with these little vials mainly because I can spritz a different scent each day to match my mood or occasion, I’m literally spoilt for choice as they include so many inside their boxes!

This box unleashes a new wave of scents so if you’re interested in trying some new discoveries this edition is great for that.

The Secret Scentsations Discovery Box is available now for £17.50 (non members) via www.perfumesociety.org

*PR Sample