As we're always saying, scent-shopping shouldn't be rushed. Ever. You need time to stop, relax, explore. And then maybe even go away again, before making up your mind. (It's the enduring base notes in a fragrance which you really live with, and those don't unfurl for a few hours.)
At Beauty Bible, we support the idea of Slow Food. And Slow Travel. And now we'd like to launch a Campaign for Slow Scent, inspired by the new Les Senteurs boutique, in Marylebone - because we cannot think of a nicer place for leisurely scent exploration.
It's getting on for thirty years since Michael and Betty Hawksley opened their first shop, in Pimlico - and now the baton has been passed to their daughter Claire, who's heading up a truly knowledgeable team at this new temple to scent, tucked away behind Marble Arch.
There are fabulous niche and independent fragrances showcased there, cleverly categorised - think: chypre, floral, leather/tobacco, etc. - to help you take a short-cut to 'possibles'. Fragrance houses include Frederic Malle, Mona di Orio, Juliette Has A Gun, Lorenzo Villoresi (the legendary Florentine perfumer), Parfumerie Générale, Serge Lutens, Annick Goutal...
Oh, we could go on - but instead, we're going to urge you to find a decent window of time to make a scent pilgrimage of your own, just as soon as you can.
Then enjoy taking it s-l-o-w, when you get there. Because when it comes to finding a new fragrance, you really can't hurry love.
Les Senteurs store and Scent Salon, 2 Seymour Place, Marylebone, London W1H 7NS
020-7138 5842
