June 25, 2026
Season 8, Episode 2: Some of THE best affordable fragrances we’ve ever smelled + a Listener Prescription
<p>Looking for some truly outstanding and very affordable fragrances? Have we got an episode for you! This week, as challenged by you, we went on a scent safari sniffing our way around the new fragrances in one of the U.K’s most beloved high street shops. The results? Well, we were rather awe-struck with how wonderful they were, to be honest.</p><p>Suzy is totally in love with a new perfume shop she popped into for a (free!) half-hour hand and massage the other day; and we’ve also got some suggestions for a listener desperately missing their favourite (now discontinued) fragrance, and start this week’s episode with some lovely feedback about a previous listener prescription…</p><p>Listener feedback: </p><p><strong>Anja:</strong></p><p>‘Hello, after listening to your brilliant podcast episode over the weekend and the scent prescription on marocan scents one perfume came straight into my mind: Andi Tauer's L'air du Desert Marocain. </p><p>Thanks again for your podcast and hard work, it brings us all joy every week. I blind bought DS&Durga Big Sur Eucalyptus after Suzy described it and it so amazing and exactly whati was looking for (for years!) in a eucalyptus scent. Thanks, Anja’</p><p><strong>Marks & Spencer fragrances: </strong></p><p>We asked our Instagram followers to suggest a high street store to find some affordable fragrances in, and share our favourites. The top request by FAR was Marks & Spencer. So, we went to the Oxford Street store, and were SO impressed by the selection, layout, accessibility and thoughtfulness that’s gone in to the design - not only of the scents, but the space they’re displayed in. </p><p>Not only was the layout chic and welcoming, the shelves were well-stocked with blotters and testers, making it a truly inviting place to go and explore perfumes (both M&S own-brand ones, and a great curation of other brands). </p><p>First up, we sniffed the Summer Limited Edition duo (which we’d already promised to test for you a couple of episodes ago):</p><p>Suzy’s favourite: </p><p><strong>Marshmallow Delight £12 for 100ml eau de parfum </strong></p><p>‘Indulge in a scent that feels soft, sweet and irresistibly playful with this Marshmallow Delight eau de toilette from our Discover range. Juicy raspberry brings a bright opening, melting into fluffy marshmallow and smooth cream for a comforting, dessert-like finish.’</p><p>Nicola’s favourite: </p><p><strong>Solar Fleur £12 for 100ml eau de parfum </strong></p><p>‘Capture the warmth of sunlit skin with this radiant eau de toilette from our Discover range. A bright burst of mandarin opens the scent, softened by delicate jasmine and wrapped in the creamy sweetness of coconut milk. The result is a smooth, glowing fragrance that feels effortless and uplifting.’</p><p>Then we made a beeline for the brand new <strong>M&S Studio Fragrance collection</strong> - and were both completely blown away! The quality is apparent the second you pick up the bottles: stylishly pared back they feel satisfyingly weighty with good quality lids, and even the labels are slightly recessed - a very luxe touch, all for £22.50 per 100ml eau de perfume. And the SCENTS! Oh my. So many great ones to choose from (shall we do a whole series?) but we chose…</p><p><strong>Suzy’s favourites</strong>: </p><p><strong>M&S Studio Amber Crème</strong></p><p>‘This Amber Crème eau de parfum is a refined and evocative choice. Sensual amber and rich vanilla combine with notes of rum, patchouli and crème anglaise to create a lavish, indulgent scent.</p><p>Top note: Brown Sugar Middle note: Tonka Base note: Amber’</p><p><strong>M&S Studio Ginger Flower </strong></p><p>‘Enjoy a fresh and contemporary scent with the Ginger Flower eau de parfum. The heart of the fragrance combines lively ginger with sweet citrus and orange blossom for an uplifting accord. Sensual white musk and blond woods create a warm, grounded finish.</p><p>Top note: Ginger Middle note: Orange blossom Base note: White musk’</p><p><strong>Nicola’s favourites</strong>:</p><p><strong>Darkest Vanilla</strong></p><p>‘Enjoy a rich and velvety accord with the Darkest Vanilla eau de parfum. The sensual vanilla heart is complemented by warm amber, luscious tonka bean and dreamy patchouli. Notes of floral orchid and sweet brown sugar ensure a luxurious finish.</p><p>Top note: Vanilla bean Middle note: Tonka Base note: Amber</p><p><strong>Sheer Musk </strong></p><p>This Sheer Musk eau de parfum from M&S Studio is a subtly sensual choice. A heart of vegan sublimolide™ musk and ambrette absolute is complemented by floral rose and velvety orris. Cashmere and sandalwood notes create a grounded finish.</p><p>Top note: Pink pepper Middle note: Cashmere Base note: Musk</p><p>They really are knocking it out of the park at M&S - in the beauty area (our fave, obvs) but also in their fashion and accessories. So many reasons to be excited again about going in-store! We must go back to try more perfumes, though, don’t you think? </p><p>Nicola loved her <strong>Atelier Rebul</strong> mixing masterclass experience, and this is a house we want to tell you much more about (and smell our way through all their creations) in future episodes.</p><p>Meanwhile….</p><p>Suzy had the most incredible FREE half hour scented hand & arm massage at <strong>Norfolk Natural Living</strong> in their Lambs Conduit Street shop. This relaxing, unhurried ritual uses their all-natural products and ends with a bespoke fragrance discovery. </p><p>Suzy chose to finish with a layered spritz of:</p><p><strong>Geranium & Tomato Leaf </strong></p><p>‘Beyond the glass the garden breathes a little slower. Leaves stir with a soft whisper as the warmth begins to soften at the edges. The scent of crushed tomato vine lingers green and vivid against the rosy sweetness of geranium bloom. Neroli drifts through the shade like a pale ribbon of light while cool earth settles everything into an easy calm.</p><p>It is the sort of afternoon that asks nothing of you. Sun warming terracotta. Green stems rubbed gently between the fingers. A bright citrus breeze wandering through open windows carrying lime and eucalyptus with it. The garden smells alive and a little unruly in the loveliest way.’</p><p>(Layered with)</p><p><strong>Rose Garden</strong></p><p>‘The afternoon unfolds in layers of scent and light. I sit beneath the cedar tree, reading... The breeze is bright, alive, moving through the garden like thought. It brings the first shimmer of geranium leaf and Sicilian lemon, quick and green, a scent that catches the light like a silver blade. Then, the roses. They lean into the air, full and fresh, their sharp sweetness almost shocking after the citrus. The garden hums with life: petals opening, leaves trembling, sunlight deepening into gold.</p><p>This rose is no dowager; it’s an ingénue with perfect posture. Geranium keeps it clean and quick, jasmine gives it flesh, cedar lends gravity, and amber that quiet, golden hum anchors it all. The air itself seems to thrum, half floral, half mineral, alive with that peculiar English freshness that smells of rain remembered rather than falling.’</p><p>The fragrances start from £20 for 10ml and every one Suzy smelled was genuinely excellent (though we also need to go bs k here and try many more!) </p><p>Norfolk Natural Living have stores around the U.K. (as well as selling their products online: </p><p>You can enjoy the free Norfolk Natural Living hand & arm massage at selected stores (Cambridge, Southwold, Lambs Conduit St London, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh & Holt] by booking online, here: </p><p></p><p><a href="https://tinyurl.com/Norfolk-Natural-Living-Massage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/Norfolk-Natural-Living-Massage</a></p><p><strong>Listener Prescription</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Joanna Caccavo</strong>:</p><p>Dear Suzy and Nicola,</p><p>First of all, a big congratulations on the new magazine! It is absolutely mouthwatering and Suzy’s prose is exquisite - I MUST read more! I am also eager for a perfume prescription for an affordable ($100 or under) very iris-forward fragrance. I’m accustomed to seeing iris perfumes raved about online, but they tend to be quite pricy. However, I recently blind-bought Zara’s Romance d’Iris Elixir, which is almost an iris soliflore and about $70, and I fell head-over-heels in love! I know that iris is a note in many fragrances, both expensive and inexpensive, but in my (admittedly limited!) experience it’s usually quite subtle. Surely there must be other affordable super-iris-y perfumes out there? (They needn’t smell only of iris, but I’d like that to be the dominant note.) Thank you! :)</p><p><strong>Meira</strong>:</p><p>Hi! I’m reaching out because I’ve heard you are experts in tracking down lost or discontinued fragrances. I’ve been on a long quest to find Ananya by The Body Shop (the original 1980s/90s version).</p><p>It holds so many memories for me, and I’ve been struggling to find it anywhere. Since it seems to be unavailable to ship to Europe, I was wondering if you could help me find it or, if not, recommend a fragrance that is a very close match in terms of scent profile (tuberose, peach, coconut, and sandalwood).</p><p>Any guidance or tips you could provide would mean the world to me. Thank you so much for your time and help!</p><p>Suzy suggests:</p><p><strong>Chopard Casmir</strong></p><p>‘<strong>Casmir</strong> was launched in 1992. The nose behind this fragrance is Michel Almairac. Top notes are Peach, Coconut, Mango, Fruits and Bergamot; middle notes are Geranium, Jasmine, Floral Notes and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli and Woodsy Notes.’</p><p><strong>Kayali Eden Sweet Peach | 35 </strong></p><p>‘Sweet, luscious, and velvety, Eden Sweet Peach | 35 Eau de Parfum is pure happiness in a bottle. On first spritz, sweet-and-tangy peach and crisp red apple...
