Summer Scents: Kingdom Scotland, Jones & Modha, Miller Harris + Kenzo

These are the summertime perfume samples I've been reaching for. I was very kindly gifted the latest Kingdom Scotland Kingdom Botanica EdP 2ml vial*. Having loved the others in the range REVIEW. So I was thrilled to try the new one! It's a collaboration with the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh to celebrate their 350th Anniversary and is "a scent in tribute to the work and passion, enlightened spirit and dedication of all the botanists, scientists and adventurous Scottish plant hunters of the past, present and future". 

With top notes of: Spiced Plum Blossoms, Fresh Pink Pepper, Blackcurrant Stem and Bud, Green Botanicals and Pine Needle. Heart notes: Exotic White Florals, Lily, Ginger Lily, Jasmin, Wild Herbaceous Vegetation, Sweet Myrrh and Frankincense with Base Notes of: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Vetiver, White Musk and Amber.

The perfume is Vegan and Cruelty Free (50ml - £120). I think it's absolutely gorgeous - deeply floral with herbal and woody notes. Full size is firmly on the buy soon list.

I picked up a sample vial at Jones & Modha of their No.1 EdP (1.8ml - £4.95 redeemable on full size bottle, 50ml - £69). It's a gorgeous crisp woody citrus which is unisex. The small batch perfume is created by two friends - Catrin MacDonnell and Hemali Modha (Jones is Catrin's mother's maiden name). Blended in Somerset using the finest ingredients and essential oils. With Top Notes of: Bergamot, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Red Mandarin, a Heart of: Rose Geranium, Linden, Ginger, Rose Otto, Coriander & Spearmint and a Base of: Guaiac Wood, Cedarwood and Labdanum. It smells different on everyone. I love its citussy-mint fresh notes. Again, full size is on the wishlist!

I've dabbled a few times with Miller Harris's excellent sampling service (4 x 2ml EdP samples for £14), you also receive a voucher for £15 off a full size bottle, if the wish takes you to upgrade to a full size). Poirier d'un Soir is a delicious fruity floral "a pear orchard in early autumn, warm scents swirling in the golden light of the setting sun". With Head Notes of: Bergamot & Pear, Heart notes: Rum & Peony and Lasting Impressions: Birch & Cedarwood. I love this sweet and fruity nostalgic scent.

Rounding up my summer picks is KENZO Parfums Flower 1ml EdT, having been an original Kenzo Flower fan I was pleased to try the new lighter and fresher version. Rosewater adds a freshness to the original Bulgarian Rose note. With Top Notes of: Parma Violet, Wild Hawthorn, Cassia, Rose Blossom, Mandarin & Jasmine. Heart Notes: Vanilla & White Musk and Base Notes of: Hedione & Cyclosal.  

Do we share any summer fragrance favourites?

New in: Kingdom Scotland Perfumes

I had the real pleasure of meeting up with Kingdom Scotland's founder Imogen a couple of weeks ago for a coffee. It was really great to meet her and hear about her journey to creating three exquisite perfumes which "capture stories, experiences and dramatic contrasts at the heart of a land that enthrals the imagination".

The perfumes (EdP strength) are handcrafted in Edinburgh in limited releases using the finest ingredients with a high proportion of natural aromatic materials. The first collection are limited edition with over half already reserved. I like the fact that each bottle is numbered (it's the little things!)

There are 3 unisex perfumes in the collection which can be bought: 50ml EdP £95, 7.5ml Travel Vial £18 and 1.5ml tester £4. Imogen very kindly brought me along the travel vials* to test and review.

Prior to meeting Imogen I'd "decided" that METAMORPHIC was my favourite going by the notes within but after having tried all three it's difficult to say..

METAMORPHIC is inspired by Scotland's "metamorphic rock which is spectacularly woven into the landscape". With top notes of Black Pepper and Tobacco, a heart of Incense, Minerals and Rose Absolute with a base of Amber Resin and Leather. 

ALBAURA is "inspired by the Aura and ancient name of Scotland, Alba. The freshness of snow and ice blended with berries and botanicals. Independent of spirit, this is a bold and pure beauty". With top notes of Iced Botanicals, a heart of Arctic Poppy and a base of Atlas Cedar, Rock Moss and Ambergris.

PORTAL "A transporting herbaceous and woody scent - a gateway to the ancient Caledonian forests of Scotland. Invitingly fresh and outdoor - an escape to a sylvan wonderland". With top notes of Herbaceous botanicals and Bergamot, a Verdant Floral heart with a base of Vetiver and Scots Pine.

After trying the range for a few weeks I can't honestly say I have a favourite. I tend to pick and choose depending on my mood. It's National Fragrance Week so now's the perfect time to treat yourself to a Kingdom Scotland Perfume.

*complimentary