BYREDO - MIXED EMOTIONS FRAGRANCE


“We’re bottling up emotions. I hope that people identify with that sentiment and then find something deeper to relate to.” - Ben Gorham, Founder

As a fan of the Byredo brand with many different fragrances in my collection such as Cuir Obscur, Bibliothéque and Baudelaire, I was pleasantly surprised when a sample of the newest drop; Mixed Emotions arrived at my door given that the scent seemed to ‘drop’ unexpectedly!

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BYREDO - MIXED EMOTIONS

  • Top Notes: Maté, Blackcurrant

  • Middle Notes: Ceylon Black Tea, Violet Leaves

  • Base Notes: Birch Wood, Papyrus

The opening of Mixed Emotions immediately hits you with the blackcurrant note that feels fruity, but that of a dense feel rather than a sweet one, which takes me back to my youth where I drunk gallons of it and as the dry-down begins to take place, it becomes a lot heavier, almost slightly leathery with a hint of musk throughout. For me, the performance is linear and stays close to my skin and lasted between 5-6 hours with a sillage of light to medium.

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This feels rather different for Byredo in the sense that it feels quite smokey and spicy in comparison to some of the launches previously where the fragrances have felt quite light and floral such as Sundazed, Lil Fleur and Slow Dance so if you’re wanting something that’s a little fruity with a smokey undertone, then check out Mixed Emotions for more details.

To also check out more reviews with my experience of the Byredo brand, click here!

Have you smelt Mixed Emotions yet? If so, what are your thoughts? Do you have any favourites from Byredo? If so, which ones? I would love to hear from you so drop me a comment below to continue the conversation.


BYREDO - SPACE RAGE TRAVX


I don’t think I can remember the last time the fragrance community were so split down the middle with what is now classed as a ‘controversial fragrance’ such as Space Rage by Byredo in collaboration with Travis Scott… Let’s start shall we?

BYREDO - SPACE RAGE TRAVX

  • Top Notes: Cosmic Dust, Antimatter Particles

  • Middle Notes: Starlight, The Scent Of Supernova

  • Base Notes: Atmospheric Vapour, Dark Nebulae

I was busy working when an email came through from Byredo with a brand new drop in collaboration with American rapper; Travis Scott in the form of fragrance - Space Rage. As soon as I saw the bottle, well, that was me sold! I went onto the website and I saw that the fragrance itself had sold out almost within minutes but, I saw the option of the Space Rage candle so I got my hopes up and thought it’s better than nothing right? That too, sold out.

Now, when the hype wore off a little and I first read the notes of Space Rage I was a little taken aback because I didn’t know if it was to be taken as a joke or if there were more details to come with the actual notes, but nothing. Anyway, I resigned myself to the fact I had missed out on Space Rage until… A month or so later and I received another email notifying that it was back in stock and honestly? I must’ve checked out and bought within seconds! Due to the current COVID-19 and Brexit restrictions, it did state that there was no specific delivery date when purchasing this, but I was happy to wait and happy that I had finally got my hands on Space Rage and was keen to see what the hype was all about.

Space Rage arrived around 3 weeks after the purchase and both the packaging and bottle were immediate winners. The handwriting font with the gradient of blue mixed with purple? Stunning. Anyway, I’m rambling and I appreciate that you’ve not come here to find out about the packaging! I sprayed Space Rage on my wrist and my first thought was ‘Omg, I’ve smelt this before!’ No, it wasn’t that other fragrance, it was ‘Carrousel’! Carrousel is a candle by Byredo and one of which I have purchased 4 times and it is my favourite Byredo candle by far so, when I smelt Space Rage, I was initially made up as this was essentially my favourite candle now in a ‘wearable’ fragrance form!

Later that day I was rummaging through my fragrance samples collection and came across a sample of Pulp. Now, for those of you who aren’t aware, many have complained and said that Space Rage is effectively a repackaged version of Pulp and as a Byredo fan myself, I didn’t read too much into it because you can’t always please everyone, but, I decided to see what the fuss was and I sprayed Pulp onto my other wrist and I have to say, I couldn’t tell them apart. With that being said, I will review Space Rage for what it is.

The opening of Space Rage is very fruity which initially feels quite light but as the dry-down begins, there’s a muskier, almost deeper twist on the fruit notes which reminds me of how the candle Carrousel burns. It has a punchiness of Earth undertones to it and I would imagine in the warmer, Spring/Summer weather that this will settle nicely on the skin. In terms of sillage, I’d class this as light to medium and its longevity was a little disappointing as this only lasted on my skin between 3-4 hours.

With that being said, perhaps I am a little biased as I do like Space Rage as for me, it’s a ‘wearable’ fragrance version of Carrousel! However, I almost feel a little cheated as this does feel very, very similar to Pulp. But hey, if this gets another restock then be quick to try it out for yourself as I imagine this will fly out again!

Have you smelt Space Rage yet? What did you think? Do you think it does smell like Pulp, or is this a standalone fragrance in itself? I would love to know your thoughts so leave me a comment below to carry on the conversation.


BYREDO - CUIR OBSCUR


I first came across the Cuir Obscur fragrance by Byredo back in 2016 in Harrods (Cuir Obscur is a Harrods exclusive after all) and I immediately knew that I had to have it. There was something very mysterious about the scent that kept making me go back for more and not only did I find it mysterious, but I also found it incredibly striking, sophisticated and sensual…

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BYREDO - CUIR OBSCUR

  • Top Notes: Amaretto, Nutmeg

  • Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Rose

  • Base Notes: Leather, Patchouli, Musk

Cuir Obscur opens with a smooth and sweet creaminess from the Amaretto note and shortly afterwards, a rush of the spicy notes come through which is when Cuir Obscur comes to life! The fragrance to me is very sharp and bold, and has now become my signature scent. No matter where or when I wear it, somebody will always compliment me on this fragrance and I have found that since wearing it all year round, its performance is still just as stunning the cold, fresh Autumn/Winter months as it is in the hot, breezy Spring/Summer months.

(I say ‘hot’ very loosely given that I reside in the United Kingdom…)

If I were to describe Cuir Obscur to somebody who perhaps hasn’t smelt it before, I would say it is like wearing the finest, jet black silk shirt that feels incredibly smooth against the body! In terms of longevity, Cuir Obscur lasts for up to 6 hours on my skin, a little longer during the Summer months and its projection is sharp, sensual, bold and creamy. Perfection!

Cuir Obscur is a Harrods Exclusive as previously mentioned and is available only in the 100ml size and can be purchased here. Be sure to check out my other reviews on Byredo such as:

Byredo Leather Collection / Gypsy Water Fragrance / Baudelaire Fragrance / Bibliotheque Fragrance and Home Scent / Seven Veils Fragrance / Ambre Japonais Home Scent / Chai Home Scent

Have you smelt Byredo - Cuir Obscur before? If so, what are your thoughts? Are you as much as in love with it as I am? Or perhaps this isn’t your cup of tea? Do let me know your thoughts below as I would love to hear from you and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!


BYREDO LEATHER COLLECTION


About a month or so ago I had an e-vite come through from Byredo. Now, I will confess that I had an absolute ‘fan-girl’ moment as Byredo is one of my favourite brands when it comes to fragrances. Ever.

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The event took place at the Byredo boutique in Soho, London and was to showcase the new leather goods. I was greeted with champagne (always a good sign) and I was taken upstairs where the leather goods had been displayed. As I walked around the room, I was immediately drawn to the ‘Blueprint’ collection. A series of beautifully crafted leather bags which can be hand-held, shoulder held or worn across the body in a range of designs such as:

  • Embroidered Black Leather

  • Overstitched Black Leather

  • Printed Black Leather

  • Black Leather and Painted Python

  • Black Anaconda

  • Black Python

  • most of which are available in other sizes and colours

My personal favourite? The Black Leather and Painted Python - so chic.

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I then noticed another display in which several bottles of Byredo fragrances and candles had been encased in leather! These leather cases were designed for the traveller in mind, for those who want to be able to take their favourite fragrance and candle away with them with the comfort of knowing that their glass bottles will be protected. I had also been informed that with every leather fragrance and candle purchase, you get a free bottle of your choice. Ideal!

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Another collection that caught my eye was the ‘De La Sac’. My particular favourite one was the Red Leather bag. The shade of red was so striking and the detailing was so precise which really stood out amongst the rest!

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Other pieces from the Leather Collection are:

  • Eazy Bag

  • Umbrella Wallet

  • Credit Card Holder

  • Wallet Clutch

  • Circuit Bag

  • Travel Perfume Case

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To read more on the Leather goods from Byredo, click here! Shortly after this event, I was then invited along to the launch of the new fragrance ‘Sundazed’. Check back soon for the review on the fragrance!

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In the meantime, be sure to check out my other reviews on Byredo such as -

Gypsy Water Fragrance / Baudelaire Fragrance / Bibliotheque Fragrance and Home Scent / Seven Veils Fragrance / Ambre Japonais Home Scent / Chai Home Scent

Have you visited the Byredo store in Soho before? What do you think to it? Have you tried anything from Byredo before? If so, what have you tried? Have you managed to see the Leather Collection? Which is your favourite piece? Let me know your thoughts below as I would love to hear from you and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button below!


BYREDO CHAI CANDLE


As a personal way to mark the beginning of the Winter season and to embrace the Christmas festivities ahead, I have always treated myself to a Christmas candle! After all, it is all about self-care these days right? For the past four years, Byredo have been my go-to when it comes to holiday candles which have previously included; Cassis Glacé, Incense, Altar and as I like to keep up a tradition, I chose Byredo again this year and went for the newly released ‘Chai’ candle!

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BYREDO CHAI CANDLE

Masala Chai is a blend of spices and black tea leaves which are left to boil in milk. This warm, and enveloping scent reminded creator of Byredo; Ben Gorham about his childhood memories of his Grandmother’s home.

The notes within Chai are:

  • Top Notes: Cardamom, Clove Buds, Ginger Zest

  • Middle Notes: Incense, Mate, Violet

  • Base Notes: Birch Tree, Guaiac Wood, Warm Latte

I purchased the Chai candle in the newly built boutique in London on Lexington Street and I had been excited to visit ever since I heard that Byredo were opening up over here in England! The boutique itself is exactly how I imagined a Byredo boutique would be. Clean, minimalistic and ultra modern!

Upon first impressions of smelling Chai, the notes of Cardamom and Ginger Zest were distinctly prominent which immediately invoked a Christmas feel for me. Around 15-20 minutes or so once the candle was lit, the warmth and cosiness of the note Incense came through which blended beautifully with the woodiness from the Birch Tree and Guaiac Wood notes right at the heart of the candle.

I found this candle to be interesting due to the fact that at the start of the burn, I thought it would be rather warm and spicy with the Ginger Zest and Cardamom notes, but by the end of the burn, it had a slight woody feel to it which given the previous Christmas candles where they were all spicy and fruity, this one was slightly different for me as my personal preference isn’t geared towards those of a woodier candle, especially for Christmas!

That being said, I love the way that this candle burns and how comforting of a scent it is.

To purchase Byredo - Chai, click here!

Be sure to check out my other Byredo reviews by clicking below:

Gypsy Water Fragrance / Baudelaire Fragrance / Bibliotheque Fragrance and Home Scent / Seven Veils Fragrance / Ambre Japonais Home Scent

Have you smelt Byredo - Chai before? What are your thoughts on this Limited Edition Holiday Candle? When it comes to Christmas candles, which do you tend to steer towards? Warm and cosy? Or woody and earthy? I would love to hear from you, so do leave me a comment below and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!


TOP 5 LUXURY CANDLES THIS AUTUMN


One of the main things I look forward to during the Autumn season is the opportunity to indulge in a new candle! With the weather turning colder, there is no better excuse than to keep warm by snuggling up inside with a freshly lit candle. Candles have come a long way in recent years with many major brands now dipping their toes into the ‘candle pool’ so to speak, and as an avid lover of all things scented, here are my top 5 favourite candles for this Autumnal season!

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BYREDO - AMBRE JAPONAIS

Notes:

Top: Black Pepper, Coriander Seeds
Heart: Sandalwood
Base: Bourbon Vanilla, Sesame

My first purchase from Byredo was in fact the Bibliothéque candle which you can read the review in fragrance form here. As the wax began to burn out due to excessive use by myself (you can’t blame me when the scent is so stunning), I was on the lookout for another candle in replacement and came across Ambre Japonais! A sophisticated, rich and sensual scent that fills the room/space almost instantly. Perfect for the colder seasons as it gives off a warm, snug feeling. If you are a fan of oriental, spicy fragrances then this candle is definitely worth trying out!

To purchase, click here.

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DIPTYQUE - BENJOIN

Notes: Patchouli, Indian Cypriol

Benjoin is my all time favourite candle by Diptyque! It is so creamy and powerful yet remains delicate.

A blend that sits just in between caramel and vanilla, this candle comes in the instantly recognisable Diptyque glass jar, a staple in any beauty bloggers photography!

If you like fragrances that are heavy and rich, then I would definitely consider Benjoin!

To purchase, click here.

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JO MALONE - POMEGRANATE NOIR

Notes:

Top: Pomegranate
Heart: Casablanca Lily
Base: Guaiacwood

In my opinion Pomegranate Noir is what makes Jo Malone so special. A luxurious scent that fills the air with sophistication and class, I find that Pomegranate Noir can be burnt at any time of the year but smells crisp and fresh during the colder seasons!

If you have ever smelt Pomegranate Noir in fragrance form, then it is a given that you will thoroughly enjoy it in candle form.

To purchase, click here.

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MAISON MARGIELA - JAZZ CLUB

Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Tobacco Leaves

One of the top selling fragrances by Maison Margiela, Jazz Club is inspired by an evening in a hazy bar with the undertones of leather coming through. This candle when lit has a slight boozy feel to it and unlike the others previously, is a lot softer.

That being said, when leaving the area and returning to it moments later, the scent hits you lightly without being too overpowering.

If you are a fan of woody, oriental and spicy fragrances then I would recommend trying out Jazz Club!

At the time of writing this post, the Jazz Club candle has sold out online, but is available to purchase in departments stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols.

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COMMODITY - LEATHER

Notes:

Top: Black Leather, Oregano Essence, Juniper Wood Essence
Heart: Cacao Bean Absolute, Myrrh Resinoid, Cade Essence, Akigalawood
Base: Styrax Resinoid, Cedarwood Essence, Haitian Vetiver Essence, Cistus Labdanum Essence from Concrete

A sultry and bold scent that imitates the texture of leather which lingers in the air long after burning! I find this candle to be rather similar to the Jazz Club in that it is a rather soft scent yet still has that spicy throw that fills up the room/area.

If you like leather fragrances (think Tom Ford - Tuscan Leather) then perhaps this candle will suit you!

To purchase, click here.

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Judging by my top 5 candles this year, I think it is safe to say that I like oriental, spicy and sensual scents! I hope you have enjoyed my choices and I would love to know which are your favourite candles! Don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button below, and do leave me a comment so I know which other candles I should look out for.


BYREDO; BIBLIOTHEQUE FRAGRANCE


As today marks the official date for National Fragrance Day, I wanted to share with you one of my recent findings. A new found favourite of mine, that is fast becoming a signature scent; Byredo - Bibliothéque!

On a recent trip to London, I made a quick pit stop at Liberty in between meetings, and headed straight over to the Byredo counter. I knew I wanted a candle of some sort, and as a huge fan of Byredo, I knew that the brand didn't disappoint when it came to finding unique, stunning scents. Bibliothéque was recommended to me, and I became instantly hooked! A beautiful smokey, creamy scent that emanates the entire room, leaving you feeling warm and snug.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later, and an email comes through notifying me that the Bibliothéque candle had been created into a fragrance for a limited time. Never before, have I booked a ticket down to London as quick just to get my hands on one of these bottles! Very rarely, can a candle get me as excited about a fragrance, than this one. 

  • Top Notes: Peach, Plum
  • Middle Notes: Peony, Violet
  • Base Notes: Leather, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk

The first spray starts off with a bold beginning with the richness of the Plum and Violet notes swirling around and blending together creating a fruity, exotic scent. As the dry-down takes place, the scent becomes more smokey and intriguing, and begins to feel slightly sweeter with the Vanilla note becoming prominent.

I find the scent so addictive and captivating, that although the projection and sillage of Bibliothéque is enormous, I still spray far more than I should, simply because it smells absolutely divine! The longevity of the fragrance lasted for up to 7-8 hours upon my skin, and has gained me countless amounts of compliments. 

Overall, one of my all time favourite scents, in both candle form, and in fragrance! You can purchase the Byredo Bibliothéque candle here, and the fragrance here

Have you smelt Byredo Bibliothéque before? What do you think to it? Have you managed to smell it in fragrance form yet? If so, what are your thoughts? Do you have any favourites by Byredo? Which ones? Don't forget to click the like button, and leave me a comment down below!