Between the Notes

This week is all about new smells; loved brands are revisited, new ones discovered. Olfactory cravings? Consider them satiated (for now). Fragrances mentioned: Neroli Pomodoro, Caffè Amaro/ Bianco Profumo Do Son/ Diptyque Tamarindo/ Memo Paris Tuberose Tantra, The Poet & Wedding in Oaxaca/ Kismet Olfactive Jardins de Misfah/ Une Nuit Nomade Glow/ Akro Vetiver in Wool/ Scents of Wood Un Bel Amo...

This week is all about discovering the breadth of Tuberose fragrances: the creamy, the fruity, the metallic and the narcotic. We also chat about a recent column from Jessica DeFino on strong smells, and an Ottoman lost artisanal profession (aka, the ultimate vibe curators): incense burning. Fragrances mentioned: Tuberoza / Nishane Narcotic V. / Nasomatto Honor Woman 43 / Amouage Café Tuberosa / At...

This week is full of new smells, old favorites and some heartbreaks. I also chat about the unique ways frankincense is used in Omani daily life as discussed in Hajer Harrathi's work. Fragrances mentioned: Molecule 01 + Iris / Escentric Molecules Delta of Venus / Eris Parfums Tubéreuse Absolue / Perris Monte Carlo Burrow / Paraphrase Parfum Champaca / Ormonde Jayne Milky Dragon / Isabelle Larig...

We often think about smell and fragrance in a vacuum; as a alternative form of self expression or beauty. But, scent is political. In this episode Sarah discusses Shivani Kapoor's writing on how Dalit autobiographies highlight smell and a critical experience that defines the caste system in India, and connect it to broader ideas of smelling "of your class". Don't worry, I of cour...

This week is all about comfort scents, and the ongoing search for a new hyperfixation: the soapy, bubbly, shampoo-y scents of your dreams (a sign of the times). I need to know: what's the squeaky, fruity floral concoction you find yourself back to now and then? Fragrances mentioned: Hydra Figure/ Miller Harris Fascent/ I Fig you No. 19 Poudre & No. 5 Eau Premeire/ Chanel Sandalwood/ Nemat...

Looking for a cardamom fragrance to fit your mood? Look no further, from the opulent to shape-shifting, Sarah shares the ultimate shortlist has a something for everyone, and then gets into the olfactive power of protest and memory that enables us to retain ties (even if complicated ones) to our places of origin. Fragrances mentioned: Trayee / Neela Vermeire Creations Nordic Cedar / Maya Njie Kyoto...

This week's episode is a bit more relaxed and chatty as Sarah talks about a recent smell trip, an very impulsive buy, the continued search for the perfect cardamom fragrance, and fragrance recession indicators (not all facts, some observations and vibes). Fragrances/ products mentioned: Neroli Body Oil/ Nuxe Body Lotion in Black Rose & Oud/ Salt & Stone The New Savant Candles (Androgyn...

This week Sarah gets into reviews for fragrances from d'Annam, Chapel Factory, Aesop and more. Then from Indonesia we discuss Saki Tanada's research on how smell is associated with different states of being in Lombok, Indonesia. Fragrances: Tokyo Nights, Hinoki Meditation, Kimono/ d'Annam Marrakech Intense/ Aesop Holy Stick/ Chapel Factory Ashoka/ Neela Vermeire Creations Un Air d'...

This week Sarah discusses thoughts on Amer Perfume's Arabian Jasmine (Art & Olfaction award-winning), Perennial and Mandaroud before diving deep into the introduction of AI in the perfume industry, and its impact on the concept of craftsmanship (and Sarah shares her absolute no-nos for AI in perfume) Perfumes mentioned: Arabian Jasmine, Perennial, Mandaroud/ Amer Perfumes Works cited: Arab...

This week, Sarah gives a brief review of Trayee, an introductory scent from the house of Neela Vermeire Creations. Then we dive into Dora Goldsmith's work on constructed smellscapes in ancient Egypt, and muse on smells of today's Egypt. Chuck out your 1920s harem pants and bobs, because this is not the Egyptology you think it is! Fragrances mentioned: Trayee/ Neela Vermeire Creations Works...

This week's episode is an overhaul list of incense fragrances and wonderful recommendations. We also get into some musings on smellmaxxing, its positioning, and its connection to practices in the past. After you listen, i'm curious to know, why do you wear perfume?  Fragrances mentioned: Kyoto, Avignon, Ouarzazate, Floriental/ Comme des Garçons, Wazamba/ Parfum d'Empire, Princess/ Lanv...

For this week, we get into a review of a lovely narcissus find and an interesting, impulsive shopping experience. For our fragrance cultural discussion we delve into fragrance practices and identity in Zanzibar as discussed in Rosabell Boswell's work from 2008: How fragrance practices shifted after the 1964 revolution, how it converged and diverged African and Arab ethic identity expression, a...

This week is another discovery set deep dive! I chat about the Les Indémodables collection. Each offering presents an austere, well respected material traditionally used in perfumery, and takes an elegant yet playful approach. Yet, each playful take is grounded in a classical style of perfumery. Les Indémodables encapsulates the best of niche perfumery, emphasizing luxury and quality with each com...

This week we chat about musings on my personal "big bottle manifesto" and discuss the Hiram Green discovery set. Spoiler: Tryst has become my most beloved orange blossom fragrance. Ever. Let me know your favorites from the brand! Fragrances mentioned: Papyrus Oud/ Parle Moi de Parfum Neroli Nasimba/ Maison Crivelli Riva/ Lootah O'Feminin/ M.Micallef All of me/ Narcisco Rodriguez Magg...

This week we chat out decolonizing our sense of smell, Japanese linguistics and the antidote to perfume overconsumption all in one go! Both segments of today show are taken to discuss a wonderful piece by Lorenzo Marinucci, but next week we will be back with new smells and perfume reviews!  Neroli Oranger/ Matiere Premiere Galavant / House of Puente Phoenix Flame/ Mabelle O'Rama Incense Kyoto/...

What did scented dreams and smelly caves say about 17th century Ottoman social mobility and global positioning? Why do I like perfume oils so much? How many Turkish words can I mispronounce in an hour? All are answered on this week's episode! I get into some new perfume acquisitions, hint at some discovery sets on the way, and review "Aromas of knowledge, networks of scent: tracing the olfactory i...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Between the Notes! This week Sarah defines what a "mama perfume" is and reviews works that outline the "cultural biography" of aromatics like Saffron in 7th century China. Fragrances mentioned: Beautiful, Knowing and Knowing legacy by Estee Lauder Charlie Azure by Revlon Chanel No. 5 & Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere by Chanel O'Feminin by M. Micallef...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Between the Notes ! Hosted by Sarah, a lifelong lover of perfume, this podcast explores fragrance through a social and historical lens. Between the Notes aims to challenge common understandings of perfume across time and place, highlighting its rich cultural significance. And while we’re at it, I’ll also share some of my current favorite scents! Fragrances menti...