Sillage and Sorcery

In this episode, Melissa of Sif Sniffs explores the multifaceted world of musk in perfumery, discussing its origins, cultural significance, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. They delve into the historical context of musk, its production methods, and the rise of synthetic alternatives. Bee of Venus Invictus also highlights Serge Lutens's artistic journey and his controversial frag...

In this episode of Sillage and Sorcery, host Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus delves into the world of vanilla, exploring how this beloved ingredient evolved from a spiritual offering to a fragrance powerhouse. Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs enters the Loubiverse- discussing Cardi B's favorite designer, Christian Louboutin, and how his aesthetic even crossed over to the brand's fragrance line. Wa...

In this episode of Sillage and Sorcery, host Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus delves into the threatened world of sandalwood and explores how modern solutions are helping to save this spiritual giant. Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs talks about your nana's favorite company, Avon. She explored how they modernized some aspects of women's work, but were woefully behind in others. Want to support the...

In this episode of Sillage and Sorcery, host Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus delves into the versatile world of vetiver and how it has become a staple in perfumery. Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs then shifts to the 90s icon of Davidoff's Cool Water, and how aquatic, green fragrances became such a staple for guys with frosted tips. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands listed above! It he...

In this episode of Sillage and Sorcery, hosts Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus and Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs delve into the enchanting world of oak moss, a legendary ingredient in perfumery. They explore its complex aroma, historical significance, and the controversies surrounding its regulation in modern fragrance. The conversation shifts to the legacy of Max Factor, a makeup industry pione...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs talks about one of the foundational notes in perfumery. Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus discusses Thierry Mugler, focusing on their iconic fashions and how they broke the mold not only in perfumery but also in their memorable and trailblazing fashion shows. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands, which...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee Sampson of Venus Invictus focuses on the elusive Lily of the Valley, its cultural significance, and the recent advancements in extracting its scent. Following last week's episode, Melissa Sifjardóttir of Sif Sniffs then delves into the history and controversies surrounding Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Les Wexner, includi...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us about how peony has enchanted us for millennia and how perfumers use alchemy to create it today! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses how Victoria's Secret rose from vibrator to mall staple. You can watch the video on the female Chinese emperor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OoXMpJKAuo Want to support the sh...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus talks about some exciting projects that they have been up to during the break! Melissa of Sif Sniffs talks about getting an MBA in Entrepreneurship and travelling across the country. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can continue making this content. Don't wa...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about how frankincense needs to be conserved as well as how even obtaining it takes you on a hero's journey! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses Lush's Bond Street 1972, where the name came from, its perfumer, as well as Lush's "activism." Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery!  In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about the resinous witchery behind opoponax and myrrh, and why it is so beloved in perfumery! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses Guerlain’s Shalimar, from its origin of legend, how it’s discussed in the world of perfumery, and what marks it as a classic scent that differs from current perfumes.  Want to suppo...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us about swamp green and ghosts in Florida. Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses how she can bend steel and how her Hobbit wooed her aggressively. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can continue making this content. Don't want to blind buy? Follow us on Insta...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about just how witchy benzoin can be, and how it has been for centuries! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses the origins of Prada, designer brands that outsource their fragrances, and how indie perfumers are getting hurt by larger brands. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses how Norse religious beliefs were co-opted by racists. Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about how racism is ubiquitous in the fragrance industry. Fortunately for our listeners, both hosts discuss how you can learn to be better! Link to Siri's resources on anti-racist Heathenry: https://www.sirivincentplouff.c...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about galaxolide, phthalates, and other chemicals that stay in our bodies and environments forever -even grosser than beaver nads! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses The Body Shop, White Musk, and why Melissa can only call the founder "Dame Anita". Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus and Melissa of Sif Sniffs interview Jen Siems of Immortal Perfumes . We discuss how intuition can guide you, the importance of learning, and how Zac Efron and Melissa are destined to be together. Want to follow Jen? Her website is here and she is on IG here and she is on TikTok here Want to support the show? Buy from ou...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about how designer molecules came to be and how they can help and hurt indie perfumers! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses Emily Weiss, Glossier You, and why you shouldn't let Timothée Chalamet wear your hoodie. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus and Melissa of Sif Sniffs interview Austin Fuller of BaneXBramble. We discuss the intimate connection of perfumery and witchcraft, how they are related, and only the spiciest of hot takes. Want to follow Austin? Their website is https://www.banexbramble.com and they are on IG here Want to support the show? Buy from our...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus tells us all about the diverse ways that aldehydes are used in perfumery! Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses Chanel No. 5, how Coco became Coco, how a car accident led to her making the perfume, how Rasputin is involved, and Nazis. So many Nazis. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It help...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus interviews Melissa, one of our fabulous hosts and the nose behind Sif Sniffs ! Melissa discusses her hot takes on perfumery, what ingredient pisses her off, and how Sif in an integral part of the brand's ethos. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can continue m...

Welcome to another Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus . discusses the beaver sacs known as castoreum, how we got it and how it became used in perfumery. Melissa of Sif Sniffs discusses the background of Zoologist's Beaver and its many variations. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can continue making this content...

Welcome to another fun of Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Melissa of Sif Sniffs interviews Bee, one of our fabulous hosts and the nose behind Venus Invictus ! Bee discusses their hot takes on perfumery, their favorite products, and their perfumery philosophy. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps support us so we can continue making this content. Don'...

Welcome to another fun episode of Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus discusses the rich history of civet both in perfumery and how this divisive ingredient rose to prominence. Melissa of Sif Sniffs goes on to discuss Elizabeth Taylor and how she came to make celebrity fragrances mainstream. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked above! It helps supp...

Season 1 Episode 2- We are looking forward to bringing you interviews with indie perfumers for their thoughts on perfumery, and we are starting with Janine Malina of Black Earth Botanica! You can follow Janine here: https://www.instagram.com/blackearthb... https://blackearthnyc.bigcartel.com https://www.patreon.com/blackearth?fb... Want to support the show? Buy from our brands! It helps support us...

Welcome to the introductory episode of Sillage and Sorcery! In this episode, Bee of Venus Invictus discusses the rich history of Ambergris both in perfumery as well as in history as a whole. Melissa of Sif Sniffs goes on to discuss the origins of Baccarat Rouge 540 in popular culture and how this signature fragrance became so iconic. Want to support the show? Buy from our brands which are linked a...