News, features and reviews of perfume, aftershave, scent and fragrances.
July 2024
Sali Hughes on beauty
Vegetal scents make for the perfect summer fragrance, whatever the weather
Never mind the coconuts, go for something with more of a tomato plant and damp lawn vibe at this time of year
May 2024
Seeing is smelling: how even a picture of a lemon can sell products
Sali Hughes on beauty
Hate perfume? Even sceptics won’t turn up their noses at these subtle scents
April 2024
Ask Ugly
Ask Ugly: signature scents are deeply appealing – but how else can I express ‘the self’?
In her monthly column about beauty culture, our columnist takes on the power of perfume and how we should leave an impression beyond store-bought smell
The beauty spot
Eyebrows that hit a high note
How to get a full-brow look, plus Beyoncé’s new hair range and luxe evening scents
Good scents: five eco-friendly ways to make your home smell great
Many ingredients in fragrance formulas can be harmful, but there are safe ways to help your home smell inviting and fresh
March 2024
The experts
The experts: perfumers on 20 ways to make you, your house and your laundry smell fabulous
From picking a perfect fragrance to spraying your radiators and getting rid of the worst stinks, here is how to make sure your life always smells sweet
February 2024
Sali Hughes on beauty
Looking for an affordable men’s fragrance for Valentine’s Day? I’ve found plenty
From lemony to creamy vanilla scents, these all have reasonable price tags but don’t smell cheap
December 2023
Sali Hughes on beauty
Boozy, velvety or salty? ‘Tis the season to splash out on a new fragrance
The nose behind some of the high street’s best scents has helped create new perfumes from Victoria Beckham and French brand, Bibbi
October 2023
How AI and brain science are helping perfumiers create fragrances
Beauty brands are looking to neuroscent research and technology to sniff out the factors that lure buyers
July 2023
Beauty hacks
Can hair perfume stand in for premium-price fragrances?
They’re often seen as an extravagant addition to normal perfume, but they’re actually cheaper and make a good alternative to the more expensive stuff
June 2023
Tasteful aroma: should restaurants ban diners from wearing strong perfumes?
A London sushi restaurant has asked customers not to wear fragrances – can smell spoil our enjoyment of food?
April 2023
Sali Hughes on beauty
It’s spring, and I’m on the scent of gorgeous, affordable fragrances
The high street is full of perfumes well under the £100 mark that massively overdeliver
March 2023
Sali Hughes on beauty
The grown-up vanilla scents without a whiff of dessert
Channelling Parisian patisseries rather than cloying cupcakes, these sophisticated fragrances are light enough for spring
January 2023
Too many smelly candles? Here’s how scents impact the air quality in your home
Svetlana Stevanovic for the Conversation
While candles, diffusers and air fresheners are designed to give off fragrant smells, research shows they can emit chemicals that are far less pleasing
December 2022
Sali Hughes on beauty
Looking for an affordable fragrance? Here are my top picks
From Jo Malone’s Zara line to Dior-influenced Roger & Gallet, here are some of the best wallet-friendly wafts
October 2022
Sali Hughes on beauty
Why solid perfumes are the perfect travelling companion
With affordable refills to go with beautiful fragrances, these swish compacts are ideal when you’re on the move
August 2022
The beauty spot
Highlighters give skin a beautiful glow
Bring more light to your complexion, plus a matte foundation and vanilla scents for summer
July 2022
A nose for history: academics recreate lost smells from the past
Researchers from the UK and EU are recreating odours as part of the Odeuropa project, using algorithms and drawing on visual and written evidence
June 2022
Sali Hughes on beauty
Need a last-minute Father’s Day gift? Try these fragrances
Dads like to smell nice but few feel justified in treating themselves – so do it for them
