diptyque

diptyque is a Parisian brand of perfume, scented candles and luxury bath and body products. Founded in 1961, diptyque has since gone on to become one of the most sought after and sophisticated brands of its kind. Since being introduced to diptyque a couple of years back (we can't get it in Norwich) I have continuously had one product or another in my possession continually. 

I love the vanilla and warmth to Eau Duelle, the fig scented, summery and unisex Philosykos and at the moment I am going through a vetiver phase (a type of grass derived from India) so the appropriately named Vetyverio is another of my must-have diptyque fragrances.

I recently got a new addition, the fairly new diptyque Vetyver candle. My perfume is on its last few sprays, so the candle has come at a welcome time. 

As well as the wealth of the amazing scents that the diptyque range features, I love the packaging, It is so effortlessly timeless and chic, simple and non-fuss, yet it exudes classic French sophistication. Also, once the candle has burnt down they make for brilliant and stylish holders, I'm thinking I will use mine as a make-up brush pot. 

The fragrances last on the skin all day, I have even had comments on it at the end of the day. The candles fill the room with scent almost instantly and resonate for a good while after. They are available in smaller sizes, but the size I have gives around 60 hours of burning time. 

diptyque products also make for fantastic gifts as there is a scent for everyone, not only that but the packaging and the variety of products available from will make them hard to resist. Although perfumes may be hard to choose for someone specifically, the candles are so diverse and unique, each and everyone of them offering something different, yet all with an unarguable air of luxuriousness. 

Who else is a diptyque fanatic?

www.diptyqueparis.co.uk

Scent Map of Britain – life’s sweeter up north

I just received this in my inbox and I thought it was really interesting as Nic and I both fit perfectly into the habits of Southern women. Where do you fit UK ladies?

The North/South divide is proving alive and well in beauty halls across the country with the most floral, feminine fragrances a sell out success thanks to northern women. South of Watford Gap however, women are snapping up musky, woody and even male scents, according to findings released by one of the UK’s largest perfume retailers, Debenhams.

Northern and Scottish ladies are drawn to glamorous fragrances with a sweet, edible ‘gourmand’ edge. They choose the most ‘girly’ of fragrances with the current bestseller in the region, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.

Southerners opt for more masculine fragrances with an edge, such as Clinique Aromatics Elixir. Men’s fragrances are also popular with Southern girls who wear them on a night out for a more distinctive, dramatic scent.

Women in the Midlands and Wales are the most traditional, opting for the enduring classic perfumes such as Chanel No. 5 and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.

Irish women are plumping for fresh, light fragrances, even through the winter months, choosing Calvin Klein Euphoria and Marc Jacobs Daisy.

Research from the retailer also showed that:
Northern women are very loyal to perfume brands and invest in big bottles that last months
Southern women are much more likely to buy several small bottles of fragrance that they interchange on a regular basis
Northern women spritz the most – topping up their perfume in the morning, lunchtime and often twice in the evening
Southern women are more likely to go fragrance free during the day, keeping a bottle in their handbags or office draw ready for a night out
Northern women wouldn’t even consider borrowing their man’s scent – less than 5 per cent have done so
Southern women are frequent offenders and borrow their partner’s aftershave on average once a fortnight

Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams says, “We see the same trends in fragrance as we do in fashion. Just as Northern women snap up our party dresses and highest heels, they also love the most feminine sweet scents.

“In the South however, it’s distinctive, often masculine fragrances that are teamed with a more edgy style.

“As perfume buying reaches its peak in the run-up to Christmas, we have altered our stock patterns to make sure that whether you are after a fruity fragrance in Folkestone or a woody whiff in Wigan, there is a scent to suit under the tree”.

Debenhams sales figures also reveal that in contrast, there is hardly any regional variance in terms of male fragrance. 1 Million, Bleu de Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male are the consistent bestsellers throughout Britain.

Attridge adds, “As long as they smell good, British men are quite happy to buy a brand they recognise and like without worrying about the messages their scent portrays”.

I am also interested in the fact that Paco Rabanne 1 Million for men has a clean sweep.
I wonder how much of it's success has to do with the rather brilliant commercial. I think the advert really appeals to men (and women). Great music, Alcohol, Nice car, a bit of gambling, a naked supermodel and the allure of sex, power and money. Perfect.
Advertising at it's best.