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The Benefits of a Perfume Subscription Box | Bare&Bond

September 26, 2019

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sophhearts

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My approach to fragrance is frivolous. As much as I love makeup and skincare, I find that they require a careful selection process based upon the current needs of my skin. Perfumes are different, they allow instinctive choices and the freedom to reach for whatever scent takes my fancy. 

This post is part of a paid collaboration with Bare&Bond. All words, images, and opinions are my own. Please read my full disclaimer for more information.

TRIALLING PERFUME WITH BARE&BOND

I’m drawn to perfume halls and new fragrances. My sizeable collection speaks for how often I like to switch up my scent, but I can no longer justify pushing yet another half-empty luxury fragrance to the back of the shelf in favour of a more recent buy. Not when the alternative is so appealing (and more economical).

Cue perfume subscription boxes, the perfect way to try a new fragrance every month. Bare&Bond boxes arrive every three months and contain three different 15ml perfumes which are provided by a featured perfumer.

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Although it was the access to a wider variety of perfume that sold the concept of perfume subscription to me, it’s clear that Bare&Bond deliver something more. This service is just as much about luxury as it is about practicality and each box is designed by a featured artist and beautifully packaged. My Bare&Bond delivery wasn’t like a usual online order, it felt like a gift.  The unboxing is an experience, the element of surprise combined with the anticipation of finding out which perfumer is featured and what scents you’ll be wearing.

As someone who likes to tailor fragrance to the occasion, I like that three bottles are sent out per quarter. I’ve been switching between mine, keeping my habit of wearing whichever perfume I fancy. The 15ml bottles are the perfect size to keep one in your handbag and would also be perfect to travel with.

My initial reaction to perfume subscription was worry. I was worried that it may be a little restrictive for someone who likes to play with different scents. What I’ve actually realised is that it’s the perfect accompaniment to the perfumes I already have. It curbs any temptation to expand my full-sized collection and allows me to trial new perfumers and scents.

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THE SEPTEMBER QUARTERLY BOX

This quarters box arrived promptly, landing on my doorstep on the 3rd of September. The fragrances have been supplied by Ruth Mastenbroek, a luxury London perfumer whose 100ml bottles retail at £120. What I love so much about this box is that it has introduced me to a luxury brand I’ve not had the pleasure of before. For most of us, £120 for a single bottle is a serious investment, but Bare&Bond allow three months of wear for £44.85 (or £14.95 a month). I can feel and smell amazing all without running the risk of getting bored of such an expensive product.

Although I’d love to know more about notes, ingredients, and of perfumes in general, I’m certainly no expert. Despite that, I did want to share some information about the featured perfumes alongside my thoughts. These perfumes are evidently high-end and I really do love them all.

OXFORD

An Oriental fragrance type, with notes of jasmine, cashmere, and vanilla.

This is my favourite scent of the three. As someone who suppresses an eye-roll when people refer to wine as oaky or discuss the most subtle ingredients in scents which I, myself, absolutely cannot distinguish, it surprised me that the first thing I smell when I spray this is basil. In fact, I recognised it before I’d even glanced at the Ruth Mastenbroek website for ingredients.

I also pick up the Jasmine and, once it’s warmed to my skin, recognise the vanilla.

SIGNATURE

A Chypre [pronounced sheep-ra] fragrance type, which means that it is warm, dry and woody.

With this perfume, the only ingredient of those listed that I pick up is a citrus scent, presumably from the mandarin. I know very little about wood- may I remind you of the oaky wines? So instead of pretending as if I do, I’d rather discuss Ruth’s compelling storytelling.

This fragrance she describes as ‘A story of freedom… set along a winding path of wet and earthy leaves that lead to a secret garden.’ I love that to Ruth, these perfumes aren’t just scents, but memories and stories wanting to be shared.

AMOROSA

A White flower accord fragrance type: In perfume, an accord is a scent made up of several perfume notes or ingredients.

Amorosa means ‘a woman in love with life’, a beautiful name for a perfume. Although I didn’t pick up any scents I recognised from this perfume, I amor it. It’s fresh, light and perfect for easy, day to day wear.

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