Sarah Baker Perfumes Tartan and Sarah Baker Perfumes Leopard Review + Tales For the Telling Draw

Sarah Baker Time Piece 2007© 8×10 Photographic Edition

London-based artist Sarah Baker of Sarah Baker Perfumes adores that slender thread between authenticity and fakery; she’s created performance art, story-telling which revolves around her fully-fleshed fictional characters (one of whom is “Sarah Baker”, a well-heeled socialite representative of the nouveau riche). Originally her focus was parodical self-portraiture – which has moved on to soap opera-like tales exploring how we view consumerism, ‘personalities’ who fashion themselves into icons, marketing themselves, branding themselves: think the Kardashians and Paris Hilton. It’s personality, creativity and narrative which matter…

 Lucky From Sarah Baker Cakes Series Photo by Ian McKell©

Sarah had invested her considerable energies and talents into every detail: creating her own brand Sarah Baker Perfumes, fabrics (she silk-screened heaps of fabric!); she employed milliners, fan-makers, costume-makers to this end. Why not segue into the arena of aroma: how might the characters smell? What do their environs reveal on an olfactory plane?

Sarah Baker Installation at the Institute for Art and Olfaction LA 2017

She had been collaborating with perfumer and Director of Education Ashley Eden Kessler from the Institute of Art and Olfaction since 2013; it didn’t require much of a stretch.  Now, let’s investigate two of those fragrant forays. I chose these from the four samples I’d recently received precisely because of their dissimilarity.

Tartan Perfume Still Life © Photo by Sarah Baker

Sarah Baker Perfumes Tartan (composed by Sarah McCartney): Sarah McCartney of 4160 Tuesdays and Sarah Baker have been hanging out with Her Majesty in the Highlands if the copy has anything to do with it. You’ll need both a pedigree and a pedigreed pet; clearly it’s corgis only per Regent’s request. Sarah suggests that you tuck yourself up in a venerable tartan blanket (The choice of plaid is up to you – but if it were me I’d research them carefully first. Ideally, it should coordinate nicely with your family heraldic crest.) in front of the hypnotic fireplace adorning your vast floor-to-ceiling library. That divan upon which you are reclining is leather, well-weathered. Naturally, you are weary from combing the moors in pursuit of ancient moss-laden ruins with those furry low-hanging fruit nipping at your heels (corgis are SO frisky!). Why not reward yourself with a finger or three of a choice Macallan? You’ve earned it, after all. Noblesse oblige.

How does it smell? The first blast is potent enough to knock you off your trotters; it’s dry, dark and slightly dusty, actually. Cedar cedar. Ms. McCartney has artfully interwoven some intriguing notes – a crust from the morning’s loaf pairs nicely with hops and a leather which reminds me more of chaps than sofa. Tobacco leaves are dry regardless of the humidor.’s efforts. The inimitable Scottish damp is evoked by resinous, smoky boozy Buddha wood and seaweed-and-humus redolent Cedarmoss. Hedione’s radiance and diffusivity beside tannic aromatic jasmine tea bestow lift. In the drydown Tartan smells like a really posh, weedy dank manor, in the best possible fashion. Wear it with tweed, jodhpurs and Wellies. Notes: Virginia cedarAtlas cedar, Cedarmoss, bread, leather, hops, tobacco, Buddha wood, Hedione, jasmine tea, labdanum

Sarah Baker Impirioso © film still Starring Olivia d'Abo

Sarah Baker Perfumes Leopard (composed by Ashley Eden Kessler): It’s a night on the town in a chauffered limo: anything goes, and it already has. If you think that a dash of rose and violet is going to save your sorry hinder… well. Think again, my dear. Not bloody likely (NBL for short, in our house). You are getting up to all sorts of mischief and the night’s not over yet. Cassis really would prefer to be fruity but she’ll only tarry there: cast in unholy wedlock with a generous dose of galbanum, vetiver, patchouli and labdanum she yields up her cat-urine glory and the combined effect is distinctly cannabis. We’ll pepper her with spice, a powerhouse woody amber (Cetalox), underscore it with darkly musky castoreum and gentle it with honeyed beeswax and cushiony Cashmeran. 

Sarah Baker© Rocco Rosso Riche Live at National Theatre Studio  London Starring Olivia d'Abo and Gale Harold

Here we are, up against the pub railing snogging a complete stranger – doesn’t it feel good? There’s no room between you two for the Holy Ghost. That seedy barroom floor doesn’t look any too clean, but you’re too blotto to be bothered. Back in the limo, you’re leaning out the moon roof inhaling the night air and bellowing the lyrics to the Spice Girls: “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.”

Notes: frankincenseblack peppercardamomgalbanum, cassis, rosevioletsandalwood,patchouli, vetiverlabdanum, Cetalox, castoreumbeeswax, Cashmeran, musk

Samples kindly provided by Sarah Baker Perfumes– thank you! My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Senior Editor and Natural Perfumery Editor

~ Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to the generosity of Sarah Baker Perfumes we have one a reader’s choice of

Sarah Baker Perfumes Tartan by Sarah Baker©

OR

Sarah Baker Perfumes Leopard EDP photo by Sarah Baker©

available to one registered reader in the E.U. USA or Canada. Be sure to register or your comment will not count. To be eligible please let us know where you live and what appeals to you about Ida’s review of Sarah Baker Perfumes Tartan and Sarah Baker Perfumes Leopard, and which you  would want to win  Would you preder a night on the town in a chauffeured limo or wandering the moors with the Queen and a stallion? Draw closes 10/18/2018

At the Experimental Scent Summit, 2018 Group selfie bySarah McCartney©. Also pictured Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, Beckielou Brown, Maxwell Williams, Oswaldo Macia, Julieanne Lee, Sarah Baker, and Anna D'Errico.

Note: ÇaFleureBon has been a proud media partner with Art and Olfaction Awards since 2015

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume. 

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52 comments

  • Very intriguing concept behind this lineup!

    I think I would lean towards Tartan (biased due to my Scottish lineage!), but Leopard also sounds fantastic as well.

  • Gabriel Garcia says:

    Great review spotlight,
    Beautiful and cozy, And I would like to explore Sarah’s creations, I currently have tartan, and I am enjoying the earthiness of the tobacco.

  • Roger Engelhardt says:

    Wonderful review, as always! This is a new brand for me, first I’ve heard of them. You had me at cat urine!! Leopard it is❤️
    Thanks to Sarah Baker and her generosity.
    I am in the USA

  • “…she yields up her cat-urine glory and the combined effect is distinctly cannabis”. That’s good enough for me. US

  • Great review, I loved the descriptive review of what Tartan smells like , the blanket by the fire with whiskey in a leather chair of a your library and walking the moors in Scotland it helps to paint a vivid picture in your mindbof what Tartan dmelks like! But if I had to choose I would pick Leopard , a nigjt on thevtown in a club making out with a stranger and cruising around in a limo screaming a spice girls song out the moon roof sounds fun and the type of frag I would definitely love to wear! I live in the USA.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Intriguing sounding scents! Both sound absolutely wonderful. I loved the evocative scenarios/settings evoked by each scent. Beautifully (and scandalously) written review. I’d definitely be up for the jaunt on the moors! To go with that, I’d be happy to win Tartan. Thanks so much for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Ida’s review of Sarah Baker Perfumes Tartan and Leopard was excellent! Ida did a wonderful job explaining the two fragrances and how different they are. Honestly, I’d like both because they both represent my wife and I. She’s the type of gal who prefers a night on the town in a chauffeured limo and I’m the guy wandering the moors. If I had to choose, I’d pick Tartan. Arkansas, USA

  • I love knowing about the intriguing (multi)personality of Miss Sarah Baker, and the playful tone of this enjoyable piece!
    Although a city girl, I rarely (if ever!) indulge in nights on the town in a chauffeured limo – so, Leopard would be my choice.
    Thank you for the terrific text, images and prize.
    I live in EU (France).

  • Although I could really use a night out on the town, my Scots-Irish blood is drawn to tucking myself up in the Tartan blanket.
    Fort Lauderdale, Fl

  • Great review as always. Both fragrances sounds good but i think Leopard suits me better, i love the pyramid notes. Thanks for this awesome draw, i am in the EU.

  • Given the notes, I think that Leopard would be something I would really enjoy. Scenes in limos harken back to Kevin Costner in No Way Out. Wow. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US

  • Lillyhollowayblog says:

    I’m more of a moors person than limo but the notes for Leopard are irresistible. I’m in the US.

  • both tartan and leopard look interest though quite different compositions from each other. My choice would be Tartan because i enjoy cedar as a note and also because this is so different from Sarah’s usual compositions. I am in US

  • I love the sounds of Leopard with galbanum, vetiver, castoreum, musk, beeswax as it has one of my favourites notes. Also, love the description Ida created. It is vividly dark, noiresque.

    I am from EU and my pick is, of course, Leopard. Thank you!

  • You are getting up to all sorts of mischief and the night’s not over yet. I have never need help being mischievous, but Leopard sounds like a welcome companion. Great review Ida, Comme toujours. I look forward to good things from this house.

  • I’ll love to win Tartan because of the description of how it smells. “The first blast is potent enough to knock you off your trotters; it’s dry, dark and slightly dusty, actually”.

    I live in California.

    I would prefer a night on the town in a chauffeured limo.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    I love it when Ida and Michelyn get together to write/illustrate a review – great descriptions as always. I’d have to go with the Limo, but my hubby would prefer me in Tartan. They both sound innovation and interesting – love a little nudge nudge wink wink in a bottle! I’m in Aus so I don’t qualify!

  • So happy to read an article about Sarah’s perfumes. I know her personally and she is a true artist and very kind lady. Her fragrances are unbelievably amazing. I have Leopard and Lace and they are just stunning. Both are sexy but in a different way. I’d love to win Tartan for upcoming cold seasons…. Ida is right… It is sort of dark but it has some relaxing, boozy elements too. Perfect to enjoy during freezing winter evenings. I am from Germany

  • I have Tartan on my watch list for a quite a while, would love to win and smell this! The dark stuff intrigues me, isn’t that one quite unusual for Sarah McC? I’m about to leave for two camping nights in the mountains in a few hours, so wandering the moors is definitely my cup of whisky. Please let me win this to Germany, thanks for the draw!

  • I’ve heard a lot about this line, haven’t yet experienced it. I didn’t realize Sarah is such a big personality. The notes in these 2 fragrances seem to match that. I’d choose Leopard. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • Cedar, leather, and tobacco! Tartan sounds like my happy place and I’d love to try that one. Leopard sounds too fierce for me! I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Tartan sounds like something I would like. I love Sarah McCartney. tho it does sound a little different from her usual. Great writing by Ida. Thank you for the chance to try this fragrance. I live in the US.

  • I liked Tartan description more- sound amazing. I like cedar, labdanum, leather. So I think I would like this perfume.
    I would like to win Tartan.
    US

  • I would like wandering the moors with the Queen and a stallion, but I would prefer Tartan just because the notes and the description is more “me”. Bread and leather? Uh, never heard that before so count me in!
    Thanks for the generosity, I live in the EU.

  • Yasmina Salah says:

    I recently bought the samples and they are marvels of scent. And this way of putting its perfumes in value bring only more authenticity and make me travel beyond the limits of the spirit. I live in Belgium and I really like both Tartan and Leopard, I would have the surprise. Thank’s

  • I’ve been reading so many reviews and watching YT videos about these fragrances. They sound so amazing!! I’d love to try Leopard!! And if I had the choice, I’d most definitely like a night on the town in a chauffeured limo!
    I live in the USA.

  • I enjoyed your review, Ida, very fun! Tartan is the one callng to me, because I’m always going to choose the Scottish highlands over a limo! Thanks for the revi3w and draw.

  • Wonderful review, and these fragrances also sounds wonderfully. Both on their own different way. To me Tartan sounds a little bit more interesting. So my choice would be that one, if I would be as lucky to win. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Jeffrey Huck says:

    I really enjoyed the wild limo ride and snogginh with a stranger singing the spice girls.
    I will tell you what I really want to win
    Leopard

  • Though I’d rather be wandering the moors (loved the shout out to corgis, lol) between these two scents I can’t resist the sound of Leopard.

    Wanton “powerhouse” perfumes are a total delight and I like to indulge in them even when the occasion is less than glamorous. Applied sparingly, so that you have to snuggle in to catch a whiff, they purr along in a way that’s not too flamboyant for the office, and when they warm up on the skin, are a colorful touch wafting up while you’re running about town or even walking in the woods. Truth be told, I’m the last person in the world that would be hanging out of a moon roof and screaming, and I’m most likely to liberally apply a roaring perfume when I’ve come home from work and jumped into a pair of old sweatpants or pajamas for the evening. A bit of opulence to counteract the Wednesday doldrums, you know? Galbanum, beeswax, roses, spices… <3 I'm in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Wow, this new Sarah McCartney’s composition sounds mind-blowing. So definitely I would chose Tartan. Nevertheless I will prefer night on the town in limo 😉 I live in Poland.

  • Tartan because Sarah McCartney. I prefer wandering the moors. USA. Thanks for the chance to win this draw.

  • Chuck Goodpaster says:

    Tartan sounds amazing! I love everything about this scent from the bottle to the juice! I’d prefer the moors with or without the queen. Maybe Sarah could take her place!

  • Ooh, I watched Sebastian’s review of these, they both sounded so good, in different ways.. I would prefer a night on the moors in Scotland, having lived a few years in Glasgow, even though cougar sounds yummy too! I love the pictures Ida paints for the reviews, thank you! I’m in the us

  • doowtnehpets says:

    I like the part where Tartan’s first blast would “knock you off your trodders”, sounds great. I live in Albuquerque, NM USA. Both sound good, but I’d have to go with Tartan as I can’t do rose, no matter how little. I’d also prefer wandering the Moors.

  • That description of Tartan really leaves me wanting to give it a try. The fact that the perfumer is Sarah McCartney only makes it more interesting.My country of residence is Canada.

  • Wild night on the town sounds irresistible! I’ll love to win Leopard. Thanks for the draw. I live in the EU.

  • doveskylark says:

    As much as I like nightlife and all the naughtiness that goes along with a night on the town, Tartan appeals to me the most. Maybe it’s my Scottish heritage The cedar and the moss sound like they would transport me directly to the moors. I would definitely choose Tartan if I were the winner.
    I live in the USA.

  • Tartan sounds very interesting! And I want to test Sarah Mc Cartney creation for Sarah Baker.
    I like this part of review: “Naturally, you are weary from combing the moors in pursuit of ancient moss-laden ruins with those furry low-hanging fruit nipping at your heels (corgis are SO frisky!)”.
    I would love to win Tartan.
    USA, DE

  • Love the imagery/inspiration behind what kind of scene each scent was inspired by! I’m not a leopard kind of person, but the notes for leopard sound right up my alley. Though I would prefer the night in the limo…hmmm! I live in the US.

  • The backstory of Tartan is nice – the Scottish inspitration .I do like the idea of me being under a blanket in front of my fireplace.Interesting and according to her distinguished-yes pls. Woody-boozy and dry i adore .It’s not just the notes , the backstory and Ida’s and Sebastians impressions (he did a review too ~2 weeks back) – Tartan should be the most un-orthodoxal from the all 4 new fragrances.
    The concept is nice and the implementation looks good too.
    I do like the fact shSarah Baker is passionate about those fragrances , and it’s not just some business for her.
    I much prefer the idea of me wandering the moors with the Queen and a stallion.That’s why i chose Tartan.I love my fireplace…now i need a bottle of Tartan.
    I do follow Sarah Baker on IG too – @houseofsarahbaker
    VA USA or London UK 97/100 times

  • I live in the US
    The review for both fragrances make them sound very unique, sensual, and dark. Tartan is a bit more to my tastes though, since it seems a bit less daring. Leopard does sound lovely though.
    If I win, I’d like Tartan.
    Wandering the moors with the queen and a stallion. That sounds way more unique than a night on the town.

    Thanks for the draw.

  • Enjoyed this article and like the descriptions of both fragrances. Both sound good but right now leopard probably interests me a bit more.
    Haven’t tried and from this House. Thanks
    California

  • Very woody and slightly boozy fragrance with bread note ? Interesting
    I do like the idea of fragrances inspired by fashion motifs , plus i do like the presentation.Both bottles and the box are nice.I’d like to win Tartan – the concept of this one sounds great,plus cedar and tobacco…i’m in.
    No way i’m picking up the limo – riding a stallion horse will be a dream come true.
    Non-stop back and forth between USA and Scotland (part of UK) .1 week in US->1 week is Scotland , and so on.One other reason to choose Tartan.
    Tnx for this giveaway

  • They All sound intriguing, but as my maiden name is ‘leopard’ in my mother tongue…. I’d have to go with my ‘signature’ scent, lol.

    I think the fashion (fabric) inspo is brilliant. Fabrics have such a wealth of sensory and cultural associations — color, texture, historical periods, and now — olfactory.

    Thank you for the giveaway

  • Wonderful review Ida. Both prrfumes sound great. The fabric inspiration is admirable. The fact that the perfumes come with a piece of fabric that served as inspiration is even better.
    I also watched Sebastian’s take on them. Beautiful box presentation.
    Tartan has won me over. The composition created by Sarah McCartney sound amazing especially those bread, hops and jasmine tea combos.
    What could be better than being tucked up in a tartan blanket in front of a fireplace.
    Wandering the moors is my thing.
    Thank you for the article
    I’m in the EU.

  • Great review Ida,very detailed article really enjoyed this one, I can smell them now if i close my eyes !!, I think your quote about Tartan grabbed me”The first blast is potent enough to knock you off your trotters” lol, I enjoy those TRIPLE D fragrances ..Dark Dank and Dusty 🙂 With Cedar ….hmmm very intrigued, TARTAN is one I’d have to pick if I somehow won !

    Wandering the moors with the queen and a stallion ,that sounds like a once and a lifetime opportunity compared to limo..right.

    Thanks for amazing article…Ida !

    Canada here…. 🙂

  • Great review by Ida! I love the concept of both of these. My favorite part was “…she yields up her cat-urine glory and the combined effect is distinctly cannabis”. I love limo’s and a night on the town. Leopard will definitely have to be my choice. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Id love to try this one Great review as usual . Any of these fragances would be great. Miami Florida Thanks

  • Ooooohhhhhh! Definitely a night on the town wearing Tartan!!! ;D
    Thanks for a fabulous draw! USA