The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Next Scent by Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven (2021)+ NEW BOOK Worldwide Draw

 The Perfume Companion The Definitive Guide to Choosing your Signature Scent review

The Perfume Companion with the Authors Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven photos by Sarah, Samantha and Michelyn

Perfume guides, reviews and commentary abound everywhere one looks: nolo contendere. While there exists a multitude of reference materials regarding the nuts and bolts of perfumery, the first real guide to classification, description and examples can be traced to Michael Edwards’ Fragrances of the World which debuted in 1983. Since then we have read the opinions and prose of Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, Barbara Herman and Neil Chapman. 2021 has brought us a different sort of aromatic vision provided by artisan perfumer Sarah McCartney (4160Tuesdays) in collaboration with perfume journalist Samantha Scriven of iscentyouaday.com perfume blog,( formerly Senior Contributor at ÇaFleureBon). In their newly-released The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Next Scent, they have reviewed nearly 500 fragrances from a perspective based upon perfume fact, cost, and a singular lack of bias: if there is a particular fragrance which is inexpensive and marvelous, it’s included as well. I consumed this entire volume cover-to-cover in one day; granted, I dedicated that day to nothing else – but The Perfume Companion held my interest. Does it include every possible perfume since the beginning of time? NO. That is not the goal; the fragrances were carefully chosen and winnowed out from Pandora’s Box, no doubt – and if the co-authors didn’t suffer a nervous breakdown during the process, it’s nothing short of miraculous.

The Perfume Companion features inexpensive fragrances as well as niche

Page 174 photo by MIchelyn

Several aspects distinguish Sarah McCartney and Samantha’ Scrivens guide from all the previous ones, primarily a complete lack of snobbery or pretension and) the desire to illuminate grey areas of understanding. Have I purchased, read and enjoyed all the other guides? You bet I have, and will continue to do so – but this one manages, without condescension – to provide useful information; brief, legible histories; explanations of definitions; answers to the unasked questions about which many beginning perfume amateurs (meaning “those who love”) may be hesitant. There are footnotes delineating specific note perceptions – such as what makes a floral ‘classic’, why citruses are so fleeting, what are ‘imagined aromas’, why and how gin smells the way it does, and other engrossing scented snippets which enrich the reader’s knowledge base. The glossary included helps dispel doubts about the vocabulary fragrance lovers and perfumers bandy about – sillage, niche vs. artisan, the “Big Five”, et al. The information is delivered succinctly, often tongue-in-cheek, but it’s good-humored and all in fun – although it helps if you are familiar with current day British English (as opposed to American English); otherwise, one might feel a wee bit out of place.

The Perfume Companion features, niche, designer, artisan and budget fragrances

  Page 180 photo by Michelyn

The Perfume Companion is the first fragrance guide to recommend Axe/Lynx body sprays, Avon, and multiple modern variants of 4711, Demeter and other bon marché scents which won’t break the bank; it’s a refreshing change of pace. Other points of departure are reviews of LUSH fragrances and suggestions for a less expensive perfume option when available. I appreciate (and I hope others will as well) that the cost of each fragrance is rated (in British pounds) – so that the reader may gauge the damage before they open their wallet. Overall, the fragrance descriptions are fairly brief, witty and enjoyable, and make for a pleasurable read.

The Perfume Companion book categories

Photo by Michelyn

Categorization includes concept scents, mossy, oud, musk, marine and soliflores – all of which makes perfect sense. It bears repeating that I can’t possibly fathom how the authors managed to cull the immense herd of fragrances available – all the while keeping an eye on availability, so that readers wouldn’t be forced to languish over The Unattainable, Discontinued or Vintage.

 In the ongoing interests of transparency, I requested a copy for review and was very kindly sent one – for which I am thankful. We at ÇaFleureBon are so very proud of Sarah and Sam and the fruit of their hard-won labor, and wish them every success!

We hope you will support them and buy The Perfume Guide here

  ~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Editor’s Note: Special acknowledgment was given to the contributions of perfume enthusiast Brooke Belldon (also a former CaFleureBon contributor) which is graciously noted on the ABOUT THE AUTHORS PAGE.-Michelyn (who also received a copy from the publishers)

All photos via Michelyn, Sarah, Samantha and the publisher unless otherwise noted.

  

Frances Lincoln Publishing©

Thanks to the generosity of Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven, we may offer two volumes of The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Next Scent for two registered readers Worldwide. To be eligible, please share with us why this book appeals to you based on Ida’s review and where you live. Draw closes 11/15/202

 

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31 comments

  • rachelng says:

    Oohh! Oohh! Pick me! ✋ I am definitely a “beginning perfume ameteur” ❤️! Of course, I know this is a random draw, but perhaps the perfume gods will land on my name. This book sounds Amazing! I am DEFINITELY the kind of person who wants answers to all those little questions (what makes a white floral classic, etc. etc.) and would LOVE to spend hours & hours studying this book! It seems quite appropriate to my level of discovery & interest. I’m super excited there is a book that includes contemporary scents of all prices. I have lots of family in London, so it would be so great to take this book exploring with them! ❤️ Of course, anything Ida recommends always appeals to me! Thank you so much for the opportunity! USA

  • Samantha Scriven says:

    I am so thrilled with Ida’s review. To be appreciated by a writer of her award winning calibre is a true compliment. It was indeed a challenge not to include many, many more fragrances but editorial limits did help to concentrate the mind! It was a wonderful ly fragrant adventure and I remain in awe of Sarah’s beautifully written intros.

  • drjedi says:

    This book, as per Ida’s review, is unpretentious and willing to evaluate inexpensive perfumes, many of which can be very good. Plus the price of the book itself is quite affordable. The ability to answer newbie questions without snobbery and holier-than-thou attitude, is also welcome. Would love to read this book. Thank you for writing from your valuable experience in the form of a book. Writing from the USA.

  • Ben A says:

    Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez’s “Perfumes: The Guide” was an essential companion during the early days of my fragrance journey. But as someone who’s always looking for great cheapies, the McCartney and Scriven book is going to find a place on my shelf. If I can win a copy, so much the better! I live in Oklahoma, USA.

  • AleksCipri says:

    Wow wow wow. I cannot wait to read the book. I have a couple of books like this one, but I even before reading Ida’s text I new this is going to be a good one. Sarah McCartney is such a down to earth and knowledgeable woman. I new her book is going to honest and without any snobbery. I’m also happy to se they include Lush perfumes and have ratings on fragrance prices. I hope you pick me for this giveaway but if you don’t I know I’ll for sure buy this book. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • cynthiaf says:

    We are always looking for the next perfect fragrance and I love that this book covers all price points and is written by a perfumer. From Texas.

  • msnitechemist says:

    As I am relatively new to the terminology of perfumery and scent, this book would be an amazing jumping off point to further my education in the field. From the photos, the layout and design of the book was well thought out. In Ida’s review, I appreciated most “from a perspective based upon perfume fact, cost, and a singular lack of bias: if there is a particular fragrance which is inexpensive and marvelous, it’s included as well.” From my own personal experience, I can say that I’ve now tried a bunch of different fragrances from different houses, and given my surprise of what I did and didn’t like, especially taking into account the power of brands or lack thereof, the choice to minimize bias when writing about these perfumes evens the playing field for all the perfumes and the people behind them.

    I am grateful for the opportunity to win what sounds like a perfume Bible (!) I live in the US.

  • Hayley says:

    This is already on my Christmas list but I’d like to try and win. I like how Ida describes that the book offers alternatives and doesn’t just look at the high end perfumes. I am in U.K.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    A review by Ida no matter where you are in your fragrance journey I believe everybody needs advice and guidance so this book will help you to find your favourite fragrance is amazing. I wish Sarah and Samantha all the best. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Choosing a scent can be overwhelming but I am glad this book looks at alternatives to more expensive fragrances. I would love to win. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Yvana van den Hork says:

    With about 1600 scents to choose from, there’s not so much the problem of knowing how to choose the next fragrance, but how to diminish that collection: this perfume companion might help.

  • wandering_nose says:

    Ohhh! When I saw the header of the review I was thrilled with excitement! A major fan of perfume reletad books and guides and a proud owner of a few titles, I know I just have to have this title from Sarah and Samantha. The fact that one of the authors is a perfumer adds a lot in my opinion, and I really appreciate that budget friendly offerings and less trendy perfume houses have been included. All that takes the guide to a mother level. I am based in Ireland, EU

  • Marion. morgana62 says:

    Count me in! I too have many books on perfume, and certainly appreciate every one. Most seem to gush over too many perfumes, I’m looking forward to one that simply puts them in and explains what type and what’s inside, rather then including something like this: not for the young/old/day/etc. Thank you for the chance. Admire our Ida and Samantha so much. Beautiful!

  • Christie says:

    I would love to win this because Winter is coming and I want to sit with this book, a hot tea and dream of my next fragrant purchase. Thanks to Sarah and Samantha for such a generous gift. In Virginia, USA

  • LightOfJoy says:

    I am very excited about this book and have placed it on my Christmas wish list.

    “Several aspects distinguish Sarah McCartney and Samantha’ Scrivens guide from all the previous ones, primarily a complete lack of snobbery or pretension and) the desire to illuminate grey areas of understanding.”

    This…this is why it’s most appealing to me.

    I live in Houston, TX, USA.

  • Steve A says:

    The book is appealing because it sounds like a great aid in choosing a scent. Especially when one doesn’t live near any boutiques. US

  • joshuabrian says:

    Really cool! Maybe if I win I can settle on a signature scent and stop spending so much money. Lol! Thanks for the draw. From Indianapolis.

  • simo975g says:

    I already read the guide by Turin and Sanchez. I learned a lot, and it was a joy. I am a big fan of Sarah McCartney and her contributions to the perfume world. She is very active on the Perfumemaking FB group, and her advice is invaluable to aspiring indie perfumers. I would love to expand my horizon with this book.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • maps says:

    How cool. I saw this book on the Instagram page, and I’m so pleased there is now a draw for two copies! I loved Ida’s review. I appreciate that we get to see the inside of the book, and I love how she points out that the book illuminates the “gray areas”. Cheers from NC, USA.

  • Claumarchini says:

    I am absolutely intrigued by this guide! I am still a total beginner as I have started developing an interest in the art of perfumery and in niche and artistic fragrances just over a year ago and there is soooooooo much to learn and remember, and so many houses….based on Ida’s review I get the feeling this guide would really help a lot in learning more on the industry without getting broke and without getting lost in the thousands of perfumes that exist: well done for this monumental piece of work!! Greetings from Italy

  • aud604 says:

    Nice! I have been eyeing it up after a friend posted about it on Facebook. I have yet to delve into any book about perfumery, although Luca Turin’s book is on my Christmas wish list as well 🙂 This would be a welcome companion. Thank you from Canada.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Ida’s review on The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Next Scent sounds amazing. I would love a new, modernized, and comprehensive book about perfumery. I have a firm belief that we should always incorporate learning into everyday life. I would love the opportunity to learn more about perfumery.

  • xoe says:

    This book sounds amazing! The Perfume Companion appears full of just the kind of information that I need. I am in the US

  • Brian says:

    For at least a year and a half now, I’ve been learning a lot about fragrances, perfumery, and perfumery history. Also, I do a lot of consumer research concerning fragrances, and some of my favorite fragrances are some of the lesser expensive ones. I’d love to own, and read this book-it’s certainly something for someone like me. I live in MD., U.S.A. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the fantastic review Ida.

    It’s great to see a book that is unbiased in every sense of the word AND that receives high praise from you.

    I love how encompassing and equal this work is. We need more of that in the perfume world.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Michael says:

    I really enjoyed both of the Turin/Sanchez guides earlier this year, but McCartney and Scriven’s guide sounds like an equally compelling read, and the design is lovely. Ida’s wonderful review has me looking forward to learning a lot from this new text—especially the approach to categorization.

    I’m in the Midwest, USA.

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention Ida! This book appeals to me based on Ida’s review particularly because of her description of the informative and specific footnotes, that go above and beyond the basic descriptions to bring you insight and asides on specific aspects that go deeper down little information “rabbit holes.” I love that! I live in the US.