Violet tea from the new Pantry Collection at Perfumer H (the brand Lyn Harris started after she sold Miller Harris), made in collaboration with Postcard Teas ("Tim carefully selected a First Flush (Spring) Darjeeling 2020, a Second Flush (Summer) Darjeeling 2019 and a Miaoli White Tip Oolong to complete this beautiful green fusion of fruits of blackcurrant, mandarin and bergamot fused with a floral heart of violet leaf and a hint of vanilla bourbon"). The 30g tin is £30 at Perfumer H.
Lately, when I pick my perfume for the day, I’ve been choosing comfort scents that soothe me just enough to get some necessary work done but not so much that I want to cocoon myself in bed. Over the past two weeks I’ve kept returning to two particular fragrances that fit that description, and both happen to be inspired by beverages: Sunday from Arielle Shoshana and Hot Masala by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz.1
Arielle Shoshana Sunday is a “sweet, green, undefinable” scent promising “Sunday serenity, any day of the week.” It was inspired by Ari’s favorite Sunday-morning beverage, matcha horchata, and was developed by perfumer Cécile Hua. It includes notes of matcha tea, rice milk, cinnamon, maté absolute, cardamom, coconut, amber, sandalwood and vanilla.
I’ve tasted matcha (a beverage made from Japanese powdered green tea) and horchata (a drink of sweetened rice milk with cinnamon) separately, but not together…
Chai! "Soul Chai's original chai powder is the stuff your mugs dream about when they sleep in your cupboards at night. Bold. Spicy-sweet. Soul-warming. This is chai." 100g / 50 servings for $20 at Beautyhabit, in regular (above right, with black tea) or rooibos (above left).
From Or Tea? in the Netherlands, Beeeee Calm Chamomile Infusion ("Nothing is better than having a cup of Camomile to wind down your day. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine being surrounded by nothing but a sea of flowers. Even flying bees are calmed down by your inner peace") in a 50g tin (€11.50) and matching Ceramic Mug with Stainless Steel Infuser (€19.90).
From Upton, Magnolia Blossom Oolong: "This Guangdong province specialty is a lovely Oolong tea, scented with magnolia flowers. Alternately known as Orchid Oolong or in Chinese Yu Lan, this selection is a must try for those who appreciate a fine scented tea. The flavor nuances are unique, but hints of jasmine lend a recognizable character." $17.25 for 125g.