I'm Haydn Williams and I write about grooming and fragrance for titles such as Grazia and blog as 'You smell great! What is it?' In each episode I will talk with a guest about their life, their work, their grooming regime, their bathroom cabinet essentials - and what they really think about the person staring back at them in the mirror.
Find me on Instagram @maninthemirrorpod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I'm Haydn Williams and I write about grooming and fragrance for titles such as Grazia and blog as 'You smell great! What is it?' In each episode I will talk with a guest about their life, their work, their grooming regime, their bathroom cabinet essentials - and what they really think about the person staring back at them in the mirror.
Find me on Instagram @maninthemirrorpod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man in the Mirror went overseas for the first time last month! I was the guest of the Santa Eulalia Perfumes brand, which is part of the stunning Santa Eulalia department store in Barcelona, Spain. The original shop was founded in 1843 and today, on a different site, is the premium multi-brand fashion store in the city.
Santa Eulalia stock some of the finest designer brands including Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chloe, Jil Sander to name just a few. They also create their own made-to-measure suits, menswear and tailoring under the Santa Eulalia name. Luis Sans is the President of store and the fragrance house, he’s the fourth generation of his family to be custodians of the brand and he very kindly agreed to take part in ‘Man in The Mirror’ in September 2025.
Santa Eulalia Perfumes represent the essence of Barcelona - showcasing both the traditional and the cosmopolitan sides of the city. There is a new intense, more powerful collection of some of the classic fragrances under the ‘Forte’ banner. They are available in some of the best perfume boutiques globally, as well as in the Santa Eulalia shop itself. In the UK the range is in Liberty.
Luis mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
Proraso - Shaving Soap:
https://proraso.com/en/products/shaving/
Santa Eulalia Perfumes - 175, Obscuro, Marinis:
https://www.santaeulalia.com/en-gb/collections/perfumes-santa-eulalia/perfumes
In the UK:
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/s/santa-eulalia/
You can find Santa Eulalia Perfumes on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/santaeulaliaperfumes/
Santa Eulalia Store on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/santaeulalia1843/
Brand website:
https://www.santaeulaliaperfumes.com/en/
(PR trip)
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marc-Antoine Barrois is a guest I’ve been wanting to feature on the podcast for a long while, so I was thrilled when we got the opportunity to spend some time together this summer at the brand’s flagship UK store in central London.
Marc-Antoine is a couturier, as well as the Founder & Artistic Director of his eponymous Maison. He designs beautiful tuxedos, crisp white shirts and jewellery, but is equally well known for his collection of fragrances, created in collaboration with perfumer and friend Quentin Bisch. The perfumes have won countless awards, been critically acclaimed and found a loyal and ever-growing audience. I can’t think of any perfume that gets me as many comments and compliments as ‘Ganymede’ from Marc-Antoine Barrois.
The house is still independent and has a dedicated team (including Marc-Antoine’s younger brother, another Quentin!) who carefully plot the brand’s course and slowly, but surely introduce new products and new markets. Here in the UK there is a must-see shop in the Piccadilly Arcade that gives a tantalising glimpse into the ‘Marc-Antoine Barrois universe’ - complete with an upside down blue rabbit in the window! They also have a presence in Harrods and Selfridges.
Marc-Antoine mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
Augustinus Bader - Hand Cream
https://augustinusbader.com/uk/en/the-hand-treatment
B683 Fragrance - Marc-Antoine Barrois
https://marcantoinebarrois.com/en-gb/products/b683
You can find Marc-Antoine Barrois on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/marcantoinebarrois/
Marc-Antoine’s personal IG:
https://www.instagram.com/mabarrois/
Brand website:
https://marcantoinebarrois.com/en-gb
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that brands and products are a result of life choices and decisions that may have seemed insignificant at the time. One such decision led Craig Andrade to leave work early to attend a candle making workshop. He fell in love with the craft, the creativity and the connection with olfaction and he decided to make a change and quit his corporate law role. Craig’s ‘Act II’ began when he studied perfumery at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and eventually he founded his own brand, Raconteur in Australia - focusing on native botanicals. There are now three stores in Australia and the brand is stocked globally, including at Bloom in London. Craig says:
“My perfumery practice straddles beauty, art, history, science, botany, geography, and physiology. It comprises rich layers of storytelling and meaning. My focus is on making natural fragrances that combine these elements and provide both pleasure and purpose.”
Craig mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
Sodashi - Cleanser Clay, Face Polish and Sleek Moisturiser
https://www.sodashi.co.uk/products/
Cancer Council of Australia - Sunscreen
https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/collections/sunscreen
Raconteur fragrances are available here in the UK at Bloom - and via the Raconteur website globally.
https://bloomperfume.co.uk/collections/raconteur
You can find Raconteur on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/the_rac_on_teur/
Raconteur website:
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to episode 3 in the new season. I’m following up one perfumer with another, this time a young, exciting perfumer who is really making waves at the moment. It’s Florian Gallo, who works for the fragrance house DSM-Firmenich.
We spoke particularly in relation to a beautiful fragrance Florian has created for luxury Italian brand Brunello Cucinelli called ‘Sofio Zenit’, a study in white fig and aromatics that’s been a huge favourite of mine all summer. It’s part of the’ ‘Icanti Poetici’ collection from the brand which also features fragrances from Alberto Morillas (last week’s guest!) as well as Quentin Bisch and Jordi Fernandez.
Florian mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
DOP - Douche Creme - Bonbon Cola
https://www.naturalfrenchsoap.com/dop-douche-creme-bonbon-cola-250ml
Sofio Zenit from Brunello Cucinelli is out now:
https://www.harrods.com/en-ua/p/brunello-cucinelli-soffio-zenit-parfum-100ml-000000000007732451
You can find Brunello Cucinelli on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/brunellocucinelli_brand/
Florian Gallo is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/floriangallo_perfumer/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thanks for joining me for episode 2 of the brand new season of ‘Man in the Mirror.’ It’s a very special episode this week and something of a career highlight - my guest is none other than Master Perfumer and Founder of niche house Mizensir, Alberto Morillas.
Alberto is the nose behind many of the most iconic fragrances of the last 50 years - ck One, Acqua di Gio, Marc Jacobs ‘Daisy’, Kenzo ’Flower’, to name just a handful. He also founded his own brand Mizensir in 1999 in Geneva. Alberto and I chatted in July 2025 before I hosted his masterclass at Harrods, for new Mizensir fragrance ‘Ylang Spirit.’ Morillas has been working with the same fragrance house, DSM Firmenich for over 50 years and we spoke about this relationship, his fragrances, work, travel, his family, garden and his morning routine.
Alberto was every bit as charming and engaging as I hoped he would be, with a huge zest for life and a twinkle is his eye! What’s more, his love for his work was evident in everything he said. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
He mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
Pure Altitude - Edelweiss No. 1 cream
https://pure-altitude.com/en/products/creme-edelweiss-n-1-universelle-hydratante-protectrice
Ylang Spirit from Mizensir is out now and available in Harrods:
https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/mizensir-ylang-spirit-eau-de-parfum-100ml-000000000007810779
You can find Mizensir online at:
https://www.mizensir.com/en-gb
On Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/mizensir
Alberto is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/morillas.alberto/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you miss me?! Welcome back to the new season of ‘Man in the Mirror’… and somehow we’ve made it to season 10! This season promises to be the best one yet and I’m kicking things off with a guest I’ve wanted to chat to for such a long time - it’s Renaud Salmon, Chief Creative Officer at Amouage.
Renaud has been with the Omani house of Amouage since 2019 and leads a team that has delivered huge success for the brand in recent years. Just last week Renaud was named as one of the ‘100 Innovators’ of 2025 by Vogue Business. The brand has seen an increase in their global footprint - and there have been critically and commercially successful launches such as The Odyssey Collection (including Guidance) and the Essences Collection. Salmon is reknowned for his excellent working relationship with perfumers and has created fragrances with the likes of Quentin Bisch, Julien Rasquinet, Cécile Zarokian and Bertrand Duchaufour, to name just a few.
I sat down with Renaud in July ’25 in Harrods, London. He was in the store for the release of a Harrods exclusive fragrance, ‘Reception’, created with (former podcast guest) perfumer, Pierre Negrin. The research work Renaud did in the Harrods archive and the way he’s attempted to bring together the ideas of Omani hospitality with the welcome you get at the world’s most famous department store highlights his unique approach to being a Creative Director. I found Salmon to be thoughtful, inquisitive and humble. In our wide ranging conversation we talk about craft, creativity, luxury and innovation, as well as what he thinks when he looks in the mirror.
Renaud mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:
Sulwhasoo - Daily Fluid Sunscreen
https://int.sulwhasoo.com/products/uv-daily-fluid-sunscreen
Augustinus Bader Products
https://augustinusbader.com/uk/en
Dr Levy Switzerland Products
https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/c/brands/dr-levy-switzerland/shop-all/
‘Reception’ (part of the ‘Essences Collection’) is out now, exclusively at Harrods
https://www.harrods.com/en-ua/p/amouage-reception-eau-de-parfum-100ml-000000000007810739
You can find Amouage online at:
On Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/amouageofficial/
Renaud is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/renaudsalmon/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s the last episode in the current season of ‘Man in the Mirror’ and this one is just me for a change! I wanted to highlight the Barnes Fragrance Fair that is taking place this Saturday 17th May 2025 in Barnes, West London. I’ll be hosting 2 talks during the fair, the first at 9.30a.m. is called ‘Scents & Songs’ and I’ll be hosting alongside Olympic Studios archivist Roger Miles. We’ll be delving into the rich legacy of the world famous Olympic Studios in Barnes and I’ll be matching a fragrance to 6 iconic songs that were recorded there. Think of it as ‘musical sniff-along’ and there will be plenty of chance for interaction and questions. The auditorium is within the Olympic Studios complex, which is now an independent cinema. Ticket info below.
Then at 2pm I’ll be hosting a panel talk called ‘Men Smell’ featuring 4 guests (including 2 former guests from the podcast!) I’ll be joined by journalist Adam Hurly, retail buyer Vesa Kalho, content creator TJ Talks Scents and writer and YouTube creator Persolaise. It promises to be a lively and interactive conversation, I do hope you can join us! There are also loads of other workshops and talks from other leading fragrance writers, presenters and podcast hosts. It’s free to attend the main fair - the talks and workshops are ticketed and the tickets can be bought via the link below.
Ticket details are here:
https://www.barnesfragrancefair.com/talks-2025
I also mentioned the following products that I’ve been loving recently:
Jo Malone London - Black Cedarwood & Juniper Shaving Cream and Aftershave Moisturiser
https://www.jomalone.co.uk/gents/grooming
Jo Malone London - Care Collection - (Exclusive to Selfridges)
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/jo-malone-london/collection-care2dcollection/
Acqua di Parma - Buongiorno Eau de Parfum
https://www.johnlewis.com/acqua-di-parma-buongiorno-eau-de-parfum/p113439344
Aesop - Eleos Body Cleanser
https://www.aesop.com/uk/p/body-hand/body-cleansers-and-scrubs/eleos-nourishing-body-cleanser/
Kiehls - Routine
Adam Reed Arkive - Shampoo and Conditioner
https://arkiveheadcare.com/collections/cleanse-treat
Veronique Gabai - Eau D’Azur (EDP)
https://veroniquegabai.com/collections/eau-dazur
See you in the summer for season 10. Thanks for all your support and thanks for listening!
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
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When I heard about a collaboration between British menswear specialist MOSS (formerly Moss Bros) and Happy Paul, a mood-lifting skincare and fragrance brand, I thought it would be the perfect thing to discuss on Man in the Mirror.
I was invited to record this episode at the MOSS HQ in Camden where I met Robbi Hicks, the MOSS Head of Visual Development and Paul Gerrard, Founder of Happy Paul. You’ll probably know MOSS for occasion wear and suits, but if you haven’t visited a store recently you may not be as aware of the excellent range of casualwear, linens, shirts as well as contemporary tailoring. Recently the brand added Happy Paul’s mood-boosting skincare and fragrance products into 10 MOSS shops, to try to help men feel their best and to open up discussions around self-care and mental wellness.
During the conversation Paul talked about Happy Paul supporting the Young Minds charity. More info and ways to donate can be found here.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
(MOSS kindly gifted items for us to wear for the podcast and for the pictures. I’m in a two-piece dark grey linen suit, available in store and online now.)
Robbi & Paul mentioned the following products during our conversation:
(Robbi)
Le Labo - Another 13
https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/le-labo-another-13-eau-de-parfum-rm-50ml/13319645/
Comme des Garçons - Wonderwood
https://comme-des-garcons-parfum.com/products/wonderwood
Byredo - Body Wash
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/b/byredo/body/
(Paul)
Jack Black - Energising Face Scrub
https://www.maleskin.co.uk/jack-black-face-buff-energising-scrub.html
Creed - Aventus
https://www.creedfragrances.co.uk/products/aventus?variant=46601626845494
Happy Paul - Bright Spice Fragrance
https://www.moss.co.uk/bright-spice-edp-50ml-bell-967011700
MOSS on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/mossbros/
Online at:
Happy Paul on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/we_are_happypaul/
Online at: https://happypaul.co.uk/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
Follow me on IG:
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TikTok:
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Over the last few months I’ve seen posts from ‘Teddy the Perfumer’ crop up on my socials and have really enjoyed his videos and his take on the fragrance industry, so I got in touch and he kindly agreed to come on the show. Teddy Haugen is (unsurprisingly!) a perfumer and is the co-founder of the eponymous independent brand based just outside San Francisco. He’s unusual in that he’s compelling and instinctive on social media - Teddy doesn’t just plug his own creations, he lifts the curtain on his creative process, demystifies the industry and is not afraid to be controversial. Clearly a perfume lover and collector, Teddy’s social posts are just as likely to be his hot take on other brands - or even style and grooming tips. Basically he’s the perfect guest for the podcast!
There are currently 3 fragrances in the Teddy the Perfumer line-up, Banane Au Chocolat, Passing Stranger and Summer in Love, with more in development. It was great to talk to Teddy and he was every bit as engaging and open as I’d hoped he would be. https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/
Teddy mentioned the following products during our conversation:
Dae - Prickly Pear Hair Oil
https://daehair.com/products/prickly-pear-hair-oil?_pos=2&_sid=2a5cd288b&_ss=r
Gummy Professional - Wax Extreme
Phillips - One Blade
https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/oneblade-trim-edge-and-shave/oneblade-360-with-connectivity
Tend Skin
It Cosmetics - Bye, Bye Under Eye
https://www.boots.com/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-concealer-10267973
Teddy The Perfumer - Banane Au Chocolat
https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/products/banane-au-chocolat
You can find Teddy on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/teddy_haugen/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@teddy.haugen
Online at:
https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You may remember a previous guest from season 7, the wonderful Adam Hurly, who is a journalist and the man behind the ‘Blue Print’ channel. He mentioned a U.S. grooming brand that I didn’t know called Brightside and then kindly connected us. Brightside have now launched in the UK and EU, so I took the opportunity to chat to co-founder Chris Hjerling about the inception and the ethos of the brand, the influence of his coastal location in San Diego, California and what’s next for Brightside (hint, it may include fragrance and more body products!ñ
Chris was a fascinating guest, with real insight into the joys and the challenges of developing a brand from scratch. Along with his co-founder Landon, they have created men’s hair products that have been lauded by GQ (as well Adam Hurly!) and are all about elevating personal care and styling using clean, premium ingredients. The products are high performance, but low-maintenance - now that’s something we can all get behind…
Chris mentioned the following products during our conversation:
Acure - Facial Scrub
https://acure.com/products/brightening-facial-scrub
Wahl - Beard Trimmer
https://www.wahl.co.uk/product-category/personal-care/mens-grooming/beard-trimmers-mens-grooming/
Brightside - Hair products
https://brightsidestyle.com/collections/all
https://slickstyles.co.uk/product-category/brands/brightside/ (U.K stockist)
Kiehls - Facial Cleanser
https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/cleansers/cleanser/ultra-facial-cleanser-MUK200003314.html
Salt & Stone - Body Mist
https://www.saltandstone.com/en-gb/products/body-mist?variant=45052090876154
You can find Brightside on IG here:
https://www.instagram.com/brightside.style
Online at:
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was a real treat to talk to Thomas Dunckley this week on the podcast. He was one of the first accounts I followed when I got into fragrance and has an incredible ability to make his content accessible, relatable and fun.
Thomas is a hugely experienced and knowledgeable writer, blogger, speaker and podcaster. He used to write using the name ‘the candy perfume boy’ (changing the gender of the title of a Madonna song!) but now goes under the name ‘making scents make sense.’ This seems to neatly encapsulate his ethos - democratising fragrance and bringing it to life.
Thomas’ new podcast will start in April 2025, also called ‘making scents make sense’ and it sounds like he has some great guests and topics lined up.
He mentioned the following products during our conversation:
Pixie - Glow Tonic
https://pixibeauty.co.uk/products/glow-tonic-250ml
Pixie - Rose Ceramide Cream
https://pixibeauty.co.uk/products/rose-ceramide-cream
Chanel - Hydra Beauty Micro-Serum.
https://www.chanel.com/gb/skincare/p/143180/hydra-beauty-micro-serum-intense-replenishing-hydration/
Bedhead for Men - Shampoo/Conditioner
Roger & Gallet - Fleur de Figuier
Bon Parfumeur - 403 Myrrh Shadow
https://www.bonparfumeur.com/en-gb/products/403-timut-pepper-myrrh-benzoin
You can find Thomas on IG here:
https://www.instagram.com/makingscentsmakesense
Online at:
https://www.thomasdunckley.com/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I had the pleasure of talking to Rodrigo Nikaido who is co-owner and Global Growth Director at Mexican luxury interior fragrance brand Aromaria.
Aromaria recently opened their flagship European store on Regent Street in London and it’s a stunning expression of Mexican creativity and flair fused with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. The brand is known for candles, room sprays and giant ‘perfume sticks’, which are available as 50cm (M) & 1.2m (XL) incense sticks in a variety of scents. All the fragrances are developed in Grasse, France and the products are crafted in Mexico. If you’re ever in Central London the Aromaria store is well worth a visit, you can even craft your own bespoke fragrance.
Rodrigo mentioned the following products during our conversation:
Aromaria - Cabinet de Curiosities Incense Sticks
https://www.aromaria.co.uk/products/buddhas-apprentice-pure-perfume-stick-collection
Aromaria - Fresh White Room Spray, Grapefruit Room Spray
https://www.aromaria.co.uk/collections/room-sprays
La Mer - Lip Balm
https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/lipcare/lip-balm/the-lip-balm-MUK200034795.html
Rodrigo uses fragrances from - Amouage, Byredo, MFK, Orto Parisi - as well as fine fragrance that Aromaria is developing for release soon.
You can find Aromaria on IG here:
https://www.instagram.com/aromariamx
Online at:
https://www.aromaria.co.uk/ (UK)
https://aromaria.mx/ (Rest of the world)
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/
On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Special thanks to Bacchus Agency for arranging the interview.
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A very special episode this week with not one, but two hugely talented and in-demand perfumers. I am joined by (friend of the show!) Julien Rasquinet along with Paul Guerlain.
The two of them were at Harrods in London to discuss ‘Lustre’, a fragrance they co-created for the house of Amouage. ‘Lustre’ is one of a trio of fragrances that make up ‘The Essences’ and each one is double-infused and aged for 6 months. The other two fragrances in the new collection are ‘Reasons’ and ‘Outlands.’ They have all been created using a high concentration of 30% perfume oil, along with many other technical and aesthetic innovations that we discuss during our conversation.
We had chance to talk about ‘The Essences’, the opportunity to work with the prestigious Amouage, how they approached working as two perfumers on one fragrance and also (for Paul) what it means to be part of the Guerlain family.
Paul mentioned the following products in his routine:
Abeille Royale Day Cream - Guerlain
https://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk/p/abeille-royale-day-cream-P061500.html
Abeille Royale Night Cream - Guerlain
https://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk/p/abeille-royale-honey-treatment-night-cream-P061850.html
Julien is a man of simple pleasures and uses bar soap and anti-dandruff shampoo!
You can find Amouage on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/amouageofficial/?hl=en
Online at:
https://amouage.com/en-uk/pages/the-amouage-essences
‘The Essences’ are available in the UK at Harrods:
https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/amouage-lustre-essence-de-parfum-100ml-000000000007713693
Julien is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/julienrasquinet/?hl=en
Paul is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/paulguerlain/?hl=en
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Special thanks to KGA for arranging the interview.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome back! This is the first ‘Man in the Mirror’ of 2025, we’re in March so I’m WAY too late to say ‘Happy New Year’ to you, but I hope the year has got off to a great start. I’m delighted to be back with more new episodes, there’s some amazing guests to come this season…
My guest in episode 1 is Stuart Williams-Philp, who describes himself as a ‘Liberty veteran and retail survivor!’ Stuart has been a sales specialist in the Ground Floor fragrance department at the world famous Liberty in London, UK for over 20 years. There can’t be many people who know the retail space, the trends and most importantly, what the customer wants better than Stuart.
I first ‘met’ Stuart via his Instagram channel @Stubieblessed. If you aren’t following him, you should do so immediately. It’s a (rare) positive, joyful and fun account where he talks about his love of interiors, design, beauty and of course fragrance. Oh - and he also has a ‘Monday moan’, so you can see what gets on his nerves each week! I subsequently met him IRL in the Liberty store and I can confirm he’s just as friendly and fabulous in the flesh!
Stuart mentioned the following products in his routine:
Augustinus Bader - The Rich Cream
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/the-rich-cream-30ml-000725185.html#pos=2
Aesop - Facial Cleanser
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/purifying-facial-cream-cleanser-100ml-304141.html#pos=34
Sam McKnight - Shampoo
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/rich-cleanse-nourishing-shampoo--250ml-000783331.html#pos=11
Ultra Violette - SPF50
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/u/ultra-violette/
Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/u/ultra-violette/?algq=escentric%20mol
New Notes - Latte di Cherry
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/n/new-notes/
You can find Liberty on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/LibertyLondon/
Online at: https://www.libertylondon.com/
Stuart is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/stubieblessed/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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Surprise! A cheeky Christmas mini-pod episode with me/Santa recommending a few festive gifts in fragrance and grooming at various price points. Hopefully there’s something to suit your budget to either buy for someone (or to ask for yourself!)
I’ll be back with a brand new season in January with lots of great guests. Have a great Christmas break, thanks for listening in 2024 and I look forward to your company in the new year.
Brioni - Suave EDP - £76 (60ml)
https://www.debenhams.com/product/brioni-brioni-eau-de-parfum-suave_ydd17333?colour=misc
Herlum - Hand & Body Duo - £56
Arkive by Adam Reed - No One Elsie Scent for Hair & Body - £30
https://arkivehea£dcare.com/products/no-one-elsie
Roger & Gallet - Cologne Twist Eau de Cologne - £34.96
https://escentual.com/products/roger-gallet-twist-eau-de-cologne-spray-100ml?variant=49266671419716
AKT - Deodorant Balm - £21
Acqua di Parma - Caminetto Candle 200g - £63.75
https://www.johnlewis.com/acqua-di-parma-caminetto-scented-candle-200g/p112520183
Murdock London - Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo/Conditioner Gift Set - £35.70
https://www.murdocklondon.com/products/quince-oakmoss-shampoo-conditioner
(Please note - some of the above items were gifted to me, with no obligation to post or review. Some of them I bought myself.)
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
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My guest on the show this week is Sebastien Tissot, the founder of Nissaba, a Swiss fragrance brand that arrived in Selfridges here in the UK earlier this year. Each of the fragrances combines natural ingredients from a single origin and showcases that area or region in olfactory form. The range is absolutely stunning and my personal favourite is a beautiful example of a patchouli fragrance called ‘Sulawesi’. If you get chance to sample Nissaba near you, I really recommend you do so!
I had a fascinating conversation with Sebastien, whose previous role was Head of Sustainable Sourcing at one of the world’s largest fragrance manufacturers, DSM Firmenich, so he has a wealth of experience around materials and ingredients. When he started Nissaba he wanted it to be about doing good as well as smelling good. To that end, the company invests 5% of its turnover in supporting young people in communities of perfume plant growers, enabling them to put in place practices that are resilient to climate change and can adapt to local conditions. They fund young farmers and vocational schools in communities where they source ingredients and they aim to be a ‘positive-impact brand.’
This also extends to the products themselves - Nissaba fragrances are designed according to the principles of circularity and essentiality. All components are either recyclable or reusable, and the quantity of raw materials used is minimal, to keep the overall carbon footprint to a minimum. Bio-sourced, recycled, and/or certified materials have been chosen wherever possible.
Sebastien mentioned using hand cream, (natural) menthol toothpaste and Déclaration by Cartier in his daily routines.
Nissaba is available in the UK in Selfridges
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/nissaba/
Brand website:
Also on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nissaba.fragrances/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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On TikTok:
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on the show this week is James Read, founder of sunless tanning range ‘Self Glow by James Read.’ James started his career in retail, then went on to become one of the UK’s top tanning artists, working with celebrities, models and customers who wanted a healthy glow, applied using the best products.
This lead to James creating his own brand using all the experience he amassed during his career. ‘Self Glow by James Read’ has a ’skincare-first’ philosophy and combines natural cacao with high-performance active and fermented ingredients. The formulas work with all skin tones and skin types. As we discussed during our conversation, I was a self-tan novice, but I started using James’ ‘Sunblush’ tan mist once a week - and it’s SO easy to apply, literally a few sprays on my face and I’m done. No lines, no weird smell, so I’m a convert :)
https://www.jamesreadglow.com/products/sunblush-hydrating-tan-mist-100ml
Self Glow is available in the UK in - Space NK, Liberty, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Lookfantastic and via the James Read ‘Self Glow’ website.
https://www.jamesreadglow.com/
James mentioned the following brands/products from his routine:
Medik8 - Vit C SPF, Hyaluronic Acid, Cleanser
La Prairie - https://www.spacenk.com/uk/brands/l/la-prairie
REN - https://www.renskincare.co.uk/
Fragrances from - Diptyque, Byredo, Floral Street
You can find Self Glow by James Read on the web:
https://www.jamesreadglow.com/
Also on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jamesreadtan/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
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My guest on the show this week is Forat Al Haider, who is Creative Director of Ghawali, a fragrance brand from the UAE. Ghawali combines the art of Middle Eastern perfumery with a modern, niche touch, crafting unique, long-lasting fragrances that evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. It is part of the Chalhoub Group, which is a family owned luxury goods retailer and distributor and is the largest retail operator in the Middle East.
I met Forat a couple of months ago in London when he was introducing people to the brand here at Selfridges. I really enjoyed his company and fell hard for some of the Ghawali fragrances, particularly ‘4 Walls’, which has become a regular wear for me. It seems to me Ghawali represents a really interesting intersection of the Middle Eastern and European-styles of perfumery - and this is probably no surprise at Forat grew up in Sweden, was born in Iraq and now lives in Dubai!
I hope you enjoy our conversation - and a special thank you to Forat for making time to do this from his office in Dubai.
Forat mentioned the following brands/products from his routine:
The Ordinary - Skin care
The Inkey List - Skin care
Kevin Murphy - Hair Care & ‘Doo.over Hair Powder’
https://www.kevinmurphystore.com/kevin-murphy-doo-over/
K18 - Hair care
Ghawali Fragrances
You can find Ghawali on the web:
Available in Selfridges:
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ghawali/
Ghawali on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ghawaliofficial/
The Chalhoub Group:
https://www.chalhoubgroup.com/en
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week my guest is one of UK’s top hairdressers, Adam Reed. Adam has been nominated for Hairdresser of the Year multiple times, he has worked with superstars such as Madonna and One Direction as well as the great and good in fashion and editorial over the last 30 + years. He is also a brand ambassador for ghd and L’Oréal Professional.
Adam has just launched 4 perfumes for hair & skin that are part of his 'Arkive Makes Scents' range. He is a huge fragrance fan and, in fact, has a ‘fragrance library’ as part of his Arkive by Adam Reed salon in Covent Garden, London. I’ve never met anyone that has such an encyclopaedic knowledge of products and brands and his list of favourites from his daily routines is probably the most extensive ever!
We also spoke about Adam’s neurodiversity (he was diagnosed as having ADHD fairly recently) as well as the struggles he’s had with his mental health in the past. This episode was recorded in early November 2024 in Adam’s Arkive salon in London. I really appreciated how open and candid Adam was and I hope you take something from the conversation we had.
Adam mentioned too many products for me to link them all here, so due to word count restrictions it’s probably better that I just list them:
Marvis - Liquorice Toothpaste
Fenjal, Vaseline Intensive Care & AKT - Deodorants
Estée Lauder - Advanced Night Repair
Imperial Leather - Hand Soap
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons - Gel Cleanser
Kiehls - Facial Fuel range, Beard Oil
Badedas - Bath Gel
Diptyque - Tuberose Candle, Tam Dao Fragrance
Mason Pearson - Hairbrush
Charlotte Tilbury - Magic Cream
This Works - Sleep Oil
Santa Maria Novella - Jojoba Oil
Reome - Active Recovery Broth
YSL - Nu Concealer
Haeckels - Various products
Gloved by Tom Daxon - Hand Soaps
Boots - Eye Mist
You can find Arkive Hair & Skin Fragrances here:
https://arkiveheadcare.com/collections/fragrances
The Arkive hair products are here:
Arkive on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/arkivebyadamreed/
Adam’s personal Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adamreedhair/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
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On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week my guest is Jun Lim, Creative Director and Founder of South Korean fragrance brand BORN TO STAND OUT. I met Jun a couple of months ago at Jovoy in London. He was introducing the brand to some of the UK media and I was struck by his singular vision and his mission to do things differently. It’s fair to say that South Korea is well known for skincare, but less so for niche fragrance brands. In just over 2 years BORN TO STAND OUT has made real waves, both in Jun’s home market and around the world.
There are over 20 fragrances in the range, all in a bold (of course!) red and white bottle. There is an emphasis on gourmand notes, musks and ‘pleasures of the flesh’. Popular perfumes include Dirty Rice, Drunk Saffron, Fig Porn and Filthy Musk. See what I mean? This is not your typical brand, both in terms of the names, the aesthetic and the juice inside.
Jun has created BORN TO STAND OUT in his own vision. The products are inspired by HIS dreams, memories and experiences. It was a real honour to spend time with him and fascinating to get a different perspective away from the prevailing (and my own!) Euro-centric views.
Some of the products Jun mentioned were:
Vaseline
https://www.boots.com/vaseline-original-petrolium-jelly-50ml-10226343
Baby S.O.S Creme
https://www.ohfeliz.co.uk/penaten-baby/little-helpers-sos-cream-with-dexpanthenol
Alpecin Shampoo
https://www.boots.com/alpecin-caffeine-shampoo-250ml-10081360
BORN TO STAND OUT Fragrances
You can find Born To Stand Out on the web at:
BTSO on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/borntostandout.official/
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You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror
You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:
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On TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit
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Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
