Welcome to our series, My Life in Perfume. We’re asking our favourite fragrance fans to reveal all – from their first perfume purchase to their signature aroma; here are their scent stories…
In 2018 Sarah Clark was just your average fragrance fan. Her collection, however, was anything but that. When she noticed that her scent wardrobe was sizably larger than her friends and family, she decided to make it her hobby, and the Instagram page, All The Perfume, was born. Today, Sarah’s collection stands at an impressive 200 bottles, which includes a selection of celebrity, designer and luxury perfumes. Here’s Sarah’s life in perfume…
My First Perfume
The first perfume I remember testing and wanting was Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger. In those days, samples in magazines were a big deal, and I’m pretty sure that’s where my little vial full of the scent had come from. I loved the smell of it and took it to school. The scent makes me think of that time – the 90s, the band All Saints, and the sporty clothing trends.
I replaced my bottle of Tommy Girl last year, and I love to wear it now.
My All-Time Favourite
Roberto Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli smells incredible. It has notes of orange blossom, tonka bean and vanilla, and I love how it smells on warm skin. I associate it with summer, even though I think most would say it’s a great scent for winter too. It feels classic and is a perfume you’ll feel good wearing at any time of day.
My First Perfume Purchase
In September 2007, I was working full-time. I lived in Kent, and occasionally I’d swing by a local shopping centre to test perfume! I tried the beautiful ‘L’ by Gwen Stefani, which smelt incredible. Kind of unisex, aquatic and warm, and even though I could have thrown it on a credit card, I decided to wait until my first proper payday to buy it. At the time, there were so many launches to smell and try and buy, but L had to be my first purchase because it felt so unique.
My Everyday Scent
I have a few here! I find the Kayali and Ariana Grande scents are really enjoyable to wear for days off, while Alien Goddess is a scent I’ve reached for a lot in the last year.
First Mind-Blowing Fragrance
I just can’t pick one scent that made me love perfume as much as I do, so here are two that began my passion for scent! Early in the year 2000, I had a London day trip with my mum and dad. We went to Selfridges, and I was given a ‘sample’ (sprayed card) of Cristobal by Balenciaga. I loved it! It’s so not a scent I’d associate with teenage, but it was just…beautiful! The notes included fig leaf, patchouli, carnation and sandalwood. It was warm and spicy, and the lasting power was amazing. I know that for certain because I took that same card to school, and it still smelt so good! Somewhere between this and my 17th birthday, I discovered Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood. It was another warm, spicy and perhaps unusual choice but I was so happy that it was one of my presents. My family and I went to Guernsey for a holiday that week, and I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw Cristobal on sale. I may have persuaded my parents to buy it for me. I don’t think I’ll ever get over Cristobal being discontinued.
My Most Sentimental Perfume
212 Sexy reminds me of so many special occasions with my husband, Sam, while Joy by Dior takes the lead as it was my wedding scent.
My Favourite Brands
There are some brands I could happily own anything from; Roberto Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Kayali, Ariana Grande, Juicy Couture, Paris Hilton and KKW!
My Perfume Collection
My perfume collection is very big – around 200 bottles (worth around £3000), but I maintain around that number with the occasional sort-out. I love trying new launches through PR parcels and my review work, so my collection grows that way. Admittedly it’s been 20 years of asking for perfumes for every birthday and Christmas too!
