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… 

If you’ve searched for fragrance reviews on YouTube, you’ve likely come across Sophie before. A scent enthusiast turned perfume reviewer, her love of fragrance started when her dad brought her back a new aroma from every overseas trip. As she learnt more about the industry, she wanted to make fragrance more accessible and simplify the terminology, which inspired her to start sharing her scent knowledge online. Today, Sophie has built a loyal following of fragrance fans and has just launched her perfume brand, Soki London and released its debut scent, Empress. Here’s Sophie’s life in perfume…

My First Perfume

Nina, Nina Ricci. My dad used to travel quite a bit for work and sometimes he would bring home perfume for me from the airport. I think Nina by Nina Ricci had just been released and I was so excited to have the unique apple-shaped bottle on my dressing table. It stayed there for years because I liked it so much I saved it for ‘special occasions, which meant it was hardly ever used!

My First Perfume Purchase

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy. As a huge Britney fan in my teens, I was so excited to get one of her perfumes. Midnight Fantasy was the second fragrance she released; I remember smelling it in a shop and loving the sweet fruitiness. Again, I saved it for special occasions and ended up wearing it a lot for nights out at University.

My All-Time Favourite

It’s been over 10 years since Miss Dior Cherie was discontinued and I’m still treasuring my last bottle of it. The unique popcorn, strawberry, rose and patchouli blend inspired me to create my own fragrance Soki London Empress. 

My Everyday Scent

Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum. I’m addicted to the sweet toffee and pear of the original Jimmy Choo fragrance. It’s often available at a really affordable prices at Escentual so I feel guilt-free spraying lots of it every day!

My Most Sentimental Perfume

My mum’s go-to fragrance has been Chanel Coco Mademoiselle which she has worn since it was released. With it being a best-selling perfume I often smell it on other people and it immediately reminds me of my mum.

My Favourite Brands

Lancome is probably the brand which impresses me the most. So many of their fragrances are amazing for lasting and they release new ones all the time. Tresor Midnight Rose is one of my favourite fragrances ever, and the La Vie Est Belle, and Idole are super for lasting.

First Mind-Blowing Fragrance

Giorgio Beverly Hills. I used to look up to an older girl at school who always had a really strong fragrance which followed her around the corridors. I managed to pluck up the courage to ask what the perfume was and went out and got Giorgio Beverly Hills for myself!

My Perfume Collection

Well, because reviewing perfumes is my job I have a lot of perfumes! I haven’t counted them but I think there are well over 100. I organise it in draws by brand or type of fragrance.

Discover More:

My Life In Perfume: Sarah McCartney