4160 Tuesdays was my introduction to the possibilities of proper independent perfume creation. The boxes of sweety-wrappered samples falling through my letterbox were an education and a delight.

Lady Rose Lion (Monkey Unicorn) was one of the first full bottles I bought from Sarah McCartney’s studio and every time I go back to it I’m slightly cross that I forgot how good it is. Also, I am very fond of lions, so you’d think I’d remember.

A witty reworking of a classic chypre, I get far more of the herbs and oakmoss than the peach–which suits me just fine–and a smooth myrrh (?) to cushion my lolling around in this imaginary medieval scene. I think I’m moving this back to the front of *my* side of the perfume cupboard for the spring, because it’s a pleasure to wear.

(I am also slightly cross that when we were in Paris last year the Cluny museum was closed for refurbishment, so I couldn’t take my beloved to see the gorgeous tapestries that inspired the lovely scent he was wearing. Guess we have to go back…*)

In a similar chypre vein from 4160tuesdaysperfume there’s also Paris 1948, but with a grapefruit twist and a slightly raised eyebrow of mischief (from the honey, perhaps), or the grass-stained knees of mucking about on Ealing Green, packed full of memories of picnics in London parks, or the utterly lush fruity floraly musked-up Goddess of Love and Perfume from the Crimes of Passion series. And probably more. I can’t possibly keep up with Sarah McCartney’s exuberant creativity, but I’m always tempted to try.

And because Sarah’s a marvel, not only is everything available in a good range of sizes (hurrah for 9ml and 30ml bottles) but she will refill them.

Originally posted 31 March 2019

* update: we did go back, in October 2019, and the museum had reopened, so I got to see these lovely things again.