Our Beauty Lead trials three lesser-known scent services from the likes of Jo Malone and Charlotte Tilbury – and explains why they’re a clever way to save money
Finding your wedding fragrance used to mean a quick spritz at the counter and hoping for the best, but now, it’s become a whole experience in its own right. From personalised consultations to full-on scent styling for your big day, beauty brands are turning perfume shopping into something far more considered.
Whether you’re looking for a signature scent to walk down the aisle in, a way to scent your venue, or even a fun pre-wedding activity with friends, these bookable services take the guesswork out of it. Even better, they’re completely free – and you might even get some freebies out of them.
From Jo Malone London to Charlotte Tilbury and Lush, here’s where to go to say I do to your big-day scent…
Jo Malone London
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Jo Malone’s tailored 30-minute scent services, with brides in mind, are hard to beat. From helping you choose a signature fragrance for the big day to scenting a venue with candles and diffusers, the experts show you how to turn a special occasion into a full sensory experience. You can also explore scent layering to make a fragrance feel uniquely yours, or pick out thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gifts for a bridal party.
Zoe says: “This felt like I was robbing Jo Malone. Not literally, but the service was so luxe, I couldn’t believe it costs nothing to book. I love how they didn’t show me the names of the fragrances – they kept them hidden, letting me decide on the scent notes themselves, rather than being swayed by the name of a popular perfume. I was also surprised when I got a free hand scrub, wash and massage as part of the service. The idea is to think of fragrance as a layering art, my scent consultant Julia at Jo Malone in Battersea told me. On the big day, she said, you should consider your soap and body lotion as part of your perfume.
“At the end of my appointment, I ended up with two scents I never would have guessed coming in that I’d pick: the classic English Pear and Freesia (gorgeous but I’m not usually a floral fan) and a lesser-known Nectarine Blossom and Honey. Together, they layered beautifully, so I left with both. The cost of the perfume (or perfumes, in my case) is, of course, a chargeable extra, but the store will add free and fully customisable engravings and bottle charms to your bottle(s).”
Book it : The Jo Malone London Wedding Scent Experience is a complimentary, in-store consultation at locations nationwide. See here to book an appointment.
Buy it: Can’t make it to a store? We’re told Jo Malone’s most popular bridal scent is the Peony Blush & Suede Cologne, from £86 for 50ml. Featuring red apple, peony and suede notes for a luxurious and seductive scent, it’s perfect for your big day – or a great gift for someone set to tie the knot.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s scent consultations offer a quick way to find your perfect match– or a gift for someone special. The free 15-minute online sessions are ideal if you’re short on time, while nationwide in-store appointments add a more hands-on feel. For a bigger moment, the Covent Garden Beauty Wonderland even has a private Pillow Talk Party Room you can book for a group, making it a fun pre-wedding or party treat with friends that goes beyond scent into facials, 1-2-1 make-up and makeovers.
Zoe says: “I’ve done both the virtual scent session with a Tilbury beauty pro and visited the Beauty Wonderland for some of the treatments and in-person beauty sessions, and I’ve been impressed each time. For the virtuak scent consultation, it’s amazing how they can pair you with your perfect match (from the six scents) from a distance. My perfect match turned out to be Joyphoria, which evokes the warmth of summer with neroli and coconut notes.
“Specifically for brides, you can also book in for a free 30-minute virtual bridal beauty tips and tricks experience, where you’ll learn how to apply make-up on the big day, what your ideal foundation shade match is and general tips to keep your make-up in place for longer. It’s perfect if you’re relatively new to make-up but don’t want to book a make-up artist for your wedding.”
Book it: Head to charlottetilbury.com to book a free scent consultation, or get a price for the Pillow Talk Party Room.
Buy it: If you want to gift a Charlotte Tilbury scent to yourself or to a friend for a special occasion, Charlotte’s Fragrance Collection of Emotions gives you four 2ml bottles of its best-selling scents for £16 – perfect for finding your perfume match.
Lush
Lush is taking a personal approach with its new and complimentary wedding scent consultations. These sessions go beyond picking a perfume, and are designed to reflect your day as a whole – from the setting and season to the music, food and overall feel of the big day. You’ll be guided through a series of thoughtful questions before being matched with a fragrance that feels true to you. It’s a fun experience all round, whether you’re booking for yourself or for a bride-to-be.
Zoe says: “I wasn’t sure what to expect from this newly-offered service, because Lush isn’t my first thought when I think of a fragrance retailer, but I ended up finding more scent options than I thought I would. It’s not just a case of smelling a few perfumes and picking one– they actually chat through your wedding plans, the feel you’re going for and what you like, so it feels a bit more personal.
“It’s also really relaxed, no pressure to buy anything, which makes a nice change. For something that’s completely free, it’s a lovely little add-on to wedding planning, and a good excuse to take a break from spreadsheets and seating plans.”
Book it: Complimentary consultations are available in all Lush UK&I stores.
Buy it: Lush’s top wedding day best-seller? Its Confetti perfume, £100 for 100ml. With notes of rose and violet, it’s like a wedding bouquet, bottled
