Wellness Wonder

I’m a bit late to the party on this one, shamefully, because I do try to be an early adopter as much as is possible in the realm of beauty. But I’ve got to admit I’m completely enraptured by the fragrance brand Vyrao. Not only is it original - a rare quality in today’s overcrowded perfume market, but the scents are pleasing in a multifaceted way and really do provide emotionally intelligent uplift. They are also vegan and cruelty free.

The name Vyrao is derived from the Latin verb ‘vireo’, which translates as ‘I am verdant, I am vigorous, I sprout fresh, green growth.’ If you want to smell distinctive, in a highly plagiaristic world of fragrance, these are the ones to opt for. They’re the equivalent of a standout vintage of dry white that wine connoisseurs swoon over - an acquired taste that you graduate to. In fact I believe that highly regarded perfume critic Persolaise has just garlanded their latest offering, Mamajuju has one of his favourites of 2024.

I was sent a discovery very set of six x 2ml vials and they all impressed me, like nothing else I have smelled for a long time.

I am Verdant was composed by Lyn Harris - which doesn’t surprise me, a very competent composition. Notes of Juniper, Bergamot and Black Pepper come through really strongly, this is a bright, fresh, green, lucent, articulate and refreshing scent that reminds of spring, new life and forest bathing, chlorophyll bright leaves in abundance. It’s modus operandi on the skin is ‘get up and go’.

Free 00 is mellower, as clear and serene as a cloudless blue sky with Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Vanilla, Egyptian Jasmine and Sandalwood. There’s something watery, fresh and oceanic about it without resorting to Calone the ozonic fabric conditioner note so beloved of early 90s blockbusters. Again the prodigious talent of Lyn Harris in evidence.

Georgette is a woody rose with notes of Turkish Rose and Guaiac Wood - again fresh with a generous dose of Pink Pepper and Violet Leaf. These fragrances are all dynamic and galvanising and where many brands would opt for a concentrated citrus instead of these nuances of hesperidic and green notes, there is a will here to explore the less obvious range of the olfactive spectrum - no overt florals, no gourmands, no fruity florals etc etc. Again the Master perfumer here is Lyn Harris.

Witchy Woo is a dark spell of a fragrance with Incense, Patchouli, Black Pepper and White Musk. I think ultimately its the notes such as Black Pepper with their petroleum/creosote like ‘high’ fumes which distinguish these fragrances. They are addictive without being cloying. Thoroughly grown up and sophisticated blends. Lyn Harris again.

The Sixth was composed by Meabh McCurtin and uses herbs blended by Bemedictine Monks to help with meditation. Amongst the ingredients Angelica Root, Wormwood and Juniper Berries, Apple and Basil and various woods such as Oak and Cedar. This fragrance is a serene dream - boosting clarity and mindfulness. It’s an aromatic fruity but the fruit is very subtle, coming to the fore on the dry down.

Magnetic 70 is again composed by Lyn Harris and featuring Incense, Cedar, Black Pepper, Vetiver and Angelica. Woody and spicy. Again in no way the usual obvious depth charged, powdery and amber, heavy woody scent. It is that anti gravity feat of woody yet airy, translucent and head clearing.

Each week I cover a high end luxury or niche product I am also going to recommend something from the high street that I have bought and loved.

This week it is OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Repairing Shampoo (approx £8 from Sainsburys) One of the best shampoos on the high street in my opinion. Very nourishing and moisturising and crucially free of harsh foaming sulphates in the formulation.