Oud de Nil is part of Penhaligon’s Trade Routes Collection – a series of perfumes inspired by the exotic goods that were traded at East London’s docks in the early 19th Century. It also harks back to the days of Victorian explorers who travelled to Egypt in droves to explore the ancient tombs. Oud de Nil evokes that gentle, exotic breeze of a country that to 19th Century British tourists, seemed worlds away from their own. Oud fragrances are generally considered quite intense, but this is a delicate concoction of crisp bergamot, rich jasmine and geranium before the rich base of oud and guiac wood softly reveals itself. Described by one customer as a 'gem of a scent' – we would heartily agree.

Mist a ‘halo’ of scent around your neckline and hair for an alluring effect

It is said that Cleopatra used to douse the sails of her ships with jasmine to entrance Mark Antony before he’d even clapped eyes on her. Although you might not have the same production values to hand, a similar effect could be achieved with the dazzling Oud de Nil. A tribute to Ancient Egypt in all its fragrant glory, it takes us on an olfactory cruise down the Nile, with crisp notes of grapefruit and bergamot combined with rich jasmine, oud and papyrus. It’s a great perfume for those plagued by wanderlust but don’t have the means to board a plane at the drop of a hat – a true ‘escapist’ scent.