[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] When I asked to be kept up to date with Marks & Spencer beauty, I didn’t expect to be sent two random fragrances as a representation of what the store has to offer. Come on, we know it’s so much more and we are ready to hear about it! But, in a case of making lemons into lemonaide, the (terribly named) Discover Intense fragrances are really rather, er, pleasant.

First up, a shout out to M&S product development for these stunning bottles – I absolutely love them for being stylish, contemporary and simple. The Marks & Spencer Discover Intense Fragrance that I was immediately drawn to is Mandarin & Ylang Ylang. I’m a big citrus lover and the thing I can say about this perfume is that the mandarin is prominent in a fizzing, sweet and vibrant note. It’s the sort of note you can’t stop smelling your own arm to appreciate over and over. I’d say the mandarin takes over from the other notes of jasmine, musk and ylang ylang because they hide in the background somewhat but I am pleasantly surprised and would easily wear again.

The second fragrance is Nectar & Passionfruit and – I like this too! It’s warmer and less citrussy despite mandarin appearing as a key note again. The notes that predominate for me in this blend are amber and rose – for some reason I’m not getting very much of the rose or the passionfruit but I think your nose finds what you like best and leads you there first. It lasted longer on my skin than Mandarin & Ylang Ylang. I mean, these are not sophisticated blends but that said, they are actually very wearable and given that they’re £12.50 each, exceptional value. I’ve just spotted that Nectar & Passionfruit is in the sale for £6 HERE and at that price I would not hesitate. Mandarin is still £12.50 HERE and there is a sampler set for £5 HERE. Ever so easy to order to pick up in store which I think you would have to do because I’ve never seen them in either of my locals.

Non affiliate HERE.