Earlier this year I reviewed the first ever 'active' fragrance to emerge from the spa and skincare company Elemis. It perfectly captured the fresh, clean sense of well-being associated with the name, which is renowned for his holistic approach to beauty. The Eau de Parfum also has a light, summery air about it.

Now Elemis has upped the temperature somewhat with it's second Eau de Parfum – Exotic (£35 - 28ml). While the summer scent comes with a pale green velvet pouch, this slim bottle is swaddled in royal purple.

For me it's an instant winner from the first spritz – which is warm, sweet and heady. It's no surprise to learn that the rather sensual scent is a blend of ingredients such as Sri Lankan cinnamon bark, pink pepper, clove bud oil and a floral heart of ylang ylang, tuberose and Indian jasmine.

Several hours later and the fragrance has evolved into something deeper and darker and the warm and woody cocktail of frankinscense, cedarwood, sandalwood and Somali insense still lingers on the skin. It's one of those kinds of perfumes that makes you think of cosy evenings by a roaring fire  – but also has a mysterious sexiness about it. Not really for the shy and retiring.

www.elemis.com