Crabtree & Evelyn has caused a stir with their new line, launching in September, based on the scent of the Iris. The company has pioneered botanical formulations for 35 years, reflecting the philosophy of the 17th century Renaissance English conservationist, John Evelyn, whose motto was: “Explore everything, keep the best.” The experience and attitude are reflected in the Iris body care products, which sent perfumers to the finest classic Iris rhizone, the orris root. With the accompaniment of jasmine and violet, there is an undertone of darker scents: sandalwood, patchouli, cedarwood and musk. The end product is sensual and subtle.

The Eau de Toilette is an unusual combination of a delicate, haunting scent and remarkable staying power, and my skin traditionally eats scents in an hour or two. When I wore it over the bath and shower gel, the scent remained fresh and distinct, without being in any way overwhelming, for a full day. Best of all, though, was the body lotion, which is so rich and so quickly absorbed, that I'd love to buy it by the gallon. Very, very few lotions – this is so thick, it's more a cream – are anything like this effective, and it is so rich that just smoothing it on is a treat.

The line also includes a triple-milled soap, body cream, a home fragrance reed diffuser, scented drawer papers, a home fragrance spray and scented poured candle.

All the body care products are free of parabens, phthalates, nitrosamines, propylene glycol and mineral oil. They are not tested on animals.

Eau de Toilette 3.4 fl. oz. $28

Bath & Shower Gel 8.5 fl. oz. $16

Body Lotion 8.3 fl. oz. $18

www.crabtree-evelyn.com or 800-CRABTREE