JAMES CRAVEN - LES SENTEURS

James Craven is the resident 'Perfume Archivist' at London's oldest and most prestigious independent perfumery Les Senteurs.  James' encyclopaedic knowledge of fine fragrance, acquired over 25 years, makes him one of the most respected perfume experts in the UK. James can not only tell you when a fragrance was created and the ingredients that it contains but also the historical context of its launch and figures of note that have worn it, from Napoleon Bonaparte to George Clooney! His engaging and narrative style has earned him legions of appreciative customers who trust his expertise and innate good taste. James is the Sherpa of scent, the ultimate guide to direct you through the potential minefield of choosing a signature fragrance. A few minutes in his company, you will emerge wiser and essentially more fragrant.

TELL US A BEAUTY SECRET
 I have three. Never ever call attention to your imperfections, the older you are, the more colour you need in your dress and about your person, moisturise BEFORE washing.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST OVERRATED VURTUE?
An excess of humility or of truthfulness.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Curiosity about the human condition. I also admire Nelson's devotion to duty and Fanny Cradock's coarse but colourful, dynamic pragmatism.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
English sea air on a warm June morning.

WHAT ALTERNATIVE CAREER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE FOLLOWED?
I’d have been a cook

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Sharks

WHO OR WHAT IN YOUR EYES DEFINES 'BEAUTY'? 
Garbo. The wholesomeness of Ingrid Bergman. Perfection of line, light and colour. Horse chestnut trees... Pugs!

WHAT NATURAL TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE GIFTED WITH?
Oh! To play the piano by ear, effortlessly.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST BEAUTY EXTRAVAGANCE?
I do not have one. In the days of having hair, it was having it cut, coloured etc!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
Family photos; sentimental jewellery, especially rings.

WHAT IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE BEAUTY TREND/LOOK?
Luxurious simplicity of perfumes such as 8eme Art and Mona's Nombres d'Or - pared down, concentrated, minimalist olfactory elegance.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PHILOSOPHY? Intense gratitude for having got away with it!!!

HERE ARE FIVE OF JAMES CRAVEN'S FAVOURITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS.

Nivea Creme.  All purpose, all over moisturiser. Unbeatable.

Guerlain 'Midnight Secret' Late Night Recovery Treatment for instant glow and lift. It instantly transforms a puffy pasty wreck instantly into a vision of apres-ski vitality and apparent fitness. Sheer magic.

Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream. Disinfects, soothes, mega moisturises; perfect for after shaving or for sunburn. Wonderful smell, the facial cure-all.

Margaret Dabbs Foot Cream / Oil. The most concentrated, quickest acting products to soothe, smooth, heal cracked heels and dry feet. Indispensable - rub the residue into your hands, can do nothing but good!

AG Hair Cosmetics Volume Plastique Extreme. I don't think you can get it in the UK - it is literally plastic hair in a bottle! Spray on and brush through: amazing results if you have ANY hair at all!