The Science Behind The Magic

Our master perfumer Meabh Mc Curtin is known as a “white witch” in fragrance circles, having completed a PhD in molecular biology before finding herself drawn to the world of perfumery. She loves what she terms the poetic aspect of fragrance, while understanding the scientific minutiae behind it, a combination that made her the obvious choice for the creation of our Vyrao’s three most recent scents.



The Sixth, Sun Rae and Mamajuj are “neuroscents”, made using natural ingredients that are scientifically proven to boost specific positive emotions in the wearer. In the case of our newest release, Mamajuju, our founder Yasmin wanted to create a scent that grounded the wearer, enhancing their awareness and connecting them with the earth.

Drawing on scientific expertise from the International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.’s Science of Wellness Programme (which measures the emotional impact of different natural ingredients on those who smell them), Meabh began by creating a red clay living accord – a suitably earthy starting point. “Living means that it’s captured from nature,” she explains. “So we analysed the molecules [of red clay] and translated them into a fragrance.”