Behind the scenes

How We Craft Our Custom Perfume Boxes at our St Andrews Perfumery

We know full well that the perfume experience begins long before the first spritz. The moment you hold a perfume box in your hands, you're already engaging with the essence of the fragrance inside.

We want our packaging to be more than just a container to be thrown away, but a part of the story of the perfume, echoing our values of quality, craftsmanship and sustainability.

Our custom perfume boxes blend Scottish heritage with modern elegance.

From Concept to Design

Every perfume we create tells a unique story, and our packaging is the first chapter.

The design process starts with the perfume's personality - its scent profile, the inspiration behind it, and the experiences it envokes.

  • West Sands Neroli

    West Sands Neroli

    Inspired by the iconic West Sands beach in our home St Andrews, this perfume bursts with fresh, citrus and floral notes. The box features a vibrant lid, reflecting the warmth and energy of the setting sun over the sands.

  • Doric Oud

    Doric Oud

    Evoking the mystery of Dinnet Oakwood in Ballater. The box featues an earthy, deep, waxy green lid.

  • Scottish Lavender

    Scottish Lavender

    Any surprises here? A warm purple is the perfect choice for our lavender perfume. We've tried to match the colour to the lavender flowers at their most fragrant in early August each summer.

  • Tay Berry

    Tay Berry

    Inspired by the colours of the River Tay, this box represents the blues of the waters and greens of the surrounding woodland.

  • Jura Rose

    Jura Rose

    A warm coral pink represents Jura Rose. The fragrance is not a "Rose Bomb" like some older fragrances, but rather a very modern scent. A pink or red box wouldn't do the perfume justice.

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Sourcing Sustainable Materials

Our commitment to the environment is woven into our packaging. We use gift boxes made from recycled material, fully recyclable after use. The outer sleeve, crafted from high-quality, linen-textured paper, and the inner tissue paper are also completely recyclable.

Durability is never compromised; our boxes are designed both to protect the precious glass bottles during transit without a trade-off on beauty.

Crafting the Design: Subtle Scottish Heritage

While we stay clear of overt 'Highland motifs' subtle elements of Scotland's natural landscape are embedded into our designs. The colours of the perfume boxes are carefully selected to mirror the natural beauty of different parts of the country, from vibrant beaches to the serene lavender fields of our family farm.

Minimalism and elegance guide our aesthetic. We believe that simplicity in perfumery speaks volumes, allowing the quality of our craftsmanship and purity of our fragrances to shine through. The timeless look ensures that our packaging remains cherished along with the perfume bottle.

Handcrafting the Boxes

The production of our perfume boxes is a labour of love conducted at our farm workshop. Each lid is hand-painted by a member of the family using high-quality paints, a process that takes about ten minutes per box. This hands-on approach ensures that every box is unique, carrying the personal touch of who crafted it.

"When you open one of our boxes, you can sense the care that went into making it"

- Rory Irwin -

The outer sleeve adds another layer of elegance. Hand-painted in a crisp white, it provides a beautiful contrast to the bold colors of the lids and keeps the box intact until it reaches your hands.

We understand that gifting is a personal experience.

That's why we offer customization options to make your purchase truly special.

Customers can choose to swap lid colours or add a printed message inside the box - be it a heartfelt birthday wish or a touching anniversary note.

Each box is thoughtfully assembled with white tissue paper cradling the perfume, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition.

"The box tells a story - it's the story of the perfume, the land that inspired it, and the hands that crafted it."

- Marina Irwin -

The next time you hold a Middleshade perfume, we invite you to take a moment toappreciate the artistry and care that went into its packaging. Every detail hasbeen considered, every material thoughtfully chosen, to enhance your experience.