It’s a Friday afternoon and there’s a little buzz in the air on the high street; it’s cold but as the January sales are underway, I decide to have a browse around a few of my favourite shops.

As soon as I step into Jo Malone, I am greeted with a smile. The walls are lined with their signature branding of cream and black contrasting stripes that give a minimal and chic look. A decorative black chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and three large 19th century-style cream cabinets with black shiny handles display the merchandise, giving an air of Parisian elegance.

I slowly work my way around, I love the scent of lime, basil and mandarin shower gel; it’s so fresh and citrusy and keep it in mind as a potential summer birthday present to myself. I pass by some signature cream boxes displaying woody and spicy combinations of colognes and luxury candles nestled in crisp black tissue.

It’s not easy to find a candle I like, then all of a sudden I discover myrrh and tonka. I love the black wax, close my eyes and take in that perfect warming winter scent. Jodie, the sales assistant, approaches me: “Yes I like that one too,” she smiles. We start chatting about top, heart and base notes. I imagine how master perfumers spend their entire days researching in pursuit of the finest fragrances in the world!

“We sometimes suggest ‘fragrance combining,’ layering one scent on top of the other to create a bespoke combination,” she says

“Really? That’s pretty innovative.” I reply.

It’s more of a shopping experience than a shop and there are a number of services on offer, from ten-minute sessions to help you discover your perfect wedding scent, to ‘essentials for men.’ I book in a complimentary hand and arm massage for next time.

As I open the door, the fresh icy air hits me and I walk to Oliver Bonas. I always like to have a little meander around here as it has a distinctly London feel to it and a generous January sale. I like the combination of fashion, books and home accessories.

I flick through some inspiring and humorous books, fiddle with the Galactic purses and try on a navy scarf with a tiny silver thunderbolts print. I spot a two-tone cocktail shaker reduced from £36 to £10! The costume jewellery is bold and brassy, embellished with a riot of colourful beads and tassels! If you wore some of these unusual earrings and necklaces, you’d soon get a compliment or two.

Lastly I step into Molton Brown, recently opened on our high street, with 30 per cent off many products. I explore an abundance of brightly coloured bottles filled with botanical fusions of bath soaks, body creams and shampoos, all set against the brightly lit shelving.

I chat with Kayleigh the manager, who shows me the Rosa Absolute sumptuous collection; she can see that I’m quite enthusiastic and leads me to the central island unit where customers can actually try the product; she pours some into the sink filled with warm water; I love the way it goes all milky as soon as it mixes in. I imagine the legendary Cleopatra submerged in her milky bathing ritual!

Kayleigh tells me about how it all started as a hair salon in South Molton Street in 1973 and all about the rare ingredients within their fragrant products, from the mineral rich thermal salts to captivating ingredients like plum-kadu to papyrus reed. Apparently, in 2013 Molton Brown was granted a royal warrant and the products are all free from animal testing.

Just before I leave, I’m drawn to some unusual gift sets like a Russian leather bath and candle gift set for men combining Siberian pine and aged tobacco; it’s the perfect opportunity for my husband to try something different for his birthday.