Before we begin today's poll, a couple quick pieces of business. First, no posts tomorrow or Monday. (Happy 4th of July to everyone who is celebrating!) We'll be back on Tuesday, and the 2nd quarter damage poll will be coming up on Thursday, so dig out all those receipts.
Today, the usual open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you're reaching for the most lately, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is grass candy [cropped] by Biscarotte at flickr; some rights reserved.
This morning I reached for Fendi Palazzo for some odd reason. A fragrance that came and went. I bought it because the bottle is fabulous, but I also like it! A strange choice for July, but I still like it, and have no regrets about the purchase!
That really was a fabulous bottle.
I also love Fendi Palazzo. shame it’s discontinued.
I tried the new Vera Wang lovestruck, it’s like a better version of Lacoste touch of pink, but it’s more of a deep pink. I quite like it. but the bottle top is ugly, it’s very hard sharp plastic flower heads with some ribbon. it’s no-where near as pretty in real life.
I also smelled the new Kim Kardashian from the bottle. I had too many bags in my hands to spray it on skin. it’s the perfect “sexy” scent. I thought I smelled chocolate in it I just read your review on it and it must have been the vanilla that stood out most. I might buy Kim Kardashian, it is indeed voluptuous.
I’m on the Boots product testing panel because I contribute greatly to reviewing products on Boots.com so they asked me to be on their product testing panel. and about 2weeks ago they sent me a whole 50ml of the new Armani Sport Code. I haven’t seen it mentioned here on NST but it’s already launched here in the UK.
it’s incredibly fresh, but also dirty(a failed attempt at wood). it’s just basically mint and dirt. it’s not very strong at all, no one else will smell it on you because you have to press your nose to your skin to smell. but it does last a long time. there are tons of reviews on it on Boots.com and nearly all give this 5stars, but let me tell you = it’s a boring scent. I neither like it or disliked it because there’s nothing in there to love or be offended by, it’s just so-so. in the end I gave it away to my uncle, who loves it.
Well, I went to my local perfume store and ended up impulse-buying a CdG Incense: Kyoto. Which is amazing even if it lasts about three hours. It was relatively cheap, though, so I don’t feel bad at all. It’s been on my list for awhile.
I wore my sample of El Attarine last night and I love it, even if it is just mango chutney. There’s something delightful about it, perfect for the sultry summer.
And I’m also getting mileage out of Dans tes Bras. I really like it, even if it is super weird. Actually, last time I wore it, I noticed how it smells like that Jacomo Art Collect #… 3? The clay one? I think they smell similar, but DtB is much more multi-tonal. It’s kind of like Tokyo in the day versus Tokyo at night: DtB has all the neon turned on.
Happy 4th of July, fellow Americans! And a great Monday to the rest.
I’d like to own Kyoto too…the only full bottle I have of that set is Ouarzazate.
Kyoto was the first CDG I ever purchased and I loved it so much I paid full price for it, which I try to never do if possible. lol I swapped for some Zagorsk, too, and can’t get over how heart-breakingly beautiful that one is. Kyoto is so very soothing, but I can smell the cold and somberness of Zagorsk. Avignon is really nice, too, though Mr. Ab. Scent says it reminds him too much of trying desperately to stay awake during Mass as a child. 😉
I really liked Ouarzazate–I thought it was the most feminine smelling of the incense series, with a little bit of a floral tea note, but unfortunately, it disappeared from my skin within an hour (sigh!).
I bought Avignon after trying the whole line. love its coldness and its darkness. I have always loved the smell of cathedrals since i was really little…so i guess it was a must. Next one in my list is Ouarzazate which i also loved. Kyoto was just ok for me..didn’t find it that special…knowing myself i’ll end with the whole collection…i am an incense fan!
Avignon is on my wish list. I may treat myself to a bottle for my birthday this week even though I’ve never smelled it .
Kyoto… one of my long niche wishlist!!!
Mango chutney sounds relish 😉
Delish, thank you iPad auto correct, LOL!
Well, to IPad’s credit, it IS a relish! 🙂
Mango chutney you say? hmmm….well, you’ve convinced me to give my bottle of El Attarine one last chance before it goes into the “complete and utter mistake” pile.
Hello, Daisy. I’m searching about the fragrances you indicated me. I’ll contact you soon!
Joining all the love for Kyoto, it’s my favourite incense. So smooth and meditative. It was what I was hoping to get from Dzonghka but found that one a bit too vegetal for my tastes.
Kyoto is tied with Timbuktu for my favorite incense fragrances.
Happy 4th weekend to all of you in the U.S.! My SOTD: Juicy Couture!
Broke down and purchased a bottle of Balenciaga Paris…
I really want that little 20 ml travel size of BP, but I’ve never seen it in stores.
Just bought my bottle from this seller on eBay. She has a purse spray, too. 🙂 $80 instead of $95!
http://cgi.ebay.com/BALENCIAGA-PARIS-10-AVENUE-GEORGE-V-Purse-Spray-BNIB-/150586145204?pt=fragrance&hash=item230fa239b4#ht_500wt_970
Oh wait! You mean the mini bottle? The Balenciaga website carries a 30ml size. Is that the one you mean?
http://www.balenciaga.com/us/en/balenciaga/Women/Shop-Gifts/Valentines-Gifts/P-Balenciaga-Eau-de-Parfum-30ml.aspx
Geez sorry. I see the 20ml bottle on some websites, but only see it for sale in Australia? David Jones website. Cute!!!
It’s this:
https://freebox.it.com/2011/02/15/bunch-o-limited-edition-collector-bottles-2011-part-2/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
And admit I have not done an exhaustive search for it, just haven’t seen it in stores.
I was just reading through this month’s More magazine, and they have it in there – says it’s at Nordstrom!? Not on the Nordstrom website, though…
And it isn’t at my local Nordstrom either, that’s for sure.
This bottle earns a good search. It’s so nice!!!
I love the 30-ml bottles especially and find Paris very wearable. I’ve only purchased a mini so far because I keep thinking it will go to discount. But it hasn’t, which must mean that it is still selling well, I assume. I may join you in taking the plunge, Karin!
Love Balenciaga Paris –my SOTD as well….and now I’m very impatiently waiting for the body cream in the mail….down with postal holidays! (at least when I’m waiting for stuff….)
Karin, I am sorely tempted to hit that link and get a bottle of Paris now!
I succumbed…and survived so far! Go for it, Haunani! 🙂
Happy 4th to you too K! And lucky for me you took the plunge on that BP since I’m getting a decant from you! 😉 My favorite mainstream release in quite some time. A FB is my future too, the bottle is so cool.
We finally have some heat in Los Angeles (I don’t love the heat, but it’s been unusually mild and it has oddly threw off my internal “clock”), which is making me crave white florals and tropicals. Never my “thing” before, I’m embracing it and exploring samples. I think I might like Heeley’s Ophelia and I finally “get” Carnal Flower…
ps. am searching for a realistic Gardenia….there are a few in bloom in my ‘hood and I pick one as I walk by and put in my hair — I want to capture that scent – open to suggestions!
The most realistic one I have smelled was Antica Farmacista La Parfum A La Moana, to me this was exactly what they smelled like. I know I’m in LA too and these last days have been gardenia / beach inspired!
Thanks for the tip, Amanda. Where can I sniff this in LA??
i know i just saw the smallest of the room diffusers by them at Nordstrom for like $20. The fragrance itself I’m not sure, i can’t remember where I got mine from but they are distributed at:
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus
Bergdorf Goodman
I use it as a sheet and pillow spray in the summer sometimes with a little vanilla and its just divine!
I have tried most or all of the other gardenia scents and this is the only one that smells not like a perfume even, but JUST the most realistic gardenia of my childhood as well… The others usually have a bit or a lot of tuberose, and as much as i like tuberose, its not the same really. The Tom Ford one I find to be really thin, especially for a TF. Definitely don’t personally like the Estee Lauder version, smells like bathroom spray to me. The Annick Goutal Un Matin D’Orage is pretty close, tho it certainly is a perfume with other notes, but i do like the gardenia in that one, but it doesn’t last on my skin much. Lets see… and the VC&A one is very nice, a friend of mine says this is the closest to the real thing for him.
TPC sample packages by note are GREAT, a fun way to learn of new scents you normally wouldn’t. Or get in touch with me on MUA and Ill send you a sample 😉
Amanda, I think Michael Storer’s Stephanie is a wonderful, very realistic gardenia fragrance.
Have you tried Estee Lauder’s Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia? It did a very nice job. I think Kai was pretty good, too, though I tried that one when I wasn’t quite as into gardenia as I am now.
I have tried the EL, but maybe the bottle was off, it didn’t sit right with me. To my nose, Kai is more like LOV – I love LOV, but I have many of them. I’ve tried it several times, but just don’t get Gardenia from it…
What’s that Tom Ford one, Velvet Gardenia? Something like that. It’s been discontinued so might be tricky to track down but, if memory serves me right, it was supposed to be very realistic complete with mushrooms or rubber or whatever it is that real gardenia to smell like. It’s not my favourite note so I smelled it only briefly and didn’t pay much attention.
There’s also Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale and AG Un Matin d’Orage which I can’t abide but I get the impression that I’m very much in the minority on that one.
Thanks Abyss. I did by the VCA, but it’s not exactly right. Guess, I’ll see if I can find the Tom Ford somewhere…:)
I just checked and TPC still have samples and decants of TF Velvet Gardenia. I also noticed that they do sample packs of different gardenia scents which might be worth exploring.
Maybe Monyette Paris, or Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage?
Happy 4th of July and/or weekend everyone. 🙂
Balenciaga Paris has been on my ‘must try’ list for months. I really must get a sample…
Jessica’s review yesterday inspired me to wear Hot Couture today, and it is indeed *hot*. Temps are supposed to be in the ’90’s and high humidity; the weather person said it will feel like a rain forest out there. Maybe I’ll get out my tiny decant of OJ Frangipani later in the day when HC fades…
My perfume buying’s been pretty minimal this quarter, but I scored a practically full bottle of Miel de Bois and a smaller size of Midnight Poison for a song, both of which I’m loving and have been brave enough to wear in the summer. I love MdB’s drydown to a soft honey/skin scent and was impressed with just how not sweet MP is, and that bottle’s beautiful.
MDB is beautiful! With the right skin chemistry, I’ll bet it’s wonderful in the heat… I’m a little jealous about your discount bottle!!
Wore DK Black Cashmere to bed last night, but haven’t selected SOTD yet.
Amouage Opus IV has been in heavy rotation lately, it wears amazingly well in the heat— it’s one of the only comfort scents I know that does!
How nice to find a comfort scent for the summer, dee and glad you’re getting wear from Black Cashmere. I wore Bois d’Argent today and was reminded just how much I love it. Glad I got a full bottle.
Tara! I really love Black Cashmere, but I wish that it lasted longer! I only get about three or so hours on skin; maybe I’m anosmic to a musk in the base? How dos it wear for you?
Ah… BdA… Mr. Howe and I both have been enjoying that one. I’m impressed overall with the Dior line, and intend to try them all.
Where would I be without my fragrant guardian angel??? 😉
Love Black Cashmere but I only get 2-3hrs!
I’ve been wearing OJ Champaca (my Valentines Day free shipping treat) a lot. Also in my quest to sniff all Duchaufours I tried his CdG Rhubarb, which is delightfully fresh and has become my cologne substitute.
Other new buy: Frapin Caravelle Epicee. I was testing Frapin 1697 because it’s Duchaufour, which I liked, and decided to give CE a whirl, too, because Haunani had mentioned it. CE won out, but I’d like a decant of 1697.
Testing Amouage Opus V this morning, an iris oud. This is a lot more subtle than the classic rose oud combo. Not sure yet how I feel about that. Would be great on a guy, I think. Has anyone else tried this one?
Question: has anyone tried Heeley’s Hippie Rose yet?
The Rhubarb really is nice — I’ve been wanting that in solid perfume forever.
Nozknoz, nice to hear you are getting a lot of wear from OJ’s Champaca. It’s the only green floral I’ve ever got on with and it’s on my wish-list. Re the Frapin 1697 I’d check out the blog, Olfactoria’s Travels, as it seems for a couple of people at least, the scent has mysteriously fallen to pieces.
Oh, dear! I just have a small sample so it’s hard to tell. Nice to find Olfactoria’s blog, though, which I don’t think I’d ever read it before. It looks really interesting – thanks for your response!
Seconding Tara’s comment here: I love 1697, but I’m having the same problem with my bottle… It’s so different in the heat that I’m genuinely concerned that the juice may have actually gone off. 🙁
Thanks, Dee – glad I chose Caravelle Epicee for now. Hope 1697 turns around in cooler weather!
Noz, I’m glad you like the CE! You’ve reminded me that I still need to try the new Frapin. I have a sample, but then the season changed. A friend sent me a sample of the Hippie Rose. I will report back.
Great – I’m looking forward to your perspective on Hippie Rose. I like most of the Heeleys that I’ve tried and appreciate their style. I keep hoping they’ll make one that’s just right for me.
Yes, that Frapin should have come out in the fall – hope it’s available in the Southern Hemisphere, at least.
Happy weekend, all!
I am spending my 4th at my dad’s family farm in Sydney, Montana. It is dry, dusty, and beautiful in a gentle way. I am wearing Gris Clair in the warm evenings and have a few samples with me to try in the hot weather.
I had a perfume thought the other day. . .You know how there are flavors that just don’t mesh? Orange juice and toothpaste is the classic example, IMO. Are there scent equivalents? If I put a citrus scent on with a minty one, would I get the same metallic discord? Any horrible blending mistakes anyone wants to fess up to?
Hi Marjorie! Montana sounds very romantic, even with the dust. 😉
There are things I’ve found that layer wonderfully, whether accidentally or with intention, but I’ve only found a few things that were actually horrible together, scent wise, but I don’t think it was a matter of individual notes clashing, but more whole compositions battling it out… If that makes sense?
On the other hand, as a little girl, it game me a great thrill to go brush my teeth and then drink orange juice. Was a weird kid 🙂
CSP used to make a fragrance called Rizierres (sp?) that was a blend of citrus and mint. I really liked it. It was really invigorating and a little bit funky (in a good way) and I wish they’d bring it back.
Ugh, I used to hate that toothpaste/OJ catfight.
Hello, Dee!
Yes, I think you would like Montana! It is plenty warm enough for you, although right now it is also green, thanks to the wet spring. My dad commented several times during the drive out that he’s never seen it so lush. Of course, to my unnostalgic, Oregonian eyes, it still seems dry, but I do think it’s pretty.
I am getting ready to go to church with the family–the old Lutheran church my grandfather helped build, or something like that. I’ve decided to wear two spritzes of EL Sensuous, which I consider to be a very safe floral with just enough sillage to feel pretty.
It’s funny, some people get a minty note out of Diorella, which also includes a lot of citrus. Lemony citrus tho’, not orange. I don’t get mint so much, just a green, herbaceous note.
Really? I think I need to try Diorella!
I do too, Dee. It sounds pretty interesting, doesn’t it?
I finally got some Diorella and really love it, especially in spring. I wouldn’t have thought of it as minty, exactly, but it does have something that is fresh in that way. It is unusual, as LT noted, in being both sweet (in a good way) and bracing.
Now I REALLY have to try it, if both Dee and Noz like it. 🙂
Oh wait – Dee still has to try it.
I’m wearing Fahrenheit today. It’s strange cause I like to wear it during hot days, different for much of people.
Anyone else likes to wear heavy fragrances during hot days?????? Wich ones???
I’ve reading inconsistent stuff about YSL’s M7 changes. Another question: Has YSL really changed the formula from M7?????? And the bottle?????? What about the changes???
I wore Obsession to bed the other night and EL’s Pleasures Delight yesterday. There’s certainly something to be said for keeping heavy frags for fall, but I get a bit of a naughty thrill wearing them during summer because they’re so opposite of what everyone else wears. Applied in extreme moderation, of course. 🙂
Yeah, agree about moderation, but Fahrenheit, for me, needs no moderation, like M7. Hum, Obsession top notes remember me too much of L’Instant Pour Homme, wich one I like too much. You like to wear perfume for sleeping, like me. Eau de Cartier is one of my favourites for this.
I have been wearing TM A*men to bed lately- also Opium EDT and Emeraude.
I stopped wearing A* Men cause I made a big mistake: I wore it intensily during the summer and became cloyed by it. I’m looking For Pure Havane. Opium is a really good choice.
I love a few heavy ones in the heat….been wearing Jubilation 25 a lot lately. As for M7 –no idea if they’ve changed it…my bottles are a few years old and smell heavenly. I hope they haven’t changed it! It’s one of my very top mens fragrances EVER!
I think it has changed, although the brand deny it. The old version is getting kinda precious rarity. It sounds like the’ve changed the frag to make it more “wearable”, translating, more commercial. Lost art of being different is missing on men’s perfumery…
Yes! I love to wear my our fragrances in the heat. In fact, I hardly wore them at all in the winter…. I just love the way they bloom under the hot sun 🙂
You got the point!!!! Someway the fragrances develops in a different way during different weathers and, at the same weather, in different days. It could sound strange but it really happens.
I really like L’Heure Bleue parfum in the heat. (That is, seems like it’s good in the heat and just kind of boring in cold weather.)
Try some citrics in cold weather (such as Happy for men): it’s like we get colder with it. It also transmit some distinctve aurea. I can’t explain why…
No perfume for me since I came down with a cold so can’t smell a thing. But I AM about to watch that BBC thing about perfume.
Also, after a fairly quiet first half of the year with very few things that grabbed my attention, I’m feeling like there are finally some upcoming new releases that sound interesting. There’s the new Amouage, two Chanels, new SL AND Tubereuse Criminelle being released as part of export line, Aqua di Parma, Bottega Veneta… plenty to look forward to.
Hope you feel better soon. That BBC doc looks really good.
Oh yes, looking forward to smelling those new Chanels!
Have fun watching that program. Wish I had access to it.
Sorry to hear about your cold but that BBCFour doc will cheer you up, I really enjoyed it. Particularly liked Thierry Wasser, so glad to know Guerlain’s creations are in his hands. I only know about one Chanel – Jersey – so will look up the other. Are you on the SL mailing list as they’re sending out samples of the new carnaton to those who are. Can’t wait for mine to arrive!
Is SL shipping samples yet? I requested mine ages (and ages) ago, but haven’t seen it yet… 🙁
dee, I don’t know when/if they’ve started shipping yet but my Jeux de Peau took forever to arrive last time so I think I’m pretty low down the mailing list! However, your fragrant guardian angel will be dropping off a parcel at yours any day now. Happy 4th of the July!
Wait, Dee. . .how are you getting SL samples? I got the offer for the last one, but it didn’t ship to the US! Do you have friends sending them to you?
Thanks for the well wishes, ladies 🙂 The BBC programme was fascinating, really looking forward to the next week’s episode with JCE.
Tortola, yes, I’m waiting for my sample of Vitriol d’Oeillet too!
Can’t wait to try that Vitriol! I hope your cold is short-lived, Abyss.
I wore Emeraude to bed last night, woke up this morning and put on Coty Paris which is light, lovely and perfect in this humid heat.
For some reason I have been wearing A*men to bed a lot lately – really enjoying that lavender/tar/coffee jolt!
I have been taking a hard look at my collection – I need to stop buying perfumes, there are so many great fragrances I haven’t worn in ages! Plus financially I really can’t justify it when I have drawer fulls of samples, FB and minis that are being neglected.
I’m almost in this stage of stop buying fragrances, but I’m compulsive and it’s hard to get samples without buying where I live: the distributors have such a small mind and don’t sell samples when asked… stupid people they are!!!
Coty Paris is really pretty – what I call a “perfect handkerchief scent.”
Happy 4th and happy weekend to all! I’m wearing Tam Dao and watching the Tour de France. i’ve been on a sandalwood jag lately and I have a question: Many of my coworkers are from India and many of the men wear a lovely creamy sandalwood jasmine scent. It smells like a deeper, creamier version of Pacifica’s Waikiki Pikake. Does anyone know what this could be? (I’d ask them, but I don’t know whether it’s considered too personal a question for work!)
“Many of my coworkers are from India and many of the men wear a lovely creamy sandalwood jasmine scent. It smells like a deeper, creamier version of Pacifica’s Waikiki Pikake.”
I don’t think commenting on their scent in a complimentary way would offend or feel too ‘forward.’
You’ve got to ask, if not for yourself, then for me! Curious minds want to know! 😉
Ditto — please ask!
It sounds like you may also have female co-workers from India. They might know, and it would be interesting to talk perfume with them anyway.
March did a post on attars on Perfume Posse last summer that would be interesting background reading. It might also be worth sniffing around in Indian food stores, which sometimes have non-food products.
When I was exploring incense powders, I got Scent of Samadhi from e-tailer Essence of the Ages. According to the brochure, it has rose, red sandalwood and tulsi (holy basil) and clove, and it’s billed as an “all natural, herbal deodorant of the yogis of South India.” It does smell nice! You can read more about it on the Sensitive Planet website. (I’m not affiliated with either of these websites.)
Hope you find what you are looking for and let us know what it is!
I’m from India myself and the only sandalwood fragrance that I can associate with a large proportion of Indian men would be that of Mysore Sandal Soap (or one of its newer variations such as Mysore Gold). I’m not sure how widely available it is outside India but, as nozknoz says, the Indian food stores always surprise me! Wiki article – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore_Sandal_Soap.
Testing three different vintages of Réplique today. Two came from a generous friend & represent the original 1944 Raphael and a more contemporary formulation; the third — a purse sprayer labeled “Réplique – Revlon Inc., NY, NY” — was found in an antique store but is undated. Trying to find common threads of history and scent to connect these three. Especially wondering whether Revlon acquired Raphael sometime in the past– any clues?
I can’t help — hope someone else will chime in.
I found a mention of Revlon’s scent on Basenotes. I’ll include the link, but the commenter says that Revlon’s version was a completely different scent from the Raphael. (I’ve never smelled either.)
http://www.basenotes.net/ID10212195.html
Thanks for this! I managed also to dig up an old discussion on the Sniffapalooza forum re: Raphael Plaisir, suggesting that in 1980 Revlon acquired Raphael, discontinued Plaisir, and reformulated Replique. The search for data continues!
http://www.sniffapalooza.com/forum/showthread.php?p=27679
The Revlon Replique actually does smell related to the vintage Raphael– of course much lighter & greener, but recognizable if only as a dilution of the full-strength EdP. “Spray Mist” = EdT?
I have a bottle of the vintage Replique and I didn’t know that Revlon had acquired Raphael in the 80’s. Interesting info. That Replique is killer perfume, isn’t it? They don’t make bottles like that anymore – it’s kind of over the top with that big honker of a stopper – love it! 😉
MUCH nicer than the Revlon spray bottle with its ugly generic white pull cap! *shudder*
Happy 4th everyone 🙂 i am wearing l’heure bleue, which is a warm and soft powder fuzz that is working great on this rainy day in warsaw. I was happy to recently discover that dolce vita is basically a poor woman’s version of fdb, and so similar to the serge that it killed my lemming 😉
Dominika, I just read a review of Dolce Vita. I didn’t even know about it until I read your comment. Thanks! It sounds good.
Nice choice with the L’Heure Bleue! Have you tried Esprit d’Oscar yet? It’s to LHB what Eau Premiere is to no. 5 (wonderful) 🙂
I happen to like Dolce Vita better than FdB anyway…
The L’Heure Bleue sounds like a perfect choice!
Happy Fourth of July weekend to everyone. I’m wearing Kai today, mostly because it’s very hot out and somehow I thought of Kai, which I don’t wear all that much. I haven’t bought many new perfumes at all this year, but am looking forward to some of the new ones coming up–especially Andy Tauer’s three new ones that are now exclusive only in Rome. Now if only my finances would cooperate, there are several on my “wish list”.
I don’t wear Kai all that much either, but when it works it works 🙂
Happy 4th of July weekend to all.
Currently wearing eau de sunblock & deet from gardening, but will probably switch to a (TBD) white flower scent to attend a “white ballet” (Swan Lake) in NYC. Planning to go in early and hit a few perfume/cosmetic counters @ SFA/BG, and hoping not to do too much damage. Credit card is burying itself deep inside the wallet as I type….
Have a wonderful time! Let me know what you buy if you succeed in pulling your credit card out of hiding! 😉
We engaged a couple of tug-of-wars, but I managed to escape BG’s with minimal damage, needing to be more frugal with a big upcoming cruise vacation and impending end of work assignment. I bought 2 of the new Guerlain Rouge Automatique lipsticks and a LMdB eyeliner, and sprayed Cruel Gardenia generously for my white flower fragrance. No perfume acquisitions though the Houbigant SA was trying to push a bottle of perfume on me.
Best time to visit BG cosmetic dept on the weekend is probably between 5-7 (closing time), especially on a holiday weekend. The entire floor was near deserted…
Oooooh. Ballet.
Ballet in NYC. Ooooh.
Was that the ABT Swan Lake?
Yes it was!
And I settled on Guerlain’s Cruel Gardenia. 🙂
Summer 2011 rotation:
Nuit de Tubereuse and Grand Neroli–main characters
Supporting roles:
Vanille Insensee, Philosykos, Silences
Today I’m home wearing Chinatown on one arm and Cruel Gardenia on the other.
Happy weekend everyone!
Great summer pics!
Haven’t tried Chinatown in the heat/humidity as I pretty much used up my decant last fall! LOVE it and really should look into getting more.
Tiara, I’m not convinced that Chinatown is best in hot weather! I just got a decant recently and so wanted to wear it.
You smell good Suzy!
Fireworks and bourbon for all! Happy 4th!
Today wearing Profumum Acqua di Sale – saltwater and myrtle –
fantastic in the heat and humidity!
Has anyone here smelled the Josef Statkus edp? Opinions?
I liked it. Are they still making it? Haven’t heard a word about it (or him!) in ages.
Luckyscent still carries it, but you can’t order a sample 🙁
Requested a sample with my last BeautyHabit order and it was the only one gone missing 🙁
It was odd when both sellers didn’t provide a sample.
Maybe Anna Wintour snapped them all up! 😉
Yeah, guessing nobody keeps testers anymore. Oh well. I liked it.
Mmmm… yay for Acqua di Sale!
Today I finally got to stop in Lush and sample Breath of God. Someone here (Rappleyea? Mals?) suggested it fit my dream perfume of garage + girly perfume. I get more garage than girly perfume, except for some indistinct sweetness, but it is close enough to my dream scent, so thanks to whoever suggested it. Karma, on the other hand, I couldn’t wash off quickly enough.
Also got to stop in Vosges for some chocolates. They are making some new bars that I haven’t tried before: one with mushrooms and walnuts (that one will remind me of TF Black Orchid), one with white chocolate, lemon zest and pink peppercorns (refreshing), a blood orange and caramel bar, a black salt caramel bar, a cherry rooibos bar, and a bar with plaintain chips. We got one of each and I think my treats for the summer are set.
Wow … those chocolate bars sound yummy!
Wow, lots of new ones! I’d better get to a Vosges retailer, thanks.
Didn’t Ormonde Jayne announce they would throw in an extra 10ml with every purchase of a regular bottle, highlighting a different scent each month?There is nothing in sight right now and I’m waiting for OJ Woman…
Just checked the OJ blog — July is Ta’if.
Thanks Robin!
The temp is currently 99 and I’m back to my usual hot-weather staple, JM White Jasmine & Mint. And yet, I’ve been craving some of my fall favorites! Guess I’ll have to wait a while on those …
Happy 4th, everyone!
I am not ready for fall yet, still having fun with my colognes! But we’re not that hot yet either.
We’ve been in the 90’s since mid-May, and probably will be until at least mid-September. We have even had several 100+ days already, which usually doesn’t happen quite this early. What is really a bummer is that the drought is so bad the city has canceled the July 4 fireworks display.
I’d like to send you some of the Florida heat!
I have recently received a multitude of samples in the mail, for example the entire TDC and OJ lines, working my way through those. I’m telling myself that I have to try at least most of them before I decide to by any full bottles… Yesterday tried Breath Of God in the lokal Lush-store, a real scrubber for the first time in my life, I almost ran to the ladies!
Today the weather is cloudy and a bit heavy, and I’m wearing Portrait of a Lady for the first time.
Ha! That’s funny – I wonder if we’re evil scent twins. I tried on Breathe of God today and loved it, but found Karma to be a real (and immediate) scrubber.
Well, mayby I should go back tomorrow and try Karma then!
I am testing the new Shalimar (parfum initial) in the crooks of my arms…and…I am quite liking it! I was prepared to hate it- and I guess that sometimes helps take me aback 🙂 also, my soon to be 17 year old daughter liked it too- so I guess may be doing what it set out to do. She won’t touch Shalimar (yet!) Happy Fourth everyone! Have a grand holiday.
Oh good…it’s such a lovely bottle too.
Yep- the bottle is pretty for sure! And since she liked it, my daughter may be getting a bottle for her sweet 17 in a few weeks. It doesn’t really smell like Shalimar to me- but it does smell like a Guerlain. Sweeter than I would like up front but the dry down is very nice.
Guerlain bottles, specially the feminines are really beatiful. The old Mitsuoko’s bottle is wonderfull!
I’m wearing Carnal flower (caved and bought the travel sized bottles) on one hand and my sample of noir epices on the other..I’m loving Noir Epices- it is satisfying my craving for Caron Poivre..But it is HOT today and there is no ac where I am sitting so might not have been the best idea..I am trying to sniff carnal flower to make it seem cooler- not really working.
I love Noir Espices! Try layering it with something else. It goes nicely with Stella.
That’s true- it does seem the kind to layer well..I tried Stella eons ago- is it a straight up rose?
I think it’s rose and woods.
Wearing Ninfeo Mio today. Why don’t I have a bottle of this? I love it and it’s so good in this hot weather. I haven’t bought anything in ages, partly because I’ve reached the point where picking something every morning from the vast number of bottles and decants (and I know my collection is quite small compared to many) is overwhelming, but I’m really thinking about a bottle of this.
Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate it and a belated Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian friends!
I agree, Ninfeo Mio is perfect for hot weather, and I would have bought a bottle months ago if it were available in anything smaller than 100 ml. I love its green, outdoorsy, herb-garden smell. I just hate to buy 100 ml of anything. As many perfumes as I have, I just don’t need that much of any one thing.
Ha! Try conveying that basic fact to an over-eager SA in a department store! I’ve had a few encounters like that.
I was told that AG is not selling anything smaller than 100 ml now. Why, why, why do the perfume companies do this?
Do you mean all the AGs? Good grief!!!
It was an SA in Neiman Marcus who told me that. I’m not sure if she meant the whole line, but I do know they only had the 50 ml size in maybe 3 or 4 of the fragrances in the line (Eau d’Hadrien, for one). The rest were 100 ml only. I got the impression that AG was going toward 100 ml sizes and would either not make any more 50 ml bottles or else only in a few scents. I have found some smaller sizes of other AGs online, but only at the discount sites, which does suggest that they are being cleared out. I know for sure I cannot find Ninfeo Mio in anything except the 100 ml size, although I’m distinctly remember seeing it somewhere online (Lucky Scent?) in 50 ml shortly after it came out. I didn’t buy it at that time, as I had not yet had a chance to sniff it.
Are there any similarities between Ninfeo Mio and Un Jardin En Mediterranèe?
Funny you should ask since I wore Mediterranee today. Both have a fairly sharp opening. On me, NM is greener and the fig is creamier, and it lasts much longer.
Thinking transmission:). NM seems to be so nice, then. Another one to my wishlist, with priority. Mediterranèe is wonderful, but as the great part of JCE’s creations, is on fault on logevity. How I wish them to last longer, specially Sur Le Nil, Mediteranèe and Eau de Campagne. I think Mr. Ellena follow the primer that everything that’s good is ephemeral…
Yes, Aparatchick, i ask myself that same question every time I wear Ninfeo Mio. I also ask myself why I don’t wear it more often. Tomorrow!
Wow it’s hot in So Cal today. This pale skinned redhead needs to find a perfume that compliments sunscreen and/or self tanner.
Agree!!! And no AC either!
Oh no! I hope you find a nice place to keep cool.
Yup- went to the closest Barnes and Noble..:) (also now am wearing ELdO Rossy de Palma which seems perfect for this weather)
Seems like EL Bronze Goddess would be a natural addition– delicious coconut with something warm adding depth beneath it!
Agreed!
This may be just me but I am finding that HDP Vamp a NY is working very well with (and without) Garnier’s golden protect sunscreen.
Terracotta Voile d’Ete is an interesting carnation summer scent that has an undertone of (French) sun screen. It doesn’t smell particularly compelling when you first put it on, but throughout the day it wafts deliciously.
I agree that Vamp a la NY and Terracotta Voile d’Ete are also good choices!
SOTD Pamplelune
SOTD is BP’s PC01. Will be in Montreal in a couple of weeks — does anyone have favourite perfume places to suggest? (Especially one selling Biehl?) Also have a stopover in Toronto which I could devote to perfume buying as my travel companion is pretty easygoing.
Probably Ogilvy (Ste-Catherine corner of de la Montagne) or Holt Renfrew (Sherbrooke corner of de la Montagne) would be the best places. Bonne chance!
Merci beaucoup!
After seven months of going through multiple samples and decants of Mary Greenwell Plum, I finally scored My Own Bottle on ebay the other day! So excited.
Used my anniversary gift cash for it, too. 🙂 Squee!
Oh well done Mals! That is a great score.
Woo-hoo! Score! 🙂
Congrats! I hear the bottle is pretty too!
Nice!!!!
Many congrats, Mals! I know how much you love Plum. Enjoy your full bottle.
SOTD is Geoffrey Beene’s Grey Flannel. It is a grey day today (winter here) and I’m even wearing a grey jumper (sweater). But I love the way Grey Flannel warms on my skin, while retaining its slightly austere structure. A great feat, that.
It really is a great one!
It’s hot Hot HOT today – reached 100 degrees and I’ve got the perfume doldrumes. I find myself staring at my dressful of bottles and samples wondering what to wear. Nothing interests me today because what I really want is a bright juicy citrus that lasts and doesn’t dry down to boring musk. I remember falling in love with Burberry Summer a few years ago before realizing how generic that musk really is. It’s in everything. Blah humbug.
I’ve tested a few possibilities:
DSH Pamplemousse was lovely and may be my summer win, but only tested twice before running out of my sample.
Hermes Voyages was nice, but maybe too much vetiver? I think I want something more girly, yet I keep thinking about this one.
Guerlain Mandarine Basilic was an orange surprise find at Sephora with initial juicy goodness. But I forgot what happens in the drydown.
Pacific Lemon Blossom is nice enough. I even bought the roller ball. But it doesn’t last more than an hour or so and is a bit forgetable.
What are your summer citrus favorites? Any “must tries?”
My favorite citrus is Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli. Many people like AC Orange Sanguine but to me Grand Neroli maintains its freshness. It sparkles! Get some samples from Lucky Scent or TPC and see what you think.
Sparkles! That’s exactly what I want! I will try both of these!
Hi CM – I keep telling myself I should use my neglected bottle of Burberry Weekend but I just can’t get myself to use it and I think you’re spot on as to why – it smells pretty but generic. I was wondering if TM’s Womanity might be nice for Summer what with the aquatic notes. I’ll have to find my sample – I know it’s somewhere.
Have you tried Calyx? It’s beautiful for summer – citrus & melon. Even though Prescriptives is/went out of business, my Bloomies still sells the perfume.
Womanity has surprisingly strong sillage, IMO. I did not find it pleasant, and I think the saltiness might be overwhelming in hot weather. In fact, I think maybe that is why I didn’t like it–if it were a skin scent, I think I would have appreciated it much more.
I’ve tried Calyx many many years ago before perfumista-hood when only once scent would do and I could never find it. It wasn’t my thing back then, and it may be time to retry now that my nose has matured a bit. Thanks for the suggestions!
I received a travel size at Sniffapolooza last fall, kept it in my gym bag and wore it alot (particualirly layered with a rose scent or splash) all winter. I received another travel size this spring and really have not felt like touching it. For me, I think its a winter.
Definately try layering this one.
I just bought the Malibu Lemon Blossom body butter. It seemed to extend the fragrance! I also love Hermes Pamplemousse Rose (which simply means “Pink Grapefruit” – it is not a rose scent). There are also two citrus + herb fragrances that I adore: Annick Goutal Eau du Sud and Stephanie de Saint-Aignan Li Altarelli.
I own Hermes Pamplemousse Rose – it’s lovely, but sooo last season 🙂 JK. I do wear this lot, but it doesn’t last very long on my skin.
Have you tried Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil? I know from reading here that it’s technically a kind of mango that I’m smelling, but to my nose it’s a very refreshing blast of grapefruit without any bitterness. It morphs into a lovely floral and lasts (on me) for hours. I find it perfect for hot weather and it’s also a bit of a comfort scent.
I sniffed this at Nordies the other day. On paper, it was too melony and sweet – not crisp, biright and juicy. I’ll give it a whirl on skin due to your recommendation though – it may work! Thanks!
My two favorites are:
1. Frederic Malle Bigarade Concentree, a bitter orange fragrance with a lot of depth.
2. The Different Company Bergamotte, a slightly spicy (gingery) bergamot fragrance.
I second both of these!
my favourite summer citruses are:
Institut Très Bien à la Francaise – wonderful, and relatively long lasting
Chanel’s Eau de Cologne – the ‘to go’ cologne
I think Chanel Christalle eau de vert is a citrus. It actually lasts really long on me and retains its ‘fizziness’.
What constitutes a “white floral?” Are all white florals heavy and thick? I don’t like tuberose or gardenia, but I do like jasmine, lily, rose, etc. Is it still a white floral if it doesn’t have tuberose or gardenia? Are there any out there that aren’t suffocating?
Well… I’ll have a go at answering, but I’m sure my attempt won’t be complete.
A white floral could consist of any of the following notes, or a combination thereof: jasmine, tuberose, lily, lily of the valley, gardenia, tiare, ylang-ylang, or orange blossom. Some of those notes can’t be produced from the actual flower (like gardenia or lily of the valley) and are combinations of aromachemicals and natural oils from other flowers. There *could* be rose in a white floral fragrance, but it would be focused on the other florals rather than the rose.
Tropical white florals would probably contain some combination of jasmine, ylang, tiare and/or tuberose. They do tend to be pretty heavy and sensuous, but I think I’d rather call the effect intoxicating rather than “suffocating”! Examples: Fracas, Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, Carnal Flower, Goutal Songes. Sounds like you’d like to stay away from these… or increase your tolerance a tiny whiff at a time, maybe.
“Temperate” or non-tropical white florals might skip the tuberose and ylang in favor of lily or lily of the valley, giving the fragrance a cooler and less sweet cast. I happen to like these too. Examples: Diorissimo, Illuminum White Gardenia Petals (despite “gardenia” in the name, it’s not a big heavy sweet scent), Ellie D Ellie, the original Kate Spade scent.
Hope that’s somewhat helpful.
Very nice explanation! Thanks!
Thank you! That is very helpful. Sorry, didn’t mean to be rude.
Oh, no offense taken! You like what you like. And you don’t like what you don’t like. I have to struggle to not call Opium or Youth Dew names. 🙂
lol
mals, so perfectly put 🙂
Hi Malijo, I definitely recommend checking out Ormonde Jayne’s white florals. They are the best in my opinion for people (like me) who often find white florals a little overwhelming. I hear the sample set is a good buy, otherwise I would seek out Champaca and Osmanthus in particular.
Thanks!
Seconding Tara: the OJ discovery set is worth buying, and for a self proclaimed white floral hater, I am a devoted fan of Champaca! 🙂
Hi everyone….looking to source a bottle (refill of course!!) of Agonist Liquid Crystal… I know Luckyscent have had them but not for sometime. Does anyone know if there are any oher stockists that will ship to Australia?
Cheers!
M
Have you tried Agonist directly? They may do it.
Hi Karin… thanks for helping!..I have been to Agonist website but it seems pretty non user friendly. I cant find any prices or shopping cart and refills are not listed at all!!
But thanks…. any help greatly appreciated
I wore Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille. Delicious!
I love that one! Now I’m wondering whether it would be Too Much in the heat….
It’s actually amazing in the heat,wore it today in 75 degree weather. 🙂
I wore in 90 degrees and it wasn’t smothering at all.
Wearing Prada EdP today, which fits my “wallpaper scent” slot without boring me, and satisfies my (ebbing and flowing, but ever-present) patchouli cravings. I also dig its oddly “oily” texture – not at all fresh, sharp, or aldehydic – and its warm, musky, slightly-matronly-but-in-the-most-wonderful-way drydown. It’s all wrong for today’s weather, but after bathing in Mugler Cologne every day for a month, a 50-pound wet carpet of amber like Prada seems downright refreshing.
Can’t wait for the Bottega Veneta perfume. If anyone can do an authentically chypre-smelling scent in our modern, oakmoss-free times, it’s Michel Almairac.
I’m intrigued to smell this too!
What a wonderful description of this perfume! It’s one of my favourites too.
I like wearing scents that are all wrong for the weather too. In the heat anything considered light and fresh could be renamed ‘gone in 60 seconds’ on my skin.
I’m late in reading the review of the launch of Bottega Veneta. I am DYING to sample this! Where can I purchase a sample? I live in Holland and there is no BV boutique here. Arrrggghhhh!
I would guess Perfumed Court will have samples after it comes out.
Being a big patchouli fan, I’m considering getting a patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin) to try growing indoors. I’ve read that it isn’t easy.
Has anyone here tried growing this? If so, what have you experienced? I’ve read conflicting reports about how the scent can be lovely in your home and how it can be overpowering. I don’t think I would go to all the trouble of extracting oil, drying leaves, etc. I just want to take a little sniff at the plant now and then. I have lots of different scented geraniums (most of which move outdoors to the garden for the summer, and then return indoors for the rest of the year.) It gives me great comfort to rub the leaves between my fingers and sniff the wonderful scents.
I’ve posted before about how I’ve got a bottle of Santa Maria Novella patchouli that I’ve had for at least 8 years and it’s still great.
I’m just about ready to order another bottle in about a month or two from now, as I’ve been using it more than normal (my anosmia isn’t affected by this wonderful fragrance.)
I recently asked a friend to buy me a bunch of SMN fragrance samples while she was in London and THEY DON’T DO SAMPLES! She said you can spritz on stuff in the shop, but that’s it! Well, there’s no way I’m going to spend mega euros on full bottles. I’ll have to see if I can get samples at Perfumed Court or Aus Liebe zum Duft. Anyone know a sample supplier in Europe?
Hi Jonette, apart from First in Fragrance the only other place I know are Les Senteurs in London (not sure if they ship abroad) and the Scent Splits page –
http://scentsplits.wikidot.com/current-splits
I buy from Suze R on there but she only has one Santa Maria Novella called Muschio. There are other Europe based sellters though.
Thanks, Tortola!
I also purchased decants from Suze R, she is great!
I can’t answer to the SMN inquiry, but I can tell you that it’s hard to grow pacthouli plants indoor unless you have a window that gets reliably strong direct sunlight several hours each day. I’ve had my plant for 2 years now and each summer I bring it outside to soak up some direct light because it barely makes it through the winter months indoors.
I am wearing comme des carçons 2 in one wrist to try it again and see if i end liking it (and unfortunately the answer is no), and Etro Ambra in the other wrist from a 5 etro sample little box that i was given with my last purchase, and i am loving this one..must proceed to spray it on next time, as it is the only way for me to really get to know a fragrance.
As for my shopping list, next 2 bottles will be Serge lutes feminite du bois and ambre sultan. Also looking for a vanilla perfume and thought about Serge Lutens un bois vanille but i have yet to compare it to L’artisan parfumeur and other brands vanilla scents. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks on advance!
Try Atalier’s Vanille Insensee for a very vanillish, but not sweet take.
BVLGARI’s Black turns vanilla into an almost rubbery scent. (The bottle is vaguely like an automobile tire. I think this was an attempt to sell to the NASCAR male.)
thanks a lot for your suggestions! for sure i will try them!
My favorite vanilla is VCA Orchidee Vanille. It’s not too sweet and opens with a citrus note that’s not too sharp. There’s a little bit of a boozy note on top that fades away in the first 10 minutes or so. Very comforting – I wore it a lot in the fall, winter and spring!
Duh – I meant this comment for another post and can’t find it now…anyway the question was about vanilla scents. Excuse the intrusion!
The only vanilla I really like is Rochas Tocade, where it is partnered with rose. I like it because the vanilla is dry, almost a wood scent (to my nose, anyway). It’s a classic that is well worth sniffing, in an case.
My two favorite vanillas are L’Artisan Havana Vanille and Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille. NST has reviewed both.
You might try something with Osmanthus in it. It is a white flower that is much lighter than many others and smells floral-apricotty. I used to work in a botanical garden, and when our Osmanthus bush was blooming, we always had our heads in it. Called it the “tangerine jello tree”.
It smells like heaven, doesn’t it? I smelled it once in a botanical garden and wanted to roll in it like a dog. 🙂
Everybody knows any trustworthy site that send perfumes for all the world??????
I find Strawberrynet to be the most reliable and they ship to almost everywhere. Although they dont have a great “niche” selection.
Thanks, Debbie! That’s the problem with strawberry. If you know any that has a good niche variety, please, tell me.
First in Fragrance in Germany — I think they ship everywhere.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOTD: Hermes Hiris
It’s been so hot here today, but the Hiris has lasted well – 8 hours and still singing along softly…
Happy 4th July everyone!
I love Hiris 🙂
OMG… so I just won the Andy Tauer sample giveaway. I want to try 5 things I haven’t already tried.. the ones I’ve tried before are Incense Rose, Rose Chypree, Lonestar Memories, Rose Vermeille, and Carillon Pour un Ange). Other than those, what would be your top-five must-tries? I think Zeta makes it into the list regardless since it’s limited edition.
congratulations : D
thanks God, I know the feeling, 2 years ago i also won a sample set at a Christmas draw, I was thrilled 🙂
I haven’t tried the new ones, from the older ones my favourites are Une Rose Chypree, Le Maroc Pour Elle, and Reverie Au Jardin
enjoy your samples 🙂
Congrats! I’m so excited for you!
Congratulations! Yes, you should certainly try Zeta, since it’s a limited addition. In addition, I would suggest L’air du Desert Marocain, which is often considered a classic, La Maroc Pour Elle, and Orange Star, among the scents you haven’t tried yet. But you’ve already tried many of my favorites from the line. If you haven’t ordered samples from Andy yet, you’ll be surprised by how wonderful they are, in large spray vials, and packaged in an adorable metal case.
Congrats! I’d try Zeta for sure. I love some of his earlier work: L’air du Desert Marocain, Incense Rose, and Maroc Pour Elle. Have fun!
I LOVE Reverie au Jardiniere, so I suggest that one! 😉
Sigh. I need to turn off the iPad spell correct, this is getting out of hand. Reverie au Jardin!
I hate those spell-correcting programs. I have an unusual last name, and the spell checkers come up with some interesting suggestions for what my name ought to be.
thanks everyone for your replies! I ended up selecting:
Zeta
Orange Star
La Maroc Pour Elle
Vetiver Dance
Reverie au Jardin
I’m normally not a huge lavender fan, but some of the comments above pushed me over the edge into selecting Reverie au Jardin anyway! 🙂 I was a bit hesitant to select the super spicy/incensey ones I haven’t yet tried, as I want something I can (hopefully) wear right away!
SOTD is Tauer Une Rose Vermeille. Decided I wanted to smell like dessert today…
You smell wonderful! I love this, it seems very bubbly to me. Do you get the stage where it smells just like Choward’s Violet Mints? I know it’s a rose scent, but I get a lot of violet in it as well.
To my nose, AG La Violette smells almost exactly like the Choward’s Violet mints (which I love). I have several violet scents, but that one is a dead ringer for the candy.
There is violet in it, but I hardly ever smell it, I’m so buried under the raspberry (and I mean that in a good way).
So, no, it doesn’t seem very violetty in my experience, but it might be a case of what stands out to individual noses. I do like violets, but I tend to like them with a tinge of green – Penhaligon’s Violetta, The Unicorn Spell.
Know I’m late but…
SOTD: Sur le Toit on left wrist, Paul Smith Rose on the right. Philosykos on left arm and Dzing on right.
Sigh, I like them all. The only one I have a bottle of is Rose, and the bottle wont last much longer. I found it really cheap on a site in England – 20 pounds for a 100ml. Someone I know is going there soon so I am organizing it as a back up!
I’m hoping, somehow or other to score Philosykos too, as I’m now addicted and the sample is nearly finished. And, I think when my 2ml of Dzing is gone, I’m going to be pining also! I like Sur le Toit, but I can probably survive without it 🙂
I know Rose is not the last word in sophistication, but it makes me feel pretty, feminine, fresh and desirable!
That’s what really matters!!!
Sophisticated, schmisticated. Roses are beautiful, and if you find a scent that lifts you out of your daily doldrums, GREAT! I found a bottle of the Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose–straight up dewy rose from the garden for a steal at a local shop. . .and love it.
In the world of niche perfumery, we get all wound up in weird notes and complex develpment, but there is much to be said for things that are simply lovely. Enjoy your Rose, Merlin. Be well 😀
Oh Tea Rose is a great rose, isn’t it? That was my first rose perfume (I got it when I was a teen and had to be careful with it as it gave my mother headaches) but I haven’t been brave enough to buy any recently to see how or if it’s changed. Here’s hoping it hasn’t since I get a craving now and then for straight up rose and don’t have one in my collection.
Has anyone tried any of the flankers to Tea Rose? I know there’s at least an Amber Rose and Jasmine Rose, the latter making me think of my beloved Joy…
I’ve heard that Tea Rose is still in good shape. I have a sample, and I think it’s supposed to be the modern stuff. It’s very nice. Of course, if you were familiar with the older version, it might be completely different…
I second what Hemlock and SuzyQ said. My own favorite rose (I’ve got several rose scents in my collection) is the unpretentious, feel-good Evelyn Rose by Crabtree and Evelyn. It’s just a very pretty, very real rose. And it’s unobtrusive. It’s great for layering also. (I like to layer it with SMN patchouli). I wear the edp and can’t remember if this is my second or third bottle. It’s almost time to buy another. Oh, and I have their purse spray, too.
From henceforth, I shall wear Rose with Pride! 🙂
Happy 4th July! I have a question. I smelled the Elie Saab Le Parfum last week. It smells familiar to me, but I cannot point it down. Anyone? Thanks 😀
I haven’t smelled it yet so I’m no help 🙂
Good day to all. I find myself appreciating the smell of apricot. I have SL Daim Blond but this summer, I’d like to wear something more light. Can anyone recommend a niche fragrance which smells like a straightforward, sheer (read: not too sweet) apricot that would end up into a soft musk? Thank you in advance.
Can’t say I know of an apricot-musk. But Keiko Mecheri’s Peau de Peche is largely peach and musk, similar to what I think you’re looking for.
I could not smell it at all the first time I tried it, but the second time I found it attractive and soft.
yes, i guess i can replace the apricot with peach. and the keiko micheri line is something i’ve always wanted to try. will definitely check on this one. thanks, mals 86.
Do you like/have you tried JM Nectarine Blossom and Honey?- it is peachy (not really apricot)..also pretty sweet, but might work for summer
no i haven’t tried it but i do like the JM line. What I have are the Blue Agava and Cacao (i love that one very much) and a lot of small samples but no Nectarine Blossom and Honey. If this is sweet and have this summery feel in it as you described it, then yes, i will give it a try. thanks, lavanya!
You could try Annick Goutal Le Mimosa. One of the prominent notes is peach and it is quite noticeable. I got a full bottle for summer and it fits perfectly for a hot day. It has a hint of freshness to it that combines smoothly with it’s creaminess..as if you could feel the soft skin of the peach among fresh leaves or something like that. It has a milky quality to it that, to me, layers perfectly, like a glove, with the skin..almost like a like your skin but smoother and better, with a touch of peach. LOVE this one. Katie Puckrik has a review on this one if you are interested
LAZY DAY! After my shower I started to play around with my fragrance collection, I’m new to your crazy world and loving it. My wife thinks I’m NUTS. I started layering some of them. Any suggestions? I have Lalique’s Encre Noire, Terre De Hermes EDP, Bel Ami by Hermes, Gurlain’s Vetiver and Heritage EDP, Dior’s PH Intense AND Bulgari’s PH Soir. Any fragrances you can’t live without, that every collection should have?
My husband used to think I was nuts too with my perfume addiction but somehow he’s become just as bad as I am. I can’t offer you any suggestions on layering because I haven’t smelled all the ones you have but I would say spray away and see what works. I’ve done that plenty of times.
Have you tried Parfums de Nicolai New York? I’m the fragrance nut in my house, so my husband wears what I buy for him (although he appreciates that I enjoy smelling it on him). New York is just one of the nicest smelling masculines out there. It’s not trendy or weird or avant-garde; it just smells really, really good. Another one you should try if you can is Ormonde Man. It (and its feminine counterpart Ormonde Woman) has a warm, mossy, foresty type of smell that is really quite unlike anything else I have come across.
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, Rochas Man, Eau de Cartier, 212 Men (ok nstperfumers, you can beat me), Fahrenheit, Fleur Du Male, Au Masculin… this is an endless list!!! Reading very much you can have an good idea of wat you may like.
Was really a lovely day today here in Michigan… and i had to work as well… so i wore something light but FULL! Wore Bvlgari Pour Homme Extreme… was the perfect thing today to wear and also used up the last few spritzes in the bottle so now i can buy another BIGGER Bottle of it! 🙂 😉
I love finishing a bottle, and I almost never do!
Anyway that’s a good signal, Robin: it means that you have so much interesting things to use that you never finish a bottle. 😉
I tried only a small sample of Ormande Man, I’ll have to revisit it, but the Parfums de Nicolai New York……I’ll take your word for it, You make it sound sooooo good. Thanks 50 Roses
Hey Nose, I love the Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir
Poodle I agree…..SPRAY AWAY, SPRAY AWAY, SPRAY AWAY!