Time for another damage poll — and I know you've all been waiting anxiously to confess your sins! Donatella Versace, Our Lady of Scented Overindulgence,1 wants to know what you bought in the 3rd quarter (July, August and September) of 2011.
Update: the poll is now closed!
I was about to say I bought nothing — memory can be kind — but then I checked my notes. Ah yes, I bought one bottle (Honoré des Prés I Love Les Carottes, happily marked down to $24.50) and two decants (Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Oeillet, which it turns out I could live without, and The Different Company De Bachmakov, which I already knew I loved; $30 for the both of them). That brings my quarterly expenditure to about $55, and my yearly expenditure (so far!) to $194. I can live with that.
As always, report your purchases in the comments if you dare! And as always, we don't include samples or gifts, and you can count miniatures, decants and bottle-splits howsoever you like (I usually count them as half bottles). Samples don't generally count at all, even though some of us spend considerable sums obtaining them.
1. Why does Donatella host (against her will, mind you) the damage polls? There is no real reason other than the picture of her perfume collection, which shows that she indulges regularly at the perfume counter. The image, by the way, is originally from Allure magazine and appears here courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
Oh bonkers, I wasn’t supposed to buy anything during this quarter, what with a big cross-country move and all, yet here I sit, wafting recent purchases…
The confession:
Carbone de Balmain
Bois des Iles (split)
Cuir de Russe (split)
Tunisian Frankincense (cheap!)
Tokyo Milk Bittersweet
By Killian Oud Rose (split!)
By Killian Back to Black (split!)
Mona di Orio Vanille (split!)
hmmm…. I know there are more, but that’s all I’m admitting to!
Bet you left a gorgeous scent trail behind you!
a:)
I’m still intrigued by the Carbone. Wish I could sample it before dropping bucks on a FB – I know it’s not that spendy, but still.
Oh Mals, I’m going to send you some! I mislaid your address sometime during the move— if you’ll send it over to botoblog at live dot com, I’ll get it out tomorrow! 😉
Oh, thanks! Will email.
They were mostly splits — not bad!
But mostly splits –so that looks very responsible to me. And lovely ones at that (all things I like! )
It’s true, they were mostly splits, but the dollar amount was still too high for my “No Spending!” embargo!
You know, I think I actually spend less money when I don’t put any financial restrictions on myself… (need to see a shrink)
🙂
Dee, what did you think of Bittersweet?
That makes two. I wanted to ask the same question.
I’m bonkers for Bittersweet!
If Bronze Goddess met a hot guy on the beach, spent the day with him, then went out for dinner followed by decadent desert, then woke up the next day and thought to herself as she gathered up her clothes, “Whatever the hell just happened was amazing!” you’d have Bittersweet. 😉
Just one. In the middle of a move and I somehow managed to pack ALL of my perfumes in bowels of my car so I allowed myself one purchase to get me through the interim.
Bottle of No. 5 $85.
Yearly total so far: $299.
You’ve been good. And No. 5 is a reward in itself, yes?
Absolutely!
Yes, I’m excited!
I am SORELY tempted to buy the new intense bath oil. Have you tried that?? I’m super curious!
No I have not! I should
Congrats on the No. 5!
Yeah I couldn’t reconcile myself with the charge/shipping fees for LT and ATOH, plus I don’t have an address to send them to yet anyway, so No. 5 from a brick and mortar it was!
I’m just thinking out loud here, and I’m tired so it might be a bad idea, but could it be advantageous to order together from Luckyscent? (i.e., having bottles delivered at your place and then you ship mine to me?) We wouldn’t save on customs, but we might save on shipping…? Would it be enough? (I guess not… we might save $10 each total…)
*Sigh*
THERE MUST BE SOME WAY TO BEAT THE SYSTEM. This might work, I will have to investigate further… Will email you
Haha! 🙂
I should add that even though it has been my forced signature everyday until I unpack, I have been loving it!
With the exception of an occasional sample, I haven’t bought any perfume since Sept last year and, for a while, it looked like it would be another 0 FB quarter again. Then, a few weeks ago I mentioned that I wished I could find a reasonably priced bottle of Jubilation and by a funny, cosmic wish-list type coincidence that’s exactly what happened.
Anyway, that’s my rather long-winded way of saying – put me down for one bottle of Jubilation! Total for quarter and year so far is around £30.
Now I only have 3 things remaining on my FB To Buy List (Dia, Sycomore and Diorella) and I’m hoping to get at least on or two of them before the end of the year. The plan was to get them all this year but I got, ahem, sidetracked…
Wow, what discipline 😐 I feel like I’m constanly reining myself in and yet I manage to have something to report every quarter. HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Oh, it’s a combination of things, really. Firstly, there are very few things that I’m desperate to own. I have 12 FBs right now and, as I mentioned, only 3 more to get. There are some things that I kinda-sorta-maybe-one-day-I’ll-get-a-decant like but I’m not dying to actually buy them and I’m happy with just having samples of them for the time being.
Add to that the fact that I unfortunately often fall for expensive stuff like Amouage, Chanel Les Exclusifs & extraits and that the funds are limited so I basically try to avoid impulse buying cheaper things that I don’t adore and put that money towards one really special purchase instead.
Plus I hate having lot of ‘stuff’ too so I don’t really see this as a ‘collecting’ hobby. I try to approach it more like I do food or wine or art – most times I’m happy to just experience, I don’t have to own it 🙂
I’m trying to head in that direction myself. I don’t mind that I have more perfume than I’ll ever be able to use; what I do mind is that I have so many different ones, I can’t keep track and forget what I have. I need to use/sell/swap away about half of what I have before it will be manageable again. LOL!
This year I passed that threshold where I can’t actually recall all the bottles and decants in my collection. I totally forget that I have something wonderful, esp. when it’s the little samples and things that get tossed in. It is so sad! I have to look at my spreadsheet if I want to know what I have that is “gourmand” , etc. I used to be able to list what I had, not anymore!
Purging/de-cluttering can be a real pain and a hassle but I always feel better when it’s done and I almost never miss things when they are gone. In fact, my only regret was letting go of AdP Profumo miniature before giving it a fair try and realising that I actually like it a lot.
I can get behind that logic. Moving made me loathe the sheer volume of *stuff* I have and collecting endless FBs really does seem absurd (I already have 20). Maybe 2012 will finally see me fully embracing decants.
Oh, yes, the moving! *shudder* I find moving traumatic anyway and having to deal with excessive amounts of “stuff” when moving just makes me lose the will to live.
See, I’m moving in the opposite direction: a FB of something I love instead of 3-30 decants I like. 😉 I’m paring down everything I own, from kitchen gadgets to spare sheets/blankets to shoes and clothing, and the perfume collection will not be spared. I’m struggling w/the kids’ toys though.. it makes me feel mean, even though they never USE them anyway.
If you had to buy just one, you could have done far worse. Excellent choice – but Jubilation for 30GBP??? That certainly IS cheap. Where do I sign up?
Not bad, right? I’m glad I didn’t need to part with any organs to finally own it although this is clearly not the approach suitable for fans of instant gratification 😀
Wow, you got a good deal!
86 UN Bois Vanille
26 Fidji parfum plus 5 other minis
9.50 Revlon Maroc
4.50 Lenclos Danger
19.50 Miss Dior parfum
13.50 Yardley LOTV (for my gran)
14 Rubinstein white magnolia (for my aunt)
61 Après L’ondee EDT
71 Roger & Gallet Oeillet Tentation
The last two were paid for by my brother as a gift so this is my cheapest month in a long time. But that makes me sad because I must have wasted my spending money on other things!
Well, I don’t count gifts for other people (good thing this time, because if I did, I’d have to report about $100 more), so there’s that. Gifts you received don’t really count either – except if my husband gives them to me, I count them here because they came out of our shared bank account…
How would you count a gift to yourself, lol? Here’s me: this one I needed, and this one is a gift because I cleaned my closets out. Whopee! I think that makes it just one bottle that I bought, right?
🙂
That works for me! 😉
Teehee! Might have to try that one. There’s external house painting in my future – what do you think that might be worth? I’m feeling more motivated already.
Lilybug, I darned near think that outside house painting deserves a bottle of Amouage or some type of pure extrait – Guerlain, Chanel… or maybe a special DSH!!! Holy cow – that’s a whole lotta work!
Ha ha! Love your line of reasoning!
If I wasn’t interested in perfume, I wouldn’t have bought them so I figure it’s still damage (but a grey area to be exploited none the less?).
Both are scents they wore when they were younger and can’t get now, so I was sneakily (and joyfully) watching out for old bottles to randomly surprise them with after asking what they used to wear. Gran was ever so pleased. Haven’t seen my aunt yet to give hers.
Does Un Bois Vanille last on you? I loved it, but it was so fleeting ;(
It does last quite well on me – not sure how many hours but I find strong vanillas last well. But I did think it smelled different to my old sample (which I ran out of and so can’t compare now). Not sure if it’s a spray vs dab or reformulation difference.
Month? I mean quarter.
Oh gosh–it’s that time already?! After last quarter’s record breaking spend-fest things have calmed down considerably. Spent: $81.00 on decants. Not many rang my bell. No. 19 Poudre? Forget about it. But, BUT I fell in love with VC&A Muguet Blanc.
I’m still waiting for the mailman to bring AG Mon Parfum Cherie and Byredo Green, so the jury’s still out on those.
The AG is on my short “to sniff” list. Would love to know how it turned out for you!
If it comes in the mail today, I’ll report back!
I got my MPC edt decant yesterday. I love AG so I am so excited. BUT I have this blasted headcold right now, so I can’t sniff for anything. I am not very patiently waiting for my nose to clear so I can test this properly. My stuffy nose only gets the dark patchouli b/c all the finer notes are blocked out. GRX!
It’s on my “to smell” list too!
My split of MPC just arrived in the mail! Wow! I’m not an expert on chypres and I can’t suss out all the notes in the reviews. What I can say is that I often find chypres edgy or demanding. This one is very smooth, utterly beautiful and feminine. There is indeed a kinship to Femme but MPC is much more wearable.
Ann S, just wait until that head cold clears up! You’ll be in heaven. OperaFan, I think you’ll like it.
Sounds great, thanks!
what is MPC???? i mostly only wear chypres and i don’t know this one.
jo
Thanks for the encouragement – I did get some very faint whiff of something beautifully creamy – like iris or something – well, I’m really looking forward to enjoying it in full.
MPC = Mon Parfum Cherie, Annick Goutal
And those nasty little lemmings are multiplying – back, BACK!!!
Drop me a line re: Muguet Blanc – julia941 at yahoo dot com
My worst quarter since starting this habit.
1. Carnal flower
2. Lys Mediterenee (at work, can’t check my bottle)
3. Jo Malone vintage gardenia, used
4. Light blue
5. Traversee du bosphore
6. Decant Angel
7. Decant narciso rodreguiez
I refuse to look up the total for all that…I’m happier not knowing.
Ignorance is bliss 🙂
Traversee is wonderful! Congratulations, and I hope you enjoy it all Fall and Winter long!! 🙂
I’m really loving TdB, wore it today and it was perfect. 😀
Didn’t do too badly this quarter due primarily to gearing (and saving) up for a very expensive vacation, as well as anticipating a layoff that got temporarily postponed….
Total for this month: $185
***
Liz Zorne (Sovihole) – Quan Yin 11ml, $18
TF – Violet Blonde 5ml, $12.50
1000 Flowers – Reglisse Noire 15ml- $35
1000 Flowers – Fleur No 1 15 ml – $48
Fabrege (ebay) Babe ~10ml – $20.00
VC&A Gardenia Petale – 30ml – $50
…And a host of samples and decants received from what I lovingly call, the “Swappathon” over at the Posse. Thank you Anita, for hosting!
Oh, and the numbers DO include shipping where attributable. I’m definitely a nickle and dimer…
I always include the shipping too. It’s part of the cost, IMO.
So jealous of your Century buy! I had it in my basket, got distracted, went back the next day and it was gone…
I mean, the Centennial – or whatever that chypre was called…
It is beautiful. Glad I jumped when I did.
I’d missed the 2nd Q poll b/c I was visiting family, but I tallied about 11 new-to-me bottles and about 5 decants from swapmania. It was a great haul! But it was a net 0 b/c I gave away what I’d received. Thereafter I only bought 5 FBs in the 2nd Q.
Oh – was that in May? There I thought it was much later. Well – nevermind! I was OBVIOUSLY preoccupied and lost perspective of time….
It happened right at the end of June, the only reason I remember, b/c I was gone for July 4th. It just happened at the end of 2Q, and I’m sure many swaps didn’t manifest themselves until it was 3Q.
Okay – so it DOES pertain to 3rd Qtr then! Good, not losing my mind, yet…
How do you like the Reglisse Noire? I’m curious about that one, as I like anise and licorice scents.
The licorice is a true black licorice. The drydown reminds me of a less animalic but no less beautiful Le Temps d’une Fete. You WILL have to like licorice, though because that’s all you smell in the opening.
Antaeus
Eau Sauvage Extrème
Bvlgari Black
Trussardi Uomo
A*Men Chili paste
Carbone de Balmain
All 100ml FB-except for Black.
The first 4 were to replaced “almost” empty bottles.
The A*Men, I just couldn’t resist, and the Balmain is an unsniffed purchase that I ordered on Monday. I’m counting it now to lower the next quarter which is usually my overindulgence quarter.
Total $444 (but that includes taxes and shipping…so I shouldn’t fee too guilty, right?)
Sounds like you got some good stuff.
Oh, do update us on your thoughts about Carbone! It was an unsniffed purchase for me early in the quarter, and I’ve really enjoyed it’s weird, waxy & scratchy vetiver/vanilla vibe! 🙂
oh well, here it goes, full price bottles of: escentric molecules 3 (in a vetiver frenzy), réglisse noire (1000 flowers), and a couple of decants, not too bad actually
Mmmm, vetiver! 🙂
Not bad at all!
– Guerlain Philtre d’Amour decant
– Le Labo Patchouli 24 decant
– FB Honore des Pres I Love Les Carottes (thanks Robin!)
– mini Chanel #19
– (2) 15 mls. bottles A. G. Myrrhe Ardente
Total = $145
This year I started writing everything down, and I’ve found it makes me more selective in my purchases and I also spend less.
That’s such a pretty Guerlain! btw – I emailed you…
a:)
I’ll go read! 🙂
It’s a good plan! When I see where the money is going, it’s easier to say “no” to affordable “likes” and save up for less-affordable “loves”! 🙂
I really agree! Purchases in the first quarter (and the first quarter that I wrote down purchases) have ALL ended up being traded or given away! They were mostly decants and ended up being in the like to meh categories. No more unsniffed decants!
Oh man, do they add up! There are still quite a few un-loved splits in my collection, but one of these days I’ll follow your lead and swap them away… 🙂
I’d rather give them away than have unused stuff (which is clutter) around!
Rapple you hve reminded me that I so want to try that AG Myrrh Ardente! Myrrh is one of those notes that gets my lemmings all riled up.
Myrrhe Ardente is perfect for cooler weather, IMO.
Dove, you know I can’t pass up an enabling opportunity! 😉 Just email me at rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com and I’ll send you some! It’s really gorgeous, fairly straight forward, but gorgeous.
Ooh – thanks Rapple! will do!
DelRae Bois de Paradis
BP PC01
Floris Seringa (super-cheap at Winners)
mini Guerlain AA Winter Delice
Ok, I know I should know what BP PC01 is, but my mind is blank.
I was trying to avoid typing “biehl parfumkunstwerke ” — I have instead done a cut&paste…
Aha…right. Should have remembered!
Thanks for reminding me of Winter Delice! I need to drag it out from among the stash of minis now that the weather is finally cooler.
I have been off work for almost a year and a half now, and my expenditures reflect that!
I only bought three new bottles:
Garden Party Frangipane (on sale at Luckyscent for a $80)
Parlez-Moi d’Amour, John Galiano $60
Strip, Agent Provacateur $60
But I was given this money specifically to buy perfume with, so technically I myself didn’t buy any, right?
I need to get it on Abyss’s magical way of bring Jubilation into my life; I am craving it so bad! That, and Chanel No 19 are my current obsessions. I discovered both a week after I had bought the other three, and spent all my gift money! 😉
That Parlez-Moi d’Amour had such a pretty bottle.
And I am such a complete bottle ho that I couldn’t resist.
Given my current financial circumstances, I should be took out and shot for buying something that I KNOW I will dislike (Blueberry, really?) just for the bottle.
But I am so tickled with it!
At least you can leave it out on your dresser and not feel guilty about, um, “ruining the juice.” 🙂
Make a wish and keep an eye out! 😀
The wishing is going strong, trust me! 😉
The eye out is a wee bit tougher, as I am housebound, but I DO believe in magic!
Many things can be achieved thanks to the power of Internet with a sprinkling of magic on top 😉 Hope to see you reporting a bottle of Jubilation on the next Damage Poll!
Jolie Fleurs – I’d be happy to send you the mini (sorry it’s not a big bottle!) of #19 if you’d like it. It’s the second time I’ve bought it (first was a decant), and I need to remember that it just doesn’t thrill me! lol! Email is rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com.
– Diptyque Opone
– Serge Lutens Arabie
– Aesop Marrakech
– Histoires de Parfums 1725 Casanova
– Diptyque Philosykos (so glad I finally decided I liked this one)
Since the first three were on sale, and the fourth was only 14 ml, I really only got one bottle total 🙂 Should reward myself for that self-restraint next quarter 😉
Philosykos! Yes, it’s so good and comparatively reasonably priced. I find it can be worn year-round too, so it’s a great investment. Congrats!
It smelled so strange to me for the longest time. Then I bought a pack of these really delicious Turkish figs from the halal store, and I finally “got” the scent when I sampled it again 🙂
It took me awhile too, but for a different reason. I got a lot of coconut out of it at first, and didn’t like it. I don’t know if it’s the age of the sample that changed it, but now I really like it, and will get some eventually.
Yes you should!
How do you like the Marrakech?
I’ve been very good this quarter. I admit that I filled up a cart at BeautyHabit during their sale, but then I’d think, “Do I really need that one?” and out it would go. Then, “Don’t I already have 2 very similar scents?” and out that one would go, until I had finally emptied the cart.
So what did I buy?
11 ml. Calcutta, from Liz Zorn
5 ml. Vitriol d’Oeillet – like you, Robin, I learned I could live without it
5 ml. Bois des Iles – which I learned I cannot.
I did the same thing with that sale. “Do I really need this?” The answer kept being no.
I just killed a 30ml bottle of Le Temps d’une Fete (my first dead soldier since the rabbithole!) and thought about getting another one, but since I already HAVE a slightly-used backup and it’s taken me about 2.5 years to use up that one bottle, which is admittedly one of my Top Three Ever, I figured I didn’t need a backup yet. It’s not discontinued, thank goodness. THAT would have made me pull the trigger on getting more. Praying to all the perfume gods that LTdF doesn’t get d/c any time soon…
I was thinking it would be a fun open thread for everyone to list the last FB bottle they actually *drained*. It seems like such an accomplishment and a testament of love.
It should be easy for you to find more PdN, but then I’d be nervous that during the time I was patiently waiting, it would be reformulated.
I would love having that as an open thread! I haven’t drained anything since beginning this habit, err . . .hobby, but I’m getting close to the bottom of a few bottles. I think I’m going to have an odd feeling of accomplishment when I finally drain one.
I have nearly empty bottles of Chanel Coco edt, AG Heure Exquise edt, and 4711. I’m sure there are some more that are close, but I have to go look now!
This is a great idea! I’d love to see what people use up–and repurchase! Of course, it was easier for me to go through a whole bottle back when I was a serial perfume monogamist…
Ha, me too!
It’s been bugging me for several hours now that I used the phrase “dead soldier” when referring to an empty bottle. I know this is a quirky, colloquial way of referring to empty bottles, usually ones that once contained alcoholic beverages, but it was insensitive and I wish I hadn’t used it.
Please mentally delete the phrase and accept my apologies if I offended.
Mals, I have a stepson in Afghanistan and I never thought for even a second of your use of that phrase anyway except how you meant it. Don’t beat yourself up over it.
LOL…yes, the Bois des Iles is another kettle of fish! It’s on my very short list of things I need to have in Parfum.
Well, I started off the quarter with a splurge at an antique shop. Not much $, but not some of my wiser purchases, I think. Throw in a good *bay find, some decants/minis and a bomb of an unsniffed purchase, and I didn’t do as well as I intended to do. But I also sold off two unloved bottles, so the net damage wound up around $110.
Antique shop minis: Chloe Narcisse parfum, L’Aimant, Sweet Honesty, Fidji, Jaclyn Smith California, Romeo, Toujours Moi parfum, and Paloma Picasso – total $35
*bay steal: a mostly full 100ml bottle of L’ete en Douce, $49
FB of Tendre Madeleine, $33.15
Minis of Micallef Black Sea and Gaiac, $27.50
And I was gifted a FB of Bandit
How is L’Aimant? I saw it in a friend of a friend’s bathroom and had to really restrain myself from spraying it on me liberally…
Actually, I don’t remember. :O I bought those right at the beginning of the quarter, and most seemed better for cooler weather, so I haven’t really tried them on.
I have some vintage L’Aimant parfum de toilette (which would make it late 70s/early 80s, probably) which is really pleasant to wear. Have not smelled the recent.
Mine is a vintage cologne splash. Just put some on and can’t think what it reminds me of, exactly, but it’s a big floral aldehyde bomb, for sure. Fortunately, I like me some big floral aldehydes. 🙂
Yay for Bandit gift!
Yay for Tendre Madeleine!!! 😉
I wish I could agree! It got such rave reviews, and I never see it anywhere, and it was cheap… so I bought it… and don’t like it. It’s already joined my growing pile of things to list for sale/swap.
And you know *exactly* who you should send your list to – your Evil Scent Twin! 😉
Oh no! I love TM so much… and I know that there are a bunch more of us out there— you’ll easily swap (or sell) that one, so hopefully it won’t be a loss for long 🙂
Well, that’s why I didn’t worry too much about an unsniffed buy. That, and it was awfully inexpensive (and then on sale to boot). Still, I was hoping it would be “my” Theorema (which I didn’t like either). 😀
Oh, and SO jealous of your de Bachmakoff! Still waiting for them to put it out in smaller bottles…
I bought one 11ml bottle, one 5ml mini, and two decants, total $93 – the lowest quarter since I’ve been into perfume.
I got Liz Zorn’s Historical Chypre (LOVE it), a mini of Love, Chloe (HATE it, must ditch it asap), a small decant of Sushi Imperiale which just arrived today (unsniffed, yes, bad me), and a large split portion of Guerlain Vega, which I absolutely adore and had been lusting after for a loooooong time (thanks, Karin!).
However, I also bought my older son a bottle of Coty Raw Vanilla, my daughter a roller ball of Hanae Mori Butterfly (she finally exhausted all her little spray samples), and my aunts/sisters-in-law AG Noel candles ($8 a pop, Parfum1 sale). If I’d had to include those, add another $102 to the total. Grrrrr. Also dropped about another $22 on samples, which turned out to be a bust as I didn’t like any of the 8 of them.
So: was I smart, or foolish?
Well, darn it, are we including candles now??? I got those very same candles, Mals! Can’t pass that deal up. I got a large one, also.
I believe all perfume-related products are included, but everyone looks at it differently. Guess if you intended it as an “air freshener” then you can consider it a utilitary purchase and not count towards the damage.
😉
Another reason I feel as though I need not count candles is that Mister Fleurs loves them as well, so he never fusses! 😛
He won’t notice the scent, but we live by candlelight alone at night, except in the kitchen.
I don’t include candles either because my hubby has more of a candle problem than I do so all my candle purchases are his fault.
Well, I didn’t buy them for me, so I guess technically they don’t count. I was talking about buying stuff for other people. 🙂
But maybe I’ll keep one and give my perfume-challenged SIL something else for Christmas. They’re in my perfume cabinet right now, making the whole thing smell fabbo.
Yes, keep them!
I vote no…they aren’t perfume! I won’t wear them! I bought 2 large and 2 sets of small…… but I will probably give some as gifts.
I don’t think the money spent on samples is foolish at all, if that’s what you meant. There’s a lot to be said for finding out, relatively cheaply, that something doesn’t work for you. I don’t regret any of the samples I have ordered since I’ve been able to rule out many individual scents and even whole lines that don’t appeal to me.
Well, they were samples that other people had recommended – some of Liz Zorn’s scents, which I already knew are iffy on me (either they work, or they really don’t), and a slew of Opus Oils, every. single. one. of which were just dreadful. But oils frequently do not please me, and I knew that too, and I ordered them ANYWAY. So that part, at least, was dumb…
Not dumb, no – Eternal Optimist. Much better!
… I have found myself in that very same situation more than once (with the oils) and once again, I ordered a batch of samples from an indie perfumer just last night! I’m an optimist too 😉
I hate it when you get a bunch of samples and don’t like anything. I happens to me more often than not these days. Speaking of the detested: I’d be happy to take that Love, Chloe off your hands. I want to smell it even though I’m kind of certain that I won’t like it. I have a long lost sample of Attrape Coeur and some Temp’s d’Une Fete I could tempt you with???
Gosh, Girl – how many AC samples do you have floating about? You sent me one during the summer swap. Just want to make sure you’re not talking about the same one…. 😉
Sputtering with laughter! I promised Julia my Prada Oeillet sample the other day, and I haven’t found it yet… I THINK it’s still here…
Speaking of stuff – you and I still have some unfinished business to wrap up from the swapmania. I think it was the DelRae Rose and Pampelune that you wanted?
Operafan, Mals – maybe I am insane! Now I am doubting myself again. I had indeed at one point, about 5 different half-ml and 1 ml samples of AC that were accounted for. Then I started giving them away, and I was down to like 2 or 3. I’d promised one to both of you at swapmania and then couldn’t find them. Then I did, and you got one Operafan, and then I felt bad b/c of Mals, but then I found *hers*, I think.???? Now you’ve made me think I need to double check again! ARG! I wanted them all to go to good homes.
1. Hilary Duff With Love
2. Britney Spears Circus Fantasy
3. J. Lo Love at First Glow
4. Smell Bent Sunshine, Mama’s Spiced Tea
5. Smell Bent Little Miss Panda
6. Smell Bent Otter Luvr
I find With Love to be a very underrated fragrance and I’m sad that it’s discontinued. It’s one of my favorites and I had to purchase another bottle before it’s all gone. I bought Circus Fantasy because of reviews on Fragrantica that said it was fresh and that’s just what I need in the hot weather I’m having now. I bought J.Lo Love at First Glow because I remember loving the paper/magazine sample and smelling it alot, it’s at a great price, and is described as a warm rose, which I like. I bought the Smell Bents on a whim, they’re only 4 ml. I also love spiced tea and cute animals, especially Pandas and Sea Otters.
Oh, how is the Otter Lvr?
I have been so tempted on that one, both for the notes and because I love sea otters as well, but the musk in that line is extremely strong on my skin.
Ha, I see you have SB musk issues too! Tom at PST was talking about how “cuddly” Commando is, but on me, that’s a whole living room’s worth of hairy sweaty unwashed men. Ugh.
Not every time, though. I still really enjoy One (old books and dry spices, yum).
I think I just have musk issues, period. The SSS musk is even worse on me.
I actually don’t know yet. I just ordered it last night.
I’ve never tried Smell Bent before, so I don’t know how bad their musk is (yet).
I’ll update you on it when I get the shipment in. (I even bookmarked this page to remind me.) 🙂
Otter Luvr is somewhat musky, but not people musk. It has a rich spicy smell that is probably from the animal musks. It’s strong and it lasts.
It starts out with a strong, fresh blast (probably the seaweed), and then the spicy (it’s not spices, but that’s the only way I know how to describe it) smell comes through. I don’t know what castoreum and oakmoss smell like as individual notes, but I don’t get much seaweed later.
If you like the notes, then I would suggest purchasing a sample/travel vial of EdT – 4 ml for $7.75 from Smell Bent to try it out.
Smell Bents are sometimes too… weird… for me (and the musk sometimes stomps on my yuckmeter) – but they are always, ALWAYS fun and interesting to smell. Not to mention, very reasonably priced.
One of my favorite things about Smell Bent is the price. It’s around 7-8 USD for 4 ml of Eau de Toilette. I also like that for the pictures, instead of bottles, one gets drawings. 🙂
Oh, yes, I love those drawings. So clever and wacky.
With Love is great! To me, it smells the way I wanted Estee Lauder Sensuous to smell (which I can’t smell at all, darned anosmia).
It is too bad if it’s been discontinued, but fortunately you can still pick up bottles for under $20 on the ‘bay. 🙂
I got mine for a little under 22 USD at Amazon. It’s 100 ml too. The price is so good I might get backups later.
I’m so glad to find someone else who really like With Love as well. 🙂
That’s a great deal! I’m always stunned when I find a fragrance that I genuinely love for under $50— it makes me wonder how they do it (if more expensive materials generally smell better), and how come other people can’t seem to do it??
I got mine for a little under 22 USD at Amazon. It’s 100 ml too. The price is so good I might get backups later.
I’m so glad to find someone else who really like With Love as well. 🙂
Are you buying the EdT or the oil version of Smell Bent fragrances? Which do you prefer? Indie Scents only have EdT (though they say the samples are EdP) and they have a large selection. LuckyScent only sells oils and they don’t have a very large selection – no Bollywood or Bust.
I’ve bought both EdT and oil, depending on what is available. I prefer spraying in general, so I like the EdTs. I’ve always ordered direct from Smell Bent – they usually have sample packs and occasionally have free shipping deals.
I purchased the EdT. I can’t use perfume oils due to my breakout-prone skin.
I bought them directly from Smell Bent. The Smell Bent site has Bollywood, which I want to try.
I’m refusing to count decants and minis at all, so I have five I will admit to—three of which are either hard to find or discontinued so I grabbed them while they were available:
L’A P Fleur de Narcisse
Micallef Red Sea
LM Ambre Passion Elixir (I blame this on Angela’s review)
Fiore di Riso (pleasant but I probably could have lived without it)
Mona di Orio Vanille (again, blaming this one on Angela)
I can easily be led into temptation by Angela. Her descriptions are so clear and, in many cases, enticing!
Vintage Arpege – $1
Vintage Coty L’Origan- $1
Vintage Bourjois Evening in Paris- $1
I’m trying really hard not to be smug right now, guys.
Yard sale?
A Baltimore thrift store called Dreamland! Apparently it’s an old favorite of John Waters.
😮
I think you may be proud… Remember it’s only arrogance if you’ve got nothing to back it up 😉
Good for you Ari! Spectacular deals!
Wow! You deserve to be smug! Great finds!!
… not working 😉
Wait a second! Weren’t you in Paris during this quarter????
Holy Toledo.
All I can say is, “oops….” Had a significantly more bountiful quarter than I ever planned. Highlights:
Mason Martin Margiela Untitled
Killian’s Sweet Redemption
Serge Luten Chene
Prada Candy
Other than that, my lips are sealed. However, the evidence is revealing on any given day…
Wow, all good choices!
Cuir de Lancome
Dzing!
These two had both been on my wishlist for a while. I didn’t buy any fragrance in July or August, but as soon as the weather started to cool down, I decided I was definitely going to need Dzing! and Cuir for fall & winter.
I have $100 I can spend in October, and I think this time i’m going to go for some decants and samples – having a bunch of new scents to play with can really help curb my urge to buy full bottles.
D’Zing remains one of my very favorite scents. Great choices.
Congrats on the Dzing… it’s great in any season.
Both brilliant choice, congrats!
Both excellent scents, great for any season actually. I own full bottles of both and wear them regularly!
Parisienne à l’Extrême
1 bottle, very restrained!
I was amazingly good this quarter and only got two bottles, not even paying full price for either of them.
Parfums Delrae: Amoureuse
Clarins: Eau Ressourçante
Love them both, the Clarins is great as a bedtime scent, the Delrae is Stunning!
Amoureuse is absolutely delicious! Great choice, especially for fall and winter.
I seem to steadily buy 1 bottle a month, so yep, 3 bottles again this quarter.
50ml Bvlgari Pour Homme
75ml Guerlain L’Instant Pour Homme
75ml Creed Silver Mountain Water
Total $$ is approximately $185.
For this coming quarter it looks like my planned purchases will likely be:
Yosh Sombre Negra
Tauer L’Air du Desert Marocain
Mark Birley Charles Street
But a bottle/month is a reasonable amount, i think. And I’m impressed that you plan them out rather than buying impulsively.
Ditto. So many of my purchases are spur of the moment.
Good buys!
One bottle a month is my general plan, too (although I often find I buy that month’s bottle within the first couple days of the new month!).
100ml Balmain Ambre Gris edp
1 oz. Providence Perfume Co. Cocoa Tuberose edp
50ml Niki de St. Phalle edt spray
100ml Cabaret edp
The Ambre Gris, Cabaret and Niki were cheap as chips, though.
I would like Santa to bring me a FB of Une Rose Chypree, because if he doesn’t, I will have to buy one. Decant is almost gone… sob.
I have a list building up for Santa too 🙂
I was very, very good – excellent even!
2 full bottles: AdP Iris Nobile; Balenciaga Paris
That’s it! Gawd, were was I all summer?
I got Iris Nobile edp in the 2Q and I really enjoyed wearing it during the spring and summer. It’s so elegant & wonderful!
3Q I was very focused, very stressed at work, much distracted, and very much in love with the greatest of all fragrances, and I’ll fight anyone who argues with me. 🙂 All my energies and extra $ went to obtaining ONE much loved bottle of Ormonde Jayne Ta’if. If I knew about Ta’if 10 years ago, it would be my one and only. But as it is, it now sits perched on my hightest HG branch with Chamade gazing down on the rest of my collection that stands no chance….
And yet, since I’m so easily distracted, I also picked up some 5 & 10 ml decants for not so much $$:
Elie Saab (not so good for me – anyone want it?)
Tom Ford Santal Blush
Chanel No 19 Poudre
Cartier Baiser Vole
AG Mon Parfum Cheri
Amouage Memoir Woman (which I adore, but now realize smells a lot like vintage Bal a Versailles and/or TC Alahine…)
Amouage Honour for which the jury is OUT until we have warm weather again which may be never.
Cheers!
Love the noble intro… then the perfume HO took over!
Yes, regardless of my noble sentiments, I am able to cheat with great alacrity at any moment. And I don’t need to beg any forgiveness!
Oh Ann! I’ve had not the slightest interest in Memoir until you likened it to vintage BaV! AAARRRGGG!!! Now I *have* to smell it. I’ll notify Daisy to send you a stone for your enabler’s pin! 😉
Oh, you may have my sample as a down payment on the Chanel mini!
Perfect!
Rapp – I don’t know how it happened in my head to think of it, but I’d say they are more like three sisters. Memoir has a bit more smoke in that great Amouage way. Bal is just golden, rich and warm, you know? Alahine, the same. They all have that super juicy jasmine, heavy woods and smoke and a bit of animalic wonder. What made me think of it is that both Memoir and Bal have everything but the kitchen sink and they just pull it off in this great orchestra. But please, vintage Bal a Versailles, not the current gasoline they make. If you need any, let me know, I’ve got tons of vintage.
Ta’if is one of my top favorites…good choice!
I ran a wee bit amok this quarter, mostly because I had a little extra money left over after my kitchen remodel (yeah, I know, I actually came in UNDER budget).
Y by YSL (vintage) FB
Miss Dior by Christian Dior (vintage) FB
2 bottles Elan by Coty (1/2 bottle and FB)
1 bottle L’Aimant by Coty (vintage) FB
1 bottle Tommy Bahama FB
1 bottle Mandarina Duck original scent FB
1 bottle La Haie Fleurie by L’Artisan – used bottle
1 bottle Le Jus D’Amour by Parfums Mercedes – used bottle
1 bottle Emeraude by Coty (vintage) FB and roll-on
1 bottle Donna Karan Gold FB (bought for $1 on ebay!)
1 bottle 5th Avenue by Eliz Arden (gift for secretary’s birthday)
1 bottle Escada S (gift for dil’s mother’s birthday)
1 bottle Heure Exquise – used bottle
1 bottle Woodhue by Faberge (vintage)
1 bottle Beauty Comes From Within by Sarah Horowitz – used bottle
1 bottle Bonte’s Bloom by Honore de Pres FB
Total for all of that booty was around $390.00 give or take a dollar.
I think I’ll let my credit card cool off for the 4th quarter. 🙂
From that list looks like you came waaaay under budget!
Wow, congrats on doing remodeling under-budget, that’s unheard of!
I acquired some lovely things this quarter, starting with FBs:
En Voyage Peche Noir
1000 FLowers Reglisse Noire
Laura Mercier Minuit Enchantee (when I realized it was discontinued, I panicked and went straght to Ebay, found a bottle and bought it!)
Decants/splits:
Atelier Vanille Insensee
Mona d’Orio Vanille
Balenciaga Paris
Guerlain Bois d’Armenie
Tom Ford Violet Blonde
I believe that’s the whole kit & kaboodle! (And since we don’t count samples, I don’t have to go into how I’m a sucker for LucyScent sample packs. Oy.)
Um… slightly off topic: The other day I was struck with a longing to try Bois d’Armenie, and then this morning I discovered I have a sample in my cabinet!
I still haven’t tried it, but me and BdA have a date for tomorrow 🙂
Oh squeee! Hope you enjoy it. It’s a comfort scent for me!
Nice! 🙂
I know Rapple, I did acquire some goodies this quarter.
I only spent about $75 this quarter!
1 full bottle of Fresh Brown Sugar – certainly not the most sophisticated scent, but I like it!
4 (unsniffed – bad me!) decants:
KM Peau de Peche (do not like – anyone want it?),
L’Artisan Batucada
Byredo Green
Frapin1697
Haven’t received those last 3 yet, but hoping they will fare better than the PdP!
I am chomping at the bit to try Batucada (aka Barracuda). Do let us know how it is!!.
I am chomping at the bit as well! Hope it comes soon – it sounds right up my alley.
Peu de Peche works wonderfully well on me. Maybe we can strike a deal… d6brooks@ruraltel.net.
Will send you an email!
Not too bad this quarter. I bought more for hubby for his Birthday, but they don’t count…
Juliette Has A Gun – Citizen Queen
Dior – Diorissimo
Joop – Femme (very cheap, and bought for old time’s sake more than anything else, and it turned out to be a terrible disappointment!)
An ‘almost’ impulse buy : Bottega Veneta. The drydown is wonderful, but the first hour or so is a little too much for me. If I could find something that resembled the drydown all the way through I’d be a very happy bunny.
Citizen Queen is divine! Enjoy your new bottle 🙂
Thanks Dee!
I will, it’s perfect for this Autumn weather…
🙂
I’ll tell about my purchases, but don’t know if they count, as they were all bought with gift cards. Therefore, no damage to my wallet at all!
Habanita EDT and body lotion
Bal a Versailles parfum
Niki de Saint Phalle EDT
Plus a few bucks for some samples from The Perfumed Court.
Gift cards, yay!
Nothing but a decant of Pentachord White for me. I even turned down the chance for a new bottle for my anniversary last week, saying that I could wait until Christmas for a new one. What the heck’s wrong with me!
You have enough perfume already, maybe? I know I reached that point last year, when I really didn’t want so many bottles as I used to.
I bought three full bottles all in one swoop–but it’s the most I’ve bought in quite a while.
The bottles:
SL Vitriol d’Oiellet
Le Labo Santal 33
Dyptique 34 St. Germaine
I really do like that Vitriol d’Oiellet! I only had a little sample of it and plan to get either a FB or a split at least.
I am under ten for the first time in 5 quarters!!!
this is your “confession” ? come on , spill some details!
Mind is drawing a blank right now. I know I got 3 diors and a Chanel. Tom Ford. Lonestar memories. Sweet Redemption…. know I might be forgetting a couple.
sounds like selective memory loss to me…
Yay!
Bought Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Cherry Blossom 125ml EDT and Lalique’s Amethyst 50ml EDP – the former unsniffed, the latter from (a distant) memory. Turns out both don’t work the best on my skin, and there’s $100+ not well spent. 🙁 Trying to flog them on eBay now…
Urgh the Amethyst is a 100ml – even worse. 🙁
Oh good luck — hope you’ll find buyers!
This was my first quarter ever! (If you don’t count a couple of decants bought in July…) So I won’t think about how much I paid during those three months… especially since I only want to keep 4 of the 7 bottles! :/ I’m learning, I’m learning…
FBs:
Parfumerie Générale – Praliné de Santal
Serge Lutens – Un Bois Vanille
ELD’O – Like This
Hermès – Un Jardin en Méditerranée
L’Artisan – Bois Farine (which I need to swap!)
ELD’O – Vraie Blonde (blind buy at a discount; another that I need to swap)
ELD’O – Encens et Bubblegum (blind buy at a discount; another to swap…)
Decants:
L’Artisan – Dzing!
L’Artisan – Traversée du Bosphore
Annick Goutal – Ninféo Mio
Frédéric Malle – En Passant
Annick Goutal – Eau du Sud
Hermès – Hiris
Guerlain – L’Heure Bleue
And countless samples!
Awesome first haul! I’m sure you won’t have too much trouble swapping those three. I would take EtB off your hands but I don’t think I have anything you would want! Hold out for swapmania come November!
I’m not touching them at all, so that they can stay as desirable (for others!) as they can be!
Glad you liked E&B well enough! Well, if you ever want to get rid of your bottle of Bas de Soie, it could be considered… 😉
Oh god! I could never!!
LIke This is just great stuff!
It is, isn’t it?!
Unless I’m forgetting something (which is always a distinct possibility), I bought one FB, Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci, a 1 oz. bottle I think I paid about $30 or $35 for, and then one 6 ml perfume oil, Noix de Coco, which cost about $3.
Total about $33-$38? If it’s accurate, it has to be some kind of record for me. 🙂
Excellent! Feels good, doesn’t it?
We need a snappy, perfume-centric term for “blind buy”. “Anosmic buy” doesn’t seem to do — maybe “unsniffed buy”? I am sure there are better suggestions out there.
Gamble buy? 🙂
I usually just say “bought unsniffed”.
how about – snapped it unsniffed, or, an unsniffed snap?
I bought the usual million samples and some decants, but the only full bottles I purchased are 100 ml of Perla (FSSA) and the 200 ml size of TF Neroli Portofino ($75.00 off!) along with body products. I’m ready for next summer!
$75 off — that’s a good deal, congrats!
I’m impressed, too….
This will surprise you all …but I was naughty. Very naughty. But almost everything I purchase I split! …and I find that I cannot exactly recall when many of these were purchased so these are “At some undefined time period loosely associated with the 3rd quarter”
1. Amouage Honour woman
2. Apres L’Ondee edt
3. by Kilian Cruel Intentions (refill)
3. by Kilian Incense Oud (refill)
3. by Kilian Sweet Redemption (refill)
3. SL De Profundis (it’s purple–you know I had to have it)
3. SL Vitriol d’Oeillet (also purple, you know how that goes)
4. Baiser de Volé –100% Tama’s fault, she was waxing poetic for goodness sake!
5. Elie Saab
5. Tom Ford Violent Blonde
3. Chanel No19 Poudre
4. Jacomo #8
5. the Party in Manhattan Frangipane
6. Esprit d’Oscar –this was Ann’s fault, she sent me a purse spray!
7. Miller Harris La Pluie
8. Miller Harris La Fumée
9. Micallef Gardenia -crazy midnight ebay shopping
9. BCBGMax Azria –mistake it’s too sweet!
10. JHaG Lady Vengeance
11. Divine l’etre aime
12. Costes 2
13. La Petite Robe Noire model 2
14. Reglisse Noire (back up)
15. 1000 Flowers Fleur no1 (still shipping)
and then I got interested in fall nail polish colors…. 😉
I’ve been watching for this post all day! It’s as good as I imagined. Can we get a de Profundis review from you?? (sorry if you’ve already done it elsewhere… point me that way).
Also: Did you already go through full bottles of the BK’s you are refilling or are you buying the refills and decanting?
I never bought the fancy presentations for the Kilians….I need every penny to spend on the perfume itself! Plus –I just decant it into smaller atomizers anyhow. I know that the black bottles are really nice but not for splitting 🙂
I have the black thing-y for Back to Black but I am going to go the refill route myself for ATOH. I agree, such expensive packaging is wasted on me.
I will admit to being a bit of a bottle ho….but if there’s a less expensive route then I’m most likely to go that way, especially for splits. I think everyone should have at least one thing in a glorious presentation…it’s good for your soul. 🙂
and violent blonde! Typo or…?
no, I was kidding….I like to call it Violent Blonde….every time I type it I have a small chuckle. I know, I know….I need to get out more…
lol!
I think “Violent Blonde” is funny, too.
(FINE, fine, real violent blondes are not funny. Perfumes named after them are funny.)
Agreed. Plus this fragrance is pretty tame….so calling it “violent” is just an itsy bit snarky. 😉
Gojira (mean friend that he is) has informed me that because I made purchases at the Beautyhabit sale on Sept28th that I must list them here.
1. Maison de la Vanille Absolu de Vanille (back up)
2. Lubin Black Jade
3. IPdF Ambra di Nepal (received today and it doesn’t work on me)
4. Lostmarch Lann-ael
5. CdG Zagorsk
sheeesh….it’s like the Perfume Police are watching me….
OH! You got the Zagorsk! I didn’t realize. 😉
somehow it snuck back into the cart! sneaky devil that Zagorsk!
Actually I wore the remnants of my decant for two days and realized how bummed I was going to be when it was all gone.
Queen of the Perfume Jellyfish (ie. spineless)
Oh, but it’s Zagorsk! Who could blame you?
That’s right! *see? Boo understands.*
OMG you got the Black Jade? Is it wonderful? Can I swap you anything for a sample? I’m so swept up in the romance of the story; I’m a dork.
I too was waiting for Amazin’ Daisy’s post!
lol –I believe my list goes a long way in reducing guilt for many here…No matter how bad you were, no matter how many times your mate complains about your perfume buying –you can always point to my list and say “At least I didn’t do THAT!!!”
Oh, I’d never do that… and I hope you know my comment was made without any snark. For me, seeing your list is vicarious enjoyment at its purest. Besides, you’re possibly the nicest, most generous ‘ista ever.
I know you are kidding 🙂 But feel free , anytime you like , to make yourself seem even more fiscally responsible by comparison. My poor hubby does a lot of “resigned head shaking” …it’s just his lot in life.
Daisy – you are the Queen! Not because we can all point to you, but b/c we can look at your magnificent list and start making our *own* decant shopping lists! Loaves and fragrant fishes and all that stuff. I can’t count how many times you saved me from buying a full bottle.
LOL –and splitting saves me from bankruptcy! You have no idea how many times I pull something out of a box and think “thank goodness I’m splitting this up!”
I heartily and gratefully second this!
^Too. Freaking. HIlarious. We all love living vicariously through you, Daisy! Rock on with our bad perfume-buying self!!!
ooooo “my bad perfume buying self!” …..it makes me sound so “edgy”…. 😉
^I of course meant “your” bad perfume-buying self not “our”, but you got what I meant anyway! 😉
Can’t forget your last min. shopping!!
yeah, yeah, yeah….I knew you’d be watchin to see if I fessed up. 😉
I also noticed that your list could use a few more details! hmm?
LoL! That’s what friends are for – always watching (ummm… out for) each other…
yeah….I’m so……lucky… 😉
Impressive, as always.
But mostly shared. 🙂
Because, you know, I didn’t need 12 bottles of Vitriol d’Oeillet for myself.
How’re those generously-sized perfume cabinets holding out? Do you have room to accomodate add-ons?
sadly there is no available wall space in this room….cabinet clean out is imminent. 🙁
I think Daisy could give Donatella a run for her money with her scent collection.
Only I wouldn’t dream of exposing my perfume babies to all that nasty light she is abusing her bottles with! oy! I’m sure Ms. Dona has oodles more….but I bet she doesn’t love her bottles like I do mine!
Wow! That’s beautiful! 🙂
I may confess that I was also too curious about your purchases!!!…
how did I do?
hahahaha I left a few bottles in the stores…for now…. 😉
Now you know why I say that my perfume cabinets are like a jigsaw puzzle when I try to stuff in a new bottle!
WoW!! Daisy Love that List!!
What I want to know is: is there some nail polish blog where you confess all the new nail polishes you bought?
no, thank goodness. But you just made me count the bottles in the “new colors” basket that is sitting right next to the desk….36 + a bottle of Essie Grow Strong. A couple of those were topcoats too….this week I’ve been comparing shine and durability of Essie Let it Shine versus Seche Vite…and I after 5 days I do believe the Seche Vite is holding up a little better. There: science at the perfume blog!
In my defense—I’ve had very short, utilitarian nails for several years so most of my polish was years old. 🙂
Have you tried Sally Hansen InstaDri? Surprisingly good.
I think I’ve had that before…. you know, Sally Hansen makes very good polish, dries quickly, cures up hard, resists chipping …generally the best you can pick up at the corner drug store. You couldn’t pay me to use Revlon, Maybelline or Cover Girl!
I like Essie, Zoya and OPI…they do excellent polishes. 🙂
And it’s much better than OPI top coat, which costs 3x more. But perhaps I should give Seche Vite another go.
I”ve not tried OPI topcoats….very happy with Seche Vite and Essie. There used to be one , years ago, called Triple Shine or something like that –it was the darn we-shiny looking stuff I’ve ever seen. Probably has horrible chemicals in it. Haven’t seen it in years though.
Yay, the Daisy list is out! And now for some shameless begging: could you reserve me samples of the killians, and also of de profundis? End of October I plan claiming all my treasures:)
Of course my dear! email me sometime and we’ll start putting together a new packet of goodies for you! 🙂
This feels like my Catholic confession–Bless me for I have sinned:
FB of TF Tobacco Vanille
FB of TF Amber Absolute
FB of 31 Rue Cambon
FB of Attrape Coeur
Rollerball of Prada L’Eau d’Iris (unsniffed– not impressed)
More than $600. Oh, man.
The first two were not full priced, as I got them on The Bay, but the third was full retail and the fourth KILLED my budget! Ahhhh…. It feels good to get that out since I haven’t told anyone. Non-perfumists just don’t understand.
May your 4th Qtr be a thrifty one…. 😉
Ooooh!!!! Attrape Coeur. Whatever you paid, it was worth it. 🙂
I second Karin’s oooooooo! If you got Attrape Coeur at (only) full retail then you did well! You must have gotten the last bottle on the continent!
Actually, when I was in NM in Houston getting my bottle of Vega, I saw at least one FB of Attrape-Coeur in the display case. That was back in August, so I can’t be certain it is still there, but it would be worth checking out if anyone in this area is wanting some A-C. I’ve seen it going on the Bay for truly obscene prices.
I agree–the ebay thing is downright scary! Imagine how it’ll be in 5 years! The bottle is in the display case…exposed to all the lights? or the box is there? That’d be such a shame if they were ruining a bottle of A-C like that. 🙁
My M-I-L is a cat rescuer. Perhaps you should be the “perfume rescuer?”
31 Rue Cambon is one of my all-time favorites, so naturally I think buying the big ole vat sized bottle was the right & reasonable thing to do!!
Lovely choices there!
Oh, but you got some beautiful things!
How much chrysanthemum is in the SL De Profundis? I love chrysanthemum, and I love purple, but Uncle Serge does not love me.
And that was NOT a hint!
The notes feature candied fruit, so I expect the usual from this one, which won’t be kind to me either. I ordered a 1 ml sample from TPC just to give it a sniff.
I swore a vow to heaven I would never buy another Serge sample.
And then of course he promptly comes out with a chrysanthemum scent. A purple one, no less.
If you like chrysanthemum…then you should probably sniff De profundis….that “candied fruit” note keeps the chrysanthemum from becoming dry & bitter like the flowers seem to do. This doesn’t have that dense, slurry sort of base that many SL’s tend to have. On me, it stays lighter, cleaner –for a while it’s almost shampoo-ish. Was it Octavian who said it was “funereal” and then he made a bunch of other overly dramatic, mostly negative comments? Well, no matter, when Octavian blasts something I can’t get a sniff fast enough because he is my evil scent twin.
Few serges work for me – but it’s purple, and called de profundis – just perfect for when one is feeling silly! Have to have, have to have- (intoned in zombie-voice)
OOPS! I forgot the full bottle of Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterenee – so that is three full bottles. To be honest, I’ve been feeling guilty about buying so many full bottles of perfume and I’ve been concentrating more on quality bath and hair products.
I don’t necessarily feel guilty, but I’ve just realized I need to start buying myself some other new things: shoes, handbags, etc. I just got a new bag and it’s hard not to look at it and think of a bottle I could have bought instead. And I really want a pair of boots….
Yes, boots… and purse, too. I bought a new black purse last winter and it’s still in good shape, but my brown faux-alligator tote that I’ve gotten tons of compliments (ha! it’s vinyl, Coldwater Creek clearance!) on is really showing its age. I need to find something similar.
That reminds me – I missed the Lands End 20%+ free ship sale last week because I’ve been so busy with work. Need to keep an eye out for sales. Nice boots they’ve introduced for the season…
I’m still on my spending freeze but when we were on vacation I did buy a bottle of Bvlgari Black as a souvenir. I think I’m going to start buying again though because the money I’m not spending on perfume is going towards nail polish, and lipstick, and tea. I have enough tea bags to stuff a mattress and no one needs this many lipsticks.
Are we twins? Because I have an entire kitchen cabinet filled with tea, a drawer full of lipsticks, and another with nail polish. And lets not get started on books…..
Same here, I need some new fall outfits, and makeup I usually just wear eyeliner and dark shadow and dark lipsticks, I’ve been considering some anti-aging creams and serums that cost about what a new FB of expensive perfume..oh well I did buy a few bottles of new releases that remind me of stuff I aready own.
before you spend valuable perfume $ on anti-aging serums have a chat with a dermatologist.
If you can buy it OTC then it is not penetrating below the top surface of your epidermis. Look for products containing Vit. A or retinol because it encourages faster shedding of old cells revealing newer ones underneath. However, most of the products for sale at cosmetic counters contain very low amounts of “active” ingredients (or they’d have to be FDA approved and regulated ie. sold by prescription) But then you will also be more susceptible to sun damage so use some sunscreen. Depending upon your prescription insurance coverage you might be way better off asking your Dr. to write you a script for something like Differin gel —which has enough of the good stuff in it to actually do something. Otherwise when you are buying anti-aging products you are buying 2 things: moisturizers & sunscreens.
btw it cost me over $100 to get this lecture from a dermatologist… 🙂
Thanks for the advice Daisy. I need to find a good dermatologist
I did see one many moons ago… thanks for reminding me.
I do really well with Mario Badescu products to help with early lines, etc. His line is great and very reasonably priced – a whole parcel of really good moisturizers for less than $30 ish. Some of the MB masks are just amazing too.
This discussion is really BAD – skincare products are a weakness for me….
Only one FB this quarter, nodzing more.
Good for you!
I bought 2 colognes as gifts (one was 4711 Acqua Colonia Vetiver & Bergamota and another from Natura)….and some decants from Daisy that allowed me to get a hold of frags I would never get to try any other way. No FB for me… but I am in vacation in Brasil and will hit the Rio de Janeiro duty free shops this next weekend heheheheeee
a full report of any perfume spending will be expected!
One clue: São Paulo duty free is fuller. Rio de Janeiro one is the second. But don’t wait niche perfumery. 😉
And you don’t have to count gifts, so really you bought nothing 🙂
Now that I have a large supply, I have a goal never to pay for perfume…or to get as much as possible for a minimal amount. I went decant crazy this quarter, but also hosted some splits and sold some bottles; so I deleted the income from the splits/bottles from the cost of my purchases. I did realize, however, that I’ve been purchasing decants unsniffed as if they’re samples. Not a good idea. I think, oh! $15. That’s not much! But then I get the decant and don’t like the scent. $$$ wasted!!! I expect my decant list will go WAY down next quarter!!!
Total out of pocket – $156.
Bottles:
Guerlain Vega Vintage
MDCI La Belle Helene
Set:
Hermes Green (small bottles of the three colognes)
Decants:
Shalimar Parfum Initial
Baiser Vole
Orchidee Vanille
No 19 Poudre
Violet Blonde
Vega
Plus Que Jamais
Bond No 9 I Love NY For All
Santal Blush
Batacuda
Bottega Veneta
K – how is the Batucada?! I didn’t know you got some o’dat!
Haven’t received it yet!!!! Will let you know when I do!
ha! –so let us know when it arrives 🙂 *curiouser and curiouser*
Sam said the Batacuda was quite salty…which put my lemmings into an immediate coma….what do you think?
Only 1 FB, BUT–so many samples, decants, and minis, that my total expenditures were ridiculous.
Full bottle: Vega
MSRP: $305
Tax 27
Less NM gift card: -250
I don’t think my computer wants me to post. Must be interference from the atmosphere or something here in Antarctica (inside joke).
Anyway, I had a $250 gift card which brought the total out-of-pocket for my Vega to $83.
Decants and minis:
Coup de Foudre 5 ml
Vert pour Madame 1 dram
Pandora 1 dram
Oeillets Rouge 1 dram
Ninfeo Mio 15 ml
Spiritueuse Double Vanille 10 ml
Jean Patou Ma Collection 12 X 6 ml
2 FBs not for me: Caron Pour un Homme and Le Troisieme Homme for DH (they don’t count, right?)
Samples: about a bazillion
Total cost: not saying
Ooh – lots of DSH there. Isn’t that Vent pour Madam gprgeous? How is the Pandora?
Pandora is gorgeous. It was a totally unsniffed purchase, but I am glad I got it. I would say it is very vintage smelling. Really, it smells like something that might have been on my mother’s or grandmother’s dressing table, even though Dawn claims that it has “modern” ingredients. I mean that as a very high compliment, too, as I love vintage perfume. I would place it somewhere between an old-style chypre and an oriental. I hope this helps; I wish I were better at describing perfumes.
Pandora sounds amazing! I’m also a lover of vintage fragrances – can’t wait to try it!
How’s that Ozone doing? *snort*
the penguins apparently have internet access…..
Hello! Has Carou Pour Un Homme any similaritie to another perfume you know? With wich one?
Well, I don’t wear it myself. I got it for my husband, and he’s only worn it a couple of times so far, so it is hard to say. It is definitely focused on the lavender. If you like lavender, you would probably like Pour un Homme, and if you don’t like lavender, then probably not.
Depends so much on the accompanying…
Sounds like the deal of a lifetime to me! I’d like to get my hands on one of those giftcards. 😉
I guess this is my worst quarter of the year:
1. L’Artisan – Voleur de Roses, 50 ml. It was on sale.
2. Annick Goutal – Nympheo Mio, 100 ml.
3. Serge Lutens – Féminité du Bois, 50 ml.
4. Lalique – Flora Bella, 100 ml. Am not nuts about.
5. Bvlgari – Parfumée au thé Rouge, 100 ml.
6. L’Artisan – Traversée du Bosphore, 100 ml.
Also, bought L’Artisan L’Eau de Jatamansi, 250 ml, for someone as a gift.
I’ve ordered two more, but since they haven’t been delivered yet, I will put them on the next quarter’s.
Nice list! I’m addicted to Traversee du Bosphore.
yes, very nice list….also loving Traversée du Bosphore!
Can I “third” (is that a verb?) that? My decant of Traversée du Bosphore arrived last week, it’s really great!
Thanks! I really did not like it at first — I thought it was way too sweet. It has really grown on me, though. Love it!
I had a similar experience. Tried it, didn’t get what all the raves were about, but had a decant, so I used it. And used it. And hey… while I don’t think there’s anything mind-blowing or ground-breaking about it, it’s just yummy. It got a rare FB purchase from me, too (but not this quarter!).
It seems that happens a lot with TdB —it sneaks up on you and then you have to have it! Nuit de Tubereuse did that to me too.
It snuck up on me too – now I just find it so lovely, and I’m glad I got a FB last winter.
I always enjoy seeing items crossed off everyone’s wishlist!
I picked up some nice late summer/early fall perfumes:
Mythique
Love Chloe
Kenzo Winter Flowers
MDCI Rivage des Syrtes (love)
and a Beige decant.
…and to those who bought Vega- so jealous! I can’t wait for the quarter I can report Vega as my ‘damage’.
mmmm your list is very nice, and has reminded me that I was going to stalk ebay for some Love Chloe.
so the next big one is going to be Vega? I wonder if Bergdorf’s will have their Friends and Family coupon in April again next year? They usually do two each year (April /Sept. ) but when they did it a few weeks ago they cheaped out and made the discount really small (I showed my displeasure by buying nothing!)
Agreed. First time I walked in there in over 10 yrs I happened upon the event and promptly purchased $200 worh of Guerlain makeup for the instant discount. Now they’re doing the tiered thingy and you have to apply the savings to a future purchase….
Ah, just like I like it. . .at the end of the list when eyes will be fatigued and glazed over. . .
Actually, I have once again succeeded in saving more towards my house than spending on perfume, so a successful quarter!
Egoiste (I have a vintage, but I decided I *needed* a fresh one to compare it too!)
Jacomo #8
OJ Discover Set, which I know are samples, but they aint’ cheap.
I did order an OJ of my very own, but it was Oct. 1, so I don’t have to fess up until next poll!
Total: about $200.
So how do they compare? I have a mini, but am not sure if it’s vintage or new (can’t remember where I got it, or when). It’s definitely not going to be enough, but I’m hesitant to buy a bottle, not knowing.
The vintage I have has some off top notes, so it’s not the best sample. However, in the dry down, it’s quite nice. Comparing the two, I would say that the new one smells a bit “cleaner” but it is still a lovely scent. They are very similar, overall, and so I suspect that you would be happy with a new bottle if you like your old one.
Thanks! I do indeed love the little mini I have… Chanel is probably my desert island house.
come on…you know you want to pack your dessert island suitcase full of GUERLAINS muwahahaaha! 😉
ha! Freudian slip…….that would be DESERT Island…..although the more I think about it….make my plane ticket for Dessert Island please…I’m still thinking about those lemon cupcakes!! *nom*
Yes, I have a very serious “tie” between Chanel and Goutal as my fav overall house.
my eyes might have been glazed last night….but they are nice and clear for reading your confession this morning!
I have recently fallen in love with Jacomo #8 . It is just so darn yummy! I can’t wait to see how it is when the weather gets really cold (not that I’m ready to give up fall weather yet!)
Thankfully, by my historical standards (and perfumista-standards), I had little to confess! I’ve been so frugal, I almost think I deserve another bottle of perfume! 😛
About $100.
I split a Hermessence Discovery set with my sister, getting 2 15ml bottles of Osmanth Yunnan – which I love, love, love.
T also got a 20 ml bottle of Aromatics Elixir from Ulta – adore that as well. Wore it in the mid ’80s and loved it then, too…
very nice!
Have you tried the new Aromatic Elixir limited one that is new? It sounds incredibly tempting to me! Everyone I’ve talked to who’s tried it is immediately in love.
Hi Daisy, I have not tried the new AE – my Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields in the Loop) did not have it last time I checked and had not even heard of it…
I spent no money on fumes, but a bunch on teas, thanks to Robin and NST! Storage is my next challenge for my growing tea collection.
I feel I did pretty well (or at least it feels like there are things I want and am not getting)…several ebay finds:
Carthusia Gelsomini
Emeraude (Vtg)
Voleur de Roses
Une Rose Chypree
Nuit de Tubereuse
The only retail bottle was EL Tuberose & Gardenia (which may have been a mistake…)
… you found URC on ebay?? Good for you!
And I suppose you could always sell your ELPC TG on ebay, if you’re not loving it as you should. That one has a lot of fans.
Yes, URC on ebay! It wasn’t a fantastic deal, but a bit below retail and of course, no 9% tax. I’ll probably keep the EL since I surely won’t get what I paid for it on ebay, and I do like it, it’s just not “me.” 🙂
URC on ebay?? Dang…you ARE lucky!
Also love Nuit de Tubereuse…that one did not get enough attention this summer…and now I feel guilty! 🙁 perhaps a small spritz right now will make it feel better….
I love NdT in the winter – it’s still warm and sexy, but it has those lovely flowers that make me think of warmer climes.
That’s so interesting, Ann. I think of NdT as cooling…love the mildew note too 🙂 which makes me think of a dark, cool room. I’ll have to give it a try in the winter.
Isn’t NdT lovely? When it came out, I didn’t “get” it at all. Nor did I get Traversee du Bosphore or Amaranthine last summer (2010). But this summer, I fell in love with all three and along with Carnal Flower (swap), Manoumalia (swap). Funny how the nose changes…
2 full bottles:
Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Tubereuse
Honoré des Prés I Love Les Carottes
Plus sample vials of all three Tauer Pentachords. (And Andy threw in an Incense Extreme for good measure!!!)
Oh dear… I’ve been avoiding these polls for the last two or three quarters, if anyone had noticed. 🙂
I have *not* been tracking the dollar amount of all my purchases, and I’ve bought many decants, though not nearly as many as I was buying about a year ago. The following are the bottles, though a few were GREAT deals on gently used or partial bottles from friends or evilbay auctions. I was surprised that it was still >10.
Dior Escale à Pondichery
Guerlain Secret Intentions
L’Heure Bleue extrait 1oz
L’Heure Bleue edp 1oz
i Profumi di Firenze Caterina de’Medici
Vol de Nuit Evasion (partial)
Baiser Volé 10ml rollerball
DSH Essenza del Ibisco
AG Myrrhe Ardente 25ml
MPG Jardin du Néroli
AG Grand Amour edp
Mugler A*Men Pure Malt
DSH L’Eau d’Iris edp 1oz
DSH Muguet cologne pour homme 10ml
… and I must mention a 10ml decant purchase of Chanel Gardénia extrait at a teriffic price. That parfum is so amazing. I had to have it.
Thanks for the opportunity for catharsis and confession! 😉
Glad to see another Dior Escale à Pondichery lover. One of my faves! I bought a FB around this time last year.
How was DSH Muguet Cologne Pour Homme? I was thinking of it.
Hi there! Yep, I love Pondichery. I think it’s a great summer scent, and a good change from the usual citrus eaux.
I actually just ordered the DSH Muguet at the last minute on September 30 to take advantage of one of her discount codes; I haven’t tried it, but it should be arriving any day now! I love Dawn!
That is a great list, Joe! Hope you adore them all.
The Gardénia extrait is lovely, and your L’Heure Bleue extrait would be fascinating. Where did you find the extrait? Is it available stateside, or should I add it to my Paris wish list? Be well.
Hi Hemlock: The LHB extrait (I love it beyond belief) is a secondhand tester bottle, but it’s probably worth calling NYC Bergdorf Goodman, the Las Vegas Guerlain boutique, or NM San Francisco to check their stock.
You can usually find the little square tester bottles of the extrait on eBay for a decent price as well.
Hi Joe! Nice to see the Grand Amour edp, which is so wonderful. What’s the iPdF Caterina de’Medici like? I’ve often wanted to get into that line. I only have Miele Rosa and stopped there.
Joe, how did you like the Essenza del Ibisco? Bought 1/4 oz sprays and decided it wasn’t for me.
I have a full trio set (completely untouched) that I’m trying to find a home for….
I was good and only bought one (PG Praline de Santal) – yummy for fall!
I hear good things about that one.
yummy comforting scent for cooler days…very nice indeed!
I got a sample of this and it is soooooo yummy – couldn’t stop sniffing my arm. Perhaps I need a dedant….
And yes, I mean decant!
I could help you with that…. 😉
Okay, deep breath, here goes.
SSS Jour Ensoleille, 17mL
SSS Champagne du Bois, 17mL
SSS Sienna Musk, 17mL
BK Sweet Redemption, travel set
Balenciaga Paris
Fracas extrait, as a gift for a friend
and samples. . .too numerous to mention.
The worry is, I’m headed to Paris soon, and my wish list is long. My rule is to only purchase things there that I love and that I cannot purchase in the US. Loooong list, I’m afraid. . .and then Le Labo has their city exclusive availability in November.
The fourth quarter poll may be really harsh for me. I did better in 2010, when I kept a budget for all things perfume, including samples. I think that may be my goal for 2012, but I’m not willing to forego a last fun splurge for this trip 😀 Be well.
That Sweet Redemption is amazing, and I really like the Balenciaga too.
Lucky you, going to Paris. I know I’d be trying to figure out which Lutens exclusive I want. I actually am incredibly smitten with the new De Profundis. Subtle, perhaps, but … oh la la.
Yes! I would like to try De Profundis Rose de Nuit, which I’ve never experienced. . .already on my bell jar wish list are Boxeuses and Miel de Bois. But there are so many lovelies in Paris–IUNX scents, Chanel and Guerlain extraits. . .I want to buy things I’ll really wear, not just possess.
It will be a fun internal debate. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to go. All perfumistas should have this chance, and the only way it could be more fun would be to have you NST folks beside me, enjoying the sniffage. . .and enabling. Be well.
Yes, splurge on the trip and be thrifty next year!
The last time I went to London, I went nuts. I had a wonderful time, and came back with several FB that I still treasure. What was really fun was taking my mom for her first UK visit, and she bought Shalimar Ode de la Vanille. It is her scent memory of the trip. After that, I went on perfume lockdown, with no purchases for about 4 months. Painful, but good for the budget.
Love all 3 of your SSS buys!
Three months are a loooong time… I bought 5 fragrances:
Vanille Absolument (100 ml)
Dzing! (100 ml)
Bleu de Chanel (100 ml)
Égoïste (100 ml)
Nouveau Cologne (150 ml)
The damage so far: 387,75€
As a poor scholar, I definitely spend too much money for this kind of stuff…
Isn’t perfume more important than food??? 😉 Makes me happy, that’s for sure.
Just one bottle in this quarter:
Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale
And it’s already empty…
I’ve purchased 3 bottles of perfume in the third quarter, but they were my only purchases (save for samples) all year! They are:
FM Lipstick Rose (50ml)
FM Une Rose (50ml)
SSS Tabac Aurea (17ml)
Not too shabby…..
Lipstick Rose was given to me as a birthday gift, so surely that doesn’t count?
No, you don’t have to count gifts. (I count things that my husband gives me because we share a checking account, but not gifts from other people.)
^I lied. I now remember purchasing two 50ml bottles of Serge Lutens – Un Bois Vanille and Datura Noir – back in the second quarter. But they were both 50% off, so really it was like purchasing one bottle! 😉
Bottles bought and received in the 3rd quarter (this doesn’t include decants or samples). All were on sale or discounted, in one way or another.
L’Eau d L’Artisan
Ouilliette Sauvage (my prize find!)
Beachy
KenzoAir
Vohina (partial bottle)
Love Coco (partial bottle)
Reglisse Noire
A Taste of Heaven (travel set)
*cough, cough, vitriol d’oeillet, cough, cough, cough*
OH, VdO – I was in swoon city with that one, until the very very drydown. It began to smell like toxic aquanet and that was it. Boo.
Yikes, I forgot to put that in my journal! And it wasn’t just a split, though a CERTAIN friend procured it for me! OK, thanks for keeping me honest. It was nine bottles, then. It was a self-indulgent quarter, for sure!
I didn’t buy any perfume this quarter.
but will definitley be buying perfume this quarter.
and I know what I want!
Guerlain Shalimar parfum initial
and Vivienne Westwood naughty Alice for Spring
I’m still intrigued by Naughty Alice. Wish I could sample it somewhere, but I think it’s only available in the UK…
it is intruiging, there’s that mysterious smell/arua in it that comes and goes.
I just remembered
I also want Prada Candy too
and Kim Kardashian,
and I want Gold by Kim Kardashian for summer 🙂
I just realised my first comment doesn’t make sense.
I didn’t buy any perfume Jul-Sep
but I will be buying Oct-Dec, with Christmas and everything.
Looking back at my purchases, I feel a bit like a perfume-maniac…But I enjoyed my buys so much!!! I bought:
* Tubereuse criminelle bell jar
* Fracas 7.5 ml extrait
* kai roll on oil
TC was the perfume I brought with me all summer long. I usually never travel with perfume, but I couldn’t leave it. TC is so comforting, maybe because it does not smell like perfume?
Fracas extrait is nice, but totally not worth the price. Next time I’ll stick with the edp.
Kai – well my boss was travelling in the US and knowing my addiction asked me if I needed to smuggle exclcusive perfume from the States. Of course I did! 😉
stupid question: I don’t dare travelling with the SL bell jars, what’s your trick?
I bought a travel spray vial from Muji (something like 4 ml, glass, housed in a steel holder -pretty sturdy and sleek) – it came with a plastic “pipette” so I could easily decant the juice directly form the bell jar.
My first decant! 🙂
My list contains:
Kenzo Amour (follow up for my very empty bottle)
Secret Wish Anna Sui.
A few samples:
So New York Bond no 9
Farmacia SS Annunziata Cara
Cerchi Nell’acqua Jolie
And thanks to Dee and Daisy I am now lemming for Tendre Madeleine……….. 😀
Somebody bought a bottle of TM and didn’t love it… boojum? Was that you? Maybe you two should talk.
Well, as I mentioned earlier, I had a once in a life time trip to England in September (and thank you all for suggestions on perfume shopping there).
Before the trip, I purchased Siraneese Au Lac, which (heretical, I Know) I preferred to the new one in this line. It reminded me of summers at Lake George.
On the trip, I wanted to try only things not available at the U.S. I went to Jayne Ormonde, met a very nice young actress who worked at the store and bought some T’aif.
I then went to the Harrods perfumery, where Immediately wished I had loads more pounds for all the rarities and fine scents. I was however able to afford Blessings, a light woody fragrance.
At the airport, when I was trying to rid myself of extra pounds (the currency kind, I had lost weight walking endlessly through museums) and bought a small bottle of the original Agent Provacateur, which is technically available in the U.S., but hard to find.
Total four FBs.
I got a small percentage back in VAT refunds.
I spent a fortune in the UK two summers ago and never got my VAT check. Went to the trouble of getting all the VAT refund papers for each purchase, filled out each flippin’ form, waited in a huge line at the airport. Never got a thing — and really, I spent as much as I did because I was counting on the VAT refund. Can you tell I’m mad?
My dog purchased the whole collection of Amouage samples and let me pick a full bottle of my favorite (Dia) for my birthday. So that doesn’t really count.
Full Bottles – my annual summer quest for a refreshing *something* that’ll stand up to 100 degree summers:
DSH Pamplemousse
Freschiiissimo (Hilde Soliani)
HdP I love les Carrotes (sale!)
HdP Sexy Angelic (sale!)
HdP Bontes Bloom (sale!)
G of the Sea (for the bottle – too cute!)
I need to get my dog to stop using my credit cards, though. He has no sense of responsibility!
I want your dog.
All my pets are impulsive with my credit cards, dilana, maybe you are not feeding yours correctly?
I bought one, and that was a week and a half ago because DSH was having a sale and I had to snag the last of those mummy bottles. I’m surprised by my restraint but in the immortal words of Ned Stark, winter is coming … and that means I’ll be buying perfume to lift my spirits.
Which DSH did you get?
Only 2 FBs and a mix of decants.
VC&A – Lys Carmin
L’Artisan – Traversee du Bosphore
After quickly finishing the Lys Carmin decant, I knew I had to have it. It also opened another door for exploring lily scents. Lily and sandalwood are on my fall exploration list 🙂
MilaK, I hadn’t heard of Lys Carmin but lilies and sandalwood are two of my favorites – I will have to investigate!
Hello all! Long time lurker here! I just (as in yesterday) Chanel Beige and some Le Labo samples and Oct just started!
I had been very good this year, and then this quarter rolled around. Le sigh.
$25-D&G 10 La Roue FB
$7.50-three quarters FB of Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
$30-Givenchy Organza Fleur de Oranger 2006 FB (apologies for mangled French, the bottle is not in front of me)
$40-Estee Lauder Sensuous FB
$45 ish? FB and travel bottle of Sarah Horowitz Perfect Vanilla (I havent received this yet but might as well throw it in there)
Not counting another $25 spent on D &G La Lune. I received it, sprayed it and as I was pondering a dear girlfriend called who was having a bad day. It promptly went to her.
I AM DONE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. I swear. Or until that auction I am watching for a bottle of Hermes something or other ends 🙂
While this, Donatella stays upstairs with her coquettish smile thinking herself: “Uhuhuh, I have beat all them again. I’m The Queen of fragrances! Hahahah!!!”…
I am late, but I will still confess. I was buying samples mostly, because I was trying to choose my 50-th birthday perfume. During the sampling process, I managed to purchase four bottles and three decant…here is the damage:
Sweet Redemption
Bottega Veneta
The Party in Manhattan
Iris Poudre (10 ml travel spray)
Roja Dove Enslaved (5 ml)
Roja Dove Scandal (5 ml)
Divine L’Inspiratrice (8 ml)
For my birthday, which is in November, I am going to buy Vanille 44.
This blog is my favorite and I read it daily…but comment occasionally.
Very restrained, Milena, and I am reading (I am late too). Would love to hear what you think of the Roja Dove perfumes sometime – I have nothing of his and I suspect they are good but don’t know. 🙂
I am sorry for the late response.
I really like RD Enslaved – it is warm and spicy. I would compare it to Teo Cabanel Alahine, or may be Habanita, just as a reference. Unfortunately I cannot dissect it by notes. It is wonderful scent, but expensive.
As for Scandal – I haven’t tried it properly and don’t have opinion yet.
Got round to this late but I have had a great quarter. Cash flow was tremulous so I bought
-5ml mahora mini
-an arpege used tester
About 18 dollars for both
Then, some l artisans were being sold half price, and will not be stocked in jo’burg afterwards, so
-50ml vanilia.
There are other l’artisans I wanted more but only a few were available.
The wonderful thing is that I was gifted with Dzing! Which I ADORE, as well as with philosykos which I LOVE. And, wait for it – O.J.Woman. Though I have the last I have not yet gifted it to myself…
Full bottles I still want are citizen queen and sa majesty la rose. But, no more full bottles this year 4 me…
Oh gosh, just remembered the N.R. for her edt rollerball. I got that with a voucher. All in all a real haul.
I’m later yet. It was an Ebay month. I found a set of two vintage bottles of Emeraude cologne, 1.8 ozs each for less than $20 including shipping, a 100 ml tester bottle of Angel, still sealed in it’s box (so hopefully not ‘stolen off the counter’) for $71 including shipping (I’ve wanted this for a long time and wouldn’t get it because my sister wears it and I didn’t want to ‘steal’ her scent. Then she told me I was being silly since we live 175 miles apart). My favorite purchase was a 100 ml bottle of the DC’s Dior Addict eau Fraiche, a replacement for the 50 ml bottle I had been rationing out for 5 years. That one made me super happy as I was having no luck find it anywhere. So, less than $200.
I had hoped though that my sis could buy me some 31 Rue Cambon while she was in Paris. I’m glad she called me to double check before buying it. It’s MORE expensive there than to order from the US (210 Euros vs $210). I don’t know why that came as a total surprise, but it sure did. At least now she knows what I want for Christmas.
As a giggle, the first thing she said on the phone was ‘Oh my God, why didn’t you WARN me?’ Uhhh, about what? ‘I’m wearing jeans and a casual blouse! They looked at me like I smelled bad.’ It’s Chanel sis, in PARIS. They look at everyone like that. Look right back at them. For all they know, you’re as rich as Melinda Gates, and after all, they are there >working<, just like all the rest of us. Gotta pay for our luxuries somehow.
I know I’m way late and no one will see this but I’m posting it to keep myself honest. I kept track this quarter for the first time… and I’m glad I did, because now I can see where my $ is all going! Keeping track definitely slowed me down; I need to get a lot slower though going forward. I hope I will. I keep thinking I have so many great things to wear and I love so many of them – but then the next thing that comes up sounds so great…
3rd quarter:
Guerlain Champs-Elysees Parfum
Balmain Vent Vert (vintage, mini)
Guerlain Gardenia (decant)
Amouage Honour Man (decant)
Amouage Honour Woman (decant)
DSH bits and bobs (Viridian, Pamplemousse, Secret Garden, Aquamarine)
Guerlain Mandarine-Basilisc (FB, unsniffed, not a good idea)
Caron Nuit de Noel extrait (vintage)
Krizia minis (vintage, thrift shop)
Guerlain Shalimar parfum initial (decant)
Millot Crepe de Chine (decant)
VC&A Muguet Blanc (decant)
Elizabeth Taylor Black pearls
Jacomo Paradox
Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds replacement (how embarassing)
ForeverLily
Kate Spade Twirl (rollerball)
Cartier Baiser de Vole (rollerball)
Elie Saab (decant)
Rumeur (vintage, decant)
Mona di Orio Vanille (decant)
Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes replacement (SRSLY EMBARASSING)
L’Artisan batucada (decant)
Atelier Orange Sanguine, SIGH – adored adored adored the sample, the bottle is not as good somehow
CB I Hate Perfume Cedarwood Tea
MCMC Maine
MCMC Kept
MCMC Maui
Neil Morris samples
Chanel No. 19 (vintage, partial bottle)
1000 flowers Fleur No. 1
No way, I have read your list 😀
What do you think of the L’Artisan Batacuda and the Mona di Orio Vanille?
I liked the Batucada more than I thought I would. A nice balance between acid and the citrus sweetness and whatever musk is at the base. Very wearable, great summer perfume.
I didn’t like the Mona di Orio at all, though I thought I would (I am a big vanilla ho!). Much more pepper on me than any vanilla, and it wore a LONG time. I’m going to try it a few more times before I give up on it but I suspect it’s not for me.
Ooo, also, THANKS FOR READING IT! 🙂
Chanel 19 vintage is wonderful, isn’t it? I have a bottle of edt, from late eighties probably.
Just one, a replacement big bottle of Le parfum de Thérèse, which is *drums rolling* the first perfume I’ve finished up in my perfumista life (4 years)!
Wow, which I had never even heard of, let alone tried! Thanks for the pointer! Using up a bottle – that’s quite something.