So, for those of you who participated in the swapmeet, how did it go? And feel free to tell us what you got, and whether or not you loved it.
Should we do it again? And if so, is there anything we should do differently?
And I said in the swap rules that you would not be allowed to post complaints here, ever, but I really meant that you would not be allowed to post an accusation against another reader…
Coming up tomorrow: the Swapmeet followup poll.
Today, a twist on our Haiku Challenge: write a haiku about a celebrity fragrance, real or imagined.
Pick a celebrity, any celebrity, write a haiku about their perfume. Use the simplified English form — your haiku should have three lines, the first line with five syllables, the second line with seven syllables and the third line with five syllables. You can put the perfume name in the title if that makes it easier, and at any rate, don’t stress over the rules of traditional haiku — this is just for fun.
The new US website for the Serge Lutens brand allows online ordering of the entire line: no more worries about exclusive vs. export, although it's still cheaper to buy in Paris. (via press release)
What is it: the Formula Kit #3 from Olfactik:
Formula Kit #3 contains all the ingredients to make 2 of the most historically important and popular perfume types (Chypre and Fougere) and x8 key floral bases. This is a comprehensive kit and can be used to create a wide variety of fragrance types. The kit includes the basic equipment needed, along with simple step-by-step instructions and a written formula for each fragrance. We also provide additional suggestions for personalizing each formula to give it a unique edge.
The kit includes 43 ingredients, plus written formulas, instruction sheet, plastic pipettes, smelling strips, a 50 ml beaker and empty 10 ml bottles.
How do I get it: The folks at Olfactik will send this anywhere in the world. For a chance to win, leave a comment on the website telling us either a) your absolute favorite raw material, if you’ve ever smelled any, or b) what you’d make with the kit, or c) what DIY fragrances you’ve already made.
Be sure to use the “Post a comment” box; do not reply to another comment…
Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a “niche” fragrance house that has really grown on me since its debut in 2009. Its fragrances all feel like they were thoughtfully composed with high-quality ingredients, the releases are carefully paced, and the house’s style is focused and consistent. I’ve tried Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s various feminine offerings one by one, and lately I’ve been enjoying the new release Amyris Femme, although it probably hasn’t superseded APOM (“A Piece of Me”) Pour Femme as my personal choice from the line.
According to the Maison Francis Kurkdjian website, APOM Pour Femme is a floral-oriental with notes of orange flower, ylang ylang and cedar wood, “a bit of oneself to leave with others.” I’ve realized that I really do enjoy orange blossom fragrances, as long as they’re not too soapy or too sharp, and APOM has been one of my favorite orange blossom scents since I first tested it. Its floral heart is sunny and sweet — this fragrance was reportedly inspired by a journey to Lebanon, and it does have a Mediterranean feel…