Same as always: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you're saving your pennies for, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is Tulips by Jeff Kubina at flickr; some rights reserved.
SOTD is LaVanila’s Pure Vanilla, which smells quite similar to La Maison de la Vanille’s Vanille Noire du Mexique, to me. It’s a rich not-totally-foody vanilla and I like it a lot (and so does the BF
). Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms here!
I wish I could remember…I think Mexique was my favorite of that set.
I have mostly used up my bottle of Pure Vanilla–I call it the “clean laundry vanilla”, very useful for boring meetings where I don’t want to offend the nasally delicate. I also have the Mexique, but I never thought they smelled much alike except for the vanilla part.
“nasally delicate”
That’s so interesting — I don’t get “clean laundry vanilla” from it at all — can we be talking about the same scent?
Hello NSTers! Happy Mother’s day!
Thanks in advance!
I have a question passed on by a fried who’s a newbie in the fragrance world. Is there a perfume that smells like a natural Acacia, a Cassie flower? And are they the same with Mimosas? Please help… it’s her birthday soon, so I’d like to send her a little sample package
There’s the Malle Fleur de Cassie, and Caron Farnesiana. And others…hope people will chime in, that’s all that’s coming to my mind at the moment.
FM Fleur de Cassie is lovely… while it lasts.
YSL Cinema is a lovely mimosa scent, not overpowering at all.
Also try Guerlain’s Champs Elysees, which has a lovely Mimosa in its heart.
What about L’Artisan’s Mimosa pour moi or the new Le Mimosa? I’ve smelled the first, and it was a light, charming scent. . .but did not really remind me much of the flowers of my childhood mimosa tree. Haven’t tried the new one. Kevin reviewed it here at NST recently, though. Happy hunting!
Acacias are flowering tree. One scent is Creed’s Aupebin Acacia. It also has mimosa.
A blessed Mother’s Day to all! Sending out love to all the moms with us and above. Today I am wearing Hermes Jardin Apres Mousson- which seemed to fit the warm breezy weather. Tomorrow I will wear Shalimar in honor of my beloved grandmother.
Oh, what a nice way to remember your grandmother!
Fragrance of the day is Chanel Pour Monsieur. Elegant and just plain gorgeous. I have a question for the readers in Europe.
I am looking for small bottles to decant fragrance into. I know the US suppliers but it seems much more sensible to order these closer to where I live.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions. Have a lovely weekend!
Hi Austenfan, I did provide a very late answer when you asked this question in a poll a few weeks back, but it was three or four days after the poll and I guessed you’d given up checking back. Anyway, the gist was that I too couldn’t believe there appeared to be no online supplier of small atomisers in Europe, but I have to say that I think that is the case. I asked someone I know in the UK who sells decants and she gets all her bottles from the US and didn’t know of anyone closer to home.
In the end I got mine from Proudstyle who are in Hong Kong but international delivery is included in the prices which are reasonable and the bottles were all fine. Otherwise it might be worth looking at aromatherapy suppliers if you’re not worried about a sprayer, or on Ebay (but I suspect there are largely overseas sellers). Sorry this is not more helpful!
Thank you for replying twice to my question. That is very kind. I will look into your suggestions. Have a great weekend, and thanks again!
You’re more than welcome, have a great weekend too!
smallflower.com carries some atomizers. Based in the UK.
I am not wearing anything yet today…
And I am looking at the collette website as a friend is going to France next week and perhaps I could ask for her to bring me something I cannot get either here in Argentina nor in my visits to the States.. Suggestions?
Can you get CdG? They have such a nice selection. Or one of the Le Labos. Or Ineke Field Notes from Paris.
Thank you! I am tempted by many things … The only thing that gives me pause is the € sign beside the prices! Hehehehe
I haven’t put on anything yet but I might put on Dzongkha. Hm.
A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to find a vintage splash bottle of a Dior EdT. The name of the fragrance and the Dior name were scratched off the label but it’s one of those 70’s-80’s houndstooth designs that is very recognizable. It’s a beautiful plush fragrance, light powder and a touch of moss. I haven’t sniffed any of the classic Diors but every time I put it on I wonder which it is….
Not sure, Ol Rait, but the one most widespread on ebay would seem to be Miss Dior, so the odds are in its favor.
Your right, Miss Dior is the most likely. Whichever it is, I really enjoy it.
I would think so too…that & Diorissimo were the biggest sellers. I do miss those bottles!
Ooh, wear Dzongkha! In fact, I might, too. It’s Derby day in my home city, and it just rained, all the iris are blooming. I think it may just be perfect.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I did put it on and I loved it. Perfectly low-key for dinner with sensitive friends and yet….
Scent of the day is Cartier Declaration – I really needed a zesty pick-me-up fragrance to clear my brain this morning.
I am saving my pennies for Tauer Une Rose Chypree – though I am starting to waffle towards the Eau d’Epices because my husband always comment positively when I wear that sample.
I have a question – who out there wears Donna Karan Black Cashmere and knows of a comparable fragrance? In the same vein, what is the difference between Black Cashmere and Chaos?
I think Byredo Chembur (aka Encens Chembur ) is similar to Black Cashmere, but softer. Bvlgari Black is similar but harsher. Can’t comment on the Chaos, as have only smelled briefly once.
Love Une Rose Chypree! Started out wearing this today – but then went perfume shopping and now I smell like a million things!
for the first time today une Rose Chypree, very very nice!!!! I bought the little 15 ml bottle at First in Fragrance. I now have almost every “Tauer” as a sample, all very nice. But I am also a big fan of Chembur (Byredo)
Isn’t is lovely? I’m always happy wearing Une Rose Chypree and can’t think of a situation where it would be inappropriate though I have to be careful not to over apply , it is wonderfully potent!
Ruth, I tried Black Cashmere when I was even more of a newbie than I am now, but my thought at the time was that it was a softer, more feminine version of MJ Bang, which I already owned. . .thinking back on it, I’m guessing that they’re pretty different in the dry down, though. But if you want the pepper, I find MJ Bang very unisex. Actually, there’s some commonality with it and the ginger in Terre D’Hermes, too.
I find Chaos spicy and “fizzy” or sparkling, while Black Cashmere is calmer and a tad gloomy. Recently I received a sample of Terre de Sarment from Frapin and found it soft and spicy with a touch of smoke and vanilla in the drydown. Definitely on the more cheerful side :).
Personally I am reconnecting with Fracas – haven’t worn it much since I bought it 2 years ago but now I wear it almost every day, even if I am alonge at home doing household chores. It’s so lovely and not quite like anything else.
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I will look up Byredo Chembur, MJ Bang and the Terre de Sarment.
Sounds like Chaos isn’t worth seeking out (for me) as I like the darker aspects of Black Cashmere and don’t need to pay more money for a lighter version.
Which is good news for me – more money for samples and my FB of Tauer Rose Chypree!
Hi, today I need your professional advices. I have been wearing Le Labo Iris 39 for while now and I loooove it but I want something new for summer. I am looking for something very similar to Iris 39. Any ideas?
Have you tried the VC&A Bois d’Iris? To me it’s similar, but lighter so it might work. Good luck.
I find Chanel Rue Cambon to be very similiar, but lighter… Eh, not so much.
Sorry, I know that wasn’t very helpful.
I think Byredo Chembur (or Encens Chembur) is very similar to Black Cashmere, but softer. Haven’t really smelled Chaos to comment on the difference. Bulgari Black is a little similar, too, but harsher.
Sorry for the redundancy. Just figuring out the commenting business.
I have a question. I am looking for something that is a dead ringer for honeysuckle, which I have always loved in the spring. Tried the AG Chevrefeuille in Neiman’s and it seemed to turn sour on me right away.
Sapphire – I have a similar situation with the AG Chev which I realize after repeat testing wears more on me like an herbal cologne that a honeysuckle floral.
Caswell & Massey has a nice honeysuckle. I used to wear this in the early 2000s, so I don’t know if it’s changed, but it was/is a very pleasant honeysuckle soliflore style fragrance. There were some light dashes of something green, like petitgrain, and just a tad of orange blossom. But it was mostly a real nice almost realistic honeysuckle and lasted about 2 hours or so. It wasn’t very strong so I could get all spritzy, which is fun in the summer. The drydown got into a kind of generic lightly soapy white flowers, but it was very pleasant on super hot days and I wore it a lot. If you didn’t want to invest the $30 or so for the edt/edc? then you could always try out one of the body products to see if the fragrance is suitable. Unfortunately C&M doesn’t offer samples last time I checked about a year ago. I’ve not ever found any other true honeysuckle, but I’ve not pursued other ones either. There are likely other ones – I’d be interested to hear other suggestions too. I used to eat honeysuckle nectar when I was a girl, and it’s a very special fragrance for sure.
(I do have the Calypso Christiane Celle Chevrefeuille, which is now discontinued, but is more of a really a nice bright jasmine OB floral with a slight blink and you’ll miss it honeysuckle at the opening. No sense agonizing over it now anyway.) Good luck!
Demeter makes a honeysuckle. It probably only lasts 10 minutes but it might be worth the cheap thrill.
Sapphire – Give AG’s Eau de Camille a try if you haven’t already. I’ve never tried her Chevrefuille, but I find the honysuckle note in Camille to be true even when mixed with other green and grassy notes. If you can’t find it give me a holler (I’m mollyseb at hotmail) and I’ll send you some.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Will have to try the Caswell Massey and Camille.
I had a honeysuckle solid perfume from a small local natural type perfumer, which was a dead ringer for the flower. Single note, long lasting because it was suspened in beeswax. Maybe give a local craft fair a try– some of the small makers craft very pretty, relativley inexpensive products.
I’m wearing Profumum Dulcis en Fundo. Pretty, comforting, and beautiful citrus and vanilla scent that’s not too sweet, but quite expensive. Any recs for comforting (but not super syruppy sweet–Tihota and the Comptoir Suds are too sweet for me) vanillas?
Hi Valentie – I don’t like sweet vanillas either. My fav’s tend to be in the light oriental categories. Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise (caveat: this one is gaiac heavy), Guerlain Angelique Noire (about as foody as I like to get, which is not very), Chopard Casmir (ditto, and requires light application to be pleasant), Piguet Visa, Guerlain Shalmar, Fifi Chachnil, and Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Intense.
…er, I mean PdN Vanille Tonka. The PdN Sacrebleu is a very good vanilla oriental too.
Problem is, I DO like sweet vanillas. I just find a strict divide between the soft, usually almond-y, marshmallow-y, yummy soft fluffy vanillas and what I don’t like, which is more burnt-sugar, syruppy vanillas that wear denser and more heavily. I think Angelique Noire and Shalimar are interesting to sniff but don’t particularly enjoy a full day of wearing them. I’ll look into your other suggestions though!
The only noticeable vanilla I really love is Rochas Tocade, where it plays a duet with rose. Well-regarded but inexpensive – worth a try!
Will do, especially since I love rose scents in the springtime as well. Thanks for the suggestion!
Also see Robin’s review of PdN Kiss Me Tender, which has some vanilla and is VERY lovely and also incredibly reasonable in price.
In any vanilla search, you have to try Guerlain’s Spiritueuse Double Vanille. I find it less sweet and foody than Angelique Noire. It’s certainly not inexpensive but decants are easily obtainable. Good luck!
Thanks! I have a wonderful sample of SDV from Daisy and do wear it occasionally. I think it’s very lovely and one of my favorites, but I can’t say it’s my “perfect” vanilla.
Valentine, one of my favorites, now discontinued, is L’Artisan’s Vanilla. It’s soft and rounded, notes are amber, sandalwood, vanilla and ylang ylang. It’s absolutely beautiful and not too sweet.
Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Mother’s to Pets and all other creatures too!
It’s dreary and cold up here today so I’m wearing AT Maroc Pour Elle today – I needed something warm but summery. Originally this morning I was going to wear a green floral – like Grand Amour – but then the sun went in and so did my mood!
My next lemmings are By Kilian Liaisons Dangereuses and SSS Champage de Bois, which will wait until fall.. unless summer never gets here! I’ve got plenty of summery fragrances I lemm’d over winter time that I need to wear!
Summer is taking its own sweet time this year! I am not happy about it.
Sampling safran troublant on one arm (wow) and timbuktu on the other (meh)
ive got a question related to the latter- why do some incense\smoky perfumes smell so soapy to me? Am i not smelling something that should be there? I get soapy from timbuktu and passage d’enfer too.
Dominika, just going from my own personal experience, but I regularly get “soapy” from vetiver. This note can be quite often be found in smoky/incense style fragrances so that’s a possbility. I may be alone in this though, so hopefully others will chime in.
It could be your chemistry. There might be an ingredient the doesn’t work for you. That happens to me with lily and violets. Keep trying different brands. Tauer has some or extra $, Kilian’s Incense Oud.
Another question for those of you in France: Does anyone know the prices (in Euro) for Chanel Extraits, and whether the perfumes for the Exclusives line can be found in places like Bon Marche or Galeries Lafayette? I want to see whether it’s $$ worth asking a friend to pick up a bottle of perfume from Paris or just purchasing it Stateside. She’s not going to want to find a Chanel boutique just to buy me a bottle of BdI.
Oh, btw – SOTD is Coco edp (1992 on one arm, 2011 on the other). I finally got to the mall and was able to spritz some on to compare with my bottle at home. They are surprisingly similar, enough for me to have no qualms about repurchasing when my older bottle runs out.
Depending on what you find out about European prices, I’d also recommend buying from Bergdorf’s when they have their $25 gift card event, which they have every few months. That’s when I bought my Cuir de Russie extrait – it was $160 less the $25 = $135 for 1/2 oz.
That would be economical if they waive the ($16) shipping charges since I still have to pay NJ sales tax when purchasing from BG. I’ll keep an eye out since one never knows…
Depending on the line, they often *do* have free shipping! I’m pretty sure my CdR was shipped for free.
The Paris Chanel boutique definitely has BdI in extrait, and it is just around $215 for 15 ml. But do not know if the department stores have it.
Hmmm, that would make the prices in France more expensive than the US….
Chanel.com now has four of the Exclusifs in extrait form–Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie, Chanel No. 22 and Gardenia. They are all 15 mls (.05 ounce), and sell for $160. Supposedly the rest of the Exclusif line will all eventually be available in extrait form.
I haven’t yet decided what perfume I will be wearing today. There are several perfumes I have wanted to buy, but somehow something always comes up that takes my money away–like car problems, dentist bills, etc. So I have been enjoying what I already have, which is a very large collection–and rediscovering things I haven’t worn in years–like Joy, which I wore the other night.
Good news, Filomena, thanks. I’d given up on getting the extrait versions anywhere other than mega-priced vintage on *bay. The website also shows smaller bottles finally available for Les Exclusifs edt, so pretty much what we true devotees have been asking for for some time now.
Thank you for the fabulous news. I’ve been wanting BdI and No. 22 in extrait for the longest time. Wishes really do come true!
SOTD is vintage J’Adore, which is just right on this beautiful cool spring day. The drydown is reminding me very slightly of Diorella. I wonder if that’s real and possibly Calice Becker’s homage to Dior, or just my imagination.
Looking for additional CBs to sample, I noticed in her NST Nose entry that she did three colognes for Payard in 2009, including Pistachio Ganache, which is sold out on Luckyscent! If anyone has sampled them, I’d love to hear your reactions.
I honestly am not sure — seems like I tried them, but maybe I am thinking of some other chocolate set.
The three Payard fragrances smelled like desserts, which isn’t much of a shock really. My favorite was Lychee Mouse followed by Pistachio Ganache. I can’t remember the third one at present.
“smelled” ? – I mean that, when I sampled them, they smelled like three desserts.
I know that Patty over at Perfume Posse did a review of the Payard scents – I believe she liked Pistachio Ganache and the others not quite as much. Think she thought they were all well-done, though.
I want to share a small discovery: I bought a little bottle of Paco Rabanne pour Homme on a whim last week to give to my boyfriend. Yesterday when he got home from work he gave me a hug and he smelled absolutely amazing! Turns out PRPH, after about 8 hours of wear, is pretty much my ideal man scent. When I tried it on myself it was very soap clean at first, then very animalic in the drydown. On him, it was sweet and leathery/resinous, just totally lived in and comfortable and delicious. Give this one a try! Especially if you have chest hair.
Sounds nice!
Sycomore. I tried it. I hated it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I bought it. I love it. Wearing it now.
What I wonder: How do you account for this? Is it like a bodice-ripper paperback where she’s disgusted one moment and in his arms the next? Are there particular kinds of fragrances that are more likely to have this effect?
I’m not the only one right?
LOL, Olive!! No, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. It also happens with music, food, wine, art. When I have an intense visceral reaction to something, I’ve learned to pay attention. I don’t think it’s the particular type of fragrance, it’s just its newness or strangeness. Sometimes we have to “grow into” a perfume, once the initial shock or revulsion passes.
Thanks for your reply, Suzy Q.
I’m more familiar with the “growing into” sort of falling in love. For example: cilantro, Patty Smith, Guinness…
It’s the apparent suddenness of the Sycomore shift that feels weird. There seems to be some fast and dramatic action in my olfactory consciousness these days. Probably a result of previous deprivation.
I had the same reaction to Sycomore! It’s growing on me more and more each time I wear it, however, I still at not at the “love it” point, but perhaps that will come eventually.
Does anyone know where I can purchase Hilde Soliani perfumes, aside from LS and New London Pharmacy? Thank you for any advice!
Those are the only 2 I know of.
I tried to find them in Italy (Rome and Florence) but couldn’t.
Just ordered a 75ml of Chanel beige today and saving my pennies now for PG Musc Maori and Tonkamande.
Congratulations!
Ooh, congrats! Beige is on my list. I loved it, and the sample is long gone.
SOTD: Andy Tauer’s new one, Zeta. I can’t decide; I so wanted to love it. I’m missing a bit of the linden I was hoping for. And it’s pretty light on me. Either I’m soaking it all in, or it really is one of his lightest. The dry down is gorgeous, but I have to cram my nose to my arm to smell it. Anyone out there have any experience/opinion with this one?
This one is gone in one hour on me. It seems like others have been having some trouble with Zeta’s staying power also. It’s a rare scent that disappears on me so quickly.
I loved the opening of this one, and within 20 minutes or so I got some vague, “I don’t know what this is,” kind of thing. I love several Tauer’s and adore this bottle, but this one is really a disappointment for me. I get the same thing with FMalle’s Cassie, so it might be the mimosa/cassie/linden thing – I’m guessing they are similar.
I get a lot of linden in this, but it is not a soliflore, and there is a lot of orange blossom and rose in this as well. I don’t have any problems with it lasting, but it is certainly the lightest and gentlest Tauer I have tried. I really love it, which is lucky because I know I’m getting a bottle tomorrow as a Mother’s Day present! Are you sampling from one of Andy’s spray samples or from a 1 ml dabber from Luckyscent? I think this is one Tauer that might really need to be sprayed.
I’ve tried Zeta in the dabber sample vial from Lucky Scent, so I don’t know how it would be sprayed, but on me it is definitely a linden-centered scent. I did find the longevity to be so-so, but then I have perfume-eating skin and have that problem with a lot of perfumes. On me it lasted about 2 hours, which is not great, but not the worst I have experiences. I have had some perfumes just disappear on me within 15 minutes. The biggest problem I had with Zeta is that it made me sleepy. I’ve had linden essential oil before, and I used it precisely to help me sleep at night, as it does tend to have that effect on me, as does orange blossom. On the other hand, it would make a lovely bedtime scent.
I basically have to hose myself in Zeta to smell it at all. It’s lovely, but very disappointing. Most fragrances last a good 12 hours on me (and the Tauers usually make it for several days on my skin), but this dies on my skin after about an hour.
Lasting power wasn’t a problem on my scent glue skin, but living amongst rows of linden trees, I didn’t get the linden that I hoped for. A very soapy orange blossom was much more prominent on me.
How many spitzes did you apply? It may need an extra hefty dose.
SOTD: Maison Martin Margiela. Caved and bought the larger bottle last weekend at Saks after sampling it on paper but not on skin. After wearing it I really like it, especially that nutty note that I wish would last a bit longer.
Congrats!
I’ve just returned from Spring Beauty Day at Kuhl-Linscomb, the perfumista’s destination in Houston. It’s hot here already. I came away with a cute bag of neat samples (and incidentally a nice little Labradorite ring!) and covered on my hands and arms with some different scents I sprayed, including Diptyque L’Ombre dans L’Eau and Bois 1920 Vento di Fiori which I have been lusting after for over a year now. However the one I am loving is the least expensive, Jacomo Art Collection #8, with its ginger-cardamom spicy smell. It actually seems refreshing in our hot weather and not cloying. The Diptyque just did not have a strong enough hit of rose for my taste. I bought Come la Luna two years ago instead of Vento di Fiori and I still think I prefer it. Big perfume week because on Thursday I splurged on a Killian at Saks–Liaisons Dangereuses (but just the travel spray set). (I noticed they carry the Bois 1920 perfumes there too, surprise.) This is my fourth Kilian… I tried the Pure Oud (bleah) and the Rose Oud (gorgeous! stunning!–but even the travel spray set is $235). It’s too expensive but I would still love to get my hands on some of that. Seems all I want lately is rose scents.
Have you tried Yosh Ginger Ciao? Might be right up your alley…
Yes, I have tried it and get compliments when I wear it. I just have a sample vial, maybe should spring for one of those pricey little bottles.
Ginger Ciao is really yummy!
I’ve been working my way through a decant of the Jacomo #8 and contemplating a larger decant. I’ll be interested to see how it holds up during the summer.
Love the Jacomo #8! Coincidence – I bought the huge 100 ml bottle today because I found it super cheap at a perfumer discounter at my local mall. For me it will be winter comfort scent for pottering around the house in the evenings. Less smokey than L’Artisan’s Tea for Two, I find, but I like that. Shrinks to the skin very fast, and can be applied lavishly. Gorgeous!
I replied before I saw yours. Where’d you find the discount bottle? I’ve never seen it “in the flesh,” only online.
I’m in Australia. Found it at a discounter at my local mall for $25. They are selling it online (website is http://perfumeconnection.com.au/ ) but I don’t know if they ship outside Australia. Good luck.
A less smokey Tea for Two sounds delicious!! I’ll have to add it to my next sample order :-)!!
Luckyscent has the 50 ml Rose Oud refill for $175. Perhaps they will have the travel refills someday. It’s a beautiful scent – Calice Becker is a genius!
Bargain price for that scent! Maybe there’s hope for me, especially if a split appears on the horizon.
Oooh, I love Jacomo Art Collection #8! You’re so right about it being a fresh, spicy tea scent. I used up my sample of it in about 2 days, so it’s on my definate “to buy” list.
I love Kuhl-Linscomb! I stop by whenever I have a free hour in the Loop. I haven’t heard of this Spring Beauty Day, though. What did I miss?
SOTD is Songes. We’re currently in that sweet spot here in Florida where the weather has been sunny and warm for weeks, but the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. This time of year, I often reach for Songes or Manoumalia to get my tropical flower fix. When the humidity makes its appearance, I’ll be dousing myself in citrus, fig, or tea scents, but until then I’ll sit on the screen porch, sniff my arm and pretend I’m in the South Seas.
Manoumalia is amazing! I’d love to find more perfumes by Sandrine Videault. Songes is also beautiful.
What are some of your favorite hot weather scents, Aparatchick?
Heeley Oranges and Lemons, the Parfum de Nicolai Eaux (especially Eau d’Ete), Goutal Ninfeo Mio, Parfums Generale Bois Naufrage & Jardin de Kerylos, Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil, Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom, Diorella, Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze, Ava Luxe Fig Leaf, the Bvlgari teas, Tokyo Milk Ex Libris, CdG Zagorsk, and Parfum d’Empire Wazamaba.
It’s hot for a long time here – I neeeeeed that many.
Thanks, Aparatchick! Many of these I’ve not tried yet, so this is very helpful.
SOTD – vintage Chanel No. 5 extrait. I scored an unopened bottle on the Bay and it definately the real deal. I think the bottle is before 1958 (box is striped). Wow – the real civit definately comes through on this. LOVE. IT!
Congratulations, CM! That’s a real find – glad the risk paid off!
Lucky buy, congrats!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers here and those who’ve come before. I hope it is a day filled with happiness and love, and a day to stop and reflect on favorite moments and memories since time seems to go so fast!
Currently, I’m saving up for a large bottle of L’Homme de Coeur from Divine for Mr. Ab. Scent’s Father’s Day gift. It is one of the fragrances he’s worn most faithfully over the last three years, but he has needed to go easy on it and not wear it as often as he’d like since it was a small bottle the first time. Now, I should be able to get him a larger one so both of us can enjoy his wearing it more often, which will make both of us pretty happy.
After that, I’ll probably be saving up most of the summer for a new bottle of Spiritueuse Double Vanille which is, aside from Tihota, my all time absolutely favorite vanilla. I’ve been trying to find some Montale Intense Tiare on Ebay since it is a real beauty and my tiny bottle of parfum is almost out, but no luck. So I’m torn between buying a bottle of that and setting back the SDV savings a bit or waiting until next spring or summer for the Montale, which isn’t terribly expensive but every dollar counts these days.
I have no idea what I’ll wear tomorrow, and might just spend the day wearing something light and flowery to suit the time of year, or maybe a dab of Rapture since it was what Mr. Ab. Scent gave me as an anniversary gift the day after our first children were born. It isn’t one I reach for much these days except for special occasions, but I think I’d be sad if VS ever discontinued it all the same for the sentimentality of it and since they don’t make perfumes like that anymore in their line.
Hey, I know what that’s like! Saving every $$ for a fragrance I mean… I don’t earn a lot (university student, working casually in a fragrance store to get by, seeing no $$ from the govt), so even a $50 fragrance seems like a huge luxury. You’re absolutely right, every dollar counts.
What a great gift for FD, and such a great fragrance.
SOTD: Eau sauvage. Today it felt more like August than May and as the temperatures kept rising I needed something to lift me up. I haven’t made up my mind wether I need a full bottle but this scent unleashes so many images in my head: Summer! The south of France! Gin tonic! Cary Grant in a perfect suit! Amazing, really.
Goodness! I’d want a vat of any scent that can conjure up all of those images! Cary Grant…. le sigh…..
Yes to all of that….Cary Grant & the gin & tonic, and summer in the south of France. Such a wonderful scent!
I’ve been looking for a summer scent and recently bought Trefle Pur. We just had a 3-day heat-wave of 95 temps and I found it didn’t really work for me…so today I went ahead and bought what I knew would work: Calyx. I have not worn this since the 80’s, but I remember it being so refreshing during the dog days of summer. I figure, if you know something works, just do it. No matter that it’s not new or niche. It hits the spot
Sorry the Trefle Pur did not work for you. . .I’ve been eyeing that one, lately, too. What about it seemed off to you? I’ve only had the little dab from my sample, and I know things can be very different when sprayed.
Glad the Calyx worked for you! Good to have a go-to refreshing scent in the summer. I reach for my Guerlain cologne or Hadrian in our 90+ heat, and those work for me. Be well.
I have to admit one little thing – I had a terrible cold last week and couldn’t smell very well last week – so my hopes are not completely dashed for TP, I will try it again. I had gone through probably 2.5ml of samples and really liked it. I’ve also found that some things work better dabbed than sprayed (LADDM is this way for me), so maybe that had something to do with it, too. Don’t give up on TP! I know I’m not going to
Oh, hope it will end up working! But Calyx is so wonderful.
It used to be family tradition that the week before Mother’s Day, Dad would take me (the only child) to the local chemist, and I would pick out either a couple of lipsticks or a couple of fragrance miniatures for Mum. She ended up with some truly horrendous shades of lipstick (my favourite when I was about eight or nine was a hideously bright fuschia, and I’d get mad if we went out to dinner and she didn’t wear it), but looking back on the fragrances, I think I was always a budding perfumista. I don’t remember my system for choosing which ones to buy – probably which bottles were the nicest – but I did pretty well. In fact, probably better than I do picking fragrances for her now.
The most bittersweet memory here is buying her a miniature of Kenzo Jungle – an amazing fragrance that I only vaguely remember, but absolutely love. It’s the first one I can remember “borrowing” from my Mum’s cabinet. She has the tiniest little drip left in the bottle now, but we never managed to find another. When I started working in fragrance, I thought “Excellent! I should have no problem finding it now!”, but alas, as far as I can tell, it is completely discontinued (at least in Aust.), and my company cannot legally get their hands on a bottle for me. Anyone have any ideas that might give me hope? I’m pretty sure she’s saving that last drip for my wedding day (not that there’s any firm plans about when that’s going to take place), knowing how much I love it. I would so love to get another bottle for her (and about half a dozen for myself, of course).
I live in Australia too and get most or my perfume from Fragrancenet or Strawberrynet- a lot cheaper to obtain from overseas, especially lately with the Australian dollar being so high! I have a huge bottle of Kenzo Jungle, that I initially loved but now wonder why. Try the net-its great!
My SOTD for Mothers Day is Balenciagia Paris.Its a bleak late autumn day here, but at this minute there is a beautifull rainbow over Hobart.
Happy Mothers Day to all!
I wore Balenciaga’s Paris yesterday. I really enjoy this scent and don’t wear it nearly enough. It’s perfect for this time of the year.
It is a beauty. I wore it side by side with Aimez Moi recently, to compare. They have a lot of similarities, to my nose, but Aimez Moi is richer and deeper–more wood, more licoricey stuff. Balenciaga is ethereal.
BTW where do you live-I could decant you a few mls for your wedding- I have a few empty 8ml bottles-I bet you dont live in Tas, that would be too easy. If you post your email address here we could work out how to post it to you-if you want?
Hi Debbie –
I’m right up north, and I’m pretty sure Australia Post won’t allow fragrances in packages (as they’re flammable), so couriering them up might be a bit expensive 
Seeing as I am an only child as well as being an only daughter, my wedding day is something my parents have been planning for their whole lives hahaha. I’ve always been a bit nervous about purchasing online, but I have had a couple of people tell me strawberrynet is good – so, with your recommendation on top of that, I will definitely give it a go. Fingers crossed for me, eh?
Thank you so much for your kind offer!! My wedding is still going to be a few years away yet though, if it was sooner I would be very tempted to take you up on that
Thank you so much for offering though, that’s really made my day. The kindness of strangers, eh?
I’ve sent a couple of bottles of perfume to Australia from the U.S. (labeled cosmetics) and have never had any problem, so ordering on-line shouldn’t be a problem. Good luck!
Thats ok- I skim through these messages and dont read them properly before I jump in! I checked on Fragrancenet and they have a 101ml bottle for around $45AUD-it costs around $10 to ship. Strawberrynet costs a bit more, and they dont have as much choice, but if you buy another product other that perfume they ship it registered post for free. I have never had a problem with either site, Strawberrynet takes around 5 working days and Fragrancenet around 10. Goodluck!
Oh and very envious of your northern address-especially as today is expected to reach a max of 11c.
Debbie – FOUND! On Fragrancenet. Shipping seems very fair, plus 15% off for Mother’s Day (which it still is today over in the U.S.). Now just trying to grit my teeth and convince myself I don’t need groceries this week, so excited!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Thats great Sheere, im you wont be disappointed.
I saw the 15% off at Fragrancenet but made a pact to not buy any perfume for 12 months and Im only 2 weeks into it-will be a very long year…….
Fellow Australian here (just thinking it’s nice to see a few of us here!!) and I think I’ve bought ALL my perfume online – some from the website of perfume houses, some from Luckyscent and some from discounters and never had a problem!!!
I think there are a few of us that log into now smell this-Ive noticed at least 8 different Aussies on here recently. Our numbers are increasing!!!
Add me to the list. Never had a problem, although a TPC order of mine was opened and inspected by customs. It was re-sealed and sent on, with an explanatory note.
That was more to do with substances perceived to be a threat to agriculture. Concerning dangerous (flammable) goods, Australia Post says you are not supposed to send things containing alcohol through the post. I’ve never bought perfume from an Australian online seller (all mine has come from overseas) so I don’t know how sellers in Australia get away with it.
annemarie – I’m pretty sure (though not 100%) that Australian online sellers don’t go via Australia Post, they go by courier. I, too, haven’t purchased fragrance from an online seller, BUT I do know how the fragrance is delivered at work and it is indeed all by courier. We are instructed to let customers know, if we suspect at all that they are planning to post the fragrance anywhere, that it is not legal to do so.
You are very welcome……enjoy!
Hi Sheree
I’m Australian too and I use StrawberryNet. My experiences have all been good and I always include a cosmetic item in my order to get the free shipping.
Hi all – seems to be some very positive feedback for the online sellers! Going to give it a go tonight – wish me luck!!
(Wish I’d thought to post this a couple of weeks ago, might have had a bottle of Kenzo Jungle for Mum in time for Mother’s Day). Thank you all so much!
yes n’other Aussie, second Strawberry, Fragrancenet, beautyencounter, Parfum 1, Lucky, First in Frag Germany, les Scenteurs London for the Malles, Perfume Shoppe Vancouver…As much as I would like to buy locally, sometimes things are twice as dear here and I’m afraid at this stage of my collector life, that means twice as much from overseas!
What a wonderful story! Sadly, I know nothing about this one or how to track it down, but I wish you luck in your search!
This was for Sheree.R
Thank you
I’ll need your luck on my side!
@#$&%*^ I just missed an auction for something I wanted! This happens to me all the time…I start surfing around, before I know it, the auction is over – and I usually remember about two minutes after it’s closed. Is someone trying to tell me something?? Maybe I should get an egg timer
You should get a sniper! I love BidNip.
Two vintage thrift scores in two days: 1) a Coty Imprévu gift set (EdC + dusting powder) still factory-sealed & mouthwatering, 2) a boxed 50 ml. splash bottle of Fendi EdT by Parfums Fendi (1985), wonderful dry woods & spices atop a potent honey base. Very happy!
Oh, nice scores, Olenska – congratulations!
Great scores!
Thanks, NozKnoz & Tama! I’m especially happy about the Imprévu set– I’ve never encountered leather-chypre dusting powder before and am in love!
Today I’m wearing L’Instant Pour Homme de Guerlain and waiting for an opportunity to buy New Haarlem from Bond Nº9, although I already have Rochas Man, wich a lot of peple say it’s a New Haarlem brother… If anyone think it doesn’t compensate, please, tell me. I’m creating courage to buy JPG’s Fleur du Male.
I can’t comment on the other, but I do vote for Fleur de Male!
Glad you’re back, Robin! But Fleur du Male is way too feminine, don’t you think? Women like this kind of perfume on men????
Happy Mother’s Day! SOTD is Courtesan by Worth…which is totally fascinating me right now! I ahve also figured out that Serge Lutens is the perfect line for me…so plan to purchase some from the line for myself for mother’s day! Also, usually I’m an amber, incense person, but of course, with the spring weather, I’m interested in wearing some nice, bright florals! Any suggestions for spring florals?
Elise, try Eau de Cartier. And how you said you’re an incense person and looking for something floral, try Fleur du Male, but it’s not bright.
SL’s Fleur de Oranger or Datura Noir are lovely in the springtime, imo. I also love Guerlain’s L’Instant edp or Shalimar in spring as well, and as previously mentioned, Worth Courtesan has been a frequent SOTD lately, too. Liz Zorn’s Daybreak Violin is gorgeous and perfect for spring if you like green/slightly herbal perfumes, and I also like Violetta di Parma since it’s so classically pretty.
Second the SL Fleur d’Oranger.
Elise, I also love several SLs, but not so much the florals. One of the prettiest florals I have tried recently is Hilde Soliani Il Tuo Tulipano – very sunny! Another fav is BK Beyond Love (joyful tuberose). Happy sampling!
I tried a (too large) squirt of something called Night Musk at a flea market this morning. Couldn’t see a brand name but I’m guessing it’s the Avon one. It was killing me with headaches and sore throats (and embarrassment at the pungent cloud surrounding me!) but, now, 6 hours later, it’s actually quite yummy. Just as well the markets are too far away – I don’t think I could resist buying it even though I don’t think the first 6 hours are worth it. It might be better dabbed. I hate atomisers that spray too much.
Are the older Avon scents any good?
Vintage Avon fragrances can vary wildly in quality, not least because of the “bottle choice” option Avon gave their catalog consumers. I’ve found elegant crystal flacons of Topaze spoiled from the lack of protection from light…. and the same perfume in silly opaque-glass novelty bottles that kept it perfectly preserved and fresh for decades. (But certain Avon perfumes are terrible no matter what container they’re in – vintage Wild Country Cologne makes me choke!)
Vintage Avon is hit or miss. They definitely turn easily, so if they’re not stored properly they can smell pretty rank. The old Avons that I can pretty safely recommend are Unforgettable (especially if you can find it in the pretty gold and coral bottle), Timeless, Willow, and the Natori from the 90’s.
Avon used to make one called “Jamoca Soft Musk” that cost just a few dollars, but everyone thought that it was something expensive. It had a New Haarlem-like coffee note. Of course, they discontinued it.
Thanks! I’ll have to keep an eye out.
I am pleased to report that the SF Sniff was a success! We met Kilian Hennessy, DelRae Roth, and Ineke (thanks for the tweet, Robin!), got lots of swag, traded lots of samples, made new friends, met a few old ones for the first time (online buddies), saw some folks from previous sniffs. What a day!! Anyone interested in being on the list for the next one just email me (click my name).
Tama, glad to hear it! BK is one of my favorite brands and I’d be very interested to hear what Kilian himself was like and what’s next for that line. I was sorry to learn from Grain de Musc that Calice Becker, whose BKs are the ones that I love, won’t be doing any more of the ouds, but it sounded like someone new was coming on board – I wonder who?
Having seen the pics of Kilian Hennesy I can say we all missed out on meeting him.
Seriously cute.
I’m so bummed I missed the event! But nice that everyone had a fabby time!
Thank you, Miss Kitty – I actually WAS really wondering if he was as good looking as that picture!
what picture?? Did I miss out on a pic?
Killian was extremely charming and articulate. But what was most interesting about him was how honest he was. He mentioned the fragrances he has already reformulated (and explained why), he discussed the issues regarding IFRA and why he follows the guidelines, and he clearly stated that there was no actual oud in the oud fragrances. So while it was a promotional event, he actual treated the audience members very respectfully as knowledgeable perfume lovers and/or experts.
That’s good to hear!
Thanks for your perspectives, SI!
Hey that’s interesting about the reformulations…did he mention Liasions Dangereuses? I’ll swear that between sampling and buying, that one smelled different to me! And the ouds eh…I had a split ‘sniffed out’ at quarantine and assumed they picked up something natural!
I’m glad you said that– I thought the same thing. I don’t like it as well now as I used to.
Next for Kilian is the tenth and last in the l’Oeuvre Noir collection, which is a Balsamic compound of many resins and had me drooling just at the concept. He is also working on amber oud and musk oud, but I don’t know who is doing them.
Also, Ineke will be launching one of those little lines for Anthropologie, based on flowers – sounds quite lovely.
Good for Anthropologie and Ineke! I’m very fond of her Field Notes from Paris in cold weather.
We have to pretend I didn’t say that about Ineke – I have been counseled too late to keep it under wraps.
Thanks for a great time, Tama! What an event! I wanted to thank you in person, but couldn’t find you around the time I was leaving.
Thank you for coming – it was a really good time!!!
Gaaak! I missed it. I would love to know about the next SF sniff! How do I find out about it?
Click on my name and it will take you to my email address – just send me an email and I’ll put you on the list – next one should be in October sometime.
Excellent, I’m so glad!
Tama, it was an excellent day. I’m still recovering from the fabulousness. Kilian and Ineke both gave us great insights into their work – many thanks to them as well.
Tama and all, I’m glad the SF Sniff was a success!!!
I have a question about acquatic notes.
I have the Crabtree and Evelyn La Source body wash. It is described as a relaxing sea air fragrance and includes sea algae extract. To me it does not smell like seaweed, algae, seawater or sea air. I’m wondering whether what I’m smelling is a natural smell and how else it could be described. Is there a better description for it than acquatic notes?
I think I have also smelled this in Harajuku Lovers G of the Sea.
I seriously doubt that the scent comes from the algae extract — guessing that’s there for other reasons. You’re probably smelling calone or other aromachemical like it.
Miss K
To me, aquatic are more chemical than anything else, but if you’re looking for a more realistic impression, Hermes Eau de Merveilles has a lovely salty note (I think ambergris) and excellent staying power.
Tiempe Passate by Antonia’s Flowers is another beautiful salty amber, quite beautiful in the dry down. Also Sel Marin by Heeley is fabulous.
Thanks so much for these suggestions, I will take note and look out for them.
I love Crab & Ev La Source scent and wish it came in a juice too. To me, it does smell like algae and sea air. The mermaid bottle of Gwen Stefani’s fragrance seems to be getting a lot of favourable press so I look forward to trying it. The bottle’s cute but a bit much for a 60 year old woman!
Very excited to have found a place that sells Etro here! I cant afford any more perfume right now but just being able to test some new stuff is fantastic. In fact they had an entire chest of Etro samples which they let me choose from. They didn’t have any samples of Messe Minuet, and only had a last bottle which they let me test, and said they would give me a discount on. I liked it quite a bit but it didn’t last very very long. Anyhow, I cant even do a discounted Etro right now. Which is all to the good as I have decided not to spend $$$ on full bottles unless I have been in love for several months… One I really seem to like is Etra Etro, any opinions on it?
What a great retailer, Merlin! I haven’t tried Etra yet, but you are encouraging me to try harder.
Very nice retailer! I have only tried Etra once and my nose is VERY undeveloped so don’t take too much of a lead from me!
heh I have an opinion on the Messe de Minuet…if its the old Eau de Cologne with the gold lid and paisley motif, grab it! A cult classic and probably the last bottle on the planet….the new one is fresh and lemony and very nice, but the old one is rich, mouldy, absolutely wonderful!!
I would need to go back and check; but I think it looked like all the others, so probably not a buried treasure…
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! SOTD is Caron Nocturnes, from my new bottle. I was worried after reading a blogger’s assessment that the formula has undergone revisions– but happy to report that it smells perfect. My bottle came from Raffy’s brick and mortar store on Ventura Blvd. in LA–so I can’t say whether it is a brand new bottle straight from Caron or something they have had in stock a while. My old bottle was several years old, and there is a difference between the old and the new. When it aged, the orange blossom in the top had become more liqueur-like, if that makes sense. The new one is fresh and bright– I’ve had it on for about an hour and it’s insanely pretty. If anything is different, I think the aldehyde is lighter and cleaner, not so fusty. I’m a sucker for Carons. Shopping score of the week– a half price bottle of Chanel Eau Premiere! Which is absolutely gorgeous. But today belongs to Nocturnes.
p
There’s a Raffy in LA? Okay, another reason for an LA scent trip…
Congrats on eau premiere!
I wore vintage Nocturnes on Friday. It’s really perfect for spring! Glad you found a good replacement!
Happy weekend, all!
I wanted to announce that after 3 hours of digging through old furniture at the Rebuilding Center here in Portland, I have finally upgraded from a perfume soup pot to a perfume cabinet! Yay! I found a lovely solid wood hutch-style cabinet. My guess is that it was part of a larger kitchen set at some time, but the ends were smooth and didn’t need refinishing, and, bonus, it was only $10! (Ok, $11, since I had to buy a glass shelf for a buck.) It’s a little narrow, so I had to anchor it to the wall, but now I have a lovely piece of furniture I don’t have to be embarrassed by! (Although, I admit, I kinda liked my old stock pot, too!)
Oh, I forgot to mention, I had an interesting scent experience while I was at the Rebuilding Center. I was looking at bell pendant lamp shades, and I caught a whiff of perfume. There wasn’t anyone around, so I sniffed the glass shade in my hand–it was coming from there! It clearly smelled of an aldehydic floral–and I felt transported to some lovely older woman’s make-up mirror! I had no idea that glass could hold a scent so successfully.
I loved that Bohemian soup pot too! But Mazeltov on the upgrade! ( :
Thanks, Merlin! I have actually considered making some excuse to leave the soup pot out somewhere as decoration. Does that make me strange?
Probably: its what i would do; and I am definitely strange!
At least I’m in good company!
SOTD is Andy Tauer’s Zeta, my Mother’s Day gift. I’m shocked that so many people have trouble getting this to last, or to smell at all, and am counting my blessings that is not the case for me. In fact, after I sprayed it on this morning (3 sprays – wrists and neck), my husband could smell it two rooms away. I love the airiness of this. It is very honeyed on me, and honey is a note I love. My other honey scents (Amoureuse, Botrytis, Chergui) are rather dense and heavy. This honey feels like dappled sunshine to me, light and airy.
What a lovely gift, congrats!
I just recieved a new bottle of Shalimar parfum, I’ve never had a pure parfum only the EDP with a sprayer, anyway I do not know how to open the bottle, it seems that the string around the cap needs to be cut in order to open the bottle but I’m affaid to mess it up, can someone please help?
To remove the thread– gently pick at it with yhou fingernail scissors or clipper, until you can pick it free with a toothpick. Or, to keep the cord intact, pick at it with a toothpick until you loosen an end, and then try to unwind it. That’s what I did with a vintage bottle a few weeks ago– I couldn’t bear to chop the gold cord!
Thank you so much Marielon, I finally got it opened. Congrats on your vintage bottle, I just finished my vintage sample, I loved it, could not live without it so I finally saved enough to gift myself the smallest bottle of the pure parfum. Injoy your vintage bottle.
How can you tell if a perfume has gone off?
I have a bottle of Tocade purchased at TJ Maxx that has this jarring note that runs right from the top all the way through the drydown. It’s kind of sour, kind of like nail polish remover. I don’t get the rose/vanilla dance I’ve read about or the “butter cookie” drydown either. It’s kind of obnoxious and keeps me from getting cozy with it, which is my usual procedure with a fragrance I don’t understand or like a lot at first.
TIA!
That sounds like my usual experience with that fragrance. I really don’t understand what the fuss is all about.
I was at Macy’s yesterday where I was plied with misinformation: 1) Envy has been discontinued 2) Rush has been discontinued and 3) They only keeps scents for a certain amount of time, after which, they are sent to Ross/TJ Maxx, etc. Not sure if it’s a store policy or a policy of the fragrance maker. But, I’m thinking it might be possible that by the time scents get to the discounter’s they may very well be losing some of their magic.
Envy for women does not seem to be on the Gucci website at the moment. Envy for men is there.
A ‘nail varnish’ scent at opening often signifies that vintage perfume has started to turn. Often the nail varnish disappears after only a few moments, allowing the real thing to emerge. If the nail varnish thing lasts all the way through maybe the scent is completely off, and would be extremely disappointing in a new purchase.
It is possible that that particular bottle/batch has been badly exposed to heat – left on a palette in the sun for hours on a wharf? Been too long in an overheated showcase in the shop?
I was at a perfume discounter at my local mall on the weekend and while resting my hand on the end of the counter, noticed how very warm the counter was. I felt sorry for anyone who might purchase anything from within it.
Anyway, sorry to hear about your experience with Tocade. Maybe you could spritz a tester from somewhere to compare?
Fragrances that have gone off can smell like nail polish remover, but usually that smell fades after a little while and the rest of the perfume is mostly intact. It might just be that you don’t like Tocade. It does have a note that I find a little abrasive, a sort of green soapy note that gets more and more prominent as it dries down.
Oh, I forgot to say Happy Mother’s day everyone!
Thanks for all the commentary on Zeta. I feel better knowing it’s not just me. And I sprayed the hell out of myself. I’m bummed. Oh well.