The usual open thread routine: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, how your holiday shopping is going (if you're doing any holiday shopping), the last perfume you smelled and hated, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is Koyasan by aschaf at flickr; some rights reserved.
SOTD: By Kilian Straight to Heaven, positively yummy.
You smell great
that one is on my christmas list. you have good taste.
I do smell great if I say so myself, and I like to think I have great taste although that is quite often in question
I got the travel refill and although it isn’t the greatest value, with my ever-expanding collection of fragrances, I thought it would be appropriate instead of spending $225 on 50ml in the refillable bottle.
I also love Love – Don’t Be Shy, and ended up getting the refill (50ml) on that, again a much better deal if you are not worried about putting it into your own bottle or travel spray.
I love the juice more than the bottles, but if someone were to buy me a real bottle I would love that too!
Love STH, just purchased the new solid, I’m so glad I did. I use it all the time!
Wearing Angel: Le Gout de Parfum.
Took my entire purfume locker (a miniature leather bound footlocker) to work this week so my boss could smell all my full size bottle and samples to figure out what perfume he should buy for his fiancee since she found out he purchased the same perfume for the last several girlfriends for the last seven years. I convinced him to buy 3 mainstreams for her. Sarah Jessica Parker: Lovely, Dior: Addict, Guerlain: Eau de Shalimar.
Bringing my entire collection in had everyone else in the office smelling what I had and so half of the dept decided to buy something and we’re pooling a perfume order. Irony of irony? 3 of us are all buying a bottle of Juicy Couture: Dirty English EDT. Who knew that JC could produce something smelling of leather and sex?
What fun!
….speaking of Angel Gout!
Yes! It’s a sign, LOL…now I must buy one.
The Universe WANTS you to have this perfume!
Robin, I tried this yesterday…I love the cocoa in the beginning(ubelievabley awesome cocoa) but the dry down is angel…but now I am thinking I need to go back and smell again. I love and own Borneo, have been trying coromondel(falling love after a big negative experience of it) and although I have always been a big nonono for angel, this one is now in my patch choc group….. and so the perfume lemmings continue…hope u get it…that cocoa..yum
To me, it’s Angel, but smoother, less jarring. Cannot wear Borneo or Coromandel, and still surprised I like *any* iteration of Angel — undoubtedly it’s a molecular fraction of patchouli and they left out the parts I don’t like
Sounds like a fun work day.
“she found out he purchased the same perfume for the last several girlfriends for the last seven years”
Surprised he lived to tell the tale
The funny thing is, when all the women in the office heard it, they were siding with his girlfriend. I was the only one who pointed out that I would have taken it as a compliment that he wanted to give me a fragrance that he actually enjoys and WANTS his paramour to smell like. The fact that it was Dolce & Gabbana’s “Light Blue” was what I took as an insult.
HA, Light Blue! Great story.
Oh, no, I’m with the other camp on this one. Aside from being…well..kinda icky, it just seems plain lazy of him. The fact that it was Light Blue just adds insult to injury
I agree. I wouldn’t necessarily be offended if man gave me a perfume that he had given to past girlfriends. If it was something he really appreciated on a woman’s skin, say one of Chanel’s Les Grandes Extraits or vintage Apres LOndee parfum, why would I deny him? But seven bottles of Light Blue in a row smacks of laziness. However, the fact that he’s thinking about fragrance and open to suggestions tells me has has potential.
Hilarious story. It’s practically a sitcom episode plot line.
I was about to say, you do realize you HAVE to tell us what perfume it was! Light Blue? Seriously?
Anne, you smell good!
You have a FB footlocker? That is awesome. What gives with your boss giving these women the same perfume? Men!
If your office is the type where holiday gifts are exchanged, you will now know what people like.
My SOTD is Byredo’s Seven Veils (which a nice SA from Barney’s sent to me). I have started my Holiday shopping, but haven’t even put a dent into it…and I’m already out of money! Also, my other problem is time–I work long hours and on the upcoming weekends I have many parties to attend. I assume it will get done as it does every year despite my lateness in starting.
How is 7 Veils?
(and good luck with that shopping!)
Seven Veils is very nice and different from other Byredos.
Good, thanks!
I hope everyone’s having a lovely holiday season so far. We’re in the home stretch for shopping at last, considering I like to be done by Dec. 1. I’m giving two fragrance gifts this year, possibly three if I buy the MIL an Estee Lauder variety set since she loves Beautiful so much. Also splurged on some gourmet coffee for Mr. Ab. Scent and a lovely LL Eau Masculine set and some posh slippers to mix things up a bit this year.
So in planning some future bottle purchases for me, I’ve decided I must get some vintage L’Heure Bleue. Does anyone have any advice on how to go about this? I haven’t tried the latest incarnation of the EdP or parfum extrait but really love the vintage EdT I got in a small decant a while ago. Evilbay seemed like a possibility, but I never know how reasonable the price is for vintages. Any tips or suggestions would be fantastic and thanks so much in advance.
I will include some in your package.
Julia, if it’s not too bold, am I right that you had health issues last holiday season? And that you loved, uh, was it Shalimar? If so–do you still love it or has it become linked to that phase of your life?
Yes, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage IV-B last fall. I have an awesome oncologist and have been in remission since April. I loved Shalimar and I still love it as much as ever. I was worried about trying new fragrances while I was sick with chemo so I stuck to my favourites and I didn’t have any problems. I think my perception of fragrances changed, I’m not sure why or how, but I used to get headaches from aldehydes and now I can not only tolerate them but also enjoy them. I’m finally able to appreciate No.5!
Thank you! *hugs* So glad to know you’re in remission, and that you can still wear your favorite frags and some new ones as well.
I am so happy for your good news, and I mean that most sincerely. Pleased, too, that one of my faves, No. 5, has gained another fan!
I don’t really have any advice specific to L’HB – what a “vintage” bottle would look like, or that sort of thing. Somebody else want to chime in? I know there are people who know how to date Guerlain’s bottle codes and whatnot.
Here’s a helpful general guide to buying perfume from Perfume Shrine: http://tinyurl.com/cydu6c6
As a vintage ho myself, I’d tell you that I’ve had pretty good luck with the sellers who do NOT focus only on selling fragrances. Often they don’t value Aunt Gertie’s old bottle of Joy the way more savvy sellers would. (OTOH, you might have to check with them on how to package and ship perfume. There are horror stories.) I myself don’t insist on the bottle being pristine and unopened – some of the coolest things I’ve nabbed on teh bay were slightly used! I would not pay more for recent-vintage stuff than for currently available brand new, especially if the recent-vintage is used, though I think some people would disagree with me on those last two points, and insist on new-in-box condition and pay top dollar for that.
Oh, and I like testers too.
See if your local academic library subscribes to the complete Vogue archives – you can search editorial, images, and ads by whatever search terms you need.
read more about it here: http://www.foliomag.com/2011/vogue-launches-content-archive-1-575-annual-subscription
You could look for images in ads…
Word. I purchased a sealed rosebud bottle of Shalimar extrait two years ago for about a third of what I was willing to pay for it. The seller sent me the loveliest thank you note telling me that she would be able to buy her grandson a bike for Christmas and she was almost apologetic for how much I paid. I think she felt like she had pulled one over on me since she had picked it up at her church rummage sale (!) for a couple of dollars.
Ebay does have a guide to buying vintage perfume that seems to focus on Shalimar but has some very good information about tax stamps and other ways to date a vintage bottle.
Julia where is this ebay guide? Is it on ebay itself? Sounds very interesting..
I think Guerlain keeps the same bottle shapes for its vintages. The blog Monieur Guerlain (Check under More Blogs, in the left column here) has a subsection on bottles.
Have you ever sniffed the current LHB “extrait.” It is available through Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf’s (call for a helpful SA) and is quite lovely. If you have the $, this may satisfy your ache for the vintage stuff.
Me, I make do with bottle of the current Eau de Parfum. However, one of you may be subject to a strange will under which you must million dollars on the dreams of strangers by the end of the year)(such wills often appear in movies), you may send me a bottle of the extrait.
Ab Scent – I bought a bottle of vintage L’Heure Bleue edp from eBay and had no problem. I can’t remember the price. I also have a bottle of new extrait and the vintage has quite a bit more of the medicinal anise on top. I love them both though.
Thanks, everyone, for the advice and suggestions. The current extrait got pretty good reviews so perhaps I’ll check that one out first while on the lookout for the vintage.
Mals, I’ve gotten really lucky on Ebay as well with partial bottles (I got some Mitsouko EdP and Paestum Rose that way for a song) as well as testers. There are some awesome bargains sometimes if you don’t mind gently used or tester bottles, and often lots of samples of new fragrances to try so you aren’t out much if the frag doesn’t work on you. Or to drive up the bottle lust if it does.
I love used bottles! My track record has been pretty good with them, too – very few have turned.
If you decide on the current extrait, I’ve bought several things from this seller:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LHEURE-BLEUE-GUERLAIN-PARFUM-SPRAY-30-ML-1-OZ-T-/290434762732?pt=fragrance&hash=item439f42c7ec#ht_1148wt_135
He also has the new extrait in a sealed box ($239) if you’d prefer that to the tester. Good luck!
I like the extrait tester bottles. I know they aren’t as pretty as the traditional ones but they are square and stable. If you want something pretty for your dresser it’s easy find an empty bottle on ebay and fill it with coloured water.
I agree Julia! I love those little cubes – they’re adorable. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re filled with Guerlain extrait!
I’ve seen “Beautiful” gift sets for around $40 at both T.J. Maxx & Marshall’s just this past weekend.
Look also for the “parfum de toilette” concentration, it is similar to EDP but that’s what it was called up until 2000 or so i believe. I got very lucky on ebay recently with exactly that and an edt from 1999.
SOTD is PG L’Ombre Fauve.
My holiday shopping is pretty much done. I just wrapped and boxed up everything that needs to be shipped elsewhere in one marathon session last night. It always takes longer than I expect, and now I’m feeling like I deserve a little reward for getting it finished.
Last thing I sampled and loved: ELd’O Rossy de Palma.
I have a few left to mail myself. Almost there!
That’s what I did last night, Janice! Whew!! Don’t you feel proud of yourself though?
Janice, ELdO Rossy de Palma was a total stunner when I tried it out of the discovery set I got at the beginning of 2011. It is one of the sexiest, spiciest and most interesting roses I have and when my mini runs out, it is definitely fb worthy. ELdO is like that for me, though. Either I really love a fragrance or it just doesn’t work on me at all, but Rossy and Like This are probably two celebrity frags that I’d be very proud to own, wear and mention to someone else if asked. They’re amazing.
Just finished my shower a little bit ago – washed off the last remnants of last night’s Alahine – and haven’t chosen a SOTD. Thinking of digging out that sample of Liz Zorn Quan Yin.
Ever since beginning to participate in NaNoWriMo, my goal of being done with the shopping by Dec. 1 has gone down the toilet… Sigh. I’m about halfway done… maybe. And the big mutual spouse gift list this year consists of: good quality camera, new digital TV, and new bed (to replace my antique one with failing siderails), so them’s some big Santa shoes to fill. Eep. Nothing scented on my wishlist this year.
Last thing I tested and enjoyed: Prada Candy. I don’t think a mini is available yet, but I’ll probably want one when I can get one.
But you did NaNoWriMo! People should not even expect gifts after that.
I am liking Candy more & more. I might end up buying.
Prada Candy is gorgeous. Smells so elegant, sophisticated and delicious.
Oh, funny – I don’t think I’d call it elegant at all! I feel giggly when I wear it. Not that that’s bad – there are days I want to feel young and silly and candylike.
Elegant, to me, is Chanel (No. 5, 31 Rue Cambon), or F Malle (Carnal Flower, Iris Poudre).
elegance has so many meanings, hasn’t it. Everyone has its own definition
I am thinking about doing a blind buy with Prada Candy. I am just curious if someone can tell me what it might be similar to. For some reason I have it in my head it is going to be like Viva la Juicy.
It smells beautiful warm lavender with a nice toffee flavor (Katie Puckrik called it a smell of Polish cream fudge) which is followed by nice musk and bezoin
You can trust me, or my nose 
It’s kinda difficult to say what it is similar to, because IMHO Prada Candy is one of a kind (at least until someone does something similar to it).
Definitely worth buying! You wont regret blind-buying this as I don’t regret blind-buying Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense.
My nose knows Prada is fabulous
Sorry, I thought of vanilla and wrote lavender (one of my favourite notes though) It’s vanilla-toffee. Great parfum
I am wondering if Candy is anything like Cacharel’s Lou Lou. Somehow that’s the one I think of when I read the list of notes.
Funny, it reminded me of LouLou when I first smelled it. I haven’t done a side by side test though, and I’m not sure exactly what notes it has in common. I definitely find it smoother and prefer it though. Also, to me it is definitely a gourmand. I like, but not yet enough to own a bottle.
Prada Candy reminds me a little of Profumum’s Confetto.
Makes two. It is a sweet scent, but a good sweet scent. It is not a teen scent.
Haven’t smelled either of those. Am also wondering what anyone thinks of Diptyque Do Son. That is another blind buy I am thinking about.
Kris, Prada Candy smells like a blend of caramel, musk and a dollop of the original Prada EdP to me. It is both a lot of fun to wear but has a bit of sophistication in there as well. Must be because of the nod to the original Prada. It is not a sillage bomb, but I do catch hints of it throughout the day and it lingers nicely on clothing. I don’t know if the bath and body products give it more tenacity but would love to find out.
Mals, if you just want a wee bit of Candy, I got a mini off Evilbay for between $20-25 shipped. The bottle is adorable and like many others who like it, the more I wear it, the more I love it. And to me, it isn’t as insanely gourmand as the notes and name would imply. It’s probably in my top 5 of 2011 at this point.
It was a very good year for department store frags.
All is talk about Candy has put it on my radar. I must sniff it again. I’m trying not to buy anything though because Christmas is right around the corner and I know my hubby will have gotten me at least one or two of the scents on my wish llist.. Maybe I’ll just add it to the list.
Do Son was a recent purchase, in a solid. To me it’s a lovely sweet lily of the valley (the sweetness from some orange blossom) and some white musk, perfect for anywhere. I know the review here on NST says it’s tuberose in the heart, but I get lily. I do like it!
I made my way through a sample of Do Son amazingly quickly! It is a light, pretty, uplifting white floral, and eminently wearable in the warmer months especially. It didn’t quite capture my heart though, so no FB purchase yet for me.
If you like your antique headboard and footboard, you should be able to attach them to a new steel frame. Or are you looking for something completely new?
I just replaced what were probably the original bedslats in a frame that, if my grandparents bought it when they were first married, is 85 years old. I got steel supports to hold up the new mattress and attached them to the original (and still good) siderails. The new mattress inspired me to give the dogs new beds for early Christmas, with the result that I have to get a picture of a white and orange cat stretched out in the middle of the large black bed that was supposed to camouflage Lab hair. (Shed white and orange hair on the natural-fleece cover that’s supposed to camouflage tan and white mutt hair? Are you kidding? The dogs will color-code if you put the appropriate color in their favorite spot, but cats have to prove that they were there!)
I actually can’t attach this bed – because of the shape of the legs, and the custom-built fastenings – to any modern frame or siderails. It was originally a rope bed with no siderails at all, and my grandmother had the rails handmade, sometime in the late 1940s. (Believe me – I’ve tried frames and rails! It’s so frustrating.)
And we’ve actually been considering moving to a queen-size mattress in any case, so the bed may go into storage until we can find someone to repair or construct siderails. That’ll be long enough that I think we’re going to have to just put the mattress on the floor as a temporary measure.
Rope? Then it’s considerably more antique than mine. Good luck finding someone to repair it.
It was all handmade at one point – made of maple, and you can see the marks where it was shaped by an axe. Really really old.
I’ve seen the mini on ebay, it’s part of a gift set this year so looks like lots of people are selling them……I totally want to try this but have been too lazy thus far.
Ooh, I just looked – but that’s a little more than I wanted to pay for 7mls. Sigh. I’ll wait.
I sniffed Candy last weekend, just on a blotter, not on skin, but I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the uber-sweet top note, reminiscent of Pink Sugar. But I’ve yet to find a scent with something “nutty” as a note that I liked. . .
I didn’t like it much either, it’s just too sweet for me. Looks like we’re in the minority though…
I’m ok with that! So have you recently sniffed something at a department store that you did like?
You might try ordering some samples of “Praline de Santal” and “Tonkamnde” from Parfumerie Generale from Lucky Scent. They’ve got nutty notes in spades.
My SOTD is Musc Nomade, which I love, but I wish I had chosen Mona di Orio Lux in honor of her passing. Sad news.
Very sad. She can’t have been 50 I wouldn’t think, or much more.
She was only 42.
Wha? I had no idea! I love Nombres d’Or Vanille and it just became more precious to me.
She seemed so very charming and loved perfume. There was this interview I saw..where she said she wanted to be surrounded by different scents when she becomes an old lady. Sad, 42 is young, she was passionate.
SOTM has been l’Occitane Delice des Fleurs. I bought the gift set (EdT, shower jelly, hand cream, body lotion, and lip gloss) unsniffed after Jessica’s review piqued my interest and I decided my chances of actually getting to a l’Occitane store to sniff this before Christmas were slim. Usually, unsniffed purchases are a really bad idea, but this time it worked out well. It is a light, pretty, sweet floral that is just right when you just want to smell good. I do detect a slight fruity aspect, which may actually be the violet, but it avoids that sharp, stab-me-in-the-sinuses aspect of most fruity florals. The hand and body lotion are wonderful. They absorb easily and are not greasy. I am making a mental note to visit a l’Occitane store sometime after Christmas to try out some of their other scents.
And I am wearing the Organza Indecence that you sent – thank you, thank you, thank you!!! – which is lovely, comforting vanilla and spice with an almost orange glow that both my husband and children like.
As for Christmas shopping, I am only 1/4 done but hope to be nearly finished by the end of the weekend!
I’m glad it reached you safely and that you are enjoying it. I just never could “get” that one, but I know it has a lot of fans, so I am happy to send it along to someone who will love it.
Good to know, I am tempted by the hand cream.
Interestingly, the lip balm has (lightly) the same scent. And is a very pretty pink color.
Was testing SL La Myhrre (sp?) n totally loving it when my boss went “anyone smell sth burning?”. Sigh, there went nascent thoughts of FB. Is that silly of me? It’s just tt it is nt really a bedtime scent and I don’t really want to put off anyone ard me in the day. Did anyone get similar comments on it? Or of a fume and decided not to get it?
I really thought La Myhrre was so Christmassy too! Talk abt misjudgment, lol.
My former boss had something negative to say about everything I wore (except Bvlgari Omnia) but I never let her opinion influence my choices. I wear perfume for me but I know that we have to be considerate of those around us. One thing you might try is spraying a little on a cotton ball and tucking it into your bra or undershirt so you can enjoy it and it won’t have as much sillage. If it does bother somebody you can always take it out. I think people notice fragrance more if you spray your wrists because they’re closer to it and if you talk with your hands it is more likely to waft over to them. You can also try dabbing instead of spraying.
Hmm, the cotton ball is a good idea, thanks Julia. I dabbed onto my collar as I usually do so that only I smell it (or someone really close to me) and it’s the first time I have gotten any comment, negative or positive. It is funny cause I don’t think my boss even thought it was perfume. And after she said the burning remark, she said turpentine, which i had to conceed myhrre did approach. Didn’t dare to tell anyone tho!
Hmm, turpentine and burning? You have piqued my interest and I think I need to dig out my sample and revisit it. I’m a little hesitant because everything I’ve tested by SL lately has turned into an obsession. I was wearing Fille en Aiguilles yesterday and was told my nose/preferences seem to have changed.
This scent is on my to test list:). So interested in this one!
I can actually understand why your boss might think that. I haven’t smelled La Myrrhe, but I do have a lot of experience with real myrrh resin, and it does have a smoky aspect like something burning.
BTW, myrrh tincture is the best thing in the world for treating burns and blisters. It is actually capable of causing big, puffy blisters to disappear within 24 hours. It is very easy to make, too. You just grind up some myrrh resin and let it steep in alcohol (I use Everclear from the liquor store) for 2 weeks or so. I use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of ground resin to each 4 ounces of alcohol, put it in a tightly sealed jar, and shake it 2 or 3 times a day. When it is done, I filter it through a paper coffee filter into a dark-colored bottle. It has many uses and keeps for years.
This is why I love NST. One learns sth new and interesting ( and dashed useful) all the time!
The ancient Romans used myhrr to treat deep (i.e. sword) wounds. As you say, it has a lot of uses.
I love La Myrrhe. I don’t get “burning,” but “turpentine” I can see – LM reminds me very much, and in a good way, of a liniment salve my mother used to use on our ouchies when we were kids. The stuff is highly aromatic and contains a bunch of ingredients including camphor, clove, tea tree, creosote, sassafras, and myrrh!
La Myrrhe is a good bit more elegant than Porter’s Salve, though.
I think you should get what you like – one person’s preferences shouldn’t matter so much to you (unless it’s a spouse).
Thanks, maybe I shall. And take more care not to overapply (or try Julia’s cotton ball trick!).
(p/s – I tried La Mhyrre partly bec of your blog. And also I love the way you write about scents; I should have commented instead of lurked but it seemed as though you knew the pple commenting and I felt as if it was intrusive if I had commented. Heh. Just thought you should know how much I admire your writing – and I think you should keep at it!)
Thanks so much – and please comment if you like. I do know several of the people who comment, but not everyone, and I think meeting new people via the blog is one of the most fun parts of maintaining it!
Fumehead, I don’t know Mals, but she lets me comment any time.
I do know that she is a gracious, open-hearted person. I’m sure your comments will be welcomed!
I was wearing Back to Black out for lunch with some friends one day when one insisted “There’s something burning, do you smell smoke?” and got up and proceeded to talk to the manager about the “smoky” smell before I could stop her. When she came back to the table I had to tell her, “um, I think you’re smelling my perfume.” When she realized it was the perfume, she then insisted that it smelled great but… it was a little hard to believe after that. And it really made me question how the sillage of that scent works.
I always wonder about that, too. I love Tabac Blond but somebody asked if I was smoking cigarettes when I wore it. Back to Black is tobacco/honey on me but it’s like the delicious smell of unsmoked cigars or the inside of a humidor. I don’t get any actual “smoking” smell from it.
Yeah, I don’t get any “smoke” from it either, weird.
I get honey and booze (in a good way) from it. But Lol at the story
I can’t wear Estee Lauder: “Pleasures Bloom” when my next door cubicle co-worker is at work b/c the synthetics in it set her off in something akin to an asthma attack.
SOTD is 31 Rue Cambon simply because it’s wonderful and I have 200mls of it
I briefly mentioned it yesterday but I received some gift vouchers and I’m trying to decide what to spend them on. Unfortunately the shop doesn’t stock Les Exclusifs or Amouage which would have been my top choices but there are still a number of great options (SL, Etro, AG, VC&A Collection Extraordinaire, Guerlain extraits to name just a few). Top two contenders right now are Tubéreuse Criminelle and AdP Profumo.
That’s a wonderful dilemma.
Yup, it’s a nice feeling to know that I can take my pick and treat myself without feeling guilty even if I do suddenly feel incredibly indecisive as a result!
SOTD:
BLVJasmin Noir L’essence..tried the sample, loved it, so I bought a bottle for myself for X-mas! The lasting power isn’t all that great..that’s why I must also buy a Mon Jasmin Noir, the lasting power is a bit better on that one..and I love that scent! So, what scents am I buying others? Mmm, I don’t know..I always seem to get stuff for me! I did buy my hubs Polo Blue, he wanted that one. I may get Givenchy AD Elixir if I find a deal on it..not for me..but a gift. I will only get it if I find a good deal on it..cause the lasting power is so bad I wouldn’t go out and drop 100 bucks on a bottle. Oh, lol, and I got me some stocking stuffers..BLV Omnia Crystalline, G Jade, Omnia orginal 5 ml bottles..hey, I needed something in my stocking:D. I may try to find a deal on Tresor for a gift. But that’s it! I promise..hehe.
I need a new mini of Omnia too, where do you find those?
Well, I admit, I found my trio on the Bay. Not sure where else one can find those. I did see some available on Valentine Perfume, Perfume Emporium and FragranceNet. Nordies has a travel BVL Crystalline.
Thanks.
Anyone have advice ordering from First In Fragrance? I need to get some stuff for holiday presents:
1) Impressions on ordering from there if you are in the US: how is FIF? They sound reputable — what are people’s experiences?
2) Suggestions on what brands they carry that are not available thru US vendors.
SOTD is Borneo 1834.
I’m wearing Borneo 1834 too. Great for winter.
It smells best in the winter!
Well, I live in Germany and order often samples from first-in-fragrance, sometimes a full bottle. They are very kind, and they have a good reputation. The service is also very good. But I don’t know what is with customs to your country. Maybe you can ask them by mail.
Thanks for the advice!
Oh, and lol, I may try to make homemade jam for some gifts..ya, we’ll see how that turns out! I may just have to stick with giving scents..we’ll see. I also want to buy Beautiful for someone but yet again I selfishly want that scent for myself, it’s going to be a struggle! Me or her? Lol, I guess it says it’s better to give than receive..I gotta stop being so selfish!:D.
Jam is a lot of work – some easier homemade gifts that I have given are mini-loaves of pumpkin bread and little mason jars of spiced nuts. I may try nut brittle this year.
I love nut brittle, I was thinking to try this as well. I love the goodies this time of year!
Estee Lauder always has nice gift sets and gifts with purchase this time of year – maybe you can find one that comes with a mini for you? I’ve been thinking about getting the Chanel Holiday Wardrobe and splitting it up between a couple of friends, my daughter, and maybe keeping one for myself.
There is indeed a Beautiful gift set with a mini on the Estee Lauder site (and another with a purse spray, and yet another with a rollerball). And a rollerball trio with Beautiful, Pleasures, and Sensuous. And there’s a 15 ml bottle of the eau de parfum for $30. Just sayin’.
(I’m not affiliated and I don’t even wear Beautiful, but I have spent a lot of time ogling various EL gift sets … and the compacts … )
SOTD Aromatics Elixir – it’s Friday!
And about time too, I was ready for this week to end.
I tried a whiff of A.E. at the Clinique counter when I was buying my christmas facial trio set. I was fully made up and dressed like a chav so I looked a little younger than I am and when I sniffed it and immediately began inhaling it with a big grin on my face, the counter clerk looked shocked. Her exact words were, “Nobody under 40 likes that!”
Oh how little she knows…
I hope you took that as a compliment…am reminded of the saying “youth is wasted on the young…”
SOTD-nothing yet! When I get up at 6 I can’t stand perfume. However, I have a bottle of Shalimar in my bag that I am itching to apply. Perfume is such a glamorous thing. It makes even a mundane Friday somehow more than it is. Have a wonderful weekend!
You too!
I’m wearing SL Fille en Aiguilles today as I have been everyday since I received a sample in a swap. It is the holiday scent of my dreams and I think a full bottle is in order. It smells wonderful on its own and it is also lovely layered over a vanilla fragrance like Vanilla Noire du Mexique.
Our daughter was in last night to celebrate her birthday. We bought new tires for her car but I gave her three Tokyo Milk fragrances, a Prada Candy mini, a decant of Jasmine et Cigarettes, and some Memoir Woman. She tends to choose fougeres and bought a bottle of Fou d’Absinthe for herself last year in Paris so I thought she would like it. I think I might buy her a full bottle of Jasmine et Cigarettes because she’s been through two decants already.
Oooh, nice presents (nicer than tires, but hey, people do need tires).
Asking for tires is how we can tell she’s a grown-up.
Yeah, I long for the days of yore when my holiday requests were things like, clothes, gift cards, makeup… Now they run to: cookware, brake pads, and gift cards to places like Linens & Things so I can outfit my fiancee’s kitchen to something other than “Bachelor Fabulous.”
Wow, what a treat! Which Toyko Milks did you give her?
I gave her Ex Libris, Poe’s Tobacco, and Dead Sexy. I kept Honey and the Moon for myself.
I’m intensely curious about Jasmin et Cigarette — it seems right up my alley and will likely be in my next TPC order. And, like Meg, I would love to hear which Tokyo Milks you picked.
She adores it. I’m not a big fan of jasmine and it has a cigarette smoke note like Tabac Blond, not a tobacco note like Tobacco Vanille or Back to Black. I can’t remember who sent it to me, it was part of my first swap, but they put it in an adorable bottle and printed up a pretty label with jasmine flowers on it. I felt very inadequate but quickly figured out that most swappers don’t do all that.
Yes, I think that is definitely going in my next TPC order. I love jasmine, and I love cigarette-smoky stuff. (Also, I approve of the Dead Sexy gift. I recently tried that and am considering a bottle.)
Im wearing my Montale Black Aoud today. I am kind of getting tired of it though.
Try putting it away for a few months and see if you miss it?
Yes, that often works for me too.
Mmm, I would like to try that one. I’ve tried Vanilla Extasy, Roses Elixir and the Full Jasmin. The VE didn’t last too long on me and the Roses was too tart on the drydown on my skin..the FJ is a bit lovely. Eager to try more from Montale.
The perfume I’m wearing today is my newly bought Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense. Finally got this one for my collection & I love it!
My christmas shopping! I’ve already bought presents for my family, ‘cos I’m not in mood for christmas shopping with red balls, trees, rainders hanging from the roof at the shopping centre this year.
My choices? Bvlgari Man after shave lotion for my dad, and a skinset from Pharmaceris N line (http://www.pharmaceris.pl/en/)
You seem to really love this. Is it very sweet and ambery like the hermes ambre narguille or dry like sl ambre sultan? I love amber and am in the market for a new one (always in the market for a new one!)
You’re right I love it! As much as I love my other perfumes from Prada: Infusion d’homme and original Amber pour Homme.
I guess you can call me a Pradaholic! This even sounds nice! Cool!
It’s just a very, very little sweet, giving a feeling of cocoa undertone, which actually blends greatly with myrrh!
PAPHI is a whole different story than PAPH. Elegant, sophisticated and I’d say one of a kind (for me theres no fragrance like this in the market right now)
Simply beautiful! Powerful, yet not overwhelming or screaming. Attracting those who you allow to come closer to you!
Thats what in my opinion is real perfume about! One, that only chosen can smell on you, if you know what I mean.
Thaats a long comment, hope I encouraged you for Amber Intense !!
Pradaholic, hee hee. Thanks for the comment, you have certainly convinced me to give it a try.
Let me know how it went and how did it work with you. Keeping my fingers crossed
Prada is definitely one of my favourites and Pradaholic sounds fitting. And I haven’t even tried Pour Homme yet!
I’m proud of being a Pradaholic
Haven’t you? Then give it a try. Prada Amber pour Homme has a nice clean, soapy definition. It’s my personal no. 1, my signature fragrance
I’m really enjoying reading week after week about your Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense saga — makes me smile! Glad you got something you love!
Aww… It’s so nice and sweet of you! I’m glad someone reads these comment emotions week after week and becomes happy because of them. Truly, thats a story, starting with asking people about their feelings for Prada Amber pour Homme Intense, throught uncertainty about blind-buying that one, ending with my own bottle of it. Thats a happy ending.
Maybe I should write a shortbook “How I got my Prada” ??
After the Delice des Fleurs this morning, SOTA is Jubilation 25. I found a mini on eBay, and the postman just delivered it today. I love Amouage, but most of their scents are so concentrated that a mini is plenty to last me for a long time, not to mention easier on the bank account.
Yum, that’s a good one.
I also have to minis of Amouage: Dia and Lyric Woman, and they last and last and last. One spray is for the whole day.
SOTD is Habanita. I haven’t worn it much lately, and it’s nice to get reacquainted. (BTW, my purchase of Habanita was directly inspired by a post on this blog — it was among my first “perfumista” scents.)
I finally ordered the Roman Frankincense candle from Pacifica, and it arrived yesterday. Haven’t lit it yet, but will do that tonight and will post an update for those who are interested. I don’t know THAT much about candles, but I should at least be able to say whether or not I can smell it.
Also got the Egyptian Bergamot Rose candle — I freakin’ love that scent and own the solid perfume. I wish a spray version were available, but Pacifica seems not to have many offerings in that line. (I hope it’s not being discontinued — I once had a soap with that scent, but those seem not to be around anymore.)
I would keep checking their website – I know I was looking for something once and it didn’t seem like they made it, but next time I went online, they did so maybe they don’t show things if they are out of stock. It is odd how each scent has different products. Do you have a Whole Foods or Sephora nearby? Whole Foods especially seems to carry a large portion of their line.
Thanks — glad to hear there may be hope for Egyptian Bergamot Rose. I have plenty o’ Sephoras and Whole Foodses nearby, but I don’t much care for the Pacifica scents that Sephora carries and my closest WF doesn’t have a terrific selection. I’ll definitely poke around if I happen to be in a different store.
I’ve had the same experience – things seem to disappear from the website when they’re out of stock and then reappear when they come back in stock. But I’ll be rationing my bottle just to be safe!
Okay, update about the Roman Frankincense candle: It’s a dud. I kept it lit for several hours last night, and I had to risk scorching the tip of my nose in order to smell anything at all. Boo.
I’m a bit more optimistic about the Bergamot Rose candle, being as it smells quite powerful even in the box.
Those candles sound really lovely!
SOTD is Neela Vermaire Mohur, really lovely! I won samples of Neela Vermaire’s perfumes in a draw, I can recommend checking them out.
Was Mohur your favorite?
Are all of them worth trying? I am quite intrigued by the line myself. I hope it’s not a ‘dumbed down India’ type smell (you know, inspired by India but you can’t smell a danged spice?).
I haven’t decided wich one is my favorite yet, I still have to try Bombay Bling as well! Trayee is perhaps the more original, but Mohur is a very pretty rose. They are definitely not a dumbed down version of India in my opinion(although I must admit I’ve not visited India in person yet). So far you can’t buy FB, but on the homepage there is either a sample set or a 10 ml travel-spray set with all three. The 10 ml travel-set was a good idea on the companys part!
I haven’t really managed to get any holiday shopping done yet – I’m very behind this year. I did just shop my birthday gift card: I got a 2.5 oz of Bois des Iles edt from Nordies. Happy birthday to me! I *finally* get it – yes, the gorgeous woods, the “brunette” No 5 – the whole kit and gorgeous kaboodle. It’s amazing. I know my nose has developed. After 4 years of occasionally retesting it, hurrah! Now I want the parfum too.
Oh – SOTD is vintage Bal a Versailles b/c it is so beautiful and cozy on a cold winter day.
Yay!
Happy (belated) Birthday, Ann! And what a wonderful birthday present! I know you’ll enjoy it.
Happy birthday, Sag Sister! (or whatever that alleged 13th zodiac sign is)
Happy belated birthday, Sag Sister! (or whatever that alleged 13th zodiac sign is.)
My favorite notes lately are
Jasmine
Cedar
Sandalwood.
Licorice
Orange.
just wanted to share!
I’ve been on a SERIOUS cedar kick lately. Any particular favorites?
Comme des Garçons Incense Kyoto is one of my favorite cedars.
That one is nice — probably my second favorite in that series (after Avignon). I also got a fair bit of cedar from Jaisalmer, but thought Kyoto was more interesting on the whole.
SOTD is CBIHP Burning Leaves. We’ve had very cold weather, for San Diego at least, lately so I’ve been able enjoy some things that are often to sweet or heavy like SDV and Ambre Narguile.
Pretty much all done with Christmas shopping. Yay! Did 95% of it online as I can’t deal with malls this time of year. Just a few small items left to get and have to bake some pumpkin bread for friends.
It’s so much more fun to shop online — totally agree about avoiding the mall.
I love shopping on line (no traffic, no parking worries, and I can do it at midnight in my jammies!), but I also love shopping in a local area with lots of independent small businesses. I always find lots of things I would never find at the mall stores.
I like to shop online, but I have learned to build in some “pause points.” If I don’t force myself to stop and think about it, it is WAAaay to easy to buy stuff without considering the consequences (mostly monetary!).
Wearing Chanel Cuir de Russe today…didn’t love it before, but today (first day of snow here!) it is really lovely!
Waiting for an Etsy ‘fumer package…anyone love some of the Etsy ‘fumes? I’m waiting for a Sweet Anthem package…I’d love to hear if there is a blog that reviews these…there are so many fumes in the Etsy universe!
It’s overwhelming how many there are. Admit I spend most of my Etsy time looking at scarves, though.
I haven’t bought any perfume on Etsy since Ava Luxe left, but I have bought several perfume lockets here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/birdzNbeez?ref=seller_info. So pretty!
I know the Sweet Anthem owner Meredith from various online exploits and have tried much of her line if you have questions. But I haven’t done much with Etsy otherwise…
SOTD: FM Portrait of a Lady. I love this scent, but it does tend to replace the oxygen in its immediate vicinity.
Oh, is Christmas coming up? *joke* Many miles to go before I sleep.
That’s a good way to put it!
POAL really is the 800-pound gorilla of rose-patch perfumes, but I keep coming back to it. I’m not really sure if that’s because of the unusual structure (which grew out of Geranium pour Homme, according to FM), or just the incredible quality of the ingredients.
A while back I was lingering in the FM corner at Barneys and a woman said the same thing: she kept coming back to smell and sample POAL despite it being such a mighty patchouli. Personally i find it an arresting and intriguing scent.
Scent of the day is a to be determined sample to test. I haven’t done that in a while.
Last scent tested that didn’t work was the new AG Mon Parfum Cheri. I liked it at first, but it became a scrubber. Not sure what went wrong, but it did!
But brag time… all finished Christmas shopping except one small something, and as I said above to Janice, I’ve even wrapped and mailed out of town gifts! YEA!!! And that includes a Christmas present for myself: an unsniffed (!) bottle of the new Aromatics Elixir, Perfumers Reserve. It hasn’t gotten here yet though.
Oooh, let us know what you think of the new AE! And thank you for reminding me that I still need to seek that out.
Always happy to enable!
I already own a bottle of the new AE, anniversary edition. It’s a beauty! Hope you enjoy yours too!
I’m sure you’ll see me on here either raving or complaining, AustenFan. I’m blaming Graindemusc for pushing me over the edge with her recent review.
I hated Mon Parfum Cheri too. It really surprised me since it seems to be getting mostly positive reviews but I found it really unpleasant. I had a similar experience with Un Matin d’Orage so I can only assume that this is another case where smell something very different from what others do.
I always wonder about the perception vs. skin chemistry thing. I usually get along with the Goutals. But I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.
I am starting to wonder if that AE will be the one that makes me like AE, sort of like those Angel flankers. Hmmm.
I ordered that AE unsniffed, too, and I like it. I hope you do, too, Rapple!
am looking forward to trying this as well – am annoyed that my local Macy’s – the former Marshall Fields flagship store – seems not to have it. The SAs give me blank stares when I ask.
SOTD- Mona di Orio Lux. Alas I am late to the party to find this one and it is discontinued!!! I am slightly heartsick- but hope to find a bottle/decant somehow. If anyone out there has some that isn’t holding their attention, I would love to know!
Good luck!
Helen:
I have a smallish (3 or 4 mls.) decant that doesn’t work for me that I’d be happy to pass on. It’s not much, but will add to your stash as there obviously won’t be anymore. Email me at rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com. if you’re interested.
That is awesome- I will and will have to find something for you
I live out in the boonies so it has been a long time since I have sniffed anything new. When I do go back to the city, though, I am heading downtown to test all the mainstream launches that have gotten so much hype this year: Prada Candy (had a quick, inconclusive sniff of it awhile ago, I might be anosmic to something?), Cartier Baiser Vole, Bottega Veneta and TF Violet Blonde (I think I liked it but I need more time with it).
I have a sort of non-perfume related question that I hope is permissable. Perfumistas are such stylish, down-to-earth people and in-the-know people that just seems like a great place to consult. Is it acceptable to wear black to a wedding? There seems to be some debate about this online, re: whether it is a summer/ daytime wedding. But what about a winter wedding in the afternoon with an evening reception? I’ve never been to one, eep!
It should be OK if nobody could suppose that you were really dressed for a funeral. Add highly visible jewelry or colored accessories.
thank you!
Probably depends most on the major personalities involved in said wedding (assuming that you know the couple and any relevant friends/family members well enough to draw such conclusions). If they’re not particularly traditional and the wedding has a more laid-back vibe, it’s probably okay. Thinking back on the last couple of weddings I’ve attended, I seem to recall a few non-funereal black outfits (but these were pretty low-key affairs).
Thanks Emily. It’s hard to tell from the invite, there isn’t really an indication of formality. The groom is actually my brother, although we are not very close, and I have never met the bride. They do seem like laid back people though.
As a redhead who wears black almost exclusively, I’ve dealt with this very question on a number of occasions. It’s definitely okay after noon – but as one other poster pointed out, just make sure your attire couldn’t be confused with what you might wear to a funeral!
Meg
I wore black in the hot summer at an afternoon/evening wedding. It was one of those sleeveless little black dresses that almost everyone wears for something kind of formal. I got a lot of compliments so it worked out fine. In winter I think it would be perfect.
Absolutely. I’ve worn black to weddings in all seasons and have never warranted side-eye. I usually carry a colored stole.
here in the northeast it is always acceptable to wear black to a wedding! Of course has to be something appropriately styled for a wedding and not a funeral, like others mentioned!
I was a guest at an evening wedding this fall where nearly every woman wore black. Quite a change from years ago.
Thanks all! I am very reassured. I think I’ll pair my all-black ensemble with a red clutch, maybe some bright shoes too. Now I get to do the fun part–pick out a perfume for the day!
Sounds lovely, Meg! I love the idea of choosing a wedding-appropriate scent as much as the outfit. Seems like elegant without too much sillage would be in order?
I already have the perfect scent in mind: sleek, a little retro, a slight masculine edge. Prada Infusion de Vetiver. Problem is… I don’t own it yet.
Darn. Wait, did I say “darn”? I mean “yippee!” An excuse to buy a scent you love!
I know, heh heh. That’s probably why it seems like such a perfect match to me.
Black dress + red accessories is one of my go-to combinations when I’m not sure what to wear. You’ll look great! (That you’ll also smell great goes without saying … )
Thanks again! I’m quite excited now that I don’t have to worry about the outfit.
Nearly every evening reception I’ve been to in the past few years, there are people dressed in black. Might be regional though.
Generally saddened, as the rest of you are, by the passing of Mona di Orio. Adore Jabu….can’t bring myself to wear it as it’s such a happy scent. Will reach for it in time…..
I haven’t sniffed Jabu- but love Lux so much that I shouldn’t seek it out! Hope you reach for the happy scent soon.
Goodness- I just read that the perfumer passed. (I hadn’t picked up on that in your post- I assumed you meant the line was closing). So sad- and a beautiful young talented woman.
SOTD: Blanc des Cotons. I love it but don’t wear it nearly as often as I should.
Christmas shopping is going well, every year there seems to be some epic shipping fail that happens and usually, it’s in my favor. This year it happened again so I am donating the extra toys received. I finished my kids and hubby, and pooled a bunch of cash with a friend of mine to help another friend who has 8 children and no money, so we bought 3 gifts apiece yesterday for each of the 8 and their mom….everything is wrapped and ready to be delivered. Downside: I can no longer get to my dresser as my floor is covered with santa and snowman-festooned boxes.
Hated: Sweet Lime and Cedar (JM). Anything JM cedar turns to musty pencils and elementary schools on my arm. Sad, really, as it has such a nice beginning. I’m hoping my husband has better luck with it, I’m going to spray it on him when he’s sleeping so he doesn’t know that I’m searching out yet more fragrances for him.
Laughing at the vision of you testing out fragrance on your husband while he sleeps! That’s sly.
The whole day I smell like Acqua di Gio, and I cannot get it off my arm. In the beginning it smelled likeable and then it turned into a rotten flower water smell, really disgusting. Must be my chemistry.
For Sint Nikolaas (on the 5th of December) I allways make “gevulde speculaas” .
I had never heard of that — they look delicious!
SOTD here is EL Azuree (vintage). I know technically it isn’t a winter scent, but it feels pithy somehow and thus appropriate for a chilly day.
I’m torn about Christmas this year. My son and his SO are going skiing and I have no other family, so it’s going to be a very quiet holiday indeed. Since we weren’t having a holiday celebration, per se, we had a family meeting and decided to purchase a new family phone plan and we all got 4G Android smartphones with all sorts of bells and whistles. Love the phone, but the Christmas traditionalist in me will miss the holiday dinner, decor, presents and my little family all in a row in a pew at midnight mass.
But then, who knows, I may wind up liking the peace and quiet, catch up on lots of good books, and not have sky-high post-holiday bills to worry about.
Oh, I hope it turns out peaceful & nice!
Those of us in similar situations (or coming home alone from celebrations) should convene here on Christmas Eve/Christmas and chat.
I will definitely have an open poll going for the 23rd – 25th.
I’ll bring the eggnog!
What a fabulous idea, Rapple! I just learned that my dad has made plans for the 24th without the family. This is really surprising to me, since we are Danish Lutheran ethnically, and the 24th is traditionally the day of celebration rather than the 25th (for church services and quiet meditation). I’m not a practicing Lutheran, but I still prefer to celebrate on Christmas Eve. . .so now I’m not sure what my plans will be.
Small world – I was raised Lutheran and have fond memories (and some hilarious) of mom and dad and the six of us children going to the midnight service. For some bizarre reason, our traditional “dinner” before going to church was pizza!
I hope it is quiet and relaxing as well! You sort of get to avoid the holiday fallout this way, too much consumption (food or otherwise), crazy expenses as you point out, etc. Every couple of years I am tempted to just sit the holidays out.
A few years ago my husband worked for Elizabeth Arden Logistics and I fell in love with Provocative Woman when it first came out and he got me a 3.3oz bottle of the EDP. It reminded me of a lush green pond with water lillies and violets out in the middle of a wood. I wore it to death for about a year! So I got two more bottles and used them both up in about 3 years. Then I got a couple of the smaller 1.7oz size EDP. I used one completely up. And the season changed and I put another away. Other things took my attention.
Today I find the last 1.7 EDP I had put away. I eagerly put it on. OMG! I thought I was going to be sick! I had to shower and throw my sweater in the wash! And I still could not get it out enough to not gag! All I can smell was sickening sweet freesia and violets and vanilla! It reminded me of air freshener used in a dirty gas station restroom after a skunk got in!
I have only had a reaction like this twice before in my life with perfumes I started out adoring–as a child with Avon’s Sweet Honesty and my graduation gift of Lauren (did not even make it through one bottle!) Same sickening scent of freesia and violets I recall…
Is this just me? Or could the perfume have gone off? I am afraid to sniff another sample!
Oh dear… I suppose it could have gone off, though if it was away from heat/light/air/temperature extremes, it might be just fine.
I have had something odd happen with bottles I have sprayed and then put away for a few months – seems like there sometimes is a small amount of perfume stuck in the sprayer, exposed to air, that goes bad. Then after a few more sprays, the gone-off stuff is cleared out and it smells right again. (Two of my very favorites, Cuir de Lancome, and Alahine, did that to me, and nearly gave me a heart attack.) Was this a bottle that you had sprayed at least once, or was it completely unopened?
It’s possible that your tastes have just changed a great deal since the last time you wore it.
It was new never sprayed. I am normally not attracted to too much freesia and while I like to smell violets-not on me. So it was a tad unusual for me to like Provocative Woman to start with. I am thinking I just changed tastes. I think it is going back in the box and will be a stocking stuffer for some lucky person–who lives far away from me!
I had a similar thing happen with this scent. Remember trying it and liking it way back when but never bought it. Saw some at TJ Maxx for a good price and remembered liking it so I bought it. Got it home and tried it and could not get it off fast enough. The bottle went into the drawer and I’ve never touched it since. Maybe my nose has changed but I cannot imagine how I could have ever liked it. I think they must hae reformulated it.
Hi Robin, I’m in need of your expert advice, lol!
And if anyone else has advice please comment: I was going to buy the new Flowerbomb travel duo from Sephora, but there is no sprayer on those bottles, so I would have to buy an atomizer. I know that having a glass bottle to put it in would be better than metal, but I was wondering if the type of sprayer matters too? I found 2 nice atomizers–one with a metal sprayer, and one with a plastic/alloy one (whatever that means, lol, but it looks like shiny plastic). The bottles on both are glass, of course. I wanted to get the best atomizer for not letting air leak into the bottle and change the fragrance, because as we all know, Flowerbomb is pretty expensive, and I would want it to last a long time. Any advice for the best type of sprayer? Is one better than the other? 
Please and thank you!
I have some minis/travel sizes and do just fine letting a few drops on my wrist.
Well, yes, I could do that as well, but I really have a thing for spraying a mist or two of perfume all over myself. I actually almost never put perfume on my wrists, but hey, I guess everyone wears it their own way!
To my knowledge, the sprayer only matters for looks. Most perfumes have plastic touching the juice anyway — the spray tube thingie is soaking in there.
Also bear in mind that many metal travel sprays have glass inside, so worth checking.
Great, thank you for the advice Robin!
I had no idea the type of sprayer didn’t matter–in fact, I was always told that the old fashioned ones with the big, squeezable bulb (like the ones on the new Hello Kitty perfumes) were the worst type because they often broke off and/or leaked more air into the bottle than other sprayers. I guess not? 
Bulb atomizers are terrible! Because they do “breathe”, they can allow the perfume to evaporate right out of the bottle, through the bulb. I have had this happen to me before I learned better. Fortunately, this long ago in my pre-niche days and the perfume was a cheap drugstore one.
What you also want to avoid is plastic bottles. Plastic sprayers are OK, and as Robin mentioned, the tube is always plastic, but do not use an all plastic atomizer. For one thing, they generally are not very sturdy and are prone to breakage, particularly if you are carrying it tote or handbag (which is exactly what people usually do with decants). Second, the plastic can react with the perfume and alter the scent. Make sure that the body of the atomizer is glass, which is non-reactive and will not alter the scent. As Robin also mentioned, many apparently metal atomizers are actually glass bottles with an outer shell of metal. This is actually a very good idea, as the opaque outer shell will protect the contents from light.
That’s really good advice! So I’ll put plastic bottles and bulb sprayers on my ‘No’ list for sure….Thank you!!
Wearing Bas de Soie today. When I bought it I fully expected to take it out next spring, but I am wearing it every week or so. Perhaps because it’s been unusually sunny here.
Bought a last Christmas gift by phone today. Most Christmas shopping is done in January or when I go travelling, as I hate shopping at this time of year with a passion. Visiting with friends is infinitely more enjoyable, and have been doing that instead.
Love Bas de Soie! I find it works for me in any season for almost any occasion. I used to wear it to work all the time but I don’t feel it’s out of place for an evening out or for lounging around.
SOTD is de Bachmakov — always hits the spot when I’m rushed or dithering over several perfumes that just aren’t quite right.
My question is a bit of a touchy one: Last year I purchased a few things from Ormonde Jayne in London, and after a bit of arm-twisting, I got them to subtract the VAT (I’m in the U.S.). I’m about to run out of OJ Woman (both the EDP and the bath oil), and I’ve e-mailed them several times since October (during their free shipping offers) to ask about subtracting the VAT again. No answer.
My sense is that they don’t want to deal with it and are deliberately ignoring my e-mails. Has anyone else had a negative experience with them? And isn’t it, um, against the law to charge VAT on goods that are being shipped directly out of the EU?
Oh, I’m very to sorry to hear you are having trouble getting in touch with them. To give them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they’ve been swamped with orders during the free shipping periods especially in the run up to holidays? If you have no luck with them then you could try contacting Harrods and perhaps ordering from there instead. They offer international shipping and deduct VAT as a matter of course.
So sorry to hear about this – I live in London, so have not experienced issues with shipping and VAT. But I have bought online, received excellent service, and the sales assistants in the stores are absolutely wonderful. I have only ever experienced the highest level of service from them. It might be a good idea to give them a call, just in case something went wrong with the emails or online orders.
How odd! Agree, I’d go through Harrods then.
Thanks, all. I’ll try calling them this week. I do remember that they were not happy about subtracting the VAT the last time, but I hope my suspicions are misplaced.
SOTD –Lollia Relax
Have been in a sampling mode lately bu when I sniffed what I had on I felt like “Why am I bothering sniffing a new perfume when I have a perfectly lovely FB sitting there of a fragrance that I fell in love with instantly and is less than 2 mos old?” So I washed off the sample and went with Relax.
If I didn’t have a cold (another good reason not to try something new) I’d be trying Isabey Sourire Fleuri (flowery smile) which I got a mini of that probably has less than a dozen applications left. The label is art deco style so I’m assuming my bottle dates to the thirties or forties but does anybody know the notes on this? The other question I have is if it works on me, does anyone know a reliable custom perfumer that could duplicate it (as it is now after 70+ years of aging rather than as it was) I love the name of it:-)
SOTD is Fendi Theorema Esprit D Ete. I have no idea how the original (edp or edt?) smells like but this version of Theorema is one of my favorites in my small collection. Such beautiful fragrance!
This week I’ve been rotating through Amouage perfumes (samples) and I received a very rare compliment while wearing Lyric yesterday. Lyric was already on my my FB list and usually no one says anything about my perfume, but my friend offered up a compliment even though I had applied it hours ago – and she has no idea what a fume junky I am!
Today, I overapplied Dia and stewed at my desk for the first part of the morning. The sprayer on that bottle is more like a jet stream! Dia tends to be a bit short lived on me, but I love it anyway…
Tomorrow, I go for the Gold. Next week, the Malles!
Lyric is so so gorgeous.
How did you get your samples? Did you order a boxed set or find them elsewhere? I have often looked at the little boxed sets, but since they don’t include Memoir (my favorite so far), I’ve never gone in for one. I wish they had a discovery set with a little of everything. . .
For my birthday, my dog ordered the sampler set plus an extra Memior from Parfum Raffy, including the Opus collection as well. When it arrived, the set included Memoir but not Dia. I called and talked to customer service and he said that the sample sets sometimes vary. They sent me a replacement Dia, so I now have 2 Memoirs! Parfum Raffy rules! I ended up buying the Dia travel set, and Lyric is next on my buy list, I think!
I think I have a sample of Memoir Woman, will go and look if I can find it. If so, you can have it.
How generous! You can reach me at marjoriehundtoft at yahoo dot com. Thanks for the offer!
I will send you a mail, I found the sample, but it is only a 2 ml sample.
SOTD: No idea yet! What is good for hosting a dinner party?
I’m thinking OJ’s Champaca or L’Artisan’s Dzongkha. Both are quite low key, I don’t want anything too overwhelming! I also have a sample of Le Labo’s Tubereuse which I LOVE! But was going to save it for a night out, rather than a night-in slaving over a stove!!
I think if it were me, I’d grab the Champaca:).
I’m veering towards the Champaca, I have to say. It’s very light and bright for this cold winter’s night.
Since it’s a dinner party, what about something gourmond? Saffron Troublant might be nice or perhaps Havana Vanille or the Diptyque Eau Duelle, or even the new Prada Candy?
Ah! Safran Troublant! A good suggestion – I’ll put that into the mix and see how I feel when I get out of the pre-dinner bath. Thank you!
Another vote for Champaca, which is so lovely and versatile.
I was perusing a mailer last night from BeautyEncounter (i think!) and saw a L’artisan coffret with Nuit de Tubereuse/La Chasse/Mure et Musc!!! Made my heart go squee! I will not be ordering (as much as I would love to!)- but thought it was worth passing on.
Beauty Habit.
I had a hard time picking a perfume for my sister as a christmas / birthday gift. She usually wears perfume but only cheap stuff from drugstores… so I thought it was time to get here a nice decent every day scent.
I thought of the Bottega Veneta Parfum, Estee Lauder Sensuous, Elie Saab le Parfum or TF Violet Blonde. The last one would have been my first choice but non of the shops I went in had it.
The Elie Saab was a bit too bright and overwhelming for my sister who isn’t used to “loud” perfumes. I ended up with a small bottle of Sensuous though I still don’t know if the Bottega would have been better.
Anyway, it was the first time since a long time that I tried to remember my time before perfume obsession and what I had liked then, what I had considered as pleasant etc.
Will test the Elie Saab perfume myself in the next few days – I got a sample for my Sensuous purchaise
I think Sensuous makes a much more viable everyday scent than Violet Blonde does. And if your sister isn’t used to loud fragrances, it’s probably a good thing that VB was unavailable.
You know what we need? A niche or indie house to make some good quality car fresheners. =P
Yes! I was just thinking the other day that I might have to spray my car with something I love–or put a holiday wreath in there so it smells like evergreens!
It seems like I’m remembering that a few years ago there was a discussion here about putting a scented cotton ball in one of the car’s vents.
Just wandering around on walgreens.com refilling my prescriptions and decided to check their fragrance section: lots of the usual suspects but also a fair selection of “masstige” department store stuff, including some brands that aren’t often marked down – and there’s a coupon for 20% off today only – BPC20. Happy Shopping!
Thanks, Faylene – you are earning one of Daisy’s enabler pins!
Giggle! Speaking of Daisy, has anyone heard from her? I don’t know her personally but I have always enjoyed her posts; she is definitely “conspicuous in her absence.”
No scent yet, today. Maybe after my workout and shower. I have a mixed day ahead of me–chores and then a holiday party. I want to be lovely at the party, so I might choose something that may be a bit much for grocery shopping and the library in favor of being holiday-party-appropriate!
I stopped buying Christmas presents a few years ago. Instead, I make calendars with photos that I take throughout the year. I take nature pictures, mostly. Then, instead of the usual birthdays and holidays, I customize the text with silly chatter, recipes, and funny facts or stories. I also can fruit and jams in the summer and fall, so I give these away.
I haven’t completely been turned off by any scent recently, but I’ve been bored by many!
I like your calender idea! I am close to swearing off gifts myself. I only like giving gifts if I KNOW the reciever likes it, I hate the arbitrary guesswork gifts.
What scent are you thinking for the party?
I’m torn about what scent to wear today/tonight. It’s a party held by a coworker, but not a “work” party, if you know what I mean! THAT party will be on Wednesday, held at the home of our principal (ugh! I hate obligatory merriment!). I kinda want to make a splash, since these are people who only ever see me in work clothes and work scent, but nothing so over-the-top that I’ll be potentially embarrassed on Monday!
So. . .shorter answer to your question. . .I kinda am thinking about eeking another drop out of my sample of Memoir or something from my OJ Discovery set, like Orris Noir. Both make a statement but aren’t too much.
Ah, the work party is tricky. It sounds like the one tonight is more relaxed, I’d wear whatever makes you happy!
“Obligatory merriment” indeed. We had our annual, awkward Christmas lunch this week. Now have the Housemartins “Happy Hour” playng in my head for some reason
Those calendars are a great idea! I also love taking pics, of nature too! I like taking pics of trees a lot. Undecided on whether to make jam or candy for gifts. My hubs got an early present as he graduated college today..he really wanted Polo Blue, so I hooked him up. He’s also getting a nice collection of fumes since I have been into scents:).
I’ve been meaning to start candle making for a while..I need to get on that.
SOTD Chanel Cuir de Ruisse.
Ques: What scent should I get for my Mom? She’s worn Narsciso for Her & Essence,, Ralph Lauren Romance, Alfred Sung Shi.
Any ideas? Help I’m hitting the mall today!
Merci!
Ended up with Elie Saab body cream and mini parfum. I hope she likes it!
Sounds like a great choice, Scentred!
Where did you get the Elie Saab gift set?
I just bought Immortelle de Corse (spurred on by Kevin’s review) and have been wearing it everyday since I bought it! Very happy with my purchase
Today a perfume friend and I went to Mandy Aftel’s open studio, which is in my neighborhood. I tasted her frankincense tea, sniffed a lot of different perfumes, and bought some patchouli spice body oil and rose and ginger tea for gifts. But what I really wanted was Mandy’s handmade silver shoes and the giant glass canister of raw frankincense.
“…the giant glass canister of raw frankincense.”
THUD!
*R. swooned*
I would love to visit Mandy Aftel’s studio. I’ve been contemplating taking one of her classes–self study at home.
Frankincense! That’s what I’m craving. Back in my hippie days I wore a frankincense perfume oil that I loved. At present I have nothing in my collection that would scratch that itch. I am open to enabling suggestions!
Have you tried the Comme des Garcons Incense series? They all have a prominent incense note, and are pretty reasonably priced, for niche anyway. I would suggest getting samples of all five so you can decide which one you like best.
Yes, CdG Avignon is a hardcore frankincense fragrance. Suggest you start there. Oliban (which means frankincense) by Keiko Mecheri is a much softer frankincense fragrance–I find it very soothing. I also like Annayake Miyako, but that’s much harder to find.
Very frustrating shopping day!
Bought myself an early Christmas gift: the new DSquared’s Potion.
I tried the EDT and loved it, but having read comments an various sites about it’s very short staying power, I opted to shell out for the EDP version instead. Not great!
While the EDT lasts only 2 to 3 hrs, the EDP, is gone within seconds! (on my skin at least) It does reappears a few hours later–even the next morning– but you totally miss out on the top notes.
I did the only logical thing…. I went back and bought the EDT also.
No SOTD yet as I’m about to go to barn to ride my mare. Thinking I will wear Lyric again today as it’s still lingering from yesterday. Or perhaps another Amouage sample.
Christmas shopping? Ugh. Other than spoiling my college age daughter I have not started.
For those of you who own Amouge fragrances, are they actually made in Oman? The company was started by the Sultan. I wonder how much of the profit goes to him or back to the workers or to help the country in general? Am I the only consumer who thinks of stuff like this every time I’m about to make a purchase?
SOTD = Le Maroc Pour Elle. I’m going to be sniffing my arm all day long ……