Coming up next weekend, a haiku challenge with a twist: write a haiku about a celebrity fragrance, real or imagined.
For this weekend, the standard open thread routine: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you liked better than you thought you would, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is macro flowers on black [altered] by shaferlens at flickr; some rights reserved.
Happy Friday everyone! I had a quick question and hope someone can help me out. Now that the weather here is getting cooler, I find myself craving gourmands and orientals more often, and one I’ve been reaching for more often is my rapidly dwindling bottle of Miss Dior Cherie. It is the original version that came out back in ’06, I believe (the cap has the metal bow instead of a plastic one), and I would really like to find another bottle given all the renames, reformulations etc.
Does anyone have any advice on how to do this? Spotting packaging is difficult for me since I’m blind, so hunting on Evilbay gets rather challenging since I’m not sure which version is listed. But if anyone has any advice, that’d be brilliant as I’ve heard the latest version is a far cry from the wonderfully fun and quirky original.
SOTD is actually AG Ambre Fetiche worn against BK’s Amber Oud. I like them both as they’re very similar to my nose, but like Ambre Fetiche since it’s stronger and costs much less. 😉
Thanks in advance and have a fantastic weekend! 🙂
I only know it is now called Miss Dior Le Parfum.
The clothing/perfume shop called Diva in St. Helena, California has a lot of old stock perfume from the 80s and 90s. Last time I was there, they had the old version of Miss Dior Cherie (we sniffed it). The owner, Jola, is very knowledgeable, so you can rely on her expertise in this matter. You can look up the store on the web, but call them, do not email, as they aren’t big on using computers for anything. Several friends have successfully ordered from them over the phone and have gotten some vintage gems!
Yeah, wonder what would happened if you started trying those mall kiosks? Because many of them seem to have old, dusty bottles. And then you could just ask — do they have the MDC with the metal bow. (I’m taking your word for it on the bow, I didn’t even know that)
I know that there are some guides to identifying Miss Dior Cherie out there – notably one on Perfume Shrine (do a search and you should find it), but many of those are outdated since Dior just got through discontinuing/reformulating ALL version of Miss Dior Cherie.
I think the one you want is the original Christine Nagel version of Miss Dior Cherie? It is only very recently discontinued, so you may be able to find it. The key is that you want to find one that says Miss Dior Cherie – the newer ones have dropped “Cherie” and just say “Miss Dior.” Of course, there were various concentrations of Miss Dior Cherie, so double-check the concentration that you have. I have heard stories of the Nagel version of Miss Dior Cherie being on shelves beside the new, reformulated concentrations of “Miss Dior,” so you may be able to find it. I would recommend finding a shopping buddy and equipping them with some visuals from Perfume Shrine about exactly what you’re looking for.
Do you want the original version or just a pre-2011 version? The big reformulation to Miss Dior Cherie, the one that changed a lot of the actual notes, happened in 2011 prior to the dropping of the “Cherie” from the name, so be careful to at least not buy a 2011 Miss Dior Cherie.
Bottlewise, (I think this is right…)
The original version had silver text written directly on the glass.
In 2008 they put a white sticker/label on it with the name now written on the label.
2011 reformulation also has a white label but – importantly – the label now sits in a slight rectangular indentation that is molded into the glass (this while the pre-reformulation bottle had the label just stuck on a flat surface). Subtle difference.
Don’t know about the packaging, which may be a problem since you won’t know what the bottle looks like in a sealed box. Hopefully someone else can advise.
I do know that sometimes online vendors use a photo that isn’t of the version they’re selling, especially if they’ve received new stock since they first posted the item.
Does that help? :/
Thanks so much for the help, everyone. I’m off to see what I can track down and hope I can find the original. The bottle I have feels like the ‘Miss Dior Cherie’ has been painted directly on the glass and I don’t feel any other label, so it is probably the pre-2011 version, which is what I’m hoping to find. The 2011 reformulation doesn’t rate very high according to reviews, so I’d love to just stick with the original eau de parfum if I can.
Another busy week at university has reached it’s finale.
I was wearing Amouage Lyric Woman today just to see how it compares to Lyric Man. This comparison made me 100% sure I prefer Lyric Man.
This week my decant of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche arrived and so far I don’t like it as much as I expected. Will give it few more times to see if I’ll get any sparks with the next wearing.
At the moment I’m in the middle of two big samples swaps, discussing all the details. I’m glad I’ll get rid of some unloved stuff and will get something new in exchange. The best score in these swaps is Prada Infusion de Rose which I wanted to try for ages.
Amouage Lyric is wonderful, esp. when it is colder outside. By the way: you have a wondeful blog (I am a lurker…………).
Sorry, I mean “wonderful”.
Great to find another lurker of Chemist in the Bottle.
Interesting! I love Lyric Woman, but it seems very feminine to me. Does Lyric Man strike you as definitely masculine or possibly unisex?
I would go for saying it’s unisex. Nice rose with citrus would suit both genders.
Hi everyone!
I’m wearing Une Voix Noire today. She sings quietly and languidly… much like the Lady herself. I was at the acupuncturist today and the scent helped me stay centered and drift off to a very nice place.
Received my free samples of In the Garden of Good and Evil By Kilian this afternoon. Had a sneaky sniff of Good Girl Gone Bad. Will have to give it full attention tomorrow.
My search for the leather scent of the season continues. Boxeuses is a serious contender still. I’ve tried Daim Blond as I was recommended by many, but found the apricot note a bit annoying. I have yet to try a few other leather scent samples and the kind and generous Nick at Les Senteurs is keeping a sample for me to try. Have decided to get the current formulation of Tabac Blond as well as my classic leather scent. I love the EDP but will be trying the extrait soon.
Ooh, I signed up to Kilian Club recently, I hope I’ll get some samples too. Also got an email from SL about Une Voix Noire sample so I’m looking forward to trying that when it arrives. I don’t usually get on with gardenia frags but the reviews that I’ve read so far make it sound quite appealing.
Abyss; Some people find the fruity note dominant, but the best part is the dry down – fruity gardenia over a smokey base.
I’m intrigued by the inclusion of rum. Do you find it noticeable?
It’s there in the opening – a melange of gardenia, smoke, rum and fruit… raspberry, strawberry, possibly sour plum.
Have you tried Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre (iris and leather)? I tried it for the first time yesterday and it’s a beautiful but very, very soft leather—almost translucent. It might not be quite enough if you’re looking for a strong leather note, though.
Thanks, Janice. No, I haven’t tried. I already have Cuir de Russie and vintage Tabac Blond, but wanted something more contemporary for this autumn/winter. I do have a penchant for the flamboyant and weird, so an iris leather might be too tame for me, but I’ll give it a try if I come across it.
If you are looking for weird and flamboyant leathers I would suggest Etat Libre d’ Orange….
Merlin: that’s on my list to try! I hear it’s a love it or hate it kind of leather. Looking forward to trying it.
PG Cuir Venenum is an interesting leather with orange blossom rather than iris. The weirdest one I’ve tried is S-Perfumes S-ex, which LT describes as space ship leather. I hope you’ll report back after more sampling – I’ll be interested to learn what you choose!
I have recently tried Cuir Nacre, and to me it doesn’t stack up to Cuir de Russie or Tabac Blond extrait. Worth trying though, it might sing to you. It reminded me of Bottega Veneta, quiet and very well behaved.
Oh, I’m envious about the new Kilians. I think I won’t get them even though I’m a club member…
Darling, I’ll send you have of mine, if you like. They’ll be in glass vials though.
Not 100% sure but I didn’t get previous Asian Tales when they were offered and now Kilian wrote at Fb samples have been sent to US, UK, France, UAE. Nothing about other European countries…
I’ll include them in the samples I’ll be sending your way next week.
You’re a sweetheart!
Meant to say “half”. lol
If you’re sure you won’t be receiving the samples, let me know.
Oh, gosh, I didn’t realize he was sending these out. For some reason I thought he wasn’t doing that with these. I can’t wait to try them. They really sound like they could be my favorite Kilians ever.
Did you try the new Alien? There is a new leather version.
Trying Mona di Oiro Cuir this morning. It’s the smokiest leather that I can remember; if you like smoky scents, this would be worth trying.
Personally, I love Pd’E Cuir Ottoman, Etro Gomma, L’AP Dzing!, and Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur, too.
I’m in a situation here. I’m sick of all my sandalwoods (I amp it) and incenses (they tend to have sandalwood) and am feeling a craving for lavender, of all things. Not particularly fond of wearing lavender though, so can anyone suggest any good room fragrances? Sprays and candles suit me best, but a diffuser would be okay too.
I personally didn’t try it but I’ve heard from a friend that Laboratorio Olfattivo does room perfume diffusers that smell good. The one called Winter Garden sounds especially nice.
Have you tried L’Occitane? Their lavender room fragrance (and EDC) is very evocative of Provence in summer.
I happen to love lavender, and find simple sachets or small pillows made of the real dried herb particularly intoxicating. Literally. The scent from these herbs seems to make me a little sleepy and relaxed.
Have you considered a bouquet of live flowers? I don’t think they are in season in our hemisphere right now, now, but sometimes the florists can find them year round.
Oh, guess I forgot to mention that I’m in Iowa.
L’Occitane’s lavender and I don’t get on well (long story short, hives) so I am a little reluctant to try them again. It may be okay in the air…but then again, it may not.
And I’d rather have something I can put away, Poppie, so sachets sound nice. Do you have any particular favorite brands?
My all time favorite sachets were hand made by my sister, who used flowers from her own garden, and also sent away for it by the pound for making Christmas gifts. I don’t know where she got it, but she has passed away, so I can’t find out.
More recently, I have bought sachets at both The Container Store and Bed Bath and Beyond for the closet (they keep away moths) that were OK, but not magical. Nor really long lasting.
I suspect that sachet makers may use a combination of the dried flowers and added scent, they seem to be a staple at crafts fairs (I’m in California) and fund raisers out here, and you can sniff before you buy. To bad “etsy” doesn’t have a scratch and sniff feature!
Sick of sandalwood!
Lol! I knew sooner or later a comment like that would show up! But yeah…anything with even just the slightest hint of sandalwood in it turns into SANDALWOOD eventually! *sigh*
What a shame. I wonder if that would be true even with “real” Indian sandalwood? But it’s a moot issue, I guess.
Hwaaaa! That’s sacrilege (^o^)
Haha, sooner or later we all get bored of something. Me, I’m sick of oud! Enough with it already!
I think part of what happened is that I’ve been trying out new “warm” scents for fall and that’s what everything seems to dry down to. Ambery sandalwood, spicy sandalwood, incensy sandalwood, sweet sandalwood, floral sandalwood, vanillic sandalwood…*sigh*
I get sick of that sandalwood base that a lot of perfumes have, not the creamy sweet sandalwood but that dry flat one. Don’t know if that makes sense but sometimes if sandalwood is an accent and not the emphasis, I am very sad when it rears it’s head.
If you think you might want to try wearing lavender again try Field Notes from Paris by Ineke. I am loving my sample and may get a full bottle.
I don’t know if you have any Yankee Candle stores but their Lemon Lavender candle is nice. So is Vanilla Lavender.
I think there may be a Yankee Candle in our newest maul, Poodle, so I’ll check when I’m out there next week to run by the Williams-Sonoma. I got rid of my tartlet warmer years ago, but I remember thier candles burning down pretty well. I hate leaving unused wax behind!
I am in general a lavender hater, but the one lavender I LOVE unabashedly is Andy Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin. Highly recommended.
I’ve read various recommendations for Purple Haze, a company that specializes in lavender products. Worth a shot.
I love the Agraria line for atmospheric fragrances. (I also love the Frederick Malle line, but can’t imagine spending so much money on room spray-really, you could buy fresh flowers twice a week for about the same price).
Agraria has a really sophsticated lavender.
I finally got a sample of L’Ambre des Merveilles and am wearing it today. I think I may like this even better than Eau Claire des Merveilles (which is the only one of these I own), and now really want to try layering the two as Robin suggested in her review.
I tried L’Ambre this week and it actually reminded me of Sensuous Nude; something about the light vanilla saltiness…
Thanks for the reminder that I need to try that. I’m heading over to the mall at lunch so will try and track some down!
Let me know if I’m way out!
Oh good, hope you get to try them together.
I’m trying Smell Bent Disco Ball today. I hadn’t tried any from this line before but something about this Sunset People called to me, so I picked up a sample set.
I’m making a whirlwind trip to Chicago this weekend – I’d like to do some perfume shopping but I don’t know if it’s in the cards.
I’ll be in Chicago next weekend, but doubt I’ll have time for perfume shopping either. I did a little earlier this year – stop in Barney’s if you have a chance. Very wide selection in one shop (at least to me!) – Le Labo, Serge, TDC, Byredo, Malle, CdG, etc. I had a good time. One SA in particular was very nice and gave me a ton of Byredo samples.
I’m wearing Ava Luxe Queen Bess today. Spices and rose and carnation! We are expecting our first hard freeze tonight, so I am celebrating the change of seasons. Actually, Bess is a bit of a handful; I like her but I should’ve known she would be in charge today.
LOL, I have a few perfumes like that!
Hi everyone. I’m emigrating to Australia from the UK next month and was wondering if anyone knows whether my perfume collection will get taxed by customs? Most of it will be going by shipping container and im terrified of being charged a lot of money – i want to take about 50 bottles.
You may be okay. I got this from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Webiste:
‘As a first-time migrant or returning Australian resident, you are entitled to bring back with you to Australia, duty and GST free, all your personal and household effects that you have owned and used for the whole of the period of 12 months immediately preceding your departure for Australia.’
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4224.asp
Hope that helps!
Thanks for this. I just hope that they don’t think that my barely touched bottles in boxes are new and decide to apply duty!
When I moved from France to England, I had to supplied the authorities with a detailed inventory of all my belongings. Don’t you have to do that?
Jasamber – a note of caution. I moved from NZ to Australia in April and had all of my perfumes seized and destroyed as dangerous goods. This was done at the NZ end but Aust and NZ have very similar approaches to these things. So check the fine print and have a good chat with your customs agent.
I fell for several perfumes this week, and fell back in love with one which I thought I was over! Lucky I’m not too wealthy at the moment so I didn’t actually buy too much:)
Okay, so I don’t know its love but I am quite taken up by Guerlain’s Heritage. Perhaps its because I like coriander so much! Then, I also met Guerlain’s Cologne du Coq, beautiful fresh and green. And – after that – I found a shop selling Atelier and went head over heels for Orange Sanguine and Vanille Incensee. Then, just in case that wasn’t enough luuuurve for one week I tried Soir de Lune again and it was EVEN BETTER than when I last had a crush on it, about 2 years back…
So, i have managed to arrange some Atelier decants from a perfume fairy, and I am considering asking someone to get me Soir de Lune from Heathrow airport in December (I have a brother flying from England, and a friend going on holiday to England…)
Nice list! Heritage is such a great scent. I always liked Eau de Guerlain better than Coq, but they’re both worthy.
Just realised that I totally confused my colognes after going home and reading reviews of the one I *thought* I had tested! Actually the one I tested must have been the Thiery Wasser version Cologne du Parfumeur. I don’t think I have ever smelled eau de Guerlain OR Cologne du Coq. The Wasser was VERY nice, though I don’t know if I would buy it – I still want to try the Mugler cologne…
Aha, and that is the only one of the cologne series that I haven’t tried! Glad to hear it was nice.
SOTD: Havanna Vanille. And I read that Jil Sander will bring back Bath and Beauty EdT by the end of the year. I am so happy, I only hope it smells identical.
I did not know Bath & Beauty, will have to investigate.
It is (or was) a flowery chypre. Topnotes: aldehyd, orange, lemon, violet. Middle: jasmine, orchid, carnation, iris, rose, ylang-ylang, coriander and honey. Base: amber, benzoin resin, incense, cedar, sandalwood, musk.
A great scent, not too sweet, not too loud, and a chypre.
SOTD is Ed Hardy Love & Luck. Don’t laugh! On Fridays, I usually wear either this or Fresh Brown Sugar. Not sophisticated, but fun and they give me an olfactory reminder that the weekend is coming!
I haven’t been wearing much lately as we just moved and everything is still in boxes, so I forgot a few days this week! The horror! I don’t know where my perfumes will end up, but at least they all made the move safely.
No one will be laughing. By the way I own a bottle of Pink Sugar 😀
Thank you! I have lots of cheap thrills and generally don’t feel guilty about them, but Ed Hardy has such a tacky reputation now, thanks to the Jersey Shore et al. It’s no masterpiece, but I love it! Enjoy your Pink Sugar!
I that L&L was a great scent.
Was so glad after I moved to find my perfume–I was living on samples until I could go back to smelling like me again (not that there’s anything wrong with smelling like Rose Oud or Ambre Nue or Taste of Heaven–just that I wanted White Shoulders and Inoui)
Last weekend I was over to Mission San Jose where the Dominican sisters were hosting an Olive Oil Festival to celebrate their fall crush. About 20 or so producers of California Olive Oils, local bee honey, and vinegars had tasting booths set up, and I have to tell you it was an olfactory delight. There was also wine supplied by local vintners and a boutique brewer offered several craft brews.
I have to tell you I was in heaven, and came home with some kitchen wonders.
Particularly amazing were soaps made from olive oil and/or beeswax with a variety of scents, hand crafted but of very fine quality. Wondering where these crafters are finding their ingredients? Much better than anything I’ve sniffed at the local craft store or drug store scented oils section. So far I’ve only sniffed them and haven’t lathered them, so can’t judge how good they are as soaps.
One little thing I was delighted to bring home was a small beeswax lip balm labeled ‘tropical punch.’ The scent is addictive — it makes me laugh when I think of how much I have enjoyed it for so little money!
That sounds like so much fun! Congrats on your finds.
That does sound like heaven! What a fun time. I love good olive oil, beeswax anything and soaps!
If you’re talking about essential oils that are used in scenting the soaps, the best company I’ve found in the 20 years I’ve been using oils is: av-at.com (no affiliation). They were recommended to me by the natural perfumers’ group.
Revisiting YSL Parisienne — definitely falls into the “liked it better than I thought I would” category. I really enjoy this in the fall weather.
I haven’t tried that in a while but right after it came out, right before I discovered NST and got more knowledgable about perfume, I really liked Parisienne too. I should revisit.
I have been working my way through all the stuff I got in the Swapmeet a few weeks ago. This morning, I sprayed on some Karma, and thought that something about it smelled oddly familiar, when it hit me–cola! Does anyone else get cola out of Karma?
I never had that exact thought before, but I can kinda see it.
Oooh, I love haikus. Let me try.
Fame
Maplethorpe dreams
but kool aid juice. Less Gaga
than yah di ya da.
Fantastic, Dilana! I love it. More more!
Guys guys guys! Will I be seeing any of you at Sniffapalooza tomorrow?? If so, please come say hi! I will be the one with the Justin Bieber haircut. I’m super pumped to smell all the things!
I would love to go to that. I’m going to have my own Sniffapalooza here at home though. I got a whole lotta samples this week so I’m going to be stinking to high heaven this weekend. Have fun, Ari! Hope you get some good stuff.
Ari, did you ever get to a salon for a tweak of your hair? I’ve been curious to know how that worked out.
I need help dating some Guerlains. Does anyone out there have the following in their boxes so that the copyright date may be checked: Winter Delice and Gentiana? Without a box, the code on the bottle’s bottom would suffice.
I’m also looking for Crazy Cherry Blossom to get a description of the bottle and box.
Thanks!
This may not be helpful, but Winter Delice and Gentiana came out in 2001. They’ve been out of production for a while – I think Winter Delice was limited to that 2001 season. So 2001 is my guess for WD.
Likewise Crazy Cherry Blossom was a LE for 2003, exclusive to Japanese market I think. You probably know more than me if you have a bottle. The name cracks me up – and it sounds like it’s a lot of fun.
Thanks for your help, Lys. I’m SURE you are right about the dates for the three Guerlains. There has been some discrepancy on various websites about the two AA’s dates which is why I would like to see the bottom of a box for a copyright date which was still being added at that time. As for Crazy, there are no images or info that I could find on the internet.
That’s really weird, but your right – Crazy Cherry Blossom is missing from the net. Now *I* wonder what it looks like. 🙁
There’s an entire gentlemen’s Guerlain blog, with a link posted on one the web pages here. The website has a detailed discussion of packaging and release history which would make an archeologist proud.
Are you referring to Monsieur Guerlain’s Highlight Page?
Can someone please describe PdN’s Odelisque to me? I love love love Sacrebleu. But have only a few drops of a sample. I love their samplings. Kiss me tender even.
Help??????
Green floral, mossy base, wonderful. Nothing like Sacrebleu, closer to things like No19 or Cristalle.
This was one of the samples from my most recent Lucky Scent order. Sort of a green floral chypre, rather dry, and very refined and elegant. I find it rather retro, in the best possible sense of the word. I agree that it is nothing like Sacrebleu, which smelled like marshmallows to me. If you like classic chypres, you would probably like Odalisque.
This is a good description. I’d add that I also remember Odalisque as being pretty noticeably iris-y.
Honestly, I really disliked Odelisque. I love green, and moss, but it has a very strong oily note that I could only describe as dog shampoo, right there in the middle. Ran through my sample and never enjoyed it.
I’m sure I’m in the minority, though. 🙂
Also, I have discovered 888, by Commes deSs Garçons. And it IS LOVE.
I just got samples of some of the top ten fall perfumes listed on Grain de Musc – the Ann Gerard sample set (and LuckyScent also through in some tempting leather perfume samples) as well as a Stella Cadente Miss Me sample that I found on ebay. Woo HOO – stellar sampling weekend – I’ll report back!
I would love to try Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre, but shipping costs from luckyscent in US are crucial for Poland. Do share later how it smells.
Oh, and congrats on winning a sample set of your choice at Bois de Jasmin!
Thank you, Lucas! Wasn’t that that perfume recommendation poll great fun?
It was great to give and get recommendation on fragrances. I’m glad Victoria already announced that round two will take place next week. Can’t wait to help others and see what they suggest to me.
Take a look at: http://www.suendhaft.com. They are in Münich, Germany. Maybe you can ask there for a sample.
Do report back! The Ann Gerard set is tempting me, but aldehydes and me have a complicated relationship. Modern aldehydes like Vetiver Pour Elle make me feel dressed up but vintage aldehydics like Liu or Chanel are tough for me. Also tough for me is clean musk. So new perfumes with a classic angle, so tough to predict …
Happy news for me and anyone else who’s inclined to a pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Scented Wrists. Sister Pam left me a message yesterday informing me that THE ANDY TAUER’S ARE IN!!!! She encouraged me to come and play!
It is hard to imagine that I won’t take a break from my home preparations (still getting ready to paint my house!) to make an offering at the alter–and maybe buy my very own bottle of Une Rose Chypree! Big YAY!
(BTW, have I made this joke enough times that I don’t have to specify Our Lady is The Perfume House in Portland, Oregon? :D)
Ha! I knew exactly what you meant and I live in Kansas, so yeah, I think Our Lady is an accepted part of the NST lingo at this point.
Excellent! I like the idea of influencing the NST/perfumista just a little bit. :}
whoops! that was supposed to say NST/perfumista *world* or *lingo* or some similar noun!
Love URC! I think an offering at the alter of Our Lady of the Scented Wrists is EXACTLY what is needed to ensure success in a major venture like house painting! 😉
LOVE the way you think! I bought my bottle this afternoon! Yippee! I definitely need to go back when I have time to sniff and ponder some more!
Congratulations on URC!
I haven’t been to Portland in 3 years — my brother lives in Lake Oswego which is just the next town over. The next time I go to Portland, I will find my way to The Perfume House although definitely not with him as he is a total scent-phobe.
If you find yourself this way, don’t hesitate to contact me if you want company! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Portland, and this just gives me one more reason. Someday I’ll have to make a pilgrimage to Our Lady..heh.
My Lucky Scent sample binge came today, so I’m a happy happy camper! There’s kind of a leather/tobacco theme going on, plus some other stuff. I’m (finally) trying Seville a L’Aube right now and compulsively sniffing the back of my hand.
I’ve been thinking the same thing, Sweetgrass – wanting to visit Portland for some time now, and a pilgrimage to OLSW would be one of the highlights, for sure!
SOTD is Stella McCartney Stella.
I wore Slumberhouse Pear and Olive (which I love for fall – crisp, sweet pear and a hint of savory, salty olive) yesterday; however, everyone I was with thought it was a complete fail. I met my mother for lunch and she sniffed and asked me if I had just cleaned because she smelled Comet cleanser. Nope, just my perfume. Then went to work and the first thing my boss says is “what is that awful dill smell?” Knowing I don’t always wear mainstream perfume, she grabbed my arm and sniffed it, then said “it’s you! You smell like a pickle factory!”
So between being mistaken for bathroom cleaner and a pickle factory yesterday, today I needed a safe and pretty perfume.
LOL! I haven’t tried that one, but olive sounds like a potentially excellent note! Sorry it wasn’t better received!
BTW, the trees in my avatar are olives. I LOVE how the leaves, bark, and fruits smell!
I love everything about olives, except maybe the raw olive straight off the tree. BAD idea, but I didn’t know that.
A wonderful olive perfume is Norma Kamali Olive You – salty olive, lemon, lime. I feel like I’m wandering around the Greek countryside. PURE HEAVEN.
Just the other day I was rhapsodizing about olives, how I love the trees, the oil and the olives themselves. I’ll have to try the Norma Kamali.
Wow, that’s not the response you want when wearing a perfume. I was thinking of getting some Pear and Olive because I saw some good reviews of it. Maybe I’ll wait on that now. I did try Perfume and Skincare Company’s Fig and Olive and at first sniff I really like it. No pickles there.
I love Pear and Olive and drained a small decant quickly. It’s definately earthy from the olive and the pear adds some buttery sweetness.
Oh, dear! The top notes of some vetiver perfumes smell like pickles, but that effect usually dissipates very quickly. Actually, I have a lot of perfumes that I love but am afraid to wear in public, LOL.
I bet we all have some of those. That would be an interesting poll, what scents do you absolutely love but would never leave the house wearing? Or something along those lines.
That’s a GREAT idea, Poodle!
I love this idea! Now we all know which perfume will be on the top of my list ;).
I got the Pear & Olive as a “freebie” when I ordered the sample set. Since I am going to a diner tonight, perhaps that will be my SOTE and if I get comments like yours, I’ll just blame it on … the food 🙂
Can someone tell me what the radiant (and to me, sharp) note of a few L’Artisan perfumes is? I might describe it as dry or fresh also, but it seems more an effect than a note like iris or something. I noticed it in Mure et Musc, Timbuktu, and Dzongkha. Does my question even make sense? In those three, there is something that just bullies everything else and I find unpleasant. I would love to be able to figure out what that is so I can avoid it.
Elena, I find Mure et Musc hard to smell – as if most of it is the olfactory equivalent of hypersonic – simultaneously loud and hard to smell. I don’t get that from the other two, but musks and woody notes often smell very differently to different people.
It is by far the worst in Mure et Musc. I think it is the woody aspect of it. Timbuktu is ok, and Dzonkha is borderline ok. Mure et Musc is a scrubber on me. Would you say they increase in radiant woodiness in that order, Timbuktu with the least up to Mure?
I don’t notice this in the other two, but they have many strong notes. I may have noticed it in some of his others, like the Neela Vermeires.
Hm. Well, thank you for trying. I will just have to keep trying to hone my nose! It is frustrating to not be able to identify something which I clearly dislike and (to me) is common to the three of them. I must be super sensitive to it, because I am still getting whiffs of it from my fleece jacket, and I applied it to skin days ago.
Elena, I wish all the musks and woody notes were labeled on perfumes so that one could easily identify the offenders! One of my perfume magic wishes would be to be able to order up versions tailored to my nose. 😉
Hello there,
Haven’t commented on here in what seems forever…
I’ve turned into such a lurker! Whatta creep! lol
Anyways, haven’t worn as much perfume lately..more like samples on my hands to sniff and read up about..
But yesterday at the pumpkin patch with my girls,
Juju exclaimed “Mama , you smell so good! What is that?!”
I was wearing Lolita Lempicka.
I had chosen it because it was a blustery , grey day.
“You like it?” I asked. “Yes! It smells sweet but not sugary sweet, the wind blew and I caught a whiff . I love it. ”
We had a good afternoon. 🙂
Not creepy. Just able to keep your mouth shut; a skill I badly need!
I dropped by to “lurk” as well, and look who I found! Hi sweetings! Hope you and yours are happy, healthy and beautifully scented. Don’t be a stranger! <3
How lovely! There’s nothing nice than getting spontaneous compliments from your kids about your perfume. SSS Nostalgie and EL’s Pleasures are two that my daughter has given the ‘mmm … you smell nice … ‘ thumbs up.
It’s great to hear from you, Tamara, and what a great story! It was really the beautiful bottle that drew me to LL, but you’ve reminded me that this would be an ideal time to get it out and wear it. xx
You’re not the only one that’s turned into a “lurk-er” around here. In my case, I often show up so late (like today) it just wasn’t worth commenting.
It’s good to know that you’re still “hanging around” though!
Am sampling pc02 today which is a perfect match for cool clear autumn weather–I get a boozy/winey/hard cider type note with honey and spices. Just perfect. Finally bought my. Bottle of L’Heure Convoitee (my celebration bottle for finally being in acupuncture school). Got a sample of L’Heure Defendue which was great until. The patchouli started smelling like mold on me:-( I live in a basement apt so I definitely don’t want to be smelling mold…..
And here I thought L’Heure Defendue smelled like Attrape Coeur with cocoa! I didn’t even get the patch – I think my skin eats it. I will have to try again. I just received a generous sample of this in the recent swap. Off to patchouli hunt…
It’s a pity because that dark cocoa opening over something soft was fabulous on me–I had high hopes for it. Oh well, guess Shanghai will probably be my next expensive purchase unless I get distracted:-)
lol! We’re easily distracted here!
Yay! You got your Convoitee!
I know–I was so relieved thatSaks had it in stock this time (last time I went, someone had bought ten bottles a day or two before). I love the packaging–the presentation box and a red leather travel case. Mostly I just adore the scent.
Interesting to hear about pc02 – it’s surprising how difficult it is for me to focus on this line of nameless perfumes! I’ve been meaning to really focus on the Cartier Heures – they sound excellent.
Do you want ny Defendue sample?
Today I’ve been sniffing Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre by Bertrand Duchaufour. It’s a very soft and lovely iris leather. The original name, Pleine Lune, is equally descriptive, and it’s the perfect match for her delicate moonstone jewelry.
It reminds me of Iris Gris, both for the beautiful softness and the idea of complementing iris with warmer notes, in this case, instead of peach, something like the apple loukhoum and leather from Traversee du Bosphore. (Looking up reviews, I see that others also thought of Iris Gris and TdB.)
I never tire of Duchaufour’s creations, and it’s a revelation to see how the creator of bold, weird perfumes like Timbuktu, Sienne L’Hiver and the Neela Vermeire collection can design such an ethereal perfume, still full of olfactory character.
What a wonderful review! Now you’ve made me want to try it. I love iris!
Rapple, I remember that you’ve been trying to find an iris that isn’t too musky. You might find this one muskier than I do Rapple – it’s so hard to predict, but this is worth a try, for sure!
I want to try it and have read other references to it before, but where can you find/buy her moonstone jewelry? I really love moonstones!
You can see her designs on http://www.anngerard.com, Calypso. I want that moonstone ring with the diamond accents (when I win the lottery and move to Paris…)!
Oooo! Cuir de Nacre sounds nice. How does it compare to Cuir Ottoman, Nozknoz?
Lucas, it’s very different from Cuir Ottoman, which is much bigger, warmer and sweeter, almost an amber to me (and one of my favs, actually). When I first applied Cuir de Nacre, it reminded me of SL Iris Silver Mist, but it gets warmer and softer.
I think Cuir Ottoman would be better for me. I love it.
I’m loving this one, too. Have you had issues with longevity? It only lasted about an hour on me…..I’m experimenting with how to make it last longer.
This is a good point, Audreylicious. It lasted longer than that on me, but I believe reviewers agreed that it isn’t strong or long-lasting. It’s labeled extrait de parfum so I guess it must have a high concentration of perfume ingredients, but they aren’t long-lasting.
All these Ann Gerard love (here and other blogs) is making me want to lemming this line. The Discovery Collection 3 x 9mL is attractively priced at US$65 at LuckyScent (no affiliaion).
Seriously! You know, when you get the small samples that LS makes up at $4 each, it’s like $12 you could have put toward that 3 bottle set. Practically justifies a blind buy.
SOTD is Volutes which I just bought this week at Nordstrom’s and have been spraying lavishly ever since. I never thought I would like it because I hate the smell of tobacco, generally–at least the cigarette smell (which I grew up with in the family). But this is more like a really exquisite pipe smell, like the pipe smell of the one tweed-jacketed handsome professor I had such a crush on in college (back when professors actually smoked during class and in their offices!). I shared it with a perfume-loving male friend and he just about inhaled it too. His first comment was “It’s very masculine” and then he immediately said “No, wait, there’s something floral and feminine in there too.” It’s just an addictive fragrance. I compared EDP and EDT and bought the EDT as it seemed more gauzy and less tobacco-y. I have not seen any comparisons with Havana Vanille which is another perfume I bought, contrary to normal tendencies, and love, but after having worn either of them for a long time, hours and hours, the lingering after-effects are a little bit similar. HV has far more potency and rum but the sort of sweet, beautiful pipe tobacco smell is there for both.
Calypso, I have a sample of the EdP and really like it! I’m very tempted, but some reviewers have also commented that they prefer the EdT, so I’m waiting to try that to see which I like best.
To me Havana Vanille is like the most delicious creme brulee, and Volutes has a very pleasant face powder aspect. I haven’t compared the drydowns, though; it’s possible that they might converge.
Robin – since you’re a Philosykos lover, I was wondering if you’ve tried the new edp and what your thought are? I’m draining my edt decant quickly and want to get a PB or FB … But now I’m wondering about the edp. The edt is just about perfect but I wish it had a louder volume. The drudown is especially good. I love the way it smells on fabric and can’t believe that I still don’t own a bottle.
Speaking of which, is anyone selling a PB that they want to go to a home where it will be loved?
I think I prefer the EdP, but have tried them together twice on paper & not at all on skin — I have a ways to go to drain my EdT bottle, but before I do, will try them both on skin. (and adding, I think I prefer the EdT of L’Ombre, & will have to try those on skin too)
Oh, and adding — if you try them both together on skin, do let me know what you think!
I was going to test a bunch of samples this weekend, but I seem to have caught the latest office bug and am too stuffy to smell anything.
Before my nose went out of commission, though, I tried Heeley Iris de Nuit a couple of times. It’s really subtle and minimalist, but there’s something about it that’s very chic and intriguing. I know I’d wear it a lot if I had a FB. I was planning to pick up something during next weekend’s SF Sniff, and right now it’s looking like Iris de Nuit or 10 Corso Como.
And I’m dying to try Volutes … stopped by Nordies after work earlier this week, but didn’t see any testers of Volutes at the Diptyque counter, though the Nordies website indicated that this store had it in stock. (I have a Nordies reward check that’s burning a hole in my wallet.)
I got samples of Volutes and Philosykos in EDP. I haven’t worn them yet, but I like them from the vial. I wore my sample of Timbuktu yesterday, and I really really like it. The one I’m really swoony over so far is Lubin Idole.. I think it’s FB worthy for sure.
I got samples of the new Kilian Garden of Good & Evil series.. I’ve tried Good Girl Gone Bad and Forbidden Games so far. I like GGGB, but FG smells like shampoo to me. I think it’s the apple note that makes me think of shampoo. I experimented with layering it with Timbuktu, and that worked pretty nicely.
Those games are so forbidden you have to shampoo after you play them.
I’ve been looking for a nicely done lilac. Can anyone help me?
Frederic Malle En Passant is my favorite.
Seconding Frederic Malle En Passant.
Also it’s not a soliflore but Puredistance Opardu is stellar (comes out in November).
Ineke’s After My Own Heart is a Lilac perfume that has been compared with En Passant, and – believe it or not, AG’s Camille has a strong lilac component in its composition.
Agh! Thank you!! I knew I could count on the Greats at NST!