You know the drill: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you've worn the most in the last month, the perfume you're waiting for in the mail, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image [cropped] via weirdcollection.
Hi, everyone! I have a question: some lines (like Hermes) offer “deodorant sprays.” What are these, exactly? Are they a cologne-like concentration, meant to be used like a body mist? Or something else? Thanks for your help!
I always got the impression they were just a body mist (even lighter than cologne) For use on its own if no strong perfume was wanted or as a base pre-perfume. When I see deodorant it’s a bit misleading since I think – well, deodorant, and underarms!
Hey, I have no idea — they sure sell a lot of them in Europe, but I rarely even see them here.
I had some Donna Karen Cashmere Mist deodorant several years ago. It was true stick deodorant and worked quite well. I carried it in my travel kit as it then did 2 jobs, BO and a nice scent. But that’s not the spray, it was stick.
The deodorant sprays are usually a light version of the scent and fight body odor. Years ago I was told that the people in the United States prefer antiperspirants and therefore the big perfume companies don’t sell their deodorant sprays in the USA. You can for example compare the Chanel websites for the different countries. I live in Germany and used to enjoy those sprays a lot, but they are getting more and more expensive…
Here in North America we wear a deodorant and antiperspirant in one. Deodorant sprays seem pointless when one showers in fragranced gel, puts on a matching body lotion, and then the EDP. I’ve bought Lolita Lempicka’s deodorant body spray twice now and use it just for fun because I don’t think it really does anything.
Here in Europe, some people are allergic to the ingredients of antiperspirants and they use deodorants.
Thanks for clearing up the mystery. I’ve always wondered. Now I know!
Fearsmice-It’s probably a 3% concentration of fragrance with deodorant properties. I’ve used Roger and Gallet’s Bouquet Imperial’s deodorant spray for years and love it. Unfortunately, it’s been discontinued. They are far more popular in Europe from what I’ve seen.
Thanks for the replies, everyone — you’ve helped me understand a bit better. The light veil of scent/just-for-fun aspect of these sprays sounds appealing.
They are what they say they are: deodorants.
The perfume I am waiting for to arrive in the mail today (I hope the foot of snow won’t interfere!) is Parfum d’Empire Musc Tonkin! I am so excited! Actually I’m pretty excited about the snow too. It’s so beautiful and we are going snowshoeing later.
Hope it arrives
It’s not coming today! Hopefully Monday.
Lucky you! Enjoy you perfume. By the time I found out about Musc Tonkin, it was sold out at Luckyscent. I’m very curious what it smells like. We had almost two feet of snow here. Stay warm and safe!
I’d be happy to send you a little, if you’d like. Email me at taramonteleone at gmail.com….two feet of snow!!
Oh you’re too nice. I’m a newbie, but may have something you would like too. I’ll email you.
Hello Tara, is this your first Parfum d’Empire perfume? I bought Azyiade a few weeks ago: very very nice.!
In Holland where I live I can order a sample ( http://www.aafkes.nl) set by Bruno Acampora and the seem to have a delicious Musc. l
Happy Saturday, everyone! I am wearing samples of the 3 (!) Roja Dove samples that a wonder Perfume Fairy Godmother sent me from Perfume Posse’s February post. The three are Diaghilev, Enslaved, and Unspoken. I am really enjoying trying them out, but fortunately for my wallet, so far I am not feeling any FB lemmings coming on.
The funny thing is, I think these samples lead to a lemming for another perfume. I was trying to think of other similar scents I had for comparison, and pulled out DSH Jitterbug to compare with the Diaghilev and Unspoken. I had previously tried Jitterbug, and like it OK at first, bu thought it became tiresome after a couple of hours. This time, I am head over heels, and will probably have to buy a bottle. I couldn’t stop sniffing it all day yesterday. Fortunately, it is much easier on the wallet than the Roja Doves!
Oh, that’s funny about Jitterbug! I think it’s so interesting how our experience of a scent can morph over time. And it’s way more fun to find a new appreciation than to suddenly have one turn into something unpleasant!
So funny about lemmings spawning other lemmings, making you go back and reconsider a different scent. It’s like in Gremlins where you throw water on the one mogwai and a bunch of little furry mogwai pods pop off of it.
I too tried Jitterbug, oh, probably a couple of years ago now, and like you, I liked it, but didn’t need any. Now your post has made me want to dig out my sample and try again!
My impression of it was very different from what I had written in my spreadsheet a while back. I don’t know if it is a matter of my tastes changing, a time of year issue (it might have been summer when I first tried it), or if it actually improved in storage.
You keep a perfume spreadsheet?! I’m impressed! Just too disorganized for that myself.
Hello 50 Roses, I have been planning of making a spreadsheet to, but how to build it? Give me a little hint, where and how to start!
A few weeks ago I was in the shop of http://www.parfumaria.com and came home with again lots of samples and my cupboard filled with many FB and samples gets more and more unorganized.
In my spreadsheet, the first worksheet is for perfumes that I have tested (I use Excel, BTW, in case you use something else and the terminology is different). I have column headings for House, Name, Comments, and Rating. I keep the worksheet sorted alphabetically by House and then by Name. Under the Comments, I write whatever impressions I get from the perfume. Is it sweet, spicy, dry, floral, woody, etc? Did it remind me of anything else? Did I like the top notes but not the drydown, or vice versa? How long did it last? How does it compare to others of its scent type? How did it make me feel? If I retest later with different results, I will add an update, but leave the original comments in place. In the Rating column, I place a number from 0 to 5, representing how much I liked it. A 0 means I couldn’t scrub it off fast enough (and it may even have made me feel ill), a 2.5 is meh or so-so, and a 5 is a Holy Grail scent. I try not to consider price, natural vs. synthetic, reputation, or anything else. A classic that is universally loved and praised by critics could still get a 0 or a 1 from me if I hate it, and a cheap mass market fragrance could be a 4 or 5 if I loved it. Incidentally, I do use half points (1.5, 2.5, 3..5, and 4.5) to help differentiate a little more. I personally find this spreadsheet indispensable for keeping track of what I have tried and what I thought of it. Otherwise, after testing several hundred perfumes, it can be hard to remember what I have tried and what I haven’t. Granted, the 4s and 5s tend to stick in my mind, but the 2s and 3s are somewhat forgettable. If nothing else, it can keep me from wasting money on samples of things I have already tested and did not love.
I hope I am not being too long-winded. In addition to the worksheet for perfumes I have tested, I also have worksheets for what I have bought, my wish list, things I have to swap away, and things I have already swapped away.
Mary, 50’s response was very complete, but FYI, here’s how I organize mine: I use Word and have a table that I edit. I also have columns for House, my own notes, and a rating system. I also find it helpful to have a column for the official fragrance notes. Especially since I’m still learning to recognize notes, I find it very useful to have as a reference point.
Incidentally, my ratings system is a bit more fluid: I LOVE it, I like it, Fine, Not for me, and EGAD! :D. (Possibly this could correspond to her 5-point scale.)
I’ll have to also dig out my sample and try again!
And now is a perfect time for DSH Jitterbug–Dawn is having a 15% discount sale through February 18th, coupon code is sweetheart13.
Thanks!
Thanks for reminding me. I just placed the order, although I compromised on a small (1 dram) bottle rather than a FB. Incidentally, DSH recently announced that she will be adding 10 ml sprays as an option on all EdPs on the site, but it is not yet available for Jitterbug or I would have gotten that. I find the 1 dram miniatures are a perfect size for test driving something I am not yet sure about, or only want to wear once in a great while, but a 10 ml would be perfect for most things I actually love enough to add to my collection.
Oh, Jitterbug is one of my favorites! I’m glad you took advantage of the sale. (Now I’m curious to sample the Roja Doves you mentioned.)
Happy weekend, all!
I’ve been wearing URC a ton since I bought my very own bottle in November. And I think I’ve decided that it’s a pretty much a perfect scent. I enjoy it from first spray until deep dry-down. And it lasts and lasts.
Now, there are many scents that I’ve had passionate trysts with, but I think URC might be worth taking home to meet the family, if you know what I mean? Anyone else find it to be the marryin’ kind? Got another keeper on your dance card?
It’s funny, the first time I tried URC I didn’t like it at all. The violety tinge in the rose really came forward to me, and I don’t like violet much. It jumped out at me so much that I thought maybe I had gotten URV by mistake. But somehow my nose readjusted, so it doesn’t jump out at me as much as it used to. And I like it now. Still not FB for me at the moment, but who knows, maybe that’ll change eventually.
I haven’t explored Tauer’s line yet as much as I’d like to. That’s true of several lines, actually. I’ve only tried 3 Tauers so far, and I’d like to get more of them. Just too much stuff out there to keep up with.
Oh, I have such a weakness for the combination of rose and violet! In addition to URC, I love Lipstick Rose and Attrape Coeur. In fact, there’s this deep sadness in my heart that I will likely never own a bottle of Attrape Coeur. My little decant I got in a swap is precious to me!
I saw a bottle on ebay recently wasn’t very high yet if you want to try for it.
I just happened to revisit my Tauer samples this past week, including URC, but his scents just don’t work on my skin.
Maybe someday!
I can completely imagine that URC and the other Tauers could be really divisive. They have so much going on in them–if any part of it disagrees with you, the composition could fall apart. I feel pretty lucky to have found even the one scent that just seems to *work* from beginning to end on me!
Do you have some other scent(s) that gives you that, at least?
Another scent that I need to re-test! Tauer’s base doesn’t always agree with me, but we’ll see… So glad that it works so well for you.
It’s complex enough that I suspect it can be quite a shape-shifter for folks. In answer to your question below, I think it may be worth a retry. Although it’s much more than a rose scent, which I imagine could be viewed as a plus or a minus.
Afternoon sweethearts!
My main theme for this ending week was exams. On Monday I found out I got a top score at instrumental analysis and yesterday I had an oral part of organic chemistry level 3 exam. I’m so head over heels I passed that organic monster. Those are some good news.
Even better news are that a package from Barcelona, sent by Ramon Monegal arrived few days ago. What a great view that was to open a bubble enveloped filled with samples of all 14 fragrances from his line. And I asked Perfume Posse Perfumed Godmother for help and she granted my wish. I will get a sample of Chanel 1932!
SOTD is Lovely Day from Ramon Monegal Barcelona.
Yay, that’s exciting! Congrats on your exams and your new samples. Getting new samples is always fun.. Will we be seeing some Monegal reviews on your blog?
I haven’t tried any of them yet but there are a few that I’d like to.
I agree, some new samples always bring a little bit of excitement to perfumistas life. Yea, definitely some of them will be talked about at Chemist in the Bottle.
A HUGE congratulations Lucas! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the Monegal scents, although I’ve noticed over your time here, that we don’t usually like the same things. But a reverse indicator can be good too!
Thank you Rapple! Our tastes might not be similar (which is a good thing anyway) but I bet we could share some scents in common. Drop by my blog in a few weeks and some Ramon Monegal review will be there definitely.
Will do!
Great! I will keep you updated
Organic chemistry–ugh!
At my school, OChem was used to weed out bio majors who didn’t “belong” as science majors. I’ve never worked so hard for a C in all my life! Clearly you have a gift to be so successful in an advanced class!
Thank you. I’m ultra happy for passing it.
Congrats! Glad your semester is going well.
I’m happy for that too!
Ah, that is so great! Congratulations! And how appropriate that you have a bunch of new samples to celebrate with. Have fun!
Thank you.
Congratulations on doing so well!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on your excellent grades, Lucas!! I loved organic chemistry- it was like learning a new language- but somehow managed to get a D in it, TWICE!!
For my organic chemistry was a bit of pain. From the very beginning of my chemistry studies I was always better at analysing things.
D? I believe it’s quite nice. Here in Poland we have marks from 2 to 5.
Congratulations on the excellent grades and the wonderful samples! I have a sample of RM Mon Patchouly that I’ve been meaning to try — and I am dying to hear more about Chanel 1932.
Thanks Emily! I can’t wait to sample 1932 too! So many wonderful reviews around. My sample should arrive in 2 weeks, it has a long way to go from the States.
And your samples can’t wait to get to you!! I promise I’ll get them mailed out Monday
(the stupid post office closest to me-the building right next to where I teach- won’t accept hand-written customs forms for international shipping, so I have to go to a farther one). Also, congrats on your exams!! That’s so impressive. I remember intro organic chemistry…it’s one of the reasons I’m an English grad. student now, instead of chem (which I was seriously considering for a semester) 
And I can’t wait to read your take on some of those Monegals. Most didn’t work on me (though I love Cuirelle), but it’s such an interesting line.
Heather, take as much time as you need. Thank you, I feel proud of myself. One more exam (on Monday) and I will laze away for the rest of the upcoming week before new semester starts.
I didn’t smell all those Monegals yet. I don’t expect to love them all but I have few favourite among those I tried.
Congrats on good exam results! I’m very much looking forward to your Monegal reviews.
Thank Jonette! Once I give a try to all 14 I will start thinking which of them deserve a separate review and which can be mini-reviewed.
Not sure if you will see this dear Lucas but if you do, congratulations on getting top scores!
Thank you ♥
It’s cold outside and I’m going to the opera later on tonight to see Eugene Onegin! Which perfume to wear? Should I go with Ambre Russe from Parfums d’Empire? Or Iris Silver Mist because it’s so wintry cold? I got a sample of Arquiste’s Aleksandr as well, that would be very fitting, but I don’t like the perfume that much. It’s a date and I’m a bit nervous…
Then there’s FM Eau D’Hiver if we’re getting literal. I say wear warm not cold! Cuir de Russie is a fascinater on a date.
Yay Cuir de Russie, I have a drop of that somewhere.
Seconding the Cuir de Russie. Also, I think that would be subtle enough in a theater setting. Enjoy!!
Thirding Cuir de Russie. It seems made for this occasion.
What a great date! Hope it’s fun. Have to vote for ISM but I’m already outvoted
Oh, I wish I were going on that date. I’m headed to a microbrewery–and I don’t really drink beer. Thinking of wearing the Marni for a second test (incense is not my thing but even so, I really liked it…), but would be glad for other ideas–what kind of first-date perfume goes with beer??
For beer: Lone Star Memories (Andy Tauer) or Lady Stetson!!
Oh, these are great ideas! I haven’t smelled either and clearly I need to; they sound just right for beer
Oh no! Going to a brewery when you don’t drink beer sounds potentially unpleasant (or maybe just boring). I hope you get to choose the next outing!
Haha yup, you’re pretty much right on with boring. I don’t mind going to a microbrewery, per se (I mean, any bar will serve me a vodka tonic), but nor is there anything about it that much piques my interest. Alas, that turned out to be a fairly accurate description of the evening overall. I should have held out for the opera
Lovely piece of music! Enjoy.
You can’t go wrong with Ambre Russe or Cuir de Russie; both perfectly evoke wintry Russia. Sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening. Enjoy it!
As much as I love Ambre Russe (A LOT!), it’s probably too much for the theater. I’ll vote for CdR, along with everyone else. Enjoy the opera!
I’m wrestling with the temptation to go back to Saks and buy Elixir des Merveilles. An SA made me several samples when I was there last Sunday (a few Penhaligon’s, Elixir and Marni). And the only one of them that I’ve felt a FB compulsion for is Elixir. I also know that as these things go, a 50ml bottle isn’t super-expensive, it’s pretty much the new free… it’s not like wanting a Kilian or a Malle or something. I’m kind of back and forth between wanting it and trying to talk myself out of spending the money….or buying something else that’s been on my buy list longer.
As for waiting for things in the mail, I’m beginning to wonder if I have bad luck with Ormonde Woman samples. I’ve had two different people send me samples (Perfume Posse swap in November and Perfume Fairy Godmother last month), and neither of them have made it to me. These are the only things that haven’t gotten to me at all. I’m thinking I’ll buy one from STC and hope for the best
Here is what I do sometimes with my buy list: add a scent I’m dying for. Next time I open the list, put a line through any fragrance that never even crossed my mind in the interim.
So another way to think of it: wait until you use up your sample, see if you still want it.
GREAT idea, Robin! I will do that. Because, truly, if the scent does not cross your mind for weeks on end, maybe it’s best not bought. But, say, if you think of it several times a week, then, after a while Its Will is Too Strong, and you might as well surrender to it. Dia is that for me, lately.
Hey, Robin, a question: I just discovered, quite by accident, this crack-topped, sad (half FULL) bottle of perfume in a local antique store, low rent. $2.50. It was sitting next to dirty doilies and a bucket of horse shoes, and it was Helena Rubenstein, Courant. I sprayed it and WOW, it was such a delight!! Like a fabulous old time chypre! Hard to FIND. Do you or does anyone know this perfume? It’s just such a little discovery for me.
Holy Bat Mobile–my Gravitar showed up!! I had no idea what I was doing at that site. I had given up! Makes my day! OK, I’m going now..
Ha! It took me several tries to settle on my gravitar! Fun, isn’t it?
Oh, what fun — I don’t know it, but sounds like a great discovery at a great price.
Sweetgrass, send me an email at snchamness at msn dot com–think I can help you out with the Elixir conundrum!
Thanks, that would be great! I just sent you an email.
Haven’t decided what to wear yet today…this week, I just kept reaching for No 5 edt…but, believe it or not, this is really fleeting on me! Is the edp longer lasting? Is there much difference between the two in scent? If I’m loving No 5 right now, what else might I want to try?
For sure the EDP clings more, and straight parfum is dense and intoxicating besides longlasting. I’m not a fan of Chanel EDTs. I think the weaker and more transparent their scents get, somehow they smell more artificial and not so interesting to me. And I hate such a big bottle. Anyone?
The EdT doesn’t last very long on me either, but I really don’t like the EdP – there’s something in that formulation that really bothers me. To be honest, I don’t usually mess with No. 5 in anything except parfum. (Does that sound snobby? I hope not. It’s just my preference. To be fair, I don’t care for No. 19 in parfum.)
I agree, I have all my fave Chanels in true parfum. I even like No 19 that way. But when I want something lighter I turn to the flanker, No 19 Poudre which is genius.
According to The Guide and other sources, the No. 5 EDT and EDP are completely different compositions. The EDP was created in the early 1990s; not sure exactly when the EDT dates from, but I believe it’s much earlier work. I *think* the parfum is supposed to be most faithful to the 1921 original, but don’t quote me on that (like I’d know what anything smelt like in 1921).
I’ve had the EDP for a while but don’t much care for it; some material in it comes across as strident and obnoxious. But my husband got me a small bottle of the parfum for Christmas this year, and that is completely different — lush, sparkling, and altogether beautiful.
Have a read of Victoria’s review here for a run-down on the various concentrations and their dates:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2011/02/chanel-no-5-perfume-edt-edp-review-and-fragrance-poll.html
The EDP is a 1980s composition and I think it shows: it is the most assertive of the lot. I like it for its lovely vanilla note, which I don’t notice in the EDT or parfum. But oddly enough on my skin it lasts less time than the EDT. I like the EDT but a few years ago I wore it constantly almost as a signature, and today I can hardly wear it.
My favourite is the parfum, but I also love the body cream and it is so strong it can be worn alone as a perfume. If I’m really in the mood for No 5 I wear them together.
I love No 5 body cream! The lotion is good, too. Just as strongly scented, too!
Apparently, it’s just “too, too”! Ha. I really should edit before posting.
Elise, wow….I thought it was only me! Most perfumes last and last AND last on me (or I may just have a very sensitive nose)..but the No. 5 EDT – fleeting. I would spray it…waft in its wonderful scent…but by the time I’m ready to go out, pouff, nothing! Maybe we’re anosmic to something….now you got me curious since I have not thought about this for a while. Off to investigate!
Hi Elise,
If you can get your hands on some, try No 5 in vintage Eau de Cologne, it’s beautiful and smooth.
The EDP version is a true child of the 80’s, it’s grating and big!
I have no 5 in both edt and edp. I mostly reach for the edt , when Im not sure what to wear, or dont see it fit with a bold statement. After that the EDP is different. I would recommend you some Arpege! Has that same elegance, a bit fuller though, with a cozy vanillic drydown, and probably more suitable for night or more dressy occasions , but I use it around the clock
Wearing LL Au Masculin. Yummy! Already received most of the stuff I was waiting for and am ready to ask for more. Liked all them.
Lucky!
I was really lucky. Most of them were blindbuys and there’s a madness ongoing on mail services that’s scaring me. Be careful ladies and gents. The virus is spreading and is potent!
Anyone heard of the perfume line “Love and Toast” by Elena? I think it’s from the same company that makes Tokyo Milk. Anyway, they have some really nice fragrances in that line….
I picked up a couple of their body products when my local Target was carrying the line. I really liked the Clementine Crush and the Honey Nectar scrubs.
Their Pomme Poivre is a dead ringer for Dead Sexy, only more affordable and in a bigger bottle! I think I may have to add it to my birthday wish list this year….
Huh.. I need to try Pomme Poivre.. I have a bottle of Dead Sexy so it’ll be fun to compare. Also, to me Dead Sexy is very similar to L’Artisan Dzing!. I’ve seen Love & Toast at Whole Foods but hadn’t really paid much attention to them. I didn’t realize they’re made by the same people as Tokyo Milk.
Yes, my Whole Foods carries lots of them.
I have a question dear fellow NST’ers. I have been searching for a rose scent. I only have two in my entire collection: Nahema and Voleurs de Roses (which hardly qualifies in my book). I want something between the rich and heavy scents like Nahema and Epic, and a soliflore. But – and here’s the kicker – NO MUSK! I hate musk and the combination of rose and musk makes me ill.
What say you, oh wise enablers???
Rapple, have you tried the Kilian one (Liasons)? I think that one might work quite nicely. As I’ve mentioned many times before, I think that good roses are very rare so there’s only a very small number which I think are worth bothering with (Nahema and Epic would be a couple of examples of those). I think it fits your description really well.
I unexpectedly fell in love with Tauer’s Incense Rosé but it’s probably not quite what you are after plus I saw you mention that you have mixed luck with Tauers (I’m with you on this one).
I think I might actually have a sample of that one. Will try. Thanks!
oh, but I get tons of musks in the drydown of Liaisons!
Dang, really? I don’t remember the musks but, admittedly, I’m not that sensitive to them. In that case, tread carefully, Rappleyea!
I’ll definitely tread carefully (or not at all!). Darn!
I recommend Le Labo Rose. Just lovely and I always get compliments on it.
Hmm. I can’t promise that there’s *zero* musk in it, but what about Rossy de Palma? It’s one of my favorite rose scents, and one of my favorite perfumes period, and I’ve never noticed a musky angle.
My skin (or my nose) seems to amp musk! But if the notes don’t list it, I’ll definitely give it a try. I’m open to anything.
How’s the blood accord in that one? I’ve only heard good things about RdP but “blood accord” makes me think of ambroxan.
RdP is a favorite of mine, and I don’t really get anything particularly bloody about it. Maybe a very slight metallic tinge, but it’s barely noticeable. I also don’t pick up any musks in it.
Thanks.
As far as I know, Chandler Burr is the only person who thinks it smells like blood. There is a slightly metallic element, but I’ve never associated it with blood. I think it’s delicious.
Delicious? I’ll try this bad boy since it’s always hard for me to find a rose I can pull off.
I know the “blood accord” thing started before the release with statements de Palma made about the rose having bloody thorns and being tattooed on a bleeding heart or some other poetic device. That’s funny if it wasn’t originally part of the official notes; I’ve seen blood mentioned consistently, independent of Burr’s comment (I’m sure he was subjected to the prerelease blood buzz) – probably, at the least, pepper notes tie in with a suggestion of the metallic?
Also, been postponing an ELdO discovery set purchase since forevr … maybe this is the year >:P
Have you tried PdN Rose Piovine? Or the Annick Goutal roses are nice!
Haven’t tried the PdN. I have tried the Goutal roses – nice but not exactly what I’m looking for.
You might consider Sonoma Scent Studio’s new Rose Volupte (Laurie’s restructuring of her Vintage Rose). I’ve only tried the “work in progress” and not the final version yet, but I think you might like it.
Okay, true confession time. I was a tester on that one. I loved the old version and would have bought a FB, but something in the new version makes the rose go soapy on me. Maybe the combination of aldehydes (the old one didn’t have aldehydes) with the rose? I might give it another shot though.
I agree the aldehydes stand out more in the new one. I think it smells comparatively lighter and fresher — more like a red rose as opposed to a deep burgundy — but I love both versions.
I’m guessing you’ve ruled out Rose Barbare, but that’s sort of between Nahema and a soliflore. Creed – can’t believe I’m recommending Creed – also has a nice rose and I don’t remember any musk there either.
Also, on the cheap maybe Ineke Briar Rose?
I loved Rose Barbare until the musk drydown!
I only remember the opening being sheer, but forgot about that musk
Hmm this makes me wonder whether Rose 31 has any traces of musk. Musk tends not to bother me, so I’m not the best guarantor, but let’s say–musk def isn’t the predominant note, to my nose, and otherwise I think it might fit the bill as being a sort of soliflore–or at least, rose is very much centerstage–with a lot of depth. Worth a try if you haven’t already? (You might try the perfume oil if you have the opportunity; I mildly prefer it to the EDP, although both are really nice.)
lol! The musk in Rose 31 killed me! I loved it until about mid-way through when the musk took over. Sigh….
Hahaha yeah in that case I probably can’t help much! If anything I’ve come to feel like maybe I wish it were a little muskier, so, clearly I’m not of much use here
Good luck though! Will be so interested to hear what you end up going for.
Caron’s Or et Noir is nice, but is more or less a soliflore. Have you tried Bvlgari Rose Essentielle? It’s rich, and kind of “expensive” smelling. My husband loves it, so I wear it a lot, and get lots of compliments. No musk to my nose and I am sensitive to it as well. There is a berry note, but it isn’t predominant to me.
Should add I have only ever worn the EdP, not sure about the EdT.
Great suggestions! Thank you. I’ve found (belatedly) that the Carons seem to work for me, so I’ll definitely check these out.
Rappleyea, have you tried Caron Parfum Sacre? If you don’t mind a treasure hunt, I think the older bottles of EDP and EDT are still easily had (I got the old EDP from Beauty Encounter not too long ago). I could well be mistaken, but I don’t notice any musk at all in PS. Can’t say whether that’s the case in the new formulation, though.
(If you want a sample of the older EDP, I’d be happy to oblige.)
Haven’t tried it and would love to! Thank you Emily for your kind offer. If you don’t still have my email, it is rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com. Email me and we’ll work something out.
Done!
Rose Oud and Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie.
LOL! The Rose Oud was on my list to try until I checked out the price. I’ll check out the Armani. Thanks for the suggestions.
If you like a warm skin skin scent rose, Antonia’s Flowers TIempe Passant has a salty/amber drydown that’s lovely or Balkis by PdN is also in the same genre. For a light citrusy rose, how about Pamplemousse Rose by Hermes?
Very interesting suggestions. Thanks so much! What about the raspberry note in Balkiss? It doesn’t get too loud?
Ormond Jayne Ta’if–an Oriental rose, but with a beautiful rose at the forefront, and no musk listed in the notes. Base is broom and amber.
Sounds great – must try!
Have you tried Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose? I’ve worn it for years, it’s a gorgeous rose, no musk. Dirt cheap on Amazon, and I’m sure other places.
You know, I think I wore this years and years ago. I had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for the rec.
At Tjmaxx they had PW Tea Rose for $5.99 for a 1oz and $9.99 for a ? 4-5 oz bottle .I happened to be in one today (checking for Penhaligon’s/other deals and some gluten free munchies for Mom) . They were located in the checkout line btw.
Thanks all for chiming in and for your great suggestions! I knew I could count on my NST family. <3
Hello everyone!
I’m a frustrated perfume shopper this week. I needed to spend some SpaceNK loyalty points and was all set to spring for a set of 3x12ml Philosykos refills since it’s been on my To Buy Eventually list for ever and at £25 it seemed like a pretty good deal and would have been perfect for spring/summer. Turns out my local shop doesn’t stock those so I left with something else.
On the plus (?) side, Liberty are running their spend £150 and get £30 off promotion once again so that bottle L’Eau d’Hiver is looking all the more tempting.
Could you order the Philosykos from them on line? I’d hate for you to do without…
I did consider that but their delivery charge would have basically negated the discount. Ah, well, I’ll live
I do not regret splurging on a 100ml bottle of L’Eau d’Hiver. One of the best perfume purchases I’ve ever made!
One of my best as well.
Isn’t it wonderful?
I am seriously considering investing in 100ml because, after reading The Guide review and the point about the heliotropin, I am now paranoid that IFRA will eventually catch up and they’ll mess with it.
I love L’Eau d’Hiver. I have a 10mL travel spray which I got in a swap. Have you tried Iris Poudre? I think I am in love
(again!).
I tried Chanel 1932 for the first time yesterday. I was so sure that I would love it! And it was pretty and enjoyable, but somehow seemed like 31 Rue Cambon with a softer jasmine, and the chypre-esque elements removed. I prefer 31 Rue Cambon.
Try 1932 again in the summer. I suspect it will be just the right light jasmine for the heavier heat. (I thought it was very pretty, too)
I totally agree about the relationship between 1932 and 31 Rue Cambon (and that the latter seems better, as well). Maybe the summer will indeed make this one bloom…
So glad to see that someone else sees a parallel with 1932 and 31RC. They smell very close to me, except that 1932 is a little more white flower and a bit lighter. 31RC has been my signature, I adore it! But 1932 may not be different enough to buy. A relief, I have a Chanel addiction!
I TOTALLY agree with you! It’s very similar to 31 RC in my opinion…
I am wearing Demeter Oud massage oil today. This dry cold winter is wrecking havoc on my poor skin and it NEEDS oil. Demeter recently had a BOGO sale and so I got TWO bottles each of oud and amber oil. I mix it with a little non-scented oil because I slather it on
I layer on the oil and then top with frag free heavy lotion, it’s the only combo that works for me. The oud is actually quite light and whispery, even my hubby likes it and he’s not a fan of oud. I LOVE IT.
Adding that Demeter’s got some of their massage oils on sale on their website – $9, down from regular $12. It’s not every scent, though.
My date last night gave me permission to scent him with something from my collection. I sprayed him with OJ Zizan–yummy! Bright lime with a warm, sweetness underneath. Very kind of him to let me play!
Cuuuute
I’d love to try that OJ!
It was difficult to decide what to try, since I thought it might seem a bit much to ask him to dab half a dozen on himself to let me get the full sense of my options! So, I put a dab of a few on myself before he arrived and settled on trying Zizan. It has that familiar OJ base, but with the bright liminess–quite lovely. I’d be happy to sniff it on a fella again!
Sounds like a promising development!
Yeah, he’s a pretty nice guy! Not sure it will be more than that, but I’m enjoying the company.
What a sweet date you have! My husband runs away whenever I whip out the perfume bottle. Such a baby.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that! Does he at least appreciate it when YOU smell nice?
He doesn’t really like the perfume that *I* like and find interesting. Not that I let that stop me! Ha!
My hubby will consent to one small spritz of cologne, and only if we are going out in the evening. Ugh!
My hubby will let me spritz him but I have to lie and tell him it’s men’s cologne and not “perfume”.
My husband wears fragrance every day, and it is whatever I have bought for him. I have to let him think that it is “men’s” fragrance, though. One of the scents in him current rotation is Chanel Cuir de Russie; when I gave it to him, I told him the name meant “Russian Leather”, and I didn’t mention that is is supposed to be a feminine.
My DH wears Cuir de Russie too, and loves it. He’s becoming a scent hound too, which is fun. I got him samples of Odin’s Nomad, and PdN New York – he loves both! His signatures are Lauder’s Azuree, TF Blk Orchid, and Dior Homme.
Always good to hear about open communication in a marriage!
We did have the “actually, cologne is a type of fragrance, not a category meant to imply masculinity” conversation, and my date seemed almost ok calling it perfume. Generally, I will opt for “men’s fragrance” to avoid the whole thing!
Hubby is like a little kid sometimes. It’s all in the wording. If I make gravy for the chicken or whatever and I call it gravy and serve it like gravy he won’t touch it. If I pour it on his food or dip the slice of meat it it and call it a sauce or a glaze he’s fine with it. Oftentimes I won’t tell him what’s in his meal until after he’s done eating, if at all because there are things he won’t eat if he knows there in there yet he’s eaten them plenty of times unknowingly. He won’t eat soup either but if I add some cream and call it chowder there’s no problem. So, yes, we just call the men’s stuff cologne, no matter the scent. It’s easier that way.
Oh, how funny is that?! I wonder where that inflexibility comes from? Somewhere along the way, he’s convinced himself of those things! He’s very lucky to have you to broaden his horizons and enrich his life!
Scent of the Morning is Sweet Anthem’s Joan, which I recently picked up in EDP. Wow, this starts a LOT headier in EDP than it did in my little oil sample. Now that it’s drying down, it’s more like the oil. I’ll probably shower after lunch and switch scents.
I’m contemplating a few purchases today… some samples from DSH and Strawberry Passion from Perfume Pharmer, both of which are running discounts right now. Don’t know if I’ll actually take the plunge. I’m cutting back on spending a lot lately.
I really need to try some of the new DSH scents…do tell if you find something good.
I’m wearing Rochas Femme today and I couldn’t tell you why. Maybe I’m in the mood for cumin. Will have to make some lentil soup when I come in from the snow…
Femme is a winter staple for me but it is summer where I live and Femme is too blankety for summer, so I have not worn it for months. Every now and again I get it out for a sniff of the cap. I love the cumin in it. Also love lentil soup, and have not had that for months either. Enjoy!
Help! – can someone who’s tried the current version of Shiseido Koto advise me if it’s still a good perfume?
The Carrie Diaries is set in 1984. The first episode showed Carrie’s late mother’s dressing room. On the vanity were perfume bottles! One was Tigress and the other was a clear Escada. I researched this because I didn’t think that Escada had started those bottles that far back. I was right.
Robin: Have you ever done a poll on the most ridiculous perfume names?
Thanks for doing this research!! I wanted to know what the perfumes were, but I didn’t have the wherewithal to look it up myself.
My bro is involved in the production of this series. Should I tell him that the set folks messed up?
Farouche: After more research, I’ve concluded that Escada debuted in 1990 so it is too late to be shown in the TV series. This info came from the Escada website and Perfume Intelligence U.K. There were, in fact, two very similarly-named and similar-looking bottles: Escada by Escada and Escada by Margaretha Ley. Designed by Margaretha two years before her passing in 1992, the latter bottle had elaborate filigree shoulders on a clear bottle with concentric hearts. The Escada bottle was plainer, leaner, and looked like the summer limited editions when they first came out. I think it was the one used in the TV show from what I could discern. I’d love to know what the others on the vanity were too! Perhaps your brother could confirm and maybe dispute this topic with us perfumistas.
You’re right, looks like Escada EDT.
I guess the idea was to look like a generic dressing table of well-used fragrances? Guess no one was a perfume hound in the props dept.
I’ll see if he can find out what the other perfumes were
Hi Celestia, Texted my brother and he said he’d try to find out about the perfumes, though the first episode was the pilot and before the regular crew came on. May take awhile, so please email me at pattor at rcn dot com so that I can let you know what his sleuthing produces
Hi Celestia, Just heard back from my brother. Apparently one of the perfumes is White Shoulders. Did you spot that one?
I think it’s one like this?:
http://fl2.shopmania.org/files/p/us/m/705/evyan-white-shoulders-cologne-perfume-bottle-2-1-4-ounce~9621705.jpg
With the crown lid (no idea if that link worked). I saw that in the show and thought, some special version of Private Collection? I wouldn’t even know how to search for the names of these bottles, so having a name to cross-reference helps.
Thanks Farouche.
(Implied but not explicit in my comment is that this is a link to the bottle of White Shoulders in question.)
Hi Lys, Now I’ll have to watch the pilot again! It’s a cute show, and I like the young star AnnaSophia Robb.
No, that would be fun! Will add to list.
I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one oohing and aahing over the perfume bottles (and the clothes…and the shoes.) Unfortunately I’ve only caught one episode and it was on my tv without a DVR so I couldn’t rewind it. Thanks so much for looking into this!
Thanks, Lucy, Farouche, Lys, and Breathesgelatin for your input on this topic. I’m gratified that I wasn’t alone in noticing the bottles! Maybe we’ll find out more soon. Wouldn’t it be a riot if they mentioned Giorgio, Poison, and Opium being outlawed in restaurants on the TV show?
I’ve been using up my sample of Heeley Cardinal for the past few days. I like it a lot; it’s very much like CdG Avignon to me, though the drydown is slightly different.
Love Cardinal. It’s brighter to me thanAvignon.
Agree — the citrus in Cardinal makes it almost like a sunny Avignon, if such a thing is possible. I love them both but have never been able to justify buying Cardinal, because they do feel similar in the end.
I agree with you both — Cardinal is indeed brighter and sunnier somehow.
No perfume yet for me today. I’m going to an event at Scent Bar where we try to guess what we are smelling! I’m bringing along a friend that I’m hoping to convert into a perfumista! Can’t wait
That sounds like so much fun!
Wow, that does sound like fun. Envious!
I had plans to go to this event with a friend tonight, but she bailed on me! Wondering if I should just go alone. It does sound like a lot of fun.
So jealous you live somewhere where you can go to scent bar for an event (and there probably isn’t two feet of snow outside your door). Enjoy your perfume event!
Also snowed in…2 feet to shovel/plow
Go easy on your back with the shoveling, and treat yourself to a warm drink and a spritz of something nice when you get back inside.This is hot chocolate weather!
I’m snowed in too. The news just said my town was one of the “jackpot” locations with 30″ of snow. Somehow I don’t feel like a winner.
Wow! 30 inches?! I haven’t seen that much snow fall since I lived in the mountains. And I lived in Minnesota for nearly a decade! I hope you have plenty supplies and entertainment, so you feel no compunction to go out anytime soon!
No kidding. The weather people were having some sort of gleeful spasm yesterday comparing all the “inches” of accumulation. It did feel like some kind of competition. And no, it’s really no fun to have so much snow that you can’t walk down your street. We’re all trying to dig out now. Keep warm and safe and I hope you’re wearing a nice fragrance today.
Shovel? Just wait til it melts. See you in April.
April? More like June I think. Possibly July.
We got “lucky” with 1 foot of snow
but I swear it was more since I had a TON of snow I swept off my car!
I would love suggestions for green florals and green floral chypres to try. I am a big fan of Chanel #19 and Prada Infusion d’Iris. Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs leans toward this as well, and I plan to buy a bottle soon! I also have Jacomo Silences, but perhaps I have a bad bottle because mine smells like really nice mosquito repellant.
What else should I track down?
Try the original Estee Lauder Private Collection — it’s a classic green floral chypre, and an unbelievable bargain. Chanel Cristalle EDT is great if you want some citrus in the mix.
Ann Gerard Perle de Mousse is on the lighter side (and, honestly, verged on imperceptible after a couple of hours) but it’s gotten a fair bit of praise. Vero Kern Mito is utterly delightful and I’m kind of kicking myself for not buying it with my Christmas cash. DSH Vert pour Madame is gorgeous, too, and DSH is having a site-wide sale right now.
Chamade isn’t a chypre, but it’s one of the best green florals out there. I’ve only tried the reformulated version, and it works for me.
Those are great suggestions! I actually do have some Cristalle thanks to the NST Swap and really like it, but it works better in spring and summer for me. I have the Ann Gerard coffett – all three are wonderful!
I’ll seek out Mito and some of the DSH scents next!
Do report back if/when you find something wonderful. Green chypres are among my very favorites.
Green floral chypres usually turn out to be not *quite* me but the one that I’m genuinely fond of is Odalisque.
Other usual suspects include things like Chamade, Le Temps D’Une Fête, Givenchy III, AG Heure Exquise…
I love Envy (Gucci) for green floral.
I wore my vintage Envy yesterday to counteract all the snow coming down!
I’ll have to try Envy – is it still in production? Is the modern version worth trying?
The original has been out of production some time, but the pink flanker Envy Me still seems to be around. (I’ve not smelled it.)
Envy is very easy to find. I think even Sephora has it, or in any case any mass-markety fragrance store. The modern version is just fine, and comes in a great sleek bottle. I have no idea what vintage smells like.
Ha! By vintage I was referring to my old bottle bought when the fragrance first came out
This is my line of country indeed! The usual suspects have been named but I would add Vent Vert, which is the mother of all green florals, released in 1947 but reformulated twice since then. And also Niki de Saint Phalle, which is pretty fierce, as is Sisley’s Eau du Soir.
Oh, and Carven’s Ma Griffe, which I think I read on NST the other day is being re-released. I’ve never smelled it though.
And again: Chanel’s Bel Respiro
Great options! I haven’t tried these and they have been added to my list.
I have a gross head cold/cough/sore throat type thing that has rendered me unable to smell or taste anything less subtle than pho with buckets of chili sauce. So no SOTD for me, but I have been catching up on my perfume-blog reading as an attempt to compensate.
I also took advantage of the DSH sale that some other folks have mentioned — ordered 10 mL sprays of Mirabella and Vert pour Madame, and darn near ordered a backup of Le Smoking. Up until the germs arrived, I’d been enjoying some SSS samples — Nostalgie, Rose Volupté, and Cameo. I fully expected to love Nostalgie and will probably be ordering a travel spray or small bottle when the sample runs out. The other two were a bit of a risk since I don’t usually love rose, but Volupté’s lush plummy spice has been growing on me.
Gah, make that “anything MORE subtle” — thanks, DayQuil.
FYI–the shopping cart buttons are temporarily down on the SSS site, so you can’t order right now anyway. Also, she announced late last year that Cameo is being discontinued due to slow sales. It still shows up on the product list, at least for now. If you decide you really like it, you might want to go ahead and order it as soon as the ordering function is back up.
Thanks, 50_Roses. While I didn’t mind Cameo and will happily use up my sample, I much preferred Rose Volupté — so it sounds like I don’t have anything to worry about.
This is such an enabling post. I have never tried any DSH perfumes and now I need to check out the website. Sigh….
Always happy to help out!
Hope you feel better Emily. Colds are awful. You can’t smell, you can’t taste, and your head feels like its going to explode. I hope you’re able to shake it quickly.
Thanks, Poodle. I’m now on Day 4 of no sense of smell or taste, and it’s really getting old. Even worse, I needed to do some baking today to use up some fruit (two-person households should not buy delicate produce at Costco) and while my husband reports that the resulting plum cobbler smelled and tasted delicious, it’s not like I’d have any way of knowing. Grr.
Get better!!
Thanks, Robin! (Not that I have much to complain about in the grander scheme of things, given that there’s no snow out here in CA.)
I live in CO so I get to occasionally visit her physical store. Stopped in yesterday to re-up on Pretty & Pink during the 15% off sale, and got samples of Cordial and Coffee Absolute.
Oh, lucky! Someday I will make a DSH pilgrimage to the Denver area. Did you like Cordial? That one sounded good to me, too.
I need to give it a full test without 12 other things in the air, but yes, seems to be a promising gourmand!
Recently got a sample set for Dueto Parfums. I found all four were enjoyable, but Golden Boy was love at first sniff. It is similar to Mark Birley Charles Street which i bought a few months ago, so when i finish my Birley, i will replace it with Golden Boy.
Another brand I have not heard of
Happy Saturday, everyone! It feels good to have my weekends back again after what has been a crazy work life these past few months.
Today I’m wearing the last drops of my sample of Nasomatto Nuda (sorry to see it’s being discontinued). After years of gravitating toward what others would perceve as weird, unconventional perfumes, I must admit it is nice to envelop my senses in pure flowery gorgeousness. I think February is putting me in the mood for all things feminine and lovely.
I’d love to nab a bottle of Nuda now that it’s being discontinued, but it’s waaaay out of my price range.
Discontinued? Don’t tell me such things.
I know, it’s horrible.
Today I am wearing Guerlain’s Tonka Imperiale and feeling like a goddess!! I love that perfume sooooo much. I have a question – I have encountered several Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier scents that I love ( most recently Cuir Fetiche) but none of them seem to have any staying power. In an hour, they’re just mostly gone. Is this an issue with MPG scents, or is it just how I react to them? I’d hate to spend for a FB and not really enjoy the fragrance. I know about the spraying on clothing trick but that seems to short circuit the lovely progressive evolution of the notes. Any thoughts?
hm. I’m an MPG fan. I don’t get incredible lasting power from the scents, but neither do they fade super-quickly. The only one I own a full bottle of is Tubereuse, which I get a good 4-5 hours out of and then I usually refresh.
I’ve occasionally seen people complain about the musky base of MPG scents, it doesn’t particularly stand out to me as I’m a musk-lover, but possibly you are anosmic to some of the musks??
You know, I think you may be right. I’ve tried some musk perfumes that everyone seems to rave about and some of them seem to have “holes” in them – blank spots where nothing much happens. I’d never considered maybe I was anosmic .
Try it on the back of your forearm? Scents seem to hold better there than on the hairless inner surface of the forearm/wrists. Just a thought …
Thanks, Lys, I’ll give this a try. I so want Cuir Fetiche to be more lasting.
Thank you everyone for the kind and practical advice for last Saturday’s topic. I put my full bottle purchases on hold, because, really, there is no need. I have many fragrances to enjoy already. I think I am longing for spring as well, because today seemed the perfect day for jasmine and coconut body lotion layered with Fracas.
I haven’t bought anything either but I’m still thinking I might.
Whereas I’m not entirely certain there is such a thing as humming loudly enough!
Girlfriend, you know you are going to buy it eventually. What are you waiting for? That coffret would make a lovely Valentine’s gift to yourself. Just saying.
LOL! I was hoping that I had snuck that comment in!
I think you’re right that it’s just a matter of time, but I’m *trying* to be prudent! I just bought a mattress and box spring only to discover that the box doesn’t fit upstairs! So, I have to pay for them to pick it up, and possibly for a split box spring (although now I’m not sure I even want a box spring) and I don’t even have a bed, yet! And this is expensive project #34 on a list of 152 for my new house!
Sigh. Maybe some new perfume would help me deal with the stresses of home ownership!
SOTD vintage Quartz. Am looking forward to my NY trip this week and will fit in a visit to Osswald and to Chandler Burr’s show at MAD. Hoping also to get the nerve – and time – to visit BG…
I just finished reading Alyssa Harad’s Coming to my Senses last week and was so inspired I decided to do a series of watercolor paintings based on my impressions of perfumes. Perfume seems to be openining up a new channel of visual possibility for me. There is one painting for Guerlain Vetiver and two for vintage Samsara. I just keep the bottle on the easel for quick reference.
Just ordered a 5ml roll on of Amouage Interlude Man from Surrender to Chance last week as well. I was looking at a full bottle, but in the spirit of last weekend’s poll decided to get a small amount to see if I like it enough for that. Who am I kidding? I love it, but just too cheap to get the bottle right now.
I just got a sample of Interlude Man from them too. At first I wondered if there was some mistake as it smelled exactly like Interlude Woman to me. But on the whole I like it more, it has something missing that bothers me in the Woman version. It’s nicer as it goes along. Still, I believe that these are, fortunately, two I can live without.
Agree that Man is easier than Woman. On first sniff of Man, I was in full swoon. Thankfully for my pocketbook’s sake, I think my enthusiasm has waned a bit!
Yes I know. I had the same reaction when I smelled it. And have been carefully doling it out by the molecule from the sample before bedtime so I can curl up and sniff my wrist as I drift off to sleep. It’s such a comforting smokey scent for the cold weather! It’s expensive but a tiny drop does it for me so a bottle will last a long time.
I think the 5mL roll on is a perfect solution! Might have to follow your lead . . .
Your paintings sound fascinating! I hadn’t heard of this book — will have to google or visit Amazon.
Yes please treat yourself. It’s a wonderful book. I hardly ever finish a book and tore through that one in a couple of days. I just finished a painting for Cuir Ottoman. Perfume opens up a lot of creative freedom for me. I can’t explain how or why. Also I haven’t worked in watercolor in a long time, but it’s such a natural to express scent impressions. I can draw on it, make transparent layers and let the colors bleed into eachother. Neurologically the sense of smell connects directly to the amygdala which is the part of the brain that processes emotion and memory.
Awaiting the Discovery Set from Neela Vermeire. Calmly. Not.
LOL!
I predict happy sampling days ahead…
I have a question I could use help with. I love Organza Indecence and I’m told that Givenchy has reissued it, but I can’t ind a place to buy a sample of the reissue. Has anyone sniffed it, and how does it compare to the original Indecence?
Jasmine, I think Ulta of all places carries Organza Indecence. If the tester isn’t of the reissue (in the generic-looking “mythiques” bottle), I think that they’d let you return a purchase if there was an issue with reformulation.
Yes, I ordered samples from TPC last summer–one each of vintage and the reissue. For me, the top notes are quite similar, but sadly, in the dry down, the new formulation doesn’t hold a candle to the vintage. My notes say that the reissue is “sharper, sweeter, maybe with more fruit/citrus than the original, not as complex or nearly as nice.” But, of course, tastes vary, so you might wanna try The Perfumed Court or a similar decant business.
I’m beginning to think 2010 was the beginning of the end.
for classics and continuity and all that. Had to append my comment, it sounded so severe!
2010 was the start of the Perfumpocalypse!
Does anyone know of a good source for decant supplies?
I’d like to know this one, too. Yoohoo – someone?
hope this link helps
http://www.accessoriesforfragrances.com/
Seconding Accessories for Fragrance. I have bought from them a number of times through eBay, and have been very pleased. Their glass spray vials are reasonably priced and do not leak or let the fragrance evaporate. Their service is very good as well–they ship promptly and everything has arrived safe and sound.
Oh cool–I’m glad to have this info too. Thank you both!
Thirding Accessories for Fragrance ! Great outfit -delivers product quickly, usually with cute stickers on the box .
I’ve had very good luck with Pilot Vials and Best Bottles. Decent prices and selection of supplies, and quick shipping.
Have a look at this Perfume oPsse post:
http://perfumeposse.com/2007/11/26/perfume-decanting-101/
looks like the links are still current…
I start enjoying this thread way more than any other threads & people here are nicer anyway
I want to haul j’adore l’eau cologn floral, dior addict eau sensuelll & gucci flora fraiche. I also have in mind many fragrances to try like versace vanitas, some valentino & marc jacobs. Downtown mall got some tom ford & m.micallif fragrances. I bought a week ago a shawl from Zara & fell in love with it, I may go back to haul the cream color as well. I may don’t have the money right now but when I got them I’ll haul some stuff like foundation, makeup brushes & some nail polishes from chanel. Steve Madden shoes are awsome & I’m a fan for ages. Anything else should I talk about? wanna know something about me for example? I’m a new member here but a long time fan of this website. I also want to say it’s a pleasure trying fragrances for a review like I did with escada delicate notes
Carine, have you tried the Chanel nail polishes before? What’s the quality, especially their longevity? They have amazing colours, but I want to hear how well they last before spending that kind of money…
Hi, Annie. I own several Chanel polishes and love the colors, but I am not happy with their lasting power. Rationally speaking, Essie polishes are a much better deal. That said, Chanels are somewhat different when it comes to longevity, it seems to depend on color/formula. So if you are really in love with a specific shade, try to find a way to test – hopefully it’s up to your standards.
Any nail polishes at all won’t last that long if you don’t use the top & base coats, I have them all from chanel & I see chanel has this beautiful shine in their colors unlike dior but maybe dior has better sillage when it comes to longevity. I still have to buy four of them as the colors are all amazing & so rocker
as I said try to use a top & base coats other than that it won’t last that long, not more than four days & they won’t survive the showers & hot water :/
I wasn’t waiting for a perfume in the mail today, but, surprise! A sample of Creed Fleurs de Gardenia showed up from Neiman Marcus in a padded mailer. Funny because I’ve never bought Creed. Funny but appreciated. Maybe Robin should host this poll question again and more goodies will spontaneously appear in my mailbox!
I got one too, same envelope I bet, and also not bought Creed, though I’m a regular buyer of other perfumes from N-M. I’ve just tried some on my wrists tonight in fact. It is too light and orange-y for my taste, and REALLY sweet, none of the buttery depth of a real gardenia. Disappointing. What do you think of it?
Yes, apparently I’ve finally leveled up with my perfume purchases at NM.
I actually really like it, although it doesn’t smell like gardenia. I don’t get too much sweet, just a pleasant sheer floral with none of those shrieky notes that usually hang around sheer florals. I like my perfume more opinionated that this one is so I’m not in danger of a purchase but think it’s nicely done.
Tom Ford’s mainstream line is getting a new floriental in April. NM, send me that one!
Happy Lunar New Year, everyone. Robin, the Snake graphic is nice!
I did not have a SOTD today as I usually don’t wear one when I know I am not going out…but because I can — I just sprayed on some Guerlain Tonka Imperiale – lovely!
I’m currently reading The Life of Objects by Susanna Moore. It’s about a young woman (Beatrice / Maeve) coming of age set in Nazi Germany from 1938 to 1945. I bring up this book to mention that whenever I read a non-perfume-themed book and it references a perfume that I have either tried or have read about in the perfume blogs, my heart skips a beat and I seem to become part of the book – sounds crazy, no? Maybe this is a sign of being a perfumista! The perfume referenced was Cuir de Russie. Beatrice was sneaking a dab of it from her glamorous traveling companion’s stash; she described it as “like oranges and birch bark”. What happened to smelling like leather?
Maybe perfume references in non-perfume themed books can be a future poll question unless it had already been done.
Great idea – combines two of my favorite things-reading and fumes!!
Her first book, My Old Sweetheart, made a big impression on me when I read it. Also read her 2nd one but have no memory of it, and have not read her since. I will have to look for this one.
hajusuuri, I read that book a few months ago. As I started to read it, I was thinking, “hmmm….this reminds me of a memoir I read years ago.” And sure enough, she used Lali Horstmann’s “Nothing for Tears” as her inspiration for it. She did that once before. “One Last Look” was based on “Up the Country” which is comprised of letter written by Emily Eden, who was the sister to the governor-general of India in the 1830s. “One Last Look” is excellent, but Emily Eden’s letter are not to be missed.
And, to stay on topic, SOTD = Ambre Russe.
Thank you, Aparatchick! Now I have to look for Emily Eden’s letters.
I read a review of The Life of Objects this weekend and was thinking that I’d look for it next time I was in a bookstore (was already excited about it, but the Cuir de Russie tidbit sold me).
I’ve been reading a lot of Dawn Powell recently, and I wonder whether she was a bit of a perfumista — the descriptions of smell in her works are unusually detailed and evocative, and she name-checks Schiaparelli Shocking in one of her novels.
I just bought L’Artisan’s Safrqn Troublant and its divine. I was always scared of the candied rosé accord listed in the notes. I hate rose. Precisely at my wedding, almost 14 years ago, I ordered not a single rosé in any of our outdoor wedding flower arrangements. What shows up? Red roses in everything. I go about in my dress grabbing them out. Made a bouquet for my grandmother she raised me but I felt needed some extra attention. And then carried on with being a bride at the lush BNB we were at.
Safran is saffron and buttered toasted sweet things. Almost vegetal. But not green. And now I have the flu, my Tokyo Milk comes. I got TAINTED LOVE, cannot smell it. Husband loves it and Troublant. He’s been very grabby with me since I got both. A kiss is a kiss? Wish I could breathe, I love that he’s not afraid he’ll catch it too. I had a shot but this is pretty bad. Also on this week’s roster of purchased lemmings…my first yellow diamond. It will be here Wednesday. I’m thinking of not opening it until V day. That’s when he proposed. Love him 1,000,000 x’s more now. Hope all is groovy with the rest of you. Now I’m going to read.
I love Safran Troublant, but I think of it as really very rose-y, so that’s surprising you like it! I love the way you say you got your “first” yellow diamond, ha ha, attagirl! What form does it come in–pendant, ring, ??
First yellow diamond in a halo setting. Huge center stone with a round of white diamonds then tiny yellow ones on the outer rim. A ring. I’m so excited. Also a stone fell out of my engagement ring, DRAT.
Safran Troublant is also a favorite of mine. Feel better, Dolcesarah!
FAROUCHE,
BETTER TODAY. WONDERING NOW CALYPSO IF THE BEGINNING OF THIS HEAD COLD HAS HIDDEN THE ROSÉ IN SAFRAN????
Do you know the Tauer perfume Le Maroc Pour Elle? I think that might be a little rose but I consider that specific frag to be almost perfect. The way I love Byredo’s OUD IMMORTAL and FM’s MUSC RAVENGER. I JUST WISH RAVENGER WAS STRONGER. WHICH OTHER MALLES SHOULD I TRY. NO FOO FOO, CARNAL FLOWER IS GOOD BUT ID RATHER HAVE ONE OF THE DELRAES OR ONDA BY VERO
dolcesarah, have you tried Musc Ravageur in the oil?
Wore Gianfranco Ferre Today, The OLD Men’s Version from the early 90’s…. SMELLS SO DAMN AWESOME! One of those really Spicy, manly, Incredibly well constructed fragrances from way back when!
Just So MALE!
I’m just here to confess that despite everyone’s good advice last weekend that I should buy expensive chocolate rather than an expensive chocolate perfume, I bought a bottle of Arquiste Anima Dulcis last Sunday.
The perfume will last longer and it won’t show up on the bathroom scale either.
Thanks, now I feel better!!
Poodle, we will put you on call for the future NST “Justify my expensive purchase” post! Not a few of us will need help…
I am here for you when you need me.
Good girl!
Angela, where are you babe?
Here’s a question for Toronto area folks: Now that Noor is gone (hoping it’s just temporary) where does one find L’Artisan scents?
Eek! Also hoping it’s temporary…
One more question for people: what the heck is Shalimar Eau de Cologne? Is that like L’Eau de EDT?
I think EDC concentrations were more popular in the past. I have a vintage bottle of Shalimar eau de cologne, probably from the 60s, and the strength/lasting power are comparable to a strong EDT or light EDP today.
Thanks, I hadn’t seen that concentration before this weekend.
Hi everyone, it is cool and crisp here again (finally in North Texas), so SOTD is Donna Karan Black Cashmere from the original black egg-shaped bottle. Sadly, I also decided to try a new dry shampoo from Suave, and it is a sweet, fruity-floral hot mess and clashing horribly. Any suggestions for a good dry shampoo (preferably cheap, I’d rather spend my $$ on good perfume) that is unscented or very lightly scented? Thanks!
You could try mixing your own, using some combination of cornmeal/cornstarch/baking soda/talcum powder. You can find articles and recipes online. All of the basic ingredients are cheap.
I have been wearing Black Cashmere too. But the strangest thing happened, and perhaps I can get some feedback. I got a sample of it, and foud it to be deep, woodsy, sandalwoody – a bit like the beloved and much-discontinued Chaos. I then found a bottle on eBay – the weird black egg one – used. When I got it and sprayed, it wasn’t the same at all! I could swear the bottle was filled with the original DK! The bottle doesn’t have any writing on it, except for the DK signature. It came in a velvet bag. I ordered a sample from PC of the original, and I think it’s the same as my bottle! Now I have to get another sample of Black C to compare. What’s the deal??? Am I crazy?
I’m quite late, so I’m hoping someone is hanging around still to advise me…Last week I didn’t have any real lemmings – but this week – not so good. Lush is discontinuing (at least where I live) several Gorilla perfumes. I have two of their solids that were blind buys, and which I disliked for about a year. Then, I had a bad bout of sinus a few weeks ago and found that a) these two fragrances actually helped and b) I now found them quite pleasant. Ginger really worked to soothe the sinus/hayfever and while The Smell of Freedom helped – and I preferred the smell – it was probably not AS effective.
The only shop in this country has a 30ml available of both. They have very few, but have agreed to hold one of each for a day or two…
Do I NEED these frags? I do get a lot of sinus/hayfever problems, but maybe I will find other things to work even if I let one, or both of these go. I’m in a quandary!
Actually, I think I’v just answered my own question… A very generous perfumista sent me a sample of Iris Silver Mist and trying it yesterday i felt like I had been propelled into paradise. Tried it again now – and same effect. So, I think I need to save up for a decant – or for when someone I know goes to Paris.
Until I meet something this good I’ll save my pennies:)
Unless you love those fragrances as perfume, it would probably be a better use of your money to buy a few essential oils to use for sinus/hay fever problems. I use equal parts lavender oil, tea tree oil and chamomile oil. Most essential oils can’t be used undiluted on skin, but I use that blend straight rubbed over my sinus passages. It’s an antibacterial/viral, decongestant, anti-inflammatory blend.
Rappleyea, thanks so much for this suggestion. Some time last year I bought a rollerball from an alternative type health shop. It contained some of these essential oils. The problem was that the scent disappeared minutes after application and there seemed to be no further benefit. In other words, I think it is the scent (the molecules going into the air passages) that do the work. Those molecules though disappear too quickly unless an adequate fixative is used. That is why I think ‘perfume’ (which is made to release an ongoing stream of molecules) works better if it contains the relevant oils.
I guess it could be that the rollerball was not of a high enough quality and so did not contain enough of the essential oils?
You might very well have had sub-par essential oils or they might have been oils blended into an oil base (jojoba, almond, etc.). Yes, some oils work by inhaling the volatile oils, but in this case, they are absorbed into the skin/sinus passages. The molecular structure of essential oils is finer than the skin barrier and they are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. I highly recommend av-at.com for oils for both quality and price (no affiliation).
Is there scientific support for the efficacy of essential oils used in this way? I know some people regard ‘scientific support’ as misleading (in various ways) and anecdotal evidence enough but I’m still curious! And, I’m not finding a definite answer by doing google searches on it:)
Tons of scientific support. I’ve practiced aromatherapy for over 20 years and have a library of books, many by doctors and scientists. I’ve not seen the Google results so I can’t address that, but rest assured that therapeutic-quality essential oils are highly efficacious.
Good to know! I was looking at essential oils today and was confused by the chamomile. One was very pricey and another less. But the less expensive was called Blue Chamomile. Both were from France…
All Chanel Coco, all weekend. Hopefully this obsession will end soon, but I’ll forever associate Coco with an amazing Alvin Ailey performance at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Which seems appropriate, remembering that classic Coco spot in which Ines de la Fressange dashes into a concert hall late, bringing the orchestra to a halt.
Yes, love that ad!
I’m trying to find it, but no search is working.
http://www.ina.fr/video/PUB3784096117
A dilemma/questions: I bought a bottle of Infusion d’Iris Absolu for my daughter for the holidays, unsniffed, and she handed it back. She likes the Armani Rose Privee, which is difficult to find. Found an SA at Nordstrom’s who gave me a sample of the Prada (hate to take things back). Love it but afraid it does not love me. So 1.) take it back 2.) wait until Spring to judge 3.) learn to make samples and share 3.a) where do I learn to make samples?
SOTD Daim Blond
You can just sell it on eBay and get most of your money back.
Ann, since you bought in in good faith and it doesn’t agree with you, you shouldn’t feel bad about returning it to Nordstrom if that’s the easiest route for you. They have that return policy so people can feel comfortable with their purchases and that’s how they maintain a good customer service reputation. Depends what you’re comfortable doing, but from an etiquitte standpoint it would not be impolite to return.
Thanks, Lys. Was worried I’d waited too long but did locate the receipt. Wish I loved it on me, but it seems extremely strong, lasts 24+ hours, tiring.
I may be interested! I’ll order a sample to test it – I love the original Infusion – and have been dying to try this. My email: acstrommen at gmail dot com.
Today I wore Cartier Déclaration Essence, as I have nearly every time I’ve opened my perfume drawer in the last four months or so. This worries me, as I’ve never been able to settle on one particular fragrance for an extended period of time without getting bored. Lately I’m also wearing perfume less frequently than I used to, and when I do deign to wear it, I have to force myself to wear anything besides Essence. My old favorites just feel “wrong” on my skin these days, but Declaration Essence always fits. What’s happening to me? Have I stumbled upon…ugghh…my “signature scent”? I keep thinking of Luca Turin’s description of PdN’s New York as “one of those rare fragrances that you could wear for the rest of your life”. I can truly see Declaration Essence fitting that same role for me – it’s elegant but sprightly, refreshing but warming, and seems to fit every occasion because it somehow rises “above” the occasion to exist as its own entity on some higher plane, simply smelling good, sophisticated, and intriguing. (Am I making sense at all, or is my sleep deprivation talking again?)