In early February, we helped each other not buy perfume. Sort of. Now we're going to do the opposite.
Name a perfume you've been itching to own but can't bring yourself to buy, and tell us why you really think you should have a bottle. Maybe everyone will talk you into it.
But don't forget: the next damage poll is coming up on Tuesday!
Note: image is Crater Lake [cropped] by aspearing at flickr; some rights reserved.
Kinda sniffed Coco on someone recently and I was like darn, that smells nice! Warm and spicy. Then I tried it on and fell in love with it like never before..those cloves! I should have a bottle cause I just dig those darn cloves and don’t have a clove-heavy scent yet. I know it’s spring but darn, that Coco. It’s like I discovered it for the first time, though I’ve smelled it several times.
do you really need any encouragement? Look at what you wrote again ten times veeeery slowly and then just walk to the next shop stocking it, easy wasn’t it
or drive, fly whatever if it’s not not in walking distance
I’m for it. If it had just been your first sniff of it, I might recommend more testing to make absolutely certain, but I think you’ve satisfied the requirement for due diligence 🙂 And I think it’s wearable in spring! July/August could get tough but all the more reason to go for it right now and enjoy for the next several months!
Coco is such a classic, and so deliciously complex, you’ll ever get tired of it!
I meant you’ll never ger tired. Sorry.
A couple of months ago, I finally bought Coco. I don’t know how or why I had managed to ignore it for so long. It is warm, rich and luminous, but not heavy, so it’s wearable and versatile. Deny yourself no longer!
i recently (as in last week) unearthed a 3 year old never used bottle of Coco and I can’t wait to open it. I bought it pre-perfumista days – I can’t even imagine why I bought it if i did not intend to wear it…but then again, I probably bought it because it smelled soooo good.
Thanks for all the encouragement guys..or is it enabling? These are all very good reasons to get that Coco!
And you should! Check out the ‘Bay or discounters if cost is an issue, but I say, do it!
I really, really want a bottle of Amouage Dia Woman. I just think it is the most beautiful, luscious, exuberant perfume I have ever smelled. Every time I put it on, It just makes me feel happy, and I find myself wondering what I ever wanted with any other perfume, but–it is $280 for a 50 ml bottle. I plan to buy it someday, but I cannot bring myself to click the “Buy” button. It is the only thing actually on my wishlist right now; everything else that was on the list I have already bought a bottle, settled on a decant, or decided I didn’t really want it after all. Only Dia remains. I did buy two minis, and have gone through one and have started on the second. I fear that if I wait too long, it may be suffer the same fate as so many others, and be either discontinued or reformulated to death.
I know how you feel. I really want Amouage Lryic, but geez it’s expensive!
You must own it! I compromised and bought the solid compact. Stays very close to the skin, but every time I catch a whiff, it presses my reset button. It keeps me in an elegant mood! You know you love it. You won’t regret it. I venture to guess you will buy it again and again.
Make two columns: on one side will be the Dia for $280. Now, on the other side list all of the other things you want/need (not perfume) that that $280 could buy. Which side wins?
Actually, within the last five weeks I have bought an awful lot of things I wanted and/or needed, most of which were more than $280. We get an annual bonus at work in late February, and this year’s was good. So far I have bought/paid for:
Sofa
Love Seat
Coffee table
End table
Recliner
Kitchen sink + installation
Dishwasher
Repair of leaky faucets
Crown for one of my teeth
Vet bills
Etc., etc., etc.
Our old living room furniture was really in sad shape, the kitchen sink was rusting, the faucets wouldn’t stop dripping, the dishwasher leaked, and, well, I have to take care of my teeth and my little furry four-legged children, so all of the above was necessary, practical, and reasonable. Part of me, though, is saying that I deserve something just for fun, namely, perfume.
You’ve convinced me, Roses. GO FOR IT! You *do* deserve something special, just for you. <3
P. S. Do you know Daisy well enough to email her? She might know of some deals somewhere. I’d run it past her.
I see Beautyhabit has the 100ml bottle for $215 right now…
Do you mean Beauty Encounter? Beauty Habit doesn’t seem to have Amouage, but BE does, and indeed the 100 ml Dia Woman is $215 right now. Let’s see–$90 off the regular price, free shipping, no sales tax for an out of state order–I just bought it! Now my wishlist is empty. Let’s see how long that lasts.
Congratulations, Roses!
Congratulations!! Yes, I think at that price one couldn’t afford NOT to get it!
Wow – and that’s the big bottle, too! Thank you, Cazaubon – great enabling!
Wow, 50 Roses. Congratulations on the great buy!
Congratulations!!! I think I’m buying Lyric for $215..it’s such a good price!
Oops yes, I meant Beauty Encounter – glad you figured it out and were able to snag a bottle!
Oooo. Good call! Bottle of Memoir that my shopping list had shrunk down to acquired…
This is such an enabling comment…I also placed an order…for some things…
Congrats! You’ll get a lot of joy from it.
YAY DIA!!! I’m so happy for you! I myself have gone through 2 samples and a mini of Dia and it’s the one I debated. To make up for it, I gave away or traded 6 other perfumes I don’t wear often. So I might have to follow your lead. Congrats!!
It took me about two years but I did manage to score a full bottle of Dia for less than half the price. It’s a wonderful perfume and if you not averse to buying from there it can really pay off to stalk ebay.
Oh, if it’s really the only thing you want, you should get it. That seems straightforward to me. You are already a person who loves perfume, and this is your very favorite one? You will definitely, definitely enjoy this more than whatever else you might spend that $280 on. And actually it seems so clear you ultimately will spend that cash on this perfume, you might as well get it now and start enjoying it! (And not have to worry about losing it to reformulation.) YOLO, 50_Roses! 😉
I have and love a FB of Dia Man. This kind of quality does not come cheap, and I totally understand why you don’t want anything else… Go for it, I think the price is right for something that will provide many hours of joy.
I’m going to follow your example, 50 Roses! I’ve got the solid, but I really want to spritz to my heart’s (nose’s) content!
If it’s the only thing on the wishlist, just get it..get it while the gettins good.
Lol, I don’t read so good..congrats 50R! I would like a fb of Memoir Woman..and Ubar..at some point.
Reading this whole thread after the fact was like reading a good action adventure story. Woo-Hoo! You go, girl!
Agreed! Coming in late has its advantages:)
I want Parfums d’Empire Azemour which I know is practically free at $75/50ml. I find it fun and unique, I think I am concerned about its lasting power.
Then again, if it doesn’t last long, you have an excuse to spritz repeatedly throughout the day. You also don’t have to worry about asphyxiating somebody with your scent. And as you said, it is practically free. I say go for it!
Agree on reapplication! Especially since it’s not so expensive, Tara, you can apply and reapply as much as you like with a clear conscience! I realize this is totally twisted but to me that’s almost more of a reason to go in on a full bottle–better chance you’d actually use it up!
Plus “unique” to me says it def doesn’t duplicate anything else in your collection. Inexpensive, special and you’ll get good use out of it?? Def yes.
That’s one of my biggest lemmings at the moment too, although I decided I wanted it in 2011 and still haven’t bought it. People have sent me more samples, so I am not out of it anyway — I can wait! But it’s one of the last great bargains in niche, and I don’t think the lasting power is bad at all for this kind of citrus.
I”d love to get this too! Where did you find it at $75???
Luckyscent $75/50ml and $110/100ml.
I didn’t know PdE was priced at that point – good to know!
I bought the large bottle for my March FB and am loving it. True, it doesn’t last that long, but that’s what the big bottle is for, right? I was amazed that no one took me up on a decant of it during our latest swap.
We ARE scent twins, Farouche. I have the FB, too…the 50mL.
🙂 it is just so much more interesting than the other orange fragrances out there. I love the hay accord in it, too.
Azemour is perfect for spring! I find it lasts 3-4 hours, but that’s pretty typical. The juicy oranges in the opening is divine, and then it’s so soft and pretty. Beauty habit carries it, and I bet you can find a gwp or discount code, and if you’re outside Cali, no tax and free shipping!
Just as a matter of interest, I bought a FB of the new release of Courreges’ classic Empreinte. I was startled at its resemblance to Azemour. The citrus in Azemour (in my memory) emphasises orange a bit more than Emp., which has a more generic citrus accord. But the resemblance lies in the fascinating clean/dirty vibe they both have at the beginning, from moss and woody/earthy notes. Empreinte does smell a little retro, whereas Orangers is definitely a product of today (for me).
I loved Empreinte but found the lasting power very poor indeed, but then I had the same experience with Orangers too. But – Empreinte is much cheaper. I got mine for about $28!
Anyone know if Parfums d’Empire does a sample set and, if so, who carries it?
They do! And you can purchase directly from their website!
Thanks!
Thanks. I didn’t order the FB yet, but I did just order the sample set. It’s a great deal!
I ordered this late last year. It’s a great deal at 22 Euros including shipping. I had a lot of trouble using Firefox but when I switched to Safari, I was able to complete the transaction
@hajusuuri I’m a firefox devotee so thans for the heads-up >:)
It could have been my version of Firefox (I couldn’t update to the latest back then since my mac had an old OS)… Safari did the trick and then I switched right back to Firefox. I hope you end up getting the set.
Do it! I find it lasts a good 5 hours on me and that I love to spritz it on a second time!
Robin, shouldn’t that be PUSHED off of the cliff?!? 😉
This may be the day that I have to hand in my perfumista card, but there is absolutely nothing that I want right now. Granted, I have a pile of samples to test (besides a billion perfumes out there that I’ll never smell) and maybe my HG is still waiting for me, but I just don’t care. I am quite content with what I own.
Ha…for most of us, it only takes a light tap!
I am not dying for anything either, although there are a few long-time residents of my buy list that I do hope I get eventually.
There is nothing I cannot do without at the moment as well and I am planning to concentrate on using what I already own this year. Famous last words.
I’m also at a point where I don’t really have to have something new. For now.
I have been sitting on my hands re buying Chanel BdI in the ETD or the parfum. I loved it the one time I smelled it and enjoyed the little cloud from the spray. I didn’t smell the parfum, but it gets raves on the blogs.
I did however decide on my vacation scents this year:
Prada Iris Absolue and Hermes Gentiane Blanche. Night and day.
I guess I figured on purchasing them with Monopoly money and the Chanel with the hard-earned stuff. I am a financial knucklehead, but still open to any thoughts re BdI formulations. Thanks.
The extrait is gorgeous but probably has less sillage. If you adore the EdT, I’d probably go ahead and get it.
I’ve heard tales of even more IFRA restrictions looming in the near future, which will lead to further reformulation of the classics. So I think now is the time to stock up! How’s that for a push?
Encouragement backed with sound data? What more could a girl want? Thanks, SI!
Apologies for being off-topic, but I wanted to share with people who could understand. Last summer I bought samples of Amouage (sadly, no Dia), tried Memoir Woman, decided it was too much in the August heat, and put the samples away. Until now. This morning (it’s still cool here) I’m trying (one dab only, mind you!!) Lyric, Epic, Beloved, and Interlude (all Woman versions) — and I am nearly delirious! Even Epic’s cumin has dried down into good behavior. I know I won’t love all of them equally, but I’m really glad I’m giving the samples another go. Now I get why everyone raves so about Amouage.
Thanks for letting me vent, and happy Easter to all who celebrate!
Oh, I appreciate this! I have a set of Amouage sample that on first spray just felt too old-school (which I say entirely as a term of respect) for me to manage… but I’m encouraged by your report, I should really give them another shot.
Oh yes, please do!!
Amouage is in my top 3 houses. I love what they do – really beautiful, well-crafted, timeless scents. There are a couple that feel like missteps but, for the most part, even the ones that I wouldn’t wear I can still appreciate. I own 3 (Dia, Lyric & J25) and would happily own at least one more.
Oh now I’m curious–which are the others in the top three?
Chanel (Les Exclusifs in particular) and what JCE’s been doing at Hermès. I usually go out of my way to try the new releases from these three.
Ah interesting–and like Fearsmice’s experience, this makes me really feel like I should double back to my Amouage samples, as I like both of those too, so maybe Amouage shouldn’t be quite so out of reach for me (or at least–in terms of my nose. Alas my wallet is a different story!)
Ah, well, they are all quite different in style so it’s perfectly possible that they won’t all appeal. It’s always worth re-visiting things, though!
Three? Bowing in respect, Abyss… I’m already saving my pennies.
I’ve been very lucky – Lyric was a gift and I got the other two at extremely good prices.
Good afternoon Robin and perfume companions!
Lately I’ve been thinking if I need a bottle of Amouage Opus II or Opus V. I love lavender and Opus II is such a beautiful spicy lavender, very unusual. Opus V on the other hand is an iris, and I’m even big iris lover than lavender lover. What keeps me away from buying this is the price tag which is really big for my students scholarship budget.
I also tried Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood which is gorgeous, luckily the idea of buying it quickly died since the scent reminds me of Atelier Cologne Anonyme which I own and totally love – it’s cheaper and I’m gona re-purchase it when I finish my bottle no. 1.
If you please, feel free to recommend some lavender similar to Opus II and iris similar to Opus V but for less money 😉
SotD is exactly Amouage Opus V.
Best Easter wishes!
You do have expensive tastes for a graduate student, Lucas 🙂
That’s why I’m rather sticking to an option that I don’t need them. At least now NOW, maybe someday, when I graduate and get a job.
Lucasai,
Say, where can I read your review of Beloved Man? I’m dying to know what you think, and have not had the chance to get a sample. The notes sounded a little ho hum, but I wanted to hear from you. Or you could just write back here with a succinct thumbs up or down! I LOVE Beloved Woman. Any relation??
If you click on his name I think it links you to his blog.
Hi mough! Do just as Poodle explained. Click on my name and it’ll take you to my blog.
Consensus among my friends is that Silk Oud is the best of the three Oud Moods. Good that you have a cheaper alternative!
It is the best indeed. I tried all three while being at perfume workshop meeting about woody notes in perfume. The group also decided Silk Mood is the bestest.
Hi Lucas. I ADORE Opus V. I’m on my second 2 ml spray, which will last forever because it’s so strong. That’s why I’m not buying a fb. On the other hand, I’m halfway through my second large bottle of Epic Woman.
One of my local perfume shops sells the Opus V edp (and other Amouage scents) in 2 ml sample sprays for € 3,95. They also sell trial sets of Amouage. It’s one way of keeping your Amouage habit affordable. Let me know if you need help from over here.
Hi Jonette!
I’ve been on samples of Amouage Opus II and Opus V for a while and it’s a solution that works well for me at the time being.
3,95€ for 2ml spray is a good price I think.
Thanks for enlightening me that Opus V is an iris scent. I’ve often wondered about iris. There are often perfume notes that I’m not sure about. So if this is mostly iris, (besides aoud), now I know I’m an iris lover, too.
Yes, Opus V is an iris, actually both iris flower and root, and there’s also a rum note in it.
The upcoming Opus VII also has iris in it, I’m curious to try it.
Happy Easter, Lucas. I just put Opus V and II in my (not so private anymore) STC wish list. You are such a lemming creator and absolutely apropos for this edition of the Lazy Weekend Poll!
Happy Easter dear!
I’m happy to hear that!
*sigh* The good folks at Harrods already took care of that. I received an email about free postage and I had some money in my Paypal account so I gave in and ordered that Marni 10 ml +creepy doll set.
I’m also dangerously close to saying “screw it” and finally ordering that L’Eau d’Hiver…we’ve had no spring to talk of so far but perhaps it would hurry up if I had my perfect spring perfume all ready to go (how’s that for a justification?)
If you live in the UK, I can vouch that L’Eau d’Hiver is perfect for many different types of spring days – freezing, foggy, pouring, crisp, bright or almost barbecue-friendly. Your justification is perfect and you should just go for it!
Yup in UK and getting quite sick of subzero temps at night and Arctic winds.
Same here. I spent an hour this afternoon re-allocating perfumes between by my “easy to reach” and “boxed away for next season” spaces. I have been very optimistic and put away almost all of my “warm weather” scents! Yes, I know, this could be a very bad decision. Of course, L’Eau d’Hiver is usually always out except for high summer.
Oh yeah you better just go ahead and get that. You wouldn’t want to miss a week of spring waiting for it to come in the mail! 😉
That’s true, if the spring does come eventually I wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared, would I? And I’ve hardly got any juice left in my sample…
Act now to avert disaster! 🙂
Ha, ended up buying the Marni too! And it wasn’t even top of my list. But the price made it too tempting.
Hah, same here – not at the top of my list but it just couldn’t be helped at that price. I’ve no doubt that I’ll wear the heck out of it so I don’t even feel guilty.
What size did you get?
Oh, same, little one with the creepy doll!
The Marni is really nice! Also, my roommate owns a bottle of L’Eau D’Hiver that I occasionally steal a little of. It’s delicious, and if I ever have a little spare cash drop into my lap I’ll make the purchase too 🙂
Some spare cash is what I’m waiting for too especially since it’s the 100ml bottle that I’m eyeing up.
I have been debating whether or not to get a bottle of Serge Lutens Cellophane de Nuit. I have enough points saved at Birchbox that it would only cost me $30. I remember liking it when I tested it, but I smelled so many that day…I’m worried my memory is hazy at best.
The points will start expiring soon, they don’t really have any other fragrances that interest me (unless anyone here has experience with SAGE + fasten?), and I don’t really need anything else from their website. Do I use my points on foundation or something else I will actually need later or put them toward the SL? Any thoughts?
Try to retest it for a few days if you can. I loved A La Nuit but after an SA sent me a 3ml decant with a separate purchase, I found the scent kind of cloying. I still like A La Nuit but glad I never bought a FB. I really like Nuit de Cellophane but I think it’s good to make sure if you can through a few sequential wearings.
Oh, that price is very tempting! But I did not love the scent so will stay out of it 🙂
What’s your general feeling on fruity floral? Personally I think this is a pretty nice example, but if you’re someone who’s kind of sick of that style, you might hold off on this purchase. Or even–if you like the style but your collection includes some more inventive takes on the genre, this may not be a great addition. I think it makes the most sense if you think you might enjoy a fruity floral (I mean, they sell well for a reason!) and don’t have one yet. Sure can’t beat that price!
Your point is a good one. To me SL sets itself apart by using ingredients a little bit different than the big brands so it doesn’t smell like all the others. Nuit de Cellophane is “conventional” but still different enough it might warrant a place even if you have several fruity florals.
I often wonder what I would think of this if it weren’t a Serge–in the context of that line, I was expecting to be surprised, and then I wasn’t… so I had this strange sense of finding it both appealing and disappointing, just cuz it didn’t make me laugh with delight (hi Jeux de Peau, you mischievous thing.) Maybe without those expectations, I might have been more excited about it?
This also makes me wonder what people’s favorite examples of the genre might be. Maybe this really is one of the best.
I need to revisit it, I really like its good humour.
Maybe a favorite fruity floral poll in the future?
That’s a great idea; I would love to see rundowns of everyone’s favorites. I’m seeing it was a poll in 2009 but maybe it could be reprised–I’d enjoy that!
Hi Lucy,
So, I actually DO have experience with Sage & Fasten. Birchbox sent me a sample of the Common Sense rollerball. It was very fruity, but (happily for me) not very sweet. It didn’t last long, and while it was nice enough, it was also really generic. I felt like I could get the same effect from some Fructis shampoo. However, they do have a set of 4 samples, so even if Common Sense didn’t work for you, one of the others might. I haven’t tried any of those, though.
On another note, I’ve gotten some good perfumes from Birchbox. They had (maybe still have) and Atelier Cologne sampler set, and they sell many of the Atelier scents. They also have some Juliette Has a Gun scents. Could you be talked into any of those?
Missionista – if you are reading this, just wanted you to know that it seems your email may have been hijacked. I got a weirdly titled email from your email address on March 29.
So far I have these in my mind & I just can’t wait to get my hands on all of them. They’re just what I need, fresh & very clean smelling perfumes. I’ve always wanted something like this & finally I found four of them. I’ll try to haul the first one as it’s cheap, I’ll leave the other three for later:
1- zara matin
2- Hermes jour d’Hermes
3-Gucci flora eau fraiche
4- Dior J’daore l’eu cologn floral
I don’t know Zara Matin but Jour gets my vote of the last three! I think it’s really a cut above, and yet not difficult to wear in the least. Nice scent.
It’s really such an airy & very nice scent the only thing I’d do before buying it is I should test it for the last time on my skin, someone mentioned that the cucumber note clashed badly against her skin. I guess it’s a body chemistry thing.
Testing on skin sounds like the right call–on too many occasions perfume I loved on paper has soured on my skin. Although if it doesn’t work on skin but it’s true love on paper, you could always spray your clothes with it!
I was about to say the same thing, but I should spray it on a clean clothes as sweat may change the original smell of the fragrance & clash with the sweat making a bad odour 🙁
There isn’t a front-runner for perfume I *have to have* right now, but I am very interested in Sycomore. Anyone here own a FB that would advocate it being full-bottle worthy? I’m not asking to be pushed off the cliff since I’m not on the cliff but more of a “should I add it to my short list?”
Own it, love it. My perfect vetiver (Vetiver Tonka close second).
Thanks Abyss. Solid recommendation 🙂
I own a FB of Sycomore and I really like it. But have you tried LesNez Turtle Vetiver Back? It is fabulous, and I had to get a FB as well. If I had Turtle Vetiver Back before I had Sycomore, I would not get Sycomore. My recommendation: sample Turtle.
Haven’t tried TVB so now I will do so.
(Meant to add: Thanks!)
Great suggestion, Morgana – Turtle Vetiver Back is wonderful!.
I’m dithering about En Passant. I love it (like, REALLY love it– it strikes me as being basically in a wholly different class from everything else I’ve smelled), but, even so, it’s not something I’d be up to wearing every day (I can’t do that much emotion all the time!) Plus I have a bunch of new stuff from a recent birthday and the swap, so it feels a little gratuitous to buy something new, let alone something pricey.
On the other hand, it’s kind of the perfect season for it, no? And, I like to wear it really lightly, so even the set of travel spray would last me a very long time (I’ve gotten a ton of wearings out of just a 1ml sample.) Thoughts?
I bought en passant last weekend in the 3 travel size box. Sent 1 to my sister for Easter. I think you need it. It is totally spring.
Oh, nice! Yes if only I thought my sister would wear it if I gave it to her–then I’d have a great excuse.
One of my dear friends wears that and it’s so beautiful on her. I was with her at Barney’s when we first tried it and she teared up because it brought back childhood memories of home, of family, of honeysuckle. She wore it as her wedding day perfume! It’s so pretty for spring…you definitely need it!
I cried too! Oh I am so relieved I’m not the only one, I felt so silly–but it really is moving!!
If a perfume makes you cry, then why are you hesitating???
I have En Passant and adore it, but I understand not wanting to wear something so evocative constantly! On the other hand, it’s so perfect for spring… I would definitely recommend getting the set of travel sprays, keeping one, and gifting/selling/swapping the others. 😀
I like it, that does seem eminently reasonable, doesn’t it? 🙂
If you think you’ll be wearing it a lot, go for it. If not, wait. I have this impression that Malles don’t age well so a fresh bottle > a bottle you opened some time ago. If you think your wearing will be sporadic, maybe a decant?
I think of En Passant as really cheerful and fleeting so would not have trouble wearing it in a variety of settings.
Oh good info re: the Malles turning. Thanks for mentioning that. Ok in that case I think the answer is at least to wait until I’ve finished the sample (always wise, anyway). The pricing on the decants is such that it costs nearly as much to get a 15ml decant as it would to get 30mls direct, which really makes a girl feel like the perfume gods are trying to tell her something 😉
Had a bottle of En Passant that turned, now I store my Malles in the fridge. No more issues.
I have En Passant and all I can say is that everyone is so right on the mark with this one. It brought back childhood memories for me as well.
I also want to comment on how this turned quickly. I always thought I had an off bottle but it seems like I’m not the only one. I’d suggest getting the travel version and keeping the ones you’re not using in the fridge
Oh, you had this happen too! Ok thanks so much for the info, very good to know.
Agree. Have replaced 2 travel bottles now, both of which turned. So lovely that it is worth owning anyway.
I bought a fb of En Passant several years ago. At first I could only smell lilacs and cucumber, but in the last year it seems to smell overwhelmingly of bread dough, with nary a lilac in sight, much less that cucumber.
Now I know that bread dough, lilac an cucumber were all notes discussed by the reviewer, but I wonder if my nose and brain are just perceiving the scent differently or something happened to the juice within my bottle to make the bread note more prominent.
I am debating about whether or not to purchase a fb of Histoire de Parfums 1969. Last month, I took home a test strip from a perfume shop and couldn’t stop sniffing it. I regretted not having tried it on my skin. The shop was kind enough to send me a small decant to try, and I’ve worn it several days this past week. It is lovely, but disappears quickly from my skin, even with a cream or lotion underbase. I hate to have to keep reapplying. Of course, I could spritz it on my clothes. Anyway, I’ve been reading Luca Turin’s assessment of 1969, and he compares it with Chamade and Tocade, (as well as Feminite de Bois). I don’t always agree with Turin, but often do. What do you think of these comparisons? (He praises Chamade highest). So I’m thinking I should test these other fragrances before committing to 1969. Anyone want to weigh in on this? (And I’m still mostly anosmic for Mitsouko!)
I have a bottle of 1969 and adore it.I find the lasting power pretty good and much longer if applied on clothes.I think it’s similar to Tocade but with a more pronounced peach note in the early stages.It veers off in a different direction in the drydown with the patchouli,white chocolate,coffee and musk bringing it into more of a gourmand territory.On fabric the top notes seem to hold on longer.It’s unique and they offer smaller size bottles now so I say go for it!
Thanks! I guess I needed that tap to go over the cliff!
It looks like you can get a complimentary 14ml bottle of 1969 with a $125 HdP purchase on Parfum1.com.
I recently went spend-happy on several perfumes, so I’m content for now. I don’t think I have anything I really really want on my list at the moment, but that could change. I’ve just ordered a sample of Hedonist and I’m looking forward to trying it.
I’ve just about drained my 10ml bottle of Neele Vermiere’s Trayee and just hesitating at the price of the full bottle…As far as I know there’s nothing else like it out there so my resistance may not last long.Oh well…
Trayee is my favorite of the 3 as well. I just got my Discovery Set so I will be set for a while…I think.
Trayee is my favorite too. If you used up 10mls you’ll probably have very few regrets with a full bottle. It’s beautiful.
I have wanted Hedera Helix for ages and ages, but it seems to me to be an autumn fragrance, and in the autumn Christmas is looming and all the expense it brings…I know, I know, buy it now…but I’m thinking of summer right now (though not a concept we have much experience of recently here in blighty).
Why don’t you buy late summer, *early* autumn thus giving yourself plenty of time between that expense and saving up again for Christmas gifts?
Hope my enabling helped! 😉
When I last was up at Henri Bendel NYC for Sniffa Fall Ball, it came down to Navegar or Poivre Piquant, and the latter won out. I’m happy with Poivre Piquant, but I wish I had just gotten them both on the spot. Can’t go to Spring Fling, so thinking Navegar may be my Fall Ball FB purchase… perfect for the fall/winter season.
Nevegar is beautiful!!!
Can’t agree more! (Why didn’t I get it way back then? What an error!)
I am interested in the Demeter fragrances
Heard that some of them are quite interesting and unusual,
not pricey though…so good for a cheap “cheer me up” thrill !
I have tried their online store but shipping to the UK is far more expensive,
takes too long and further import taxes apply
Do you know if Demeter has a UK or other european retailer?
Thank you in anticipation
I would very much appreciate your advice.
Hi phanie,
I see from the Demeter website that the only retailer they have listed for the UK is Roullier White which has both a store and a website for online sales. Looks like Roullier White has a sample service too.
Hello Lindaloo,
I was not aware of this online store and it is very interesting indeed!
White Roullier has a wide range a fragrances (some of them like Demeter and Atelier Cologne are hard to find in England)
Thank you ever so much for the recommendation 🙂
Sorry and so rude to cut in like this, but… Lindaloo, I miss you! If you wish to be in touch: olenska dot art at verizon dot net!
Cuir de Russie
Need u , want u , have to have you!!!!
You can never have enough leather in the wardrobe right?
Please help 🙂
Not only can you not have enough leather, but THAT leather… it is the most stunningly beautiful leather of them all! I have it in both the parfum and the edt. My work is done here.
Amen !
Hahahahahaha just enjoying how neatly you wrapped that up. Glad we dispensed with that one! 😉
(And also, for whatever my much less expert opinion may be worth, I agree, for leather you can’t go wrong there. It is The Real Thing.)
They finally have these in smaller bottles, so they are–comparatively speaking–not that expensive!
I just adore the giant man size bottles that Chanel does! So it’s the large bottle I’m coverting 🙂
Thanks fragrant friends , with such support it would be a injustice if I left it any longer !
I have a giant bottle of 31 RC (my CdR is in extrait) and I can confirm that spraying from one of those suckers makes for a particularly indulgent experience. And, frankly, even those bottles are positively affordable compared to the prices thate some other niche brands charge.
Ooh, Abyss, I have a giant 31 RC, too. Just love spraying from it 🙂
Get it before IFRA ruins it!
I just put in an order for a few “skank” set samples and a couple of others from Surrender to Chance (L’air Rien, Muscs Kublai Khan, Musc Tonkin and Santal Majuscule) I’ve been looking for a sexy warm weather musk that’s not too heavy or rose/white flower infested. I’m looking for something kind of odd and different and a bit naughty. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Also I’ve had my eye on a full bottle of Bulgari Black. There is a new Nordstrom Rack in our area and they have it at a bargain.
Bulgari Black is excellent in my opinion! I like wearing it on cooler spring evenings or during the rainy season, it’s almost comforting to me. If the price is good, I say go for it!
And there is no shortage of cool Spring evenings at the moment. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it works out. Thanks for the encouragement.
I love Black, but don’t buy it unsniffed! It’s so popular and raved about that it might seem a slam dunk, but it has some notes that could really be headache inducing or off putting. If you do love it, I’d say go for it though. There’s really nothing else like it, and so inexpensive.
Thanks for the advice. I haven’t tried it yet but it sounds like something I would like. I will sample it next week at the Rack.
Wise. I like it but it does make me a little sneezy.
As long as it doesn’t make you grumpy or sleepy…
Ha!
Ah, my Nordstrom Rack is presenting same dilemma to me! Black is such a great scent (odd and naughty–totally) and such a bargain… but I haven’t nabbed one yet because it’s fairly similar to Dzing which I think I prefer (maybe? or is it just Giacobetti bias?) Of course Dzing’s about six times the price, so I’m in paralysis and for the moment have bought neither.
Meanwhile will think over other warm-weather musk. No rose/white flowers rules out most of my other initial ideas (all the NRs, SJP Lovely). Oh–Dans Tes Bras?
I think I have that bias for sure. On some level I think a perfume can’t be good or trustworthy if it’s not expensive. Or it will smell good initially and then suddenly turn into stank. And I will never be able to get it off as in a demented Hans Christian Anderson story. Anyway I’m not totally against rose or white flowers as long as the perfume is not too flowery sweet.Thanks for thinking on it!
HA! “I will never be able to get it off as in a demented Hans Christian Anderson story”–that is EXACTLY what that feels like!
As for floral, if it’s just that they need to be not-too-sweet, then yeah worth running through most all of the NR line as well as Lovely. Plenty of musk to go around! Also Serge Fleurs d’oranger maybe? Depending on how you feel about cumin? Oh for a cheap thrill, maybe White Libertine from Body Shop? That’s def summer-compatible although maybe not skanky enough. Same for Clair de Musc though that’s no cheap thrill 🙂 Kiehl’s Original Musk No.1 (I like the oil)? A fairly animalic musk plus citrus, that’s good for summer. …that’s about all that comes to mind off the top of my head, but good luck, I’ll be curious to know what you end up going for!
Dzing! is a great suggestion, C.H.!
I need to be careful, we might talk me into buying some too! 🙂 Do you wear it much? I’d be curious to know how other people respond when you do. I’m totally enamored with it, but since it’s definitely “different” I can’t tell if my love is a sign I’ve been completely stricken with perfume mania, or if civilians find it agreeable too. (I probably want some either way, but if I’m mostly wearing it privately I might not need a full bottle.)
Dzing! is one of the lighter leather perfumes, so I can wear it most of the year. I can’t think of any reactions, but I apply lightly. It smells different to some people, judging from comments; it never hurts to get a decant first.
I actually just tried Dans Tes Bras this week AND wow – love it!
I hesitate to get samples of FM perfumes because I’m afraid I will like them too much and they are so expensive to buy. And I’m sure I’m the ONLY person having that dilemma…
I had my first visit to Aedes a few months ago and they gave me a sample of Lipstick Rose and I loved it even though I’m not into rose and totally not into raspberry. It was scary how much I liked what I’m not supposed to like. I felt like I was being drawn into something against my will…
But the bewitching is the best part 😉
Knock-out, right?? Takes “skin scent” to a whole other level.
(Hmm En Passant might not be the only thing I’m tempted to buy…)
Yup unbelievably gorgeous. Those perfumes are fine art, costing about as much as dinner for two in a high end restaurant. I just bought a decant of Amouage Interlude Man and I can tell it will last a very long time because of the strength and quality, so it’s expensive but worth it. If you have the funds, you should definitely go for it.
I have to try En Passant again. At this point with the Malles, I’m in the process of sorting them into Possible FB, Travel Sprays (they are supremely swappable), decant (what size?), In Limbo (swap wish list or sample size will do), Need to try again the next time I visit a stockist and FMH (Tried It – Didn’t Like It – Will Not (Re)visit). Lipstick Rose and Bois d’orage are in FMH.
Narciso Rodriguez Essence or Essence Eau de Musc? Also Encens Mythique (Guerlain) is meant for summer but it’s a powerhouse, not heavy but potent, and the dirtiest-smelling clean musk you will encounter.
The Tom Ford musks were overpriced but two of them do “light summer musk” quite nicely.
Ah yes, Incens Mythique. I will try. Thanks!!!
AND the Narciso Rodriguez for Her Intense is less floral than the regular EDP or EDT, more of a floral musk.
Thank you so much LYS. I remember being intrigued by NR many years ago and I’m looking forward to getting some samples at Sephora. I provide massage therapy for HIV clients on Wednesdays and the place I do that is really close to a Sephora. So that will be my post treatment giving treat to self. I looked up the musk for her on Fragrantica and it looks like it has been discontinued. So I will try what I can. Thanks again.
The NR Musc for Her Oil, which was a perfume oil, has been discontinued for a while (I’m mostly anosmic to it I think), but the NR for Her Musc Intense EDP is still available (that’s the iridescent pink bottle). For Her EDP and EDT aren’t really musks, just floralchoulis.
NR Essence in all iterations is a musk fragrance, the Essence Intense is discontinued I think. Oh yeah, and there’s masculine versions of the NR which I have never tried.
Sorry if this post is redundant – maybe you know all this stuff already 😀 – but I find the line confusing.
Encens Mythique was one of my favorite releases last year.
ALSO sometimes people recommend Tocca Cleopatra as a sub for NRfH Musc, which it’s not really but it IS an affordable summer floral musk that they have at Sephora and it’s one of those fragrances I like even tho I should hate it. The body lotion version is terrible however.
Hi LYS,
Thank you so much for the information. I was getting really confused by all the different NR perfumes and your post was super clarifying for me. I will definitely try the NR musk in the pink bottle now. As far as Encens Mythique, I did a little research and it’s super duper expensive. I will probably go for a sample of it and maybe a decant if that one works out. It sounds like something I would really like. Also, thanks for the info about Cleopatra. I tried that one awhile back and it didn’t really do it for me. I can’t remember why, but I will sniff it again and Sephora this week.
BK Back to Black is worth trying, Sajini.
Yes I will try B2B next time I’m in Saks. I’m already the perfume counter lurker in there, but they are always super nice to me. I read a description on Fragrantica and it looks like something I would really like.
Try Musc Nomade by Annick Gourtal. That’s my favorite warm weather musk. It has a lovely angelica note. It’s pretty cheap on ebay right now, especially if you get the men’s bottle. Sample first, of course. (I’m not a fan of Black. The rubber note is really strong for me.)
I’d be interested to try that one. I read some reviews and it looks like it’s pretty subtle for some people. I like understated perfume so it might just be a winner for me. I will try and thanks.
Bulgari Black is Awesome, but in the skank category you might also want to keep an eye out for Idole de Lubin. The skank is more from oud than musk but I love it so!!
Thanks for the tip. I think Idole might have been in the skank set I was looking at. I will want to try that one. Sounds intriguing. I’ve also been thinking bout sampling Bal de Versailles. I remember thinking that one was pretty gross when I was a teenager. So I’d probably like it now!
I thought I would love Black, but the rubber n it gives me a headache, so do try before you buy. Many people love it though! And I would second the Kiehl’s Musk recommendations – it is pretty straight up musk, but light and very inexpensive.
Hi all! I would love some help with my list of candidates for spring fragrances! Many online sites are having a sale this Easter weekend, which is making me especially eager to decide on my spring/summer FB purchase.
My current choices are:
Van Cleef and Arpels First
Prada Infusion d’Iris
Hermes Un Jardin Apres La Mousson
Dior Diorella
Annick Goutal Songes
(all from online discounters, and thus in modern formulation)
I’m also a poor grad student and since I have perfume-eating skin, I’m trying not to get an FB of anything that’s more than 1EUR/ml… debating the by Kilian discovery set though, since it’s not badly priced for a discovery set.
Songes.
Thanks! That’s one I know I like.
Have you tried the Infusion d’Iris Absolue yet? Especially for someone whose skin devours perfume, it could be worth trying that guy before you invest in a bottle of the regular Id’I, in case the Absolue is a lot longer-lasting on you.
Meanwhile, are you talking about the Kilian set of ten 7.5ml bottles for about $200US? If so, have you smelled any of the Kilians already? If you know you like some, then it would be great to have the small bottles, but otherwise for my grad student pennies, I’d stick to something I already know I like and would be sure of getting a lot of mileage out of. I am among the people who wasn’t thrilled thrilled with the Kilians, so I might have been bummed to spend $200 for a collection I wasn’t that psyched to wear. But does Kilian offer another cheaper kit that I’m not aware of?
For another discovery kit, Ormonde Jayne’s is a good option if you don’t already know those–it’s a lot cheaper than the Kilian and her store’s doing a free 10ml travel spray this weekend with all orders!
I haven’t tried the Absolue! I’ve only tried the regular Infusion d’Iris (pretty much every time I pass by a bottle in a perfume/cosmetics store…) but I’m so used to perfume disappearing on me within the hour that I didn’t consider whether I d’I would be even more fleeting on my skin, haha. Thanks for the tip though, I will look out for it.
The European (international?) by Kilian website offers a discovery set where you can choose 5 1.5ml samples for 15, which is not too terrible considering the cost of bK FBs…!
I do have the Ormonde Jayne discovery set, courtesy of a great friend. Unfortunately though, OJ scents are a little overpowering on me … it’s a house with a very distinctive style that unfortunately just doesn’t work on my skin.
Oh so they do! Thanks so much for pointing that Kilian set out to me–I was only aware of the $200 one that a Saks SA tried to push on me. 15euro is a lot more reasonable!
Do try the Absolue! Maybe it will help!
How different to the original is the Infusion d’iris Absolue? I love the original and have actually nearly finished a bottle and I’m debating a repurchase – but I like the idea of a bit of difference. But I haven’t found any way to sample the absolue.
I’m afraid I’m not a very good person to answer this; I just sniffed the Absolue on paper, and when it seemed pretty similar to Id’I, I didn’t go farther because I have enough of that on hand to cover me for the time being. You might check out Robin’s review, though, if you haven’t already; she also found them pretty similar but the Absolue “deeper [and] richer”, not as “light and airy” as the original. https://nstperfume.com/2012/05/24/prada-infusion-diris-absolue-perfume-review/
Thanks C.H.!
I like that BK discovery collection. It has most of my fav Calice Beckers: Back to Black, Liaisons Dangereuses, Beyond Love and A Taste of Heaven.
Thank you, nozknoz! I think I will go for it. 😀
The only one on your list I’m familiar with is Infusion d’iris which I’ve nearly finished a bottle of. It really is a very beautiful scent to wear and I love how versatile it is. It seems to suit just about any occasion without being bland or indistinct and I found it wearable all year long. I love it and never regretted buying it.
I do love Infusion D’Iris and it seems perfect for spring, so at the moment I’m leaning towards either that or Songes. 😀 Thank you!
I have scent eating skin and find that Diorella in its current formulation has poor tenacity. Best treated as a summer cologne, perhaps with a decant to carry with you for spritzes later in the day.
That’s good to know… even for the price I’ve found it at the discounters, I don’t think it’s cheap enough to spray with abandon. Thank you 😀
I’d add Guerlain’s Chamade to your list as well. It is a classic and very beautiful green spring scent, and with the Guerlain base, I think it would probably last very well even on scent eating skin. I’ve checked on-line, and you can find the edt for within your price guide. Amazon even had some in the old gold box with the black at the top. Older is always better with Guerlain.
Id’I has been my go-to scent for almost 5 years now. It is such a comforting, calming scent and I wear it year round. You can’t go wrong with a FB.
I live in Brazil, further south in Florianópolis. Am Psychologist and study my Masters degree on olfactory perception. I collect perfumes, write about them and also think Perfume is art and expression of your personality. I really want to meet Tom Ford perfumes. They are not sold here. I met droplets that my friends and I sent fallen in love with Tobacco Vanille. If here in Brazil we use so much perfume, why we do not have so many beautiful fragrances?
Dâmaris
Blog Village Beauté
from Brasil
Brazil is supposed to be one of the “up & coming” perfume markets…would think Tom Ford would get there eventually!
Did you call Daslu? They might have it.
Opardu. I’m currently in a big lush perfume mode but my new job essentially wants us fragrance free (though they have godawful smelling Fresh scent Lysol spray in all the massage rooms) and Opardu has fabulous longetivity but is mostly a skin scent on me after an hour or so. So lush but quiet. Of course I’m also a broke grad student and I’m planning on getting Sacrebleu and The Bug as soon as my finances are in order. I had thought about getting Coeur d’Ete as my quiet work-friendly scent (I’m bored with TDC osmanthus) but Opardu has a lushness that Coeur D’Ete doesn’t. Aack.
My new philosophy regarding office friendly, etc. is just to wear a small amount of your favorite fragrance. I really think it’s too much perfume that offends people, rather than a particular smell. They don’t want it invading their space, which I understand. Sacrebleu is so beautiful! Buy that and dab rather that spray a tiny bit to wear to work.
Unfortunately,my basic job description has me invading other people’s space–I’m a massage therapist. Sacrebleu has been on the list for years so I’m definitely getting that –no worries there !
LOL BUY IT !!!
Opardu is ah-mazing!
OK, I’m standing on the rim of Crater Lake (love that pic, Robin – we stayed there on our honeymoon a thousand years ago) and wondering if I need SSS Cocoa Sandalwood. Maybe just the 5ml travel spray?
As reasonably priced as the SSS travel sprays are, there is absolutely no reason not to get one if you like one of the SSS scents. If $50 is the new free, then $25 is practically like getting paid to take it.
I was a tester on Cocoa/Sandalwood, and I can tell you that it is gorgeous! I never thought I’d love a cocoa scent so much. But it is dry and sophisticated, not foody or gourmand at all. Laurie is a genius. I already have a bottle so of course I’m going to tell you to go for it. Her prices are a steal compared to most other brands – especially for the quality.
Thanks 50Roses and Rap! The (practically like being paid) travel spray will be mine.
For some reason, none of the SSS frags seem to work for me 🙁
Do you think it’s something in the base,and if so, what?
My guess is that it is the base (top and heart notes really vary while her base is signature). Within the base, I’d say it’s probably the labdanum (amber). Hope this helps, although I’m sorry the line doesn’t work for you.
You might try the two new naturals: Cocoa/Sandalwood and Citrus/Vetiver – neither have her normal base.
Hi Rapple, Thanks for the reply. Labdanum! That must be it. I did try Cocoa Sandalwood, and it didn’t work on my skin, either! Oh well, my swap buddies have been kept happy with nice SSS samples 🙂
People, it’s only money. Just buy it. Whatever it is. As long as your bills are paid and your basic needs are met, just do it. If you sock it away for your golden years it’ll end up being spent on doctors and nursing homes. Enjoy things while you can, when you can. Live for today because as I’m seeing with my parents the future might be pretty bleak.
Life is too short to be fragrance free.
Hugs to you Poodle…so true with the Live for Today philosophy.
Hugs and poodle kisses right back at you.
😀
So good to hear a voice of reason in this sea of enabling! 😉
Voice of reason? I’m going to have to show that to the hubby. 😉
Always happy to back you up! You want me to write that you’re always correct, too?–especially about those clothes getting put in the hamper and replacing the toilet paper roll when you finish it! 😀
Poodle, you have my undying love for this comment!
Aww…it’s nice to be loved. Sending you a virtual hug Jonette.
You’ve got another fan! Great philosophy!
If only I would practice what I preach. 🙂
I tried Hypnotic Poison eau secret today – and really liked it. It reminded me of the original HP – but it’s less heady and overpowering – the stuffy almond note is less noticeable – so this version doesn’t remind of a viper’s breath anymore. But it is also much more wearable! and since all the people I know always comment on the original HP as being the most Horrifingly-Mindboggling thing they ever smelled on me – I’m considering to buy eau secrete)
and still want to know what Versace Versus Donna smelled like…
Good to know since I still haven’t seen it and may never, thanks!
Ok so, mine is Tauer’s Une Rose Vermeille. I love love love love love this delicious hot pink and red rose petal and raspberry confection. And it’s not at all my usual style so I have nothing even remotely similar. BUT 1. It’s much louder than anything I wear (initially anyway – I find the dry down to be close to the skin). Even a drop on my wrist is BIG and I am a discrete perfume wearer by nature. So it would be a bold move to wear it sprayed…. And 2. I found out on last weeks poll that Tauer (and SSS) no longer ship directly to Australia so if I want to buy a full bottle it will be through Luckyscent and the shipping will be $40. I just hate the idea of spending $40 on shipping… Oh but I do love it very much….
I have the same dilemma with Luckyscent. $40 is huge. I’ve only ever purchased a few samples from them, of things I can’t get elsewhere. I feel your pain.
I have been wanting to purchase Tom Ford’s Jasmin Rouge. Love it! There are a few more from the Tom Ford line that I would love to own. Also, from the Maison Francis Kurkdjiion line, I love the APOM and Amyris Femme. And could someone please explain to me why Judith Leiber stopped making her “Leiber” perfume? I loved that fragrance sooo much!
I, of course, need nothing. Nope. No coffrets have been whistling at me from afar, no flirtatious bottles of Bois des Iles have lifted their skirts at me, and I never, EVER consider buying more Ubar. Nope. I am solid and steadfast and unmovable. Just watch me! 😉
…but seriously you have incredible will power. I can’t believe you’ve held out so long against the coffret’s siren song!!
I don’t always show such self-restraint. But the whole just-bought-my-first-house thing helps to keep things in perspective. I estimate that if I did *everything* I want to in order to make my house as decorated/fabulous as I want, I will need to spend about $4000 more. Makes a girl pause in her perfume purchasing and consider the options more carefully.
OTOH, I went to Barneys when I was in Vegas this week, and sampled the new FM and really liked it! I think I’m safe from a lemming, as it dries down to something very safe pretty quickly, and I usually like my frags to have some presence. But still. . .
Ohh, yeah decorating a house can stack up! Hm ok, well as long as there’s a good reason to keep holding out 😉
Shoot. All that resolve and I just bought 50mL of Ubar. The conversation above sent me to BE, and I got it for $163. Seemed about as good a deal as I could expect! On the other hand, I realize that I haven’t bought a FB in a really long time–since I bought my house, I think! Ahh, the stories we tell ourselves to justify extravagances! 🙂
Surely the most economical way to give into perfume spending 😉
Think of it as decorating your new house with perfume bottles. 😉
Oh no..Lyric is discounted on BE. I am trying not to buy any perfume, but it’s 33% off..this is dangerous!!!
CH–I always appreciate your support!
Aparatchick–It *does* add to my enjoyment of my home, right?!
Funny, as I’ve already developed that reputation. In a misguided effort to reconnect with an ex, I emailed a fella I haven’t spoken with in a year (since he ended it). Amongst conversational topics, he made sure to ask me how my perfume cabinet fared in the move. 😀
Tara–I’m still undecided if it is very good news or very bad news to find discounted bottles of Amouage! Thank goodness my Amouage “buy” list only had one bottle on it.
Hmmmm Ubar eh!? I’m on a mission to find “my” Amouage. Heaven knows why – they are VERY expensive but I do love the idea of east meets west and I love that they are made with quality ingredients and care. For the last few sample orders I’ve done I’ve thrown in a random Amouage and so far tried Lyric Woman, Interlude Man, Reflection Woman and Gold Woman. None of these have been “the one”. Sounds like I should include Ubar in my next sample order?
BTW I love your descriptions of flirtatious ‘fumes.
Ubar is a “special occasion” perfume for me, but when I want it (usually in mid-winter), it is EXACTLY right.
The only Amouage that I have thus far deemed FBW is Memoir, which I completely adore. I *nearly* bought Interlude Man as well, but apparently that was merely a tryst. 🙂
I’ve tried most all the Amouages and the only one fb worthy for me is Epic Woman. I’d say Opus V, too, but as I’ve already written, it’s so strong I’d never get through a fb in a lifetime, so make do with one little sample per year (or longer). I almost like Jubilation 25 enough, but not quite.
Just added Ubar, Memoir and Epic to April’s sample order 🙂
I remember liking Epic Man better than Epic Woman, but I might be an outlier in that. I remember it being more green woods and less floral, but still very unisex. It’s been on my sample list for ages . . .
I have two fragrances on my list.
Chanel 1932 and Amouage Honour.
I do NOT need anymore perfume. I feel like once you go down this road you’ll always find something you enjoy wearing but something new will always be “better”. That said, both fragrances are so well done I just want to cry haha.
How are people getting deals on the Amouage fragrances? I’m still new at this and I’m wondering if I’m missing out on how to score deals.
Sometimes, if you watch ebay for a while you will see a well-priced partial or tester. As noted above, BeautyEncounter has a good deal on Dia right now. I’ve ordered from BE many times and found them reliable.
I really want a bottle of EL Tuberose Gardenia. A couple weeks ago I tested it and then picked up some takeout and the 20 year old at the counter swooned and asked me what I was wearing. The other day I put on the sweater I was wearing that day, and could’t stop smelling the cuff, when I realized it still smelled of the TG. At $85 for the 1 oz I’m debating making it my Easter present to myself.
I just got some new samples in the mail yesterday, so Amouage Dia is going to be my Easter fragrance today. I am hoping I don’t love it, as it’s a far cry from the $85 TG!
Have been meaning to try EL PCTG forever. You’ve prompted me to finally order a sample!
Speaking of tuberose, I’ve been testing Honore des Pres Vamp a New York this weekend, after seeing that it’s now available from Anthropologie. It’s really delicious.
After a long drought of buying any perfume, in the last month I went overboard–especially the big investment of SL De Profundis and Une Voix Noire, plus La fille de Berlin. As if they weren’t enough, I also bought Marni, Chanel 1932, FM Dries von Noten, Bottega Veneta Legere’ and Jour d’ Hermes. So I am set for a while except I want Andy Tauer’s new fragrance that comes out this month. Happy Easter to all!
Happy Easter Filomena. You smell great!
Thanks Lys, have a wonderful day!
Wow, and I thought *I* had done too much splurging lately! Seriously, i really want to try the Dries von Noten. Not only do I adore his clothes (which I have only seen in stores, it’s not that I own any) but the descriptions make it sound really wonderful.
Calypso,
I do not know his clothes, but I love the scent–it does remind me a little of Dans tes Bras–but without the violet.
Tried this at Barney’s this week, and I really like it too. I can see the connection with DTB, but I find it less skanky and, thankfully for my wallet, I think I’ve decided that it dries down to too polite for me. Probably. 🙂
On Friday I went to Neiman-Marcus to try the Ramon Monegal butterfly perfume there (Pure Mariposa). I bought it almost instantly. It has some unusual notes and the dry-down is a lot different from the opening, but I like it. I’ve seen reviewers put off by the synthetics in it but to me it is all just very gossamer.
The only thing now left on my to buy list is a FB of Histoires de Parfums Rare Ambrarem. I recently bought 1740 from Luckyscent and they included some samples with it and the Ambrarem has knocked me out. For now I have bought a large-sized spray decant of it, but I’m still lusting after the bottle. Not cheap though at $185.
If you can get a Monegal, you can get this one. We know the decant will be gone soon, then what will you do? Just do it.
Fragrance… Is one of those, Ephemeral Joys! it’s a Personal Pleasure and Indulgence and something, Funds Permitting, We should never deny ourselves! Many is the moment, I have had a not so great day at work, and i go in some corner or niche and give my wrist a sniff and Inhale the Magical Beauty of the Original M7 or Chanel Pour Monsieur or A*Men Pure Coffee and My Day is Refreshed. Or Maybe some wonderful Lady sashays by me and i get a whiff of Shalimar or Chanel No. 5 or Beautiful or whatever and I smile on the inside as well as out!
No, Perfume is A Secret Joy that can be shared with everyone. even though you may think it’s a personal affect that only serves to Bolster your sexuality or charisma or Powers of Seduction, what we also may not realize that a beautiful scent can bring so much quiet pleasure to others as well…
So go on, Treat yourselves… Buy that Elusive Bottle of By Kilian Aphrodisiac or that Clive Christian that has been calling you for AGES, or maybe hunt down a RARE bottle of Original Cuir De Russie from Chanel and Give yourself a Loving Nudge by finding another facet of yourself that this fragrance enhances… you never know whom else’s lives you also may be enriching by Doing So! 😀
I really want to buy a bottle of Calamity J by JHAG. A few years back I read about this scent in a newspaper article and I was intrigued: ¨a manly scent for a woman¨ So I went to the store and got a sample. I liked it. Meanwhile I bought some other scents: Antaeus, Habit Rouge, but stil, I had the feeling that I needed something less conservative, more daring. So I got myself another sample of Calamity J which I use sparely because I really don´t want to empty it. The only thing that is holding me back is the pricetag, -it is over 1 euro/per ml, and I am not sure if it´s not too feminine for a guy to wear. I really like it though. And just wondering, is there anyone who knows about the longevity of this parfum? I read on some forums that it dissapears within a few (short) hours…
I have calaminty jane and it sticks to me and my clothing all day, but so does lady vengeance, so maybe its that house that lasts a long time on me.
Thnx for letting me know, (-:
I am craving a bottle of Tommi Sooni Tarantella. It’s a righteous green chypre of the sort that’s rarely made anymore. I read about it on another blog, immediately tracked it down on Luckyscent — where, joy of joys, it was marked down from $185 to $95 — and ordered a sample (because no blind buys, right?). The sample arrived a couple of days later and was every bit as good as advertised, so I promptly went back online to order a bottle — only to find that in the space of those couple of days, the price had gone back up to $185.
Ye gods.
Even worse, it seems that TPC and STC don’t carry this one, so I can’t just make do with a decant. So, I guess this is what I get for being a good perfumista and resisting the siren song of the blind buy. I’m doing our taxes today, so if things work out the way I hope they will, perhaps I should put a bit of the refund toward my beloved, now-full-priced Tarantella.
Also, the bottle has a (tasteful) illustration of a naked lady schlepping around a massive diamond. Just sayin’.
It is my duty as your friend to save you from a blind buy (cheap or not) – The Posh Peasant, another sample/decant site, has samples of Tarantella. Give it a try, and if you love it, keep watch until it goes on sale again.
Oh, but Rappleyea, I already have and love a sample! This whole unfortunate sequence of events happened precisely because I *was* a good perfumista and *didn’t* succumb to the blind-buy temptation. But in the time it took for my sample to arrive, the FB price went back up.
I’m trying to convince myself that if I’d pounced on an unsniffed FB, I would have hated it.
BTW, I’ve been wearing that sample of Tawaf you sent me — so beautiful, yet so fleeting, which is the only reason I haven’t ordered a FB.
Oh dear… what about a decant then (5 mls. = $36.00) while you wait for either a sale, discount or the price to come back down?
I can’t believe Tawaf is fleeting on you. It lasted forever on me. And I forgot to send you a sample of Mecca Balsam, which is a love for me. Okay, I lied above – I DO want a bottle of MB!
The 5 ml decant is tempting (and thanks for finding Tarantella on the Posh Peasant; I tend to forget about that site). But then I start thinking about how much more economical the FB is in terms of price per ounce; plus there’s the naked lady with the massive diamond, and you can’t really put a price on that 🙂
It’s unusual for me to have longevity issues with a perfume, so I was surprised by that, too. But Tawaf is so gorgeous that I might decide I don’t even care. And I will have to try Mecca Balsam sometime. (You should get that bottle in the meantime!)
I have to admit that the naked lady w/ diamond almost made *me* want a bottle! And you’re right about the price/ml. About half for the FB. How’s that for enabling?
I would like a big bottle of Cuir de Russe. I have samples but have to be careful as they run out quickly and would like to reek of it.
Just get one..it is the, the leather scent to have. I can’t do leather heavy scents..so please, wear it for the leather challenged like myself. I do like a little leather..maybe if you get it..I will start breaking out the BVL Black or something. I know someone who’s fave note is leather and I believe Cuir is her fave..plus an Exclusif is a must have in any collection.
Do it! Just do it. In the end, I’m sure a FB will be far more economical than continuing to shell out for samples.
I’m itching to buy a bottle of Tobacco Vanille but I haven’t found a store that sends a bottle to here yet. I should have it cause it’s so good that makes me want to drink the perfume! Yuuuum!
Yes get it somehow..the longevity is supposed to be awesome I hear..that alone..just get it, find a way.
I really want Carnal Flower and the Byredo that has Saffron, and Amouage Dia and Opus IV and VI. I will have to choose one. Last time I went to Barney’s with a wad of money I bought three 100 ml niche frags and spent it all. Mon Número, Musc RAVENGER, and LABDANUM BY LE LABO. I WAS ON HIATUS AFTER THAT. BUT I CAN’T DECIDE. IM LEANING TOWARD CF.
I am not into tuberose..so please get it for me, that someone may enjoy the notes, plus CF, is the(underline the) tuberose scent to get..and it’s spring..bring on the white flowers I say. I can’t really afford to buy a Malle..so please again, do it for me. For the love of Fracas, just get it! LOL.
I so want a bottle Parfums deMDCI Chypre Palatin, though I cannot justify a bottle considering how much perfume I have! But every time I wear my sample I want it more…
Hi SarahBeth, I’m with you on that band wagon! I have a 9 ml sample and am cautiously applying it to make it last longer. Can’t believe that this is considered a masculine. To me, it veers towards the feminine if anything. Once my sample is gone, however, a full bottle will follow, and I think you should have one, too 🙂
I went to Chicago with the family last weekend and I dragged my 6 year old daughter to Barney’s. Planned on walking out with a bottle of Angeliques sous la pluie, (also considered a nice Malle coffret set they had) but couldn’t bring myself to do it for some reason. Maybe it was due to the fact we just treated her to the American Girl Doll store. 🙂
So, ordered a few decants when we returned home instead. 😀
A bottle of L’Heure Blue in extrait form. I keep thinking I will do this, but only when the stores have their big gift with purchase or other promotion so I get the full value of the extravagant purchase. But then I get caught up in either not having enough loose cash during the big beauty giveways (Why do they do them in February, right after the Xmass spending?”) And when I do have the cash, I wonder whether it would be smarter to get Jicky, which I do not have any form.
Others on my “buy” list which have yet to be bought are Mono Di Orio Vetyver, and Dans Tes Bras.
Oh, and also Dans Tes Bras
Dilana, may I make a suggestion? I have L’Heure Bleue and Jicky both in newish extrait and vintage* edp and edt respectively. In both cases, I prefer the vintage versions. They are stronger than the current extrait, and the vintage versions both have more sillage and are richer, truer to the original scent. I think you could get Jicky *and* L’Heure Bleue on the auction site for the cost of one bottle of extrait.
*shiny gold box (not newer brushed gold) with black at the top
I once purchased a perfume from ebay and it smelled to me strongly of nail polish. I don’t know if that was spoiled juice or simply my reaction to a particular accord (Tauer perfumes also have a chemically scent to my nose, but everyone else loves them so I assume the problem is with me.)
Anyway, I am unaware of which auction site you are recommending, as having lower cost vintages. I had assumed any vintage Guerlains would be really pricey. Would you agree to provide the name? Is it EBay.
lol! Yes, eBay. I don’t know why I worded it that way. Nail polish remover is the classic description of a scent whose top notes have gone off. *Usually* if you persevere and wear it anyway, after a few minutes that smell disappears and the frag will be fine.
Vintage costs are all over the board, but I’ve found it pretty easy to eventually find deals. And I usually end up buying a “Buy Now” one rather than an auction. And knock on wood, I’ve been very lucky and the juice has always been fine.
Tauers don’t work on me either! And for the same reason you describe. We might be scent twins!
Hello! I fell in love with Visconti Terre-de-feu in this winter. I had ordered sample and decided, that this one must be mine. But at that time it was too expensive for me. At the same time I tested sample with Clair de lune (visconti too). It seemed to be very interesting, but not for me…. Now, when I decide to order my Terre, I find, that it grate but may be not so unique, as it seemed. But Lune… It is absolutely indescribable, but very familiar to me. Fresh but in old fashion style. And, that is the most important, it remind me of smth, that couldn’t be in my life. Smth like from the previous life. In the end, I deside to order the both frag…. But now BOTH “not available at the moment”…. Awful!
I want Fleurs de Sel so that I can smell the beach when I’m about as far from it as you can get, but the price is very high. I thought I’d found a discount at Chifo Perfumes, but they’er out of stock no matter what their website says.
Try Fragrance.net. Also Min New York seems to run Miller Harris’s frequently on their deal of the day.
P.S. I have absolutely no financial connection with either business.
I went back to Fragrance.net and there it was! They didn’t have any a week ago. The moral of the story is to keep checking.