A quick 'n easy poll: what fragrance always cheers you up when you're having a bad day?
Note: image passion flower [cropped] is by helico at flickr; some rights reserved.
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Oh hai, Now Smell This! I have a phone interview this morning (I’ll tell you where if I get the job!), which means that I can wear whatever perfume I want for the interview! I need something that will keep me alert and confident. What would y’all suggest? I’m thinking vintage No. 5 Eau de Cologne for its commanding presence.
Ari, that one will make sure you “own the room”, even if the room is only your bedroom or den. Good luck, and get in front of a mirror so you remember to smile. They will hear it in your voice. Now, go get ’em!
Yes, I agree with smile and would add the suggestion of still dressing like you’re in an interview (or mostly). I would have a hard time “getting into the part” in my jammies! Good luck, break a leg, and all that!
Good luck Ari! I’m crossing my fingers for you. I have no idea what to suggest for a perfume though. I’d go with my favorite since it’s a phone interview.
Keeping fingers crossed for you!
Good luck Ari !
For me – it’s Mitsouko , always Mitsouko .I spray too much when I have a bad day but hell , I smell good.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Hope your interview goes well! I wear No. 5 discretely to interviews, funerals and any awkward social situations. It never fails to bolster me and make me feel composed and more ladylike. It made my mom and me smile on a tough day–we independently chose to wear it to my dearest Grandpa’s funeral a couple years ago. I wore the Eau Premiere version to my job interview two weeks ago, and now have an offer! It’s a wonderful elixir. Go get ’em Ari
I wore Chanel Cristalle EDP when I got my current job – it always builds confidence for me!
Good luck for your interview! I had one yesterday and wore a discrete spritz of Eau Parfumee du the vert.
hmm, 2 PdNs immediately come to mind: Le Temps d’une Fete and the original Number One. They’re both uplifting and mood-enhancing.
Recently tested the 2 new Le Labos. Ylang 49 was a huge patchouli fest on me. I normally like chypres, but not this one. Lys 41 was a lovely white floral initially, but then skewed quite coconut-intensive. Not bad, but would have preferred more floral. Did anyone else get a coconut-amplified experience from this?
Yes, I get a fair dash of coconut in Lys 41. It’s a facet of the coconut I think? I like it. Also love Number One, I find it calming and steadying. There’s tuberose in that one as well, but very retrained.
Going to leave shortly to see Blue Jasmine. I won a sample of GS03, so I will wear that. I like it and don’t recall what I did to get it.
I hope grandma, here, remembers how to get to the theatre!
I want to see that — how was it?
Really enjoyable. Starts out w/ that Allen-esque anxious stammering that always seems so self concious to me, but smoothes out to a good story and some fine acting. Cate B. is great in making a loathesome woman also absympathetic one and the supporting cast is nice. A small but sweet turn by Max Casella was particularly impressive. I think most would enjoy it.
Excellent, thanks so much!
Carriere always cheers me up. It’s such a happy combination of citrus, white floral, and musk. Comforting too. I always wear it to the dentist.
Citrus seems like a good call–not sure I’ve found “my” citrusy scent, yet, although it’s a part of the composition of many of my favorites!
Happy weekend, all! (And greetings from the Twin Cities!)
I’m not sure that I have a single (or even a small handful) of scents that I go to for a bad day. I find some scents very comforting and soothing, but sometimes they’re too heavy if I’m feeling angry or frustrated. In fact, sometimes, I’d rather not smell like anything at all if I’m feeling really irritated!
I *do* love to soak in a bath until I become shriveled, and sometimes I’ll spray a few spritzes of something as I dip my toes in–something pretty like Lipstick Rose or another rose scent (seems very bath-y).
Oh, should add that ever since I wore Ubar for my brother’s memorial last year (which I organized and ran–double-duty stress plus mourning!), I associate it with calm and self-assurance. I feel more capable and put-together when I wear it!
I’m in the Twin Cities too! Just tried Lipstick Rose and loved it. I’m sire it is a comforting good bad-day fume!
Hello, Annina!
I’m actually an Oregonian, but I went to college at Mac, so I come back to the midwest semi-regularly to visit friends. And what a great weekend to be here! A friend has a show in the Fringe, so that’s my official excuse for a visit, but there are all the arts events this weekend, too! Friday I was in Uptown at the art fair, and yesterday at the Walker. . . I do love how Minnesota supports the arts!
Is there a local TC shop that carries Malles? I read that they’ve closed the Neiman Marcus that used to be in downtown Mpls. . . bummer! I’ve nearly drained my bottle of Lipstick Rose and could use a refill.
Yes! La Petit Perfumerie in Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka has some Malles.
Yes, we Twin Citians are great supporters of the arts. We’re proud of our art fairs, theaters, and museums. Glad you’re enjoying yourself. We’ve had gorgeous weather not typical for this time of year. I’m used to suffering heat and humidity by now!
I find rose to be a comforting/cheering note; I would pick Nahema to fortify me after a bad day or Safran Troublant for when I need the perfume equivalent of a big hug
Nahema is so beautiful! I hadn’t thought about it before, but you’re right about how calming a good rose can be.
When I get home after a bad day, my most favorite soothing thing to do is to spray on big clouds of Shalimar and waft around. Sometimes I just want a big, big perfume experience – anyone else feel that way? I’m talking in the privacy of my own home, not inflicting on the general public. I’ve even doused myself in Angel, which I confess I enjoy. I’ll be gone most of the day but I’ll check in later. Please let me know if you enjoy the same kind of experience and what perfume you prefer
I do the same thing. I like to create a wall of scent around me, like it’s going to insulate me from the outside world. I like to wallow in Alien, Jour Ensoleille, Poison, and Shalimar too. The bigger the better. If I can’t do that because I have to leave the house then it’s something with incense for me usually but not always. Perhaps some Trayee, Avignon, or Incense Pure.
That’s it exactly, a protective wall of scent. I did it with Jour E. yesterday and it was marvelous!
>I like to wallow in Alien, Jour Ensoleille, Poison, and Shalimar too.
Alien, Jour Ensoleille, Poison, and Shalimar together at once?!?
Sure, why not?
If I did that then no one, and I do mean no one, would get close enough to bother me.
Perhaps not all at once, but with the way my skin eats perfume I bet I could wear all of them in the same day.
All those together makes for an entirely new reading on the notion of a “wall of scent!” I don’t think I have any fragrances that I wear (alone or in combination) specifically to *deter* people from reaching out to me!
Me too – I’ll put on a cloud of big white floralcy like Carnal Flower or Keiko Mechari Datura Blanche or Amariage and swan around.
Blithie, I am just recently getting my feet wet in the white floral genre. I’m taking baby steps testing Carnal Flower, but I can definitely see swanning around in a cloud of it – it’s that kind of perfume. I hope I find my own white flower diva to wear
Hope everyone is doing good and of course smelling good! I love Polo Blue sometimes, it makes me think of being a teenager and thinking it was the classiest smell in the world. My sister’s boyfriend used to drench himself in it and leave the smell in her car from where he sat for like a week lol. I bought a body spray of it in Sephora last summer just so I could spray my room and car in it.
Ha! Polo Blue smells like former boyfriend to me, and I admit, smelling it on a fella brings back not-entirely-bad associations!
I do recall feeling like it was a much classier choice than some other options at the time and thinking he had really sophisticated tastes!
The original L’eau D’Italie — Eau de Toilette. It smells of happy times, and is a very interesting fragrance.
A good combination — happy and interesting.
Oh and Pleasures for Men by Estee Lauder! My grandfather had a bottle and I would always spray some (alot) when I was at his house. Oh the memories!
Fragrantica says that that one features nectarine — that could be one reason that you like it
Or, perhaps the scent of nectarines bring back memories?
Yes that probably is it! But also the scent is just beautiful in it self even without those memories. Also have very fond memories involving fresh watermelons, Polo Blue has watermelon note according to Polo but I don’t really get watermelon out of that.
Weather permitting, something leathery. Else Chanel no.5
OT question – about to head out to an Iron Maiden concert in a couple of hours and just cannot figure out what perfume to wear. I usually would have worn something with leather but it has been so hot lately that just not feeling the love. Any suggestions?
Ooh, that sounds like great fun! I’d go bold. Wear a big leather and tobacco scent and let it bloom in the heat. An Iron Maiden concert is no time for a shy flower of a perfume
Light up SL’s Cuir Mauresque or Histoires de Parfum’s 1740 (Marquis de Sade) if you’ve got ’em. Whatever you choose, do report back on what you chose. . .and have a ball.
I’ve got Cuir Mauresque! Great suggestion! Have No.19 on standby as well just in case I chicken out…
Thanks again, HemlockSillage because Cuir Mauresque was the SOTE. Just a couple of dabs and it worked beautifully, especially as the weather had dictated that I leave my leather jacket at home. CM made sure I didn’t have to relinquish my “metal fan” membership card
I need to experiment with my SLs more in warm weather.
Sounds like a fantastic night! Glad the CM fit the bill. I have a tiny sample that I wear occasionally, but it amazes me every outing. Glad the show was great. Long as you have the attitude and the love of the music, you never have to turn in your card
Be well.
Wow! Iron Maiden?! Didn’t realize they were still performing! I would go with something big, too. Maybe something from the late 70’s/ early 80’s to go with the glam-rock theme–Angel? Opium? Another heavy-hitter from that era?
Have a great time!
Thanks, Marjorie Rose. Yes, they are still touring and had a pretty great show last night. Angel and Opium are both great suggestions, and I own both although more as reference scents. I’ve never quite got the hang of applying either without smothering myself and everyone within a five mile radius especially as both bottles are sprays. Ultimately wore Cuir Mauresque and it fitted very well!
Glad you had a good time! I’m actually not much of a fan of Angel for that very reason–even a dab can feel overwhelming for me! But Opium somehow, although just as big, doesn’t push me away.
Ok, true confessions time. . . I used to steal squirts of my step-mother’s Opium when I was like, 12. Looking back on it, it’s hard to believe I thought I was getting away with it! In any case, maybe that nostalgia is what’s kept me from disliking it now, even though it doesn’t quite match my other preferences.
Oooh, I think my perfumania started with me stealing dabs of Opium parfum from my mom’s bottle! It seemed so opulent, the heavy glass stopper and heady perfume, so grown up. I wanted to be part of that world. Thanks for reminding me.
I wore Daphne to a Rammstein concert and had tested Carhusia’s Ligea just prior to a Metallica one!
Hey…I think this message on twitter is for you:
https://twitter.com/JohanoB1/status/363923408373182464
Thanks Robin! Though I have a twitter account I’m totally techno-illiterate – but I clicked through your link and have replied:)
Great, glad you guys hooked up!
Good evening!
It’s been another super hot day today. Actually we’ve been experiencing them for the last 3 weeks.
It almost feels like I could slice the air with a kitchen knife, the air is so thick.
Saturday scent of the day is Sonoma Scent Studio Fig Free – as much as I don’t like fig I find this perfume very lovely and uplifting.
I’m looking forward to next Saturday when I’ll be leaving for my summer vacation.
My perfume for a bad day would be something ultra happy, maybe Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli, or Eau d’Italie Acqua Decima. And don’t forget the Prada Amber Pour Homme – this one suits me no matter what.
Have a great vacation Lucas!
Tea for Two
Even though citrus scents will perk me up and potentially turn a bad day around I’m a big baby who wants a hug when things aren’t going my way. Chanel Coco in edp or extrait or L’Artisan’s Tea for Two are my go to comfort scents, although sometimes I reach for Prada Candy or Traversee du Bosphore.
That’s 2 Tea for Two mentions in a row…nice.
I have several, depending on the weather and what kind of bad day I am having. Divine l’Ame Soeur smells happy to me. It is bright, sweet, and cheerful–a smile in a bottle. Aftelier Secret Garden is another go-to that never fails to make me happy. Shiseido Zen (black) smells like sitting in front of a crackling fire. It makes me feel cozy and content, but only in cool weather.
Was that the original Zen? I liked that one.
Yes, the original Zen in the black bottle with the gold flowers on it. My bottle is about 15 to 18 years old. I bought it sometime in the mid to late 1990s.
Nice. I kind of liked the white one too.
something straight/no bullshit as Lime Basil Mandarin, Timbuktu, L’Eau Neuve
Well, generally speaking, what helps me most on a bad day is exercise, a good book and a cup of tea. That said, here are a few favorites that I often wear while getting through a bad day (though I wear them on good days, too):
Cooler weather: Huitieme Art’s Myrrhiad and CJ’s Vanilla Incense
Warmer weather: Carthusia Mediterraneo and Lostmarch L’eau de l’Hermine
Exercise, yes! A long walk does *a lot* to improve my mood after a hard day!
Tumulte by Christian Lacroix is my all-purpose cheer-up ‘fume. A huge sweet raspberry rose like a belly laugh in a bottle, no dignity or restraint, just joy.
Great description! It made me smile…
I like lilac, amber and jasmine notes.
I really like to wear Creed Fleurissimo when I’m feeling stressed or grumpy. I find it soothing.
I would go for Costume National’s black bottle or white. I’m wearing Mouboussin today and its nice. Rainy and yucky hot outside. I’m wanting some new Serges. I don’t know which to get though I’m leaning toward Lourve. I just adore it and my decant my swap friend sent me is long gone. I long to smell it again. When I buy perfume, I like to buy two bottles. Don’t know why. I’m thinking of getting some new Erno Laslo products from Parfum1, I usually use L’Occitane, Murad, or Dr. Perricone. I’m loving Perricone’s Blue Plasma.
I very seldom get depressed, but I do suffer from extreme fatigue at times, due to my illness. For depression, sadness or fatigue, my go-to-fragrance remedy is Kenzo’s Jungle Elephant. It never fails to lift my spirits and energize me — it’s happy juice and very, very potent! It reminds me of magical Christmas scent memories, especially those from department stores when I was a little girl in the early ’50s. Seriously, it acts like a drug!
For general relief from a bad day, I spray on lots of Atelier Cologne Oolang Infini. I have fallen hard for this scent. At first, I debated buying it because it doesn’t last long, but I am so glad I bought it.
I just reapply more often, spray it on my hair and clothes as well and also use the soap.
I am so glad to see someone mention Jungle Elephant. It’s a very happy one for me too, reminds me of my best friend.
Montale’s Vanille Extasy. Always. The little apricot boost to that awesome vanilla just makes me bop around and be happy no matter what’s happening. Even though I feel like I’ve sort of grown past it, I still keep it on hand for just this reason.
Narciso Rodriguez for Her works for me after a bad day. I find it soothing, and it helps clean out my mind.
At the start of a day that I know will be a GOOD day, especially on a summer weekend – Estee Lauder’s Pleasures. Still love the stuff after all these years.
I always find L’Heure Bleu to be comforting.
I like vanilla as a comfort note, and will often put on Sage Onyx or Profumum Confetto to add something good to my day. The Onyx is a little more quiet on me, so sometimes that is the right one; other times I need Confetto.
RUSH! It’s a red plastic box of fun.
And everyone needs a red plastic box of fun in their lives!
Amouage Memoir Man is like being inside a big, old wise grandfather tree. That’s my happy place.
Wow, I have to try that!
When i need comfort, I reach for Psychedlique by Jovoy.
I am not having a bad day at all but Histoire de Parfums 1969 Revolte is giving me a very long laugh. Which teaches that you should never throw away a sample if the first try does not hit you just right.
I love this one! I hadn’t thought about it being a good scent for a bad day, but this is a great idea!
vintage Avon–reminds me of my aunt and mom and my childhood, and Jean Nate or Sand-n-Sable—takes me back to being a teenager at the beach.
I’ll play with samples on a bad day, or go for something soothing with vanilla, jasmine, or musk. Any pleasant scent lifts my mood!
I agree wholeheartedly, MaggieCat. Just choosing a fragrance and putting it on lifts my spirits. Rummaging through my samples or pulling out a FB that hasn’t had much love in a while, and remembering how much I adore it can lift me out of a bad mood. Intensive therapy is available with a few spritzes to a bath. Fragrance in general is a mood elevator for me. Happy sniffing!!
When I’m in a bad mood and feeling cranky, I like to wear something that stinks to high heavens! I guess it’s a sort of rebellion. The best thing for this is Etat Libre d’Orange: Rien. This is even better in combination with dark lipstick (Revlon: Black Cherry) to suit such a mood.
Love the lipstick notion.
Not so much when I’m cranky, but if I’m feeling lonely or disconnected, I have been known to dress in a flirty dress, do my make-up, put on a spritz of something fabulous, find some heels, and walk, must *walk*, through the neighborhood to the nearest good restaurant, being sure to acknowledge all the turned heads along the way. . . never fails to make me feel better!
Many. One of them: Sycomore.
Way into Il Profumi di Firenze’s Florentia 16 Fiori Dulci right now – it has only Damascus rose, iris and jasmine and is the scent of human tenderness.
If you can huff this and still be in a bad mood, don’t worry – the orderlies will be along shortly to help.
Chanel Coromandel! It’s comfort in a bottle <3
La Chasse aux Papillons never fails to make me smile–literally tugs up the corners of my mouth when I apply it.
I have been having panic attacks as of late. Really? I anticipate lay-offs at work and I don’t seem to have my old mojo to kick me into gear. I am in emotional aspic. Montale Steam Aoud seems to calm me for a bit and a layer of Lush King of Skin after my shower can act as a pacifier. Since life seems to no longer have the natural ease it used to, I tend to go back to that old chestnut Parure. It was a stand by in my good old days.
Juicejones, I’m sorry to hear your work situation has become so depressing. It you can find time for exercise that might also help. I always appreciate your comments here.
That feeling of looming change and uncertainty is *so hard*! I’m sorry to hear it’s a challenging time for you! Do anything that feels good and try to remember that these transitional times, by definition, must pass! Wishing you all the best!
Sounds awful! Lavender essential oil is supposed to have a calming effect, and does have some effect on me – but obviously it depends on the intensity of the episode. Otherwise, the best calming technique I have found is becoming more aware of any direct sensory stimuli: for example, exactly how the banister feels under my palm, the breeze feels on my face, or the sound of the ceiling fan!
All good, caring advice! I don’t like it when temporary situations feel so ominous. Perhaps a swim is in order. That keeps me in the moment. Thanks, Fumies!
Yes, doing things that help one stay in the moment can really help! Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can sometimes help one to stay in the moment. I hope that you have a good swim. All the best,
K
There is now a fair bit of science about what happens in a panic attack (disrupted breathing cycles creating more panic and more disrupted breathing). Maybe slow inhaling of your favorite scent will help and then you can more easily address the other problems.
Morale problems are common when rumors hit a work place that people may be losing jobs, and your lack of enthusiasm for your current job sounds just like that.
Sometimes it helps to try to take what steps you can which are under your control. Update that resume, ask your supervisor if there is something you can do to make yourself more valuable within your present work place, and start checking to see what else may be out there.
Thanks, Dilana! I have the new resume and have already been farmed out to other depts. It is time for an aggressive search. I thought I would retire from this job. I need to update my thinking!
So sorry, and joining in all the good wishes. Hope it goes better than you expect.
I find SSS Tabac Aurea and Via del Profumo Mecca Balsam very comforting. Also, the original J’Adore was the smell of pure happiness. It’s a shame Dior reformulated it so soon, but the J’Adore L’Absolue is pretty good. On a really bad day or if I’m not feeling well, I resort to Via del Profumo Lake Blossom, which is designed to be a healing scent.
I think I’v learnt not to expect TOO much from perfume. Chergui is my most calming and magical scent but if I am already wearing it when things take a turn for the worse it does not help. If I am anxious or down though, and wearing something else, applying Chergui will make me feel much better.
L’occitaine’s Verte which smells like rounded and softened black tea can also make me feel more competent and alert.
Boucheron Pour Homme!
L’Artisan Safran Troublant- I finally tried this for the first time yesterday, and it was love at first sniff. It reminded me of a hot mug of chai, and it may be my favorite vanilla perfume so far. Hooray for new discoveries!
When I’m having a bad day, I like wearing a fragrance that makes me feel sexy. It kind of boosts my self-esteem. “Leiber” by Judith Leiber used to make me feel that way. Gosh, I miss that fragrance. These days, when I need a boost, I spritz on a little “Orange Sapphire” from BBW. That usually will do the trick. “Sensuous Noir” by Estee Lauder is a good one as well!
My ultimate “Bad Day” perfume, has to be Thierry Mugler Alien. I feel super confident, and sexy when I wear it. The insane jasmine note, is oddly very comforting. Plus the the purple-gemstone-alien-robot bottle, is fun to look at!
When I had a streessful period at work a few months ago, I turned to Jeux de Peau. The buttery toast note is so comforting! I usually go for “edible/food” scents on a bad day – Sacrebleu, L’heure bleue, or Mitsouko. If I’m wearing these scents, I’m less tempted to turn to cake to console myself!
I am having a very bad day at work today as it happens. The colleague who sits next to me is being a bully and very passive-aggressive to me. I tend to get nauseus when this sort of thing happens, so I avoid scent altogether and go for some type of calming music instead.
Bullies are the worst, especially in a work situation! I would suggest wearing the stinkiest stuff you can find, but of course, that probably wouldn’t be allowed. It is fun to fantasize about ‘revenge’ or ‘retaliation’. Hmmmmmmmm. Let’s see… in a fantasy situation, you could bring some pieces of shrimp that you’ve allowed to go off, (in a tight-sealed plastic container), and then when the colleague goes for a bathroom break, dump the shrimp in the bottom of his/her desk drawer. There is also this absolutely horrible, putrid-smelling stuff that is used to paper-train puppies. I don’t know the current brands available, but it is known as ‘urine scent attractant’.
I know you won’t do this, but it can be fun to fantasize. I do hope tomorrow is a much better day and that maybe your colleague changes jobs.
Thank you Jonette!
I agree it is fun to fantasise.
In the end the day got better because in the afternoon she actually became a better person and apologised (she had been VERY rude) for the way she spoke to me.
I have to thank those of you who have mentioned scents from L’Artisan. I have not tried anything from this house yet, but now I’m compiling a list of what I want to sample.
When I’ve had a bad day, my comfort scents come in the form of bath/shower things. Comforting smells + hot water I find work really well together to lift my mood. At the moment, I like the Aromatherapy Associates line of bath and shower oils for this – any scent will do.