Our community project for today: wear a fragrance you discovered via a blog or other online review, and link to the review if you can. Bonus points for linking to a site other than Now Smell This!
As always, do chime in with your scent of the day even if you aren’t participating in the community project.
I'm wearing Lalique Encre Noire, which I bought unsniffed after reading a review at Bois de Jasmin.** Do comment if you've smelled the new-ish Encre Noire Sport, which I'm still curious about.
Reminder: next Friday, 10/17, wear one of the perfumes included in Michael Edwards' Perfume Legends (I've added a complete list at the end of the book review), or wear any fragrance from 1992 or before.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2014, where I'll try to always have the next six or seven weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: shown is the Lalique Nemours bowl in midnight blue crystal, $2,350.
** Oops. Actually, it was after reading about it in Victoria's Best of 2006 article at Bois de Jasmin. The review I've linked to above is from 2013, long after I'd bought Encre Noire, but it's so glowing that I'm leaving that link available too!
I’m wearing C.O. Bigelow Musk Oil, which I first read about on Into the Gloss’ Liv Tyler interview: http://intothegloss.com/2013/05/liv-tyler/ but didn’t actually try until I encountered it on a list in Katie Puckrik’s archives: http://www.katiepuckriksmells.com/2010/03/viewer-mail-i-want-to-smell-like-me.html.
Have not smelled that in years! Nice.
SOTD is Infusion d’Iris. This is the first fragrance that I sought out after reading a review at Bois de Jasmin (http://boisdejasmin.com/2007/10/prada-iris-infu.html), so I consider it my first purchase as a “perfumista” 😉
Oh, and Encre Noir sounds wonderful, I am very tempted to buy a bottle blind … blind but well guided.
Victoria’s review of Encre Noir was very encouraging to me to seek it out in my vetiver explorations, and I’m happy I got some in a swap. It is a very satisfying vetiver!
It worked for me, but most of my unsniffed purchases don’t. So I offer no advice at all 🙂
I think it was Lucas who pointed my nose in that direction. Beautiful fragrance.
Glad to hear that 🙂
I also remember reading this review when I was debating buying Infusion d’Iris. Both this and the NST review sold me on it, and I’m so so glad they did. It was this scent (along with the Absolue and L’eau Ambree, as I couldn’t decide between the three) that started my love of perfumes and perfume blogs.
I am wearing J-C Brosseau Thé Brun, bought unsniffed online after this review from Marlen: https://nstperfume.com/2006/05/16/jean-charles-brosseau-the-brun-fragrance-review/. It is one of the best tea scents ever imho and perfect for autumn. It has more than a hint of smoke and some iris and violets lurking in woods behind.
Wow, I’d forgotten that one! Those were nice.
That sounds fantastic, you must smell great!
I’m wearing Winter Woods, which I read about on I Smell Therefore I Am (http://ismellthereforeiam.blogspot.com/2008/10/sonoma-scent-studio-winter-woods-review.html), back when Abigail was blogging (I miss her voice!). Sonoma Scent Studio has become one of my favorite houses.
There are so many fragrance blogs I miss…
I have found I can’t keep track of too many people discussing perfume. Only makes me confused. Atm I keep track of NST and three personal perfume blogs. And the wonderful NST community keeps me in the loop magificently :).
Well, that’s true too, there can be too much noise! But early on, when there were only about 10-15 people blogging, it was easier. Only now many of those people are gone.
Oooh, I love that blog, and miss Abigail’s voice, too. I have enjoyed SSS, and this makes me wonder where I first heard about Laurie and her amazing perfumes. Glad I have you guys to point me to great stuff to sniff 😀
Me too!
I miss Abigail too – almost everything she liked, I liked. It was a useful reference for me.
I miss Abigail as well.
My SOTD is Vamp à New York, which I tried and bought after reading Denyse’s wonderful review of it.
http://graindemusc.blogspot.nl/2010/05/vamp-ny-by-olivia-giacobetti-for-honore.html
And for those who have never read her blog I highly recommend this post which is my favourite of hers, and probably one of my favourite perfume reviews.
http://graindemusc.blogspot.nl/2010/04/edmond-roudnitskas-le-parfum-de-therese.html
Lovely review of Therese, thanks!
I remember that review, and I agree, it was a great one!
Oh that was a lovely read this morning. Thanks.
I can only add…wow!
My SOTD is Jacques Fath pour L’Homme. A great woody oriental that should be tried by anyone that enjoys Coromandel.
I discovered many of my unsniffed purchased through comments left by other fume-addicts at Fragrantica. Reading reviews by others and being able to view their collection and what we might have in commun is a good starting base. Probably half of my 200+ FB collection was bought unsniffed and very few didn’t live up to my expectations.
… of course Nowsmellthis is my first go-to site! Lol!
Wow, you are WAY better at buying unsniffed than I am!
I feel like I visit Fragrantica almost every day.
I probably do!
I’ve been pretty good at buying unsniffed too. Only a few misses really. I’ve never used Fragrantica for it. Most of my unsniffed purchases have been inspired by NST and BdJ.
There were many to choose from—I find out about most new fragrances through NST—but I picked Dries Van Noten because it seemed right for weather that’s just starting to feel like fall. I don’t wear it often, but I don’t have anything else quite like it.
https://nstperfume.com/2013/03/22/dries-van-noten-par-frederic-malle-fragrance-review/
That bowl is gorgeous, btw.
Wouldn’t that bowl make a perfect purgatory basket???
It would certainly provide an incentive to make decisions and get rid of them, in order to be able to admire the crystal! 😉
Byredo Oud Immortel. A friend of mine sent me Accord Oud, which I liked a lot. Then I read a review of OI at The Non-blonde and decided I had to try it.
http://www.thenonblonde.com/2011/02/byredo-oud-immortel.html#.VDfrefldVMU
I totally agree about the lasting power of it. This morning it was dark, rainy and I was exhausted so I nearly dumped all the rest of my decant on my arm. I easily put on three times as much as I normally would have and it is strong! I’ve been clutching my sleeves around my wrists to lighten it a bit, but now the scent is just coming straight from my sleeves! Luckily, I’m in a small room to myself at work, so I can only bomb out myself here. Oh, I also had a near hour commute and it’s still strong three hours later! I do very much like it though – just not this much of it.
Today, I’m wearing L’Artisan Passage D’Enfer. It gets mentioned all the time, but Perfume Shrine’s incense week really stood out to me and was the reason I eventually ended up trying Passage D’Enfer: http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2007/04/incense-week-2clean-incense-for-holy.html
The whole series that week made for a good read. Kind of like a school spirit week for incense: a different theme every day. 🙂
I’m wearing Bruno Acampora Musc today. This has become one of my favorites since I got it based on this from Katie Puckrick: http://www.katiepuckriksmells.com/2013/01/bruno-acampora-musc.html?m=1
SOTD is Stephane H Lucas 777 Oumma which I first read about in a review by Persolaise (http://persolaise.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/persolaise-review-oumma-from-777.html) . The review stirred my interest, not quite the usual one. I really like the scent, it’s warm and calming. Used up the last of my sample today though- have to make some decisions…
I’ve always been curious about SHL perfumes. They seem to get great reviews.
That is a nice review blog! Adding it to the others I read 🙂
There are some nice SHL reviews here as well:
http://www.kafkaesqueblog.com/?s=khol+de+bahrein
My SOTD is Krazy Krizia. I first learned of this one from comments on NST, but then I looked it up on Bois de Jasmin before I bought it. The Bois de Jasmin review (http://boisdejasmin.com/2012/01/krazy-krizia-perfume-review.html) confirmed my decision to blind buy. I got it this week, and I know it’s going to become one of my favorite cooler weather scents. Victoria on Bois de Jasmin said that it was discontinued, but I found it on an online discounter and it was very inexpensive.
Isn’t it a steal for such a great fragrance?!? You smell divine btw. 🙂
That sounds great- I may have to go on a hunt 😉
Victoria at BdJ and I have similar taste, so I happily blind-bought Krazy after her review too. It’s gorgeous stuff. Totally worth it.
Was it the EDP or EDT concentration you were referring to? Or are they similar?
I have the edp in the apple? bottle, and it’s very strong- a little goes a long way. I suspect that the edt is just a bit lighter, but I noticed a spray bottle of the edt is really cheap, so I’m tempted to try both, as the edp really does pack a punch.
Lazy Friday morning and I have the day off! I put on L’Ombre Dans L’Eau – my very first perfumista purchase that I discovered right here on NST: https://nstperfume.com/2009/07/10/top-10-summer-fragrances-2009/
I do tend to wear this mostly in spring/summer and it’s another warm day. I have an older bottle of the EDT in the classic square bottle. Good Stuff!
I love top 5 lists – keep ’em coming!
Love that one! You smell great 🙂
I’m wearing Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin. I first read about this in the Turin-Sanchez book, but since they didn’t like it much it didn’t catch my attention until someone commented on it in Andy’s own blog, saying something about the lavender in this perfume. I like lavender, so I decided to try it out!
Scent of the day is Hermes Doblis, which I bought after reading Victoria’s glowing review: http://boisdejasmin.com/2006/11/hermes_doblis.html.
It is probably most most expensive though best blind buy.
Er, “my most.”
Ah, Doblis is as rare as unicorn’s tears. Or Iris Gris. Which itself is rare as fairy dust.
It was easier (and much cheaper) to get in 2006. My bottle is the 2004 reformulation. I have a tiny smidgen of the ’55.
Ormonde Jayne Taif. I actually first read about it in the Turin and Sanchez book, I think he gave it five stars. Then I read a bit more about it, and found a review on Bois de Jasmin
http://boisdejasmin.com/2005/06/taif_by_ormonde_1.html
I always have a hard time with rose perfumes, they either don’t last on me, or maybe I get used to them too quickly, so tha I cna’t really feel anything after 30 minutes. Even so, with Taif these 30 minutes are glorious! Although it does mean that I keep re-spraying my wrist and probably poisoning the 10 square metres around my desk in the office.
I love OJ Ta’if! It stays better on hair so I spray it on the back of my neck just under a hair line.
I follow your blog and I love this post about Ta’if :
http://undina.com/2014/01/24/down-the-rabbit-hole-through-the-looking-glass/
Thank you, Holly.
SOTD: Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille. I started wearing perfume seriously in jr. high, but it was discovering the internet perfume community in 2006 that introduced me to notes, the progression of a scent, top notes, drydown, etc. and caused me to evaluate perfume for reasons other than “it smelled good” and “I like it”.
I was swayed into trying SDV by Patty White’s review on the Perfume Posse. The idea of a vanilla-centric perfume seemed strange to me at the time even though I knew many perfumes used some vanilla in their formulas. I did sample before buying, but before that 1 ml. vial was empty I had called BG and ordered a bottle.
http://perfumeposse.com/2007/09/20/guerlain-spiritueuse-pluie/
P. S. I . Want. That. Bowl.
We could probably have a whole poll on the non-perfume things we’ve bought because we learned about them on perfume blogs, LOL. Or happened across when innocently searching for vintage perfumes on ebay…
Like the mirror for my bedroom that I just “happened across” last weekend!?!
And the books! Lots of great book recomendations here 🙂
Bvlgari Jasmin Noir. I’d smelled this on a strip at the shop and didn’t like it, but Katie Puckrik’s review inspired me to try it on skin. So glad I did. After the initial weird chemical blast that only lasts a couple of seconds, it becomes a lovely warm and soft scent. Elegant enough for the office, sexy enough for after work.
I thought I would wear Teo Cabanel’s Alahine today, which I read about on Kafkaesque’s blog, http://www.kafkaesqueblog.com/2012/12/18/perfume-review-alahine-by-teo-cabanel-ambered-moroccan-palaces-opulence/ but instead I am wearing Muscs Koublai Khan. As a new perfumista, there were references to MKK everywhere and so my curiosity was piqued by opinions ranging from “unwearable” to “one of my top 5 ever.” Part of the fun of scent for me is comparing my evaluations with others and blogs fulfill that. I have learned so much from NST and the commenters here. Thanks!
Alahine is another one that I first read about on Abigail’s blog.
I think I came across Alahine with a sample order of some other things, where Alahine was the freebie. I wouldn’t have chosen it for myself, and at first sniff on skin I haaaaated it, but then it got so lovely by ten minutes later that I kept putting it on, and then I read Abigail’s review, and by the time I’d finished the sample I knew I had to have some.
I treasure my bottle.
https://nstperfume.com/2005/03/17/diptyque-tam-dao-fragrance-review/
Tam Dao
Today I was going to wear an old favorite, Anne Pliska, which I first read about on the Non-Blond Blog here:
http://www.thenonblonde.com/2012/11/anne-pliska-edp.html#.VDfuwod0zmQ
I got a sample from the “L” place, which is the only place I can find this gem. Sampled, immediate love, FB purchase ensued.
But its just too hot today! It’s in the 90’s with high humidity and it just might kill me if I wore it in these dastardly horrendous temps. However, I know a lot of readers are in cooler climes and this is a lovely perfume for cooler weather. Its a must try for anyone who loves warm, vanilla, ambery, powdery, feminine, coy scents and likes to bat big long eyelashes at the boys!
I’m a little old to be batting my eyelashes at anyone, but this perfume makes me feel sweet and sexy at the same time 😉
So instead, I am wearing a new discovery, Ninfeo Mio, that I got in a swap with a fumie friend. I LOVE this and know that I could really enjoy a FB and use it quite regularly here in the industrial strength heat and humidity of FL. As soon as I put it on skin, I not only thought “FB” but also “BUB”- that’s how I know its the real deal!
I bought a gallon of Encre Noir for Uber Cheap based on all the great reviews- it was a blind buy that just didn’t work because I really cannot smell it. At all. I must anosmic? I thought I just needed a few more spritzes and the next thing I knew, my nose hairs were smoking and on fire! Yet I still smelled nada- so STRANGE!
Hope everyone has a glorious day!
Oh, god, Deva! You can’t smell Encre Noir??? Let me have it! I’ll buy it or swap it from you. I am so sorry for you. I like it and can smell it so well that I basically bath in it when I’m at home, and I was planning on getting a FB soon anyway…. I’m so bummed for you!
AnnS,
Email me your deets again and I will happily send it to you. I’m old and senile and lost your info from the previous swap 😉
Blind buys are always a risk, so I was disappointed but not devastated. Plus, it wasn’t a huge financial blow as I got it cheap-cheap-cheap! I know you will give it a good home and am very happy you don’t get the smoking flaming nostril side effect!
I WISH I could smell it because I’m sure I would love it.
taiga101atyahhhhoodotcom
Will do!!
Anne Pliska is gorgeous. Mauboissin Mauboissin is similar, but AP has orange instead of peach. I think AP was the first sample I bought, but I can’t remember if The Non-Blonde was where I first read about it.
I’m wearing Ore by Slumberhouse today which I think I read about here originally. It’s perfect for this cool fall day. I waiting to head out the door and be on my way to NY for Sniffapalooza. Is anybody else on here going?
I made an attempt to pack extremely light. I’m back home late tomorrow so really what do I need, right? Let me just say that packing light is truly an art that I have little skill in. I think I’ve done it but I’m not sure if I’ve done it well. So if you see me there and I’m looking a little frazzled now you know why.
That sounds fun! I’m there with you in spirit- enjoy all the delicious smells =)
Have fun! (and yes, packing light is an art on its own)
Have a great time!
Packing light was a lot easier for me before I hit middle age and needed 30 lbs of toiletries.
I completely agree! My beauty emollients are always a problem because I have to make sure I have everything to keep up appearances. I’m packing for Maui right now. When I was young, my clothes were smaller and briefer, hence my luggage was lighter. I’m taking Aqua Motu with its unbreakable container and look forward to perfume deals at Ross.
I’ve never managed the fine art of packing light :-/
Have a great time at Sniffa Poodle- hope things are getting a little easier for you and Sniffa helps bring some fun back 🙂
I haven’t been to one in a while, but I hope you have a great time! At least you know you won’t have to pack any perfume. 🙂
Had read about Cacharel Noa in Perfumes: The Guide just days before a mini of Noa was offered as a Freebie on NST. I traded it for a cache of chocolate and have been hooked since. Thanks, Woolwine! 🙂
http://boisdejasmin.com/2013/06/cacharel-noa-perfume-review.html
Happy Friday All! My SOTD is Aedes De Venustas’ Oeilliet Bengale.
I learned about this fragrance through NST and won a bottle from a drawing Robin did a few months ago. Loving it! And, its perfect for this time of year!
I’m wearing that today also! I was in Aedes and they gave me a sample before it was released. I loved it and finally got it using a gift certificate. Only just started wearing since the cooler weather has arrived.
Just blind bought Natori based on comments here. Cheap. Figured I couldn’t lose. It hasn’t arrived yet. Also bought a couple of Terri Bozzo’s scents based on the FB comments.
SOTD is Guerlain’s Liu.
http://theperfumeddandy.com/2013/12/13/what-to-get-for-liu-by-guerlain-the-perfumed-dandys-12-days-before-christmas-part-i/
Dzing! was one of the first, I don’t remember which review it was which made me topple (maybe basenotes commentaries?), but I know I already had it when Angela wrote her epochal “the leather sisters”. p.s. that blue bowl is a marvel.
The Leather Sisters was hilarious. And that blue bowl is beyond gorgeous.
I’m wearing aftelier ancient resins oil which i was immediately entranced by after reading about the improbable Leonard Cohen fragrance on the black narcissus…
http://theblacknarcissus.com/2013/01/28/come-healing-ancient-resins-for-leonard-cohen-by-aftelier-perfumes-2012/
His writing is some of best out there, even if you’re uninterested in this subtle incense scent (or Leonard Cohen).
A generous perfumista shared a sample of it with me, which is thanks to the perfume posse blog, and i ultimately bought some from aftelier when i came to the states to help take care of my mom.
It’s a protective amulet, for rough times, thoughtful and never overwhelming.
Agree, it’s a beautifully-written blog I should visit more often.
I always love the images that The Black Narcissus finds, too!
I like how a perfume can cast a protective aura, and I’m glad you have such a one with you. Will have to sniff LC sometime.
I’m a huge fan of Neil’s as well. His writing is stunning and even non-perfumistas I’ve sent it to agree. If only I could convince him to put out a book …
My nemesis is tuberose, but how could I resist this ? :
http://theblacknarcissus.com/?s=tubereuse+capricieuse
Mind you, I’ve done it before and perversely pursued other tuberose scents in the hopes that I would “get it.” This particular piece of writing acted upon me like a siren’s call and the perfume itself actually is as beguiling to me as he implies.
Thank you for this link–it’s going on my To Try list.
Wait – there is a way to discover perfumes OTHER THAN perfume blogs? 😉
Not sure yet, but I may wear Maria Candida Gentile Exultat. I blind-bought a small bottle of that (and Sideris) upon reading this review by Denyse Beaulieu (and watching the video she included of a strange ballet sequence from Atys, a 1676 opera by Jean-Baptiste Lully):
http://graindemusc.blogspot.com/2012/05/violent-violets-another-facet-of-spring.html
Alternatively, this would be a perfect fall day for Jacomo Eau Cendrée, which I blind bought on ebay after reading this review on Memory of Scent:
http://memoryofscent.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/jacomo-eau-cendree-where-it-all-began-2/
Both perfumes completely deserve their beautiful reviews.
HAHA! THIS to your first statement. That’s how I felt when I saw the theme for today.
When I discovered perfumes, there weren’t even computers (other than massive IBM main frames) much less perfume blogs! Yes, I’m old.
I”m right there with you sister!
😀
Me too!
True, I’m old enough to have discovered perfume originally in a small-town drugstore back in the days of the Guerlain “clock” bottles, and later in department stores and even magazines, before they became nothing but thinly disguised PR packs. But those days seem like an almost forgotten fairy tale, honestly.
I’ve never been much of a bottle fan, but now I want a Clock Bottle!
Maybe dial is the the correct term? If you search for vintage Shalimar on ebay, you’ll see these round but flattened (not spherical) bottles with pointy stoppers, and round labels. I guess they were replaced by simpler spray bottles. Terracotta Voile d’Ete was the last one in a similar bottle, IIRC.
And didn’t the drugstores carry some great stuff then?? Woodhue was one of my favorite drugstore scents.
My mother loved Woodhue, and told me recently that she stopped buying perfume when they discontinued it. (Said with her GRR face.)
All basically solid perfumes then, even if Coty wasn’t as good as it had been originally. Dana Tabu and Canoe were good then, too, and I remember Yardley Violets.
And all those heavenly department stores perfumes :
http://www.thenonblonde.com/2013/10/seven-perfume-thoughts.html#.VDijV97Ftp9
That photo’s a bit before my shopping days, but most of them were still around in the 60s.
Yes, GRRR!
You are not old! You’re of a fine vintage 😉
Aww… thank you! <3
“Vintage perfume lover” works as a double entendre. 🙂
🙂
And what’s the verdict on Eau Cendrée…..? 🙂
I have one of the cylindrical bottles, and I love it. I also bought Jacomo Coeur de Parfum based on your review and love that one. I was very glad when you returned to the blog after a hiatus when you moved. I can see I need to check out that MiN project now!
I am so glad you liked the Jacomos, they are such an mazing bunch. Thanks for reading.
By the way, speaking of successful blind buys, I bought SL A la Nuit after reading about it here on NST. I think it wasn’t an actual review that first caught my attention, but rather an aside by Robin highlighting A la Nuit as a huge indolic jasmine bomb, or words to that effect. I had to have it!
Wearing Cartier’s L’Heure Vertueuse, which has become such a favorite bedtime scent that it feels strange to wear in the day. Guess it is good for me to relax throughout the day. It’s a huge green blast of lavender and medicinal herbs, and not for everyone. It is balm for my soul, though. I bought it on the spot after reading two reviews
Dear Auntie M at the Posse: http://perfumeposse.com/2013/02/07/lheure-vertueuse-iii-by-cartier/
and also Denyse’s: http://graindemusc.blogspot.com/2012/11/lheure-vertueuse-mathilde-laurent-goes.html
My sample of Aftelier’s Cepes & Tuberose has been drained, but this review not only made me want to try this bizarre combination of scent, it made me like an eminem song. Anything can happen.
http://olfactoriastravels.com/2011/09/16/review-aftelier/
“Auntie M” is such a hoot. I love her.
SOTD is Joy edp on one wrist and Joy edt on the other….still got my Joy on… weirdly I love this fragrance–am comparing the two this morning.
But to give deference to all the blogs I’ve ever loved before…
Robin, like you, Bois de Jasmin inspired my Encre Noire purchase, which I love and have bought for others as gifts.
Many fellow travelers on several blogs recommended SSS’s Champagne de Bois, which is probably in my top 10 favorite scents… also, fellow travelers’ reviews inspired me to try Timbuktu, another top 10 scent.
One perfume that I blind bought (or blind put on my to try list and it was bought for me 🙂 ) after reading the Non-blonde’s review was ELO’s Bijou Romantique… I like it enough, but rarely wear it. It is very close to Lou Lou to my nose.
Glad I spread the love 🙂
A few years ago I did a blind buy of Cartier’s So Pretty after reading the review on The Non-Blonde. It is one of my favorite roses!
I am wearing Divine by Divine, which I thought I discovered here ‘way back when, but I might also have read about it on another blog, as well (but can’t remember which one).
Wasn’t it Luca Turin’s blog? He wrote about Divine years ago. It’s where I first discovered their existence.
Papillon Perfumery’s Anubis. Soooo good. To me it’s the dark version of SSS Jour Ensoleille. I think it’s the jasmine that is so similar to me.
I knew about the scents from Papillon but it was Kafkaesque’s review that pushed me over the edge to sample.
http://www.kafkaesqueblog.com/2014/08/06/papillon-perfumery-anubis-leathered-darkness-smoky-gods/
I’ve made an order for this! Cannot wait to get it!
It really is gorgeous. I sometimes have issues with it fading quickly but like it enough not to care. All three Papillon scents are really good.
SOTD: Declaration Cartier for men
I’m in Frederic Malle Iris Poudre, which I would never have heard of but for reading the Bois de Jasmin blog from cover to cover (seemingly). Not sure how to link, exactly, but will try – the review of Iris Poudre is here: http://boisdejasmin.com/2005/08/frederic-malle-iris-poudre-perfume-review.html. It is a lovely fragrance now that it has settled a bit, but the opening was a bit much for me (probably shouldn’t have worn this on a day affected by a lingering headache).
Am very intrigued by Encre Noir, and a sample is on my STC wish list. The only Lalique I’ve tried so far is Perles de Lalique, which is very nice indeed.
I’ve been doing a lot of research of notes and reviews this year in the quest for the perfect vanilla fragrance for me (no cake please!). During this, I ran across this review of Thierry Mugler’s Alien Essence Absolue on the Candy Perfume Boy’s blog. I’ve run across that blog a few times, but this review really brought it home. I was very encouraged to seek an sample, and them immediately got a bottle. I’m still on a quest for a dry, dusty vanilla – AEA is very rich, wet, juicy, amazing… but it is still a great new fragrance for me this year! There is nothing else like it in my collection, so that’s a great accomplishment for an oriental vanilla fragrance for me.
http://thecandyperfumeboy.com/2012/07/02/the-alien-queen-thierry-mugler-alien-essence-absolue-perfume-review/
Have you tried Bois d’Armenie, Ann? That might be what you are looking for.
No, but it’s been on my radar for a long time. SDV and IG and Tonka Imp were in the end just too sweet for me. Ditto Angelique Noire. I see such mixed reviews of BdA, so I just didn’t know what to think. I’ve not had the chance to run across a sample – I might risk it otherwise, but it’s just so $$$. Now that you mention it, I’ll have push it back up top.
I’ll be happy to send you a sample. It’s not as sweet as Angelique Noire or definitely SDV. Is IG Iris Ganache? If so, that one is really, really sweet and BdA is much drier. It’s more of a smokey incense/paper smell with vanilla than what I would call a straight-up vanilla scent.
Ooh! Sounds like an offer. I’m sure I can tempt you with a swap for some. Smokey vanilla incense paper sounds all good to me. (PS – IG is Iris Ganache. And there was a while I liked Angelique Noire, but then it just became suffocating in the extreme drydown.)
email me at anneroosie at hotmail dot com
I would call A. Goutal’s Vanille Exquise a dry smokey vanilla? Good counterpoint to Angel EA 🙂
Yes, very dry vanilla. I actually wore that the other day and forgot how much I like it. Sometimes the wood part gets a bit sharp, but mostly the rest of it is very good – no cake there. I almost bought a back up bottle of it when AG’s seemed to be coming and going, but passed b/c it wasn’t super true love.
It’s not easy to find here, but Coty do a Vanilla for men, that is still noticeably vanilla but not sweet and sickly at all. And being Coty it’s very cheap.
I also find Vanille Insensee to be of the not-sweet-and-sticky variety
Thanks for the tip on Coty – I’ll have to see if they have that around here. And Venille Insensee is on my must try list. I get a lot of rec’s for that through my posts here.
I’m wearing L de Lolita Lempicka today. Works out because I’m still a bit maple-tastic from the Sables I wore yesterday. I don’t really remember exactly how I first found out about the perfume, but this review coaxed me into a buying it when I came across it at Marshall’s:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2006/05/lolita_lempicka.html
Wearing Santal Exotique from The Exotic Island Perfumer that I discovered via smellythoughts
SOTD is Escada Collection edp, from ‘way back when,’ so long ago I can’t even remember where I heard of it first on the Internet. Not from any review on a blog, per se, because I don’t think I had discovered blogs back in the early 2000’s but most likely from the hue and cry and amount of discussion from its cult following on MUA, which I used to read religiously. I blind-bought it at either TJ Maxx or Marshall’s and followed up with another purchase of the 2003 LE (still sealed on a shelf in my closet). Notes listed are mandarin, cola, jasmine, tuberose, sandalwood, tonka. The heart-shaped classic bottle is beautiful! It’s been described as smelling like cherry cola or cherry pipe tobacco and has most often been compared to Ginestet Botrytis (I’ve never seen or smelled this one, can’t even spell it much less pronounce it so I can’t say) Anyway, I wish I’d invested some of my retirement savings in Collection backups because this always goes for big bucks (compared to its initial purchase price) on evilbay. I like it, but don’t love it: it’s warm and creamy and long-lasting and not as sweet on me as some reviewers say, reminds me a bit of SL’s Chergui. What I learned from it is I don’t like fragrances with a metallic edge (only at its beginning); I’m not that keen on tobacco notes; and I’m not fond of tuberose (fortunately, there’s just a hint of it in Collection). My favorite time of year to wear this scent is during the deepest, darkest days of winter – January!; its presence is warm and comforting and nostalgic, reminding me of my dad and his favorite pipe.
P.S. Long d/c, I think it was only available 1997 to possibly 2004.
First comment here, newbie perfumista, enjoying the first stage of can’t smell enough, in love with fragrance and happy about it! I am wearing Neela Vermeire’s Ashoka (from a sample…) after reading http://www.kafkaesqueblog.com/2013/04/24/perfume-review-ashoka-by-neela-vermeire-creations-a-comforting-embrace/ , and http://boisdejasmin.com/2013/10/neela-vermeire-creations-ashoka-perfume-review.html
I try not to love it too much because it is way over my budget. It softly hums its lovely and beautiful accord of peace and quiet, delightful.
I hate those “budget restrictions”- total bummer! But on the flip side, you might think about a small decant- a 3-5 ml will last a good while and is usually very affordable compared to a full bottle. =)
Thank you Deva, I have yet to find out how to go about decants, I live in the Netherlands where I found many good on line perfumeries that sell samples, but not yet a decanting exchange site (if that is what it is called).
Hamamelis, International Fragrance Split Association group on Facebook sends decants all over the World. You can join the group (I’m just a member so it’s not a promotion post). As I saw, they have currently open Ashoka split.
Thank you so much Undina! I will have to overcome my anti facebook sentiments, but I think this new hobby is worth it (and that says a lot). Thank you again.
Hi and welcome! I’m afraid it is not a cheap hobby 🙂
Thank you! And no cheap hobby (but I can think of much more expensive ones!) especially in this hungry beginning stage, so much to smell and many temptations. But also so much kindness and good and sound advice on the different wonderful blogs.
Wearing Mohur, reviewd at the Australian Perfume Junkies by the fabulous Portia Turbo:
http://australianperfumejunkies.com/2012/08/28/mohur-by-bertrand-duchaufour-for-neela-vermeire-creations-2011/
I stop by australian perfume junkies from time to time. I can’t remember what it was, but recently they were the only site that had a review of a frag I was researching.
I am absolutely smitten with Portia and the whole APJ gang!
Not wearing anything today because of a terrible cold – can’t smell at all. But was planning to wear by Killian Rose Oud, which was drawn to my attention after reading Perfume Posse’s Guide to rose scents. I love it when Patty does these guides to a note. This one in particular inspired a huge sample order, and I learned that I have become a true rose lover.
http://perfumeposse.com/2012/09/17/rose-perfumes-comprehensive-guide-to-rose-perfumes/
I’ve been researching off of Patty’s older “best of vanilla” posts.
Oooo I should do this, too. Love vanilla.
Get better soon!
I love those guides too they are useful and lots of fun to read. The guide to musk is one of my favorite posts ever (that, and the most hated perfume post). Hope you feel better.
Get better soon! I hate it when in addition to not feeling good, which comes with any health problems, I cannot make my day a little better by wearing something comforting.
Wearing Burberry Body, which I discovered in my local Perfumania shop this summer.
I was looking for something less spendy than Chanel Chance En Tendre, but in the same vein, and found this.
The SA mentioned it is her girlfriend’s favorite, and that she buys her a bottle every year on her birthday.
Not a blog post, but kinda sorta an in real life review?
Since it is my birthday today, (hooray!!) and I had a hankering for silage, which I usually don’t go for on a work day, I reached for Body.
Happy Birthday! You may want to travel in circles today to you can enjoy your glorious scent trail =)
Love it! Great idea!
Thank you
Hope it is a very happy birthday!
Thanks! Been a great day so far – counting on a fun ending too 🙂
Happy birthday!
Gracias, MikasMinion!
Your kitty avatar is such a cutie 🙂
Thanks! That is the late Leopold showing his usual concern for someone sitting on the toilet 🙄
Lol! That’s so cute. My late darling cat Podgy used to insist on being allowed to accompany one to the lav then ‘Woohoo! A lap!’ 😕
Oops and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🙂
What is our with some cats and toilets? They are all weirdos. 🙂
Thank you Perthgirl!
Happy Birthday!
Merci Beaucoup, Undina! Just recently found your blog, what a great read!
Thank you, you are very kind. I always welcome new friends.
Happy smelly birthday!!
And a smelly thank you to you, AnnS!!
Wearing Bois des Iles Parfum by Chanel. I only learned about this being a little sandalwood-powerhouse from the girls over at basenotes. I always got scared by the aldehydes years ago but something happened when I wore BdI for several days and I now I sort of crave it.
I own a bottle of vintage Eau de Cologne (which is super ‘gingerbread’ prominent) but this Parfum is from a sample and oh how I want more of it. I can’t wait to own a full bottle.
BdI is just wonderful. The current parfum is very smooth and rich.
I’m wearing (and enjoying immensely) ELDO Rossy de Palma. It doesn’t seem possible but I love this perfume more and more each time I wear it. Many thanks to Victoria’s encouraging review which stoked an interest to try it along with my endless love for dark roses…
http://boisdejasmin.com/2011/02/etat-libre-dorange-rossy-de-palma-perfume-review.html
I’d thought the 50ml bottle would be enough, but am seriously considering the 100ml size when this one runs out, which will be sooner rather than later.
Happy Friday, everyone!
Rossy de Palma was an impulse buy at a store having an ELO sale, and a happy one.
Oh this is such a good opportunity to try something I’ve been meaning to for a while–to wear Nirvana Black and Kate Walsh’s Boyfriend (oil) side-by-side. Thanks Ari for the hilarious, informative write-ups of both!
http://thescentsofself.com/2014/05/13/elizabeth-and-james-nirvana-black/
http://thescentsofself.com/2011/05/20/kate-walsh-boyfriend/
I’m glad you mentioned Ari’s blog. I’m a fan, too.
SOTD is L’Arte di Gucci, big Kathleen Battle hot-pink diva rose for our rainy Friday.
First came across mention of it here: http://perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com/2006/09/six-dark-roses-or-perfumes-for-femme.html
You smell wonderful. That’s another one of my favorite roses. Such a shame it’s been discontinued, but I imagine it has all sorts of “terrifying” ingredients in it that make it one of those ‘take no prisoners’ perfumes. I have been stopped and asked about that one on many occasions and do so cherish my lonely backup bottle of the edp.
Oh, it IS full of terrifying stuff! My bottle of edp was a tester, and it has notes on the back: “Rose, tagete, neroli, camomille, bourgeons de cassis, rose, ylang ylang, mimosa, patchouli, ciste, santal, castoreum, musc ketone.” It’s not a complete list, though: definitely aldehydes, narcissus and oakmoss in there too.
FMK Lumiere Noire pour femme, though not a copy, reminds me of it a great deal.
Nothing else is like L’AdG! Thanks to you Mals, I’m still milking my LD. It’s one of my fav winter roses. It’s so engrossing. The closest to it IMHO is the Miller Harris Rose en Noire, but really, every “dark” rose is just trying to copy it. It’s in it’s own realm!
That Rose en Noir was so pretty. (Isn’t that one gone now? Limited edition?) But I couldn’t help thinking that it was really a russet-and-green rose, not a pink-and-black one. I liked the spices in it.
I’m wearing a sample of L’Artisan’s Explosion D’Emotions Amour Nocturne today. I got curious after reading a review which really really did not like it. The reviewer accused Duchafour of thumbing his nose at the public, so I simply HAD to try it for myself.
As for this ‘reviewer’ (meaning me), I really quite like this. It’s all sorts of weird but in that way that perfumistas gravitate toward.
Here’s the blog:
http://parfumistansblogg.blogspot.ca/2014/02/lartisan-parfumeur-explosions-demotions.html
If I really think about it, almost everything I’ve ever discovered was through blogs in some way or other, so most of what I own applies for this challenge. I went out and tried Bois d’Iris at Bergdorfs in 2009 largely because of Robin’s uncharacteristic insta-purchase on that one, but then I delayed buying it – or much else for that matter – for five years. Wish I’d treated myself earlier – it is wonderful.
I’m still in Ormonde Jayne land though for the moment, and today I’m wearing what has been, for me, the standout scent from the discovery set – Ta’if. This blog and the many enthusiastic commenters who agreed with Robin’s Ormonde love are happily to blame for my having ordered the set, and I am so pleased about it.
But to give another blog some love, here is EauMG’s assessment of Ta’if, with which I tend to concur:
http://www.eaumg.net/ormonde-jayne-taif-edp-perfume-review/
eaumg fans!
I’ve never read this, so I must. Ta’if is one awesome rose!
I’m wearing Aroma M Geisha Noire perfume oil (very light swipe). I learned about it on the wonderful eaumg.net site. I find we have similar taste, so Victoria has been a great discovery as well!
http://www.eaumg.net/aroma-m-geisha-noire-perfume-roll-on-review/
I chose L’Homme de Coeur by Divine. No clue where and when I read about it, but glad I did. It is a scent I had to travel for and is a staple in my collection.
It’s woody and soft at the same time. I think of it as well-mannered and thoughtfull. I really like it how it balances so called masculine and feminine traits.
I’m wearing Armani Privé La Femme Bleue. I cannot say that I discovered this perfume through the blog but Birgit’s review (Olfactoria’s Travels) was the reason I went for the bottle. It was almost a blind buy and I’m glad that I got tempted.
I’m a fan of Birgit’s blog, too.
Isn’t that the one you had to sell your kidney and your first child for? Is it truly wonderful?
It is very good but absolutely not its price good. For me it was a combination of a bottle (I had a thing for blue and navy bottles that year; still have it though in a milder form), a brand (I like several perfumes in the line) and the scent itself.
I can totally understand the blue bottle thing (also emerald and ruby). I took one look at the price and didn’t even bother to sample.
L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Thé pour un Été. Very grateful to the concept of blogs for introducing me to this beautiful perfume.
Guerlain Encens Mythique d’Orient was talked up by Bois de Jasmin:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2012/08/guerlain-encens-mythique-d-orient-fragrance-review.html
so after emptying sample vial I splashed out on a bottle, possibly my most expensive purchase ever..
Encens Mythique d’Orient is my favorite (and a bottle in my collection) from the trio.
Well, I’m commando today out of necessity. I’m having some difficulty thinking of just one scent I would wear from just one blog, so I will cheat!
This is a great “best of” list from 2013 and offers a charming look at an incredibly diverse range of perfumes:
http://chemistinthebottle.wordpress.com/2013/12/
I probably discovered Lucas and his blog, Chemist in the Bottle, here on NST as he is a frequent flyer.
Today I’m wearing a fragrance that has become a top ten for me: Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser. It smells like a fall evening, all woodsmoke and golden vanilla. Love. I read about it on CaFleurebon.com, here’s the link. I really like Yesterday Haze and The Soft Lawn as well. There’s a website and the line including samples is available at Parfum1.com.
http://www.cafleurebon.com/new-niche-fragrance-review-imaginary-authors-perfumes-with-a-story-line-literature-lovers-draw/
I think all my favorites have already been mentioned, except for I Scent You a Day. Samantha’s witty, pithy reviews are always a pleasure to read, and being on a somewhat limited budget, she covers a vast range of price points. More importantly in a perfume blogger, generally speaking, she smells what I smell. (Our tastes sometimes diverge, though: if it smells like an unmade bed to her, I usually love it; she likes a soapy floral, and I appreciate the warning.) I think only one FB I own can be attributed to her, although my “collection” is quite small: http://iscentyouaday.com/2013/09/25/editions-de-parfums-frederic-malle-iris-poudre-by-pierre-bourdon-behold-my-nemesis/#comments
I bought the Ferre, not the Iris Poudre. To me, the Ferre is a ladylike iris, although not so ladylike that I feel as though I can’t pull it off. Other items on my To Buy list thanks to her are B de Boucheron and Worth Courtesan.
Thanks for the blog rec! I got a good laugh at her review.
I’ve never seen this blog either so I’m happy to find it now. And I totally agree about Iris Poudre. Initially it smells like a good thing to me, but after about 30 minutes, it becomes a musky sweet chokehold for me too. Too thick and tight. I prefer the sadly discontinued L’AP Orchidee Blanche for a better kind of effect for that type of floraly iris and “white” goodness. And then I do also have a bottle of Ferre for a long time now. It is definitely less high strung.
Heh. I didn’t like the Orchidee Blanche at all – it was sweet and sort of “flat,” like it was just SITTING THERE on my skin and taking up space.
Still cheating and still commando, but I love violet scents and would “potentially” be wearing one, so here’s a great guide in case you missed a reference above for this blog:
http://thecandyperfumeboy.com/?s=violet
Also worth mentioning, I love Caron and Steve does too, so here’s a look:
http://thescentedhound.com/2014/01/21/french-cancan-by-caron/
The tougher question would be what I DON’T own because of a blog.
But, I put on some Chanel 31 Rue Cambon. Lovely and interesting; not my style, but well worth investigating. I don’t even remember where I read about it first or what pushed it over the edge for me!
That’s exactly what I was going to write! Everything I own, every sample is from a perfume blog, and NST probably being my favorite. A combination of the reviews and the community of perfume commenters have all contributed to this wonderful passion.
I know right – I live in such a deprived area for finding good fragrance shopping. I’ve learned to smell with my eyes and mind b/c of the blogs. Blogs are a useful first or second step when there is so much to eventually discover.
That would be a tougher question! Everything I’ve bought since my last (and I mean last) big bottle of Opium is due to some combination of blog reviews, Fragrantica and Basenotes, and Michael Edwards’ Fragrance Finder.
In all honesty I am not wearing it now, but I was enchanted by a sample of Iris Nuit (Heeley). There is an overview of some iris fragrances here – including Iris Nuit (with a link to a longer review of it). The description of its evanescent character sent me over the edge for the most expensive perfume I own!
http://perfumedmaze.blogspot.com/2014/05/iris-perfumes.html
I’m wearing Obsession today, which feels like a good Autumn scent. So today, I smell loud, spicy, and a little cheap. But in the best way possible
Loud, spicy, cheap, but awesomely, wonderfully compelling. Yep, that’s just what I remember when I think of Obsession.
I could never wear it, but I love smelling it on other people. On some people it smells like play-doh, some people smell spicy. It’s perfume alchemy. 🙂
Wearing a last drop of Jour d’Hermes from a sample vial, and remembering how it was one of a few perfumes that reignited my interest in fragrance following a long period of medication-induced anosmia. Whew! Long sentence, and I feel like it happened long ago, but really it was just last year.
Here is the Perfume Shrine review that sent me scurrying for a sample of Jour d’Hermes:
http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2012/12/hermes-jour-dhermes-fragrance-review.html
Katie Puckrick’s video review was next, then Persolaise, then . . . several hours later I was rubbing bleary eyes and wishing I could keep reading.
I bought a bottle of PdN L’Eau a la Folie unsniffed due to this lovely review by Victoria of Bois de Jasmin.
http://boisdejasmin.com/2012/07/parfums-de-nicolai-leau-a-la-folie-fragrance-review.html
I blame Victoria for a lot of unsniffed buys. All of which have been successful by the way!
I love Eau à la Folie, have you tried Eau Soleil as well?
Late to the game, but I was wearing a vintage (90s) Diorissimo. I was able to figure out the rough year of manufacture from this article: http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2009/05/frequent-questions-ho-do-i-date-my.html and it helped tremendously in my deciding to go for it. I’m so glad I did! Best $20 I spent this quarter (the bottle is only about a third full, hence the low price)!