My choices for the best fragrances of 2014, or at least, the best of what I managed to smell — which, as usual, was a mere fraction of the industry's prolific output. It wasn't a spectacular year, perhaps, but it was a reasonably good year, and I had plenty of favorites to choose from.
Scroll down to see what Angela, Erin, Jessica and Kevin thought was noteworthy in 2014, or click over to Bois de Jasmin, Grain de Musc, Perfume Posse or The Non-Blonde for more opinions. And of course, do add your own thoughts in the comments!
My favorite niche fragrances of 2014: A tie between two very different fragrances, Parfums DelRae Wit and Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur. Props as well to Byredo Flowerhead, Parfums d'Empire Corsica Furiosa, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Pluriel and Aedes de Venustas Oeillet Bengale.
And the best mainstream scents: Another odd-couple tie, this time between Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez and Hermès Cuir d'Ange.
The best from the mall chains AND the cheap thrill of the year: Crabtree & Evelyn Indian Sandalwood.
Best indie fragrance: The admittedly eccentric Kerosene Black Vines.
Best natural fragrance: My favorite was Providence Perfume Co Samarinda, but this was a particularly good year for naturals, and I have to mention Aftelier Palimpsest, Ayala Moriel Musk Malabi and Hiram Green Shangri La.
Best 2013 fragrances I didn't smell until 2014: Hiram Green Moon Bloom, Tauer Perfumes Phi Une Rose de Kandahar, Bruno Fazzolari Lampblack.
Did what they were supposed to do: By Kilian Sacred Wood and Imperial Tea, Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her, Robert Piguet Gardenia, Fendi Furiosa, Calvin Klein Reveal, Bottega Veneta Knot.
Didn't: Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana, Prada Candy Florale, Viktor & Rolf Bonbon.
Stop, you're depressing me: Karl Lagerfeld for Her.
Best flanker: Hermès Jour D'Hermès Absolu.
Word-salad flanker name of the year: Scuderia Ferrari Light Essence Acqua.
Whatever, just keep making the original: Guerlain Shalimar Souffle de Parfum.
Best celebrity perfume: Comme des Garçons + Pharrell Williams Girl, with a nod to Lady Gaga Eau de Gaga.
Best packaging: Cartier La Panthère (and if you missed the Extrait bottle, do take a look).
Perfume commercial of the year: I thought it was a generally lousy year for perfume commercials, but I really liked the unusual take on the masculine sport theme for Loewe's Sport collection.
Abs of the year: DSquared2 Wild.
Best perfume news of the year: Yes, Estée Lauder bought Le Labo and Frédéric Malle, but LVMH did not succeed in taking over Hermès.
Perfumer of the year: The extraordinarily gifted and versatile Francis Kurkdjian. He was once best known for the classics from Jean Paul Gaultier, but since 2009 he has also built up an impressive stable of perfumes under his own name, at Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Plus, he has recently resurrected the Carven perfume house, and made Elie Saab into a favorite brand of perfumistas. And that's only scratching the surface; do go look at his list of creations.
Angela's Best of 2014
This year escaped without any “love and must own” fragrances for me. What follows are my high points for 2014, with the caveat that Ive only smelled a tiny fraction of what was released. Here’s to a blockbuster 2015!
Best fragrances found in high-end department stores: First, Hermès Cuir d’Ange for its delicate, tingly leather that demands the “ange” in its name. Also, Bottega Veneta Knot. Although it’s not for me, I admire its sophisticated yet fresh take on orange flower.
Best niche: I loved Vero Profumo Rozy. It smells honest and old-fashioned and full of emotion, like a silent movie transformed into scent.
Best natural: To me, Hiram Green Shangri La marries a classic chypre with the tight, rounded edges of natural materials in a way that suits a modern day vintage lover like me perfectly for days when I don’t want to go full vamp — which is practically always.
Best discovery of something old that’s new to me: Rochas Audace redefines elegance for me. Audace takes the chypre, then freshens and grounds it with a whisper of fir. Wearing it, I feel like I’ve grown up.
I’m sure I’ve missed some good ones, and I look forward to reading the comments!
Erin's Best of 2014
Isn't it worrisome that many of us feel obliged to start our annual list of highlights with an apology for the +6000 new releases we haven't sampled yet? I feel most guilty about missing the recent Amouages, Imaginary Authors, Lush's Gorilla perfumes, S-Perfumes and The Vagabond Prince duo. No doubt I'm more nervous this time around, after I delayed sampling the limited edition Tauer Perfumes Phi Une Rose de Kandahar until last January, thus missing a bottle from the first batch. I snapped up some Phi 2.0 in November and it's top of my 2014 list. Everybody's other favorite Swiss niche nose, Vero Kern, composed a close runner-up, Rozy Voile d'Extrait, also a dark and strikingly handsome rose. News was good at the department stores, as well, with two outstanding mainstream launches, Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez and Bottega Veneta Knot. And autumn brought the brief but welcome re-release of the best Thierry Mugler A*Men Pure flankers (Coffee, Malt and Havane), along with the introduction of Pure Wood.
There was plenty for the ever-expanding "Nothing Earth-Shaking, but Perfectly Pleasing" bracket, too: Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur, Kerosene Black Vines, Diptyque Geranium Odorata and two by Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co, Samarinda and Bay Rum. Providence was my 2014 find: an all-natural indie brand I'd missed earlier, with cheerful gems like Tabac Citron, Eva Luna and Branch & Vine. Along with Ethier, I have to give an appreciative nod this year to Aurélien Guichard, who created not just Narciso, but two of my happiest recent re-discoveries, Bond No. 9 Chinatown and Azzaro Couture (2008 version), both of which finally joined my collection. As always, there were also a fair number of bloopers, some from my favorite lines... but I find I'm less resentful of those as I age. And the great generosity and comradery of perfumanity buoyed my spirits, even when the sampling was less than stellar. May all of you have a wonderful transition to the new calendar year!"
Jessica's Best of 2014
In some past years, I’ve ended up with a handful of niche fragrances on my list, but no mainstream releases, or vice versa; this year, my favorites fall pretty evenly into different categories.
Niche fragrance: Aedes de Venustas Oeillet Bengale is a spicy-incensey floral of the same high quality and cultivated taste as its namesake boutique.
Niche brand: Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger added some new fragrances to its line, and I like nearly all of them. They’re true to their influences, wearable, grown-up, and not insanely high-priced.
Mainstream fragrance: Calvin Klein Reveal’s marketing and packaging didn’t interest me at all, but this solar oriental-gourmand is one of my new favorite comfort scents.
Collaboration between a niche perfumery and a mainstream brand: The two fragrances launched by Arquiste and J. Crew proved that something sophisticated and long-lasting can indeed be made and sold for under $100.
Natural perfume: A perfume follow-up to the brand’s luxurious natural hair oil and face oil, Aroma M Camellia is a lush yet delicate botanical fragrance that perfectly encapsulates an East-West, modern-retro sensibility.
Limited edition fragrance: Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum sold out fast, but I hope it will be re-released someday so that others can enjoy it as much as I did.
Flanker: Van Cleef & Arpels First Edition d’Or is a sparkling, contemporary (but not dumbed-down) iteration of Jean-Claude Ellena’s classic aldehydic floral.
Bath and body line: L’Occitane au Brésil’s colorful packaging makes me smile, and to do the line’s bright, easy scents.
Fragrances that I still need to try: Sarah McCartney’s 4160 Tuesdays is at the top of my list for 2015.
Kevin's Best of 2014
Jaded. Mind on other things. Bored. All those words describe my 2014 perfume attitude. Fragrance thrills are few and far between for me, and even my favorite launches in 2014 weren't groundbreaking (is that even possible now?) But…I still get the occasional twinge to buy (especially vintage perfumes) and try (a list of intriguing notes is all it takes to ignite desire).
This year my picks for sweet-smelling launches include Acqua di Parma Colonia Leather, Thierry Mugler A*Men Pure Wood, Crabtree & Evelyn Indian Sandalwood (a cheap thrill), Aesop Marrakech Intense (as lovely as the original), Olfactive Studio Ombre Indigo (with its hint of tuberose), Jean Patou Collection Héritage Patou Pour Homme reissue (a success!), Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa (Parfum d’Empire, WHY did you ditch your old bottle design?) and last-minute discoveries: Surrender to Chance's debut fragrances, Coldwater Canyon and Surrender (both developed by AbdesSalaam Attar of La Via del Profumo). Also, I will nod approvingly in the direction of the Oriza L. Legrand line; nicely made vintage-inspired fragrances with spirit.
Of course there were lots of new perfumes I never got around to smelling in 2014...as is always true.
Raunchiest Pairing of the Year (good Halloween scents too...find a friend and dress up): Jardins d'Écrivains Junky and Penhaligon’s + Meadham Kirchhoff Tralala — if two people came to my house smelling like these perfumes I’d send them to the bathroom, with some products from the Hermès le Bain line (it seems my nose is veering more towards bath/body products and candles these days than perfumes) .
When all else fails, an ugly bottle can bring a smile to my face. Two of the worst bottle designs of the year? Joya Foxglove (does its crudely made cap keep the perfume fresh? prevent it from evaporating?) and the commercial-looking (the white lettering) Lalique for Bentley Blue Crystal Edition! I can forgive inexpensive perfumes for their awful bottles, but not pricey lines.
Note: top image is Bottles & Reflections (Revised) by dvaires at flickr; some rights reserved.
Hands down ELDO Rien Intense Incense – leather, incense and MORE.
MORE!
Calvin Klein Reveal EDP – musk and cashmeran, comforting and unpretentious, always a plus in my view.
Best ‘fume launched previously to 2014 that I discovered this past year: Opoponax Les Nereides.
YMMV 🙂
I have still not tried the ELDO! I am very behind this year.
I feel like this year I missed even more new releases than I usually do.
I thought that Narciso was really nice. Still hoping to try Cuir d’Ange and whatever new Amouages have been released in the recent months. After testing it properly, I promptly fell for Séville à l’Aube.
FM’s Eau de Magnolia and SL’s Orpheline did little for me.
I feel the same! And, agree about the FM & SL. Both were fine but not their best.
Wow – so I realize how far behind the pack I’ve become! I’ve not smelled a single one of the new releases on the list above!!! So many sound wonderful!! I came very close to getting a sample of Velvet Orchid but it disappeared, and did smell the Carven Le Parfum (is that from this year?), so there you go….. sheesh. I a definitely on the slow train.
Ha, you are. The Carven is from last year (although the EdT came out this year). But surely there is no need to rush.
Keeping you company on the slow train. Wanna go get a drink in the viewing car with me? 😉
Great lists up there, team Now Smell This! Good job!
Wishing all of you and to all the readers a fantastic New Year’s Eve and see you in 2015!
Mua :-*
Thank you Lucasai!
Love the stop, you’re depressing me category–and YSL’s new output could fit right in.
2014 was the year I first tried Moon Bloom, and I’ve been rather obsessed with it ever since. So far Shangri-La hasn’t grabbed me.
Ha, we will never have trouble filling that category!
My take on the Hiram Greens is that Shangri La is possibly the better scent, but I’d much rather have a bottle of Moon Bloom. Anyway, they’re both good, hope we’ll see more from him in 2015.
I have got to be the only one who hasn’t smelled anything that was released this year.
You can always list your favorite discoveries of the year
Not a single one, not even a quick spray on a blotter at a store? I’m impressed!
My favorite new releases were Desarmant, Indigo Vanilla, Terracotta Le Parfum, Amun Re: The Tears of Ra, Samarinda, and Rozy in both forms. My favorite discoveries of the year that I think were released in 2013 were Arabian Horse (must…get…bottle….), Jardins d’Armide, and Sideris with the heartbreaker being Carpathian Oud Cologne from Soivohle– by the time I realized it was perfect on me, it had sold out
You might email Soivohle…they do bring things back I think!
She’s discontinuing mixed media scents under the Soivohle brand (which will be all natural) and will be launching a new line in 2015 of mixed media scents. I am hoping it will be part of that. (Fingers crossed)
I’m so glad you mentioned this. Lilacs and Heliotrope has been on my wishlist for a long time now, and I just snagged it at 50% off. Woohoo! Happy New Year’s to me. 🙂
I did the same thing with Centennial!
Me too, with Centennial.
Hmmm, maybe ya’ll need to actually sniff more of those unsniffed samples instead of moaning about their vast number, lol
I see no mention of some of the best of the if not ‘new’ but newly aware of brands that got some spotlight this year. Masque Milano, Atelier Flou, April Aromatics, just visit Luckyscent’s line up and you’ll find fumes that are deserving of your curiosity at least 🙂
Honestly, these yawning reviews of many of the same things aren’t making my perfumista heart sing or making me want to visit some of the blogs that were once filled with enthusiasm. Give us paths to find things to sample while we wander down the rabbit hole of perfumedom!
There are a number of blogs that only do enthusiastic/positive reviews (CaFleurebon comes to mind, but there are others) but that will never be us, sorry!
I, for one, appreciate that NST doesn’t always do chipper reviews
I’m not talking about ‘chipper’, I want to know what doesn’t ring the bells as well as what does, I’m saying that surely with all the many new releases people mention where do we go to read about them when many of the blogs are talking about the same ones?
Ah, gotcha. You want more reviews of the smaller, less-often mentioned brands?
CaFleurebon and Kafkaesque are pretty good for some of the less well known brands
Agree with both of those recs.
flannery, I know that the “bigger” blogs often do not want to offer negative reviews of newer indie lines — it seems cruel to bash a smaller business. So it’s possible you’re not reading reviews of these lines because some of us have sampled them and not found them impressive! But also, like you, bloggers like Robin have busy lives outside of perfume (and providing perfume reviews to others for free) and may have trouble keeping up with getting sample of all lines, including smaller ones. I think there’s plenty of enthusiasm here at NST for a wide variety of lines, but if you’re looking for more reviews on newer or smaller indie brands, CaFleurebon and the forums (Basenotes, Fragrantica) have plenty.
I think the Non Blonde does a decent job covering the niche lines (by that I mean she reviews a decent number of lines, the coverage/reviews she gives are much more that “decent” – she always honest, thorough, and humerous).
Just for what it’s worth–I def can understand why extensive reviews of small lines might appeal to some, but as I have only limited local access to niche perfume, and even more limited funds for buying samples, I’m really grateful that NST devotes a lot of attention to sorting through those offerings I’m likely to ever get a chance to smell. And I’m guessing there’s a sizable number of people in my position–I live in a major U.S. city, yet the closest place that sells even Serge, L’Artisan, etc. is 200 miles away. So for those of us who aren’t likely to get to smell the lines you mention anytime soon (if ever!), it’s really nice that knowledgeable people are covering the stuff we do have access to. Very easy to imagine the opposite, where the connoisseurs just ignore the mainstream stuff altogether.
(To wit: thank you Robin, Jessica, Angela, Kevin and Erin! I really appreciate it!)
If I understand you correctly, flannery, you’re not saying that NST doesn’t necessarily review small, lesser known brands, but that many of the blogs review the same fragrances (whether niche or mainstream), therefore several lines remain forever unknown to those of us who learn about perfume online.
Chemist in the Bottle is another great blog that does reviews of new releases that you may not find elsewhere.
I find Kerosene Black Vines to be quite exciting and I think the CDG/Pharell Girl is quite good and interesting. I am still happily testing the Slumberhouse line and Providence Perfumes perfume oils!
I am still working on Slumberhouse myself! Glad Black Vines has fans, I really thought it was a great quirky scent. Did not love Dirty Flower Factory, ufortunately.
I really liked Black Vines, too, as I mentioned, but didn’t find it particularly different from some other licorice scents – just perhaps more intense. The fir/pine notes were a really nice touch, but for a weird pairing I thought Imaginary Authors Cape Heartache, which I recently sampled, was quirkier, with pine and strawberry. But I think it’s possible my quirk-meter is broken by now 😉
Sadly, also did not like Dirty Flower Factory. And Sadanne was another disappointment, though I usually really like Slumberhouse, as well.
Cape Heartache is still on my to-try list. I need to try quite a few from that line, actually.
Really wanted to love DFF — great name & great description.
I really liked Dirty Flower Factory and I thought Sadanne was the first strawberry perfume I have smelled that was actually sophisticated and grown up. Perhaps I need a sample of Cape Heartache as I continue to search for the perfect berry perfume. Black Vines is not astonishingly different from Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin in the far drydown(I did a side by side comparison)but the drama of Black Vines opening is hard to beat!
And I do like drama 🙂
Have you tried Blackbird by Olympic Orchids?
I’m pretty sure I’ve sniffed Black Vines. . . licorice and wet pavement? And of course, I was an early tester and lover of PHI.
But this was not a heavy-testing year for me. I gave my samples a rest this summer and spent most of my scent-time enjoying what I had, stocking up on what I feared I might run out of, and backing away from my spreadsheets!
I think I’m in this odd place with sampling new scents–I don’t really want to go out of my way to do it, I’m tired of ordering things from hither and thither. But I also recognize that my tastes run strongly in the direction of small indie and niche lines, which pretty much necessitates that I order samples! Chances are very good that if something is going to blow me away, it won’t be available at Nordstroms. (Thank the gods for Our Lady!)
Licorice & wet pavement sounds about right.
I probably tested less this year than last too…
MR, What exactly is “Our Lady”? I have seen you mention it a couple of times and am not sure if its a perfume boutique or what?
I am like you in that I tend to gravitate to indie perfumers and not so much to dept store mainstream fragrances…not sure why but I am thinking the most of the “indie” scents are so different from anything on store shelves.
Part of me wishes EVERYONE knew and bought indie scents because I feel the general population is really missing out….
Oh, sorry! “Our Lady of the Scented Wrists” is my affectionate name for a local perfume shop, The Perfume House, here in Portland, Oregon! Some other bloggers and I decided a year or so ago that it was far more than a perfume shop–really, more of a holy place! (At which we may need to make regular offerings, say prayers, and to which pilgrimages are made. 😀 )
I know what you mean about indie perfumers! Even when I don’t like things, I often feel that they are good quality and usually interesting, just not for me. I can find things that are fine, inoffensive, even pleasant enough at department stores, but usually that is the best I can say.
I wish I had an “Our Lady” in my town- I’m sure I would be making regular offerings as well! Lucky you!
My favorite bottles were Knot and the Myrrh Casati.
My favorite ‘ new to me’ – the Belle Fleur candle, Rose Immortelle.
I want to smell the three new scents from Tiziana Terenzi.
2015 is the year I will finally pop for Ubar.
The Knot bottle was great.
Tell me about the Belle Fleur candle, who makes it?
Very interesting. I do have a question that is a little off topic. After reading the lists and seeing Narciso as best mainstream, I am wondering as somewhat of a newbie to perfumes, how do you differentiate between a mainstream and niche perfumer or house?
What criteria is used to classify one or the other?
Thanks
Rob
There is no universally accepted criteria, and there is overlap in any case. Generally speaking a mainstream fragrance is widely distributed and can be found in department stores (or in some cases, discount stores); generally speaking a niche fragrance has limited distribution and would be found in boutiques.
But…as I said, there is overlap. The Hermes fragrance listed under mainstream, Cuir d’Ange, is actually only in Hermes stores, but since Hermes does sell other fragrances widely, I think of the brand as mainstream. Likewise, sometimes brands most perfumistas think of as niche will show up in a high end department store (usually Neiman Marcus or Saks, sometimes Nordstrom).
got it. thanks
My favorite new release of 2014 was Reveal. It’s also my complimented fragrance, which is always nice.
My other fragrance finds from this year of perfume discovery were all over the board, and it’s been super fun.
I think a lot of this year was testing and trying and learning how to wear each scent (1 or 2 dabs of this for work, a bunch of sprays of that fir relaxing at home, etc) and i love it.
Starting new job in a couple weeks, and hoping no one there is sensitive to fragrance. Fingers are crossed. I would probably just do small spritz of soft fumes under clothes and say it is my shampoo or something. But no need to borrow trouble! I’ll worry about that if it happens.
Happy 2015 to all!
I’m still surprised by Reveal — really good scent, hope it does well.
And good luck with the new job, that’s exciting!
Wow – now I have to smell Reveal by Calvin Klein, I didn’t even give it a 2nd look before.
Best scent of 2014 for me has definitely been Bel Ami Vetiver by Hermes, with Hermessence Cuir d’Ange coming in 2nd place. And Terre de Hermes Eau Fraiche coming in 3rd. It’s been a good year for Hermes fans, in my opinion.
A really good year for Hermes!
I also liked Hermès Jour D’Hermès Absolu. Hermès in general has fleeting perfumes, but this one is an exception. Cuir d’Ange perfectly captures the smell of a new pair of really expensive shoes, which is interesting but not how I want to smell.
Jour D’Hermès Absolu is lovely!
It really is.
I haven’t tried many of these 2014 launches and did not love the ones that I did try. Nonetheless, I’m always behind and hope to catch up in 2015.
Perhaps the only 2014 perfume I’ve both tried and loved is DSH Scent of Hope (the Iris Gris recreation). In addition, I will always appreciate 2014 for the appearance of Amouage on the discount sites. Beloved is one of my all-time top ten perfumes.
Thank you, Kevin! I somehow missed the announcement of the Surrender to Chance-La Via del Profumo collaboration, and I can’t wait to try those.
Go cheap Amouage!
Reading The Non-Blonde list reminds me of another good one: Scent by Alexis The Poetry Of Longing. It’s a perfume focused on chocolate that uses it to create a real perfume, rather than making your skin smell like chocolate. It was also fun to exchange poems with creator Alexis Karl.
I also kind of liked some 777 Stephane Humbert Lucas samples I tried but have put them on the back burner due to the prices. I’m “making do” with Amouage, LOL!
I did the exchange of poems as well and it was great fun but then I am a nerdy Lit major! Her Poetry of Longing is on my sample list for this year. TNB and I seem to be scent twins so if she is head over heels for something, it is most likely up my alley as well. Did you like it enough to get a bottle?
Yes, I did.
Good to know! Thanks 🙂
Did not realize that Kurkdjian was doing the new releases for Carven – so now I’m not surprised I liked Carven Le Parfum, as I generally have good luck with FK compositions.
I tried very little new stuff this year, and the stuff I did try was mostly niche. Liked Flowerhead and Oeillet Bengale, the FMK Pluriel Feminin, liked Cuir Cannage (that *was* this year, right? only tried it this year). Haaaaated Cuir d’Ange – it pulled the “strikingly fecal” trick on me – and most of the Oriza L LeGrande range, which were generally superlatively nasty on my skin though not on paper. (I did like Reve d’Ossian.) Really loved Wit and Le Galion Tubereuse.
Still haven’t tried the Hiram Green scents, though they continue to appeal, in theory.
And I haven’t tried Cuir Cannage! I mostly give up on the Diors, no access.
My new to me and I’m impressed perfume house is Papillon Perfumery. I have FBs of Anubis and Angelique; I am afraid to try Tobacco Rose for fear of having to get a FB to join its siblings.
My surprise love was Parfums DelRae Wit, thanks to a generous swapper and yes, I ended up getting a FB for myself. I also like Oeillet Bengale but have not used it as often as I would have liked. Ambre Precieux is not new but I was curious enough to blind buy and thank goodness I love it.
I have yet to try Shangri La, Cuir d’Ange, Palimpsest and Scent of Hope and I bet I will like these too.
I am jealous of your Wit (ha!) but for whatever reason the Papillon Perfumery scents didn’t speak to me. Nice, but not me I guess.
Everyone has such fun lists! If Cuir d’Ange lasted on me, it would be one of my top favorites. I really like the fragrance. And I can’t agree more on Copal Azur, which proves that you can always do something new and interesting with incense.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Thank you V, and happy New Year to you as well!
Great lists! I love reading these.
My favorite release of 2014 is DSH Scent of Hope. Robin’s tie picks – Copal Azur and Wit – come in for me at a tie for close seconds (and I blame this mostly on you, Robin, as your reviews of each sent me scrambling for samples that were, of course, love at first sniff). So far, only Scent of Hope has made it beyond the small decant stage – although as a 5 ml bottle, that probably isn’t saying too much! Hopefully the latter two will find their way into my collection in 2015.
Other 2014 releases I really enjoyed were Sacred Wood and Imperial Tea from Kilian; Vanille Bourbon Intense from DSH; SSS Yin & Ylang; and Shalimar Souffle (yes, I’m a heretic…after 20+ years of trying, I still find the original Shalimar unwearable, but I love the lemon-vanilla custard of Souffle).
I have not had the chance to sample so many 2014 releases, but those on my ‘Must Test’ list include BV Knot; Surrender and Cold Water Canyon from STC; Terracotta (if it ever returns), the just re-released L’A Oeillet Sauvage; Orient Express from Thierry Mugler; the whole Terry de Gunzburg line; and Kilian’s Smoke for the Soul.
Looking forward to sniffing vicariously through all of the bloggers and readers on NST in 2015!
Scent of Hope is very special – and it will be even better in the spring.
Glad to take the blame because they’re both great scents!
I like “best 2013 fragrances that I didn’t try until 2014”. LOL. I must say I tried Cuir d’Ange while in Vegas this fall and I’m still thinking about it. It’s quite beautiful but I can’t accept that it is gone in less than an hour on me.
There’s a few niche brands that I’d like to try listed, especially the all natural houses.
BV Knot won me over, as did Terracotta. I enjoy reading these lists….Thank you!
I agree with you regarding the “best 2013 fragrances that I didn’t try until 2014″! I am way behind but that’s why I love “best of” lists. My sample list is growing longer with every blog I read 😉
I ought to have things like “best 1987 fragrance I didn’t try until 2015” 😉
My full bottle purchase of a 2014 release, was Narciso Rodriguez Narciso. That was an instant love for me, and I get loads of complements when I wear it.
2014 seemed to be a fairly weak year for perfumes. Many of the major mainstream releases were overhyped, and fell flat on their faces. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid was pretty disappointing, and way too floral. I absolutely hated Bottega Veneta Knot, as it just smells like Pine-Sol. Victor and Rolf Bonbon was, unsurprisingly, banal and trashy. B. Balenciaga and Dolce and Gabbana Dolce were boring, and did not really smell like anything. Cartier Le Panthere has a beautiful bottle, but the scent is too fruity. Burberry My Burberry was bland, and overpriced. Givenchy Dahlia Divin was ok, but nothing special.
I have yet to smell Calvin Klein Reveal. That one sounds pretty nice, and like something I might enjoy. I should also try Pharrell Williams Girl. It has such a quirky bottle, and sounds like a decent celebrity scent.
Congrats on the Narciso! Did you not like any of the niche offerings this year either?
I did not get a chance to try any new Niche releases, this year. Though, I generally like L’Artisan Parfumeur, Serge Lutens, and Frederic Malle. Brands like Bond No. 9 and By Killian tend to be overrated.