Happy Tuesday! And RIP, Glenn Frey. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Ineke Field Notes from Paris. Tea at the moment: Kusmi Zoubrovka.
Reminder: this Friday, 1/22, will be Noir Friday. Forget the fragrances with "Noir" in the name....wear a fragrance that feels / smells Noir to you.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2016, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is geometromap_solarized_clair-sombre [cropped] by Johann Dréo at flickr; some rights reserved.
I’m wearing Aerin Lauder Evening Rose today, in my continuing quest to wear everything in my collection at least once this year.
Nice!
Great idea. I’ll need to do that soon too. Or figure out what I can offer for swap.
This is a good project.
Good luck & you smell lovely!
And Evening Rose is lovely!
Fragrance-less as of yet. I have a cold and what I can smell doesn’t smell quite right.
In looking through my little baggie of samples and decants (I haven’t set up my perfume supply here at my new office yet), I decided to go with Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose and Oud because it seems like something I’ll still be able to smell. Only with wrist to nose, mind you, but still.
Hope everyone had a good weekend!
Ugh, feel better!
Thanks Robin!
Hope you feel better.
It’s frustrating when things you know smell a certain way and they end up smelling “off”.
Thanks honey!
That’s too bad ????. Seems there’s been at least 5 waves of sickness this winter. Hopefully this is the last and you feel better soon!
Aw – thanks honey. My cold isn’t half as bad as most other people’s illnesses have been, so no need to feel too bad for me!
Hope you feel better soon! Velvet rose and oud is very nice.
Thanks Dottie! Yes, I’ve been liking it too.
Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks Holly!
IIn my office, I’m surrounded by people with colds, and my grandson was getting one while he was with me on Friday. I am miraculously healthy (although my son it’s because I’m so old I have antibodies for everything). I am not gloating, ihadanidea, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Colds are relatvely trivial–but so nasty!
Everyone is being so sweet to me about my little cold – I’m so appreciative!
Glad you’ve been spared though!
Hope you soon feel better. You sound as though you smell wonderful… could be worse, much worse — you could smell of Vick’s Vaporub!
(Ducking!)
Feel better soon!
Feel better! It’s going around. So many people out sick at work today.
I am wearing Myrrhe Ardente and drinking MF Shanghai Breakfast (I will be drinking it in two minutes).
What is the MF like?
It is an interesting mix of an amber oolong, ginger, and chrysanthemum. I am never quite sure whether I like it or not.
I have the French Breakfast which is nice but almost finished. This sounds nice, I’ll have to try it!
SOTD: Tobacco Vanille (Tom Ford). This stuff is very strong…
Indeed it is
I have found with the Tom Fords a light hand is best at first.
I have a tiny sample splash bottle, so put a little dab on my wrists, a little dab on my neck, and a little dab on my torso (sorry if TMI). I guess all these “little” dabs are still too much…
If you find it overwhelming you could try decanting into a small sprayer and trying just one spray. Another trick is to use a cotton ball to dab it on, rather than just purely from the bottle. Enjoy!
Honoré des Prés; Vamp à New York, one of my happiest scents. Drinking Oolong Chataigne by Damman Frères.
DF teas can be found here, but not easily — is it a lovely oolong?
It is, but I can’t really vouch as to the quality of the Oolong because the chestnut flavour is strong. It’s quite a dark, and slightly smoky tea and great for this time of year. Some chestnut flavoured teas are rather cloying, this one is not.
Thanks!
Where?
Amazon has some but the prices are high. Seattle Coffee Gear has some mark downs at the moment. Sur La Table used to have them but I think they stopped carrying.
I love the Vamp! Perhaps I shall wear it today.
Ooh, will you guys tell me more about Vamp? I haven’t sought out a chance to test it as most of the time tuberose isn’t my thing, but I am rethinking because:
1. I fell in love with one of the other Honore des Pres.
2. Giacobetti (obvs).
3. I have reconciled myself to the fact that I love vanilla in perfume.
What do you think, is this enough to make me love this tuberose??
http://graindemusc.blogspot.nl/2010/05/vamp-ny-by-olivia-giacobetti-for-honore.html
You might want to read this first. The only Honoré des Prés I have tried are Vamp, Carotte and Love Coco, so I cannot really compare to any of the others.
Vamp is quite sweet, which I don’t mind at all. I’ve adored it from when I first tried it.
Oh, thanks for this. I’d read a bunch of reviews and still felt mystified–everyone seems to love it, but their descriptions of it don’t sound enticing??–but I’d missed Denyse’s, which for some reason I find easier to grasp. Or, maybe she just emphasizes things I would like
In any case, thank you, this is good enabling 
Um. Well. Vamp is Big Tuberose, there’s no way around that. Musette at the Posse said all she could smell was bubble gum in it (keep in mind, she’s been known to bathe in Fracas). For what it’s worth, I get spicy root-beer tuberose, and it’s vulgar fun. Plus, it lasts like 9 hours on my scent-eating skin, so if you hate tubey you will probably be out of luck there.
Mind you, I think it’s great, but I can only wear it when it is either very cold or very warm (it’s a great trashy beach scent, IMO).
Interesting!! Gosh you guys all have me so intrigued, it is amazing to me that there is so much love for a “vulgar fun” and a “trashy beach scent”–it must be REALLY good. Not that I can’t understand what could be fun about those things, it’s just not at all what usually wins high praise in these parts! Well, I guess I have to smell it now
Just to add to the confusion, I don’t find it heavy, and I would rather call it fun and playful than vulgar, but I can see how someone would describe it that way. It’s my favourite tuberose, and I’m more than halfway through my bottle.
I am wearing my favorite scent for truly freezing weather– Black Cashmere! I may venture out of the house later for errands and such but right now, I am staying put
Sounds sensible. If only I didn’t have a morning meeting and I could do the same…
Similar plan for me today, must do errands in 15F weather. (Luckily, it’s not windy, which would make it so much worse.) And Black Cashmere is wonderful.
Our wind here is screeching and miserable! I don’t mind if it’s cold, but when the wind starts to go it is just awful. I hope you don’t get slammed with too much snow this weekend!
The perfect cozy-up-at-home smell!
So sad about Glenn Frey. I loved their early albums and saw them live but checked out with Hotel California. Wearing Elixir des Merveilles – perfect for this chilly day.
Scent twin! Good choice
That is a good one for a cold day.
I had a huge crush on Glenn Frey when I was young. Does anyone remember when he was in Miami Vice?
Poor Glenn Frey and family, those sound like horrendous diseases from which to suffer. That said, can’t think of his band without being reminded of the taxicab scene in The Big Lebowski (“I hate the f****** Eagles, man”).
Still experiencing infatuation with my sample of MFK’s Ciel de GUM. Have never fallen for anything from this house before.
Any mention of The Big Lebowski makes me laugh, even when the Eagles were criticized.
Hee heeee….
Oh crap. If you are loving Ciel de GUM I really want a sample of it…
I never heard of Ciel de GUM , but just read a lot of raves. Does anyone know if I can get a sample/decant within Europe?
If Surrender to Chance has it, they ship to Europe. Haven’t had any problems with customs.
Thanks, Mariann. I really hoped I could order it over here and save postage, etc.
Ciel de GUM was instant love for me. If I can find a bottle, I would love to split it
Osswald had it when we were there in Dec
Dang! How did I miss that? I’ve been hankering to try that one, too.
I have a sample. Will investigate further!
I would be interested too!
New Year’s resolution: get to the bottom of all the many many samples I’ve accumulated in the last few years. Today is PG Praline de Santal, which is okay but wishes it could grow up to be Jeux de Peau.
Same resolution! Good luck to us both.
You can do it!
That’s a good resolution. I might work on that myself.
The Freebiemeet was cathartic. I have waaaay too many samples and i am passing along the ones I know I won’t get to for a few years.
You’re so generous–just reading your list made me feel great about the world. Thanks for sharing so much goodness
Aaaand, today, I found another box hiding in plain sight…and I still have to cull my Sniffapalooza samples haul. I may just add a few more items to each Freebiemeet set or list them as freebies during swapmeet.
No perfume yet but I’m just about to brew a cup of Violet tea so maybe I should slap on some Kerbside Violet first. On the subject of tea, I just found out that Guerlain sells tea at they’re Champs Elysées boutique . Shalimar and L’Heure Bleue are on offer among others. How did I miss this until now?
You can find a review of the Shalimar at Bois de Jasmin, plus a recipe to make your own:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2014/01/guerlain-shalimar-tea-recipe.html
Thanks. I’ll have to try that recipe some time.
You can also quite easily find variations on Earl Grey with vanilla (sometimes sold as London Fog Earl Grey) and/or lavender, and then just experiment with the floral / almond parts. I personally do not like vanilla in my Earl Grey but you can’t make Shalimar without vanilla
I generally don’t like vanilla flavored teas either. I usually find them sickly like the contents of a pudding cup. The ones labeled “Cream of Earl Grey” are especially bad. I do like Kusmi Prince Vladimir though. The vanilla in that one is well balanced with the other flavors.
Heh, you guys. More Creme de la Earl Grey for me
Then C.H., you are the one who must try Victoria’s Shalimar tea recipe!
Ha, possibly too high-brow for me–my preferred version is often compared to birthday cake
Violet tea? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Is it a subtle smell/taste?
It’s a Violet scented black tea from Kusmi. Robin reviewed it a while back and I finally picked some up this Christmas. It’s really good. I’d call it a subtle taste but it’s unmistakably Violet.
Tea twin! – that tea is lovely- i love drinking it accompanied by rose and violet chocolates, which seem to amp up the delicate favour of the tea.
Rose and violet chocolates? Where do you get those?
I am also waiting to hear where Mayfly gets rose and violet chocolates, but here are a few: Rococo in the UK, Maison Bouche in the US.
https://nstperfume.com/2013/12/12/bunch-o-random-chocolate-bars-no-theme-no-perfume-part-2/
https://nstperfume.com/2011/07/15/two-teas-from-aftelier-with-a-quick-aside-about-rococo-floral-chocolates/
Tea enabler! I just ordered some to try. I really can never have enough violet in my life.
Oh, yes… the Kusmi brand has some really winners. I hope to try this soon!
This sounds really good iced…
Whaaat? I never knew Guerlain made teas! That sounds amazing! Too bad I don’t have access to it, but please let us know if you try it.
Love Lush perfumes, such high quality and different while being surprisingly reasonably priced. What’s your impression of Kerbside Violet?
I really like Kerbside Violet. I have a tin of the solid perfume smuggled in from Japan. (I’ve nearly given up on volume 3 ever reaching our shores.) To me it’s straight up violets: damp earthy, and easy wearing.
I suspect we are not going to see Volume 3 here either. Eventually I will need to find a mule to get me some from the UK.
What’s volume 3?, is it a lush perfume?
Oh gosh, you know it’s so scarce I hadn’t even realized Kerbside Violet was from Lush! I thought it was… I don’t know, Kerosene or Imaginary Authors or something. Ok noted, I’ll be on the looked out for a UK mule as well.
Would said mule have to bring it back to the States? Or just ship it from the UK?
Mayfly, it’s a collection of Lush fragrances:
https://nstperfume.com/2015/02/24/four-new-fragrances-from-lush-gorilla-perfumes/
Newbiex, I’m looking for someone who would be willing to ship it in return for me presumably shipping something to them in the UK. Actually was thinking of trying a reverse swap meet here, where people could post the things they were looking for as opposed to what we do now, which is post what you have and don’t want.
Robin – your reverse swap idea is interesting, I would be interested in participating, particularly for the items I have multiple bottles of that I wouldn’t mind shedding if they went to good homes
I have no experiences with swaps so far. But there are probably several US perfumes lines we could swap European ones for
Very much in favor of the idea of a reverse swapmeet!
Robin – that sounds like a really cool idea. I do have a source for someone who can get things shipped to the US from the UK, but I would likely have to pay shipping twice (once to her home in the UK, and again to the US).
Interesting. Not sure how I’d like drinking tea that I associate so strongly with perfume scent-memory.
It isn’t exactly the same smell/taste, although if you know the inspiration, you’ll see the connection.
I bought that Shalimar tea (and Habit Rouge) when they were launched and the first is definitely worth trying. I don’t find it sickly at all, and (for reference) I’m not a vanilla tea lover, but like Prince Vladimir. I also made that DIY version based on Victoria’s recipe and that was lovely, too.
In addition to Kusmi Violet, Mariage Freres has a beautiful green violet tea called Iskandar – very subtle, very nice.
Doing better at noir today: wearing Portrait of a Lady and a long black dress with purple flowers and drinking crappy coffee. I am not a shy sprayer, but God, the sillage of this makes even me cautious.
I think it might even outdo Rien in longevity. But then I adore Rien, and I’m not really that fond of Portrait of a Lady. Is it crappy EU coffee?
I used to love POAL more than I do now, but to me it truly is a dark rose. And yes, the coffee is from the Commission press bar (it sounds way more interesting than it is, it’s called press bar because it’s the only cafe in the Commission that journalists can access with their badges). It’s very bad, but I find bad coffee somehow romantic.
Bad coffee romantic? I get it. I even had a strange dream recently where I was lecturing my family on the subject. I was saying that when you drink bad coffee you can imagine that you are a young kid who has moved to New York City from a small town. You are trying to make it on Broadway and some day you’ll be a star but right now you’re sitting in a laundromat, waiting for your clothes to dry, sipping on bad coffee.
This is it, exactly. I have mostly given up on sleeping in my make-up, minuscule skirts, drinking too much and reading all night (4am is my limit now), but drinking bad coffee is still doable and relatively harmless.
Wow, that sounds very elegant and chic! You smell (and look) amazing!
Thank you!
PoaL deserves such a fabulous outfit!
Thanks! I do indeed think they are a perfect match.
Your ensemble just makes you smell that much more fantastic!
POAL was one of my first ” perfumista” scents. I now realize how powerful it is, but I was so in love when I met it. Still love it at home.
I made the mistake of spraying this in the office today – only one spray, and it filled the entire room. And not discreetly.
Sounds elegant, as always. You are fast becoming one of my fashion icons. Love your blog, and have a wonderful day (despite crappy coffee).
What is her blog? I’m in the dark and know I would enjoy it.
Karen, if you click on Annikky’s name, that should lead you right to her blog, Life in a Cold Climate.
I aspire to be have the strength to wear dresses in the cold, but I’m not there quite yet.
Aha and thank you!
I’m always freezing and hate the cold – although I love proper winter -, but dresses for winter may not be such a bad option. It’s seriously cold here today, but with opaque tights, a long dress (down to my ankles), warm boots, a cardigan as long as the dress (it’s almost like a coat) and the actual coat (also long) I’m pretty happy.
Cosigned Anniky’s dress advice for cold weather! I have a wool one I wear with opaque tights and boots, and it’s almost like I get to wear two coats instead of one.
I am a wimp in the cold, but if you wear the right dress/skirt in the cold, it can actually be warmer than pants. It’s cold today, at least in a relative sense, and I have on my long, ankle length wool skirt with fleece lined leggings underneath, and I am much warmer than I would be in pants.
I wear warm leggings underneath my pants every day, and I’m still cold when it counts, which is when walking from place to place. Living elsewhere where I had a car and wasn’t outside nearly as much, it wasn’t an issue, but in New York, I find going without pants (and the requisite leggings underneath the pants) too cold yet. Maybe I’ll toughen up….but then again, I’m from Michigan, so you’d think I’d already be tough.
ihadanidea, are you properly hatted/scarfed/warmbooted up? I am very firmly against toughing it out–having done many years in Boston, I feel strongly that the solution is to bundle up so much you’re comfortable, not to suffer all winter!
(This reminds me I need to have the zipper replaced on my beloved, knee-length down coat. I’ve been getting by with just one that hits mid-thigh but no more kidding around!)
Click on her name in her comment and you will be directed to her blog. It’s really wonderful and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Thank you, darling Holly.
Thank you for the lovely words. I’m no icon, but I enjoy fashion and I guess it shows
I should in fact do a style post soon, but it’s cold and dark here, making it almost impossible.
Crappy coffee is very “noir”. The whole picture sounds fab.
I’m SO happy to be home after a chaotic week of business travel and vacation. I ended up wearing Atelier Gold Leather for most of the trip, but by the end of it, the sweetness was starting to annoy me. Wearing Shalimar today because I knew I could count on it.
I’m wearing Shalimar today also. So true — you can always count on it. Perfection !
Agreed!
Love the love for Shalimar.
BRRRRRRRR…….I don’t do winter well!
SOTD: Calyx. So good! Uplifting on a day like today, when I need motivation to get out of bed!
I’d like a bottle of the old Calyx. Have my eye on some options via ebay. Such a great scent!
I’m craving my summery fragrances too!
Due to Angela’s review of Journey Woman yesterday, I decided I had to wear it today.
My skin is in a perpetual state of ITCH.
it’s so dry out.. and inside.
I recently bought a humidifier for the bedroom and whenever the water runs out I’m in a panic to get it filled up again so I don’t lose the humidity in the air.
Ooh Journey sounds lovely. It’s so plush.
Please stay hydrated and moisturized in addition to maintaining the humidifier. Stay well!
Aquaphor and Nivea are my very best friends this time of year. I even Aquaphor my whole face at night. It’s greasy and seems a bit off putting at first, but the difference in my skin is incredible.
I actually had a Holy Grail moisturizer, but then ran out of it and bought something else. I hate wasting stuff, so I’ll finish up the bottle of the other moisturizer (Ogx argan oil of morocco body lotion) and get my HG one back (Yube lotion).
I think it’s time for me to get one of those too. It’s wreaking havoc on my nasal passages.
While waiting to get your humidifier, you can just leave a bowl of water near the heating vent. Also, for nasal passage comfort, I would suggest Ayrs Saline Nasal Gel – it’s non-medicated.
Oooh – thank you dear!
I keep a stainless steel pot simmering on the stove while I am at home to help with moisture. I have some humidifiers, but I get tired of cleaning the yucky crusty stuff off of them! Sometimes I put some cinnamon or rose water in my simmering pot to make the air smell nice.
I just discovered Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer last week, and I LOVE it!!!
I found it at Walmart, in 4 different scents. You apply right after showering on wet skin, then pat dry. It works!!
Nice! I used to use Jergens a lot. It’s a good brand.
I found a favorite though – it’s called Yube and it’s a Japanese cream that’s very minimal in ingredients, but works absolute wonders on my skin. I started out with just using the hand cream and was so amazed by that I moved on to the lotion for my whole body. I need to buy more, but may add a jar of the cream for more stubborn dry spots.
Is it the one with white and orange packaging? I love the hand cream but chickened out on the body lotion. I got mine at Sephora when I had the 20% off coupon.
Yes it is that one. I keep the hand cream in my purse now and bought the body lotion. It completely saved my skin last year. I need to get more of it.
This stuff is good for itchy skin. I have a little tube on my nightstand to put on my legs when they act up (my calves get crazy itchy sometimes.)
Ditch the stuff that’s not working for you and save it to use in summer (or rehome it.) I always feel obligated to use what I have but no need to be miserably dry and itchy when you’ve found a panacea!
I use unscented Curel or vaseline. Otherwise, I am a piece of jerky.
Unscented Curel is great! Sometimes I add a little spritz of perfume to it.
I like unscented Cerave and Clinique Body Butter.
Ha! Sorry, but being a piece of jerky cracked me up and is SO TRUE.
I’m wearing one evenly, carefully distributed spritz of Insolence edp and I can still smell it around me. But I’m enjoying the Rose-violet wafts I’m getting.
Rose-violet wafts sound lovely!
Insolence EDP is one of my favorites for winter.
mine too, wonderful stuff.
Those rise-violet chocolates would really compete me right now
Feeling cozy in OJ Tolu (thanks bunches to LizzieB for the generous decant!). A lovely scent blanket to have wrapped around me as a wait at the DMV.
Oh, this one is nice. Haven’t worn it in ages…
Gorgeous!
I’m in Chergui today, such a dramatic, but well balanced dramatic scent. Just love it on brisk, cold days like today.
Question: do you think vintage bois des iles is closer to the extrait than a current bottle of bois des iles… in other words, does vintage = stronger/richer/deeper?
Mmmm. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of smelling Chergui. You smell marvelous.
Hmm. I will say that when I first tested Bois des Iles edt in 2010, I got a sample from TPC. It was lovely and lasted several hours. Later samples of the Les Exclusifs (current) version seem thinner and don’t last very long on me at all.
No idea for Bois des Iles, but vintage Shalimar cologne is probably as concentrated as the modern EDP.
Amouage Epic today – spicy and warming.
I almost tested Epic today, but instead tested Gold–still don’t much like it. Maybe tomorrow will be Epic’s day!
Smelling good!
I often get compliments from men when I wear Amouage Epic Woman! Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, a librarian, a man in my art group, etc.
Interesting observation – last winter I was waiting at the train station, wearing a discreet amount of Epic Woman, when a stranger (a man) complimented me and asked me what I was wearing. When I told him, he pulled out his smart phone and immediately ordered a bottle for his wife. I sure hope she liked it!
a perfume-buying husband! Hope the recipient is thanking her lucky stars.
Amazing!
Wearing DK Gold again. Still cold, still grey, more snow, but I’ve got my scent to keep me warm, tra-la.
Ooh, Gold is so good.
For Tuesday/Monday here in the states I went with Organza Indecence. I just picked a partial bottle on the bay for a great price. Plus, it is absolutely frigid here today so I thought this was the perfect day for it.
I need to order a decant of this one. I feel like it’s something I’d adore, and it must be perfect for this weather.
It’s sort of in the family of Kenzo Jungle l’Elephant… at least to me. It’s one of those scents with a cult following. It has a similar vibe but not as big a scent as jungle. It’s a good one.
Another one I haven’t tried, but am interested in. Thanks for the recommendation dear Petunia!
I don’t think I’ve ever sampled OI. I have and love Kenzo Jungle l’Elephant. It is a powerhouse, so one must use it judiciously. I find it very exciting, so it is my go-to happy scent if I need lots of happy energy! It always reminds me of magical Christmas smells, especially in department stores back in the ’50s!
That OI is good stuff!
Sounds lovely. The original Organza is also very good. Does Indecence bear any resemblance?
I have never tried Organza but maybe someone else can comment?
I have both and they’re nothing alike. Organza is a warm, deep golden floral, and Indecence is a spiced orangey vanilla-closer to something like L Lolita Lempicka.
Elisa you make Organza sound so good that I think I should give that a try. I wish I had your gift of describing scents.
Awww, shucks! I was surprised that I liked Organza as much as I do as opulent florientals weren’t quite my thing. I think LT described it as “vulgar done right” although I have a hard time seeing it as vulgar. A bit loud maybe. I think I have an older bottle as the new juice looks paler in color. I’m happy to send you some if you’d like: pretsky 35 hawtmale.
Thanks Elisa! I also have an older bottle, and it is exactly as the Non-Blonde describes it. Although I find it beautiful it’s too opulent for my everday wear. Perhaps the modern formulation is more toned down, worth a try.
I also recently found a very partial-probably around 10ml left- bottle in a secondhand store and a full bottle of the OI dry oil tester at a discount place. Such a cozy scent. You smell delish! Someone said the closest perfume they have found to OI was Kate Walsh Boyfriend which I haven’t smelled.
Ha, I think that was me. I own both…Boyfriend is the only celeb. scent that I own.
It’s very possible
Which do you prefer?
Idecence, of course ???? I think of Boyfriend as an orange glazed cinamon raison bun. So they are similar.
Oops…cinnamon
Raisins. ????
Ugh, I can’t type for beans on this tablet!
OI is my fav foody vanilla scent!
SOTD = Puredistance M + Le Labo Vanille 44
I’ll be wearing the big guns this week as it is COLD!!! To make these office-friendlier, I usually cozy them up with some kind of vanilla. Vanille 44 is a good layerer because while it stands well on its own, it never dominates when layered with a strong enough perfume.
Thanks for the advice! My favorite vanilla is Shalimar, but makes layering tricky. Hopefully this year I will get a chance to explore more vanillas.
Hey Hajusuuri, are you still looking for Lord of Misrule Shower Cream? It’s back in stock on the Lush website.
Aaaargh, I can’t order through my work computer. Let’s see how well my iPhone works! Thanks for the PSA!
Thank you for posting this, just placed my order. It is BOGO as well, fantastic deal!
It’s minus twenty C here, so I’m wearing Shalimar. It’s always so impeccable in the cold.
ALSO I am grieving because Penhaligon’s has discontinued Amaranthine. What the hell are they thinking? And I never got a bottle, because it was so expensive
What? Really?? Amaranthine is so good!
I got a bottle for Christmas from Fragrancenet, figuring it wasn’t likely to get any cheaper. (I think with coupon and Ebates it worked out to $84 for 100ml.) It’s worth checking the discounters to see if it’s still out there.
After the day I had yesterday, I decided to go big and bold, and so I’m wearing Joy. As a lover of florals, especially big ones, it’s right up my alley. If it wasn’t so expensive, I would put it on a full bottle list right now.
Not to enable or anything… but sometimes you can find it at the online discounters. Or on ebay, because people clean out Aunt Myrtle’s dresser when she moves to the assisted living place, and nobody wants the “old lady” perfume.
Yep, as mals mentioned it’s available at the discounters, and evilbay and etsy have it as well. I often find it helpful to go to Fragrantica where they list many sites where you can find the particular fragrance you’re looking up. Since you’re relatively new, you might want to consider getting a mini or a smaller size or decant instead of a large bottle. Cuz you’re going to end up with a LOT of those.
^ this. Yes.
Once more with feeling!! I wish someone had told me this early on. (But then, I did not realize perfume was going to become an on-going hobby for me, so I don’t know if I would have listened if someone had suggested I hold off on buying bottles of early affections–I thought I would just get two or three and be done with it. Hahahahhahahahahahaha!)
Yes, we could have some sort of Elders Council for new perfumistas, but I doubt anyone would heed our infinite wisdom!
I will do my best to listen to your wise advice! I’ve already decided on several that I need more of, but only larger decants. My FB list at the moment contains 4 scents, and two of those are expensive enough that they’re firmly in “someday” territory. The only one I’m chomping at the bit to buy a FB of is Chergui. I will order that tomorrow.
Ha Holly too true! Well… newbiebex, if I can give it just as a description of my experience, and you can do whatever you want with this info
I’ll say that something I really did not see coming was that I could really *like* a fragrance, and still not wind up using it enough even to finish my sample! In retrospect I wish I had bought only decants for the first year, and then only bottles of things for which I *finished* a decant, to be sure I not just liked the fragrance, but actually used it with any regularity. It’s honestly probably half my collection that I did not need a bottle of. Oof.
Thats what I thought too. I’m doing my best, but…
I started out looking for a new perfume to replace Opium. After reading many reviews, I remember thinking, “Instead of just one perfume, I’ll get two–one for warm weather and one for cold weather.” Oh, how young I was back in 2013.
Enable away, y’all! I appreciate the info! I did just check the bay, and sure enough, it’s not that bad. I’m eyeing a big old bottle of it from Fragrancenet for $42.50. It’s a used tester, but it’s the 2.5oz, and it’s 95% full. That should last me a lifetime. I need to look at the decants though, as you suggested, Holly. I don’t need full bottles of everything. Though a full bottle of this does seem glamorous.
OMG – please contact me if you are interested in a vintage and very good condition pour bottle of Eau de Joy edp that I am getting ready to post on evilbay. It is mine and I just can never make it work. I only got it years ago b/c my mom had a bottle just like it. I’ll make you a good deal if you take it off my hands! anneroosie at hotmail dot com !!!
Email sent!
Hello Robin and friends. I’m a lurker who recently signed up so I can join in the fun sometimes. Nice to be here!
I’m wearing Lavande Velours today and it’s charming me. I love the playful tug-of-war between lavender and violet. It’s so different from the only other lavender in my collection, Pour Un Homme.
Welcome, thecoffeebee! I’m glad you’re joining us.
Hello and welcome!! Hope you’ll stick around, the more the merrier.
Thank you! I hope to participate in one of the swap meets soon, too. I have a few things I can part with.
Welcome CoffeeBee….I’m fairly new myself, and love visiting everyday too!
Be ready to add scents to your wishlist every single day….At least I do! LOL
Thanks! I’m a regular on MUA and I am all too familiar with the ever-growing wishlist.
Welcome! I’m still really new myself, but this is a wonderful place to be!
Welcome! I’m envious of your scent – of course they have to discontinue the ones I really want to try.
It’s a shame. Every now and then a bargain comes up on Ebay. Keep your eyes out.
Hello! I’m pretty new too, but quickly learned this is an excellent way to learn about perfume, life, and yourself. Make sure you follow Robin’s instructions and you’ll be fine.
Welcome!
Glad you deluded!
That she be “delurked” . You don’t sound delusional
Welcome!
Welcome!!!!
Wanted something invigorating and elegant so I layered Timbuktu over Jour d’Hermes. Jour could have accomplished as much in itself but I’m also feeling somewhat playful.
Top notes so far are Timbuktu dominated, but I expected as much since that was sprayed after Jour was dabbed on. I’ll see how it develops and update in a bit!
Squarely in middle note territory and am still enjoying it. Jour lost its floral notes to the woods of Timbuktu, but the grapefruit woodsy combination is very enjoyable.
Oddly enough Jour’s effect of smelling like nothing but skin up close but providing a constant waft around me has carried over to Timbuktu. It’s quite disconcerting (this aura of scent isn’t a figment of my imagination, right?), but at least it hasn’t disappeared…
I’ll update again for the drydown! And methinks I’ll need to try this combo again in the summer.
Very interesting, would never have thought to layer those two!
I couldn’t decide between the two, so I decided to try layering.
Approximately 7 hours in and all I can get is a wisp of cedar/oud wood (a note probably caused by the abstraction of the vetiver and labdanum in Timbuktu) and grapefruit. Not concentrated enough to be a noticeable perfume, more like the scent of a nice shower gel.
The interplay between these two main notes in a transparent and wispy concentration is giving me a distinct Jo Malone vibe. I could see this being in their main line, and being quite unisex. More specifically it smells like a more upbeat sibling to their current offering of Oud & Bergamot.
Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater Iknowweneedthewater ….. but there is soooooooo muuuuuuchhhhhhh rainnnnnnnn….. Whine………………………..big drops of water coming through the ceiling in our guest room, wet irritable cats, fat sticky leaves on the wind shield of the car, Niagara falls washing down all the gutters…. Still commando, but there is really only one choice for me today (sorry noir, your time is not yet)—Apres l’Ondee.
Aww – so sorry about that! I hope it gets better, but at least your scent is perfect for the occasion.
*waves from Western Oregon* Up here, we have another 4 months of this. YEESH. But that is what makes it so green up here.
Oh dear. You do need the water, but not in the guest room.
Oh no. Any time it is raining indoors, it’s a problem. I hope you get that fixed soon!
So sorry. Hope you can get that resolved soon. Is it plumbing or a roof leak? If it’s the roof, maybe someone can tie down a tarp on your roof until the rain lets up enough to fix the problem… I am married to a contractor so I’ve heard this problem many times. Sometimes rain will seep through skylights and around chimney stacks too.
It is a roof leak. So much rain! But you are correct that the room has an enormous skylight– the drip in the ceiling is a few feet away from it…. But the skylight could be part of the problem….. Sigh. Weneedtherain weneedtherain weneedtherain……….. Rain good outside. Rain not so good inside. Curled up with one damp cat. The other one is MIA. But his MO is to beg his way into someone’s house…so no doubt he is hanging out with a neighbor.
I worry about my cat when I can’t find him too. We really don’t have any neighbors living as we do in a rural area. However, there is an enormous old three story barn across the street and I know he holes up in there. It’s cat heaven… all the mice you can eat and a roof over your head.
Good luck with the repair!
Oops.. all the mice he can eat and a roof over his head… I know that you probably wouldn’t find either of those the least bit appealing.
Hang in there! 3 more days until Noir Friday.
No rain down here…remains to be seen how bad the El Nino winds up being for S. CA.
Hope you can fix the leak and your cats get drier and happier this afternoon!
Oh dear!, hope situation improves soon.
Sorry to hear about your wet guest room and cats! Hopefully you stay dry. Just remember the rain is necessary, and everything will get better. Hang in there!
Water in the house gives me so much anxiety. The last time it happened here, my daughter woke me up by saying ” mom, the house is leaking” I hope everything is dry and ok soon.
Sorry about the roof! Hope it lets up soon! The bit about the cats made me giggle though. Cats and their reaction to rain and snow
YESYOUNEEDRAIN…. but too much rain at once doesn’t always help either, esp. if it just runs away into drainage into the ocean. Best wishes. Wet weather can be very trying.
Greetings from the Southland. We appreciate your sacrifice.
SOTD: Lord of Misrule bodywash from Lush and Tom Ford Noir pour femme.
Am thinking of switching Noir to nighttime/special event status and going back to Chanel 5 edp and Eau Premiere. Noir is very rich and cosy- all you need is a glass of wine and a few chocolates- and I think I need something a bit more bracing.
That’s interesting. I was in the shower, next to the Lush Lord of Misrule shower cream and suddenly felt I had to wear TF Noir Pour Femme; must be something about that combo!!
Scent twin! SCORE!
I think it’s the vanilla base and the spices in both! LoR has a powdery, spicy kick that complements the vanilla/ambery/spicy ice cream scent that . It makes for a really lovely combo, I think!
Today I’m wearing my first purchase of 2016, Ostara by Penhaligon’s. I bought it unsniffed due to Victoria’s lovely review on BdJ and the sale price on the Penhaligon’s site. So beautiful!
I love Ostara. That opening is just stunning! I’m so glad your blind buy worked out!
I was so temped by Ostara but I promised myself no more blind buys. So glad that you’re happy with your purchase.
My blind buy bottle is enroute and I am happy to see more praise for it. The praise mitigates my spending guilt.
Glad you are enjoying it.
I did the same thing and my bottle of Ostara arrived yesterday. I wore it to bed last night and you are right, it is beautiful. I imagine it will work even better in the spring.
Mine is on the way as well. I expect it today or tomorrow. I am glad everyone likes it so far. My first purchase for 2016 too. We all jumped on the bandwagon it would appear.
Mine is on the way too! I couldn’t resist that price. I did drop by Saks to sniff before buying, so I didn’t go completely blind. I also got a 30ml of Sartorial for cheap.
Mine is arriving today! It is so fun to get home from work in the dark and find some perfume on the doorstep. I’ll be wearing Ostara to bed tonight, too.
I chickened out on the sale. I’m mad at myself now.
Wow, I’m in good company! Hope you all like it as much as I do.
Tuesday. I guess that means I survived another Monday. All in all, that’s good news.
SOTD is #57 by Arquiste for JCrew.
Plus you smell good
Cozy booze! Good for you.
You smell delicious!
Today, I’m wearing Aveda Love (the new composition oil). Very lightly scented, but still nice.
I’m drinking Coconut oolong from David’s Tea.
Can’t speak to the frag, but that tea is lovely and so satisfying.
Nothing again from Lovestosmellgood. I’m hoping no news is good news – or that she’s so busy with a newborn that she doesn’t have time to post.
SOTD is Chanel Coco. The house has a permanent chill today. Nothing else will do.
I forgot to mention that my Tea of the Morning (because I will no doubt have the kettle running all day) is Stash Breakfast in Paris. Black tea, lavender, bergamot, and vanilla…with the steamed milk I added it’s basically a Jicky Latte. Perfume in a cup makes me so happy.
Ohhhhh my. I think I must try this.
This sounds like the BdJ recommended DIY blend for the Shalimar tea! I’ll have to look for a box next visit to the store.
I’m going to have to check that out. I’d love to try making my own.
Stash tea is the BEST tea! I drink the chai almost every morning!
I wore Coco on Sunday and decided after I’d put it on that it was a perfect Sunday scent. Something to look forward to on the snowbound Sundays ahead.
It really is. So nice and comforting, but not too complicated. I think Coco is the one Angela compared to a perfectly roasted chicken in her review.
I was just scanning down looking for her name too. Lol.
Coco is perfect on a day it’s cold. Nothing is better!!!
I was noticing her absence today and yesterday. Yes, hoping it’s for good new!
I have been checking for her too. Hope she’s busy with the little one and has a chance to stop in soon to let us know.
Wearing Bois d’Ascese (sp?), and it is good in this cold weather.
that is like a teeth twister! How do you even say that, lol!!!
Cool, crisp, and clear here–and I’m in Fille en Aiguilles.
I’m also getting the “prisoners” from the Freemeet boxed and ready to be shipped off–has anyone re-used a Fragrancenet shipping box before? Wondering if I’ll have any issues reusing them (they have branding on the outside).
I do it all the time. However, to cover up the box and old shipping labels, I cut open a paper shopping bag and wrap the box like a present using packing tape. It works well and looks a bit old fashioned in a nice way.
I do the same, but make sure you tape the corners, Doc. The boxes get stamped by machine and the paper can tear off, both leaving the box unlabeled and jamming the machine. — I may have been scolded by postal workers a time or two.
Last night I was grouchy and looking forward to wearing Vanilia for comfort today, but since I woke up un-grouchy I opted for The Unicorn Spell instead. It’s cheerful but goes well with the rainy rainy rainy won’t-stop-raining rainy rain we’re having!
Nice one!
Profumo Aqua di parma, just discovered. It’s lovely but a tad light for me.
Still looking for that one perfect scent..eau du soir is my nr 1 but the reformulation is so weak..
Husband’s fav is Knowing but it’s so perfume-perfume to me somedays. Profumo is cleaner. more fans here?
Sampling Santal Massoïa today…
Fairly masculine w/ lots of wood and some spice and a bit stronger than some of the other Hermessences.
It’s still super cold but the sun is shining, so I am opting for something bright rather than rich. SOTD is Le Galion Snob.
This is the new version, right? What’s it like?
I’m sampling Mohur extrait today. Wow – it’s very different from the EdP which was too spiky and woody on me. I wonder how it will develop on me as I’m one of those unfortunates who experiences many rose fragrances as smelling sour. I’m not sure whether I want to like it or not because … $445 for 50 mls. AND what a beautiful bottle! Would I be satisfied with a split without that bottle? Could I just admire pictures of the bottle? Where did my resolve to never ever ever sample fragrances that are too expensive for me go??? Ooh – and it’s a dabber, which I also swore off of. In December. Dabbers just don’t do any perfume justice, right? BUT I was forced to buy a dabber because that’s the way Luckyscent rolls and they do have stuff that I can’t find elsewhere. Twenty-four is my favorite number, but I practiced restraint and only bought 22 dabbers because the postal service should not have to deliver one measly sample. Especially during the holidays. Will my resolve to not purchase anything in January also disappear because “limited edition” ? Even though it’s been limited for quite a while, I know, I know but it COULD happen that if I don’t buy it I will regret it for the REST OF MY LIFE and will HAVE to spend 5000 times more for it on evilbay.
I should try the EdP and extrait next to each other, as I didn’t find them that different. Then again, I have a nose of an ox. Or maybe oxen have very sensitive noses?
Cows seem to have a very good sense of smell. I know horses do. It’s their most important sensory organ. We now have to think of an animal that has a particularly bad sense of smell
Dolphins don’t have a sense of smell…they taste the water and snakes also tend to taste the air with their tongues to get ‘ scent’ information. So having a nose like a dolphin could be what you need. Or like an elephant if you want a good sense of smell. Source: son’s school project #45376…don’t you love them?
Nose like a dolphin it is
Well, look on the plus side: they are bright, great swimmers and very playful!
I find it interesting that my dog, who has a VERY sensitive nose, reacts differently to older perfumes, even if what I have is the modern version of them, than he does to modern scents. If I put on Shalimar, or L’Heure Bleu, he’ll sniff it and turn away with a pretty neutral reaction. But when I spray on modern scents (MK Very Hollywood comes to mind) he’ll catch a whiff and whip his head away, and appears rather disgusted.
Yes, let’s get distracted by various animals’ sense of smell! Thank you!
Are you reading my mind? LOL, that was priceless Holly!
Oh, a Holly– perfum dilemmas multiply all round! See my post about Chanel 19 parfum below. Tell you what, I will if you do….sort of like getting fully under the water when you go swimming with friends!
Not to enable or anything like that, but I was in a similar situation with Amouage Homage a couple of years ago. Had a sample, LOVED it…but could not bring myself to spend 350 for 12 ml. Finished the sample, realized I’d spent way more than 350 on a bunch of stuff I didn’t love, and was ready to do it. Oh joy, it will be mine!
No, it was discontinued and impossible to find. I have never stopped regretting it.
Oh, I sympathize, I was in exactly the same situation with Homage and it disappeared before I bought it. And Mohur extrait is so gorgeous—I think Holly should go for it!
Agree! It sounds like you really love it.
The bottle for Mohur extrait is fantastic. It glows in pride of place on my dresser. I justified it to myself by offering a couple splits… sorry if this does not seem helpful…
So here we are four hours later.
Thinking that perhaps I had overindulged in some very inelegant tea (Tetley’s British Blend bags) I decided to go for broke so I found myself at Starbucks. Tomorrow I could start the day calm and serene with a delicate infusion.
I then proceeded to have a chat with the IRS, then my health insurance company. The water company popped by and left a no
Over stimulation by Starbucks does have it’s uses, like making phonecalls one would generally avoid.
good heavens my cat posted my comment prematurely! Anyway, the water company has informed me that my bill is so high because I’m losing 2.5 gallons per minute. Eek! My good friend the plumber is sure it’s an underground leak. I may wake up in a different county tomorrow unless my yard ices over!
Thus the Mohur fantasy bubble has burst …
My heart sank with you there. Words like “IRS” , “health insurance company”, and “water company” are such a buzz kill
Aw, thanks Elisa P!
on this very cold and very windy day I’m wearing Guerlain Oriental Brulant.
Hello, everyone. Help! I have a tragimess on my hands! I have just used the last skerries of my Number 19 parfum. Now, this is my warrior-woman scent. The two of us have seen off many a black knight together, and 19 is my earnest love. So, what to do? Replace quickly, because there’s a gap on my shelf and in my head? Or accept that all things end, and move on? I have a heavy flirtation going with the apple-and-cinnamon warmth of Ambre Narguile (want to buy in Oz later this year; $$$), and I yearn for a small bottle of Beloved (coming from Oman in July, and $$$$). Then too, I quite fancy 28 La Pausa (a Chanel beauty boutique is opening in AK in September, maybe only $$); and–well you see the pattern. I dunno. I think I will replace–but then there’s all these new loves to accomodate and wear….oh dear, what to do?
What about a large decant of No. 19? I say have your cake and eat it too!
Having cake and eating it sounds very appealing, but it would cost $$$ for me to get a decant into Aotearoa-New Zealand, what either postage, the exchange rate at the moment, and more significantly, the fact that if I was bringing in a decant of 19, I wouldn’t want it to travel alone….I’d probably end up spending more, in fact, because I have no restraint. And then there’s my on-going THING with Customs here–the bothering beasts confiscated one lot. I bet it was just before their office party and they all went along smelling marvellous at my expense!
I think I’m just going to give in to my worst side and order a re-fill. After all (cheering up), I don’t absolutely have to get a new winter coat…”perfume before warmth” can be my mantra this year!
That is a good mantra!
I say replace. Some scents you just have to have, and it sounds like 19 is one of those for you.
Dear Waterdragon….enablers warning…o.k. I just bought some vintage 19 EdT to give to myself as a birthday present. 50 ml and it didn’t break the bank. On a good day it just doesn’t get any better than no 19, any version.
Hamamelis, you have placed the last straw on the scales and tipped the balance towards replacement. I’d love to sat that I will forgo one of my other intended purchases, but I’m not going to, because that would be a dirty rotten fib! My inner Waterdragon is humming a little song that goes,”Life is short, so buy the perfume.”
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your vintage EdT!
Coming Sunday! Thank you Jonette.
Happy Birthday! No 19 is a great choice for a bday present! I totally agree it’s good in all it’s forms.
Happy Birthday!
Maybe you have already succumbed, Waterdragon, but I would wait–not for a long time but just long enough to see if the intensity of your craving wanes. It can happen … Then you can splurge on your new loves!
I failed at my New Year’s resolution. I won an auction for vintage Bal put for $30. I couldn’t resist. But today I am wearing Chanel no 5 in Edo form. I was going to wear Shalimar but it didn’t suit even though it’s cold out.
I think if it’s vintage Bal, resistance is futile.
That’s a great deal! I have a vintage mini that I love, so I’ve been thinking about what to do when I use it up.
If you are referring to vintage Bal a Versailles – nothing compares to it’s magnificence! Good for you!!
Twins – N. 5 EDP for me today as well.
Haven’t tried Bal a Versailles, but have always been curious – hope you love your new purchase
Has anyone tried any Ex Nihilo scents and have any thoughts to share please?
I am tempted by a discovery coffret I spied online…Satan get thee behind…
Never heard of this line – if you buy it you can report back to us in the interests of research…
I got the ‘women’s’ sampler from Luckyscent, and am mostly underwhelmed by the 4 I’ve tried thus far. Fleur Narcotique was the biggest disappointment; I found it to be a shrill fruity-floral, as is often the case for me anytime there’s a prominent ‘peony’ note. (Peonies are my favorite flowers, but I have yet to smell any ‘peony’ fragrance that is worthy of the flower). Jasmin Fauve is a pretty jasmine-tuberose-lily, but feels like it’s treading familiar ground. Musc Infini is a nice-enough cologne, but it isn’t particularly musky to me (more citrus-vanilla), and feels very much like an Atelier Cologne kind of fragrance. Venenum Kiss is the best one so far, a lightly gourmand woody floral I would consider purchasing were it at least 50% less than its price, but for $225/50 ml, it’s just doesn’t feel worth the splurge. I still haven’t tested Rose Hubris, and their latest, Sweet Morphine, wasn’t released in time for the sample pack, but my overall impression is that these are rather overpriced for not terribly innovative fragrances. YMMV, of course!
I’ve only tried Fleur Narcotique and didn’t necessarily find it shrill (well, maybe a tad) , but it didn’t capture anything special for me either-certainly lacked a “Narcotique” effect.
Thanks for the info. There are a lot of pricey new(er) lines that don’t necessarily live up to the hype but I am always tempted by a spray discovery set.
Yes, that is the set I have been mulling over. Thanks so much for the info. I feel like I can ponder it over and not give in to the temptation now.
I love nothing more than a discovery set w/ multiple fragrances I haven’t tried…especially if they are sprays…but I haven’t heard much about that line and wondered if they were good or not. Thanks again for your candor…it has provided a stay of execution for this spending. 
SOTD = Diptique’s wonderful sandalwood fragrance, Tam Dao. Trying to calm down from a very trying (ha) morning at work. I know I have said it before, but I need to get a better job. Better = fewer manager generated emergencies; more congenial co-workers,
shorter commute, and more money would be nice but is way down the list of why this is a lousy job…
Alright, ending complaint. It’s always great to visit NST and see what you lovely people are up to! In a few minutes, I will walk down to the post office and put the two freebie sample boxes in the mail.
Not such a bad day, the blessing outweigh the annoyances…and sniffing the back of my hand certainly helps!
Tam Dao is one of my best calming fragrances too…nice to have on hand until you find that better job.
Tam Dao would be my fav sandalwood if Bois des Iles wasn’t already there. It is gorgeous in it’s own right. I hope you find a better and more suitable job soon.
I am wearing Laura Biagiotti Tempore Donna. Warm and delicious – as long as I spray very lightly. My favorite fruity floral.
Wearing Lyric today. Still my favorite Amouage, and very possibly the perfume I’d choose if I had to pick just one.
Oh my gosh, yes. Lyric is just beautiful!
Wearing Gucci Rush today, weird but cosy perfect for the freezing temperature- all this tea talk is making me crave yet another cup..
Yay for Gucci Rush!
Continuing with my warm and cozy scents. In Parfum Sacre, another favorite thats just perfect for the cold!
I was thinking of Parfum Sacre this morning b/c of the cold weather. I ended up in Ta’if, but PS was pulling strong b/c it’s so warm and gorgeous and mellow. Maybe I’ll wear that tomorrow and make it a rose week theme.
I’ve been wanting to sample Parfum Sacre and you make it sound so lovely.
Do try it, it’s really lovely.
I’m about to scrape the snow and ice off my car so I can visit my sister, and thus I have fortified myself with a cup of yunnan from Upton Tea and some Jungle L’Elephant.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jan/18/home-sweet-home-combat-indoor-pollution-scented-candles-cleaning-productsA
A quite interesting article about scented candles in the Guardian yesterday. Looks like I need to buy some indoor plants to counter the danger of my candle burning habit. On a brighter note the sun is shining for the first time in days. I’m still sampling Ys.Uzac perfumes and have just sprayed BOM Incense again. It has amazing spillage and lasting power and is quite a dirty incense to begin with…a ‘moist’ incense ( maybe a bit skanky ) but then it stiffens up and develops a personal trainer personality instructing you to go for the burn. It’s kind of bossy.
I’ve heard before that indoor pollution can be just as bad or worse than outdoor b/c of airtight houses and chemical off-gassing from products, etc. Can’t win for trying. I still use scented candles from time to time but between my daughter and my cats I always worry about an accident. I started to use the Aveda chakra body sprays for air spray, and their #1 which has a lot of vetiver and patchouli really sticks around.
I use Bronze Goddess for air spray in the car when the dogs are wet and muddy. It always makes them sneeze (though I don’t spray it at them). I re-imagine perfume commercials, re-staging them in ‘reality’: replacing the glamorous young models (with my dogs) , or exotic locations (with my dumpty house). It works a treat with most Tom Ford adverts (replacing the naked woman with a muddy dog) if I need a laugh… My sister in law keeps Angel in her toilet and that also seems to work as air freshner.
They should re-do all fragrance commercials with dogs. Genius!
Forgot to say :Happy birthday PERTHGIRL! Hope the year ahead sparkles .
Oh yeah, Happy Birthday to Perthgirl from me too. I kept meaning to post yesterday but got busy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Perthgirl!
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday! And many happy returns.
Wearing Beige today. Although it really is not a scent for this time of year, it works well for work and it is very pretty.
It’s a great office scent.
Best-smelling person in the office
Put on Chinatown body crème and do not need any other perfume! While I do like the crème version the best it’s still a big commitment rather than the usual lotion which usually disappears in a few minutes.
My SOTD is Jasmine White Moss by Estee Lauder. I guess I just felt like some Jasmine today. This is a bold fragrance, so for the meek, beware. LOL!
You smell like summer and right now that seems like a very, very good thing to me. Our wind chill is like minus 5!
Daim Blond this morning for the first day back to school. However, my Ostara came in the mail today and it was a blind-buy so I had to put it on immediately. SO LOVELY. It feels like spring and is a great fragrance to remind me that spring will be here again, especially considering it is snowing like crazy outside!
I’m wearing Byredo 1996 today. Yum. Also I’m drinking Stash Earl Grey tea.
This was my second day in Coromandel and I am smitten by it!
I’m surely not the only one here who wears perfume also for sleep? Only my cats share my bed
Most of last year, my sleep perfume was Lalique Amethyst and sometimes Carnal Flower or Santa Maria Novella Patchouli. Lately, it’s been Atelier Cologne Oolang Infini.
I’m sure many do. I don’t do it all the time, but I love Mahora in bed
I also have perfumes for sleep! I generally stick to bargain fragrances with white musks, vanilla, gourmands, and orientals (Jessica Simpson Fancy Love, Jessica Simpson Fancy Nights, Bill Blass Hot, Madonna Truth or Dare Naked, and sometimes Shalimar). Now my quilts smell like a delicious melange of comfort scents.
Has to be a bargain fragrance if I’m going to miss part of it by being asleep!
Agreed. Otherwise I feel so guilty and can’t keep from imagining my mother chiding me.
Yep, sleep scents. I don’t usually reserve them for sleep only, but I tend to pick things that are a) relaxing or comforting and b) not expensive.
I wear perfume to bed all the time and my husband is now used to it as long as I don’t put on too much and I give it some space before I hop in. My fav bedtime frags are No 5, Shalimar, Emeraude, and anything with lavender.
Is that avatar one of your kitties? It’s gorgeous! I do wear scent to bed but sometimes just in the form of scented lotion or whatever lingers from some shower gel or other. I do sometimes wear a smidge of things I love but don’t wear often because they’re not work appropriate.
I love wearing scent to bed, I have a few that I particularly use for this purpose. Vanille Incensee, Givenchy Very Irresistible (love that sour musky rose) Narcisco For Her EdP, a few others.
I don’t wear it every night, but probably 4 – 5 nights/week.
For anyone still reading this far down I am wearing Treehouse Royal, kind of a must-try for blackcurrant nuts.
I got a sample based on your recommendation — haven’t tried it yet — but will soon! Mount Sample has been growing again, I wonder if it is sitting over a volcano…
Yum, sounds wonderful.
Wearing a generous dose of Misia today. Wish it were stronger but it smells so good. Had Kusmi Windsor tea this morning but I also love their violet… May need to have that tomorrow!
I should re-test Misia in cold weather to see if it smells different to my nose than it did in the summer.
cazaubon, could you email me. I think mine to you are going to spam or swallowed up by gmail gremlins.
Wearing Profumi del Forte Roma Imperiale, one of my go-to fragrances for those mornings when I either can’t choose, or am too tired to think about it. This one is light, pretty, and somehow season-less and always appropriate, no matter what the outfit or occasion. Love it!
Roma is high on my wish list for spring. It’s just so pretty.
Last night, I suddenly felt compelled to put on Andy Tauer’s Une Rose Chypree. Yum! Perhaps it’s the very dry, cold air, but I was noticing leather in the base.
That’s a good one. I only tested it briefly but it reminds me a bit of Sballo by Bruno Acampora, another rose geranium chypre.
So many comments today! I hate to post and dash, but there is it. SOTD is OJ Ta’if, which I haven’t worn in ages, but I am willing to wear it forever!!! Cheers!
I’ve been thinking of darker roses, but my Taif sample is in Tallinn and I’m missing it.
I need to really up my game this week b/c I am baffled by the “noir” challenge for Friday. I’ll likely pick one of my roses, but the darker notes in Ta’if today were really working for me. I love that just the tiniest spray of Ta’if will last for hours and hours and gets better with time.
Even later than usual today! Ninfeo Mio for me on a cool but still pleasant summer day.
I went skiing yesterday and today I am fighting off the urge to take a nap. I’m sampling Papillon Salome; I really do like it but feel as if I would never use up a whole bottle. I am thinking of splitting it for the Splitmeet.
Happy Birthday, Perthgirl!
I thought the same at first, but the more I sample it the braver I get and I’ve almost drained my current sample. I think I might actually move it up my FB list a notch or two.
Wearing NR Narciso today. I received 2 compliments! It does for me what Gucci Rush does, but in a more sophisticated way. Also, very saddened about Glen Frey.
I missed this comment yesterday. Rush is an all time fave of mine, I will definitely check out NR. I could use a hit of sophistication.
SOTD: Parfums de Marly ‘Ispazon’ during the day (meh – maybe needs warmer weather, but I shall never know) followed by Linari ‘Fuoco Infernale’ for the evening (hmmm – deserves a second chance).
I tied Sanafran or something like that by PdM and found that one a bit dull too. I remember it as a white floral with a tropical vibe. Very expensive brand but their bottles sure are pretty.
SOTD is Histoires des Parfums 1969, from a sample. I’m trying to go noir all week, and I think for me, a truly noir scent needs both some sex appeal, and some bitterness. (Yesterday I wore L’Artisan Vanille Absolument.) The 1969 has juicy peach over a dry, dark, bitter patchouli. It doesn’t quite blend into an appealing whole for me–maybe it’s the rose that makes it just a bit spiky and sour?