Happy Almost-Friday! (And a quick reminder: the freebiemeet is still open!) What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm wearing Love, Chloé. Tea at the moment: Mariage Frères Lune Rouge (green tea with rose and ginger).
Reminder: tomorrow 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.
I wore Love, Chloe yesterday. It is nice.
SOTD is NR for Her.
On a side note, I received Ostara yesterday. I love it – now if Spring would just come here sooner than later.
I too just received Ostara yesterday – isn’t it lovely?
I would not argue with an early spring!
Snow is coming this weekend! But I see they’re putting out the spring clothes in the stores already……..!
I was flabbergasted at Target last night. Bikinis next to winter coats and a display of snow shovels.
😀
That’s resort wear for all of us heading to our beach houses in the Caribbean for the month. 😉
I just received my Ostara a few days ago. Love it, and also makes me wish it would just be spring already!
My bottle of Ostara is arriving today. I have some (scent-less) daffodils on the mantel, and they’re giving me that come-on-spring optimistic feeling!
May I respectfully suggest for our collective psychological welfare that we focus, perhaps, on a more realistic goal. Maybe researching creative s’mores recipes. Focusing on an early spring in mid-January, just before a blizzard, is asking to get walloped in the mood department. 😉
All these comments have made me long for spring….and it’s mid-summer here! Ostara is a great summer scent too. It picks up the early morning freshness before the heat of the day kicks in.
Ha, now this is real wisdom.
I’m so curious about Ostara. But I am also not convinced that it could ever replace Amaranthine in my heart.
I wore Chloe yesterday, but I haven’t tried Love, Chloe yet.
I need to try this Ostara that everyone keeps talking about. I guess I am in the minority when I say I am not ready for Spring. We barely have had a Winter here in Texas. Its been in the 60’s and 70’s here the past few days. Starting tomorrow we will have temps in the 30’s (YAY!) I am looking forward to it.
I think Love, Chloe smells a lot like Misia.
Ostara is very cheerful – it reminds me of a lemon or lime type of fragrance. There was a big sale that has ended and that is why everyone was buying it.
Dagnabit! I missed the sale! Will have to try to see if it goes on sale again. Anyone know how often Penhaligon’s has sales?
Not sure about the brand’s website, but they’ve been on Hautelook repeatedly with excellent prices, worth keeping an eye on that (though fwiw, my impression is that it took folks a very long time–6 weeks? 8 weeks?–to receive their Hautelook Penhaligon’s bottles this go-round.)
I ordered Ostara on 1/16, during their big sale. Five days later, my order on their website says “ready to process”. Does that seem strange? I do hope they will honor the sale price and that they had enough stock for everyone who ordered. Hmmm…
You smell lovely! How is that tea? It caught my attention but I’m not a huge fan of ginger. Is it strong?
Scent of the Day: Amouage Journey (inspired to pull it out after Angela’s review on Monday). I really love it.
I’m also curious about the tea, I haven’t tried this one. I’m doing my best to drink myself through the MF catalogue, but the selection is huge.
Ooh. I’ve just gotten started with MF. What are your favorites?
I tend to especially like their black flavoured teas. I think my absolute favourite is Wedding Imperial: I was very suspicious at first, as it’s flavoured with chocolate and caramel and I’m not a fan of gourmand teas, but it’s a lovely, creamy thing. If you like chai, definitely check out their Chandernagor and possibly also Alexandra David-Neel. Marco Polo is their bestseller, if I’m not mistaken, also worth trying.
My favourite green tea from them so far is the delicately violet-scented Iskandar. The perfectly named Casablanca is a mix of black and green teas with mint and bergamot, J likes this one a lot. And Rouge Bourboun is a very nice rooibos with a touch of vanilla: not my usual thing, but I have it sometimes in the afternoon when I’ve had too much caffeine and/or crave something sweet.
In general I’m not a huge fan of flavored teas, but these sound really good. I may have to try a couple. The wedding imperial actually sounds like something I’d like.
Thanks for the breakdown! I’ve been back and forth about trying Wedding Imperial for the same reason, but you have me convinced. Iskandar sounds amazing, too.
If Austenfan is around and has a minute to reply, I’m sure she would have great recommendations.
I’m around, but not around my tea. I have a few more tips which I will write down once I’m home. Generally I think that MF excells at flavoured tea. Their other teas are very good as well, but can be bought elsewhere, often far more cheaply.
I’ve done some checking:
Black flavoured teas I would recommend are:
Black Orchid, similar to Wedding Impérial, Paris Breakfast, Phénix, Marco Polo, Thé de Lune, Earl Grey Impérial and Roi des Earl Grey.
Green flavoured teas that I’ve enjoyed are: Lune Rouge, Festin d’Or, Bel-Ami, Thé des Impressionistes and Vert Provence. And while I haven’t tried it I’m sure that the green version of Marco Polo is very good too.
I’m also a big MF fan, though less the black teas. I love Paris – Provence, Rouge Sahara, Casablanca and Earl Grey French Breakfast 🙂
It is one of my favorites from MF — the ginger is just strong enough to make it a warmer green tea, but I don’t find it that strong. Then again, I’m a huge fan of ginger. I sometimes add a little more.
Many of MF’s flavored green teas are too sweet for me.
Hmmm. If the ginger is just right for you, then it might be too much for me. But I’m open. I’m also really curious about the rose in combination with the ginger. I love rose anything.
If you love rose, have you tried The du Hammam by Palais des Thes?
No. I will now, though. Thanks! (I’m assuming you’re recommending it.)
I am! Victoria should have a great review of it over at Bois de Jasmin. This is one of my favourite flavoured green teas and while it has other things in addition to rose, I think you really should try it.
To continue the noir week, I’m wearing a proper black tea today (as opposed to The Noir 29 yesterday): Masque Milano Russian Tea. It’s strong tea that smells of smoke and leather and is sweetened slightly by a spoonful of raspberry jam. I like it a lot.
There’s nothing about that that doesn’t sound terrific, right down to the dab of jam. I am going to have to try it.
Definitely worth a shot, if you like this sort of thing.
That’s a great scent, but it didn’t last long enough on me.
Fortunately, it lasts well on me, although it becomes less dark as it progresses.
I love that one! I’m planning to wear it tomorrow.
Good choice 🙂
Oh I have a shared apartment. They come from Tallin. The lady likes to bring in fresh bouquets and she makes our apartment much much nicer 🙂
Good morning guys! Cuir de Russie today, as we have a huge, fancy-pants event this evening and CdR is the tone I want to set. I’m in a little black (professional) dress and poised as all get out. Or I’ve decided I am, anyway.
Catching up a bit on yesterday’s comments – congrats to DottieChi on becoming DottieNC!
Also hoping very much that Lucy and Siciliana and anyone else that was feeling poopy yesterday is on their way to feeling much better.
Also, I haven’t had a chance to comment and chat with the NST member She-Ra yet, but I did want to say – your screenname and avatar are basically my favorite things in the universe. I own She-Ra DVDs and have watched them in the past month (and yes, I am an adult). Well-chosen all around, my dear.
Also, I noticed Lovestosmellgood didn’t comment yesterday – hoping this means that she is (safely!) on her way to meeting her new baby! Sending so many good wishes in that direction
I don’t know that we’ve seen her comment for a number of days now, so hopefully baby is here and mom is doing well!!
Whoops – as my work days are getting busier, I haven’t been checking later in the day, so I missed that she hadn’t posted. I’m sure all are happy and healthy, and I just hope the recovery is easy!
If her scent of the day is smell of her new baby’s head, she is one happy mama!
An excellent choice of perfume! You smell perfect.
Thank you so much dear! I’m trying to channel Annikky levels of fabulousness 🙂
Haha, thanks! But you shouldn’t aim so low 😉
Seconding that you smell great – poised, elegant and edgy. Especially with a professional black dress. Hope you have a great evening.
Separately I too was wondering if lovetosmellgood was meeting her new baby!
Thanks Sophie -much appreciated!
You smell and look fab!
Why thank you!
CdR is excellent for when you want to get your game on. You smell great.
I also noticed She-Ra yesterday and laughed when I saw that name/avatar. I had a collection of the figurines when I was little.
My game is indeed ON.
Ooooh to the figurines – which ones did you have? I think I just had a She-Ra, but I would have loved a Sea Hawk or Glimmer.
Even now, the mention of that show takes me to the happiest parts of my childhood. Too much fun.
I had She-Ra and Frosta. My sister had Glimmer and Castaspella.
I hope you have a really great and elegant time at your fancy pants party tonight. I love those! You smell great too!!!
Thanks Ann! You smell fabulous yourself in BV
Thanks for your kind words, ihadanidea, I think I dodged a bullet and am feeling better.
And thanks to Dottie for explaining how to change my nickname to reflect my current location (as my husband breaks the news that he has been invited pre-posting to apply for a job in the NYC-NJ area!).
And Dottie, not sure what quadrant of the area you’re in, but Cary is rumored to be getting a WEGMANS! (Pathetic, I know.)
No scent yet guys, but probably will sample OJ Isfarkand. Sorry so long. Happy, warm day to all.
Oh my on the potential move to NY/NJ – that’s quite a change! If you do move here, I promise we’ll take good care of you.
I have heard nothing but good things about Wegmans, so I don’t blame you for being excited! Good food shopping is important.
I’m a big She-ra fan too. And her sidekick Kowl too.
Makes me wonder what kind of fragrances she would be wearing in Etheria… 😉
It’s all about Kowl’s rainbow colored ears.
And Sea Hawk – he and Christopher Reeve as Superman were my first crushes when I was little.
You’re inspiring me to give CdR another whirl soon. I first tried it a year ago, I wonder what I will think now.
What did you think of it the first time around?
I was intrigued, but not comfortable with it. I had never smelt a leather perfume at that stage and it was too ‘leathery’ for me. I think I’ll try it on the weekend.
Aww, thanks! You’re such a sweetheart. I am feeling much better. I just needed to get on some medication and give it some time to work its magic. I’ll be back to my normal self by next week.
Have fun at your fancy-pants event. I’m so jealous. I miss going to those.
Sample of the day: Mmm by Hilde Soliani. It smells mostly of basil and incense, and there’s supposed to be a burrata (buttery mozzarella) note which I would not have identified as such. So: a salad in church? It’s basically herbal incense and amusing enough (I don’t need to scrub it off), but I can’t imagine getting through a whole bottle of what feels like a throwaway amusement, like that Burger King scent.
I never did try that one, so just as well to hear it’s not fantastic.
Salad in church? Now I’m going to keep my eyes opened for a sample just out of curiosity and hope I don’t pick up any notes that make me think of cheese (even burrata, which is great stuff).
*Italian* salad in church. Hmmm…
She left out the chicoria.
I’d want to smell it for that weird burrata note. Slumberhouse Pear and Olive smelled like a charcuterie platter to me, but I found it oddly satisfying.
Since I won’t be around tomorrow to participate in the noir theme I am wearing Black Flower Mexican Vanilla (stole a few spritzes from a family member’s full bottle). It reminds me of a grown up version of Love’s Baby Soft (the original from the 70s- pre-reformulation)….and I say this in a good way….I am enjoying BFMV…
On a separate note, after almost half a century of perfume wearing and perfume mania I am , for the first time, experiencing “perfume ennui”…nothing is exciting me any more and I am tired of trying more and more fragrances to re-ignite the lust…. and some of my “old favorites” are actually making me nauseous…..don’t know if I am on chemical overload or it is just a phase I am going through…so I am sort of on a perfume hiatus for the moment….wearing more natural stuff such as essential oils and naturally scented body creams.
Has anyone else ever had this experience?
I haven’t had an experience quite that intense (so sorry about the nausea!), but I have had a bit of ennui before and I’ve heard many other people describe such moments too. I think the best thing to do is just give yourself a break for a bit, for as long or as short a time as feels right to you. You’ll come back to it when you’re in the mood, and in the meantime, you can still come and hang out with us in the comments section. We get it!
Yeah, I’ll occasionally realize that I haven’t been moved to scent myself for several days in a row, which for me is weird because I am literally surrounded by bottles and sample vials. Some days you just want a respite from incoming data. I think that’s normal. If you worked in a museum you’d occasionally need a day of looking at nothing but a blue sky or a blank wall, I’m sure.
Absolutely – over the summer on holiday I just didn’t feel like any perfume. And so I didn’t wear any – then found my interest re-ignited. Hope you find something to spark your interest but meanwhile I would indulge a little fragrance free time.
I’ve gone thru several periods like this, or just on certain days. In the end, I’m always lured back into the rabbit hole eventually. Rest your senses a bit.
I’ve not been wearing perfume for too long and I’ve been through a phase like this. I didn’t wear any scent for nearly a week because of it. I think was more mood/hormonal issues than anything else though – especially the nausea. After the break I had a renewed sense of what I like though and pared down my collection. I realized I was wearing stuff that I felt “meh” about and life is too short for that.
My interest waxes and wanes as well and I just sort of go with it. I can be a little obsessive with things that interest me and my take on it is that “obsession” is an energy that can be moved around. Sometimes I like to move that energy to other interests. and right now it’s learning a musical instrument. It’s definitely saving me some cash, too, as my sample buying has slowed way down since I started playing. I can’t say that I’m not enjoying perfume at the moment. It’s just that the intensity volume has turned down a bit.
I’m the same way. What instrument are you learning to play? I hope you don’t mind my asking…
The ukelele!! More challenging than I thought it would be.
Unusual choice. Good for you!
My husband took it up while he was alone in NC. I blame Izzy Kamakawiwo. 🙂
I think he helped or hurt because that Over the Rainbow rendition became so overused commercially that it also created some haters. My inspiration came from seeing an all-girl uke band last year. Loved it.
I haven’t had perfume ennui yet, but I have had just a kind of mental tiredness trying to decide what to wear, similar to how you feel tired of figuring out what to wear your clothes, etc. When that happens I either stop wearing for a little, or revert to one of my go-tos. Years ago I read a really good post about fragrance ennui at either Perfume Smellin Things or I smell therefore I am… I can’t find it. But I know it happens. I think finding a different temporary hobby or exploring some other sensual experience like great food, etc, might help. Good luck!
I had a terrible intolerance in my mid-years (35-55?), I think hormones + stress + urban environments. My tongue still swells if I get scent overloaded. I’m grateful to be able to wear perfume again, but stay mindful of overload/indifference.
Yes, I have periods of that when my hormones are way out of whack (being perimenopausal). Hope it passes soon for you!
Thanks, ya’ll for your replies! I think the advice from all of you is great! I am probably going to have to seek out my sensory cravings from other sources (tea/good food/spices, etc) and look to another avenue to satisfy my “obsessive” personality (it’s just that for close to 50 years my obsession has been perfume! I even dream about it!) And maybe it is the hormone/premenopausal thing going on….nonetheless, my body/mind is telling me to take a break so I will listen!
Keep us posted on your new sensory explorations!
Today it’s Dirty English from Juicy Couture, which has not coped well with a 04:30 start to the day and a couple of flights to get to London. I feel, though, that that’s a slightly unfair test for most perfumes – am I right? Should I give it another chance? :^)
I thought that one was discontinued anyway? If so, I’d give up on it sooner, personally. Enjoy the rest of your trip either way!
You know, you have reminded me why I developed an interest in perfumes in the first place. I was working my way through Hermessences one 4x15ml box at a time over a year or 18 months. As luck had it, the earlier boxes had a mix of things I liked and others I couldn’t get on with at all. The last box though had Vetiver Tonka, Rose Ikebana, Cuir d’Ange and Brin de Reglisse and I felt ridiculously happy smelling perfumes that were original and unusual and so unlike the aftershaves (Boss and the like) that I’d worn for years.
So, no, you are right. I’m looking for more scents that make me feel happy to be alive to smell them, and Dirty English hasn’t made the cut.
Writing this on the train north from London, been on the go for 19 hours across 2 time zones and 3 countries. Looking forward to my bed now. :^)
Slowly moving towards the darker regions, I’m wearing Black Cashmere today.
Me too!
Seriously considering this one for tomorrow. So mysteeerious…
I love Lune Rouge. I’m drinking a Milky Oolong, which is nice. At home I’ve got a very pricy Jin Xuan, which tastes so much better, but would be wasted in a thermos flask.
Tiny dab of Shalimar under my shirt today, which I realized this morning is SUPER NOIR. If this were released today it would totally be called Vanilla Noir or Noir de Vanille, depending on level of pretention the house wanted to go for.
I was thinking about which of my perfumes I considered “Noir” and Shalimar was high on the list!
Tried Kusmi’s Assam this morning. Nice, but Russian Morning is still my fave. Ciel de GUM again, the sample will soon be history.
Did you guys see the Fragrantica news item about House of Matriarch now avail at the Nordstrom site? Never tried, am predictably intrigued by the tuberose frag, and the incense one sounds like it would be appealing to fans of that genre.
I’m wearing the 1982 version of Missoni.
Is that the one with a caramel note?
SOTD = VC&A Bois d’Iris….this really is one of my favorite fragrances – very satisfying through out the day…Right now pretty fragrant with flowers, a little musK underneath, not so much of the woods and amber that show up later.
Sitting in awful conference call meetings, on mute. Still planning on Un Fille de Berlin for tomorrow….
I received some generous small decants last night. Bois des Isles, Chanel 22, and a Jo Malone, Mimosa and Cardamom. I will spray the Bois des Isles with abandon in a day or two to get the full effect. Chanel 22 is one that I have not had in quite a while, and this decant smells really great.
Jo Malone and I just do not have a good relationship – the Mimosa and Cardamom smells good on first squirt and seems to be gone in minutes. One day I will spray this with abandon also, and see if I can generate a complete experience.
You smell great – and have my full sympathy for interminable calls. Bois D’Iris is a good accompaniment to such moments.
🙂
When I tried the Bois d’Iris last year I thought it was almost identical to my Dior Bois d’Argent. The VC&A was maybe a tad stronger.
(Nodding) Often you read that “Fragrance X is a dup of Fragrance Y” but the only time I’ve agreed with that assessment is for BdI and Bois d’Argent. Nearly twins.
Really? Not acquainted with Dior Bois d’Argent. I will explore futher!
Thank heavens for mute buttons.
I didn’t like Mimosa and Cardamom when I sampled it. Then Mr. Lucy bought me a big bottle for Christmas and I realized I was going to have to learn to wear it well. I sprayed it like crazy so he’d think I loved it and so I could make a noticeable dent in the bottle before putting it on the back of the shelf. It turns out it grew on me and I really enjoy it. It really is better if you douse yourself in it. It fades fast, but then I get occasional whiffs of the most amazing, slightly sweet skin scent throughout the day. (My winter scarf smells divine.) Surprisingly, the cumin note is not as bothersome as it was out of the tiny vial. -And it is hands down the scent that has gotten me the most compliments from strangers. People have actually stopped me at the grocery store several times to ask what I’m wearing. Give it a good try before you write it off.
Trying out more Noir scents and sprayed generously from a sample of Noir de Noir today. I must be really missing something as it seemed to disappear pretty quickly but I’m worried about applying anything else in case everyone else can smell it.
It will be really interesting to read about everyone’s interpretation of tomorrow’s theme – the more I think about it the more noir can mean so many different things to me.
That’s my probable choice for tomorrow. I wonder if it’s been reformulated?
I received a free 1ml sample of this, from scentsamples a couple of months back, it was really weak on me too.
That’s where my sample was from too – wonder if it has been reformulated. I will try to remember to try a spray next time I am in a shop which carries it, but you have reassured me it’s not just me!
I’ve sprayed it in stores from the bottle and also found it fell flat fairly quickly.
Only thing about having Monday off is that the week seems to last forevvveeerrr. Why, or why, is that?
SOTD for me: 31 Rue Cambon
So enjoy popping on this blog to connect with you great folks throughout the day 🙂
So true. This week is drrraaagggingggg.
You smell elegant and polished. Just bought a FB of 31RC on the Bay. Small discount from the retail price. Woot!
Lucky duck! I do love this scent, but I still haven’t graduated to spraying it on because dabbing is sufficient which means a full bottle would really be too much for me.
It is so nice. I just received a FB a few months ago. You will enjoy it.
You smell great! I haven’t sniffed 31 in a while. I think it’s time.
It’s nice to have a day off, but the rest of the week ends up being twice as busy work wise that sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it. Cest la vie… It’s almost Friday 🙂
As promised, I am testing Orlov Star of the Season today. It’s pretty huge, though snuggly. Mostly getting the gourmand notes and so far not so much skank – at least not to me. I think I have a pretty high skank tolerance though.
You smell soooooo good.
My tolerance is super low (read: wimpy), so it makes sense that you’re finding it light on the skank.
I have a samples of the Orlov scents coming my way. Can’t wait to try them.
I’m in Erdenstern by April Aromatics. I’d forgotten I had this sample and was pleasantly surprised when I put it on. I immediately got a strong boozy note off it, which was surprising, but then it quickly mellowed out to strong tobacco. That’s eased off and now I’m getting a good tobacco and chocolate mix with sweetness from opoponax. I didn’t really mean to wear a “noir”-ish scent, but I think that’s definitely what I’ve got.
That sounds like a yummy one, though maybe a bit on the sweet side? I’m always on the prowl for a good whiskey/tobacco/leather/etc. scent that skews more “Scotch” than “bourbon”…
The sweetness actually is a good thing because it tones down the tobacco. It’s not a gourmand at all. It’s more of a subdued toffee note in the background that plays really well with the tobacco.
Oh my, this sounds really great. I’m pretty sure I have a sample of this from LuckyScent!
Still in full cashmere sweater season (my favorite part of the year!)
I love to get out all my favorite rich cold weather scents. So far this week: Dior Homme Parfum, Egoiste, Fendi (the original for women), Tobacco Vanille, and today… an oldie: Macassar de Rochas.
I love Macassar!
Me too! I give each of my sweaters a rheme: rose, amber, incense – then only wear that sweater with similar scents since I can’t wash them after each wearing.
Now, this is commitment! Do the colors of your sweaters relate to the scent? I’ll bet your closet is terribly organized. (Mine is fairly organized though I’m limited by space and the fact that I share it with my H.)
Sort of – I have pink, blue , grey and cream colored turtleneck cashmere sweaters – no brown – and only the pink one is related to the scent – rose obviously. The others are sort of randomly assigned. 🙂
I’m in liberal dabbings of Heeley Iris de Nuit … and my sink is in liberal splashings because I bobbled the vial and spilled what was left. At least it was only 1 ml … and my bathroom smells great!
Hate when that happens.
First time for me, and was not that much fun as it turns out. 😉 And the Iris de Nuit, even though very liberally dabbed, had pretty much vanished before I left the house this morning, so I layered on some Cuir Pleine Fleur … it’s a very nice combination. I’ve been waffling for months about CPF, but today something tipped me over the edge and a FB is now on its way to my perfume shelf.
I’m in Private Collection and marveling over how I’ve gone from disliking galbanum (I liked the green and disliked the cold cigarette ash that came with it) to it being one of my favorite notes.
I adore galbanum most of the time, but sometimes it can have that ashtray thing. (Maison Martin Margiela Untitled was very ashtray and incense on me, and I did not love it. At least not as a personal scent – I would be happy to have it as a room spray.)
Private Collection is a gorgeous scent. You smell great!
Forcing myself to wear something other than Coromandel today, so I’m testing some samples. This morning, I wore Heely’s Bubblegum Chic, which I tried and really liked when in the shop in Hamburg. This afternoon, it’s Heely’s Coccobello. Strange choices for this time of year, but it is bone-chillingly cold today. Actually, it’s less cold than yesterday, but feels much colder, what the Dutch call “waterkoud”, when it feels like ice water in your veins and you can’t get warm! So I decided to pretend it’s nicer weather by wearing warm weather scents. It hasn’t really helped! Also, I’m sure these scents come into their own when it is warm weather, and somehow “bloom”.
My impressions: I really like Bubblegum Chic. What a stupid and inappropriate name for this gentle fragrance. It has something that reminds me of vintage Jolie Madame. It’s certainly much less complex and has no leather, but there is something… It’s a pretty, unpretentious floral. I’ll have to test drive it in warm weather to decide if its fbw. For now, it’s really made me nostalgic for Jolie Madame.
Coccobello is a disappointment. Ever since Ava Luxe Vanilla Coconut EdP (long discontinued), I’ve longed for something similar. It was the perfect skin scent, and lovely and comforting.
This weekend, I’ll test my sample of Creed Coconut Water.
Ugh! Just sniffed my left wrist with the Bubblegum Chic and it’s morphed into something awful! It’s what I imagine a truckstop would have for soap in the ladies’ room. It was nice for a few hours, though. I definitely won’t be buying this.
Oh no! That’s not a good association. I’ve wondered about that Heeley. I’ve tried 2 jasmine+spice/fruit scents that smelled like bubble gum to me: TDC Jasmin de Nuit and Isvaraya Indult. Have you tried either of those?
Also, is that a Tonkinese cat in your avatar? It’s a gorgeous kitty.
No, I haven’t tried either of the scents you mention and have never smelled anything that reminded me of bubble gum.
Thank you! The cat in my avatar is a sealpoint Thai (European traditional Siamese). Is yours a Cornish Rex? They are so sweet!
I actually had a wonderful Tonkinese over 40 years ago!
She and her brother are a hairless breed mutt. The mother is a Peterbald (Russian Sphynx+Oriental Shorthair) and the father is Canadian Sphynx. She is hairless with Calico markings and her brother has fur with seal point markings so he looks like a Siamese. They are very sweet and very playful.
Bubblegum? CdG Red Carnation smells like bubblegum to me, i initially, but initial to fini for this perfume is under 1 hour for me (and I so don’t have scent-eating skin). Another one with a bubblegum note (to me anyway) is Tauer Sotto La Luna Gardenia.
Replying a day late. Elisa, your cats sound very exotic. All of my pets are long-haired, except for the cat in my avatar. But I know from meeting hairless cats that they are extra-sweet-natured!
I’m with you on Coccobello. I didn’t like it one bit. The particular green notes didn’t work for me, and that overshadowed the whole rest of the scent.
Thanks for naming that awful bone-cold feeling for me. It often accompanies my migraines and calling it “that damned, f-ing horrible chill” wasn’t very satisfying 😉
;-)!
Yes, that is a word I needed as well.
And this is why I need to learn Dutch, I love hearing it and such awesome words. My favorite is gezellig ????, not sure how to translate it into English.
Hi Mariann, are you an expat in Holland? I’m in Amstelveen. “Gezellig” is really UN-translatable. I think the closest one can come is comfy/chummy, but that doesn’t really cover it. I recently came across a similar word in a Scandinavian language, so it’s not just Dutch that has this description.
No, just a Dutch fan 🙂 My partners half Dutch and he grew up there, so I hear the occasional word.
So cold and snowy here. I’m going to try out my little sample of Dior’s Cuir Cannage. Hopefully it will warm me up a bit before I leave the house.
In Chergui today–second to last application from my decant! It’s great in winter, and on a day that’s packed full, but also quite happy.
Hope everyone has a great day!
I’m warming up for tomorrow by wearing SSS Ambre Noir – very dark and rich.
I think I might wear that tomorrow. It is very “noir” and rich. It smells like amber, wine barrels, and wispy incense to me. You smell great!
Mmmm. That sounds wonderful!
Ooo, love the Lune Rouge!
Hey — I am reading Norman Lewis The Tomb in Seville. Good but not nearly as engaging as Naples 44.
Channeling Deva in Un Bois Vanille today. I don’t wear this often enough.
I’m procrastinating with the pile of work I have today. Ugh. I’m warmed up with vintage Samsara edp. I love this stuff! Hoping it’ll get me motivated.
Great motivational scent! I hope it works
Well… It didn’t quite help Lol. I think my lack of motivation today is incurable but I’m enjoying sniffing myself anyway 🙂
SL Fleur d’oranger for a burst of something different. Driving down to visit my sister today. So happy to live near her again!
SOTD is Bottega Veneta b/c I wanted something very elegant and very cozy. I’m sipping tea this morning – the wondrous Organic India Tulsi “Sweet Rose” which really smells like I’m tipping a damask rose to my nose every time I take a sip. I’m very impressed. I’m also stumped about what to wear for my noir choice tomorrow….
You smell great and the tea sounds wonderful. I’m not sure about what to wear tomorrow either. Most of my obvious choices have been mentioned this week.
I have a few frags with “noir” in the names, but I just don’t know…. I’m also considering the few frags I have with a dash of skank….
I’m still struggling to pick one for tomorrow, too. Maybe Memoir Woman? Or I’ll skip straight to my half-full sample of Serge Noire – now that one is definitely noir!
I’ve never smelled Serge Noire! I’m like: Magie Noir, Encre Noir, Rose en Noir….. is this like Chinatown (the movie) noir, or sexy noir, or just darn old twisted a la David Lynch noir? I’m trying to think of the “darkest” fragrance that I own, b/c frankly, most of the “noirs” I have make me feel all cuddly and cozy. But now that you mention it, Mals, I very clearly heard you say it: I think the darkest, most complex scent I have is L’Arte di Gucci. Maybe there’s our winner for tomorrow. Hmmm. Thanks for the tip, lol. 😉
Oh, SN is a freaky thing. (Go read Kevin’s review of it here if you want a laugh… I didn’t think it was all that bad, myself.) It is very very medicinal and dark, and I don’t know that I could actually WEAR it – as opposed to sampling it – but it’s interesting, at least.
L’Arte doesn’t even seem dark to me anymore. It’s that hot pink rose, I guess!
It’s about as dark as my collection gets – most of my “dark” fragrances are roses, except Bal a Versailles which kind of gets a big suggestive with the civet, etc.
Off topic but wanted to jump in with the weirdest noir aromatic digestif!
My husband read “Cooking with Fernet Branca” (funny romance drinking/cooking stories) and loved it, so we decided to get the same book for my stepfather who is an Italianophile (if that is even the word for it!)… along with a bottle of actual Fernet Branca. He suggested we open it right away and give it a whirl…
I wasn’t sure whether I had been punched in the face with paint thinner and tar… anyone ever venture to try Fernet Branca?
I’ve never tried that, but years ago I tested some different grappas in Italy, and I pretty much felt the same …
Yes, my Mom used to say that grappa was pretty repulsive, though I’ve read it’s being “upscaled.” In place of it in her Christmas fruitcake recipe she used to use grape jelly dissolved in strong coffee.
Scent twins!
SOTD is PHI Une Rose de Kandahar. Second run of this one. I still really like the fragrance, but I’m not feeling the part of it that’s generating sillage. Maybe it’s the Taureade dry down I’ve heard about? Not sure.
I Love PHI but maybe it’s just not for you. You seem to like some of the classics with a bit of aldehydes. PHI is a bit more modern in that respect.
https://nstperfume.com/2014/01/15/tauer-perfumes-phi-une-rose-de-kandahar-fragrance-review-and-a-quick-rose-poll/
Hi Petunia! What’s weird is I wore PHI like, last week, and loved it. It’s from the same vial, kept carefully, so I doubt that the fragrance changed. It’s something to do with me, either my skin or my nose. It was hard to pick a perfume this morning, for some reason, and I may have just picked the wrong thing for this day.
You’re right though, I do seem to prefer the classics. I’m still chalking that up, at least partially, to not having smelled as many modern fragrances.
Sometimes fragrances you like or even love don’t feel right. Could be mood, chemistry, who knows… I you enjoyed it the first time. Maybe you put it away for a while and then try it again later?
This happens to me a lot, that things that work on one day don’t another. It’s very mysterious.
Oh! I forget now who mentioned it the other day, but I got some of the Stash Breakfast in Paris tea, and I’m trying it for the first time. It does indeed smell, and taste like, a Jicky, or perhaps Shalimar, latte. Delicious. I got a big box from Amazon, because the small box was ridiculously expensive, and the big one oddly cheap. I’m glad I did, because I can easily see this becoming a staple for me.
I hope you don’t mind my saying this here, but I wanted to tell you how admiring I am of your incredibly brave words about your illness a few days ago. So important, but so seldom spoken.
As for tea, I just don’t see the choices in stores I used to 5 or 10 years ago. Guess I have to get used to hunting for it.
I don’t mind at all, and thank you so much! That means a lot to me. You made my day. : )
If you, or anyone else reading this, has similar issues with mental illness, I’m more than happy to pass along some resources that have been very valuable to me. Blogs and writers that have spoken up and let me, and so many others, know we’re not alone. Anyone who’s interested, please feel free to email me in the land of yahoo, under the name matchboxalien.
After a harrowing 3.5 hour commute in the snow last night, I’m working from home today, and slightly sore from falling on some ice. I’m fine, but frustrated that the roads and sidewalks didn’t seem to be cleared or treated at all.
To go with my mug of hot chocolate, I’m sticking with the chocolate theme and wearing Musc Maori. Yum, on both accounts.
I hate driving in bad conditions but especially at night. I’m glad you’re home safe and sound. Enjoy your day working from home.
Thanks for the memory jog. My pre-apocalypse shopping tonight should include hot chocolate. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your lousy commute. I’m in the Atlanta area, and our memories of the Snow-pocalypse from a couple of years ago are still fresh. That’s a special sort of torment that nobody should have to deal with. Stay safe in the coming storm! That goes for you, and for any other NSTers in the path of it. I’m thinking good thoughts for all of you.
What a toad I am! I hope you’re un-sore soon, Eleebelle. Sorry. 🙁
Wearing another spritz of Jub XXV (which my autocorrect seems to want to change to XXVI for some unfathomable reason), stolen from the decant I got for Mr. Minion. He has yet to try it so I hope he doesn’t decide it’s too feminine because of having smelled it on me so frequently.
I like that one, but cannot do J25.
I like J25 too, but rarely want to wear it unless I’m washing my truck. I have no explanation for why this should be so, perhaps because I use rose scented cleaning concentrate as a car wash?
Oh that’s really interesting to hear–I love XXV but haven’t gotten to 25 yet. No need to rush to it, then 🙂
Don’t get me wrong, 25 is a really good perfume. I don’t know why I never seem to crave it, I think just I have other cumin-heavy classic feeling florals that I prefer. If someone dropped a bottle in my lap, I wouldn’t refuse it but I prefer Salome.
I think it’s because 25 is one of the few perfumes where the cumin and herbs/spices actually smell a bit foody sometimes. I’ve felt a bit like I’m sitting next to somebody who has been eating Mexican food and is wearing a heavy dose of Caleche or maybe Femme.
SOTD = Shalimar
Couldn’t figure out what I wanted to wear this morning (clothes or perfume!), so I’m sticking with my favorite Shalimar. Clothes are black leather pencil skirt and heels, black tights, and cream shirt with black woven trim. Feeling pretty chic!
Just got a call that apparently I got assigned a project for this morning nobody told me about, so now I’m late for a meeting. ARGH! Catch up with everybody later!
Can’t go wrong with Shalimar. Looking and smelling classy today!
Been thinking I might be ready to revisit Shali. We were very good friends in high school but I’ve been staying away as not to dredge up adolescent angst memories. Perhaps enough time has gone by now… Anyway, you smell great!
Wow, you had great taste in high school! 🙂 Sorry I can’t say the same, but please try Shalimar again. If it helps I am totally willing to send you a decant, although Shalimar is available at Macy’s and Nordstrom which are pretty common.
Oh, you are sweet! Don’t trouble with a decant. It’s so easy to come by, I’m sure I will pick it up on a whim one these days. Thank you for the offer!
Green tea with rose and ginger would make a great perfume!
My SOTD is Bulgari Black.
Agree! Sounds lovely. There must be one out there already with those notes.
Rossy de Palma is 2/3 of the way there with the rose and ginger.
I’ve actually never much noticed the ginger in Rossy de Palma. But I’m wondering about layering 5 O’Clock au Gingembre with a rose perfume….
The only rose/tea I have tried is Rose Boheme but it also has oud. What about SSS Rose musc with 5 O’Clock au Gingembre?
That sounds like a good pairing. I get a good dose of ginger and pepper in Rossy which I think is what gives it that funky, slightly sweaty edge for me.
It really would.
Lyric again today. That tea sounds wonderful, and now I’m feeling sorry for myself that I’m drinking the lousy coffee here in the office.
Yeah, I’ve been taking tea-shopping notes throughout. 🙂
I’m in 24 Faubourg, and spinning like a top with all the storm preparations and travel changes (I work in int’l education and this is not a good week to have so many disruptions…). After my day is done at work I have to pack up supplies and the dog and decamp to a friend’s house to ride out the snowmageddonpocolypse with her. Once the snow hits, and I can just “let go and let god” for a few hours, I plan to enjoy it as much as I can. Generally, I love big snowfalls, and I don’t want to let some logistical stress totally ruin this epic event for me.
Good luck riding out the storm. At least you smell great!
Gourmet s’mores. 🙂
Wearing La Nuit by Paco Rabanne. God, this is the stuff – thick honeyed civet and mossy roses on leather. It’s a pity this species of bold animalic is essentially an extinct perfume genre now. I wear only the tiniest dab of edp and it’s as strong as any extrait I have ever experienced.
La Nuit is one of my favorites, too. You smell great!
Sounds fab.
My SOTD is Pear& Olive by Slumber house. We have a 3rd grade program today and I needed something that will last all day.
At the end of the road w/ the Hermessences and wearing Cuir d`Ange today…
Leather and a bit of flowers…pretty nice.
My favorites of the line were: Osmanthe Yunnan, Paprika Brasil, Rose Ikebana and Vanille Galante…probably the most feminine ones looking at the list…
Next week I’m going to break into a Byredo Discovery box and will be sampling those…haven’t tried anything from Byredo yet so I am looking forward to it.
Just discovered Cabochard at the bottom shelf for $11.77. Very interesting find.
Nice!
SOTD is Arquiste Nanban, nice for a cool sunny day.
I tested Aeon 001 yesterday, here’s my promised review. Short summary: don’t blind buy this one.
Luckyscent says the notes are vetiver, white flowers, smoke, spices, resins.
So you can adjust your filters, here are my biases: I really like vetiver, smoke, incense. I don’t usually like white flowers. I really dislike indoles. (guess what’s coming)
Phase 1: Ashtray. I guess this is the “smoke”. Lasts about 15 minutes, then it’s gone baby gone, never to return.
Phase 2: Bring on the white flower indoles. Since this isn’t my forte, I can’t tell you what kind of white flowers this is, just that it’s not jasmine. This phase is pretty art-y: There’s a base of squeaky clean vetiver, a thin layer of vinyl/plastic, and growing WF indoles on top. Lasts about 45 minutes.
Phase 3: The indoles blessedly start to decrease, though they never disappear; nor does the thread of vinyl. This phase is a lot more floral, also with something sweet, perhaps the citrus face of frankincense. Lasts about an hour.
Phase 4: Floral’s gone, so’s the sweet, and the base has gone sour; I think it’s the medicinal face of frankincense. I get occasional flickers of incense, but really from here on out it’s a sour base (frankincense? vetiver? spices?), thin layer of vinyl, WF indoles.
Scrubbed after 6 hours.
So… the vetiver’s definitely a backup singer here, often I couldn’t smell it at all. The only phase I enjoyed at all was Phase 3, though there were waaaaay too many indoles for my taste.
YMMV of course, perhaps this has everything you love, that’s what makes the perfume world go round 🙂
Fabulous review Pixel.
Thanks so much for the detailed review!
Question please…how do white flower indoles smell to you? I’m not sure my mind and/or nose parses out white flowers like that so I am curious how you discern them. I think my “nose” has improved w/ being able to separate out scents the more perfumes I’ve sample and perfume reviews I’ve read but sometimes I will still sniff something and my uncouth nose just registers “floral” or something very broad 😉 and it’s not until I read a review that parses out different notes that I can go back and discern them.
Emmm, well, indoles usually smell to me like something crapped on my arm. You asked…. 😉
ehaeheh yeah I am trying to think of what, if any, fragrances I’ve tried have smelled like that to me…
Was looking up indoles on wikipedia and it says how a high number smells like feces and a low number like floral..even orange blossom…so strange/interesting…
Victoria did a fabulous description at Bois de Jasmin:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2011/03/perfume-vocabulary-fragrance-notes-indole-indolic.html
My nose doesn’t register indoles as feces – it’s more like moth balls to me (which I don’t mind).
The description that helped me most, I think here, was thinking of wilted, creased lilies or magnolias. Hope I got that right. Not my favorite. I’ve noticed Pixel and I have mostly similar tastes, thanks for the review P. Very thorough.
Lush Lust was the perfume that made me think, “Oh, THAT’S what they mean.” Jasmine and poop.
I enjoyed reading your review, Pixel.
I’ve seen Nanban mentioned a few times as the SOTD. Its nice to have a description.
My description is for Aeon 001. Nanban is great! and entirely different.
My mistake. I was reading too fast. I will google Nanban and check out the notes that way.
I’m glad to hear it is a great one!
Thanks for the review! Inspires me to do the same when I sample new perfumes. Keep it up, and keep asking questions 😉
Thanks for the link to Victoria’s write up on indoles.
Super interesting!
Good review. I can do indolic but the vinyl/plastic and sour give me pause. Also my brain kept turning “WF indoles” into “WTF indoles”.
Best of days to all of you! I’ve woken to what passes here as a blisteringly hot day (heading for 28 or 29, but I do know that’s nothing like people in S Africa and Australia are dealing with) and it’s Noir Friday for me already. I battled with my inner Waterdragon as to what “noir” means in perfume, came up with no very satisfactory answer, and turned instead to the contemplation of my collection, only to discover that it’s full of perfumes that suggest light, at least to me. Anyway, I finally chose Sahara Noir, which wears as a Seriously Churchy Incense on me if I put it straight on my skin. It really does remind me of dim shadows that hold the residue of centuries of prayer–not necessarily good ones, either!–and old wood. Is this a noir smell? Don’t know, but it’s doing it for me! SN works differently on fabric, so I thought ahead, and last night sprayed a little on today’s dress, with the result that every now and again, I get a little lifting waft of honeyed flowers and hope. Altogether very pleasing. And, unexpectedly, SN, for all its sombre qualities, is happy to be out and about on this golden day. I think it might be a creature of the warmth after all.
Wow, great description! I have that on my samples to acquire list, but your review here is going to make me move it up to next time I get some, this one will be in the queue!
Sounds lovely. The only ‘noir’ in my limited collection is Coco Noir which is more of a Coco Noir-Lite as it has no gravitas or scoundrel vamp factor as far as I can tell and works best ( on me ) layered with something deeper ( like Daim Blond….because that’s what I have). I can’t really take ‘ noir’ seriously anyway…the whole idea makes me giggle as I don’t have a ‘ noir’ bone in my body .
“Scoundrel vamp factor.” 🙂
I was into that as well
Mmmm–I think that’s probably my difficulty too, not having a genuinely noir bone to bless myself with. Asked the dear man about this as we strolled in to work, and he said he didn’t really understand the question (being, as he is, an engineer– his point, not mine!) but he thinks I laugh too much to be located towards the “noir” end of life’s continuum. Sigh. I’ve just relinquished my plan to turn all brooding and sophisticated…
“It really does remind me of dim shadows that hold the residue of centuries of prayer–not necessarily good ones, either!–and old wood.”
Poetry! That turn of phrase there is really evocative and moving, Waterdragon. It immediately brought to mind the old churches and chapels that I have visited.
I’ve found a lot of old places hold something of the centuries of life that have occurred in and around them. I remember the Royal Mile in Edinburgh feeling that way, and in a more rural way, Loch Ness felt that way too. It’s a fascinating feeling.
Yes! I’m always moved by the way that the flagstones in the floors of the great buildings (and not so great, too, come to that) are worn away over the ages by the passing of innumerable feet. Other tourists gaze at the high altar, and I stare at the floors!
The floors! I do the same thing.
I got to go to Scotland almost 10 years ago. We spent half the time in Edinburgh, not quite half in Inverness, and on the last night we were there, we stayed at Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland (or that’s what they claim anyway). We arrived later than planned, and the house was already locked up, other than our room and attached area. But the next morning, after we finished our breakfast, the housekeeper said that we could take a quick look through the house before our cab came. My traveling partner wasn’t interested, so I took off alone.
Alone in the grey, early morning light, I wandered the house. The last additions to it were made in the 17th century. Mary Stuart stayed there, with her infant son, the future James VI & I in the 16th century. The entire house is suffused with history, and that feeling of time having been marked within its walls. But the thing that sticks out in my mind above all else, are the stone steps. There’s a circular staircase in the heart of the main house that is quite old. The steps are quite wide, which makes the softly rounded spots in the middle even more obvious. All those footsteps, over all those years, wearing away the stone little by little. The flagstone floors in the halls, the hand cut stone steps in the “secret” staircase, no matter which room I looked at, it was the floors that told the best stories.
So smart–I’m sorry I’m not more into incense, because that kind of gothic churchy incense is such a perfect way to do “noir”.
Your musings on noir are definitely interesting! Scandal in the clearstory balcony!
le labo ylang….because if I’m going to go around in gym clothes and possibly be fitted for a cane, I might as well wear a fancy lady sample…
Wow, there’s a mental fashion adjustment. Hope you progress through the phase quickly!
Thank you! Not deemed cane-ready yet, as it turns out, but I’m working on it!
Oh you poor thing. I sprained my foot and went through a cane phase a few years ago, and the only good aspects were having an easier time getting a seat on the train and being able to name thing Charles Foster Cane.
Hope you recover quickly!
Ah, still stuck with Crutchie for now. (When I had two, I called them, “my sticks”) I’m just so ready to be speedy pedestrian again….
You need a cane with a big silver knocker on top, that flips open to hold a vial of your fav fragrance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant!
Ahahahaha! Among the many reasons this crutch is inadequate! No secret storage!!
I’m in Amarige Mimosa 2009, which I adore. It smells so pretty on me and reminds me that spring is coming. For tomorrow, I’m looking at my collection and seeing that I have a double handful of scents I would say have a “noir” vibe. It’s nice to have choices!
That one was so good.
Oh, spring! Those limited edition fragrances were all so well done. It’s a shame Givenchy doesn’t do those anymore. I have some of the 2008? 2009? organza jasmine one….
Happy Friday ! Had an amazing day yesterday as I realised that my perfume map may be turning into a perfume mission. I spent most of the day looking through books and articles from the 1800s in search of Maori use of perfume. To my surprise there are numerous nineteenth century references to a “Grand Maori Perfume” that makes use of taramea, a plant also known as spear grass or Spanaird that grows up in the mountains and oozes out a fragrant resin when heated. Many other fragrant herbs and flowers were used for perfume purposes ( but most of those plants only grow in the North Island…hence the possible mission). So…I need to do heaps more research, talk to ethno biologists and chemists ( there is a perfume ‘ recipe’ in an 1880 text). Also turns out that someone in Queenstown in working on a taramea perfume…so that might be my first lead. yAy. Wearing YS.UZAC Jasmine as I noticed yesterday that it really draws out the scent of the grass Yorkshire Fog …a beautiful feathery , purple grass that grows tall on the hill ( weed) …it was like perfume and nature were in complete balance. Hi Waterdragon! Might have to come up your way for a ‘research’ outing!!
I meant ethno botantists
Sounds fascinating!
It’s very cool ( despite my typos: ‘ herbs’ should read ‘ ferns’). Perfume oils are made locally from wilding pines ( a pest that self-seeds) and larch by the same man who is looking at taramea. They have a distillery a couple of hours from my home so I will try and visit and report back. ( because I’m so excited I’ve just assumed that you are all interested…sorry!)
Um, I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but you assumed correctly in my case. I’m very interested!
Yep, interested 😀
I’m interested too, anything with history, sourcing, natural plant properties and of course perfume!
Very interested in indigenous perfume(s). I got a special oil when I was in the Canadian Arctic, made with spruce, pine and fir needles as well as wild juniper and other forest plants.
I both admire your energy and envy your local plant diversity. Keep us posted.
What an excellent project! Do keep us informed of your discoveries, please! Now you are making me wonder what the local tribes in my neck of the woods did for scent prior to the invasion of the white eyes…
This sounds so interesting. It’s not as if perfume is a European invention, after all.
Wow! You are like a fragrance anthropologist!
Sadly not! More like a kid who has had too much sugar and is whirling from one thing to the next. Need to calm down!
Trying out Le Labo Iris 39 this morning. It is so grassy green to me, I’m a bit disoriented. My mind was expecting carrotty steely iris, and that this is not. Can’t quite decide if I love it or dislike it.
It’s definitely a unique one, in my admittedly limited experience. When I’m a certain mood, I quite like it, but expecting one thing and getting another is always disorienting.
FM Noir Épices for my prelude to Noir day. Happy Friday eve!
That was yesterday’s prelude for me. You smell good.
You smell very good! One of my fav dark patchoulis.
Egads! 150 comments already!
SOTD = SSS Forest Walk
I had been hankering to wear this in the cold and now I have (I think it’s my 2nd time this year). Forest Walk is one of my first indie loves and remains as one of my favorites! First of all, how could you go wrong with GREEN juice? It’s firry resinous and ambery. It pretty much stays the same from first spritz to its last moments (and I never really know its longevity because it gets showered off after a full day of wear). I think this is a good indie gateway scent, especially for someone who prefers something less or not floral.
Hajusuuri, we’re getting a Wegmans nearby! You’re a good luck charm!
Whoop! I had a long day today and will be stopping by Wegmans to get some last minute provisions!
I like Forest Walk in the summer…reminds me of the Poconos Mountains!
We definitely have some big old pine trees up here!
I can’t imagine wearing this in the summer but it looks like I need to try it!
Fille en Aiguilles is great in summer too!
Bottega Veneta today. It’s just a tad too much on the sweet side for me, but it works well in the cold, cozy and elegant. Plus had a dentist appointment today, so nothing too strong.
That’s so interesting! I never really got sweetness from the original Bottega Veneta myself, and it’s interesting to hear that take on it. I’ll try it again soon with that in mind.
I’d be interested to hear what you think.
Scent twin! 😉
Nuit de Noel, for a week that seems more blanche than noire, scentwise.
(This is a lovely specimen. I thought I’d given up on Mousse de Saxe after finding a parfum specimen overwhelmingly play-doh-y. I wonder if there was a stage in perfume history when lots and lots of scents were dosed with heliotropin….)
I would have loved to have been a perfumista back whenever that may have been.
I woke up this morning to find my daughter had put sand down the sink which has a broken garbage disposal. Since it has been so cold and snowy, I decided to wear something sunny and fun, so I put on Jlo Love and Glamour. When I got to work we had a surprise visit from the district manager. Ugh… I should have went with Gucci Rush. I hope everyone stays safe from the snow storm!
Oh geez! I can’t help but giggle although I’m sure it wasn’t helpful to your plumbing. Where did she get the sand?!?
I had given her some therapeutic sand for Christmas. It is quite dense. I spent a lot of time scooping it out of the drain. Hopefully, there won’t be any long term damage to the sink.
Drained the sample of Mohur extrait given to me by a very generous NSTer, and four hours later it is still going strong. Gorgeous.
Have a perfume story to share.
We had a gathering at my father’s over this past weekend to watch home movies my grandma took in the 1940s (yes, you read that correctly– 8 mm color family movies!). My uncle has Alzheimer’s and is very very quiet these days. ANYWAY. when he arrived I gave him a hug and he broke out a huge smile. “You smell really good!” he said. Everyone was astounded. I was wearing SSS Sienna Musk from a sample. It is a lovely, cozy, skin scent. My aunt was annoyed because she couldn’t smell anything and did not know what he was talking about….sibling rivalry after all these years…
That is a sweet and funny perfume story and further proof of the power of scent–and jealousy. There is so much to learn about Alzheimer’s.
Sienna Musk is discontinued 🙁
I love it too
It is!??? Laurie just sent it to me (well maybe three or gour weeks ago) along with some samples I ordered. Too bad!
Sienna Musk isn’t still being produced, but you can still buy it on the website on the Archive page until they run out.
Ding ding ding… enabler wings for you!
Just got a 17 ml bottle. SSS prices are crazy reasonable.
Oh yay glad you got some! That’s a wonderful story, thanks for telling us.
Love that story. 🙂
My SOTD has been Au Dela, but it is fading. I was so quick to dismiss this a few months ago for reasons unknown. I needed something more fortifying because, in the snow, I missed a friend’s driveway and got stuck. Gave up, got out, lost my balance, fell, and sprained my thumb. AAA pulled me out, and I eventually drove home on now-clear roads, happy that my adventure is over. Be smart and be careful, everyone!
I’m in Ô de Lancôme and thought it might be too brittle for the deep winter weather we’re having, but it showed unexpected resilience and backbone, not at all as freshly laundered as I feel it often ends up in summer.
I like Ô de Lancôme in any weather. I don’t know about the newer batches, but my mid-nineties bottle has plenty of backbone which is one of the things I love about it. How recent is yours? I really should try to sniff a fresh bottle to see how it has evolved.
I’d say it’s around 5 years old perhaps? Still in pretty good shape I’d say, but my mother wore it through my childhood and I think it used to have more heft. But what didn’t!
I’m wearing Atelier Mistral Patchouli. This is such a calming scent for me, and I need this today.
Hope it works like magic.
Scent of the day is M Micallef Vanille Fleur. Tea today is Kusmi The du Matin No. 24..
Jusi put eau du soir over Beloved Amouage.?!?!
Not bad! It takes the ( sometimes) sweetness away from beloved.
I think I’m gonna wear it tomoorow. Who knows, finally a signature??????
Got a few compliments on Profumo today( aqua di parma
My nr one at the moment!
Following in the footsteps of the NSTer whose resolution is to use up samples, I am wearing the last of BP MB02, which is powdery at some moments and more cozy at others. Wouldn’t buy a bottle, but pleasant.
SOTD: DoTerra’s BREATHE Essential oil! 🙂 But in the spirit of fragrance, I offer some free advertising copy for y’all….
“Breathe. Because if you don’t you’ll suffocate. Because working moms don’t have time for head colds. Because tis better to smell of Breathe oil than stay stuffy.”
Top note of Eucalyptus, to drive every koala mad for you!
Heart note opens to a heart of Laurel leaf, peppermint, and a generous dab of melaleuca.
Base notes of lemon peel and cardamon….but forget all that….the eucalyptus is all everyone will notice.
Let your fragrance warn everyone to stay away! They’ll know you have a cold before they see you….and BREATHE! 🙂
PS. If you apply to your delicate decolletage, be prepared to feel the heat! 🙂 Oops….
I’m very late to the party today but I went with Guerlain Derby.
I’ve got something fancy from Barney’s on the back of my left hand, and Cologne of the Missions on the back of my right hand. Meh, don’t love either.
Also doused myself in Jo Malone sample, can’t recall the name of that one either but it smells like pretty cardboard (not an insult!) and while I wouldn’t buy a FB, i will drain my FS (Free Sample).
Happy Thursday everyone!
Wearing Bogue Maai, which I am surprised I actually like, from a sample from the last Freebiemeet (hi, Pixel! Thanks again!). I thought a Noir Week would be the right time to wear a sample I’d let languish for months, out of fear. Moss, tuberose, rose–yikes! It’s quite nice, though, and makes me want to re-try other mossy things. I can definitely see how the honey might get urinous, but that slight edge disappeared on me after the first hour. Very nice.