Our same old open thread poll: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, your last great (or horrid!) fragrance shopping experience, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Snow Drops [cropped & tripled] via PentaxSLR at flickr; some rights reserved.
Alahine! Bottle arrived yesterday, and it’s perfect. Gorgeous fragrance … a little bit reminiscent of PdE Ambre Russe, but less wolfish and more minkish, if that makes sense. Very happy with this blind buy.
It does! I would add less vodka too :). It’s a fantastic scent!
Yes, definitely less vodka!
This is such a beautiful fragrance
I have been very tempted to blind buy this too. Happy it worked out for you and I’m quite sure you smell lovely!
Deva, there’s no need to do a blind buy: you can buy a sample set from the brands’ site directly (8 perfumes) and they’ll deduct its price prom the full bottle’s price if you later decide to buy it.
Oh, thank you! I’m off to go check this out????
Do they ship to the US?
It looks like they do.
Love love love Alahine.
Me too – and a tip of my cap to you for inspiring me to go for the “deluxe sample” when I stumbled across it. I’d never have dared such a large blind buy if you (and a couple of other NSTers) hadn’t spoken so glowingly about it.
Congrats! I love Alahine. “Wolfish” is a good description of Ambre Russe, which didn’t quite work for me. I think it was too overwhelming. The florals in Alahine really give it a different balance.
Ambre Russe always makes me think of Dr. Zhivago and Siberia and big fur hats and giant roaring fireplaces. I’m still getting to know Alahine, but Siberian it’s not … it’s more dusky and sexy, like raw silk.
congrats, Sheri!
Ooh this one is so tempting.. congrats on you’re full bottle!
Hey all-It was my turn this week to get the stomach bug. Finally emerging….
I just wanted to let my NYC NST friends know that Diptyque will have their sample sale in March downtown. (no affiliation)
I would love to go, but with 2 babies and lack of sleep has made shopping look like a huge chore rather then pleasure. But please think of me if anyone goes
Commando this morning but will probably wear some Coco parfum for this chilly, sunny beautiful day!
Hope you recover and feel better soon!
Feel better! Lots of naps today!
Hope everyone lets you get some sleep today! Feel better.
Aww, I remember when I used to shop for sport. Haven’t done that since my son was born and I don’t see it happening anytime within the next few years.
Glad you’re feeling better. Enjoy the sun!
I like your new profile picture.
Glad to have you back and feeling better. Enjoy the Coco!
Thanks! That is our rescue cat-he is a mix of Maine coon and some sort of other breed. How is the house hunting?
He has the best facial expression.
We’re going to see a short sale home tomorrow. Looks to be a great deal, but I’m not sure what kind of hoops we’d have to jump through.
I’m glad you’re feeling better, and welcome back!
Thanks! Feeling much better
Stomach bugs are really a bummer. I hope it passes soon! I went to the sample sale a C21 last year and a lot of the stuff was gone by the time I got there. I’m kicking myself for not buying the last bottle of Virgilo. I left and thought I’d think about it and when I came back an hour later it was gone
I’ll let you know if I make it there this year.
Let me know how you make it out
You have my sympathy! Those things are no fun. Hope you feel better!
Well, you must be feeling better if you can take on Coco, so that’s great. Total drag being sick and trying to be mommy at the same time. Hopefully your hubby hasn’t been sick, too.
I went for no 19 instead
Wise choice.
Hope you get some sleep and that you feel better soon.
I’ve been keeping my eye out for this sale. Haven’t heard any news about it, so thank you! I hope you’re feeling better real soon.
They just announced- and I have been stalking the Internet since it’s usually this time of year. Are you planning on going?
I might pop in to see what’s there, but not much I want from the brand to be honest.
Wore Bel Respiro for a lovely spring day while visiting Hong Kong. Suited the day nicely and now hopefully a couple of hours of sleep.
Nice, and good luck with the sleep!
SOTD is Annees Folles from La Parfumerie Moderne which I tried a few days ago at Twisted Lily and which is going on my full-bottle list. Wish I had had time to go back the next day and get more samples– so much to try since I hadn’t been there since Aug!
I’ve been looking for Prada Infusion d’Amandes for a while, but can’t seem to find it anywhere (in person, not online). Anyone has seen it? (I’m in Montreal, so input from fellow Montrealers would be especially helpful!)
Good luck on your quest!
Vanie it is still for sale in one perfumery in the Netherlands on line, with some discount, so it hasn’t completely vanished. Hope you will find it somewhere closer to your home.
I assume you’ve tried the usual suspects – Bay, HR, Ogilvy, Sephora. I found it here in San Diego at the Prada boutique so far. I plan on picking up a bottle before I head back to Montreal, it was nice stuff, although light like all the infusions. I plan to layer it over my Yves Rocher almond lotion.
I’ve only seen it in a Prada boutique
The only place of these I haven’t yet tried is Ogilvy. Though I don’t think there is a Prada boutique in town anyway, is there?
Nope – maybe check in at Holts, and they carry Prada handbags and the like.
This morning I’ll be treking out to the countryside to spend a few hours with my elderly aunt. She’s my father’s only sister (only girl of 10 children!!!), and I don’t know her really at all. It’s been bugging me for years that she’s been so close and we aren’t better connected, so here I am, doing something about it! Unfortunately, she has a reputation for being difficult, although she’s always been sweet at the family functions where I’ve encountered her. *fingers crossed* we have a pleasant time.
Wearing vintage No. 19 for friendliness and armor.
Good luck! I also have a kooky aunt though our family is compact enough that I see her often.
It may turn out that youre just what she needs! Hope the visit goes well. It’s sad how disconnected families can be these days. I am hoping to connect with some lost family members this year as well, although I will have travel quite a bit farther to do so.
Maybe she has a whole horde of perfumes?!? ????
“Maybe she has a whole horde of perfumes” – LOL!
Good luck! I just emailed a 1st cousin I’d never met. My father very recently tried to hunt down an older sister who had joined a cult and estranged herself from her family. He was able to find her daughter tht ough Facebook who told him she died last year. She was so thrilled to be contacted, though, as she knows very little of her family.
Good luck! I have a great aunt like that, my dad’s mom’s sister. She can be prickly as a cactus, but she’s always been good to my dad and myself. I figure someone in the family had to take after my great-great grandmother, a woman so notoriously cranky that she is still known as “Mean old Granny Frazier” more than 60 years after she died. Better my aunt than me!
Good for you! I hope it’s a great day for both of you.
I think it’s great to connect with an older relative. Hope all goes well.
Can’t wait to hear how it goes! I stayed with a great-aunt last summer when I went to a friend’s wedding in California–multiple people in the middle generation tried to warn me off the idea, but I did it anyway and had a great time! I think sometimes more distant relatives have an easier time getting along. Less shared baggage, lower emotional stakes, etc. etc. Hope it works out that way for you guys!
Hello all! Thank you for the many words of support!
I am glad I went. We had a good time. She has some oddness, to be sure, and I think CH speaks truth that distance helps to make things run more smoothly. I can see why folks closer to her find her difficult, but I could also enjoy her insights and openess to sharing. With luck, we will do it again and maybe next time, she can teach me a few family recipes. She is a wonder in the kitchen.
(And sorry to say, she probably hasn’t owned a bottle of perfume a day in her life, nor worn any sort of make-up or other adornment. No secret horde to enjoy!)
Oh so glad it went well, even if it didn’t turn up a stash of vintage perfume–family recipes are a pretty good second choice
Trying out Amouage Epic for the first time in a few years. Luckily my sample hasn’t turned. I really didn’t know what to make of it when I got it since I was so new to perfumistahood. But it was getting a lot of love this week, so thought I’d retry it. Really gorgeous. Might need a decant. Or if I’m lucky, someone will be doing a split on it at the splitmeet. Or there’s swapmeet. Is it my imagination, or does anyone else see a resemblance to Mohur?
I entirely see, but I think Mohur is even better than Epic. Hey, maybe we can make this split…
I will need to try them side by side. I am thinking about getting the Neela Vermeire discovery set (I like the other three in it), but unfortunately, it is not really big enough to split.
I’ll have to cave in that discovery set myself, thank you for reminding of that!
There’s something in Mohur that gets on my nerves when I wear it (smells lovely on my mom though), that isn’t present in Epic, but I can see a vague resemblance.
Planning to try them side by side.
SOTD is Cuir de Lancôme. Another beautiful day here and I am hoping it continues forever and ever, AMEN!!
Been binge watching Foyle’s War the last few nights and am wondering WHY I have am not familiar with Michael Kitchen?!? Great actor and I absolutely love the part he plays as DCS Christopher Foyle.
Hope everyone has a fab weekend- I am keeping a close eye on the split meet and hoping to score something good!
CdL – yum. You smell luscious.
????
In complete agreement!
Isn’t he wonderful??? I can’t get enough of those moments where he oh so politely and dryly shows someone that they are completely wrong.
Yes to this! He has such an expressive face- just love him!
You smell great! We’re having mild sunny weather too. It feels like we’re having late March weather during February…so bizarro. I hope you and T-Rex get out to enjoy the day!
Enjoy your lovely weather! I absolutley HAVE to do housework part of the day, but hoping to take advantage later in the day. It’s criminal not to get out there on days like this ????
Is Foyle’s War on Netflix? I’m always on the lookout for good shows to binge.
I’m subscribed to Acorn TV through Amazon Prime. All the offerings on Acorn originate in the UK I believe.
It is, and it’s fantastic.
????
Foyle’s war is excellent and so is Michael Kitchen. I’ve got the DVD set of the original series. I wouldn’t mind having a few more as I was especially impressed with the episode “The Hide”.
Did you know that he played the villain in one of the Inspector Morse episodes? It’s in “The Death of the Self”, set in beautiful Vicenza and Verona.
Oh thanks for this! Inspector Morse is on my list, too. And I just saw “The Hide” episode last night! Was delighted to see the newish Sherlock Holmes series villain Moriarty (Andrew Scott) in that episode.
Andrew Scott is brilliant in that particular Foyle. Both actors underplay so wonderfully, I’m very fond of the scenes they share together.
Morse is brilliant, some episodes are better than others, but the good ones, are seriously good.
Oh, Michael Kitchens! He is so attractive as Foyle. Makes WWII look good, doesnt he?
I love the Detective Foyle “hmm”. He makes it so full of meaning
There was a political thriller called House of Cards ( with Ian Richardson as the conservative PM) and its sequel(s) To Play a King had Michael Kitchen playing the King and it was very good, and he was excellent. Must date from the 1990s probably , around the same time as Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect.
And Sir Ian Richardson was a mentor to Dame Helen Mirren, she dedicated her Bafta for The Queen to him.
I’ve never watched House of Cards, I only know Richardson as the brilliant and evil Bill Haydon.
I have just added those to my “To Watch” list ????
While you are at it, I can never recommend ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ and ‘Smiley’s People’ highly enough. The TTSP film was good, the series is a masterpiece.
2nd the recommendation of the series, great fun! The movie was entertaining but you could see what a hard time they had fitting it into one movie and still making it comprehensible.
And better yet, read them all — they’re wonderful books.
I saw that one, Kanuka. I really enjoyed it at first, although I eventually got a bit tired of the nastiness. Very well done.
Loved that series and am a little envious of you, seeing it for the first time.
Fantastic series! I have been spending a lot of time with DCS Foyle in the evening- I’m up to Season 7 now, I believe.
I like Foyle’s War a lot (and I look forward to watching several recently added episodes on Netflix – I’ve been “saving” them since I got a notification).
Certainly a show worth “saving” ????
Just put this on my wish list via Amazon. Looks very good and Downton is over soon.
Hope you like it????
On Thursday we went out of town for my boyfriends birthday and of course made quick work of the antique stores. I picked him up a complete set of decorating encyclopedias (18 volumes!) from 1970. They are completely gorgeous with at least 2 color pictures per page. I’m particularly in love with the entry for macrame!
I found two perfume finds! I found a sealed new Shalimar partum recharge (8ml) for only $25.
Then! I found a gorgeous parfum mini of… Lanvin Pretexte! I have never even seen some in real life. Its a lovely bronze deco cylinder with black designs. Not too much parfum but a few wearings at least.
Congratulations on your great finds! The antique stores around me never have perfume.
I have better luck going to small towns near me.
Nice scores all around! I used to enjoy flipping through the encyclopedia set at home when I was a kid; it would be fun to have a vintage set one day when I have more room.
These encyclopedias are even better because it’s all about interior design! Budgeting, seating, murals. So cool.
Oo, the Pretexte sounds exciting! I love those perfumes that were rarer and that you seldom hear about.
Sweet!
Wonderful finds!
One thing missing in NYC is good antique shops. Sad that there’s not enough interest to keep those that used to be here open, and used to love going to the outdoor markets.
After Robin’s review of the new rhubarb scent yesterday, I started craving Rose Ikebana. So that is my SOTD, over Private Collection body lotion. Yesterday’s warm temps didn’t turn out so great due to 60mph wind gusts, but today is almost as warm and I don’t think I’ll get hit in the head with a street sign if I venture outside. I’m off to combine my RI with some sun!
Happy Saturday everyone.
Lovely. Does layering over scented lotion help with the longevity of Rose Ikebana? On days I wear it, I carry my travel bottle and spritz every couple of hours.
So far, no. It’s only been an hour and I thought five sprays would be enough. Hermes needs to change some of their Hermessences to Hermextraits.
Yes! Osmanthe Yunnan in extrait would be wonderful!
Agreed!!
Ha, I’d be all over the Hermextraits!
I lucked out at Hermes yesterday on the way home from work, both of the new scents were in the store and they actually gave me samples for each.
Excited to try these, and especially once the weather starts warming up a bit. On blotter the one by JCE seemed more my thing.
Good morning. Wearing OJ Ta’if today, after showering with Rose Jam.
Today is my due date and I’m having signs of early labor, so I hope to get this show on the road soon. I threw some perfume in my hospital bag (travel sprays of No 5 EDT, Ashoka, and L’eau d’hiver), which may be delusional, but better to be over-prepared.
Trying to keep an eye on the splitmeet and bummed that I already missed out on Mohur Extrait again.
Buy a lottery ticket on your way to the hospital too. Do you know what the odds are of having a baby on your due date?
I knew you were going to be due soon, but I’ve missed out on the Baby Watch. Suddenly, I’m so excited. (Even though this has nothing to do with me whatsoever.)
Best of luck to you. And btw, Mohur Extrait doesn’t hold a candle to Newborn Baby.
Good luck! You will smell so good, you will have the happiest baby and most attentive hospital staff in NC!
Best wishes! Mmmmmmm newborn baby scent.
Best wishes to you and baby!
Oh, easy labor and happy baby wishes!
Good luck and best wishes! So exciting!
Wishing loads of joy to your family!
Best of luck to you and the new one! Much better to be over prepared than under????
How exciting Dottie! You’ll be the best smelling mommy in the maternity ward. Best of luck! ????
Best wishes for a healthy baby and safe delivery. What a special day!
Yay!!!
Yes, be prepared… and best wishes for you and baby.
Much joy for you and welcome to the little one!
Hope everything goes well, and Baby decides to hurry up and have a birthday soon!!
Good luck! Hope everything goes smoothly for you. I admire your dedication to your perfumistahood at a time like this
So exciting!
How exciting! Best wishes for a speedy delivery!
Oh, how wonderful! I’m sending you good thoughts! I hope all goes well!
Oh, you will be such a lovely-smelling mommy! Good luck!
Im waiting in the loading area at the lumberyard, and your perfumista dedication gave me a fit of the giggles. I’m getting lots of odd looks.
Best wishes to you!
Good Luck!
All the best for a happy delivery.
Best wishes for everything!
Best wishes for a quick and easy delivery!
Good luck! How exciting for you!
Be sure to let us know if the due date delivered! I never made one of them, but you could be a lucky one. Best wishes to you, Dottie.
Best wishes, Dottie! Looking forward to hearing about baby and having you back when you’re ready.
Best of luck, hope all goes well and easy. There’s no scent to compare with New Baby!
Incredibly exciting! Wishing you all the best!
And just love that you’re bringing perfume with you
Thanks so much for the well wishes, everyone! It means a lot to me. I am still waaaaiting…
Oh my gosh, you smell so good! Well wishes for you and your baby – good luck!
Joining in with best wishes to you, and I’m sure you’ll be the best scented on the delivery floor!
Best wishes!
Hope everything went well/is going well!
Wow!!! Congratulations/good luck/best wishes/everything everyone else has been saying!
Cuir Cannage for me today, been craving leather lately. I like to layer it over orange blossom body cream to amp up that note too. Yum!
I love Cuir Cannage, but never thought of layering over orange blossom. What lotion do you use, if I may ask?
I have the Jo Malone and Couvent des Minimes. The Couvent is a bit fruit-loopy whereas the Jo Malone is less sweet, so it depends on my mood. Today I went with sweet. There is also a Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs one, but I only have a sample of that one. It is less sweet than the Couvent as well.
Thank you!
SOTD – Samarinda
Packing for trip to Detroit tomorrow.
From Santa Ana winds to snow.
The good news- going to go test Kerosene in person. Have it all mapped out.
Oh, no we have strong warm winds from the south and thawing-highs in the high 50’s the next few days!
I can live with that!
A touch of JM orris & sandalwood for flight
Am looking forward to visiting Shinola also at mouth I suppose between hunting down Kerosene and shopping I will have to work ????
Ooh, I look forward to reviews, I need to test out this line.
That sounds like a great adventure. Have fun sniffing.
I’m in D600 by Carner Barcelona today. Just love it’s woody iris facets.
Also my birthday is coming in a few days so I have to start thinking about my sotd for that day as well as what to get as a present. Decisions, decisions (not that I complain
)
I love picking out my birthday scent & purchase! Happy birthday in advance!
Have fun making your decisions!
Happy birthday, Lucas! Tough decisions.
Look forward to reading about the final decision
Wszystkiego najlepszego, Luca!
SOTD: Black Opium. I find myself reaching for this one again and again! I have the travel spray….might have to put a full bottle on my ever evolving wishlist!
Lots of housework this weekend…..time to get to it!
As soon as I shower, and possibly every day for the rest of my life, I will be wearing vintage Azuree. It’s pretty much my first blind buy – but based on my recent love of leather I thought it was a safe one and I got it for a song as it only has about 5 ml left. It arrived last night and completely surpassed all my expectations. Anybody know what concentration “pure fragrance spray” is?
Nice, congrats on picking a perfect blind buy! EL says their “pure fragrance spray” is between Eau de Parfum and Parfum.
Ah, that makes perfect sense! Thanks for the info. Now I just have to figure out how to get hot and cold running taps of this stuff installed.
“possibly every day for the rest of my life” – I love this! (I don’t love Azuree, but I’m a wimp.) In any case, I am so glad you’ve found a love.
I have been tempted to blind buy this myself. Does anyone know how the vintage compares to the current formulation?
I just received my blind purchase from eBay. It is in the yellow box. How do you know what year it is from – any idea? It is STRONG – sprayed it on a piece of paper first and will work my way to it slowly. Love that you are in love and look forward to getting there, Regina!
Does anybody have perfume shopping tips in Minneapolis and St. Paul? I’ll be going there in afew months and would be thrilled to buy some perfume. I see Target has heavily discounted Guerlain classics, but not in the brick and mortar stores, it seems…
Inspired by Robin’s reviews yesterday, I’m wearing Santal Massoia. The Hermessences are like more refined Jo Malones, nice and easy to wear. Great for weekends.
You know I’ve yet to smell my first Hermessence?
I have some Vanille Galante that would love to come see you, if you want it. In full disclosure, I do NOT like it, and I have a full 4ml vial of it.
That is incredibly kind!
You can email me at matchbox alien atsign in the old land of yahoo dot com, if you would like it. I would love to send it to a new home.
Whoops, forgot to say no spaces.
Sent you an email this morning ( C.E.T.)
Wearing the luminous Ostara. I know the dry down isn’t always loved, but I love its soft creamy freshness.
Anyone ever smell a distinctly different impression of a fragrance on your right and left wrist/arm? It always puzzles me.
Twins!!
I’ve noticed that, but in my case it’s probably because I’m right-handed so I spray onto my left wrist and then pat that wrist onto the other wrist or inner elbow. The left side nearly always gets a heavier dose as a result.
Mmm. I wonder if I do the same, I don’t think so but need to pay more attention!
I noticed that my arms smell different when I do that, so now I spray both!
Ostara is one of the few things that I’m willing to respray just for that opening!
If you ever read the Kafkaesque blog, she frequently mentions that she experiences different impressions of the same perfume depending on which arm it’s on.
Indeed, she does, I’d forgotten.
Forgot to say I adore Ostara. It hits lots of beautiful notes.
That’s kind of funny – I actually prefer the dry down and love it quite a bit. I guess I’m in the minority!
I often notice a difference in fragrances on my right and left arms.
Last Tuesday Robin posted “Vanilla isn’t actually sweet” and a link to an article describing differences in perception depending on context. There is a description of the difference in a glass of wine when tasted while held in the right hand and then the left hand. Here’s the article link again:
https://newrepublic.com/article/128899/man-will-transform-eat
Thanks for the link!
My SOTD is Ostara, which I bought after Victoria’s glowing review on BdJ. It is stunning, and with a few more sprays lasts very well.
It’s a good antidote on a very gray and rainy day.
We’ve got the gray but not the rain… I’ve been wanting happy florals, though, so maybe it will be Ostara for me, post-housecleaning-shower.
Isn’t it lovely Austenfan, and indeed a wonderful antidote to Dutch February if there ever was one! And some Wordsworth to boot.
another +1 for Ostara.
I put on 4711 Rhubarb & Clary Sage this morning, as an antidote to my roses overdose from last week. I love this stuff.
I dabbed on some Mohur Extrait this morning from a sample but will be choosing something else once I finish my housework. Pretty fancy for housework. ????
Wearing an odd one today: Fendi Uomo. I experienced a very specific craving this morning and went digging in my cabinet for it. Carnation, angelica, vetiver, leather– wonderful. Happy weekend to all.
This sounds wonderful. I bought and returned an Uomo shower gel (unopened) as it wasn’t by Valentino, the Uomo with which I am familiar — all woods and spices. It sounds like I need to go back and purchase it again if it is the Fendi one!
Zegna, Moschino and Villoresi also have fragrances named Uomo. I’ve never tried any of them myself, but I hope yours turns out to be Fendi!
Ah now that you’ve listed them, I think it was Zegna! I was looking at etsy and there is a bottle of Fendi Uomo. I am tempted to blind buy. Oh lordie lordie.
I’m in the Mpls. St Paul area and I actually do most of my perfume shopping online. The Mall of America (MOA, as we call it here) has Nordstroms and Sephora, complete with all of the things you would find at these stores and there are likely some shops in the area that I don’t know about. I have shopped at a little store (can’t remember the name – sorry!) on Grand Ave. in St. Paul in the past, but not sure if it’s there any more. They had mostly oils and lotions.
I’m wearing Atelier Pomelo Paradis right now.
Last weeekend’s poll, I posted a question about grapefruit in perfumes. I received quite a few recommendations. I went to sephora and got a sample of Pomelo Paradis, and I’m enjoying wearing it today.
I’ll be doing a lot today and the coming week get our home ready for next weekend. My daughter and I are hosting a small bridal shower for my future daughter in law a week from today. I’m very excited. Things are moving very fast, and I’m trying to treasure the time leading up to the wedding.
How exciting! I’ve been to bridal showers held at people’s homes and restaurants and the ones at home are more personal AND more fun!
The new summer Escada seems to have a lot of grapefruit in it. At least at first spray to my nose.
Oh, I’m sure it will be lovely. I hope you have time to enjoy the day.
People say they get grapefruit from Atelier’s Mistral Patchouli. I am not sure if that’s what I smell – or how much patchouli either – but I really like it. Have fun with the shower! A lot of work, but much nicer at home I think too.
Try Atelier Bergamote Soleil. It reminded me of grapefruit rind.
I’m in Lonesome Rider here! My sample just arrived. Wow. I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I do. It’s beautiful.
I can’t get any comments I make to show up over on the splitmeet thread. Is it just me? I refreshed, cleared my cookies and history, everything, and still no comment.
Which one did you try to select?
Pixel’s Volutes split. I tried twice, and clarified I was only trying for one 10ml selection, but neither of them have shown up. I went ahead and emailed pixel, but it’s weird that they haven’t shown.
Of good.. At least she knows!
I meant. …Oh good! Jeezzz.
Auto correct is a great and terrible thing! She knows, and we’re all set. I’m thrilled. I wanted more of that one for sure.
I figured you wanted Volutes. I didn’t want you to miss out.
Aww thank you! I appreciate it!
Always let me know when that happens…they were in the spam filter, don’t know why but I’ve just put them back!
I CANNOT wait to try this one! It seems to be a big crowd pleaser and of course, I’m kicking myself for not getting a FB.
I wish I’d gotten a bottle too. But it was more money than I could spare at the time, especially for a blind buy. This is a killer fragrance though. It might be my favorite Tauer, even over PHI.
Do you know that Tauer has explorer sets? You can order 15 ml of three fragrances of your choice. It’s a great deal if you want more than one instead of investing in one full bottle.
I actually just ordered my first one yesterday. I’m excited. They don’t offer Lonesome Rider in that yet, but hopefully they will. I got the sample, and it’s very generous, so I have enough for a while. If I still love it this much when the sample is gone, I’ll put it on the list.
I ordered some as soon as it became available, but mine isn’t going to ship until next week now for some reason. The people I am sharing with, please be patient!
He said he wouldn’t be shipping any full bottles until the last week of February – I am anxiously waiting for mine too.
I’m wearing a generous amount of FM Iris Poudre from my cute little 5 ml. manufacturer’s sample. I’ve been hoarding it for years and finally decided to work on using it up. Time to get this puppy in FB or at least 10 ml. size!
Mmm, you smell nice.
Malle has the nicest samples and they really are the gateway drug they are meant to be. I was going to say in the midst of talk about bad SAs that my absolutely favorite SAs have been at Barneys around the Malle and SL displays and every Tom Ford counter at which I’ve ever stopped.
Iris Poudre started for me as such a sample and now I have a FB. You smell great!
I went from a sample, to the 3 travel spray set (when they weren’t doing individual ones) to a 100 mL bottle! It’s addicting. I think I should do a full week of it as I haven’t worn it for a while.
I could probably do a week of IP.
They’re so smart to give this amount, aren’t they? It’s very generous and I wish more of the pricing brands would do this.
I’m wearing Memo African Leather this morning. I’m pretty picky about leather notes but this one is just right.
I do have a question about anise/licorice, though. I love the note, and know about all the usual suspects–Reglisse Noire, Brin de Reglisse, Etro Anice, Kerosene Black Vines, and Lolita Lempicka–but are there others I am missing? I want a more prominent note rather than one blended in with a lot of others. Thanks!
I just tried Black Vines the other day. I didn’t think you could get a more prominent licorice note
! I found it very intense for the first hour but actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Did you have a less licorice-y experience with it?
I should have been clearer–in people’s recommendations, I’m looking for a more prominent licorice/anise note, so I don’t get recommended, say, L’Heure Bleue. I love L’HB, but I wouldn’t call it anise-centric. And Black Vines was definitely licorice!
I really like licorice as a perfume note too, but the ones you list are pretty much the ones I’ve tried as well (except for the Etro.. haven’t tried that one). I was curious, so I went to the Notes page on Fragrantica and looked up licorice, which is this page: http://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Licorice-195.html. It basically lists all the perfumes they know of that have a licorice note. Of course I haven’t tried most of the things on the list so I can’t vouch for the prominence of the note, but it could give you some ideas of things to look for and try. I will say that it’s not prominent in Bulgari Jasmin Noir but it’s detectable.
Boxeuses is quite licorice-y on me!
Molton Brown has a new star anise out. I’m not a huge fan of the brand but definitely interested in trying this for the note.
Atelier Mistral Patchouli has a star anise top note which is very prominent, and since it’s cologne I can top up often and not feel overwhelmed. I know star anise is slightly left of anise seed and black licorice, but MP is easy to come by and may be worth a try
Well, CdG Black has noticeable licorice but on me its not dominant.
I’m doused in ELDO Jasmin et Cigarette with a small spritz of Diptyque EI Jasmin. I needed a lift today and this is definitely a mood enhancer for me. It’s warmish out, but cloudy, and I’m feeling a bit lonely and melancholy with my husband working this weekend and no significant plans. Usually I savor these kinds of weekends. I think I feel a mid-life crisis approaching. That existential angst of “what next?”
I could clean the apartment…
I did watch the Netflix Nina Simone documentary, which I really liked and would recommend if you’re a fan.
I hope you find something wonderful to do. I’m having a hard time finding motivation to clean as well. Time to get moving!
I took your command and got moving on the necessary housework. Always feels good once that’s done
You can meet up with Ari and Daisy and ihadanidea…
Hope your mood lifts soon. You smell great!
I have Diptique’s Jasmin and I’ve been pondering getting ELDO’s one for a loooong while (years, literally). I’d love to know what you think of these two.
Thank you! Yes, I’ve wanted the ELDO for about a year now and actually went to get it at an actual store but they only had the 100ml bottles. I’ll go back when the 50ml is in.
I like them both but the ELDO has a little more going on with the hay and tobacco, so a more interesting take on jasmine to me. The Diptyque is a beautiful heady jasmine but I don’t think I’d wear it as often.
Thank you for answering! I guess I need to finally give that ELDO a proper test. I normally wear my jasmines in summer, but this year I’ve started craving them in January, probably because this winter hasn’t been wintery enough – really just long and boring weeks of some in-between conditions.
Write a letter…with pen and paper….to an old friend. It’s a nice quiet activity and will be surprising and special , and then go for a walk and post it. Even better if you can recall something that made you laugh…and you can even listen to Michelle Shocked Anchorage to get in the mood. Hope things cheer up!
I listened to Anchorage
I have the Arkansas Traveller album which I haven’t listened to in a looong time. It’s great road trip music! Thanks for the memory jog!
I’ve been feeling the same way the past couple of days – melancholy mixed with anxiety. My husband will also be out for most of the weekend, which is usually the only time we have to spend together so that’s always a bummer. I wonder if mine’s a mid-life crisis thing, too? I have had a couple of experiences recently that brought me face-to-face with the full realization that I’m middle aged (I turned 45 last month.) Namely, realizing that some memories I had didn’t happen 15 years ago, but 25; not 20 years ago but 30 years ago.
Oh, and agree that the Nina Simone documentary is worth watching. Really well made and the music is great. I was never a big fan but the movie turned me into one.
I turned 45 last May and am definitely having those moments of shock when I realize how long ago things happened!
My husband works every other weekend so we don’t get to spend a ton of time together and it IS a bummer although those days are reserved o do things that don’t interest him and I usually enjoy them. Just having one of those days…
Too bad you’re not closer by to go for a sniff!
I hear you. I am turning 50 soon and it is a bit hard to digest. I am still 35 in my head.
But the mirror says otherwise, and so do my 30 year old memories.
Ha! Yes, My brain hasn’t caught up to my body either.
We should connect sometime on the weekend, go get some Indian food in the 20s? There’s a store down there that I love to go to, they have the best halva. My husband does art all day on Saturday so I can get like that sometimes too
I’d love to go for Indian food sometime. Do you have a favorite spot? I really like Madras Mahal which is veggie South Indian. They have dosas. Mmmm. I’m definitely down for halva
Madras Mahal sounds great! I’ll send you some dates.
I was just at Hampton Chutney on Monday and dosas – yum!!
I like that one too but I never think of it as an Indian restaurant.
Nobile 1942 “Rudis”, from a 10ml decant I got when I loved the sample so much. I needed something to deal with a busy day indoors and out, and this had done admirably.
Chene – with a little bit of Tea/Rose by CBIHP to give it a little rosy blush. ????
Oh, I bet that’s nice.
All the thumbs up. “Rosy blush” is my favorite layering tactic–can recommend Marni on the dry-down of L’Air du desert marocain for plumping up with some rose
Quick announcement: the Vancouver swapping circle is meeting on Friday, February 26, at 1:30 at Caffe Artigiano, 740 West Hastings. We might be then heading off to the nearby Perfume Shoppe, or over to Holts or Nordies, but we haven’t made up our minds yet.
Yes, join us!
The more the merrier!
Wearing Guerlain Vetiver on my right hand, and Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle (long discontinued, but TPC has it. not to enable or anything) on my left hand. Both yummy.
Splitmeet is zooming along, thanks everyone!
ihadanidea — any interest in splitting nishane’s musiqa oud? IIRC you mentioned you liked it…
You know, since I purchased a tester of Guerlain Vetiver, I have been on a Vetiver kick…I’m looking for it everywhere! I have a bid on the bay on SL Vetiver Oriental and just participated in a split to get a 15ml of Hermes Cetiver Tonka. Do you have a favorite Vetiver?
Also, another reason to invest on Onda VdE!!????
OK *now* you’re just yanking my chain, troublemaker! You know how much I hate Onda
Actually all of Vero Profumo’s scents are pretty much just a medicinal ice pick to the brain for me.
I’ll send you a sampler of vetivers, ok?
Oh, thank you! That’s very nice and happy to send something your way. I’ll email you my updated list see if there is anything on it to tickle your fancy ????
Target has Guerlain Vetiver and Habit Rouge, and Encre Noire for relatively cheap! There’s also a good amount of vetiver in L’Artisan Timbuktu…in case you are still searching for vetiver fragrances.
The words Target and Guerlain just don’t sound right together. Mr. Guerlain is likely rolling in his grave.
Have you tried The Different Company Sel de Vetiver? Pixel forwarded that sample to me and I really like it(I’m iffy about vetiver centric perfumes). I think it would bloom nicely in “The Swamps”.
Is Vetiver pour elle very different from Vetiver? I absolutely love Vetiver and would definitely wear it if I had it, even if it’s not technically pour une femme.
I keep smelling azahar (orange blossom) on myself. I just got back from Seville, which is absolutely full of orange trees. I think I must be imagining things, but you never know.
Petite Rien…but there’s still a whiff of yesterday’s Nu on my silk scarf…
Sampling DSH’s The Voice of Trees today. Very green, & natural so pretty well gone at 5 hours, and something (pepper!?) in it is a little irritating, so it’s not going to be a favorite, but I think it is very interesting and well done. Also got a sample of Fleuriste, a carnation. It smells good in the vial, I will wear it tomorrow
I’d love to know what you think about Fleuriste.
I will let you know!
Thanks!
So, Fleuriste is a very pleasant carnation with a bit of green and other flowers (LOTV?) to start. Over time it gets more carnationy in a flowery sort of way, and then later more carnation makeup powdery sort of way, maybe a little sweeter but not too sweet. It’s not dense and heavy like Oiellette Rouges, ( a scent I love) but it’s always “There”, not fresh and evanescent. I’ve been in and out of the house, worming horses and prepping a duck for dinner (Roast Duck with Mango Ginger Orange sauce-yum!) and it has been a friendly companion through the day. I expect I will wear this a lot and end up with a FB soon, and it will probably be even better in warmer weather.
Thanks! It sounds like a nice spring floral. Enjoy the duck! That sound delicious too!
I’m wearing Skive and it is an early morning knockout….so much for easing into a lazy Sunday. Definitely not a before breakfast scent but later, when I’m standing on a deserted beach watching the waves, surrounded by driftwood and kelp it will be perfect. There’s fun in them there hills!
Oh I want to be doing that today!
I want to live where you live!!
Me too! Class trip?
Count me in!
Seconding Amy and Deva – much envy here.
Come over ! Just back….two hours watching Royal albatross skirt the waves, fur seals sunning themselves, Arctic terns flocking, white sand, blue sea and a gentle swell. And skive loved it. Great day!
Ahhh, my idea of heaven.
What a beautiful day!
I have Coco Noir on one hand and Elie Saab edt on the other. Normally, I like Coco Noir, but today it is irritating me. I wish I would have left well enough alone and sprayed the Elie Saab on both hands. It’s strange, lately, I’ve been craving pretty florals like crazy.
I like Coco Noir. Recently re-tried it after dismissing it at first. I hear the extrait is better, but no way to sample it.
Same here, when it first came out, It just wasn’t Coco related enough for me. Now, I am able to like it for itself. It’s just not sitting right today though. Could be the weather.
Still gets whiffs of last night’s Café Rose, like most of the Tom Fords I’ve tried, it’s lovely, but the Tom Ford prices mean I don’t have FBs.
Does anyone know what’s up with Fragrancenet? I’ve always found them very reliable, but when I’ve tried to order over the last few weeks the site allows me to chose from only five countries, none of which is mine. I’ve written to them three times with no reply, I’ve tried different browsers, PCs and tablets in case it’s a technical problem, but no luck. Is anyone else having problems?
I don’t know about any issues, but maybe try calling the customer service number. they might be able to process an order that way.
I think they might be undergoing a bit of a shakeup. They used to be listed on Ebates but last week I noticed they are no longer affiliated. That doesn’t help with your problem, I know, but I think it’s an indication that they’re in transition of some kind.
I noticed that too about being absent from ebates; however, I am really liking the 30% of code!
I noticed that, too. Now I know I wasn’t imagining that it used to be listed there.
Me too! Been checking off a lot of my wish list with that.
Me too! I picked up Safran Troublant for the split. Midnight in Paris ($17!), and in the “I can’t believe I’m really doing this” category – Angel!
Uh oh…because of this post, I looked up FragranceNet, and now I want to get ALL THE BOTTLES. This is terrible. ($54 for a bottle of Serge Lutens?? This is so dangerous.)
Working my way through the Diptyque holiday coffret and today I am wearing ‘Ombre dans l’Eau EDP…
It is beautiful! Blackberry, rose and leafy yumminess…
Yum, one of my favourite spring/summer perfumes.
Oh, that’s a lovely one.
Very pretty. It’s one I like to wear to bed too!
Oof, I was sorely tempted to buy this. No purchases for me until 1 April, though. Or…at the very least until 1 March.
L’ Ambre des Merveilles for me today- i’m trying to get lots of wear out of my cold weather scents even tho i’m craving green florals now- impatient for spring to arrive!
This one is so comforting on a grey day tho, rather cheering.
Love that one! I need to get a bottle.
Hi everybody, I wonder if somebody can explain this. There is a number of fragrances experiencing which for me is like getting a powerful kick in the nose. They knock down my sense of smell immediately, to the extent that I don’t even know if they smell any different from one another, forget about discerning any notes. These include Bandit, Azuree, Magie noir. I wonder if you know what it is. It is not leather, because I own and love plenty of leathers: Leather Krem, Cuir De Russie, cuir ottoman, Tuscan leather, Italian leather and so on. Heck I could not even tell there is leather in bandit or Azuree if I had not read about it many times
Ooh boy, that’s a stumper! My immediate guess is definitely leather…perhaps a particular chemical specifically used for the leather accords in those three? The other leathers that work well for you are more expensive, so perhaps there is a cost-cutting chemical in the other three? Could it be labdanum?
What a strange predicament! Do let us know if you figure it out!
Leather notes are generally accords, so not every leather has the exact same aromachemicals. Does sound like there is a particular aromachemical you have trouble with.
I also have the same reaction to Cabochard and Aramis. I think you might be right
This is so interesting! I have this horrible visceral reaction to Cuir d’Ange and Skin-on-skin, but love a lot of other leather scents like Cuir de Lâncome et Memo French Leather/Italian Leather/some other ones. I’ve been wondering this myself!
Prompted by a thread here last week I got SSS Champagne de Bois and Nostalgie yesterday in the mail. Tried the first last night and really liked it; Nostalgie today and also lovely, albeit a bit fleeting. I am sick though and not sure I can entirely trust my nose!
Random hopelessy vague query. I love Portrait of a Lady, which is described as patchouli heavy, although I get more woods and rose. I’m wondering if I even know what patchouli smells like, other than headshops of yore. Any suggestions for good patchoulis to try out in the more refined vein of PoaL?
Not like POaL, but a great refined patch you might want to try is Chanel Coromandel.
Oh yes thank you! That’s high on my list. And that’s just what I meant by like PoaL – the refinement!
I had the same experience as Amy as my only reference was hippie/headshop patchouli so I couldn’t pick it out in modern fragrances.
Then I wore Coromandel a handful of times and finally got a patchouli megadose on my last wearing of it. It’s been a gateway to being able to pick it out in other fragrances. Agree on the rec – it’s gorgeous and elegant.
So many great suggestions. Thanks to all of you. I realized this morning that I had a sample of Le Labo Patchouli 24, which is beautiful and smokey but, given Le Labo, probably not a good reference for actual patchouli.
I would try Nostalgie again when you are feeling better. I know that experiences vary, but I would characterize Nostalgie as a powerhouse. It lasts forever on me… 12+ hours.
Wish I could help on the fancy patchouli front, but I am drawing a blank now.
Will do. My nose isn’t to be trusted right now!
Classic Patchouli by Von Eusersdorff is nice. I have never smelled them but have heard they’re good — Reminiscence Patchouli and Montale Leaves Patchouli (or Patchouli Leaves?).
Thank you!
Bois 1920 Real Patchouly is a classy amber patch.
Prada L’Eau Ambree is another classy amber patch.
Micallef’s Gaiac is also amazing.
And SL Borneo is like a more intense version of Coromandel for me.
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
ELO Nombril Immense is a serene patchouli and as always not a bad price.
I love patchouli. My two favorites are Parfums de Nicolai Patchouli Intense/Homme and Lumiere Noire Pour Femme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
I love Comme des Garcons Patchouli Luxe. It is dark and intense but not screechy. It’s up there with Coromandel and Borneo for me as the top three.
I second SL Borneo 1834 and I if it weren’t so pricey, Nasomatto Hindu Grass is a lighter, warmed patchouli with notes of tobacco and dried hay. If it weren’t so pricey, I’d own it.
Trying to narrow down what to get with the NM GWP going on right now. Can’t decide between Beige extrait and Coco Noir extrait. Unfortunately, didn’t get samples while I could from STC or TPC. Kicking myself. I normally lean more toward the spicy, gourmand frags and am not really into BWF’s (which my husband labels as “old lady”). Coco Noir is a little too much like Coco Mlle to start with (should have been named “Coco Mademoiselle Noir,” IMHO), but dries down nicely. Beige is a bit too sweet, but the honey drydown is likewise very nice and classy. Any thoughts?
Eeek, I think I didn’t respond to your email! I’ll send you some Coco Noir Extrait and it will probably last you until the next GWP event in case you love it
Oh goodness! That would be so appreciated! May get the Beige Extrait now and be able to weigh Coco Noir EDP vs extrait in the meantime. Thanks!
The Internet says GWP stands for “Global warming potential.” Since I doubt that’s what you’re talking about, what does it actually mean?
Gift with purchase!
SOTD is Spiritueuse Double Vanille, from a sample I got at Saks today, when I was buying my Killian Rose Oud. They were very, very generous with the samples, and made the whole experience lovely. It’s been a long time since I’ve shopped perfume at an actual store. I’ve been wanting to try SDV, and was afraid it might be too heavy in the balmy weather we’re having right now, but it really isn’t.
I just discovered SDV myself and I love it!
Another day of 60 degree temps on what should still be a winter day. Took a long walk in the neighborhood today, all the snow is gone, there are tiny little green shoots in places. My daffys are up 3 inches!
I’ve really been enjoying the new Dame Perfumery soliliflore, Rose de Mai. Two tiny spritzes of the edt from the travel spray have lasted 5 hours thus far, and the scent is authentic to the flower. Everything that’s been said about the Dame fragrances and customer service is absolutely true. He is EXTREMELY generous with samples and I’ve really enjoyed exploring them thus far. Next in line will be the osmanthus . . .
Tonight we’re going to a formal event honoring several of our community stars (volunteers who’ve given so much of themselves to enrich our lives). I’ll be continuing my rose theme with L’Or de Torrente, one of my favorite evening scents, rose/coffee/cedar. From its lovely gold-leaved bottle that fits so comfortably in hand to its intoxicating fragrance, it’s a sensory and sensual delight.
I’ve been meaning to try the L’Or scent. I’ve come across reasonably priced small bottles on eBay, but worry I’ll not like it. I’m interested for the coffee note. Good to hear that’s what you get from it.
SOTD = Box of Eels Extrait
I was decanting and had a heart stopping moment when the top went flying. Thank goodness it wasn’t the bottom, nor was it broken! I also smell partly of Sycomore as I decanted the last of my swaps / gifts – that huge bottle is definitely economical (for a Chanel) but it sure is hard to decant. It looks like I may need to learn the syringe method!
Yesterday’s confirmation of Bvlgari Black’s discontinuation had me scurrying to get a back-up to the back-up. I briefly considered buying a back-up to the back-up of the back-up, it still wouldn’t get me up to the $59 free shipping threshold, so what was a perfumista to do? Find another more expensive perfume to buy and I ended up with a bottle of Cartier Baiser Vole Essence!
Yesterday, I did some retail therapy at Saks and used my gift cards (they weren’t for much but one of them had an end of Feb expiration). Drum roll please!!! I got 31 Rue Cambon so I can now join the ranks of the perfumista here who had expressed their love for it.
I also took the opportunity to do some sniffing and scouting. Guerlain Insolence Extrait is no longer available but I should have asked about the 30 mL nail polish looking bottles sitting behind the counter. The Jo Malone Herb Garden series have some winners and I think I will be purchasing Sorell & Lemon Thyme AND Carrot & Fennel. I passed by Annick Goutal and smelled Rose Pompon (meh) and the Les Extraits or whatever that new line is called (an Amber, an Oud and a Vanilla) and the verdict is while they’re nice, they are not unique enough for me to shell out any money for them (money saved). I also smelled Alaia Alaia Paris and was underwhelmed (money saved). According to my perfumista math, with all the money I saved, my near future Jo Malone purchase can be considered free. I wonder what Donatella would think about my logic?
Donatella would totally get it! ????. What a heart stopper about your BdI. I bought my husband Bvlgari Black a couple of years ago and I don’t think he ever wears it, so that will be my backup for now.
Aaaaand, I just triggered my free purchase of the Jo Malones!
You MUST buy a back-up to the back-up to the back-up!! Please also consider a second refrigerator unit to store your multiple back ups, because I cannot imagine you living a happy life without that black puck! Completely serious ????
Oh, and close call with the Chanel! Thinking about that potential catastrophe may make me lose some sleep tonigh.
Perfumista nightmare for sure!
I’m getting a Bvlgari Black back-up from Target which is much cheaper than Saks! Free shipping, too. So heart-breaking that it is being discontinued, but I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to experience and stock up on it.
I like some of the Jo Malone’s too!
The Sorrell was surprisingly lovely. Lemon is tricky for me as many lemon themed scents go into the Pledge category or other forms of cleaner.
The strawberry was not very strawberry, unfortunately.
Big congrats on the 31 RC! That is a beaute!
BV Essence is just so lovely! Maybe I’ll wear some tomorrow.
I have yet to fall in love with Bvlgari Black, but now I’m considering buying a bottle just in case I love it in the future. Perfumista reasoning is sometimes less than reasonable.
31RC is my favorite exclusive, need to get me some of that one of these days. And your math makes perfect sense to me!
Vol de Nuit Evasion today, which is hugely uplifting after yesterday’s frustrations. After everything else, I had a makeup appointment at NM to come up with a wedding look. Though the makeup looked great, the colors weren’t quite what I wanted, and the SAs’ pressure to influence my feelings and buy the makeup anyway was making me uncomfortable. I didn’t buy anything I didn’t like, but it did leave me feeling pretty sour. Lounging around today, enjoying the weather, and smelling fabulous has helped a lot. Plus, fiance’s nephew made his debut today, so that’s a bit of extra good news to brighten the weekend.
Bobbi Brown is where I went for makeup for my wedding and the trial run was just hideous, actually clown-like. Of all brands I thought for sure BB would be natural and just a lovely, special glow (At least that’s what they sold me.) Ended up buying the products and did my own makeup for that day.
I did Bobbi Brown for my wedding also and did it myself. Everywhere I had someone else do it, it was unbelievably heavy. I got married outside and didn’t want my husband to just see makeup. I mostly loved my (long discontinued) lipstick. A beautiful sheer rose/red.
Yet another thing we have in common
I had several horrible trial makeup runs for my wedding too. The worst was the Armani MUA at Saks. I looked like a bruised, lipless disaster. I have very yellow skin, red hair, and small features so nothing looks worse on me than silver eyeshadow (looks blue) and pale nude lipstick. Guess what she tried to sell me – and she was so pushy that she actually rang up things I told her I didn’t like. I still have a photo someplace, and probably the heinous lipstick that she managed to sneak past me.
Ugh, that makes me so angry for you! Such despicable behavior on the part of the SA. It totally takes advantage of social politeness norms and simultaneously actively discounts your wishes. Just ugh
Turned out okay. She helped me decide to do my own makeup and, after I recovered from the trauma (it was so unexpected to me that I really didn’t stand up to her the way I should have) I was much more firm about what I wanted. I did love and end up using the foundation and powder.
My SIL and cousin actually talked me into a different MUA at the last minute, who was willing to use a mix of my products and the Chanel ones she sold. We didn’t even do a trial run, but since she was willing to take my input and even let me do some of it myself it worked out great! Also, she didn’t try to sell me one single thing. I bought a back-up of my favorite lipgloss and tipped her handsomely and everyone was happy. Turns out, nobody thought to fill in my eyebrows though which I didn’t notice until I saw the photos
Tip of the day: Don’t forget your eyebrows on your wedding day!
I find the sales staff at most HE dept stores to be very agressive. Unfortunately, they’re fighting for that commission. I’m so glad you didn’t succumb to the pressure! Over the years, I’ve had the best experiences at Sephora. I’ve felt much more comfortable telling them if I don’t like the way something looks on me. And these days, sephora carries almost every HE line.
You’re an aunt – how exciting!
Wedding makeup is so tough; You want to look perfectly polished, but still like yourself. Maybe you could make appointments at other stores and take a tough as nails, trustworthy friend? (Or your mother if she’s anything like mine.) She can tell the SA no for you, and keep your stress level down. You will likely have more pictures taken of you that day than any other – it’s important that are completely at ease with your look.
YES! My ex-husband and I used to refer to this as “emotional power of attorney,” dealing with the other’s stressful issues (parents, phone calls) when they were overwhelmed.
A bit bummed out that shipping costs combined with a very weak Canadian dollar is pricing me out of sampling and splitting. Was gob smacked the other day that my go-to decant place is now charging $70 for shipping here (read $100 Canadian). That just doesn’t make any sense!
I’ll be shopping my stash for the foreseeable future, and am very thankful for my local fumie sample circle
Making myself feel better in a generous dousing of Coromandel.
I know! I keep mock buying decants, but just can’t commit when it comes to the TOTAL, after figuring what it would cost once M/C takes their spread.
I ordered some samples from a Canadian decanter, perfumeniche, and the postage is just C$5.00 for 10 samples.
Oh! That is good info, thanks…I didn’t know we had a Canadian decanter, that helps!
They make only 1 ml decants (ie samples), but you can buy more than 1 sample of a scent.
They have a blog too.
Lindaloo, do you live near Vancouver? Please join us on Fri. Feb 26th for our meet up!
Thanks for the invitation SunnyDay. I do indeed live in Vancouver and noticed AnnieA’s announcement, but will be away from tomorrow for a couple of weeks.
Hope you all have fun.
Will be going to Germany this summer and will be in Frankfurt a little (and also close by in Mainz). Does anyone have any recommendations for sniffing in Deutschland?
Oh yes! Go to the Perfumerie Albrecht, my husband bought me all kinds of nice stuff there. It’s in downtown Frankfurt I believe.
Yes! Cosign this advice, they were wonderfully helpful to a mule of mine who speaks neither German nor perfume
Nota there are several locations of Albrecht all within a couple blocks from one another, so if you don’t see something in particular you were hoping for, do ask–what you want may just be in one of the other storefronts, and they may even offer to go get it for you! (As I say. Super nice to my perfume mule!)
happy weekend nsters!
i’m having a rose-craze this weekend. recently realized i’m just about out of several of my all-time favorite roses (drops left of DSH american beauty, only about 1/4 bottle of lancome mille & une roses, also finished 2 of my SSS roses this past year, as well as fm une rose being gone, so i’m taking stock and deciding which i need to re-purchase a bottle of).
here’s my question ~
has anyone worn the newest lancome mille & une roses which is currently available from lancome directly; it’s in a 2.5 fl oz bottle, tallish square/rectangle shape? i only need to know if it smells the same as when it was available in the square la collection bottle? it’s been so long since i had the 2000 tear drop bottle that i wouldn’t even remember exactly what that smelled like anyway.
so, i’m asking about this one, has anyone purchased/worn this?
http://www.lancome-usa.com/Mille-Une-Roses/102302,default,pd.html
thanks, in advance, for any guidance
I have no advice about the Lancome — sorry! — but Une Rose. So good.
Wore Apres L’Ondee today. I’m always struck by it’s beauty but remember why I don’t wear it often, Apres L’Ondee fades too fast. Now it’s time for LHB. Now I have a question. Which is better for a back up? Epic, Memoir or Lyric? I have a 30% fragrance coupon begging to be used. Or should I go with Beloved?
Gosh, they’re all good, depends what you’re in the mood for. I have all of the ones you mentioned and enjoy them all. Beloved is quite different from the others, it is an elegant floral, the others are typical Amouage orientals.
I think you just have to go with the one you love best or would wear most often.
I love Memoir and Lyric but Epic is acrid on me (I think it’s my skin) and Beloved a big powder bomb. However, a lot of people prefer the two I don’t like, so I think that’s a personal decision.
I want to try Mouchoir de Monsieur, but I can’t find a sample of it. So I got a sample of a current Jicky EDT. Turns out I don’t find the civet disgusting, but I’m not fond of it either. Does it mean I probably won’t like MdM either?
Also, I find that Jicky has a very short longevity. I can barely smell anything after one hour.
There’s a review on NST that Kevin did a few years back that compares and contrasts MdM with 2 concentrations of Jicky, might be helpful.
Been away from online for a while, so it’s nice to be back among you. Partly due to a decision that I’m parting ways with my long-time employer. Just not a fit anymore…too big and and too unhappy a place. So, immediate future is downsizing and job searching. Another colleague left recently also, and today is his big going away from NYC back to CA bash. Thinking maybe Taif lotion layered with the EdP. My splurge might be pulling the 30% off trigger on the Narciso. Oddly, I didn’t like it at release and now am coveting…
Nice to see you back, LizzieB!
It is a tough decision leaving a long employment, and a lot of work. The possibilities are exciting, though.
Wishing you the best
Narciso was a slow burn for me, too, but ended up being a cozy favorite. Enjoy!
Good to see you back and I will see you this Saturday! It is sad when a long time employer loses its direction.
Excited for Saturday!
I can relate. Left my employer of 20+ years last May, things had changed and it was time to move on. I know you thought long and hard about this decision, I wish you all the best in your next adventure! And so nice to see you back at NST!
Today I am in “Lys fumé” by Tom Ford, which despite its name doesn’t have a hint of smoke, or not to my nose anyway. This was a 1ml freebie from Scentsamples. I like the lily, and don’t get a lot more by way of identifiable notes from the scent although I know they’re there. I think this might be one to revisit in warmer weather, as today I can smell it if I stick my nose inside my shirt but otherwise not.
I really liked Lys Fume early on this obsession, although I don’t know about the fume either. There’s the whole issue of plastic and bubblegum smells developing , but that dries down. When the Noir series was discontinued (not than Cafe Rose) I tried the others. I liked the Ombré de Hyacinth for some reason. Is it back to nose school for me??
I love Lys Fume, which might have sold better if it was named properly! I collect lily centric fragrances since this is one of my favorite perfume notes and if this was called Lys et Ylang-Ylang, which is the other prominent note, I think more people would try it and like it. It is quiet for a Tom Ford but maybe that is not such a bad thing. I believe it is the creamiest lily perfume I have encountered and there is something kind of edible about it too. It has been discontinued so I keep checking the discounters for it.
Thank you for your description. I like lily in perfume, too, but haven’t tried Lys Fume yet. I’m going to get a decant, since I didn’t spend my entire Splitmeet budget.
Testing SL Chene this morning. It’s beautiful, and very cedar-y on me, but not screechy cedar – it’s smooth. No slivers, no pencil shavings. Interesting. I’m working my way through a bunch of SL samples (Boxeuses, Jeux de Peau, Chergui, Chene), and so far Boxeuses is out ahead … but haven’t tried Jeux or Chergui yet. Any predictions?
PS – Can hardly wait for spring, when I plan to break out the De Profundis decant scored in a swap last year (thank you hajusuuri!). Somehow that one just needs cool, sunny weather to “breathe” properly.
This reminds me of how much I regret giving away almost all of my SL ….I miss Chergui, Jeux de Peau, Chene, Louve…even Datura Noir now I don’t have them ( but they went to a good home ). De cluttering isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…all that vertical folding for a start
Not long till Spring now! I’m looking forward to Autumn.
Vertical folding – hah! I’m old and curmudgeonly enough to look at Marie Kondo and think, “you think you’re so smart, Missy?”
Yes, I have had a few decluttering regrets! My husband the hoarder just shakes his head and says I told you so. I am going on hiatus for a while… Don’t want to create any more regrets.
I definitely have not mastered the vertical folding. I think I’ll hold onto my perfume, for now, at least, and just try to organize it better.
Wearing a touch of Patchouli 24 on the back of one hand and a lot of Rose of No Man’s Land everywhere else. There is something with the rose in the Byredo that I really like but can’t name. Anyone know what it is? I smell the pepper and rose as listed, and I guess a little amber, but papyrus? What does papyrus smell like? Ha.
I’m wondering when perfume ingredients were required to be listed on the box in the US. Anyone have any idea?
I just bought a bottle of RL Safari that was said to be vintage and I’m trying to figure out if it is or not.
It smells like it is, very rich, but inquiring minds would love to know!
TIA!
What does your box say?
I have one of “cologne spray” (I’m pretty sure they quit making that concentration several years ago) that says “Eau de toilette vaporisateur” on the bottom. On the back of the box, it lists alcohol, fragrance, water, benzophenone, and three colorants.
I think the newer stuff is Eau de Parfum, don’t think they make the parfum concentration anymore either.
I have some newer stuff as well as the old and the only difference I can really tell is that the older (“cologne”/edt) lasts much, much longer than the newer edp. They both smell good to me, and it’s a good thing this one doesn’t seem to age badly, so that the vintage is worth pursuing. (Was it The Non-Blonde who said the current stuff isn’t worth messing with? I disagree.)
OH! I also just noticed that this box states “Designer Fragrance Div. Cosmair, Inc.” Looked up “history of Cosmair” and found that it began to do business as L’Oreal USA in 2000 (Cosmair having been bought by L’Oreal in the 1980s), so I have to think this particular box is pre-2000.
Thanks for the detailed response, Mals – you were my inspiration for trying this and wow, it’s in my top 10 already.
Mine says Cosmair Inc Distributors, and has a huge list of ingredients that take up the whole back of the box. I’m sure the requirement to list all the ingredients kicked in at a particular time which is why I’m trying to track that info down. Should narrow it down a bit.
Minis of the parfum are readily available on Ebay, that’s where I got mine and they are definitely vintage. Which is why I got the EdP; I loved it so much and I wanted to be able to spray it. More projection.
Thanks again!
According to Raiders of the Lost Scent, ingredients began being required on all boxes in 2005.
Thank you Sun Mi, I’ll check that blog out. So, if it’s post 2005, it’s not vintage, but possibly and hopefully older.
My nose is telling me it’s not new, so I’ll trust that.
Well, technically I saw that in the post on how to identify how old your Serge Lutens bottle is, but he stated “required on all bottles” and I assume that didn’t just mean for SL…
Alahine today. Great in the rain.
Perfect scent for the rain! You smell wonderful.
ELdO Like This. It’s been a few hours, and has turned floral in a nice way. I should have worn it yesterday, when it was 85 or something absurd.
SOTD is Smell Bent’s Never Never Land. Love it, but it’s quite fleeting on me.