Things to celebrate: it's Hump Day, Tiara Day, Bermuda Day and Bob Dylan's birthday. What fragrance are you wearing?
This morning I'm in Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Mars Violet, from the Chroma series. I'm about to settle down with my tea and read Roger Moore: a modest, self-deprecating James Bond who brought some serious aplomb at The Guardian. Thank you Austenfan for sending me the link!
Reminder: on 5/26 we're doing Under the radar — wear a fragrance with minimal (or no) sillage, or something you consider a "skin scent". (Suggested by Hajusuuri)
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2017, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Manchester [cropped] by Zuzanna Neziri at flickr; some rights reserved.
I am actually doing the opposite of under the radar in-
Kaleidescope- house twins, Robin!
Cape Heartache
Mosaic
Bijou Romantique
Putains des Palaces (why is it always that I am dumping a full vial on my arm that has cumin? is the Universe trying to tell me something?)
Wilde
Exultant
Grand Cuir
My entire body is covered
Figue Fruitee
Now why did that Figue Fruitee go below my last comment….cause I know I did not type it that way-LOL!
I love Kaleidoscope — that one’s on my buy list.
Dawn’s work is outstanding…I am so impressed with everything thus sampled. I was going to save this one for fruity week but I could not wait
So I was starting to think that my nose was REALLY off on the Putains des Palaces because when I read the reviews many folks mention powder and rose and even lipstick I get none of that….on me it is straight up cumin…later on a few commenters on fragrantica mention curry and cumin so that was a bit of a relief!
Huh. I wonder if it was reformulated because my sample from 2011 or so is really tame on me.
I think most commenters have commented on the tame aspect and remarked that the name does not fit….and yet there are a few of us that pick up that note described as “sweaty”, “curry” and “cumin”….my skin behaves in strange ways…some fragrances that are supposed to be sillage monsters (like DSH Ashram which I adore!!!) come across as a skin scent on me and vice versa….
I find this endlessly fascinating. Is it nose, skin, or brain that makes different people smell different things? or all three?
For example: Aromatics Elixir is strongly urinous on me. I mean, seriously, like somebody peed on the rose hedge you are standing next to, maybe three minutes ago. Nobody else ever mentions the urine aspect, but BOY HOWDY it is totally there on me. I do smell the chypre stuff, and I do get the balsamic bit under it, and the intense florals up top, but… yeah. Pee. However, I’m the only person who gets that aspect.
Shrug.
Like you I am equally fascinated…..my girlfriend who is also a perfumista has skin that seems to be the complete opposite of mine…where she reeks with only one tiny spray I can hardly smell some things at all with upwards of 10 sprays…I did much research on Putains today and everyone is getting violets and powder and lipstick and rose and referring to it as a floral feminine…..except….the CAndy Perfume Boy whose review mentioned the heavy dose of cumin (which is all I get…and yet, I am finding strangely fascinating….and it is still going strong!)
and that is funny about Aromatics Elixir ….I wore that one years ago and never got urine…it was incredibly balsamic and lush….I have to say though that a younger family member often has my wrist shoved under her nose and she has commented that certain fragrances smell like urine to her but not to me….so I guess everyone’s perception is different…and yes, to answer your question, it probably IS all three!!!
I have used STC many times. Once, a vial was delivered and only a tiny bit was left. It was LeLabo Ylang 49, so I smelled it through the envelope. My mailbox smelled beautiful that day.
I contacted them, and sent them a picture. They sent another bottle out right away.
I am sorry, this was meant for KellyC. I need more caffeine this morning
I went with the South of France soap, I did half lavender and half the one you recommended that smells like eau de sud
Oh yay!!!! did the discount code work? I was worried this morning as I had a hard time reading it yesterday. I hope you got some of the liquid soap for yourself too
I used the one they sent me when I put in my email address.
I didn’t get anything for myself, I am secretly hoping there will be some soap left over from the favors (maybe someone will forget to take theirs) If not, I will wait for a sale or another coupon code.
I will wrap the soap and I bought little Merci stickers to place on top.
Oh that sounds lovely…I am sure everyone will be thrilled with their gifts.
Box of Eels thanks NancyL
PSA to New Yorkers new London pharmacy carries he ordinary skin line now
You smell great!
Nice.
I wish I still had some pre_LE BdI.
BTW, one need not live in NYC to benefit from New London Pharmacy’s offerings. I’ve ordered from them online twice and been happy with the service. (My credit card fraud department flagged both transactions as possible fraud before I was able to assure them that NLP is a real business located in the US, but that’s hardly NLP’s fault.)
There shipping is really fast and they send some nice samples ! Also if you know they carry something in the store and you can’t find it online , call them and they will ship it
Most welcome! You smell lovely! ????
Today I am wearing al Ghazal Musk layered with MFK’s APOM. It’s a great combination.
I need to try some layering. I’m always afraid it will be a disaster!
I’m wearing Reve d’Ossian by Oriza L. Legrand – pretty good incense for warmer weather.
Oh, I need to try that one then!
I love that one, a great summer incense and a standout of the line to me.
I generally do not get on with the Oriza line, but I liked that one quite a bit.
No. 19 EDP today just because I love it. I want to try the EDT so badly because I’m certain one will be a FB purchase sooner rather than later and want to compare them.
Quick poll/question…has everyone had good luck, or not, with either STC or TPC? It seems like I remember reading someone said they only trusted STC (hajusuuri was that you?). I’d like to order some 2 ml spray samples (I prefer to spray rather than dab) and was curious if anyone prefers one over the other and why. Their prices are similar. Feel free to email me (click on my name) if you don’t want to discuss it here or if we shouldn’t. Thanks!
I have bought lots from STC, and some from TPC and had good service and product from both. I’m not sure why I use STC more – I’m on their email list? I have had some problems with the Decantshop and don’t think I will probably use them again,
No 19 is the bomb.
No. 19 is the bomb indeed.
I’ve had good experiences with both TPC and StC.
I have had good luck and good service from both. I have had very bad luck with Posh Peasant because my package was misdelivered and I did not get a replacement but still was charged.
You smell great! I recently tried the edt and really liked it.
I’ve had good luck with both stc and tpc. I have also ordered from Scentsplit and their customer service was great and packaging very lovely.
I use both STC and TPC and am happy with both. I believe you get points at TPC, which you don’t at STC, so that could be handy. The one problem with the points is that TPC can’t seem to calculate them if you use PayPal. I do like the packaging at TPC, which usually comes in a box with padding.
No problems with either–well, actually one time a decant was crushed in the sending. I emailed them a picture. They replaced it promptly.
My other go-to decanter is on Bonanza. Her selection veers to the higher end frags, and she only does 5 mls, but I find in most instances when she has what I want, her prices are really good (but not always. Once, TPC was less by a $1 for 5 mls). (Her selection is much better curated than the Decant Shop)
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/MySCENTSEI
Oooooh, will have to check out. Thanks!
I’ve also had positive experiences and gotten great value from MySCENTSEI. I think she has her own website now, too, with a slightly different selection. I tried her originally because she had the best prices for Roja Dove Diaghilev.
Thanks, everyone! Gives me a little more confidence when it comes to spending my hard earned money, ha!
Years ago, there was only TPC run by three partners, Patty (of the blog Perfumeposse) Diane and a third lady (Linda?). They used to sell decants on Ebay until Ebay threw all the decanters off, which was when they set up The Perfumed Court. Patty left TPC and set up STC, so, really I consider TPC & STC to be interchangeable.
I’ve used STC with no problems. I’ve heard bad things about TPC not appropriately sealing their vials on multiple occasions, resulting in evaporation and spillage, but have never experienced it.
I have bought from both!
Also, Hajusuuri has a contact from this woman who has an ebay store that does splits
I have bought some stuff from her, shipping was fast and very good experience over all
I definitely had a TPC order that never arrived (but I was also never charged, as far as I can tell) so I just use STC now.
I have used STC several times and always had good luck with them. I’ve only used TPC once and my order took a really long time to get to me, but I think they were in the midst of a move at the time, which delayed orders. I haven’t ordered from them recently.
TPC can be slow but I placed a big order just a couple of weeks ago and it arrived in less than a week. That said, STC can also be slow, and I’ve had a few orders cancelled when their inventory wasn’t current (and been sent partial decants when they didn’t have enough – gratis.) I don’t fault either for taking a bit of time to get orders out. I.e., both are good.
I also recently purchased decants from random ebayers that were way cheaper and faster than either TPC/STC.
I’ve ordered from both STC and TPC several times and haven’t had any problems with either one. Shipping is always relatively quick and I’ve always gotten my items in good condition.
I have used both and my experience has been very good. The TPC sometimes has taken longer to ship.
Funny, I always have the reverse experience.
I’ve also had good experiences with both!
I order from both STC and TPC because they have different selections, and also MySCENTSEI on bonanza.com. I also order from random people on ebay if they seem credible based on feedback and what they present and are the only source of what I’m looking for. I usually search ebay for carded commercial samples first, actually, if I just want to try something.
One caveat about decants in general is that a small percentage of sprayers seem to randomly dry up. This is not a problem if you use your decants rapidly. However, if you buy vintage or other expensive fragrances for long-term collection, it would be wise to seal them up with parafilm to avoid tragic surprises. (RIP Hermes Doblis decant!)
I was just going through some old decants and several had dried up! Alas, now I know to USE EM UP!
Yep. I now seal mine when I swap them out seasonally. Hopefully that’ll help. It doesn’t seem to be random, though. Every decant I’ve bought will evaporate eventually, some faster than others.
I have used and have had good experiences with both.
I’ve used both TPC and STC and been happy with both. STC orders take a little longer for me, but I figure it’s where I’m located versus where STC is.
KellyC, I have found TPC and STC to be amazing, but I will say that over time, my decants from TPC evaporated and those from STC didn’t.
STC is a class act whereas TPC is not. One bad experience with TPC turned me off of them forever – I don’t care how big their discount is, I will never use them again. Their excuse for taking 3 weeks to replace an order where half the decants leaked was ” we ran out of atomizers” (like a pizzeria running out of pizza dough).
I’ve always loved James Bond movies, and Sean Connery is my favorite. But…. View to a Kill was the first Bond I saw in the theater, my first Roger Moore, and well, Duran Duran, English country houses, the Eiffel Tower — need I say more? I think that Grace Jones was one of the best female villains too. View to a Kill is really my Roger Moore Bond movie and the best of his IMHO – the others were just way too silly. Although Moonraker is definitely just the best of the worst.
SOTD for *another* cold damp day is some of my precious OJ Tolu decant.
My dad has always been a big fan of the Bond films, and for him, the cheesier the better so he liked Roger Moore.
(Me, I’m a Connery fan.)
You’re right, Grace Jones was just awesome.
Let me know when it runs out
And you smell wonderful.
I am commando today just too much to think about. Will spritz some Mona di Orio Tubereuse later, a very lovely under the radar tuberose.
I was just thinking about the tragedy of running out of Tolu this morning! Thanks for the offer!!!! I am sure there are some fun things we can swap. Hope you are well and enjoying the spring/early summer.
I am well but too busy! Spring has sprung here and indeed it is lovely. End of the week we will have a holiday break, so will chime in when we are back.
Glad you are feeling well!
My first Bond experience was an in-theater double feature of Live and Let Die & The Man With The Golden Gun. They were silly (and seem even sillier now) and I loved them, and Roger Moore was perfect. I know Sean Connery is probably better but since Moore set the tone for me, I couldn’t adjust — I love the Connery movies too but I prefer Moore
He does have a lot of charm and wit, and that can be much sexier than all the angry aggressive Bonds. And he has great hair!
He was so funny and witty and charming. Have you ever watched The Persuaders? It’s got one of the best music themes. By the same John Barry who did the Bond theme.
I haven’t, but Netflix seems to have them! Added to list.
Oh, never mind, they don’t. Will keep looking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvuuAUJ2x6I
Just the theme with the opening sequence. There are some episodes on YT.
Dear austenfan,
I’m glad you brought this up. When I first got used to the Internet, I did a search for that music. I, too, thought the music was fantastic! Roger was so handsome. When the Bond movies descended into comedy, I didn’t like them any more. Sean, Roger, and Pierce were the ones that looked like Bond to me.
Tiara Day?!? That was MADE for NST!
SOTD is Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile EDT.
Ha, exactly!
Wearing AG La Chevrefeuille, gorgeous for Spring.
Today I came across a vintageChanel N5 Extrait in an Antiques shop. It was sealed and impossible to open and smell. It cost 30 euros and was authentic but I was afraid the perfume had gone bad so I didn´t buy it. The color was really dark. Is there a way to know apart from smelling? I can always go back to the shop…
I have a very old – likely about 1920s or 30s era No 5 extrait, that is also dark and turned. I will say that if you want to know what those gorgeous old nitro musks smell like, you may want to go ahead and get it. Maybe you can bargain down the price b/c of it’s condition. My old dark No 5 still has good base notes and they are really nice.
When I test the very old extrait, the top notes and most of the middle notes re definitely totally burned, but at about 30 min, I can smell the original base notes of No 5. The nitro musks are gorgeous, and as far as I’m concerned, totally indestructible. I can see why it was considered via Marilyn a “bedroom scent” – something new and totally different. It is an interesting learning experience to get a chance to smell them. Smelling very old fragrances has it’s learning advantages even if you can’t or won’t really wear it. I rarely reach for it to wear b/c I have other intact vintage versions of No 5 extrait that I really love. However, what I found is when I attempted to wear the old and turned No 5 if I layered with a more current version any No 5 from body cream to edp, it worked to restore a sense of the top and middle notes, but allow for the enjoyment of the base old – kind of a hacky reconstruction of no 5.
However… after I wrote the above I considered that you may want to try and basically establish the age of the bottle you are looking at to estimate if it would be old enough to still have nitro musks. There are certain clues based on the shape of the stopper. There are a few good research sites on the web, some are
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:425240/FULLTEXT04
http://www.designsponge.com/2013/02/art-in-the-everyday-the-chanel-no-5-bottle.html
You can also look at the old ads that are posted on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Perfume-Cologne/21139/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=no+5+chanel+bottles
If the bottle appears to be a more recent version, then you may want to avoid it, depending on your objectives. If it has some of the very old angled stoppers, then it may be a good find for you. I’ve enjoyed researching the No 5 bottles and it can be a lot of fun. The bottle I have has the old non-faceted flat stopper
This is the best guide
https://chanelperfumebottles.blogspot.com/p/how-to-dating-chanel-bottles.html
Thank you Ann! That was so helpful! The bottle is old, the articles have helped. I think you are right, its about experimenting vintage perfumes, nitro musks like you pointed out in this case.
I will go back and bargain!
I hope you get it and have a lot of fun. Best advice: put some on your wrist and don’t even bother to put your nose in it until at least 10 min have passed!
I have a similar experience with a really old and dark No. 5, in that the top notes are just vanished and the floral middle is faint but the basenotes are gorgeous — and layering the old parfum with modern gives a nice cobbled-up version.
I’m wearing the gorgeously subtle and subtly sexy Divine Bergamote. One of my favourite citruses.
Oh, that sounds good!
It’s a wonderful citrus, I think it’s now just called Bergamote. It’s by The Different Company.
Lately, due to job changes and also maybe weather/mood, I’ve become someone who wears things quietly in the day (often homemade oils infused with samples) and then puts on something with a bit more kick in the afternoon/evening.
So they all can be skin scents? I’m going to put on the Imaginary Authors oil again today, and probably should decide on a scent to transform next.
This is an excellent way to wear fragrance- something just for you.
I realize that’s mostly what I want these days–don’t want to suffocate or trigger someone’s allergies (really) if I am working in one medium-small room with them. Hugging distance only!
That said, I did put on a little bit of AG Vetiver on top of the rose-leather oil and it has been perfect(ly quiet) so far.
Lea. Pretty sure this is my perfect skin scent. If my skin smelled like almonds, vanilla and musc, lol. Yum.
ooh what is this Lea?
Ditto. What is this Lea?
Sorry to barge in. I also was curious. I think it is this one (sadly dc-ed): http://www.luckyscent.com/product/37102/lea-by-calypso-st-barth
Yes! That is it, and so sadly discontinued. After months of looking I was finally able to find a bottle still in the sealed box!
Thank you for providing the link. Maybe they will bring it back. I think that happened with Tihota…?
I needed something that wouldn’t bother a wonky tummy, so I’m wearing Au The Vert.
Aw, I hope Au The Vert helps soothe your tummy. I think I smelled Au The Vert (or something very similar) on somebody when I walked past them the other day, and I was very excited to recognize it! I don’t notice many other perfume-wearers in my neck of the woods.
Well, happy birthday to Bob!
I was prepared to pull a Sweetgrass this morning, sitting in the waiting room of a garage while my van is getting looked after, but the garage folks were nice enough to give me a lift back to my lodging.
SOTD is Mazzolari’s Vetiver. Dreary rainy day here, but that’s ok with me. I smell good. ????????
Happy Hump Day NSTer’s!
LOL glad you didn’t have to pull a me. I probably could’ve gotten a shuttle ride to work from the dealership, but I didn’t think my service appointment would take as long as it did. It was routine stuff, but my battery failed testing and had to be replaced too. Blergh.
But OTOH, better to catch it now and take care of it than wait and get stranded somewhere because the battery just up and died.
Well who wants to shuttle to WORK anyway, right?!
And YES! Much better to get that battery switched out now rather than finding it dead in the dark of night on a deserted road in the middle of nowhere with a dense fog rolling in and all kinds of suspicious noises coming from the pitch black woods right next to you-eeek! ????
Whah? You work for a car battery company?
I should, shouldn’t I? ????
On the other hand, I’ve been told that many times when my battery was perfectly good and didn’t need to be replaced. Just sayin’. Better to have it tested by someone who isn’t trying to sell you a new battery. It’s a free service at most auto parts stores.
I have a car appointment on Friday and will be swanning about in an elegant perfume.
Today I’m finally trying a layering suggestion — made by A Passionate Journey, maybe? — of SJP’s Covet and Stash. I think it works!
Be well, everyone!
Oh, I will have to try that!
Today, I’m enjoying some Hermès Vétiver Tonka, after talking about it with multiple people over the past couple days. This is one of my favorite scents. I put on three sprays, though, and wish I had put on six. I put it on 1.5 h ago, and it’s been a faint skin scent for half of that time (yay, participation?). Oh, Hermessences, how you taunt me.
You smell great! I participated in a split to get a travel size and it’s just THE perfect stealth scent. =)
A travel size is extremely high on my list of what I want to buy once I’m allowed to buy perfume again, as my sample will be empty soon! Good choice!
Yeah, roll on 2019! ;^P
You smell lovely!
You smell great, if only faint. VT is one of my top favorites too but definitely needs heavy application!
You smell like the bst hug, which is how I interpret all Hermessence scents!
What a lovely way to think of it
there is still a soft whisper of a hug left on my wrists/forearms.
Does anyone else think it smells like an Irish fisherman’s sweater? I don’t mean this in a bad way. It’s one of the few vetivers I can wear in winter since it’s cozy.
You know, I haven’t had the chance to sniff the sweaters of that many Irish fishermen
L’Occitane Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc is my SOTD.
I have to ask a question to see if any of you have had this experience.
Two years ago I was on vacation, and I smelled and sampled AA Pamplelune. I liked it very much, but didn’t buy it. I bought a bottle online a few months later, started using it, and loved it when it first went on, but then hated the way it started to smell around an hour later. I ended up giving the bottle away.
This past weekend, my friend gave me a small bottle of Pamplelune as a belated birthday gift. I tried it the next day, and I love it — the whole thing, even after the one hour mark. I’m very happy for this because she’s a nice friend and I was happy to report to her that I loved my birthday gift
Could it be the different bottles produced at different times? My body chemistry? I am confused. Happy though with my new scent though.
Yes, it could be either (or both) of those. (Guerlain did briefly stop production of Mitsouko and L’Heure Bleue, afterall.) Glad it worked out this time around!
SotD = Hiris makes me breathe deep and stand tall.
I’m listening to Bob sing “Blowin’ in the Wind,” I’ve got my tiara on, and I’m wearing Bermuda shorts. :p That’s this hump day sorted.
Let’s enjoy some pretty things to look at via kottke:
http://kottke.org/17/05/the-swirling-beauty-of-colored-ink-in-water
http://kottke.org/17/05/beautiful-spring-flowers-time-lapse
Oh tiffanie, thank you for this tiny dose of mindfulness and beauty! I am sharing this with friends, family and co-workers
Yay! These were very soothing for me. I’m glad we can share here.
I loved seeing the makers’ clever work space at the very end of the colored inks in water.
Thank you! I used to read kottke daily but trimmed down my internet viewing time and that was one that got cut
Always good and interesting stuff.
You’re welcome! Glad you took a peek.
The internet is both a blessing and a time sink for sure. I blame the cat videos and avocado toast but never perfume.
Far out! ????
Trippin’! Like Bob Dylan said, “Chaos is a friend of mine.”
Sooo beautiful. They made me feel so relaxed now that I am in my lunch time. Thank you!
I watched the time lapse flowers again after my lunch today.
Speechless, made my day. Want to share this with my children.
Yay! I watched the ink and water video with my kids. They loved it.
Seriously cool stuff. Thanks for posting the links.
The flowers in the ink video! Too tired, will have to watch the other video tomorrow, but the flowers in the ink made me very happy.
Glad to hear that.
I watched the ink video again today, so pretty.
My son is back from Jordan. I am so happy to have all my chickens home. Hubs and my younger son head out to DC for a week with 80 8th graders tonight, but there will be four of under one roof for several hours. Whoohoo!
I’m in the dregs my sample Filoli Rose, from the Etsy purveyor, worn at skin scent levels.
And.I.must.get.some.writing.work.done. today. now. stat.
Yay!
You get ALL OVER that writing work.
You smell great! Get to work!
Cheers to the Frescas, even if it’s only for a few hours!
i.should.get.some.work.done.too
Nice.
It’s my birthday today, I share my birthday with Bob Dylan and Queen Victoria. I started a new part time job- waitressing in the village pub, I’ve never waitressed before in my life, it was a bit hectic and nerve racking, but fun too, and the hours fit in with the kids school time so that’s good.
Will find a nice country pub garden to while away a couple of hours in later. The weather is super hot and sunny today, really beautiful.
Happy birthday!
happy bday!
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! Good luck at the new job!
Huzzah! Happy Birthday! And have fun waiting- it really can be rather fast paced!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!
And you share a birthday with my late mother! An auspicious day. Hope it’s a happy one.
Oh that’s lovely!
happy, happy, happy birthday to you and Bob and Queen Victoria. Enjoy your day.
adding Happy Birthday wishes!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy!
Happy Birthday-almost bday twin! Best of luck with the new gig.
Happy birthday!
Have a lovely birthday evening! Great to read about your job.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes, u guys are the best!- I’m so tired I forgot to add my SOTD!- anyway, I’ve just re sprayed with vintage Diorella edt.
Mmm!
Happy birthday and good for you – hope it’s a nice pub and you enjoy it when you settle in.
Happy Birthday! The pub garden sounds like an excellent plan!????
Happy scented birthday!
Happy birthday! Are you going to live out your buxom barmaid fantasies? (Wait, maybe those are my fantasies? I don’t think I’d be a great buxom barmaid though).
Happy Birthday, mayfly!
Temperature dropped today and we’re having a lot of rain at the moment.
Aedes Pelargonium seemed like the right choice.
I hope someone asks you what scent you’re wearing, so you can have the chance to say “Pelargonium” out loud. What a great name!
Yes, it’s a simple but nice name
Thank you all for your birthday wishes yesterday. I did end up having a great day in my hometown even though it wasn’t the day in NY I’d anticipated. This morning I’m in the lovely remnants of Coromandel that I’d put on last night. I’m going to have to try the EDP as I’m running low on my EDT. I really hope is close to what it was.
You smell great. I have the EDT too but haven’t tried the EDP of this one yet either.
Happy belated birthday, Gi! Apologies for not tuning in yesterday.
Yay for your great birthday!
I love perfume remnants the next day.
Happy Birthday Gi!
Now that my daughter is thankfully on the mend from her stomach bug I can move on to other pressing matters…
Pre-reformulation Noir de Noir. A very kind NSTer gave me a recent sample and I quite like it. I would love to sniff a bit of 2011 or earlier NdN if anyone has some and would be happy to swap something in return. Once I compare the two then, and only then, I can see if I should just buy a current bottle or play the dreaded eBay game of asking sellers to divulge batch codes…which can be tedious but semi-exciting if you’re a batch code nerd such as myself.
Please let me know if you have any old Noir De Noir in your keep and I’d be happy to swap something.
Batch Codes and I…it’s like a sickness…or a strange title of an as yet unwritten children’s book…
I swear there is something going around…glad she is feeling better.
I shouldn’t LOL on the pressing matters part but couldn’t help it.
Concerning the Noir de Noir, now I feel like *I* need to smell pre-reformulation! You all are serious enablers around here.
Have you had good experiences asking sellers for batch codes? I’ve often asked for additional photos (or asked questions) so I can try and make it out myself, but I figure even people selling vintage perfume have no idea what a batch code is. (Most sellers, that is. Some will actually put it in the listing.)
Yes, it can be hard. Some don’t respond and others are baffled.
I try to give plain speak instructions on where the code is and have even attached a generic pic from the internet to help show them.
One seller who was into perfume herself was indignant when I mentioned where to find the batch code…ehaeheh that was fun.
Today I am in NEST Dahlia & Vines. I haven’t worn this in a while and I remembered it as being a pretty but nondescript pinky floral that wore quite close to my skin. Thus I thought it would be a good choice for skin scent week… boy do I seem to have misremembered! It’s still a pretty but nondescript pinky floral, but wowza the sillage is way bigger than I expected!
“Nondescript pinky floral”–whoa there, don’t sell it TOO hard!
Hahaha! I actually like it just fine, but it’s not unique or stand out imo.
(I was always a terrible saleswoman.)
To maybe redeem NEST frags, I’ll say my favorites are White Sandalwood, which has a really interesting briny, salty note that makes it kind of edgy and unusual, and Midnight Fleur which has a really bombshell pineapple note in the opening.
Also, NEST candles are A+.
So glad that you mentioned that pineapple note! We have a huge bottle of Midnight Fleur in the house for all to share and could never understand why “pineapple” is not listed anywhere as a note!!!
Same!! It’s such a standout note, really accurate and realistic, and kind of unusual too!
Fun story–I actually have two mini splash bottles of Midnight Fleur and I gave one to a friend of mine. She gave it back a few weeks later because any time she put it on, her dog started sneezing uncontrollably. Only time I’ve ever heard of someone who had to quit wearing a perfume because their dog was allergic…
ha! a pet with allergies !!
I really like White Sandalwood, and I find it telling that that when you see Nest fragrances being sold on QVC, you never see White Sandalwood!
The home fragrances are wonderful and long lasting!
SOTD = end of my last sample of Wisteria Hysteria, which I like so much but just can’t spend soooo much money on. Ordered a roller ball of the Dame Wisteria instead. We’ll see if thzt makes me happy.
Hope the Dame is awesome. I do really like the Narcissus.
I second the Narcissus
I think I ordered one of the $10.00 little sprays of that as well.
Safari for a chilly cloudy day. Unpacking Bookworm’s stuff from the car, doing laundry, getting the oil changed, grocery shopping… taking time off every ten minutes to reassure the dog that we’re still here…
You are a proud mom. And you smell perfect for a cloudy day!
Safari…..mmmm…..I have put off washing my bathrobe as it still lingers on the sleeve….you are smelling divine!!!
I do that with cardigans and such all the time- put off washing them because of the lingering scent!
My bras always smell divine
I had to try to figure out where to leave my comment to you and I think this is as good place as any…you were mentioning that you like almond notes? and also you buy from vitacost? well, I highly recommend this all natural deodorant for it smells DIVINE and works great…
https://www.vitacost.com/alvera-all-natural-roll-on-deodorant-aloe-and-almonds-3-oz-17?q=alvera+deodorant&ta=alvera+de
It is the only deo that Mr. CM8 wears and I borrow it from time to time too.
Hi All! HUMPDAY!
1) So who turned on the A/C? We had a rapid cooling off last night- but much needed, as all that heat all of a sudden made some people quite ill.
2) SOTD: Showered in Aromatics shower gel followed by the teeniest spritz of Aromatics in White after. This is how to wear Aromatics subtly- just use the shower gel!
3) Memorial Day weekend plans- second coat of paint, then putting back the blinds in the windows, and then putting up the hardware for drapes and putting them up. Then mowing the matchbox yard and trimming the enthusiastic rhodie I have!
Mother nature’s A/C is suddenly back on here, too. I had hot oatmeal for breakfast, and I’m wearing a wool cardigan over a t-shirt and shorts. Crazy but cozy.
I admire your weekend list! I need to gear up for some heavy duty tidying around the house both inside and out while the cool weather sticks around.
Not so crazy at all! I wear that to the beach ALL the time! Layering is EVERYTHING.
Here, too, but it’s supposed to be warm all weekend. *fingers crossed*
OMG!!! send some of your energy my way-LOL!!!
I get it in bursts! But I can get things DONE.
SOTD is Histoires de Parfums 1740 (Marquis de Sade). I really blasted it on. Whew. I stink! I love it! I don’t care for any associations with the name, but I love the scent. Patchouli, resin, incense, immortelle, tar, leather. Dark dark dark.
Oooh, I haven’t tried that one, but it sounds fantastic.
You smell great! I just tried Guerlain Derby recently and it reminded me of 1740, but more leathery.
Eau des Merveilles for me today. It took years for me to spring for a small bottle, even though I liked it at first sniff.
You smell great!
Yay for Eau des Merveilles! I liked it at first sniff too. I love the small bottle, it’s perfect. The big one is hard to hold and spritz with one hand.
Facing a super busy day. In the field the whole day. Wearing Hajar Al Haramain perfume oil. Roses, sandalwood ylang-ylang. Even though saffron is not listed as a note, I get plenty of it. I am really enjoying it, even though is not weather appropriate. I applied a lot of it, because I was craving for a big dose so I could easily smell it. With this and Bear’s triple-strength coffee, I will be dancing at the end of the day. More work? Bring it to me….
You smell great! Thanks for reminding me that I have that one ???? #toomuchperfume
Hi y’all! I’ve been too busy to check in lately, but by golly I’m making time today. Last night I had a beautiful, idyllic dream that involved early morning sunshine, utter quiet, and the smell of blooming honeysuckle on a Santa Ana morning breeze (do you all smell things in your dreams?), but my babe woke me up from it too soon, so I’m trying to evoke what I felt with AG La Chevrefeuille. If I close my eyes and inhale, I’m almost back there…
Lovely dream! Hope you have it and more sleep tonight.
Reading this was like getting caught up in a reverie: calming and soothing.
I don’t know that I smell while dreaming unless I’m getting whiffs of what I’m wearing. I’ll have to pay more attention. I certainly do have a lot of perfume dreams, though.
Just wonderful, honeysuckle is one of my favorite flower scents.
I’m trying a couple of layering ideas today. Mainly I’m wearing L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme. But I’d been thinking about layering something rosy with it, so on the back of one hand, I have Rossy de Palma (both have patch, so I thought they could play off of each other), and then on the other hand, I have HdP Vert Pivoine. Neither is a bad pairing, really, once they settle in, but I think Rossy works a little better.
LIDG is a bit anise, isn’t it? I loved Ambre Narguilé over the drydown of Yohji Homme and it might work well with LIDG too.
Hmmm, I should try that. I love LIDG.
Under the radar SOTD = Demeter Pure Soap + Sunshine + Vetiver
I can holly but I don’t have to reek havoc
Mmmm, something smells clean! H: Thank you. I used Pure Soap
Something lemony? H: That’s just what Sunshine smells like
Looks a lttle damp out and it smells kind of earthy! H: It smells like Vetiver
Only you know it’s 3 perfumes so way under the radar!
oh I just love your way of hollying today
Well played!
I’m wearing En Passant because the lilacs are out and I want to smell like they do.
Oh yes, so beautiful–the flowers and the perfume!
MFK Lumiere Noire pour Femme from a split. I got 10 ml which is great because this stuff smells best to me when it’s liberally applied
You smell great.
SOTD and Frederic Malle #3 is “The Night”. Notes are oud, amber and rose.
This perfume, henceforth to be known as “Hajusuuri’s Revenge”, starts with a full-on blast of manure-spreading. Then it morphs into sweaty feet. Ten minutes later it’s a recognisable rose-oud, but by then your reputation is destroyed and the guys in the hazmat suits are dragging you away.
Skin scent it isn’t.
I surrender. I have learned my lesson and will no longer defy the will of Hajusuuri. Tomorrow and Friday I’ll wear skin scents. Call off the goblins! :^D
I think Frederic Malle must have gotten fed up with customers asking for an oud fragrance and decided to put that to rest once and for all.
And, to add insult to injury, have you seen the price? :^O
Hajusuuri’s Revenge sounds like a sci-fi move that Mr. CM8 would enjoy…love that….
LOL. The Night was a powerhouse on me. Have you tried the POAL shower cream? It is wonderful and scents the body and the bathroom nicely.
Last of my OJ Frangipani which is lovely. I tried ordering the ‘couples’ set (2 8ml sprays of your choice) from the OJ website but I’m not having luck getting the website to work ???? I called them and tried to order over the phone but my bank caught the charge and declined it pending my verification for security reasons. I verified, then called them back to try it again and it’s still declining to which my bank said it’s their system, not my card that has a problem. The only other option is wire transfer which has a $35 fee, so no thanks. Frustrating! I guess it wasn’t meant to be…
Money saved!
Yes, there’s always that consolation!
Grr. I’ve had that sort of trouble with foreign online transactions several times before, so you’re not alone. ????
I think this is a first for me, though I think I’ve only ordered from oversees a few times. Good to know I’m not alone, though!
GAH. HOW annoying!! Maybe you’ll be able to put it through tomorrow? I’m not a big OJ fan (too much iso e super) but the Frangipani is nice. That’s great that they offer 8 ml – would that everyone did!
I actually tried first last week and then today. So I give up. I’m also sensitive to Iso E in certain fragrances-though I liked Molecule 01, so maybe more smells better to me? Out of all the sampkes I tried, I only liked (loved) Champaca and Frangipani. I don’t get any screechy woods from either.
That 2 8ml thing I think is a ltd offer-part of their June wedding theme they have going on.
Pixel is going to London. Maybe she’ll mule for you?
I’m wearing the only thing that didn’t make me gag this morning, La Danza delle Libellule. I’m on meds for a UTI and just got my tetanus booster so I’m working an extra long day and wishing I could be home on the couch under a pile of cats. Blerg! At least I smell cozy and comfortable.
Hang in there. Hope you feel better soon!
Oh bummer!
You smell great! Feel better!
Oh geez…feel better!
This wonderful Roger Moore anecdote is circulating on twitter:
https://twitter.com/MrKenShabby/status/867036448037511169
Here’s an easier to read version:
http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2017/05/23/goodbye-roger-moore-youve-been-great/
That’s absolutely adorable!
I have been meaning to tell you that a splurged on some soaps you recommended for my sensitive skin. I just finished a bar of SMN verbena and now going to try the C.Porto soap.
two thumbs up
Thanks for letting me know, Lovetosmellgood – so glad to hear that SMN worked out for you!
Fantastic.
Happy Hump Day, y’all.
I had a sample vial, so today I’m testing La Vie Est Belle on one arm. Definitely *not* a skin scent. Thankfully, I’m getting enough of the patchouli and other powdery notes that it tones down the sweet bits.
Speaking of Lancôme, I just remembered that I had the best dream last night: that Cuir de Lancôme was going to be produced again. If only…
Hope it’s prophetic!
Right?!
I got mine from a discount site (don’t remember which one – Fragrancenet?)…but that was several years ago.
Me too (and it was a steal). It was a wonderful feeling in the dream to ‘know’ it was going to be going back into production so it would be widely available again. Oh well.
Reeking havoc as I see the bottom of the sample box. This morning it’s Smell Bent Incensed, Byredo Flowerhead, DSH Wild Fig, and Juliette has a gun Lady Vengeance. Not enough incense, all sweet berries on me, too sweet fig, and not my kind of rose. I have washed them all off, put on my tiara and some Stash, and I’m singing along with Bob Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay.” Life is good.
I wondered about wearing my tiara, but I wasn’t sure it would go with distressed jeans….
A tiara goes with EVERYTHING. If I had seen this post before I headed out to work this morning, I would have worn a tiara to my brand-new workplace (the better to stand out, you know).
Holly on! ????
I propose we have a Hollying/Reeking Havoc community project one of these days (wear as many samples as you can tolerate!)
Fabulous idea! I’m all in for a day of reeking havoc.
Robin approved , of course
Ha!
Hooray for tiaras and Bob Dylan!
Very good morning, NST. I’m bounding around still in opposition to the week’s proxy, wearing, of my goodness, it’s gorgeous, Black Cashmere. How much do I love this? Barrels full….vats full…enough to swim in. Am I under the radar? I might have been, had I not thought, “What about another spritz here–and perhaps here–and there too, for good measure?” When Koenigsberg’s Hazmat men have tidied him away, they’ll start on me, for sure. But still: totally worth it.
Today’s a good day: a bit of work, then in the early afternoon, meeting Kanuka for coffee and a perfume ramble (probably a very short ramble, but nevertheless, a ramble). Well, I should go and brave the fog. If I get lost in the gloom, I’ll be easily located by my sillage. In fact, the dear man has just said that he thinks he should walk ahead of me carrying a sign that says, “Caution! Black Cashmere follows.” Huh! See if I buy him any Sycomore when I go to Chanel today.
Be well, all.
Ah, bother! I know I typed “project”. I have no idea how I ended up with “proxy”.
“Black Cashmere: Your Olfactory Foghorn” New DK slogan? Eh, probably not.
Wishing you and Kanuka a great afternoon!
A very good day. Looking forward to seeing you.
It comes to something when hiring someone to walk in front of us with a red flag seems a suitable precaution for our SOTD. :^D
So…did you buy him that Sycomore?? I am sure he would have held his tongue if he had known what was at stake.
I’m wearing 1969 (purchased on a whim because a local store was carrying the cute 15ml but it’s rapidly become one of my favorites!). I smell cuddly and delicious.
I bought a sample of that one time because I got it mixed up with 1996! I like them both, it turns out, but I’ve got a FB of 1996.
Hah! I recently got a sample of 1996, which I quite like. So at least they’re easily confused but appealing to the same sort of taste?
SOTD is Equistrius, which if not exactly a skin scent, still stays pretty darn close to the body. Iris, violets, chocolate, rice, and sandalwood always put me in a good mood!
You smell beauteous!
Thank you, Petunia!
I’m so late today. I wore Fleuriste by DSH from a travel size that I bought for spring. Someone mentioned carnation yesterday, so I had to wear it. When I arrived home from work, I had a sample pack from Lucky Scent so I am reeking havoc a la Holly. ????
A quick note for NancyLeandros, to let you know that your package was received today. Its contents are OK.
SOTD = Opium EdT again. I have been cycling thru 3 comfort scents while my cold hangs on. The Opium, Tauer Incense Extreme, and Tauer LADDM. Getting better, but far too slowly. Blah.
Oh, good, I’m glad it reached you safely. I hope you feel better soon!
And in case hajusuuri is reading, thank you most kindly again. ????
The DSH Aphrodisia essence oil lasted way over 24 hours. This is great! Today I finished my sample of Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille.