Hump Day, and RIP Stephen Hawking. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Prada Amber Pour Homme.
Reminder: 3/16 will be Amber Friday...wear a fragrance with an amber note.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2018, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image via Stephen Hawking at Facebook.
Today I picked up a ridiculously cheap bottle of Lolita Lempicka Elle L’aime. I smell like a tropical cocktail ????????????
Oh, nice find — and you do!
Sweet! Great find!
That’s been on my summer to-try list forever
RIP Stephen Hawking
Twins, Robin. Actually I am also wearing your yesterday scent: Prada L’Eau Ambrée on my left wrist and Prada Amber Pour Homme on my right wrist.
Ha, you beat me!
Going to be trying And The World Is Yours today and will weigh in later…
Yay – looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Oh me too. Me too.
I got mine and really love it, but the sillage would surely knock the Perfume Grinch to the ground in my cramped office! HA HA HA
It’s gorgeous though….Can’t wait to hear She-ra’s thoughts!
It is a great, big beauty. Lots of sillage and oomph.
I’m not the best with notes but it is a big floral with powder and some vanilla to my nose.
My bottle was all sticky like the label adhesive got on the label itself. I thought it was (gasp) leakage at first but just stickiness from the label glue gone awry.
But yes, a perfume monster in terms of sillage. ???? I also don’t smell cumin which someone on Fragrantica referenced.
Thank god for that – I dislike cumin.
Spending my Wednesday in the beautiful, translucent Voile d’Ambre by Yves Rocher.
Nice — wish they’d bring that series back!
It’s also international Pi Day.
SOTD reve d’ambre TF
Yes it is — love the google doodle today!
Me too!
Wearing Slumberhouse Vikt today. This afternoon I am going to get trained as a reader for the blind! I’m so excited.
What a wonderful thing to do! I read to blind students when I was an undergraduate at Michigan State, which had a large blind population because Michigan School for the Blind was nearby in Lansing. I just had the job as part of a handicapped services office. I had a blind roommate and she definitely had her favorite readers in the books she would get (for her pleasure reading). My job was reading school textbooks that were not commercially available at the time.
How cool! Of course my goal is to become a favorite reader
I don’t know what they’ll have me read yet but textbooks is a definite possibility.
I also did that when I was at UCLA. Textbooks. I read (on tape) for a law student, lots of books on apartheid. Too bad my retention was nil.
I know, I read to a graduate student in business–in my eye and out of my mouth and my brain too! But I also read the text for a course on German history for an undergrad and I do remember a bit about Bismarck! Incidentally, that student went on to law school and became an attorney.
That is AWESOME!!!
How interesting!
As a person who has worked with the developmentally disabled for the past 24 years I applaud you for this.
This is good work, Regina.
My mom had macular degeneration and lost the last of her sight before she died. She ached to read anything. And when you are in your 90s and pretty much deaf, books on tape don’t work.
You will make a big difference for someone.
My mom does too! I live far away and I’m so grateful for the volunteer services in her area, so this is my way of paying it forward.
Indeed you are paying it forward. Take good care of your own eyes as MD is genetic.
Oh believe me, I had a long talk with my eye doctor. I’m the one wearing sunglasses when it’s overcast!
SOTD is Iris Prima, which continues to edge its way up my list of favorites.
I like that one a lot, but unfortunately when I tried it out it didn’t last long on me. I only sampled it in the store, maybe I’ll give it another spin.
It does take a few more sprays than other fragrances to up the staying power, but it’s subtle enough that the extra sprays don’t render it overpowering at all. For what that’s worth.
SOTD= Creed’s Royal English Leather
Which does have amber
Byredo Gypsy Water.
Great choice SpringPansy!! ????????
You smell wonderful!
I pulled out Memorie D’Homme from Nina Ricci. Warm, wonderful and something slightly medicinal and hard to figure out.
Half way there.
And wow, Nina Ricci has not done a men’s fragrance in so long that I forgot they ever did!
RIP Dr. Hawking. He died on Pi day….seems apropos for a brillant mind!
Played a little rollerball roulette this morning, so I’m wearing Ivanka Trump. Nothing particularly special, but a very nice, inoffensive office scent….
Ha! Rollerball roulette☺
I like that too..you should coin that !
I’ve been curious about that one…got a lot of good reviews.
Ormande Woman today. I am going o have to look up some amber scents.
Oh my, you smell awesome!
You smell fantastic!
Amber scents have been perfect for the cold weather we’re still having in Virginia- today I’m wearing the beautiful SSS Ambre Noir.
That one is a beauty. Very rich and dark. I have a bit left-maybe a contender for Friday…
I second that…but then again all SSS are gorgeous,imo
I’m in Bois des Iles. I’m new to this scent, so I’ve only ever known the EDP version. Has anyone smelled both? I love mine, but I’m just curious if they’re different.
I love that one too, it may be my next full bottle purchase. I am afraid to smell the higher concentration as I will probably love it and it is not in the budget!
You smell wonderful. I have a decant of the EDT but have not yet tried the EDP. The EDT is lovely and on the quieter side, on my skin at least. If I put in on in the morning, it’s mostly gone by dinner time.
The EDP is definitely persistent, and I have to spray judiciously to avoid overwhelming people in the first 1-2 hours. After that it wafts fairly close to the body, but still noticeable. So, maybe this gives more bang for your buck than the EDT.
I have to wear lashings of both versions to get much projection. If you love the edp, be happy with that. I’ve been chasing down a reasonably priced bottle of the edt for over a year to no avail…
AH..you smell wonderful!
I have both, unashamedly. I wear them both with love. The edp I need to use less of.
Twins in Bois des Iles EdP! We smell amazing
I’m wearing Smell Bent’s Horny Little Devil, which is supposed to be amber and cinnamon. No amber yet, but anyone who loves cinnamon would love this.
The name makes me laugh!
Smell Bent have a lot of fun names for some of their scents.
Smelling exquisite in Hermes 24 Faubourg and indulging myself in my favorite girls scout cookies Tagalongs with a big cup of iced coffee. Life could not be better at this very moment
You smell great! In fact I’m jealous of your everything.
Thank you!
It does sound excellent ???? Girl Scout cookies make everything better.
I am trying my best not to finish the whole box today! ????
It’s so hard! Slightly easier in the boxes that come with two separate sleeves of cookies, ha
Good luck with that???? I’m incapable in that regard. I love them all but Thin Mints are especially dangerous to me.
I did not get Thin Mints this year and I refuse
to ask my co-worker selling them if he has some left 
Oh I could EASILY eat an entire box in one sitting
I am almost there, like you! ????
House twins! Samoas are my favorite, and they would be divine with coffee (iced or hot).
Samoas are my second favorites. I also got a box of it, so I am planning on eating some with my after lunch hot coffee. I feel relief that I am going to be walking and moving a lot the next couple of weeks
Samoas are my favorites too, and recently, due to 1. my husband’s trying to make them last by putting them in the freezer and 2. my inability to wait for them to defrost, I have discovered that they are pretty darn good frozen!
I LOVE them frozen
You are not helping! ????????
Yay! I’m so happy for your happy day!????
Thank you Lillyjo! The sweetest, the happiest!
Jealous of your cookies..Pass me some?
Sending you some! ????☕????☕ ????
I almost caved in the other day outside the grocery store. I love thin mints right out of her freezer, crumbled on top of chocolate ice cream! ????
Gosh! That sounds good! You are tempting me to go get the thin mints. I have chocolate ice cream at home… ????
You have more patience than I do Deva…no time to waste crumbling, just straight to mouth from freezer!
Oh you smell gorgeous. Someone joked with me that the calorie/caloric count was per sleeve. I bought boxes and sent them all with my son to share with his roommate and friends.
Thank you! I hope to burn those calories this week. Those cookies are soooooo good! ????
Cookies with coffee is always a good idea!
Oh yes! They are!????
Samoas are my favorite and the husband is partial to Thin Mints. I actually downloaded the app that tells you where to find cookies. Outside what store, etc. and when. We were able to go to the Girl Scouts HQ here in NYC last weekend for ours.
What I really coveted was the thin mint Christmas tree ornament.
Oh! I did not know there was an application to find the cookies. I will look for it. Glad you were able to get some of them!
Clearly in the minority as I do not like Girl Scout cookies of any variety. But I’m glad they made your day, pl67!
Thank you! Like perfume we all like and dislike different things. That is the beauty of life. Let’s enjoy what we really love! Cookies or no cookies! ????
You are (or did) smell fantastic today! I’m doing my level best to ignore all the Girl Scout cookie talk, though… too easy to wolf those Thin Mints down!
Thank you! I asked my coworker if he still had some Thin Mints, but he ran out of them. Lucky me ????
RIP Stephen Hawking. Amazing he lived as long as he did with ALS, though.
SOTD Aroma M Geisha Noire. Dark, ambery powder. Very warming on this cold but sunny day. And a bit sexy ????
Gonna be in that one tomorrow. You smell amazing- and yes, sexy!
Thanks! Sooo good!
Gonna really have to look into this now. I could use a little sexy on my perfume shelf.
I think it’s one of the very few in my collection that Ithink of as sexy.
Argh…didn’t bring that decant with me on my trip. Oh well. You smell great.
Did you go west? I don’t think I could wear this in temps higher than 50.
Yes, it has a bit of vintage vixen going on.
Spending the morning in no 5 in edp form. Will switch over to either Epic or vintage Bal a little later today. It’s amazing that Dr Hawking lived as long as he did with ALS. I think that is a way it is appropriate that he died on Pi Day and a little ironic.
According to a very informative article in today’s NYT, Dr Hawking liked to point out that he was born (on January 8th, 1942) 300 years to the day after the death of Galileo.
Such an interesting note, I had no idea about his birth on the anniversary of Galileo’s death.
Elvis Presley’s birthday is 1/8
I’m wearing some of my very old old bottle of Etro Ambra lotion. I used to have the perfume too but I have no idea where that bottle is. The lotion is rather discolored but it still smells pretty nice.
In Caleche today and loving it. I am really starting to come back to this scent–I’d been cooling towards it for a year or so.
You smell fantastic! I wish they’d reissue the Eau Delicate.
I found myself looking for the Fleurs de Méditerranée flanker the other day. I’ve never smelled it, and it doesn’t look like I will any time soon. Just as well, I suppose
I never smelled that one either!
I am wearing Providence Perfume Co. Violet Beauregarde.
I will be shopping for a new washing machine today. I currently own a front load machine, and I am not sure whether to replace it with a top load or go back with the front loading machine.
I love my Samsung top load HE — works perfectly, plus it’s huge so it cut way down on the number of loads I had to do.
Samsung was recommended by the sales lady at a local appliance store. It seems like a well-made machine.
I am currently using a new Samsung machine. It is monstrously huge. So much so that I rather dislike having to bend over so much to get to the bottom of the barrel (I think that’s what it’s called.) I’m tall, though, so maybe that’s not so much of an issue for shorter folks?
One thing I don’t love about this particular model is that there are a million pre-set options, but not many that are that useful to me, and you can’t customize as much as one might expect. And the delicates settings (I’ve tried them all) still rough up my sweaters too much, so I have to hand wash some of them. (This is frustrating as I could customize my crappy bargain basement apartment washer and all my sweaters in it.) I find the pre-set settings with the dryer limited as well (and the delicates setting is still quite hot.)
But if you want to do a month’s worth of laundry in one load, it’s definitely the machine for you. (Because of the way I do laundry, it’s not a big draw for me.)
That’s funny — I am too short and always figure it is easier for taller folks!
But I do use the delicate setting all the time. Very delicate sweaters I put in sweater bags first, that helps. But it’s definitely not as “gentle” as other washers I’ve owned.
According to Consumer Reports, “Front-Load Washing Machine. … The best front-loaders clean better and are gentler than the best HE top-loading washing machines while using less water. Front-loaders take longer than HE top-loaders, but spin faster, extracting more water and trimming dryer time.” Nov 20, 2017 https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/washing-machines/buying-guide/index.htm
I second this and agree with CR
The third store I visited today recommends a front loader. I am very confused. It doesn’t take much to confused me these days
I am a creature of habit, and I have a front loader now, so I will probably go back to another front loader.
I agree.
Oh? That’s good to know.
I guess they rely more on gravity, thus more gentle? Whereas top-loaders rely entirely on spinning?
When our house was remodeled 14 years ago, we purchased the latest and greatest washer and dryer, but their mother boards that kept giving us error messages, the tech was always out at the house fixing something (to everyone’s endless annoyance).
Currently, I have a Speed Queen, with old fashioned knobs and an agitator in the center – it works like a dream, no repairman has been at the house and while it’s not energy efficient, it’s tough as nails and my clothes are sparkling clean.
I am not familiar with Speed Queen. I will google it.
This sounds much like my approach to vacuum cleaners – the older, the better.
I have one of each and much prefer the front loader. The top loader doesn’t clean the clothes very well, I end up using the Allergy cycle (which is the longest, hottest and uses the most water) in an attempt to actually get them clean.
I currently have a front loader LG, and I love it. However it is also about 8 years old now, so not the latest model. But it’s been very reliable for me.
Twins on the machine and age of machines although I think mine is even older.
Wearing Cartier l’envol.
RIP Stephen Hawkings.
Je veux imaginer qu’il s’est envolé vers les étoiles..
What a lovely thing to say. Now he’s free of his ALS body, I’m sure he is flying to the stars!
I liked Neil deGrasse Tyson on Twitter too:
His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it’s not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018.
Those are both beautiful comments. Wow.
« We have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night. » RIP Stephen Hawking.
SOTD is Sutra Ylang by Bois 1920. I have a decant but can”t figure out if I like it. Some days I do. Today, not so much
RIP Stephen Hawking.
Feeling pretty cozy in Casmir today.
That is a nice cozy perfume. You smell great!
Thanks!
And smelling pretty good too!
Thank you!
Very cozy and luxe SOTD today for you!
Santal 33 today for it’s clinging ability – long day ahead.
RIP Stephen Hawking
Yesterday evening I tried another Amouage-duo, with mr. Jiji.
Here again are our totally unprofessional impressions/reviews of both Myths.
MYTHS MAN
Leather! And….. hmmm lavender? No….but something fresh and green (like stems, vase water).. no I did not recognize the flowery note. (Turned out to be chrysanthemum).
Mr Jiji said it smelled like burned rubber. “It reminds me of that Bvlgari one”. He always has a hard time remembering names but of course he meant Black. Wow, he made that connection so fast, he wore that scent once, almost 2 years ago!
I also picked up a boozy note, rum. And rose.
After an hour an almost edible sweetness started to emerge. Almond and tonka (almost vanilla-like) With a hint of citrus. And Mr Jiji said he smelled raisins. I looked up the notes and I think all those impressions have to do with the elemi.
After a while I detected more and more vetiver.
Longevity is enormous. After 15 h i could still smell traces of vetiver and of (what I think is) labdanum.
Mr Jiji recognised depth and quality, but in the he labeled it ‘generic and boring’ haha. ????I love his blunt remarks. He is quite the snob already, right? ????
For me its not a big love, but I like it a lot and I think I can and will empty that sample.
MYTHS WOMAN
Narcisus! Yay, spring. (Narcissuses start to emerge in front of my house right now).
It was also quite doughy and buttery, i immediately thought ‘orris’ But I dont see it mentioned in the notes. I wonder whats in it that gave that impression.
We both smelled leather. Though I thought it was more of a suede. I also picked out the moss and rose (those are notes mr Jiji hardly knows, so he describes it as “green and flowery”….good enough for me).
The development fell a bit flat after 3 hours on both of us.
Mr Jiji stated: So far the MEN are better than the WOMEN. I think I have to agree with him.
Though it was not a love for me, I was kinda suprised to see so many negative reviews when I read more about it this morning. I smelled worse!
Right now I am testing another Amouage this one was not part of the set, but I ordered a sample separately.
UBAR
That is not a perfume, but a PERFUME. ???? I admire its boldness but I dont think it is right for me, I cant pull this off.
Tonight I want to join this week’s project wiht Ambra Aurea or Ambre russe!
I’m really enjoying your updates on your Amouage journey. I tend to prefer the older Amouages myself. Gold Woman is my firm favourite.
I don’t know that I like the men’s versions better though, I think I tend to forget about them to be honest. Will your sampling include any of the Opus? Opus III is a lovely floral with a strong mimosa note.
Although I love Ubar, I agree with you. Luca Turin calls it a godzilla floral, and he is right. It’s one big fragrance.
Glad you are enjoying it!
We have so much fun trying them. And I think that is because we are smelling them all without any foreknowledge (is that a word? Haha).
Usually I order or try a sample after Ive read a review. Now I sample them without that knowledge. We do not know what to expect. Not even what notes. ????
I agree with you about the Amouage men’s, they are not fragrances that haunt me or stay on top of mind, but so far they were smoother and less jarring than the woman counterparts.
But hey, 4 down, still 8 to go. Anything can happen!
Thanks for recommending Opus iii. Hmm…there is a Library sample set…if I still want more Amouage after these 2 x 12 samples, maybe I’ll order it.
Mimosa sounds great!
(I have only tried Opus viii so far, very pretty and wearable)
I love Myths and Ubar, but have to be in the right mood for them. I vastly prefer all the women’s versions. That said, many of them have been reformulated and my bottles are older.
Yeah, think I hopped on the Amouage train too late, almost every fragrance seems to have been reformulated.
Oh and you can replace the word Amouage with the word perfume and there still is a sentence that makes sense. ????
But I dont mind. It still is a fun project. And nose gymnastics haha.
I totally agree with your assessment of Ubar as PERFUME! Strangely enough, though, it also strongly reminds me of one of my aunts.
It’s going to be 70 here today, so my amber scents just aren’t working for me in this weather. I went for Hiram Green Moon Bloom today: tropical, green tuberose with some ylang, coconut, and jasmine. Bring on the sunshine!
JEALOUS. Plus, you smell great.
I have a feeling I might really like Moon Bloom after being in India. Those sound like India smells.
I’ve never smelled MB, but with those notes you can’t help but smell like a goddess.
You smell fantastic!
Moon bloom is one of my favourites
Next week I will be back in the US, in Boston. My beloved Somerville got around 20 inches of snow yesterday! Right now super light cotton clothing is too heavy for the weather here in India. It is hot! Except for some essential oils and a micro dose of Coromandel a couple times, I barely wore any scent while I was here. I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with my bottles when I get back, seeing what I still like and figuring out a way to offload the rest. I was intending to do that over a year ago and then the divorce happened and I haven’t had a permanent home since, so pulling stuff out of storage and shipping it out just seemed like one more item on a long list of things to handle. I did manage to give a few bottles to friends who live locally and one visitor from LA, much easier than shipping it.
SOTE: I washed my hands with rose scented soap after eating a masala dosa with them, so I smell like a combination of the two.
Welcome back! Winter perfumes are already waiting to get the love the have been missing from you!
Hahaha thanks! I have a lot of those, I’m a big fan of woods, ambers, orientals, chypres. I think there’s a needy little bottle of Salome waiting for me, and Koyel sent some Galop from the splitmeet, so looking forward! Oh yes and I will be stuck in the perfume area in Heathrow for several hours, boo hoo. Life is hard.
My friend in Somerville just emailed and they got 24 inches of snow dumped on them between yesterday and today. It’s going to be an interesting transition.
Yes, winter has been overwhelming this year here in the East coast. But let’s hope for no more big storms. Have fun at Heathrow! Hope you find a good perfume there to give you company on your way back home!
You guys are troopers – I heard three Nor’easters just in March! My friend who got 24 inches sent me some pics of snow blobs on top of twigs that she drew faces on with her ipad. I think she’s going a little batty with all the snowfall.
Good luck handling the snow after the heat
It’s too bad you’re getting back AFTER the swapmeet! That’s a perfect time to offload the bottles you no longer care for. A perfume-interested friend visited me a few weeks ago and I used that opportunity to give her a number of my bottles that were underloved. It really is much easier to give them in person than via mail.
I’d like to find a good masala dosa. The ones near me are…fine, but not…ideal.
OMG I had the best dosa tonight. I know what you mean, it’s really hard to find an authentic tasting dosa somehow especially if you know what the real thing tastes like. the one I had tonight was the usual: potato and onion filling with coconut chutney, spicy dal and the most beautiful sambar. I had a sweet lassi with it that was flavored with cardamom that tasted almost like roses. Total comfort food.
You’re making me jealous!!!
I have to say I’m really looking forward to having some nice big salads and raw veggies when I get back.
Welcome back! I am returning to the cold as well soon, happy to get a rewind of winter/spring perfumes.
Welcome back, Sajini. Heathrow…I had never been brave enough to take advantage of the shuttles just to shop at a different terminal.
Sotd is Oriental Lounge, which is reminding me of Obsession for men.
I think my body clock has caught up to the time change. I’m missing the sun in the morning but loving the longer evenings.
Happy Hump day!
Longer evenings are the best. I like when it is darker in the morning. Let’s wait now for the flowers to start showing up!
I got a sample of Oriental Lounge from the fabulous Portia of Australian Perfume Junkies and finished it quite fast..very nice and very sweet on my skin.
I had a sample of that and really liked it, but it wore so quietly on my skin that it didn’t seem worth getting more. I’d like to smell it again – I don’t recall an Obsession for Men connection, though that’s one I went through a bottle of in high school.
Amber Fetiche by Annick Goutal
I told my chubby Buddha and crazy Monkey this morning (whom a both toddlers) that they had to get Twitter accounts so I can fire them when they throw tantrums.
A friend came back from Asia with a fun liquid eyeliner and some sunblock for me! I love these type of goodies…
I have some truly excellent sunblock from Japan. Hydrating, no white cast, works under makeup. Big fan.
Tell me Tell me!!!! Please
Oh duh! I didn’t mean to be a tease!!!
It’s called Dr. Ci: Labo UV & WHITE Moisture Gel SPF 50 PA++++
I’m seeing it on Amazon and ebay. I have a couple other variations from this company too that I haven’t opened up yet that I got all at the same time, not sure how they’re different. This one does make me look a little shiny by the end of the day if I don’t put anything on top of it (I have borderline oily skin) but when I wear a more matte foundation then the combo is superb.
What are you using for sunblock
Ohboy SUNBLOCK! This is a major fetish of mine. I just replied to LTSG above on one specific one. I could go on for days. My standbys are CoTZ (all mineral) for when I don’t wear makeup – they have a tinted version that I can even use almost like a BB cream, it has some very light coverage which is a good match to my skintone. I also like Soap & Glory for under makeup but AFAIK it’s not distributed in the US (from UK only) and it’s also a chemical not mineral. In the past I’ve liked Coola and have heard good things of Drunken Elephant though never tried (and I think the line is overpriced).
I’m always on the hunt for a sunscreen that works for me (almost all of them irritate my eyes when they get into my eyes – and they almost always do…) – my stay put almost perfect sunscreen is Missha All around safe block soft finish sun milk, which is a Korean brand. It’s super thin and mattifying and will not budge once on. But it makes me a little pale, and if you have dry skin, you need to moisturize well under it. I have tried many others (used to really like the Biore aqua rich watery essence because it’s thin and non shiny as well), but the Missha one is the only one that doesn’t end up in my eyes. I must look into Dr. Ci…
I wanted to reply to Eschmeling, but it won’t let me…I’m using Mommy UV Aqua Milk and it is truly HG…waterproof, non-greasy, moisturizing, no smell, no alcohol, no white cast. I need other people to buy it so they don’t stop making it
Drunken Elephant is great, but I react to something in their sunblock
I get sun poisoning so I always use a sunscreen with zinc or titanium. I’ve been using Olay Complete UV moisturizer for literally decades. The ‘sensitive skin’ version is zinc/titanium; the regular version is the oxy-whatever that I can’t use. Anyway — it’s inexpensive and works fine.
@Eschmeling yes I’ve heard good things about Missha and they’re on the to-try list!
@chibibrooklyn I’ve never heard of that Mommy one – going to look for it, too! Waterproof! Big bonus.
@pixel yes the sun poisoning thing is awful! I used to swear by Neutrogena sunscreens and for a higher-end product, there’s an excellent Clarins — but I’ve since vowed to go cruelty free so sadly had to nix them all from my rotation. I don’t think Olay is CF either, though it’s hard to pass up the combo of cheap + easy to find + effective.
Anyone looking for other suggestions, the MDSolarSciences 50 SPF Mineral Cream has a very similar texture to Hourglass Primer (with a much higher SPF) — they both have a lot of silicones which is a big turnoff for some, but I really liked this one. I didn’t care for the 30 SPF as much, the 50 SPF was the one I liked best. If you have oily skin it might be one to try. The other brand I like is Elta though I haven’t yet tested extensively, and I’ve heard good things about the Paula’s Choice that Undina recommended too. My understanding is that mineral sunscreen is better for your skin but chemical sunscreens tend to have a better application and ‘feel’ (provided you don’t react to them!).
Clarissa, I’m extremely sensitive to different sun blocking agents. I’m still in the process of figuring out which one causes the most issues (since most of those that I used to use have more than one active ingredient) but the one that currently works for me without causing any issues is RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 https://www.paulaschoice.com/resist-youth-extending-daily-hydrating-fluid-spf-50/780.html?cgid=category-sun-protection#start=5
La Mer SPF 50 which doubles up as a primer (I do for my purposes) and then I laugh out loud because I use a cheapie foundation – L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation ( no SPF)
I have one, too (Hydrating, no white cast, works under makeup): Sunkiller Perfect Strong Moisture
https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Isehan-Sunscreen-Perfect-Moisture/dp/B01DEV441C/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521067743&sr=8-1&keywords=sunkiller+perfect+strong+moisture
“Sunkiller”! I wonder if that’s an oddity of translation?
That one is going on my list! Looks more affordable than the one I ended up with.
The product my friend picked up for me is called NOV UV lotion Ex and its doesn’t have alcohol and good for sensitive skin (no white cast). She also got it for peanuts in Asia but I see on amazon and such its more than double the price.
So many options! I’ve tried sunkiller as well, plus cosrx, but they all end up in my eyes even though they have great texture. (this may be just me – I have dry eyes and rub them without noticing). On another note: whoever mentioned the beauty blender – I just got one and it’s great!
I don’t think it’s you. I’ve had that problem when living in hot/humid climates when anything on my face melts/migrates, or working out. Neutrogena has a version called Wetskin that I have used post-workout (I sweat **a lot** when I exercise and my skin stays wet forever) – maybe something like that would be worth exploring?
It’s really tough to find a good sunscreen that checks all the boxes!!
Ambre Fetishe is on my “short list” for wearing in the remaining days of the project/week.
You smell great!
It’s on mine, too. It’s also on my “use it or lose it” list. I’ve got just a tiny bit that I’m afraid won’t make it to next winter.
RIP, Stephen Hawking. He’s one of my extremely few celebrity sightings (a disproportionately scientific crowd; another was Bill Nye, the science guy. I saw him at a distance in 2009 at Caltech in the Athenaeum during a grad school visit. He looked…identifiable. I hope his legacy of bringing science to nonscientific people grows and flourishes.
I’m in PoaL, in my continued effort to use up mostly empty samples. The lipstick case I use to hold active samples is looking gorgeously sparse. (Right in time for the swapmeet!) I smell so! good! Every time I think, “I have a zillion roses. I don’t need another one,” PoaL smacks me in the face and says, “Put me on your purchase queue!”
Congrats on emptying samples!! PoaL is different enough that I can see how it might be FBW even among a rose-heavy collection.
That sounds like an organized sample approach; mine are shoved in a purse I don’t use anymore. From what I gather I have a lot less than some people here though!
re: yesterday’s comment: glad to know you’re interested in the Bois d’Iris. And us nasty women have to stick together!
To Seattleites of a certain age, Bill Nye will always be ….. Speed Walker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jghY0MAnsPM
Whaaaaaaaaaaaat!!! I did not know anything about this part of Bill Nye’s career!!!!! Thank you for sharing this! I am just so tickled.
Back in the day, Bill was a Boeing engineer/comedian.
I do recall hearing about his career as a Boeing engineer!
Wait – was that from Almost Live? I *almost* started to rejoice that I am not a Seattleite of a certain age, but… I think I am. gulp.
Yes! ????
I love PoaL though can’t wear it too often (it is not office friendly for sure). You smell wonderful! But before committing to a FB make sure that you tried and liked the most recent reincarnation of the perfume: I heard it has been changed in the last several years (but I didn’t have a chance or a reason to try it myself).
Ooooh I had no idea it was reformulated. Thanks for the tip.
The PoaL shower cream is ooh lah lah!
Funny – today while driving I had a flashback of my most exciting celebrity sighting: Dr. Dre. Neither disproportionately scientific, nor, of course, a doctor.
That’s pretty awesome! What was the occasion?
????
Haha really had to laugh out loud because of that dr dre comment.
this is from fragrantica – interview with Christine Nagel regarding new line, and this question is regarding Cardamusc – I don’t think it answers question about longevity tho
SERGEY: The perfume oil or perfume essence – it seems like this is new form of scented liquid for Hermès. Could you elaborate and tell us what the neutral base for the perfume juice in it is? Is it neutral vegetal or mineral oil, or another synthetic base? What’s the concentration of the juice in the perfume essence, is it higher or lower than perfume? And could you tell about the musk part of these essences – are these specially designed musk cocktails? Did you use some special or secret captive materials here?
CHRISTINE: There are so many questions in each of your question… I think you will understand that my formulas are secret. But I will share one with you. I use pure natural materials and also some pure materials made by synthesis (including captive ones), which means that the concentration of these perfume oils is extreme…
part of me is tempted to buy both Cardamusc and Myrrhe Eglantine and layer them, as Christine Nagel does.
I tried them both yesterday and I felt in love with Myrrhe Eglantine, I couldn’t smell Cardamusc properly, smelled it from the bottle since they didn’t have a tester of that one.
I wanted to buy the 15ml but they only had the big bottle.
Oh, interesting – keep us posted Cardamusc, i’m very curious!
Sigh! I wish she were more open about them. I want to try them!!!
Me too! A lot!!! Maybe in Paris?!
Whatever she said doesn’t sound like an answer at all. The question the interviewer asked was knowledgeable and precise, and it didn’t ask for revealing any “formulas.” The style of the answer was exactly what one can expect from some politician who doesn’t want to openly lie but doesn’t want to admit to the truth either. I read it as: “They are made with the synthetic oil, and the concentration is lower than for perfume.”
+1 for the politician comment!
I feel the same, I am not satisfied with her answer either and when I smelled it from the bottle, I hardly smelled anything , didn’t try it on my skin though and the price is very high for a 20ml.
A “yes”‘would suffice since that was a long non-answer.
Maybe we need Lucas to sort through that messy answer.
She surely didn’t feel like answering that question
SOTD is my vintage Jovan Mistletoe. It seemed appropriate to wear when there is snow on the ground. It brings me back to my college years, where Bob Geldoff and Band Aid made me think we could all change the world.
Bob Geldolf! Good looking and just a little bit off… just my type.
Such a busy day yesterday I did not get to check in! I wore JM’s Dark Amber and Ginger Lily yesterday and today am in JM Amber and Patchouli. I enjoy both but prefer the Amber and Patchouli- I could bathe in this stuff! Unfortunately it’s already starting to fade but it’s great while it lasts! I could totally do amber for weeks…
I think A and P might be discontinued so hold on to that bottle
I, too, could go for weeks with Amber!
SOTD: Neroli Outrenoir.. my favorite tea scent.
Speaking of tea, time to order some more of the toasted almond tea that I love. Such a unique scent and flavor, naturally sweet too.
what brand of tea has that flavor?
I purchase mine at Birch Coffee which is also available online, but I also see it via the Silver Tips brand. So good!
Very beautiful !
Nice!
Sad news about Hawking. Though, who knows? He may be greatly relieved.
SOTD is Chypre Mousse. According to some, I smell like a crypt. I think I smell like this line from a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem:
“And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;…”
I could be wrong, but I think I smell fabulous✌????
But like a crypt in a GOOD way!
That can be very hard to explain to any non-perfumistas. (Ask me how I know…) I really love that perfume, and think you smell great.
Easy to explain to someone with a goth soul???? I think CM and crypts are great!
It smells fab to me too! I think it was my first split ????
Scent twins with Robin today.
Prada Amber Pour Homme is my love.
Hey twin!
One last try of Lonesome Rider today, which confirms that despite its quality, it’s going up in the swapmeet. I’m sure it’s only how it reads on me since others have gushed over it. I get only suede and it oddly is one-dimensional.
I’ve added Memo Quartier Latin on top to try and sweeten things up.
I get unpleasant foody bbq smell up top, but once that burns off I like it.
I do, too, and haven’t gotten past that to get to the drydown.
I can’t get past the BBQ sauce either. Welp, more for the rest of you.
It’s so funny to see all of you talking about how that bbq smell is a BAD thing.
You’re putting it up for swap?!?! Good heavens, I hope you find something on my list you like. This one is right near the top of my to-buy list. Goodie goodie goodie!!!!! I’m so excited. I love that dose of bbq sauce. Yum!
I will be on the lookout for your list!
MPG Ambre Precieux. One of my go-to ambers. Trying to stay warm….we have windows cracked to try to air out the house from the dead rodent smell. I wouldn’t wish this situation on my worst enemy!
You smell great
Dead and decaying anything is the worst smell in the WORLD! Ugh!
Unless you’re a dog. Then it’s delightful! Hope the process is over soon????
Oh dear. I hope the house de-funks quickly.
Ewwwww! I hope Ambre Precieux helps you in some way to minimize that horrid smell!
Oh no! I hope it’s gone soon. My parents live in the country and mice die in the walls occasionally… I know it well… pew! Have a cup of tea perhaps?? Good luck!
Did burning coffee grounds help at all?
You can wish it on my worst enemy ????
what happened to the rodent?
Located in the crawl space under the eat-in part of the kitchen. Gone now, hoping there aren’t any more hiding in the insulation…
We had that happen last month. I think something dug under our house and died. Most unpleasant! I burned a lot of incense and candles.
Yuk, and double yuk-yuk! ????
Twins!
SOTD – Fiore d’Ambra.
You smell so good! I really enjoyed dousing myself in that one yesterday.
I’m wearing Like This in honor of pi day. But also for comfort – I’m feeling very off-kilter this week and needed something that felt like a hug.
Stephen Hawking: “Look up at the stars and not down at your feet.”
Was just reading that Hawking quote. Hope everything rights itself quickly. ✌????
Sending hugs! Hope you feel better soon.
More hugs here for you! Hopefully you will feel better soon.
Hope you feel better soon! You smell lovely.
Oh no! I hope that things are looking up for you soon.
I was in a rush and forgot fragrance, managed to find a decant of Caron’s Tabac Blond in my desk at work, perfect spicy and powdery leather for today’s drizzly weather.
I love finding a stash like that – especially when it’s the perfect scent for the moment! I’m often surprised by what I unpack in my suitcase when I go somewhere.
Wow, what a great scent to find in an emergency stash!
RIP, Stephen Hawking. “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
SOTD is Ava Luxe Ambra Tibet – lovely amber and vanilla combo with some spice (maybe cardamom?).
Mmm, sounds lovely.
I got a La Curie sample set as a gift last month and today I’m trying Incendo. Smoky scents are not really my thing, but I’m enjoying this – it actually does remind me of the Sonoran desert, with pine and mesquite notes.
Oh, I need to try that then! I love that smell.
In Rose 31 (thanks to Tiffanie and the freebiemeet!) which has amber listed in the notes. I was planning to put on Amber Oud by Nicolai, but couldn’t find it this morning – a clear sign it’s time to tidy up the bedroom dresser! And perhaps put aside the various swap meet items.
My husband was a little wistful this morning re. Hawking’s passing – so I have a feeling there will be some dinner conversation tonight trying to encourage the kids to get a bit more enthusiastic about science. We’ll see how that goes!
I can already guess?
I’m in Bvlgari Au The Bleu today. Perfect background scent for today. Cheers everyone!
You smell very springy!
such a lovely scent !
I’m looking forward to the swapmeet! Wearing No. 5 L’ Eau today…does anyone else notice a resemblance to Bvlgari Petits et Mamans?
To me there’s a resemblance to Eau Premiere!
Mitzah as I am very suggestible to y’alls suggestions. I got this in an NST trade, and find it delightful.
To answer other questions: hajusuuri my number 1 wishlist scent is Ciel de Gum (thanks to you,
)
And my no-buy secret is working in the non-profit arts sector.
And to chocolatemarzipan: when I bought the belle en rykiel it was criminally cheap on Amazon, like under 40$, don’t know if it’s still the case!
oooh…you temptress
Under forty dollars is practically free!!!!
Eeeek on enabling.
It started snowing again, so in defiance I went to my local department store and just sprayed myself with 8 sprays private collection – take that Mother Nature. If you smell private collection in the air, we probably live in the same town.
Ha! Dang, I sprayed 2 at the store the other day.
That was prudent, ????
No snow where I am at today, but some seriously wicked wind! It made things feel at least 10 degrees colder than it actually was.
SoTD is Profumum’s Fiori D’Ambre.
It is amazingly bewitching, each time the pull to own it gets stronger. I love the opium in this – it is spicy and a touch smoky or maybe the amber is projexting the smoke, but it is deeply sweet and intoxicating and I love to smell this all day long! It never geta boring.
Mmmmm! Great description, you smell great!!
Happy Pi Day but RIP Stephen Hawking.
I’m wearing Attar Bazaar Tunisian Amber oil today.
Had to go with Encens Mythique d’Orient, after all the talk about it the other day. This is such gorgeous stuff. Why — why, Universe? — did I not buy a bottle?
I replied to you but it posted as a new comment. Either way you smell fab!
Thank you, Catanosmia!
At least you are enjoying it today. You smell amazing!
This has been mentioned here a lot lately!
I feel your pain!! I had it in my Notino cart forever…hemmed and hawed for too long and now their website is down ????
You smell wonderful! I am beating myself up for not purchasing this when I saw it on sale (but still expensive). I know it wasn’t a good time but watching that bottle slip away was painful.
I feel for you!
It wasn’t a good time for me either, but I threw caution to the wind because of the price. You can feel virtuous at least.
Virtuous doesn’t smell as nice (haha)
Earlier today I had a dentist’s office/periodontist appointment. Looks like I will be having a minor surgical procedure next month. Not looking forward to that, but the alternative is a lot worse. A least it isn’t a root canal.
SOTD = Soivohle Burnt Pyrrole, formerly known Amberene. One of my favorite ambers, it has an odd medicinal smell in the top notes, and a fair amount of smoke, too.
Urgh, sorry to hear you’ll have to have the procedure.
Your Soivohle sounds interesting. I had to look up the word “pyrrole” — Wikipedia says it’s a colorless volatile liquid with a nutty odor…
Hey, thanks for looking that word up for me! I had no clue what it was either. ✌????
Sorry, I didn’t mean to post and leave you all hanging!
Sorry to hear about your oral surgery. I it will be uneventful and painless.
I pulled out a few Soivohle samples thanks to you and last week’s cp. I wore Lilac and Heliotrope last night. I thought it was so pretty but the longevity wasn’t very good. Still, I’m surprised that this house doesn’t get mentioned very often.
Somebody mentioned it last week so I ordered 10 mls. Pity to hear the longevity is not good but if it at least smells true to the name I’ll be satisfied.
Longevity with Soivohle is variable on me. I’ve noticed that the mixed media scents last longer than the naturals do on me most of the time. I haven’t had any issues with any of the floral scents I have as far as lasting time. Bummer that Lilacs and Heliotrope doesn’t hang around for you.
Sorry about the dental surgery. I’ve had my fair share, and know how much it stinks. Hoping it’s a quick recovery.
Thanks, Lillyjo! I’m crossing my fingers that it will be an easy one.
Yikes on the dental surgery! Hopefully it is uneventful as advertised when it occurs.
Yeah, when I asked if I would need a ride home due to anesthesia, the periodontist said that it would be Novocain. I’m trying not to think about it too much b/c I can be a wimp about needles.
Do what I to and close your eyes before you can see the needle.
Light touch today as I’m flying. Prada infusion d’Amande.
Decided on a slightly later flight than usual to SF. What a mistake! Not only did I not get TSA preclear as I usually do (45 minutes…they made me remove my food items into a bin from my backpack…why?) but my flight was delayed 2.5 hours…after I got through security. Of course, my usual flight was on time.
Am in window seat, which I dislike, but I did it in order to board earlier and snag overhead space. On the plus side, good selection of movies. Watched Three Billboards. Hilarious editing on the language.
Wish I could spritz more….
Oh, bummer. Last time I flew I didn’t get precleared and I was Not. Happy. Also hate window seats. But hope the rest of the flight was uneventful and leads to a lovely time in CA!
LizzieB, Man I know, it is such an ORDEAL now to fly comfortably. Looks like your sense of humour got you through it well though. What we won’t do for overhead carry on space!!
You smell lovely, I need to sample that one!
By Kilian Amber Oud – one of my most favorite ambers (and almost no “oud” despite the name).
We had nice rain yesterday. It’s sunny now but more rain is coming later and tomorrow (and I’m excited since we needed this rain).
I love Amber Oud too, for the same reason. Lovely amber and no discernible oud. You smell great.
SOTD is SL Ambre Sultan. I’m surprised I’m flying solo here
Love this one.
Too much herb garden for me, but the amber part is magnificent.
Ha, I get no herb garden at all.
I’m planning on wearing it for Friday since, in my opinion, it is ultimate amber perfueme.
You smell great!
Trying Alahine again, hoping to figure out why so many here go crazy for it. I do like it better this time after using more sprays. I still don’t think it’s earth shattering, but I’m enjoying it. In fact, I just got some lovely honeyed wafts from my shirt.
Word is, it takes 4 tries
(I might be on that path myself. Try 1 was meh. Try 2 was hmmm. Try 3 was ohhhhh, okay, I think I get it.
But word also is that is has been slaughtered by reformulation so maybe don’t wear it again.
Hehe good point. I’m sure by the time I’m in love with it, there will be no more original formulation to be had.
I haven’t tried Alahine yet, but the talk of reformulation has me wondering if I should even bother.
RIP Stephen Hawking. I quite enjoyed his appearances on Big Bang Theory.
SOTD = MPG Ambre Peecieux
Yep, I am too lazy to look up the proper spelling. This is an easy to wear resinous powdery amber. The notes indicate lavender but I don’t smell any. I have the red bottle with jeweled top/. Newer bottles are clear with the gaudy jeweled top. Love!
Those were some funny episodes of Big Bang Theory, weren’t they?
They sure were! There’s a spinoff – Young Sheldon – which is also pretty darn funny.
I will also miss his cameos on Big Bang!
Gah! That should be Precieux
Started the day in Theorema, which was perfect since I couldn’t really smell it. (Everything else I pulled out smelled totally off, way too strong, or nauseating. My nose has been acting up lately.) I know this one gets big love here but it wears so so so quietly on me that despite having used up half a mini in 3 wears, I have barely smelled it.
Made a cruise through Sephora and picked up samples of Gabrielle, which I’m looking forward to revisiting, and Margiella Lipstick On, which I’d kind of forgotten I wanted to sniff until someone here mentioned it recently.
I ended up spraying myself with Gucci Bloom, which I’d tried last time I was at that store. Count me in as duly impressed. It is really well-made and if I didn’t have more than enough white florals (I think I have 3, which is already more than enough) I might be really tempted to buy it. It opens with a buttery tuberose (though not too rich – it still has a light airiness) then gets greener and greener in the drydown. Really lovely stuff. I noticed it comes in an adorable little 30 ml bottle, which might be too hard to pass up when a sale rolls around… Until then it’ll be my designated spray when I pass through the mall.
I’ve got to try Bloom! I better start plotting a visit to Sephora.
I really like Lipstick On. It’s been on my fb list for a long time. My Sephora doesn’t carry it anymore.
I also liked that one! I keep hoping they will release it in the smaller travel spray.
Bloom is really pretty!
I rather like Gucci Bloom as a pretty floral scent. A lot of times, tuberose wears me (at least, most of the ones I have tried).
Just added to Lipstick list
Terry de Hunzburg Ombré Mercure
Let us know what you think if you try it! I got to spray it from a tester once but my nose was fried from sniffing too many things. I remember loving the opening but thinking the drydown was a bit “meh”.
Will do!
SotD = L’eau de Caporal
I smell even better than a bar of Irish Spring! Chiming in late but didn’t want to miss a day of NST. Hope everyone had a deliciously scented Wednesday.