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Friday scent of the day 10/26

Posted by Robin on 26 October 2018 332 Comments

Friday and Pumpkin Day! Our community project for today: step out of your comfort zone by wearing a perfume that you find challenging. Thank you to Lucasai for the suggestion!

What fragrance did you pick? As always, do chime in with your scent of the day even if you’re not participating in the community project.

I'm in Frédéric Malle Une Fleur de Cassie, a fragrance Angie correctly labeled "not for beginners". I have never liked it, and apparently I still don't. I'll probably switch before the morning is out.

Reminder: 11/2 will be To Autumn Friday. Wear a fragrance that matches John Keats, To Autumn. Suggested by happy888cat.

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 is Fleur de Mimosa [cropped] by Arthur Caranta at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: friday community project, sotd

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332 Comments

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  1. pyramus says:
    26 October 2018 at 9:57 am

    I’m on the road (in Toronto for the Scriptus pen show) but I brought something that isn’t challenging now but challenged me for literally decades: vintage Hermes Bel Ami. I just didn’t get it at all for years, but I kept trying because somehow I felt as if it should be something I loved, and then suddenly one day it was.

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:57 am

      Oh, I love vintage Hermes Bel Ami, is it in the shaker bottle? :)

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      • pyramus says:
        26 October 2018 at 10:19 am

        It’s a big decant that will last me for ages, thank goodness. I wish I’d known then what I know now: that cocktail-shaker bottle in the tortoiseshell box was so gorgeous.

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    • Regina says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:04 am

      The best!!

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    • Coin-op says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:14 pm

      Great story!

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:15 pm

      Do you take a special travel selection of pens when you go on trips? ( I have a small metal kaweco fountain pen that fits in my pocket) I would love to go to the scriptus event.

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      • pyramus says:
        26 October 2018 at 6:18 pm

        I bring an array of pens with different nibs and inks because (just as I am with scents) I am extremely fickle with writing implements and would go mad with boredom if I had to use the same pen and ink every day. (My journal looks like a clown threw up in it.) I have a Japanese travel pen case that holds a dozen pens, easy; this trip I brought nine filled pens plus three empties for inks I figured I was sure to pick up and couldn’t wait to try (the two pen-show limited-edition inks and Diamine Earl Grey). Joke’s on me: I bought two pens today. I HAD TO HAVE THEM.

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        • Kanuka says:
          26 October 2018 at 6:53 pm

          Good on you! I have a bit of a pen collection, lots of coloured ink. I keep searching for a really good EF nib… Hopeless here for fountain pens. Intrigued by Benu pens, bit OTT for me. If I could I would get a montegrappa symphony in yellow. The Australians make good ink.

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          • Kanuka says:
            26 October 2018 at 6:56 pm

            The Make Ink book I saw the other day was written by a pen /ink person from Toronto..

          • pyramus says:
            26 October 2018 at 8:14 pm

            For true EF nibs, Japanese pens are the way to go, although TWSBI pens with EF nibs are pretty good and not expensive. There are some really good Australian inks, particularly Blackstone (I have the entire Scents of Australia series) and Robert Oster.

          • crikey says:
            27 October 2018 at 6:29 am

            Have you tried the Platinum #3776? Theres a rather nice slightly flexy soft fine nib available on that which is about as fine as most euro-EFs

          • crikey says:
            27 October 2018 at 11:30 am

            oh, also: I’ve been reading good things about the moonman m2 in terms of super-fine nibs (and 10-20 USD prices…) but I’ve not tried one myself.

        • Kanuka says:
          26 October 2018 at 9:08 pm

          I think you must have put me onto Blackstone a while ago and I have Oster – I like Oster’s green/black and use it a lot but it can be a bit gritty. I also really like grey ink like Herbin Gris Nuage. Thanks for the info re. Japanese pens…I have made some bad blind buys in the past (story of my life). Notebooks, paper…drool.

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  2. SmokeyToes says:
    26 October 2018 at 9:57 am

    Hi everyone! Today’s SOTD is Fendi’s Asja – the spicy resins and powdery notes are beautiful with last evening’s remnants of vintage Shalimar (a perfect bed time scent, I slept like a log).
    I need some scented fortitude today, I’m screening candidates for a position in my department. I’ve been interviewing all week and I’m pooped!

    Happy Friday! :)

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    • SheriG says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:00 am

      Interviewing candidates all week for me too – I feel your pain.

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        26 October 2018 at 10:09 am

        Ugh, in some respects, it can be fun but it’s also a little draining.

        I’m making sure to get to the gym and eat healthy. Good luck in your search for a candidate!

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        • Amyitis says:
          26 October 2018 at 11:05 am

          Hi SmokeyToes
          Read your comment about you curly hair a couple of days ago and could commisserate as I have the same problem, but no ancestors to blame it on. Both parents had ramrod straight hair. When I was little, my mom cut my hair Sheena Easton short and it stayed like that all throughout my schoolyears as she COULD NOT COPE with my unruly hair. When I was a student and grew it out, whenever she saw me, she said wistfully: “Can’t you blow it out? It looks so much nicer!”

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          • Regina says:
            26 October 2018 at 11:28 am

            It took me all of my teens and 20s to come to terms with my curly hair, but now I frequently attempt to achieve “maximum pouf”.

          • SmokeyToes says:
            26 October 2018 at 12:27 pm

            I can relate! I was voted ‘biggest hair’ in high school, friends would joke that my hair could suck the air out of a room!

            If you haven’t read it, the book Curly Girl has great tips on how to manage the curl/volume factor. Naturally Curly website is another favorite resource. I found a leave-in flax seed conditioner/gel recipe that is a life-saver in the summer time!
            -3 tablespoons of whole flax seeds mixed with
            -2 cups of water
            -let soak for 2 hours
            -gently boil for 10 minutes and strain.
            -Mix with a tablespoon of avocado or sesame seed oil and keep in the fridge. :)

          • SmokeyToes says:
            26 October 2018 at 12:33 pm

            Oh no! Sheena Easton cuts are not for curlies. My family always begged me to straighten (or cut) my hair.
            In high school during the 80’s, after several angst-charged arguments with my mom, I decided to shave my hair (punk rocker) and dye the bangs purple and pink. I met mom and the grandparents later that evening at a Mennonite restaurant for dinner. Let’s just say the room got very quiet when I walked in!

            :grin: :grin:

          • austenfan says:
            26 October 2018 at 3:41 pm

            Way to go! Especially the pink and purple bangs.

            I’ve always had unruly, big, curly hair and I’ve always loved it. I tend to think it reflects my contrarian personality :)

        • Oakland Fresca says:
          26 October 2018 at 12:45 pm

          Love your story about shaving your head. I too had those quiet but effective protests as a teen. My hair was/is also still quite unruly. My mom used to make me cut it quite short when I was a young girl, and when we traveled abroad to developing countries I was constantly mistaken for a boy (in places where gender roles were very rigid). I found it very embarrassing. As a consequence, I cannot have short hair as an adult (now middle-aged)–just, no. Would save me a lot of time though!

          But! I was saved by the movie My Brilliant Career, which came out when I was about 14 years old. After seeing it I insisted on wearing my hair long and unruly, be damned. I would just tell my mom, in my best but totally ridiculous Australian accent, “It is my ONLY asset!”

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          • Amyitis says:
            26 October 2018 at 12:53 pm

            Love all the stories! And knowing that my mom wasn’t the only one riding roughshod over my “wishes”, only wanting a neat, presentable child. :)

          • SmokeyToes says:
            26 October 2018 at 1:16 pm

            OaklandFresca, I need to watch that movie! And I love your response to mom. :)

          • Kanuka says:
            26 October 2018 at 2:24 pm

            I love Judy Davis in that movie. Miles Franklin and Christina Stead are two great Australian writers that don’t seem to be well known

          • SmokeyToes says:
            27 October 2018 at 11:14 am

            Oh my goodness, I just watched the trailer for My Brilliant Career, Sam Neil was SO handsome!

        • Amyitis says:
          26 October 2018 at 12:48 pm

          Thank you so much for the conditioner recipe! Curly hair is dry hair. Also high school in the 80’s and BIG HAIR was the thing. Jennifer Beals hair and Flashdance dancers’ leggings, even if you decidedly did NOT look like a dancer or a ballerina. These days I have it mid-length and leave it to dry naturally. I’ve made my peace, I guess!

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    • FearsMice says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:44 pm

      Asja = perfection in my book. I love your perfume choices!

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Asja is very pretty!!! Good luck with your HR stuff. Blech.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Good luck to SmokeyToes and SherriG with their candidate interviews!

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        27 October 2018 at 11:15 am

        Thanks Jalapeno, my last two are on Monday, keeping fingers crossed!

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  3. hannahmom says:
    26 October 2018 at 9:57 am

    Citrus scents tend to go all harsh and shrieky on me ( looking hard at you Cristalle) , but I love the way they smell in the bottle.

    Today, I am stepping moderately outside of my comfort zone I am wearing Lemon Sherbert from 4160 Tuesday. A beautiful citrus, which is tempered enough with marshmallow and musk to keep it humming on my skin, rather than turning sour and bitter.

    I still think that Cristalle and I will agree to disagree.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:54 am

      Cristalle is gorgeous , I love it in the winter months

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:34 pm

      OH, that’s too bad. Was it the edt of Cristalle? Or edp?
      I get a great honey note from the EDP, and it’s also one of the few jasmine-forward scents that work well on my skin.

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Whereas I would be thrilled to be in Cristalle right now :-)

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    • JadainGA says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:21 pm

      I’ve never smelled Cristalle or Lemon Sherbert….I need to remedy that! Anybody in the Atlanta area know where the closest store is to find and sniff Chanel exclusive stuff? :)

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      • Elisa P says:
        26 October 2018 at 1:47 pm

        Cristalle is part of their pillar lineup, not an Exclusif-probably any dept store with a Chanel counter will have it.

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        • JadainGA says:
          26 October 2018 at 1:58 pm

          Excellent! Thank you! I’ve not seen it at Belk, but my store is much smaller than the Belks “in town”…..

          I’ve have to hit the Mall of GA! (Pronounced Mall of Gaaah, per my GPS…LOL)

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          • hannahmom says:
            26 October 2018 at 2:03 pm

            Lemon Sherbert is 4160 Tuesday.
            They are sold at some of the higher end Brick and Mortar, online through a few sites and on the 4160 Tuesday’s website

        • hannahmom says:
          26 October 2018 at 2:03 pm

          Thanks Elisa – you beat me to it

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      • adanst says:
        26 October 2018 at 2:21 pm

        Hi Jada,

        There is no store I know of in the Atlanta area that carries the Exclusif line.
        Cristalle, however, should be available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s , Bloomingdale’s and Saks.
        Have a nice weekend!

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:53 pm

      Love Cristalle, edp or edt. It is my favorite reminder of summer in the dark depths of winter.

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  4. SheriG says:
    26 October 2018 at 9:58 am

    I chose PG Cuir d’Iris, a great favorite that often gives me trouble in the beginning (a pickle note that others here have mentioned), but that usually settles into a lovely iris-leather haze after an hour or so.

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    • HemlockSillage says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:45 am

      Oh, no! Pickle notes in a perfume bug me, too. I’m not familiar with PG Cuir d’Iris, but feel your difficulty. There’s one of the Chanel Les Exclusifs (La Pausa) that does that for me, but I’m less willing to deal with it until it settles. Blessedly it’s fleeting. I wonder if it’s something in iris that hits our nose that way????
      Be well!

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    • sistine says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:32 pm

      Santal 33 turns into an immediate dill-fest on my skin. Yuck!

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  5. austenfan says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:00 am

    Sorry to hear that you still don’t like Cassie. I remember first trying it and being intrigued but not quite smitten. I tried it again years later and it was instant love. It had been reformulated in between, and in this case, to me at least, for the better. Do you know which version you are wearing?

    My SOTD is Mon parfum chéri par Camille by Goutal. Which I wouldn’t have liked years ago, but which I know adore. I couldn’t really find anything in my collection that still challenges me, so I failed the project!

    Have a great weekend!

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    • Amyitis says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:09 am

      Am still learning about FM FdC but bought a travel spray, new formulation, and it kept me fascinated for a whole day. Have to say my first wear was on a beautiful, sunny outdoorsy fall day and the memory only enhances my good vibes towards this.

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      • austenfan says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:11 pm

        It’s my favourite of the Malle range, and I think it’s a great perfume.

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    • nozknoz says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:30 am

      This seemed challenging to me when it came out in 2011, a sort of Goth Iris Gris. Now it seems so warm and feminine, although still with a unique and individual personality.

      I spent the last summer sampling Ensar Ouds in order to smell something new.

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      • austenfan says:
        26 October 2018 at 11:59 am

        I still want to explore the Via del Profumo fragrances, for a change of scent. Have you smelled any of them?

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        • nozknoz says:
          26 October 2018 at 6:58 pm

          Yes, I like them a lot! Mecca Balsam and Attar Maulana are two favorites, from his Scents of the Soul series, but I’ll try anything he does.

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      • austenfan says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:13 pm

        I was trying to figure out how on earth Cassie could be a Goth Iris Gris when I realised that of course it was MPCPC that was the Goth offspring of Iris Gris. Even though I’ve never smelled IG I think your description is spot on!

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:37 pm

      I have a moderately old mini…not sure just how old (would think at least 5 years), and not sure I’d even know if it had turned since I did not like it to begin with!! It is almost empty so that is the good news :-)

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      • austenfan says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:14 pm

        Great news! ;)

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      • chocolatemarzipan8 says:
        27 October 2018 at 5:46 am

        THUNK ;)
        well, almost

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  6. Glannys says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:00 am

    Box of Eels.
    It is a gorgeous scent, but so opulent and powdery, that sometimes I feel quite overwhelmed by it. It is like a mix of Samsara and No. 5 Eau Premiere. Definitely not a scent I would quickly spray without thinking.

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:15 am

      Well, I think you smell gorgeous. It was a first sniff true love for me.

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      • Deva says:
        26 October 2018 at 12:42 pm

        Ditto this!

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:52 pm

      I agree – very beautiful and for me sometimes difficult to wear. I do love it so much but if I’m not in the right mood it won’t work. I have to think very carefully before I put it on. I’ve reached for it three times in the past month and then, no. It makes me feel like I’m getting choked by a beautiful cashmere scarf if I’m not in the right mood.

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    • missionista says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:08 pm

      Yes, I found it difficult also. I grew to like it enough to use up a sample, but not enough for a lemming.

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  7. Michael says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:01 am

    Maitre Perfurmer et Gantier Route. du Vetiver. I love the dry down, but it takes a while to make its appearance, though. The opening. is the challenging part for me.

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    • austenfan says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:25 am

      I think you smell great! I actually prefer the opening of Route du Vetiver, it’s so different from any other vetiver.

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      • gvillecreative says:
        26 October 2018 at 10:33 am

        Michael and austenfan – tell me more about this one. I’m a lover of vetiver and have somehow never smelled it.

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        • austenfan says:
          26 October 2018 at 10:53 am

          https://nstperfume.com/2007/07/17/maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier-route-du-vetiver-fragrance-review/

          I remember it as the darkest and rootiest of the vetivers that I have tried. Robin’s review is a good read and offers a very good comparison. It’s quite stark, but I think the dry down is a tad pedestrian, I remember soft woods and some musk. Mind you it’s been a while since I’ve tried it. MPG has another great vetiver, Racine, which is all elegance and polish.

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          • missionista says:
            26 October 2018 at 9:11 pm

            Ooooooh, this sounds soooooo up my alley! I think you just created a lemming.

        • Michael says:
          26 October 2018 at 11:01 am

          I agree it is dark and rooty and rather robust. The opening is just a little too sharp for me but overall it is one of my favorite vetivers and I haveParfumeur many vetivers.

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  8. shellyw says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:01 am

    Timbuktu for me today. A bit stronger then my usual likes. I really love scents that lean masculine but am too timid to wear them often. I should not worry but I do.

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    • PriscillaE says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:26 am

      You smell great. I love Timbuktu. That is the thing that I like about today’s world. In the 1970s, when I first started wearing fragrance, I would never have thought about grabbing my father’s Old Spice, although I loved the smell. These days I wear a lot of unisex and masculines and I disregard their designation. To paraphrase Andrew Zimmern, if it smells good, wear it.

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    • Amyitis says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:14 am

      I also find Timbuktu challenging. We’re dancing the tango, Timbuktu and I. I tried it in store, bought it, then found it too much. Luckily the husband loves it and he confiscated it, but now I’ve started sneaking sprays again. ClaireV mentions in her Basenotes review that she uses this to “reset” her nose. The dance continues.

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:50 pm

      Years ago I used to wear Timbuktu quite a bit in the winter b/c it smells like warm sunshine to me. And then one day, I couldn’t wear it anymore even though all it’s parts are still ok for me. I swapped my bottle away. But I’d enjoy it on someone else!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:58 pm

      Timbuktu was a “WOW!” when I first smelled it. I hope that I keep on saying “WOW!”

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    • missionista says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:12 pm

      You smell wonderful!

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  9. Regina says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:07 am

    I put on some Shalimar from the tiny mini of PdT I keep in case any perfumista inspectors come around checking my credentials. To my surprise I no longer find it challenging! I’m not sure I love it (not big into orientals) but I no longer feel confused. So I failed the project, but in a nice way.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:17 am

      You smell wonderful!

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    • hannahmom says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:27 am

      Any day that involves smeling of Shalimar cannot be seen as a failure
      :)

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Yay! I grew into Shalimar slowly myself. Mitsouko I’ve nearly given up on.

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      • Suzy Q says:
        26 October 2018 at 12:51 pm

        Ditto on both counts, Robin.

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      • PriscillaE says:
        26 October 2018 at 6:06 pm

        Still can’t manage to like Shalimar. Mitsouko edt is one of my desert island scents.

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        • Robin says:
          26 October 2018 at 10:12 pm

          Pretty sure I came around to Jicky first, then Shalimar? But can’t really remember.

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    • Elisa says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Twins! I hadn’t worn it in a while. It took me years to get it, but I think I just had to find the right vintage/concentration.

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:25 pm

      You smell great in Shalimar PdT (which is challenging because so potent, rougher than the extrait), and that’s great it no longer challenges you. I have it too, but in my case it’s a huge bottle because I am a lover of Shalimar in all concentrations.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:50 pm

      As I posted below, the only form of Shalimar I can wear is the edc. You might want to give it a try if you haven’t done so yet. I enjoy it very much.

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    • tiffanie says:
      26 October 2018 at 8:51 pm

      yes to Shalimar! It took about 10 tries before I found one I enjoy.

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  10. Stephanie says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:10 am

    SL Fille En Aigulles today. I don’t have much experience with pine or smoky fragrances, so this is out of my wheelhouse, and it feels like a challenge to me although it is a pretty scent.

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    • hannahmom says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:28 am

      If I hadn’t drained my sample 2 weeks ago, trying to see what others see in this one, I’d be joining you.
      This is a perfectly nice air freshener scent on me – nothing more.
      I know it is a sleeper fave, so I feel I must be missing something.

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    • gvillecreative says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:32 am

      I like this one but I’ve only ever had a sample.

      Does anyone else just end up with the wrong decants? Because I should have DEFINITELY had a decant of this and Chergui, but I have somehow never made that happen. Instead, I have a bunch of more ‘traditionally pretty’ decants that I don’t really reach for.

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    • Amyitis says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:16 am

      Something about FenA just comforts me. I guess it’s my Shalimar or Theorema!

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    • Suzy Q says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Last winter Target had a special edition foaming hand soap that smelled just like FenA. I went back to buy more and they were gone :( It was just the right amount of pine + sweetness and it made your hands smell good for about 10 minutes. Perfect.

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    • andrea says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:25 pm

      This is also what I would be wearing if I didn’t chicken out and opted for a comfort scent instead. That pine note is really challening in this for me.

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      • Stephanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 4:27 pm

        I didn’t realize how challenging I find pine until trying this one! I like it on other people and in nature but it’s “not for me”

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        • andrea says:
          26 October 2018 at 4:38 pm

          Yes, exactly! I love smelling the Christmas tree so much so I thought this will be so comforting and it really doesn’t work that way on me.

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  11. Cape Mama says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:11 am

    Not such a challenge, but today I’m wearing Safari. If it’s 24+ years old can I consider it vintage? This was my wedding day sent and this is from the same bottle I purchased all those years ago. Hubby and I getting ready to celebrate #24. I remember the 2 of us going to Macy’s to select our wedding day fragrances – we both wound up wearing Safari (men’s for him).

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    • AnnieA says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:06 am

      The Youngs think anything pre-2000 is vintage! Happy anniversary,

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    • Amyitis says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:19 am

      Happy Anniversary!

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    • Catanosmia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:24 am

      My first husband and I had his/hers bottles of Safari in the ’90’s when we first married! I just re-bought a vintage bottle for me. Congrats on making it to 24 years! (My 1st marriage didn’t make it that long but we’re still great friends and I consider that a success!)

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Ohhh, happy anniversary! I think 24+ years is considered vintage. :)
      I have older bottles of Safari for men and women, it’s so beautiful, especially in the dry down.

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:39 pm

      Congrats, that’s lovely!

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    • Coin-op says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:48 pm

      Happy Anniversary! What a great memory :-)

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:31 pm

      Happy anniversary and Safari is such a good fragrance, especially in vintage.

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:43 pm

      It’s likely been reformulated, so that likely makes it vintage…

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    • Elisa P says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:51 pm

      Nice and Happy Anniversary! I like that you chose matching fragrances ????

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Congrats! That is awesome you still have the same bottle you got married in. It is my experience that less than one spray is enough with Safari. It is a very beautiful fragrance!

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    • sistine says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:34 pm

      Happy anniversary! That’s such a sweet story.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:52 pm

      Happy Anniversary and thank you for sharing that wonderful story!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Happy 24th Anniversary! May you have many more. ????????????

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    • missionista says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:13 pm

      Happy Anniversary!

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  12. lucasai says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:16 am

    Joining my own challenge with Amouage Imitation Man. All of Amouage are not my cup of tea and their sillage is also challenging.

    Hope you enjoyed my idea of this Friday project.

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    • HemlockSillage says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:50 am

      Great idea! Thanks for proposing it. Amouage can have monster sillage, so if you’re not loving it, can be challenging, indeed. I like the way this CP made me look at my collection and step out of my comfort zone. I tend toward comfortable ruts. Thanks for helping me out???? Be well.

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    • Suzy Q says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:03 pm

      I also have a problem with Amouage perfumes. They don’t smell bad, it’s just hard for me to wear them. Most of them are linear which is also a style of perfume I don’t favor. That said, a friend gave me a decant of Opus X, a linear plasticky varnished rose and I love it.

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:32 pm

      Thank you it really is a great idea.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:54 pm

      Your idea got me to revisit something I wasn’t sure about and give it another try.

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  13. tiffanie says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:16 am

    SotD = Bogue MEM

    MEM pushes me outside my comfort zone twice,

    a FB is mucho dinero wowza beaucoup bucks $$$
    even so I am soooo tempted to go there someday,

    and I usually wear two swipes from my dabber vial,
    one on each wrist. MEM is strange, and I don’t want to overwhelm with my perfume.

    In lucasai’s honor & in defiance of my usual temerity, I’ve anointed my arms from wrists to elbows. I smell like lavender-heaven as I waft to school this morning. I hope the kids like it. :D

    Happy FriYAY (hi JadainGa!) to every one of ya’ll!

    NSTers, you smell like heaven.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:18 am

      I tried that one..it didn’t work for me but it sounds like you are up to your elbows in it ;)

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      • tiffanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:27 pm

        ha, yes, up to elbows for sure! MEM seems to be either a yes or no, very little in between. ;)

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    • Regina says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:31 am

      I thought I might escape the pricey lure of Bogue, but now that I’ve smelled T-Rex I am so curious about Gardoni’s other work… sigh

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      • tiffanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:27 pm

        yeah, it’s a slippery slope with these odd fragrances!

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    • crikey says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Are you finding extra layers in the shape-shimmering with the larger dose? (I love that it is so changeable.)

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      • tiffanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:29 pm

        yes! I got more changes, definitely smelling the shift between champaca and lavender a lot more. :D

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    • Elisa P says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:43 pm

      You smell great! I’m mixed about how weird it actually is. Sometimes it seems so, and other times it doesn’t and smells familiar. My only real hangup is that it’s a few hairs to sweet for me. But I do find it addictive!

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      • tiffanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:32 pm

        MEM is addictive, I love lavender, so I have a hard time saying no, no matter what the scent does. :D

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:53 pm

      So did the kids like MEM?

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      • tiffanie says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:37 pm

        yes! I did get several “you smell goods” today when kids sidled up to me for the sneaky hugs they like to give.

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        • Amy says:
          26 October 2018 at 11:58 pm

          I’m with the kids. You smell amazing. Or did. It’s late now!

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  14. Lovestosmellgood says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:16 am

    SOTD Encens Mythique

    For some this gem is easy, but I remember the first spray of this one and it nearly knocked my socks off. I found it really unusual and complicated with a big oud presence on my skin.

    Now, I won’t be parted with my decant (thanks to a generous NSTer). I find that perfume is more of a “mental vacation”, I feel as though I have traveled to a distance land where ouds are playing a beautiful song and incense are burning…

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    • hannahmom says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:33 am

      This one can be tough.
      I dismissed it the first two times I wore it from dabber samples; but when I received a spray decant in a swap, I discovered that the way it clung to and waft from clothing was hauntingly beautiful to me.
      This is not a scent to spray with abandon, and over application could be darn dangerous; but if you respect this one, and realize that each wearing is a bit different, you can enter into her salon of mysteries.

      You smell amazing

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        26 October 2018 at 11:56 am

        I think I over apply it sometimes . Guilty ????

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    • AnnieA says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:07 am

      I don’t get any oud, but I do get a bit of a vacation from my workday.

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        26 October 2018 at 11:55 am

        Agreed, it’s not a perfume it’s a vacation

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    • crikey says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:04 pm

      This is one of my favourites–definitely in the top ten. (And it’s actually kind of fun to do a massive overspray on a cold day…it’s an entirely different scent in big doses.)

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  15. PriscillaE says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:20 am

    I’m wearing Shalimar. From a sample, since I gave my bottle away long ago. I simply cannot take the vanilla. I sprayed it very lightly, and on my wrists, since that is the part of my body farthest away from my nose. I thought about wearing Bvlgari Black, because I have the same problem with that. I love the opening, but the vanilla drydown is a beast. And yet, I would never give that away. Hmmm.

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    • Regina says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:32 am

      Hey twin! I did think there might be a few us today.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:53 pm

      Looks like a few of us are choosing classic Guerlains as our challenge!

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  16. clarissa says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:31 am

    SOTD – puredistance white. The only thing I find challenging about this one is the price!!!

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    • AnnieA says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:10 am

      Me too. Makes Amouage look like a BBW body spray…

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      • clarissa says:
        26 October 2018 at 12:54 pm

        Ha ha ha. This is funny

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      • Aurora says:
        26 October 2018 at 1:36 pm

        I love your comment :)

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  17. Cody says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:34 am

    I’m in Jovoy Private Label today, I bought it in London at Jovoy last week. The London Jovoy might be one of my favorite perfume stores I’ve visited so far. The lady helping me was fabulous and even let me smell their little private stash of ambergris. Can’t recommend that store highly enough!

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    • holyneroli says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:23 pm

      Wow, what a treat! I’d love to smell ambergris in the flesh someday.

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    • Deva says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:48 pm

      Nice! Sounds like a fantastic experience????????

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Awesome!

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  18. tannina says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:35 am

    Parfum D’Empire Wazamba. And wore this to work too!
    Thought it would be overwhelming, but surprised me with its wearability… I even resprayed in the afternoon and nobody complained.
    Thought about wearing Mitsouko, as i dislike the strange peach. It smells sour und strangely dry on me – like a unripe und shriveled peach. Ugh.
    Wazamba was the better choice

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Even the name Wazamba is outside of my comfort zone ;-)

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      • AnnS says:
        26 October 2018 at 2:47 pm

        ;-) I always hear Animal from the Muppets saying “Wazamba!” and it makes me smile.

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  19. Calypso says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:37 am

    Hello everyone. Checking in after being on a little trip “Up North” in Michigan with my mom. I’m wearing Amouage Interlude Woman today. It’s a scent that I *almost* love but have never quite gotten to the stage of purchasing. It’s changeable and complicated but it’s also just plain sour! The grapefruit, I guess. This week I’ve enjoyed wearing Yosh Ginger Ciao, Mousse de Chene, Ylang 49, and Civet. Nice to have cold weather here as it alters the way perfumes work. Sadly, we had a bad fall on Wednesday while crossing a street. Mom was hanging onto my elbow; she tripped and we both went down. It was a shocker as she was flat on her back and hit her head on the concrete. So scary… I can’t tell you. There we were in the middle of the intersection in Manistee. Some kind people leapt out of their cars and helped us up, and stayed with Mom while I got our car. We went to the hospital and she was all checked out there including a head cat scan, and was basically OK, but obviously upset and traumatized. Luckily, we were near to the home of my friends we planned to visit, and they babied her and took good care of us. Just one of those things that you can’t predict and might have been much, much worse. Whew. Anyway we did enjoy a lot of gorgeous fall foliage and blue waters of Lake Michigan, and visited an alpaca farm with a boutique, and had fun shopping and seeing the animals!

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    • gvillecreative says:
      26 October 2018 at 10:39 am

      Oh no! Poor you! Your poor mom! So glad for the kindness of strangers and that everything worked out!

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    • sistine says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:18 am

      Oh gosh, that sounds terrifying! I’m glad you’re both OK and that there were helpful people nearby.

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    • Catanosmia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:28 am

      I’m so glad everything was ok in the end. Falls get really scary as we age! Take care!

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    • Robin says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Oh my, what a shock. So glad everyone escaped mostly unharmed.

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:40 pm

      How unlucky, but as you say it could easily have been worse, so glad your mother is OK.

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:49 pm

      You visit sounds really lovely, except for that scary fall. Glad you are both okay.

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    • Elisa P says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:05 pm

      Oh, dear! So sorry that happened, but glad you’re both ok.

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    • JadainGA says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:30 pm

      Glad you are both OK….that is tramatic and upsetting. It was good your friends babied you! :)

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:08 pm

      Glad you are okay…and shocking for you too I expect with your hip being so new.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:56 pm

      I’m glad all’s well that ends well but how scary for the both of you. Hope memories of those beautiful moments soon eclipse those scary ones.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:52 pm

      Good to hear that there were no lingering ill effects from your mom’s fall! Scary stuff. And thumbs up to the onlookers who offered to help!

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  20. gvillecreative says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:38 am

    Amouage Beloved (again!).

    I definitely find this challenging and ‘not me’— but I’m strangely addicted to it. What’s so challenging? It’s big; it wafts; it demands to be noticed.

    I’m not sure that I want others to smell this on me, but I really enjoy the ultra luxurious feel and the coziness of it. What a beauty!

    Last night I tried MFK Baccarat Rouge again, which I have a sample of thanks to a VERY generous NST’er (you know who you are!). Now THAT is a challenging perfume: toothcuttingly sweet and nearly skanky on my skin for some reason– it’s almost carnal. I can’t decide what I think of it at all, but keep testing the teeniest dab.

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:23 am

      I love Beloved. I bought my bottle the day after I received my decant. OTOH, BR not so much! A scrubber for me.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:57 am

      I did not like Beloved. Too much powder on me , but I can appreciate it on other people

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:45 pm

      I love Beloved. I’d wear it more, but I have my decant in “horde mode”. It is season-less perfection.

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:05 pm

      I blind bought Beloved and wore it only a few times before passing on the bottle to Waterdragon. I like the perfume but it was not for me.

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  21. Calypso says:
    26 October 2018 at 10:42 am

    I also wanted to express sympathy to Oakland Fresca and her son over their cat’s sudden demise. So sad. My one suggestion about helping him grieve would be to try to talk about the cat and tell stories about him, such as when you first got him, cute things he would do, his grumpy moments, how he behaved toward other people or animals, his favorite toys or activities, etc. Just reminiscing together with some stories that are highlights of the kitty’s life might help some. I also do like collecting pictures together of my cats who have passed on.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:59 pm

      Calypso, please forgive me for piggbybacking on your post, but I was unaware of this as life has been extremely busy lately and I haven’t had the time to read daily. My deepest condolences to Oakland Fresca and her son on the loss of their beloved cat, and I second everything you said in your post.

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:00 am

      I think these are great ideas.

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  22. AnnieA says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:03 am

    I needed a comforting scent this challenging week and fortunately had my brand-new bottle of Ormonde Jayne Tiare to turn to. A coworker likes BWF body sprays and I made her a decant of Tiare to expose her to PWF (pretty white flowers). “How nice – is it more than a hundred dollars?” Er, well, yes.

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    • HemlockSillage says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Hahaha! Oh, that is awesome! I have the same issue at work. The upside of sharing nice decants that my coworkers like is that on the days they wear it, no body spray. I completely understand most people don’t want to spend $$$, but those scads of $15 bottles add up. 1-2 spritzes of a quality perfume perform far better. I suspect I’m preaching to the choir here.

      My good news is that my coworker fell in love with a Balanciaga sample, and I had a mini to share from a set. Hope your coworker finds a fragrance to love…I’m sure it’s fun to try the things you share.

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      • AnnieA says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:48 pm

        My motives were indeed mixed: a hope for BBW-free days and some evangelizing, as well as a lessening of guilt over buying yet another pricey bottle this year.

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  23. bastet says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:13 am

    Amouage Ubar for me today. I should love this- I am a big Amouage fan, adore huge florals, and it earned a 5 star rating from LT. But somehow it’s all wrong on me, with a nasty celery seed or maybe caraway note. I’m stubborn though so guess I’ll keep trying this periodically until my sample is empty.

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    • Coin-op says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:21 pm

      Is your sample a spray or a dabber? I think LisaD was recently talking about how Amouage scents smell really differently on her if it’s sprayed, spritzed or dabbed

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  24. sistine says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:21 am

    I challenged myself twice today – I normally don’t wear untried samples to work, and sweet perfumes can often get very ugly on my skin. So I tried my sample of Traversee du Bosphore for the first time this morning.

    I loved the topnotes. I’m not really happy with the dry down. I think it would be dynamite on someone else, but on my skin I’m just getting super sweet almonds. Oh well, bravery is its own reward! (However, I may have to scrub soon – it really is overpoweringly sweet. Good thing I have backup desk perfumes.)

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    • Catanosmia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:30 am

      That is a challenge–I’m too chicken to wear an untried sample unless I’m home for the day. It’s not like you can’t scrub at work as well as at home. Yay for bravery!

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    • Regina says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:40 am

      I found TdB to sweet, too. It is nice in the bath though!

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:53 pm

      I generally love the softness of almond notes, but there are times where all I get is buttered popcorn.

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  25. BookishCook says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:22 am

    I’m wearing PG Indochine: I think it’s beautiful, but have worn it only once or twice since buying it in January because among all the unctuous honey and creamy vanilla is a peppery rasp that I find…unsettling.

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:26 am

      I think you smell great. I’ll be wearing Indochine very soon as I think it’s perfect for autumn.

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    • Deva says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:53 pm

      Love Indochine! You smell fabulous!

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    • FearsMice says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:37 pm

      Agree that Indochine is wonderful. Hope the pepper stays in check for you.

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  26. Petunia says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:29 am

    I went with Mitsouko today because many find it challenging to wear and many just don’t like it. For me, it’s more of a challenge to the people around me than myself. ????

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    • Catanosmia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:31 am

      I love Mitsouko! I’d happily enjoy you wafting nearby :)

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:49 pm

        I’ll be right over so we can waft together. ????

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    • tannina says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:41 am

      I really try to Love Mitsouko, but cant. Love Jicky instead ????

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:43 pm

        I’ve never smelled Jicky. Don’t know how I missed testing it.

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    • pyramus says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:46 am

      Mitsouko does seem to rub a lot of people the wrong way, but for me it was instant love, that soft peachiness clashing with the dark angry oakmoss. It’s got claws. I like a scent with some viciousness to it.

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 7:45 pm

        A perfect description!

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    • Deva says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:54 pm

      Great way to approach the CP????????

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:45 pm

        Thanks! I liked your breakfast. All things pumpkin…Yum! ????????

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      • Robin says:
        26 October 2018 at 10:42 pm

        Agree! Challenging everyone else is even better than challenging yourself ;-)

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:48 pm

      I think you smell fab. What concentration do you like best, Petunia?

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 7:42 pm

        The extrait, of course. Although I only own the EDP and is what I am wearing today. ????

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:56 pm

      I need to wear that more often. It doesn’t challenge me so much that I’m concerned it intimidates those around me, so I totally get what you are saying… ????

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:46 pm

        Right!

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    • AnnS says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:44 pm

      Mitsouko is challenging to wear, but when it’s right, it is just sooo right. I’ve actually been wearing Mitsouko a lot this fall. It seems to be where I am. And if it keeps people at arms length, so much the better. I love the way it smells the next morning!

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:47 pm

        Yes!

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    • austenfan says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:48 pm

      Great approach and a wonderful fragrance!

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:47 pm

        Aw, thanks. So glad that you’re feeling better.

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:02 pm

      Hi, Twin! I find it challenging, don’t get very much of the peachiness others do and, although I love oakmoss, this one is just a ‘like’ for me.

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:40 pm

        Hey Twin!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:49 pm

      I have found that Mitsouko can be temperamental on me. Sometimes it is the perfect perfume, and other times NOPE! Not sure that is the same as challenging.

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      • Petunia says:
        26 October 2018 at 8:39 pm

        I think it does make a scent challenging. I own several perfumes that I have to be in the mood to wear but I still love them all.

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  27. springpansy says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:33 am

    I’m always interested to read about people continuing to try something that they find challenging and eventually coming to love it. When I call a fragrance challenging, it usually means I don’t really like it. Maybe I’ll try it a couple of times, but after that, I’m done. Life feels too short to wear something I don’t really like, even if I think I *should* like it. Or maybe the definition of challenging isn’t always that I don’t like it, but that there are times when I don’t want to wear it or certain parts of its development that I need to get through before liking it.

    Anyhoo, I’m in Keiko Mecheri Un Jour d’Ete which I do like and find both pretty and all-purpose which is a good thing in my book. So not being challenged today. Other than finding a bottle I can afford…

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:47 am

      Amen! I feel the same.

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    • JadainGA says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:47 pm

      Affordability is definitely the challenge for me! I had plans to overtake Donatella’s perfume count if I won the $1.6 billion lottery this week….LOL

      Alas, I’m still hunting at TJ Maxx! :)

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:04 pm

      I agree with the comments in your first paragraph. I might try a scent a couple of times if there’s a reason I feel I ‘should’ like it, but most of the time I either love a scent right away or else I’m done with it.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:47 pm

      I’ve come to that same conclusion about certain scents. If I really do NOT like it on the first try, why continue? I have plenty of scented beauties I can enjoy instead!

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  28. madtowngirl says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:39 am

    SotD is vintage Samsara edp. This one can be challenging the way all big 80’s perfumes can be. They start out big, like shoulder pads, big hair and blue eyeshadow, but the drydown and longevity can’t be beat. (And now I have the Go-Go’s in my head????)
    No school for madtownteen today, so we have Halloween shopping to do and then some pumpkin baking this afternoon in honor of Pumpkin day. Pumpkin bread with dark chocolate chips sounded good to both of us.
    Happy Friday NST!

    psa: I still have plenty of Atelier Vanille Insensee decants available. If you are interested, head on over to the splitmeet.????

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    • pyramus says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:48 am

      Vintage Samsara is spec.tac.u.lar, but I hardly ever wear it because I have to be in the right mood for it. Either it’s really finicky or I am (I think it’s the Samsara, honestly).

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      • madtowngirl says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:22 pm

        I would agree, definitely not in my “no brainer, easy to wear” category.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      26 October 2018 at 11:58 am

      You smell blissful

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      • madtowngirl says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:23 pm

        Thanks ltsg, this one reminds me of you.????

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    • Suzy Q says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:00 pm

      I like the way Samsara smells but find it challenging to wear. Soooooo last week I had a brainstorm. I sprayed it in the bathroom–in the shower. Holy cow! my little house smells great. I’m really glad I found a way to enjoy it.

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      • madtowngirl says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:24 pm

        Nice!

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    • JadainGA says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:29 pm

      Samsara was my pick today too! I was pleasantly surprised: I’ve come around to really enjoying today! YAY! :)

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      • madtowngirl says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:24 pm

        Yay! Twins!

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  29. Deva says:
    26 October 2018 at 11:53 am

    A beautiful uplifting photo????

    I’m in the usual mad dash to finish compliance for my next contract, and also working the next two nights. *sigh*

    Opposite the CP today and totally in my comfort zone in SmellBent Smoked Ambergris. I’m not sad about it, either. However, I am compliant with Pumpkin Day, having just ingested the obligatory pumpkin spice bagel. Nom nom!

    Also in my musical comfort zone listening to Goldfrapp https://youtu.be/wCzoTQqEoFg from “Tales of Us,” which is one of my favorite soothing/disturbing albums to zone out with.

    So, complete fail for me on this weeks CP! ???? I am loving next weeks CP, though! This is right up my alley and I’m going to give some good thought to it. I may do a whole week of poetry inspired fragrances…!

    Happy Friday all you fragrant folks ✌????

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    • madtowngirl says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:26 pm

      I am totally on board with pumpkin day too! Did you ever get to try the WF pumpkin pie ice cream sandwiches?
      Hoping this is your last two night shifts!?????

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      • Deva says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:36 pm

        No, I never did because I’ve chunked up enough as it is, and have just given the frozen treat aisle a complete miss. I had forgotten all about it, really. Until now. Thanks, madtowngirl! ????
        And yes, tonight and tomorrow are my last two night shifts forever (I hope)!

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        • madtowngirl says:
          26 October 2018 at 6:00 pm

          Whoops, lol, sorry.????(but they are just. so. good.)

          Woo hoo for the end of nights! I hope you are done with them forever too!!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:45 pm

      Fingers crossed that these 2 shifts are easy ones! ????????

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    • tiffanie says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:10 pm

      agree! that photo is beautiful.

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  30. holyneroli says:
    26 October 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Chanel No. 19. I love it now, but it was definitely an acquired taste. It took me awhile to come around to iris scents.

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    • KellyC says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:22 pm

      Me too about iris scents. I love them now though!

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:59 pm

      It’s so funny. I always assume I don’t care for iris because I have Infusion d’Iris and don’t really like it much. But I love no. 19

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      • holyneroli says:
        26 October 2018 at 2:04 pm

        And I think that’s funny because Infusion d’Iris was the perfume that changed my mind about iris :)

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        • LizzieB says:
          26 October 2018 at 2:08 pm

          ????

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      • AnnieA says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:53 pm

        Infusion d’Iris was meh, but Infusion d’Iris Absolue completely won me over after I’d been cajoled into trying it.

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    • madtowngirl says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:27 pm

      Definitely an acquired taste, I’m still working on that one.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:44 pm

      Iris was not something I liked when I first started sniffing seriously, but I’ve always like No. 19.

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    • tiffanie says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:09 pm

      iris = love! sometimes for fun I line up my iris perfumes from easiest to more challenging. Hiris is about as far as I am comfortable. I still have a hard time with No. 19 on me, though it smells glorious on you and when I encounter it in the wild.

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  31. Coin-op says:
    26 October 2018 at 12:17 pm

    SOTD Gulbahar, a Rose attar from Sugandhco

    It’s beautiful… to me, reminiscent of SL as Majeste la Rose

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  32. hajusuuri says:
    26 October 2018 at 12:40 pm

    SOTD = Zoologist T-Rex

    W00t! It’s Smoky! It’s Tarry! It’s Resinous! 3 sprays but I made sure it had enough time to dissipate before commuting with the masses.

    Tonight, I am meeting a friend for tapas, then we’re going to see the silent film version of Phantom of the Opera with Live Organ Music!

    Tomorrow, it’s Sniffaloiza and a Halloween party!

    Now back to work.

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    • Deva says:
      26 October 2018 at 12:57 pm

      Have fun! I hope T-Rex is agreeing with you. I may give it a sniff eventually, but SSS Winter Woods is about as Smokey as I get.

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      • chocolatemarzipan8 says:
        27 October 2018 at 5:50 am

        Which is not smoky at all on my wonky skin…I get amber and vanilla.

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    • clarissa says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:21 pm

      Wow, fun events. I have not give T-Rex a wear outside of the house yet – it has been fairly warm here

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:42 pm

      Your movie night sounds awesome!

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    • tiffanie says:
      26 October 2018 at 8:55 pm

      Smoky is my kryptonite! You are made of braver stuff than I.

      Enjoy your movie, that sounds so fun. Near me there is an ice rink that has an old Wurlitzer organ from the days before recorded music overtook live accompaniment. About once a month a volunteer organist comes in and plays while people skate. It’s charming. ;)

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  33. gunmetal24 says:
    26 October 2018 at 12:55 pm

    Ahh, i didn’t read this challenge in time :( I wore House of Matriarch Albatross this morning, an easy going marine cedar.

    But yesterday night, I wore something that was a bit challenging. Bortnikoff’s Mysterious Oud. There’s a prominent smoked facet (its like the smoked part of meat, minus the meat if that makes any sense) with tropical flowers. A little bit tangy, a bit savoury and umami. I also find the same facet in both Zoologist T-Rex and Ensar Ouds EO2 EDP. Its an interesting facet but not my cup of tea personally.

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  34. Suzy Q says:
    26 October 2018 at 12:56 pm

    SOTD is Moschino Moschino. A friend gave me a bottle (!) over the summer and I didn’t care for it then. Thought I’d give it a try in cooler weather. Nope. None of the listed notes are problematic for me but something smells like dirty clothes or unwashed skin. Can’t explain it.

    Still, I’ll give it a few more tries…before I give it back.

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:04 am

      I don’t think I’ve ever smelled that one!

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  35. Barqs says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:10 pm

    Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue. We are getting our first real cool front here. It is currently a lovely 67 degrees :)

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:06 am

      67 is about perfect!

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  36. thegoddessrena says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:13 pm

    I think Slinky Carnation is a bit challenging to wear to work but I think one little spray under my shirt will be okay.

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    • thegoddessrena says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:43 pm

      My workplace is a little challenging since we’ll be closing early tomorrow to begin remodelling but they’ve already stripped out the decor. I miss the muscle charts and the art and today the fake fireplace in the waiting room was being removed as I arrived and most of the massage room chairs are gone. It’s just disorienting for me and makes me sad

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      • Kanuka says:
        26 October 2018 at 2:59 pm

        I hope your workplace doesn’t lose its individual character in the remodelling process. That would make me sad, too.

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  37. crikey says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:14 pm

    In Slumberhouse Norne today. Not challenging, exactly, but it was a risky buy and a rather expensive leap of faith… I hadn’t even been able to get hold of a sample but had a short trip to the US earlier this year, bought it online and had it ready and waiting at the hotel when I arrived. Dense sticky pine resin and incense and cold air. Lovely.

    Considered wearing No.19 which I avoided for years until I realised that it doesn’t actually smell of gin and bitterness, and is just straight up beautiful. It was a good thing to reclaim from bad associations.

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    • FearsMice says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:28 pm

      There’s surely a story behind the gin and bitterness! So glad you find No. 19 beautiful now. And Norne is a good one, too.

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:56 pm

      I avoided No.19 for years but then Waterdragon bought me a 19 shower gel and that lit the bulb in my brain

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      • Gi says:
        26 October 2018 at 11:15 pm

        I miss Waterdragon’s posts. I hope all is well. Do you keep in touch, Kanuka?

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    • tiffanie says:
      26 October 2018 at 8:48 pm

      Norne is exactly like you describe it! An NSTer sent me a sample, so no bottle for me.

      Gin and bitterness, LOL :D

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    • missionista says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:19 pm

      It’s really good to hear about a scent being reclaimed from bad associations.

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:04 am

      Love Norne!

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  38. KellyC says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:16 pm

    I’m in Cuir de Russie today which I haven’t fully come around to yet. It takes me a while with some Chanels (looking at you, No 22) so maybe I just more time either CdR…

    Happy Friday, friends!

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    • FearsMice says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:31 pm

      I think you smell fab; hope CdR eventually finds its way into your affections.

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      • KellyC says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:05 pm

        The funny this is that now that’s it’s been on around 6 hours, I’m loving it. I just don’t love it right after spraying for some reason…but now that’s it’s dried and sat a while, I can’t stop smelling myself.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          26 October 2018 at 7:40 pm

          So is that an official perfume 180?

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          • KellyC says:
            26 October 2018 at 11:11 pm

            Not quite a 180 but I’m definitely warming up to it!

  39. JadainGA says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Happy FriYAY Y’all!

    I totally surprised myself today with my “challenging” scent. I went with Guerlain Samsara, which I didn’t like at all when I bought it and tried it the 1st couple of times. I put it away in a drawer and moved on. This morning I pulled it out as my challenge….and I’m enjoying every bit of it. Methinks my perfume palate has evolved? Maybe the scent has mellowed after a couple of years in a dark drawer? Whatever the case, it’s not really a challenge for me today, I’m happy to report! :)

    Didn’t realize it was Pumpkin Day when I bought this cute little sign at Kroger for $1.99 this morning…. :)
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZ3yXIBiI8/?taken-by=jadainga99

    If it’s pumpkin spiced, I probably will love it!

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    • JadainGA says:
      26 October 2018 at 1:23 pm

      PS: Forgot to mention! I think I got pretty lucky yesterday….I did a last minute Ebay bid on a bottle of Prada Infusion D’Iris, and got a 3.4oz bottle for $32. Methinks that’s a pretty great deal for not even really trying….. :)

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      • Catanosmia says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:50 pm

        That’s a lucky find for sure!

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    • KellyC says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:41 pm

      Isn’t it crazy how our tastes evolve?

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  40. therabbitsflower says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:20 pm

    I would have worn Bruno Fazzolari Room 237, which very much challenges me with its vinyl shower curtain note mixed with weird, aloof greens and musk, but I couldn’t find my sample this morning. I couldn’t be bothered to think of another challenging perfume because my boyfriend is not well. He’s had stomach cramps for the last day with no improvement, so I’m really stressed about it.

    Found my St. Clair samples that I’ve been meaning to come back to and am wearing the beautiful First Cut. I’m quite certain I’ll buy a bottle after I use up the sample.

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    • Elisa P says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:21 pm

      I hope he feels better (or goes to get checked out if he doesn’t)! Stomach stuff is the pits. I’ve had many GI issues over the years so can empathize.

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Thanks, he is now also throwing up, which I think is a good sign because stomach cramps on their own are kinda weird. He’s been able to sleep and says that’s helped. We’ll go to the doc if he gets any worse.

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        • Amy says:
          27 October 2018 at 12:05 am

          Oh no! I hope he gets better very soon!

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    • sistine says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:39 pm

      I hope your boyfriend feels better soon.

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Thank you!

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:06 pm

      Sending Feel Better Soon wishes to your boyfriend!

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        26 October 2018 at 9:10 pm

        Thanks, he’s feeling better than this morning.

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    • KellyC says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:43 pm

      I won’t try and diagnose, but if it’s super bad, please get him to go to the doc! My fiance had “cramps” for days then started throwing up. We finally took him and it was his appendix! Happy thoughts for you both!

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        26 October 2018 at 9:39 pm

        He seems to be on the upswing, but I’ll definitely force him in if he still has cramps tomorrow. He and I have both had the same concern while trying to self-diagnose.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:39 pm

      I hope that your boyfriend is feeling better very soon! Stomach cramps and throwing up sound absolutely awful.

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        26 October 2018 at 9:40 pm

        Thanks, Jalapeno!

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    • chocolatemarzipan8 says:
      27 October 2018 at 5:53 am

      First Cut is gorgeous!!!!! in my top four for sure. It smells amazing on my hubs too.

      Hope by now the bf is better…might be some sort of stomach bug

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  41. Lisa D says:
    26 October 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Wearing my homemade version of Kulfi today, which is about as far from challenging as I can get, since it comforts me no end. I smell like a strange brew of cream, saffron, cardamom, and a little coconut.

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:07 am

      That sounds absolutely lovely.

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  42. Aurora says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:04 pm

    Caraway and its even more evil sibling cumin (which ruins many Vero Kern perfumes for me) are always a challenge for me, so I’m wearing Diorama which I admire in some ways but cannot love, and I’m wearing it strictly around the house.

    The CP was very instructive and entertaining today.

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    • Kanuka says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:48 pm

      I don’t like cumin in perfume either.

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      • AnnieA says:
        26 October 2018 at 3:58 pm

        Yep, too Sweaty Dude for me.

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      • Aurora says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:22 pm

        I did think I wouldn’t be the only one :)

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      • Aurora says:
        26 October 2018 at 5:24 pm

        Cumin is a REAL challenge for sure!

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:52 pm

      Wow, you’re a trooper. I just can’t do it.

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  43. LizzieB says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I pulled out the Orminde Jayne Woman, which I rarely wear. I think I oversprayed last time and it had way too much presence. Today I did one spritz on the wrist. Much nicer. And my husband even commented a few days later he liked whatever it was I sprayed on. So….may be something I wear more often now.

    Enjoyed the movie yesterday and then walked across town to get a few miles in. Got very excited when I saw one of the upcoming Sat/Sun a.m. features will be The Trouble With Angels. One of my favorite Hayley Mills movies (yes, I’m that old…) I think I’m going to insist my husband goes with me.

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:10 pm

      My husband commented a few “minutes” later… we are not time travelers….

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    • missionista says:
      26 October 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Yes, I find it best when sprayed lightly. One spritz, no more than two at the very most, on the chest, and it lasts allllllll day.

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  44. yukiej says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:13 pm

    Wearing Matrix Metal from The Harmonist – have other people tried anything from this brand? It’s completely new for me, which in itself means it is out of my comfort zone.

    This one is supposed to have aldehydes and a metal note, both usually challenging for me but it is luckily working today :) Happy Friday everyone!

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    • Elisa P says:
      26 October 2018 at 2:26 pm

      I got a couple of samples from the Barney’s SA when they 1st got them there. Metal Flower and I forget the other one now. I didn’t care for either. The Metal one was a metallic rose with a huge dose of aggressive laundry musk in the base.
      The other was iris+ warm vanillic notes. Was ok, but nothing new or exciting for me. Nice bottles, though. And the SA was nice.

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      • yukiej says:
        26 October 2018 at 4:37 pm

        Rose with laundry musk sounds pretty meh to me. I tried two others, Velvet Fire and Royal Earth, which were nice but not earth-shattering. The main reason why I like Matrix Metal is because it reminds me of Passage d’Enfer (which possibly means I am not following today’s theme, but I did my best!).

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  45. FearsMice says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:25 pm

    I flunked the project today, even though I had good intentions… I was rummaging around trying to find my sample of Bois d’Ascese, which I tried once ages ago and found almost overwhelmingly smoky, when I noticed that my decant of L’eau de Tarocco had nearly evaporated. I put on what was left, and sadly thunked the empty decant. I think I smell good, anyway.

    Thank goodness we’ve all made it to Friday!

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:49 am

      Well sorry about your gone decant!

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  46. TeaInTheGarden says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:27 pm

    I’m wearing CdG Kyoto, which is a partial challenge: I love it part of the time, but sometimes, not so much. Regardless, it’s about time to either buy another decant or spring for a bottle.

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:49 am

      Partial credit then ;-)

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  47. foxbins says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Well, I win the challenge for longest perfume name I’ve come across so far, and the scent challenges me as well: Unum’s io_non_ho_mani_ch_mi_accarezzimo_ il_volto. It’s incense, and I like incense, but then it kind of goes Snickerdoodles cookies on me. Very odd.

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    • pyramus says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:32 pm

      I would wear a scent that smelled of snickerdoodles. Surprised Demeter hasn’t tackled that one yet.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:36 pm

      Sometimes I get a whiff of snickerdoodles from scents that are heavy in labdanum.

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  48. Gi says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:37 pm

    Complete failure on this week’s challenge. I was lathering up with Rose Jam in my shower this morning, trying to think of what I’ve found challenging as perfume and could only think of ethyl maltol notes. Was going to brave a sample of La Vie Est Belle but that Rose Jam got me thinking of roses and it gave me a powerful craving for Une Rose de Kandahar. So here I am, completely comforted in spicy rose. No LVEB for me today.

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    • AnnieA says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Sometimes Nice is Nice, a motto I remind myself about when I splash out for something that is merely pretty and not a ravishing and original work of art…

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:37 pm

      Spicy rose doesn’t sound like a fail to me. :)

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  49. Elisa P says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:40 pm

    I wore BV today, which isn’t challenging to me and hopefully not to anyone around me work-wise.
    But, to play along, I did a couple of small doses on the backs of my hands: Goest Perfumes Jackal, which does smell quite untamed and “dirty” kind of literally like dirt or some wild animal poop, and CdR parfum, which I like better than the EDT which was very barnyard-y to me. This is less so, but still can’t fully embrace it yet (or maybe never).
    Staycation for me next week, woo hoo!

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    • LizzieB says:
      26 October 2018 at 3:14 pm

      And how was Rocky Horror?

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      • Elisa P says:
        26 October 2018 at 7:05 pm

        Ha! I forgot already ???? It was bawdy, good fun, but a bit improv-ish and disorganized. But, hey, it was free!

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    • Undina says:
      26 October 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Yay for the stay-cation!

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      • Elisa P says:
        26 October 2018 at 7:05 pm

        ????

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    • madtowngirl says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:31 pm

      Staycations are the best! Enjoy!

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      • Elisa P says:
        26 October 2018 at 7:07 pm

        I enjoy them. I have grand plans, mostly involving getting rid of things and organizing, which is more stressful than my day job, lol.

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  50. AnnS says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Outside of my comfort zone is normally something smokey, something too incense-y, or something fruity. Today my choice was my old bottle of Badgley Mischka, which I actually really like. The warm sweet fruity syrup seems perfect anticipating the onslaught of Halloween activities starting this weekend.

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    • Aurora says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:27 pm

      BM is lovely, but it’s one huge perfume. You smell awesome.

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  51. Kanuka says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Interesting experience at the graveyard yesterday. There are a lot of hawthorn trees that must have been planted long ago given their height ( were probably hedges originally) and they are in flower. Only the really old houses here have hawthorn ( or holly…also as hedges) so you don’t often smell them. Anyway, I sniffed it and ‘bam’ instant mind-travel back to the gardens and neighbourhoods of Wuerzburg (Bavaria) where I lived for 4 years. But until yesterday I hadn’t ever consciously thought of a Wuerzburg scent ( except maybe Linden) …so the smell yesterday just zapped straight to the memory response zone . It’s a lovely smell, too. The sale table with Kelly Caleche was gone so that’s good ? Wearing YS-Uzac Immortal Beloved which is challenging as it is fairly boozy (sweet rum) and I’m not exactly comfortable in boozy perfumes for some reason….syrupy?

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:07 am

      Great scent memory. Also I love Christina Stead. Somewhat oddly The Man Who Loved Children is set in the town I grew up in and so I have an odd bond with the book.

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:08 am

      I say oddly because it’s a town in the USA, so not necessarily what one would expect.

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  52. Mary Carol says:
    26 October 2018 at 2:50 pm

    I like the idea of our project today, but am having trouble finding something in m collection that is a challenge because I guess I mostly just have scents that I really like. Therefore, I put on something that I normally wear in warm sunny weather, CDG Vettiveru. The challenge to me is how this will smell on the cold, damp day we’re having. So far, it is very good (but I have to admit that it just seems to project a little more and in a really good way when the temperatures are much warmer outside).

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:51 am

      I think that just means you are wise :-)

      Plus, you do smell great.

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  53. Oakland Fresca says:
    26 October 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Not all that challenges, but unusual for me, I am in an oud scent, courtesy of Pixel who very generously shared some large samples she acquired. I’m in the truly gorgeous Cartier Oud & Rose, and smell like a million bucks. I didn’t shower this AM, and am wearing leggings and very long sweater (both are dark blue and I suspect I look more Violet Beauregarde than relaxed), but the perfume is elevating me to street-worthy.

    Has anyone tried the new ELDO “I Am Trash” perfume? I find the idea interesting, but the PR photo of trash extremely off-putting–so much so that I am not sure I can even muster the courage to order a sample.

    And finally, thanks everyone who proffered advice about my son’s grieving for our beloved, cranky old cat. My son is doing better today, although he still does not want to talk about it (annoying advisor at his school kept bringing up the cat in a parent/teacher meeting and was not getting traction, but was having trouble dropping the subject).

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:09 am

      Oh that is annoying that the adviser didn’t follow your son’s lead on this. Belated condolences, though, on your loss.

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  54. GateGirl says:
    26 October 2018 at 3:10 pm

    So today I decided to go the teeny-bopper route and chose Enchanted Wonderstruck by Ms. Swift. Needless to say, I was quite struck by how Understruck it was. The scent, while pretty, barely lasted the fifteen minute drive to work. Boo hiss. I much preferred the Habibi I wore the day before.

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:51 am

      At least you were not struck for long?

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  55. Undina says:
    26 October 2018 at 4:01 pm

    I constantly challenge myself by repeatedly testing perfumes that do not work for me, but I can’t bring myself to spending a day wearing one of them, even for the CP: as is, I have too many great perfumes that do work for me and not enough time to wear them. So, I’m wearing one of my favorites – Krigler Lieber Gustav, which can be challenging for some since it has a strong lavender presence.

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    • crikey says:
      27 October 2018 at 4:58 am

      Oh, good call.
      I had to go and look this one up. Leather, lavender, and tea? That sounds lovely.

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  56. Jalapeno says:
    26 October 2018 at 4:59 pm

    Back to cloudy skies today. The threatened Nor’Easter seems to have been scaled back some as far as duration goes. I’m not upset about that.

    SOTD = FM Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle, from the sample stash. Based on the notes list, I should love this. But there is something discordant lurking around in the scent. Like feedback from a stereo speaker. I’ve had the same experience each time I have tried DvN.

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    • madtowngirl says:
      26 October 2018 at 5:36 pm

      Oops, my reply went in the wrong spot!

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:10 am

      DVN is an odd one for me too. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I *hate* it. Not sure why.

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  57. madtowngirl says:
    26 October 2018 at 5:35 pm

    DvN should have worked for me based on the list of notes too, but I got…cat pee.☹️

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:31 pm

      Eeeeeek! Cat pee is a huge NOPE!

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    • Deva says:
      27 October 2018 at 1:33 am

      Wow! I love DVN and I’m sure there is a travel size in my future, sometime…

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  58. CobraRose says:
    26 October 2018 at 5:41 pm

    Love the comment about Cassie. I remember being absurdly proud that I liked it from first sniff.

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    • Robin says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:52 am

      Ha, as well you should be!

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  59. Laila says:
    26 October 2018 at 5:45 pm

    For today’s challenge, I chose Guerlain Mitsuoko. The classic Guerlains that everyone loves have always proved challenging to my nose; perhaps it’s the ‘Guerlainade’ that just doesn’t agree with me. L’Heure Bleue was my greatest fragrance disappointment, and the only form of Shalimar I can wear is the edc. Perhaps because today is damp and chilly, I’m enjoying Mitsuoko more than usual. But, then, chypres are a favorite of mine, although Mitsuoko will never displace my all-time favorites, vintage Miss Dior and vintage Rive Gauche.

    Little Bear Luna paid her first visit to the vet this week. All 2-1/2 pounds of her were pronounced very healthy and I was complimented on my kitty-mothering skills. Phew! This week she has combined her Climbing Up! and Jumping Down! abilities to explore every corner of her Freedom Room. However, she still lacks the ability to jump into a lap; instead just using those tiny but very sharp little claws to climb up one’s leg. Ouch! Perhaps next week . . .

    Wishing everyone a wonderful almost-Halloween weekend!

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    • Laila says:
      26 October 2018 at 6:11 pm

      I obviously am challenged in even spelling it: Mitsouko!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      26 October 2018 at 7:33 pm

      Pretty soon, Little Bear Luna won’t be so little!

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    • Deva says:
      27 October 2018 at 1:32 am

      Little Bear Luna is making great progress thanks to her fabulous kitty mama????

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  60. sweetgrass says:
    26 October 2018 at 6:43 pm

    I went with Providence Perfume Co. Divine today. I don’t wear it often because I don’t like the top notes on my skin. Once it settles in it’s nice, but there is something in the top that smells kind of like brined olives to me.

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    • Amy says:
      27 October 2018 at 12:11 am

      I wore Epic today which I love in parts and at other times can only smell spicy pickles.

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  61. Subhuman says:
    26 October 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Mugler Alien, the nuclear jasmine that’s utterly ridiculous on my skin until about an hour after it’s dried down. I love it, because I love jasmine, but damn. A casual scent this is not. (But you can tear my bottle from my cold, dead hands.)

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    • Petunia says:
      26 October 2018 at 8:54 pm

      Well, we are getting close to Halloween. ????
      I have a hard time Muglet scents in but, hey, more for you! Although, I do like some of his exceptions line.

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  62. missionista says:
    26 October 2018 at 9:24 pm

    Amber is a really difficult note for me, so I went with Artisan Parfumeur’s L’Eau d’Ambre Extreme. I have a tiny sample, and am not even sure I’ll finish it. This stuff has lasting power to rival the worst scrubber!

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