Hump Day, National Apricot Day, Joan Baez's birthday. What fragrance are you wearing?
More points for me in Cartier Carat.
Reminder: on 1/11 we're doing My Precious...wear a scent that references jewels or precious metals. Suggested by thegoddessrena.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2019, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image shows items you probably can't afford from Cartier's Coloratura collection, 2018.
I’m back to sampling, and today I grabbed Jo Malone Amber & Lavender. This is listed as a men’s scent, but I like it better than Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, another Jo Malone.
I prefer it to the Dark Amber & Ginger Lily as wrll.
Robin, the jewels in this picture are gorgeous — perfect for a black dress, which would match my fragrance, Lancome Magie Noir
Wow, they really are! Emeralds are my favorite! The looks remind me of the dazzling earrings that Saoirse Ronon wore to the Golden Globes. (by Chopard: see here: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/g25748772/best-golden-globes-jewelry-2019/).
Yes, those are gorgeous Calypso! What did you think of her dress?
Lady GaGa’s necklace was also AMAZING!!!
Dress was OK, but I was not overly taken with it. I always read Tom & Lorenzo on fashion, and neither were they.
The top center necklace is called the Chromaphonia necklace — I wasted a few minutes trying to find the price and gave up, but in case you want to see it on Frieda Pinto’s neck, here you go:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a22516257/freida-pinto-its-ok-not-to-be-perfect/
And from The Telegraph:
“A set of 22 baroque emerald beads from Afghanistan sparked a flash of inspiration for one member of the design team, who recognised their fresh green hue and irregular shapes in the traditional pleated folk skirts of her native Hungary. The resulting Chromaphonia necklace sees all 199 carats of them topped with mandarin garnet beads and strung amongst spinels, diamond, turquoise and onyx in a joyful display of colour.”
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/jewellery/cartiers-coloratura-high-jewellery-celebration-diversity-colour/
OMG she (frida) really wears it well
I dont go gaga over jewelry most of the time, but this looks amazing.
No kidding, and it’s WAY bigger than I would have expected, WOW!
I’m not sure what I love more – the dress or the jewelry! Frieda is so gorgeous.
Holy macaroni!
Wow, and her dress is pretty spectacular, too. *wistful sigh*
Wow,that’s a stunner!
HOLY Moli! That’s ALOT of Emeralds!
They look like traditional Indian jewelry to me. I have a silver piece that looks like the bottom left necklace. It’s a mango design.
Oh goodness, the emerald on Catherine Zeta Jones’ finger! What a honker!
Ooh, yes, good call on both the black dress and Magie Noir!
Full points for me wearing Ann Gerard Perle de Mousse. Do prefer this in spring or summer, but it is a lovely scent.
You smell great Robin, did you get a bottle?
I did not, and I do like it but it is not on my buy list.
Good! I’m still not sure whether I want a bottle. It’s very pretty but has so far not taken my fancy quite as much as Baiser Volé ( still dithering whether I want a bottle) or La Panthère (have a bottle).
I like BV way better…and got my BV by swapping away my La Panthere.
Carat is pretty and I do like it better than La Panthere.
You smell lovely!
Thank you!
You smell great and thanks for reminding me that I can wear those this week (Ciel d’opale would work too) because I often draw a blank when trying to follow the CP!
Yes, Opale would work as well. I love that one in summer.
I think this is my only option for the CP, so will maybe wear it Friday- I also prefer it when it’s warmer out. But lovely scent!
Yep!
Today I finished my sample of Perles de Lalique for the CP. I respect this scent, but I think that sample was enough.
I had the same experience with that one, Glannys. You and I intersect on fragrance loves (or not) quite often, I’ve noticed.
That’s great, SheriG!
By the way, I agree with you on 24 Faubourg and glittering jewels.
Me three on Perles de Lalique. I’ve also seen Glannys and I share most likes and dislikes. Now I’ll start tracking you too, SheriG!
No CP points for me. I am in Shiseido Mai—another bottle I am evaluating whether to keep it or give away. I like it, but it seems very light and fleeting. Mayvyit is better in summer?
I’m in BV Eau Legere today. Haven’t worn it in a while, and had forgotten how easy and pleasant it is.
And Bottega Veneta is on my buy list, as well! Original or Eau Legere?
The Eau Legere. The original went all screechy hairspray on me, sadly. Which is on your buy list? I’d be interested to know if the original works on you, or if it does to you what it does to me.
Butting in to say that I had the opposite experience. I can wear the original, but the Eau Legere went screechy on me. Skin chemistry is funny stuff!
I wanted to buy the original, but haven’t tried the Eau Legere. I wanted to try the EL before deciding, but haven’t had the opportunity yet. As soon as I can, I’ll do a side by side and let you know.
Fending off the wintry weather in PdN Cap Neroli.
And now a makeup recommendation request:
I finally found a routine that’s starting to clear up my acne and post-acne scarring (or maybe it’s just good luck, idk) and it’s making me want to try out some fun new makeup. Anybody know of a good, subtle highlighter that’s not too pricey and not too glittery? If I can find it at Ulta, even better.
I don’t wear highlighters — too old and wrinkly, sigh — but the Essence Pure Nude highlighter available at Ulta seems to be well-liked. Can’t beat the price for a little fun experimentation…
Those reviews look promising, thanks!
Totally agree with this recommendation. Subtle but pretty.
Would you mind sharing your routine that helps acne/scarring? I never had any acne at school and lots of people commented on my good skin. However, in the way that life doles out justice, I started having breakouts on my chin after 45. Any recommendations will be much appreciated!
Oh, and I also think Essence is good value for money.
Sure! I had pretty clear skin until my late teens, when I started having hormonal breakouts that I’ve been dealing with ever since (I’m 27 now). Disclaimer: I can’t guarantee that my skin improvements are a direct result of my routine (I’ve also made some changes in diet and medication that might be contributing). I’m also religious about changing my pillowcases regularly.
I try to keep it simple. My skin is mostly dry, so in the morning I rinse with water, rather than using cleanser. Then I use aloe day cream from The Body Shop and Biore Watery Essence sunscreen (which I LOVE but have to order from Japan because they don’t sell it in the US, sigh), then makeup, if I’m wearing any.
In the evening, I use Garnier micellar water to remove any makeup and cleanse with Nubian Heritage African Black Soap. I just started using The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc and am awaiting an order of rosehip oil, so we’ll see if any of that helps. Then I top it all off with The Body Shop aloe night cream.
I have yet to find a spot treatment that is consistently effective. I sometimes have good luck with tea tree oil and sometimes with hydrocolloid spot bandages.
Whew! As you can see, acne has been a longtime struggle for me, lol. I hope some piece of that is helpful!
I love rosehip seed oil. Ede recommended it for my middle one for her acne and I actually started using it too.
I battled acne from age 11 until my late 40s. I tried every over the counter remedy I could find and even went the dermatologist route for a few years. I stopped that because I couldn’t tolerate the side effects of the medication. What finally cured my acne was menopause.
Hormonal acne is just the worst. I suspect I will just have to embrace my occasional breakouts. Glad that you were, after so many years, able to find an effective cure
I’m afraid my breakouts weren’t occasional–it was pretty much constant for about 35 years, except for a couple of years while I was taking meds prescribed by the dermatologist. The meds DID clear up the acne on my back, and it never did come back there, but after a year or two it started to come back on my face, even with the antibiotics and the Retin-A. The Retin-A was making my skin red, sore, and flaky (in addition to the blemishes), so it was even worse than acne by itself. The Dr. refused to prescribe Accutane, couldn’t offer anything else, and insulted me to boot! I just quit going to the Dr. after that. The acne didn’t really get any worse without the meds at that point, but it didn’t get any better until I got into my 40s.
I think that will hopefully be the cure of this for me too!
Thank you so much for the time taken to answer! You are a true, kind NSTer. And still so young (wistful sigh).
In a strange coincidence, I’ve recently started using The Bodyshop Aloe day and night cream and have found that it is really nice and hydrating. I also have very dry skin and have been told by numerous beauty therapists that the breakouts are my skin’s way of trying to provide moisture and the only way to do it is through the oily T-zone. I’ll defintely try and see if I can find the Biore product, as I use sunscreen daily in stead of day cream, so this is an important part of my skincare regimen. I have rosehip oil, I just keep forgetting to use it -thanks for the reminder! And may your skin clear up soon. My sister-in-law really struggled, but after her pregnancies her skin and other hormonal irregularities vanished miraculously.
Hi Amyitis – I am 51 and started breaking out along the jawline/chin. I started watching Dr. Dray on Youtube (she’s a dermatologist with a PhD), her videos are informative, her advice is practical and affordable. Link to her channel below. She has a video dedicated to hormonal acne.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxmUrGMtpQT844Yd_l7Zyg
I use CeraVe SA (stands for salicylic acid) cleanser in the morning, it’s a gentle fragrance-free exfoliating cleanser that is great for acne and discoloration. I like EltaMD spf 44 for sunscreen.
In the evening, I like CeraVe Hydrating cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. After I wash, I use Differin acne Gel .1% (over the counter). I started out using this 2 to 3 times a week at night and gradually built up a tolerance to 4 and 5 nights per week. It helps the skin to increase cell turnover and repairs damage. If you use Differin (or any retinol), sunscreen use is a must.
After I apply Differin, I use CeraVe lotion (if your skin is dry, they make a cream).
I like CeraVe because it’s cheap as chips, you can get it at any pharmacy, it’s effective and fragrance-free. It has ceramides which help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture and help protect against environmental aggressors. Since following this routine, my skin is in much better shape!
Dear SmokeyToes
I wish I could invite you to tea for all your kind advice! I’ve made your linseed hair conditioner and it works! I’ll try the CeraVe – I’ll be 48 next month and the acne must be a result of time ticking along. Thanks also for the Dr Dray recommendation. I have the whole weekend to get up to speed.
I asked my daughter, and she wears e.l.f. I shudder to think how many hours she’s logged on YouTube watching make up videos, but apparently it’s paid off. Her makeup always looks flawless-but not overdone- and she gets compliments all the time. She got all excited when I asked her, “why?! Are you ready to start getting into highlighter?!” Lol.
Haha! Your daughter sounds like my sister, who was giving my mom the lowdown on highlighter while we were out shopping a few weeks ago.
Thanks to your daughter for the rec! I have liked other elf products I’ve tried – and you can’t beat the price.
Yes, as a poor college student, she likes the price too. (Also, I am now wearing highlighter.?)
I wear Hourglass powders, which have some very subtle shimmer. They are not cheap, but I get them at the yearly November 20% off sale at Sephora. For me, they are miraculous and make my 52 year old skin look alive again.
They are wonderful, as is Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter: I prefer liquid highlighters and this one is very subtle plus gives a wonderful glow when I wear it under the foundation. It is, alas, not cheap.
Thanks, I’ll give this one a try at Sephora. If I wind up getting really into highlighter, it might be worth the splurge.
Ooo sounds like something I might need ?
I have the Hourglass Dim light powder and love it. Just the right amount of luminosity and blurring. But, yes, not cheap. I have skin on the oiler side so too much shimmer enhances the oiliness.
Sephora does carry a couple of the Hourglass powders in a mini size that’s more affordable. Mine is over a year old and hardly has a dent.
They didn’t have Dim, at least in stores. I have a mini of the marbled blush ones which I like.
I’ve tried the Mood Exposure blush, and love it….until it oxidizes to orange on my skin. Super lovely! ?
That’s the mini I have. Bummer about the orange- fortunately this stuff doesn’t do that on me (other powders have, though).
Cap is the one that has been in and out of my shopping cart more times than I can count. Would you recommend it? My gold standard for Neroli is Yves Rocher Neroli.
I really wanted to love YR Neroli, but I think there was an aromachemical in it that I was sensitive to.
I would recommend Cap Neroli though! It starts out sharp and green, then softens into a green floral. Very refreshing. Lasts about half a workday on me, which is pretty good for a neroli scent. Thanks to the kind NSTer who sent me a sample!
Thankyou for your recommendation! It sounds like something I would really love.
The Morphe collection at ULTA is really nice and affordable. You can even use the coupons on it. Also for a higher end brand, I like Anastasia.
Aside from the pricey Hourglass piwder, I also bought the Milk highlighter stick in the mini trial-sized version (in a champagne-rosy color) I actually rub it on my finger tips and blend it with my foundation. It’s not glittery and just adds a bit of dewy freshness. Subtle.
Burt’s Bees does a really nice highlighter in a stick for under $10
I had my eye on that one, but backed off when some reviewers said it had a greasy texture. Have you tried it?
I think it is fine. I am not really a makeup wearer and tend to get my mind set on something ( highlighter! Turquoise eyeliner! Pale blue shadow!) , go mad for a week or two and then stop. So, it was good for the week of the trial and easy to apply. And no greasier than anything else.
I also used it on my eyelids and lips so, you know, not a purist
Haha! Sounds like me, too (fleeting fixations). And not using as directed, for sure ?
Haha! Thanks for the review!
The MakeUp Revolution ones are cheap and supposed to be a dupe of the Hourglass ones.
Laura Mercier has a matte radiance baked powder that I love, and I’m a shimmer phobe. It’s pricey, but you can probably try it on at Sephora or a department store.
Benefit High Beam. I layer it Shy Beam for a subtle rosy cheek look. Sun Bean makes you look like you’ve had a little sun. I swipe about an inch length of High Beam diagonally on each cheekbone as well as a shorter vertical swipe on the nose.
My daughter is a make up artist and I know she really likes NARS brand the best for OTC products at Sephora or Nordies, etc. You could try that.
SOTD Aedes de Venustas Oeillet Bengale.
My favorite word, Oeillet. I love the Aedes perfume bottles.
I do too flopper.
I love those bottles, too. One of these days, I’ll get one.
I don’t know how to pronounce it.
Ha, I don’t either!
* Waves to my scent-sister in Aedes * (iris nazarena here)
I love that one too!
You smell fabulous!
You smell wonderful!
Gorgeous!
All of the Aedes perfumes sound like they are beautiful.
Love the jewelry above…..and did anyone else love the necklace that Tiffany and Co. created for Lady Gaga for the Golden Globe awards? WOWZERS!
Repeating yesterday’s scent in Prada Infusion d’Iris Cedre. Soooo nice and cozy…..
Yes it was spectacular! I’m glad to see jewellery back in on the red carpet.
I looooved that necklace!
Someone wore Bois de Violette yesterday, so I’m doing it today. No points for me, but I smell gorgeous.
You do!
It’s one of my many failings as a perfumista that I don’t properly appreciate this Lutens. That and many Chanels, including 31, Rue Cambon leave me cold and it feels wrong that they do! Still I can’t help that I have in many respects quite a trashy taste in perfume.
I’m not much of a Chanel fan either.
Now I feel so much better about my “Chanel- failing”!
I don’t think it is a failing to not like a given perfume house. Vive la difference!
And viva la juicy!?
???!
When I first joined NST, I really really really loved Diesel Loverdose and nobody here judged merit it?
Nobody judged me for it
Do you still like Loverdose?
Teeheehee
Hey, I like Loverdose!! I liked Loverdose Tattoo too.
Hermes Elixir des Merveilles for me today. Happy Hump Day, all!
You smell really good, I love its richness in winter and EDM in summer.
You smell good!!
The Elixir is my favorite!
Sleepy on a chilly day – it’s finally got really Good and Cold here in Minnesota. I don’t mind at all – there’s nothing I love more than getting under a very large pile of blankets in a very cold room.
I’m wearing DSH Etole de Vison. I’m so glad I got her whole animalics sampler pack – when my no-buy wears off I will be hard pressed to choose between this and Chinchilla and Rendezvous. They’re all cozy and delicious.
Cold here too, but there is sun! So no complaints from me.?
Apricot day is also the day I finish my only ever apricot scent, Juste un reve from Nicolai Parfums. Very cute, light and unpretentious though I didn’t quite love it as much as I love Fig tea from them .
Now I wonder if there isn’t something nice I could bake with dried apricots more in line with the season
May I suggest….
https://boisdejasmin.com/2018/02/chocolate-cake-with-pistachios-and-apricots.html
And please send me a slice
Sampling DSH Deco Diamonds which is so far very “perfumey” since it opens with a bunch of aldehydes.
Velvet Gardenia is being re-issued! I hope it arrives locally soon so I can see how it compares to the original
Checked your scent on Fragrantica, and the notes look impressive, although I am afraid that a combination of galbanum, tuberose, animalic notes, aldehydes and oakmoss would be too much for me. It does look like something “perfumey”!
Thanks for great news on Velvet Gardenia. I have never tried it and only learned about it preparing for tuberose and gardenia theme. Many people describe it as a true gardenia scent, so naturally I am very curious.
Velvet Gardenia is being reissued??? This is the best news I’ve heard all year. I hope it smells the same…
Koyel wore L’Attesa, so I’m wearing mine from a sample from a lovely NSTer. I also have a bottle of Carat from another lovely NSTer.
You smell elegant and fabulous! I wish I had brought my sample with me yesterday, though, because the scent wore off by ~2pm :-/ hope it lasts longer on you!
Eau Premiere.
Lovely!
Thanks Petunia!
Perfect
Thanks KellyC!
Also, how could I forget?! Jimmy Page turns 75 years young today!?
That explains the “rock block” of Led Zeppelin I heard on the radio this morning! ?
I totally spaced it too! ?
Elegant and put together!
Thanks Jalapeno!
Main perfume of the day is Grey Labdanum from Abel and for the sake of our my precious… project I pick Atelier Cologne Gold Leather.
I’m saving Gold Leather for Friday.
For Friday I have something else
That was my pick from the Abel range but none of them had enough sillage or staying power for me, even compared to other natural perfumes .
Sprayed lavishly and smelling wonderful in MFK Grand Soir, thanks to a generous NSTer.
Very busy in the new office. Not a friendly environment for sure. Lots of restrictions regarding the use of personal cell phones and internet, but I see others breaking the rules continuously and spending lots of time in personal activities. No wonder why they are behind meeting deadlines. Anyway, my coffee break is almost over. I will start catching up on NST comments during my breaks at work or in the evening when I get home.
Be well everyone!
Good luck getting everybody back in line!
Thank you! Hoping for the best.
You smell great !
Thank you!
Smelling grand today, aren’t we?
We are! ?
Yeesh. Best of luck in the new office!
Thank you! I really need it!
Sorry it’s not a friendly environment ? That’s disappointing, I’m sure. Wishing you luck and it’s only temporary, right? Glad there’s no scent restrictions, though. Maybe your beautiful scents will loosen people up a little ?
Thank you Elisa P. I will be there 3 to 4 months only. It doesn’t look like there are any perfume restrictions, at least nobody has complained about it yet. And yes! I hope that my scents make the office a more relaxed placed. Never lose hopes! ?
Hang in there!
Trying me best!
Sorry about the unfriendly environment. Hopefully it won’t last long. We were almost twins today. You smell scrumptious ?
I will be there thanks God until March/April and as you said spring is around the corner!
I was wondering how things were going for you. Happy to hear from you! Too bad that office doesn’t sound like the greatest, though. Time to break out the “spine stiffeners” and other perfumes like them.
I feel that Chanel No. 19 is also going to be one of those stiffeners coming to the rescue!
That’s just the most beautiful perfume ever!
It is such a wonderful, easy to wear amber!
Oh no! Sorry that it’s such an unfriendly environment. I hope you can enjoy your fragrances there and spend lots of time on projects outside the office.
Only 3 days there and I am already trying to find comfort in my perfumes. Never thought it was going to be that soon!
DK Men Unleaded today, an antique store find. Rubbery and fresh, with just a whiff of 90’s hair gel. Best part is the bottle but I do like the smell too.
Ahhhh, 90s hair gel…
TDC Rose Poivree for no points at all. My day was 1000x better than yesterday and it must be because of all the kind wishes for a much better day. I hope to return the favor soon!
Yay! Glad the collective positive vibes of NST made things better
Glad to hear that today was much improved!
Wearing a semi precious scent today in Sage Machado Rose Quartz Perfume Oil. It was a gift from a friend and really lovely. Probably my favorite of the oils that I have tried from this line.
Ah, that line has lots of possibilities and I forgot all about it!
i just love art jewelry, don’t you? i always watch antiques roadshow and wish i too had a dowager aunt who left me a brooch of a cockatoo encrusted in diamonds.
today i’m wearing chanel 22 edt, the glittering gem in the exclusifs jewelry box (ok i’m reaching here)
Scent twins! Except I am in the vintage edt.
you smell wonderful! i have a half bottle of vintage cologne but it’s kind of broken
doesn’t stop me from wearing it though!
I have a couple decants of the vintage edt and a full bottle of the extrait that I haven’t opened yet. I should open that bottle though.
ooh a full unopened bottle, i’m jealous!
i have a mini of the parfum from the 90s probably, but it’s already starting to turn. that’s my personal use-it-up project, i want to gather my rosebuds while i may!
you smell wonderful
Go you with your personal “Use It” project! I keep thinking that I will do one someday…
Sotd is iris nazarena.
Going to London this weekend. Yay!
I dont know if I have time for shopping (Ill probably be stuck in a museum…cant wait to see Tate Modern again, and the gorgeous early renaissance collection of National Gallery….)
…but recommendations for perfume/tea/chocolate shops and good but reasonably priced restaurants are welcome.
(Our hotel is close to St Pancras, but i dont mind walking the extra mile for good food ).
You smell great! I love going to Fortnum & Mason because they have delicious tea and perfume.
Oh thats a good one! Thank you
Tea is such a perfect souvenir or gift!
Even though i can order or obtain most tea brands online, its always nice to visit those shops in person and bring home a small tin as a reminder
At Fortnums you don’t have to buy the pricier tin boxes with teas. They fill a pretty resealable bag with your tea of choice. Try the Countess Grey, we bought it this year. A very elegant Earl Grey!
Good to know, I love earl grey! Thank you.
Really, does Countess Grey come in a resealable bag??
You smell gorgeous! I love Iris Nazarena.
Perfume: Liberty to browse all the perfumes in (relative) peace, Bloom Perfumery in Covent Garden for niche perfumes and very helpful staff
Chocolate: Hotel Chocolat, there is a number of stores all around London
I second Fortnum & Mason for tea especially, and Whittards Tea, a chain with many stores, there is one in Covent Garden, for delicious and affordable teas (I buy their Russian Caravan, a favorite)
Enjoy your trip
Sounds wonderful
thank you!
Enjoy!
Yay for the trip and you smell great!
Safe travels and enjoy your trip to London!
Have afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. Go to the one that looks like an ice cream shoppe, not the one with the dark stuffy chairs (the maitre d’ was equally stuffy).
Hermés Un Jardin en Méditerranée. It’s true love. It may be intended to evoke the Mediterranean, but it reminds me of wandering through the woods and playing in the creeks as a kid in SE Alaska, surrounded cedar trees and picking apart cypress branches with my fingers just to throw the little green bits into the water. I can be picky with green notes, but the fig is perfect imo.
This was the sure bet in the Jardin coffret so I went for this first, we will test the rest another day.
You smell great, and I love your scent association.☺️ Philosykos gets a lot of love, but the Hermès is my favorite fig too. Looking forward to hearing your thought on the others.
I’ll make sure to post them here ?
Yup, same here.
I hardly wear philosykos (i have a small bottle) because when i want fig I grab un jardin 9 out of 10 times.
I also love that scent association. I’ll have to try that one. I love Hermes and the others in that series but haven’t tried that one yet.
Thanks, KellyC! If you like a greener/sharper fig, it’s a must.
What a beautiful memory!
I only own Mediterranee, but i like Sur le Nil and Apres la mousson as well. Are those in the coffret as well?
It has all but the mousson, unfortunately!
I don’t know if you are looking for any other fig scents to try, but if you are, I would recommend AG Ninfeo Mio. I think that is my #1 fig perfume.
Always looking for more things to sniff haha. I’ll put that on the list ?
Mine too! Philosykos is too fig -jammy for me and Premier Figuier and Ortigia’s Fico d’India smell like twins to me even though the Ortigia is supposed to reference a cactus plant. They both annoy me after an hour. I think I once smelled the Hermes (UJeM), but really can’t remember much about it. I’ve heard Heely has a nice fig…
My dad’s surgery went well. After all the running around and stress, it’s back to work for me and I am tired. Yesterday it was severe thunderstorms and I thought I would lose power. I am wearing vintage no 22 edt for a little lift, little comfort and some backbone.
Glad to hear surgery went well! You smell great.
You smell fantastic.
Happy to hear the surgery went well! Hopefully you can rest a bit more peacefully, now.
That’s great news Dawn, and get some rest soon.
Happy to hear that your dad’s surgery went well Dawn!
That’s great news Dawn! I hope you can rest and take some time for yourself.
Yay, so glad!
I so want that necklace on the right, with the big opal. Stunning. Just to wear it once…
Fragonard Jasmin Perle de Thé for the CP. I normally would wear this in summer, but trying it in colder weather instead.
Hump Day! I am getting a huge kick out of GEICO replaying their older ads here in the U.S. The Hump Day camel ? one has always been one of my favorites. “Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike!!”
That’s my favorite necklace in that picture, too
Ah, to dream.
I’d be happy with any of those ha!
My bf and I often quote the camel ad to each other when we’re watching Netflix
National Apricot Day?? But they aren’t even in season yet! Or else the seasons for the trees I meet on my walks are different from national growing seasons. There are two apricot trees a mile or so away from me that a fellow perfumista introduced me to. Last year, I got a few POUNDS of fruit from the trees and made some fabulous tarts and other treats, then gave up and made two LITERS of apricot habanero jelly. It was my first time using pectin, and we mistakenly got froofy Whole Foods pectin, with instructions definitely not intended for beginners. Anyway, it took us a couple tries but the jelly turned out great. It’s perfect with brie. We still have the second liter of it.
I smell really elegant and beautiful in Jour d’Hermes extrait de parfum sent to me by the exceedingly generous coin-op. I’m not a fan of the EDP, and she said the extrait was better, and boy, is it! I’m not a white florals person at all, but this extrait smells like cutting white flowers off of your plants after a light spring rain. Nothing cloying or perfume-like about its sweetness at all. Pretty high on my want list, which I hope will shrink by the time I’m off my no-buy.
I slept very poorly last night because SOMEONE dropped a felt dryer ball on the ground and a CERTAIN KITTEN decided it was her toy ALL NIGHT.
That jelly sounds great! Sorry about the rough night, the puppy gave us a hard time two nights ago so I sympathize.
Aww <3 At least your pup has the excuse of being a baby. My cat is a grown-up and should know better! But I hope you have fewer rough nights with your baby pup!
I made a peach habanero jelly a couple of years ago and it was soooo good. I bet your apricot was fantastic! You smell great.
Mmmmm that sounds great. Stone fruit are the best!
I like the edp of JdH, but your description of the extrait sounds divine!
My felt dryer balls have become cat toys since we consistently forget to bring them to the laundromat anyway.
It really is beautiful! I don’t ever see it in stores, but if you find it, definitely try a dab.
Haha
Oh dear. We have to keep the cat toys locked up at night. We have an in-unit washer/dryer, so we really have no excuse!
Apricots are in my top 3 favorite fruits, your apricot windfall sounds wonderful. I can almost smell them, mmm
Oh yes, the smell of ripe, sun-kissed apricots that fall into your hand with the mildest of tugs
Yum. What are the other two of your top three favorite fruits?
Red raspberries and Bing cherries
but I honestly can’t think of a fruit I dislike.
Good choices
My favorite fruit is mango! Nice and fatty. But cherries and blackberries and persimmons are up there for me, too.
Ooooh, I have a jar of habanero apricot jam I got as a Christmas gift. I’ve been wondering what on earth to pair it with.
Perfect! Yeah, it’s great with creamy cheeses because they mitigate the spice of the habanero; sharp, salty cheeses complement the habanero and apricot without reducing the spicy hit. I should’ve said it goes great with all kinds of cheese
probably also with mild fish!
Thanks for the ideas! That could make for a killer grilled cheese sandwich!
I’m so boring, but I’m a grilled cheese purist. For me, the best grilled cheese has no fancy extra ingredients. I’m the same way about mac & cheese–no amount of luscious crab makes it better than the boring kind!
No points for me in vintage Y Parfum (my first thrift store find). I’ll be wearing precious gems for the rest of the week (in scents – I don’t seem to have that many precious gems lying around the house otherwise :).
Happy Wednesday!
No need for gems when you have vintage Y parfum! Beautiful all by itself…
Very nice perfume find! ?
I’m wearing Atelier des Ors Cuir Sacré, with the pretty gold flakes in the bottle. I layered it over Kiehls Musk lotion for extra skank. Yum.
My favorite AdO! You smell SO GOOD.
Finally worked my way through all 7 mini rollerballs from the NEST set I got for Christmas. Today is Indigo which I’m sure I have sampled before. It’s also the only one I like enough to wear again. Most of them went all powdery on the drydown and I just wanted them off my skin. This one has fig and is so far ok. I like Cocoa Woods but I won’t be buying a FB of any even after my no buy ends.
Indigo is one of the only Nest scents I’ve liked at all, too, though I haven’t tried Cocoa Woods yet.
Humpday!
1) SOTD: Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere over (probably fake) Sandalwood soap. I smell like a really nice hug.
2) New Year exercise regime is still underway. Let me tell you, doing the Hundreds after not doing Pilates for a year is a great way to humiliate yourself! oy!
OMG you are inspiring me to exercise. Do you have a fave Pilates dvd you could recommend?
Hi there!
Right now I am working with a teacher on a Cadillac reformer BUT there are so many out there!
Ouch as well. Alternating Windsor Pilates dvds with hula-hooping sessions for exercise to change things up.
Oh, those are good ones! And yeah, I love HIIT cardo and such but man my knees are signalling that they don’t like doing so much of that anymore!
I’ve moved from silver to gold and am in Ava Luxe Ambre d’Or. It’s a rich golden Amber, and I wouldn’t have chosen it if I was going straight to work like usual because of how strong it is. I’m waiting for my brother’s fiancé to meet me at home, and then we’re heading out to breakfast on her last morning in Seattle. She was here to visit friends and go to a wedding, and I’ve only spent one dinner with her and my family in Ohio, so hopefully we have lots to say to each other at breakfast. Taking her to my favorite southern food spot.
I’ve heard really good things about Ava Luxe. That amber sounds wonderful.
Yes, her ambers are very good and nicely priced. I like that she offers small sizes. Other than the one I’m wearing today I can also recommend Amber Essence and Ambra Tibet.
No points for me either but the good news is that today is the first time in a week that I felt like using perfume and not essential oil. I picked something a little sharp because my sniffer is still dulled. sotd is The Musk from the travel size I bought last summer. My sniffer must be off because it smells like cheap shampoo. Wait…I washed my hair this morning so it might be actual cheap shampoo I’m smelling. Still feeling under the weather, it’s reached the chest so I feel like I’m not breathing very well.?
Thanks for all the feel betters the other day. At this point I’m kind of milking sympathy?
Haha
Aww, hope your nose fixes itself up quickly!
Hope you are 100% better very soon!
Not participating in the CP today. I’m in Burberry Brit Rhythm (thanks to a NSTer sending me a spash mini!) and enjoying every second of it. I haven’t reached for it in a while but good grief the powdery goodness!
There’s something about BBR that just feels effortlessly right…
Burberry Brit Rhythm for Women is a great grab and go scent! I haven’t sniffed the men’s version, though.
Zero points in BF Vetiverissimo today. I’m enjoying it’s earthy toasty-ness, however!
Ok, so this online school thing is getting off to a really frustrating start. An assignment was posted with skeletal, vague instructions (it’s a written assignment) and I emailed for clarification and perhaps an example, but didn’t get a response until just now, after I decided I would just wing it and follow the instructions literally. According to her response, what they asked for and what they actually want are different. She elaborated in more detail on how to complete the assignment. Why couldn’t they be more clear from the beginning? I now have to do it over and it’s due tomorrow ? If anyone has any experience with online education, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
I already called my academic advisor with feedback. I’m hoping I’m not pegged as “the problemed child” ?
That’s a drag. Hope it goes better and the instructions get clearer.
Yeah, so do I!
That sounds really frustrating
I hope things get smoother from here on out.
Thanks Koyel!
I always hated online classes for this reason!
This will be a learning experience in one form or another!
All my schooling was pre-internet, but even then I had issues with one instructor for one of my MBA classes. He would give very detailed instructions about what he wanted for a term paper, then 2 or 3 weeks later, after I had the paper half done, he would change his mind and ask for something completely different. Almost all my work up to that point was wasted.
Oh, geez. That’s super irritating!!
This is less about the instructor(s) since they don’t create their own curriculum. It’s pre-written, probably 3rd party purchased, and the instructor actually doesn’t contribute to the content. I guess “facilitator” is a more apt word than instructor. My general sense when shopping for programs was that many of these programs are just degree mills with aggressive sales tactics. The online programs attached to actual brick n mortar schools didn’t hound me the way the others did (including this one). Live and learn…
Yeah, I think that instructor changed his mind about what he wanted on the paper at least 3 times. Every couple of weeks he would have another, detailed set of requirements that was distinctly different from the last one. Nobody knew when or how to start working on their papers, because nobody wanted to put in a lot of effort for nothing.
I wish I could offer advice, but all of my post secondary schooling was pre-Internet. I typed all of my papers with my mom’s old electric typewriter! Wite-Out was my friend!
Best of luck, and I hope that things get better for you.
Same here!
I have to say that one if not the reason I haven’t gone back to school is fear of the online assignments. I commend you, really. I hope it becomes less frustrating soon.
Thanks! We’ll see how long I last, lol. If they don’t kick me out for being a PITA, first!
Wafting Bvlgari Black on my working from home day. No points for me other than super happy that even if I have work piled around me, I’m cozy at home with my pup.
I was working from home yesterday…ba ha… In my case a pile of books, two dogs, magazines, endless coffee, perfume reviews, stewing apricots….work zero, happiness ten. Hope you do better!
I do have plans for a bit of NST reading (obvs) and yoga. But I HAVE several things that must be accomplished today. I will do them, right? Right???
Work is just getting in the way of my life lately!
Black like Onyx, which is semiprecious, so maybe half points?
That’s very generous of you.
National apricot day? That seems a strange date for USA . It’s apricot season here and i just got a big box of Central Otago apricots off a friend’s tree and they are sweet and like honey. My parents loved Joan Baez and we had loads of her records played endlessly in the 60s/70s but last night I was watching Bob Dylan in concert with Eric Claypton at Madison Square Garden singing ‘Don’t Think Twice’ which is really the perfect conscious uncoupling for cynics and pragmatists song. It was a great version of a brilliant song ( and I much prefer Dylan’s version to the Baez) . I am carat curious about the Cartier perfume as it is one I might find . Is it similar to any other perfumes? I am in Anais Anais and wondering if I shoukd splurge on a ticket to Canberra to see a pre raphaelite exhibition with works from the Tate. I could do a road trip from Melbourne. So tempting.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=95LvZF-edGs
For Robin!
Nice, thank you! I love that Bob Dylan resists the urge to smile at work.
We heard lots of Joan Baez (and Bob Dylan) in my house when I was growing up too. Back then I did not really like either. I came to like Joan Baez eventually, then Bob Dylan much later. (And I do find it really odd that Joan Baez is still doing catty imitations of Bob Dylan at her concerts all these many moons later.)
He was touting down this way recently and my friend went to 4 of his concerts (here and Australia) and reported an upwards lip twitch .
4!! I used to do that sort of thing but concerts are too expensive these days.
Your comment reminds me that my mother loved Joan Baez too.
It is a totally random day! Apricots are in season like July/August where I’m from.
Global warming?
Bizarre, isn’t it? Apricot season came in June in CA last year.
Happy Birthday to Simone de Beauvoir!
I get some points at least for wearing Agonist Liquid Crystal. There are other contenders in that line, Onyx Pearl and Dark Saphir, but I couldn’t find my samples of them this morning. My LC is from a small tester and I put a lot on but it’s mostly faded now. The lavender in it combined with something sweet to be a bit too piercing, I felt.
That’s a good birthday to celebrate.
In Terry de Gunzburg Ombre Mercure today, and I am getting plenty of violets and less iris.
That’s a good one — you smell great.
Thank you FearsMice, now it’s right up there with my favorite powdery violets.
Nice choice!
Thank you Cazaubon, I had dismissed it as a wannabe l’Heure Bleue, but today it was so good in its own right, it has really grown on me.
I have that, must dig out the bottle and wear it.
Wearing Vanille d´Iris by OJ for the first time. Not a bad scent with the powdery Iris and a dry Vanilla. This is nice, but i think overpriced. Got it as a decant from a sharing.
No scent in the evening, as i developed a headache which is slowly receding now. So no fitness circuit training today, instead watched Startrek Into the Darkness on my sofa. Love Cumberbatch, esp. his voice…
Glad it is receding, at least!
On my lunch, watching the snow fly. Sotd is Feve Delicieuse. My boss is in a bad mood today, I kinda want to throw a snowball at her⛄ she’s lucky this isn’t packing snow?
Send some of your snow here but just for a couple of minutes, no more than that so I can join you in throwing to my boss not a snowball but the whole snowman❄ ☃️. What a crazy, moody day! But we smell great and we will survive! ?
I got a pretty good laugh at your comment “…she’s lucky this isn’t packing snow!” I know that feeling well!
Full points for me in Roberto Cavalli Oro. So often I wear this one as a default perfume when I’m in a hurry – that tall skinny bottle doesn’t fit inside my perfume cabinet so it’s the one that’s easiest to grab and go – but it really is lovely, soft and creamy woods and tenacious too. It’s cold today and we’ve had lake effect snow showers coming and going all day, I’m a happy camper
Glad you are enjoying the snow! We had a few brief flurries today but nothing came of it.
In a small, work-appropriate spritz of Bollywood or Bust.
Way late to the party, SOTD is Courreges in Blue, powdery floral/aldehydes, with notes of tuberose, peony, peach, marigold and violet. Haven’t worn this one in a while.
And I love the photos of the Jewelry, I saw the East Meets West Jewelry exhibit at the Palace of Fine arts over the holiday, there were loads of jewels upwards of 40 carats.
Lots of bling in the room!
Wow! That jewelry exhibit sounds like it was quite the spectacle!
Jalapeno, it was amazing! There were a few jewels that were 50 karats plus! And the detail work was exquisite!
I’ve been meaning to go see that! Sounds like it was good
(You mean Legion of Honor, right?)
Hi Koyel, oops! Yes it was at the Legion of Honor, good catch! I always get it mixed up!
Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver, one of my favorites. Ellena had a stroke of genius when he thought of pairing Bel Ami with vetiver.
In vanilla flash today over wowilla oil. I really like this oil. It has the same dna as tauer’s others but on a much softer volume. I would say it’s a safe blind buy!
I love the Wowilla oil, it’s been in heavy rotation for bedtime.
It layers great under lots of things, very versatile.
Cold and biting wind here today! The mild weather is probably gone for a while. Good thing I know where I have stashed a couple pairs of gloves for easy retrieval.
I can probably afford to glance at the Bvlgari pretties in the picture. That’s about all!
SOTD = Tam Dao EdT, from the sample stash. It’s been a quiet companion to my day.
All day, I kept thinking I was smelling sandalwood, but didn’t know why. Turns out it was you!??
I was sending positive perfume vibes your way! ?
Weather twins.? You smell lovely in Tam Dao!
Thanks madtowngirl! Sorry that you are weather twins, though. I’m not a fan of the “trash can is down the street” gusts.
Ha! Same here. Our gas grill was about 6 feet from where it normally is when I got home ? The wind chill was painful today!
I’m in Sisley Eau de Soir, thanks to our fabulous flopper. This is so classy, and perfect for this crisp mild weather today. ?
You smell fabulous! Eau de Soir is beautiful.
You guys, I had to come back to tell you something funny..
I’m in the kitchen making dinner and have the dishwasher running. I sat down on the kitchen bench to read comments and I hear a kitty meow, over and over. I don’t have a cat, so I checked the porch… no, then I’m thinking did a cat get in my house? My dishwasher?! Thank God no. Finnaly figured it out.. I have a chip clip in the shape of a cat and it meows! I had it on the bench and sat on it. I never knew it meowed! Omg I am cracking up ???
Hilarious!
That’s very funny
??
Does your daughter know about the kitty chip clip? ???
I took it into her room and made it meow without her seeing, and she says ” why do you have the chip clip” LOL, so she knew all along!
Oh that makes this story even funnier!
I know!
That’s hilarious! And I need me one of those, STAT ?
Thats hilarious! And I think I need that chip clip in my life.?
Robin, what do you think of Carat? Someone (grain de musc maybe) really liked it. Pardon me if you addressed this as I read the comments quickly today!
I am curious about Carat, too. And you get a sticky pen holder enabler pin from me (but it probably doesn’t need a pin )!
My review —
https://nstperfume.com/2018/09/21/cartier-carat-perfume-review/
Ah! Now I remember this review. I think I initially read it and said “meh” and assumed it’s one of the many ymmv scents (emotionally connects with some and not others; pretty but not earth shattering). Thanks for linking!
SotD = Infusion d’Amande
This is a blast from the not so distant past, though it seems like forever ago I first sniffed it.
I love Amande. It makes me think of amethysts, and it is my preciousssssss . . . though I never bought a full bottle.
National Apricot Day, lol, there’s a day for everything and everyone. I adore fresh apricots and would very much like some now, please and thank you.
Inspired by Undina yesterday, I’ve put on SL Iris Silver Mist tonight.
Now off to read the comments of the day.
I bought some samples for my husband, who is picky but has requested a new scent for his birthday next month.
I had never tried FM Vétiver Extraordinaire because of numerous reviews touting its masculinity, but I love it on myself! I can’t even bring myself to share it with him yet. My precious…
YUM — all the more reason to buy him a bottle!
SOTD: Baccarat Rouge 540 for me today while walking through town.
Earlier I started with Le Labo Iris 39 after the shower.