Our eighth annual 'stepping back' poll: can this group of shameless enablers help each other not buy perfume? Let's find out.
Name a perfume you've been itching to buy but suspect you might not need, and tell us why you think it might not really be a good use of your money. Maybe everyone will talk you out of it. Or, maybe not so much.
If you participated in this poll last year, tell us if you ended up buying the fragrance anyway!
Note: image is Crater Lake [cropped] by aspearing at flickr; some rights reserved.
First one to comment! Woo-HOO!
There may not be any bottles at the moment that I am trying to talk myself into buying, but I am trying to talk myself into calling in to work because of impending storm. Anybody want to help?
LOL — I will always help people miss work! The snow is just an added bonus.
Call in!
Called in a couple of hours ago, am safe and snug at home.
??
Glad you were safe and cozy at home!
For many months I have been itching to buy a full bottle of Comme des Garcons Kyoto. My incense collection is not that big and that is a note I really love. I swapped my full bottle few years ago, when I thought it was not really for me after many tries. After revisiting it later on I found out that it was very beautiful and I wanted back in my collection. I have regretted for a long time not keeping that full bottle. It is not and expensive scent, but I am in a serious”no buy” this year. ?
How about splitting a bottle? Half of it will last you for decent amount of time and if you offer other half to people they’ll reduce your overall spending cost.
I have thought about a split already. Let’s see!
Maybe someone will buy it for you for your birthday ?
Really doubt it! ? But I am also thinking about gifting it to myself for my birthday or Christmas! ?.
Why not buy it as a combo birthday and Christmas then you will feel less guilty.?
That is a very good possibility!
Have you given yourself anything for Christmas 2019 yet?? If not, you need to just pull the trigger right away. Self care and all.
Ha! Yes! I got myself a full bottle of Chanel Cristalle EdT for Birthday/Christmas 2019. I finished my fb in summer time and that is always a “must have” in my collection!
I agree, Host a split!
?
Me too , I’d like to try that one.
It is so good! Let’s see!
mmmm, CdG incense is beautiful. Avignon is on my wish list.
All the CdG incense series is gorgeous! My bottle of Avignon is about to finish. I also have to consider another full bottle in the future…
I think a split would work well, especially if you say the bottle isn’t that pricey (I’ve only ever sniffed this in story and never looked at the price, but “Kyoto” and “incense” sounds intriguing no matter what the smell
)
I guess I am in trouble now! ?
See, I’m not good at this because I just want to say, “Buuuuuyyy it!” ?
Sometimes that’s the only answer, ?especially if as in this case you/ they have been haunted by the earlier swap. After sufficient time in ‘repent & regret’ I feel
like you will keep it this time ‘round.
I think I will!!!! ?
I just got an email from twisted lily offering 20% of with the code January2020 and they have Kyoto.?
20% *off*
Oh no! So, so tempting! I still have 10 more days to decide! ?. Thanks a lot for the discount code!
Oh no! Now I’m off to the races! BAD madtowngirl, BAD!
Oof, what enabling! Was absolutely not going to be purchasing until Fall, but I now have a bottle of Stora Skuggan’s Silphium (and quite a few samples) on the way…
But with sales tax that they charge it ends up only around 11 percent off.
Sorry, MTG, I promised pl67 that I would help her stick to a no buy this year lol ?
This is why everyone should move to NJ ???
You’ve been pining for Kyoto for a couple of years now, haven’t you? Get it and end your perfume regret. Besides, a good comfort perfume is a must have in any collection, right?
I have not been completely out of Kyoto. I am surviving on decants and samples. I still have half a decant available, but I am seriously thinking about getting a full bottle. Let’s see…
I’m having a good day today. I went shopping this morning and I managed to find a pair of jeans that fits me (not easy!) not to mention that I had to take size 34 because 36 felt too big. And you know what that means? I fit into a smaller size now! Guess reducing sugar is starting to bring some benefits. Yay me!
SotD is Atelier Cologne Nuda Veritas
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7dYwksBGL1/
I’ve wanted to buy Amouage Love Mimosa but it’s too pricy so I wait until it hits discounter shelves. Then again my birthday is next month and I don’t want to buy a birthday perfume 6 months after my actual birthday again XD
Such a happy picture! Did you take it? It is uplifting on this dark, cold and stormy day we are expecting today.
Please, let us know what perfume you end up buying for your birthday. Besides Amouage Mimosa what are the other contenders?
Yes, I took the picture.
I would also consider Orris Tattoo, Kyoto and few more.
Two of my big favorites scents! Any of your birthday options will be a great addition to your collection!
Yay for finding a good pair of jeans and congrats on losing a few pounds ?
Reducing sugar (and alcohol) is one of the best ways to lose weight.
Did you ever get yourself a birthday present last year? I feel like you didn’t.
I did get Chanel Paris-Deauville when I was in Paris in June. It was my birthday present bought 4 months after the birthday.
Sotd is the remnants of last night’s Superstitious. It has incredible longevity. For two years, I have been longing for a bottle of Feve Delicieuse. And I’ve read that the bottle with the new label is not the same. And not as good. ? I’ve seen a few bottles of the original version going for ridiculous amounts at auction on eBay. I may try to find someone willing to swap a decant at the next meet. I think I may have tried unsuccessfully last time? ?
Sorry, I can’t be of any help! I finished my large sample of the original Feve Delicieuse two days ago and I have been also lemming for it pretty badly. I don’t want a decant of the new version though. Like you, I hope to get a decant of the original one later on.
I definitely don’t need it but I want it. ?
You smell fantastic in Superstious, I think it’s even better going into a second day.
Thank you ❤️
Are you in the US? I can send you a decant.
That would be awesome! Yes, I’m in the US. We’ve swapped before! I’ll check to see if I still have your email.
It’s amazing how quickly they reformulate. Feve is still fairly new in perfume years….
Oh no, I loved sniffing this one a year or so ago and never got a bottle. I’m sad to hear it’s been reformulated for the worse
I can’t say I have ever experienced anything reformulated for the better!
I am wearing Lush Karma Kream and sprayed on some SL Five-o-clock au Gingembre at Sephora. It’s a good mix! The SL reminds me of Black Cashmere.
I’m not lemming anything at the moment, but looking back at last year’s post I see that Undina talked me right into one lem (Memo Italian Leather), and nobody talked me out of another (Feu Secret, of which a FB somehow made its way into my collection). Hannahmom tried valiantly to hook me on Rien, but I soured on that one fairly soon after that poll, iirc. I shall peruse everyone else’s posts and see what good (or harm) I can do today. ?
Ha, that’s not a very good record then. I am jealous of your Feu Secret!
I’m not necessarily on a “no buy,” but this year has started off with a lot of money out the window, or not even coming in the front door to exit out the window.
Because of no sick pay, and the fact I have insurance but had to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement, I’m in no position to even buy a decant. Ugh!
However, I am enjoying my full bottle of PHI right now. Also had to take Moby in for a new windshield yesterday (which auto insurance paid for 100%, thankfully! How is that auto insurance is superior to health insurance these days?!?) and met a super nice guy who loved on T-Rex. He was ex military, an F16 mechanic, and we had an hour an a half long talk about politics, intolerance, Brexit, dogs, religion and a host of other things. Best convo I’ve had in a long time! Can’t buy things meetings and conversations like that.
I’m working 3 in a row starting tomorrow but then have 7 off, so I’m toying with heading out to the desert to check out the RTR, which will be in full swing at that time. Happy weekend all!
Three in a row ..oof!! But seven days off? ???
Wow! Enjoy that full week off! Hope it helps you recover faster!
go, Deva! go, Moby! go, T-Rex!!! you got this.
and health insurance is a thorn in my side too.
Yep, you could make me lemming PHI. ?
I am not lemming anything. This week I wore Winter Woods and Incense Pure and came to the conclusion that I am happy with what I have and will use what I have before considering any more.
I love Winter Woods, I only have a sample but Id love a bottle.
I wish some US brands were better available here. Some do ship to EU (Bruno Fazzolari), but Sonoma does not, it seems….
Maybe one day.. ??
If you want to, I can receive it and forward it to you.
That is too kind ?and good to know.
I don’t need/want it right now (see my comment about buying two skirts and a top today ?), but I may contact you later about it! ☺️
I would also love some samples of SSS and a bottle of Bee Bliss but I live in Spain. I did email Brenda the owner and she was so kind answering my request in case I buy it and send it to a friend in a hotel to bring it to me.
I think that too, sometimes. But then something catches my eye…
??
hi cm8! you are the calm and beautifully-scented voice of reason.
I am trying my best,tiffanie!!
???
I want almost all of the Profumum Roma line. I have a few but they’re all so good and the juice colors are pretty. But in my lifetime I could never use even what I have now, plus the price makes me hesitate. That and paying kids tuitions…
Not to enable, but Profumum Roma scents are really easy to split since the cap isn’t a sprayer, it’s a screw-off.
Yup, especially since most PR’s come in 100 ml buckets ?
(look at me….knowing it all, but I never organised a split myself.
Yeah I should do more splits and swaps, but I somehow dont have the energy to dive into the Dutch/EU perfume swapping and splitting communities. I already have NST and I like it here.
We like you here, too
Thank you! ☺️
Splits are always the solution! ?
Some of them are available in 18ml–I know Acqua Viva is because I bought one.
Me too!
Also not to enable, but I am curious about their scents, too, if one (ahem) ever hosted a split.
I would come & play in the splits game of Profumum Roma.
Red rover red rover….
Ahhh… a weekend at home, with nowhere to go, no friends coming over, and no giant tasks to do. Bliss!
Lemmings, let’s see. Actually right now I am in the position of having some significant Ebay Bucks to burn by the end of the month, but nothing jumping out screaming Buy Me!!! How’s that for the reverse of my usual pattern?
Yesterday I went un-shopping. Returned stuff to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Tommy Bahama, and Lush. Yup those new Lush body sprays I ordered were mostly not a hit with me. I kept Plum Rain — it’s a bit sweet for me, but I liked the citrus open, and the happy dry-down, though the middle phase was a bit bland. Lasts about 3 hours on me, not bad for a body spray. Guardian of the Forest went back — “cypress, rosewood, oakmoss” it claims. On me it was green and grassy, rather musty, no forest. Nope. Jungle was… oh my. “Ylang ylang, vetiver, cedar, cypress”. Rancid furniture polish, and STRONG, and unscrubbable, of course. The Lush clerk wanted to have a discussion about the scents but his analysis was so off-base I just pretended not to know what the notes were meant to smell like… civilians
Un-shopping ?
I did the reverse today (even though I was not looking for something particular)
Did you try Turmeric Latte? That was my favorite out of the bunch of new ones and I am considering a buy.
I didn’t, since the shop didn’t have it. I did sniff Yuzu and Cocoa, which, surprise, smelled like yuzu and cocoa; also Flying Fox — yup, very jasmine, and I am not a big jasmine fan; Avocado Co-Wash which didn’t make a lasting impression; and Calacas, which I thought I’d like, but it smelled like…. nothing. Probably means it is not very strong; it’s hard for scents to compete inside a Lush store.
I was just in a Lush store earlier today and tried the Turmeric Latte body spray. I kind of like it.
I am buying a bottle of it since I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“civilians”! Ha!!
Oh, I also sniffed the new Jo Malone Vetiver & Golden Vanilla. Not bad, but odd: vetiver on-skin, vanilla off-skin. The notes didn’t seem to blend at all, they just stood there staring at each other with their arms crossed.
I just tried it too and it was a no.
I tried it on paper and got nothing but rooty vetiver.
Stand off at high noon! Shame, though that does give me one less thing to lemming after.
Almost the same feel as OJ Vanille Iris. I am getting samples sent to me so I can actually wear it to see if I like it.
Oh no! Thanks for the warning on the lush sprays. That Jungle was calling my name. I’ll resist until I see them in the wild…
Jungle was no good.
I didn’t think about the fact you can return Lush stuff…I got my daughter the rose jam christmas package and we all cannot handle the body spray it came with. Since I have no Lush near me and ordered online, I’ll probably see if somebody wants to swap that (if she lets me :)).
I got my other daughter the Twilight body spray and I love that one! Not that I’m allowed to use it, mind you.
Oh you could sneak a spray once in a while ?. I really like Twilight as well!
It’s too potent – it will not go undetected!
‘Civilians’ ?????
I smiled reading about “civilians”. It’s nicer than calling folks “muggles” or “mundanes”.
Today I bought 2 skirts and a top.
I did not plan to, but it just happened. Because:
1)I felt like going into a fitting room (too often I leave a store because I dont want to change clothes)
2)
All items looked good on me and fitted perfectly, and
3) in total I got 50 percent off!
But in the end I still spent quite an amount of money.
So even if I had an itch for buying new perfume, I dont think it will happen any time soon. But hey, there are no guarantees haha.
Warning: a small rant about clothing sizes.
The skirts I bought were a size 40.
The waist length equals that of a size 34 from another brand,
I alo have a size 36 that had same measurements
and it was also similar to S, and I also have a 38 that’s more or less same (maybe 1 or 1,5 cm smaller)
Oh and the top I bought was from the same brand and was a size 36….go figure.
Sizing is weird
I guess I just dont know what size I have. Haha. Yeah well as an experienced shopper I vaguely know in what direction to look for of course in UK, US, italian, french AND German sizes hahah
but erhm those conversion charts are not to be trusted as well ?
I’ve given up on rationalizing sizes. Manufacturers had been using vanity sizing to sell more, making people think they’ve actually slimmed down but in fact, the clothes just got bigger for the smaller size tags.
I hate vanity sizing. Who cares what size is on the label…its not like everybody checks your collar.
And now its all a big mess….no one knows what size they have.
Though I wear a lot of french brands, and they seem to do the opposite, they make me feel huge.
? (That skirt I bought…its a size 40 = taille 3= L. I thought I had gained weight, but no..i am just a fat française ?, still a small (or xtra small) Dutchie haha)
Gah! I know! I weigh 25 pounds more than I did in high school, yet I wear a smaller size than I did decades ago. Right. Sure.
Even jeans sizes…
I thought inches were erhm inches… But no ?
I weigh the same as I did in high school. Back then I was a 3/4. Now I am a 00. The sizes have definitely shrunk over the years
you said it, sister! it’s nuts. the only jeans sizing i trust is men’s Levi’s that have the waist and inseam in inches printed on the label. I still wear a pair I wore in high school, the denim is so soft but durable.
Ooo, those ? sound perfect!! Luckily you kept them ?
Except for wedding dresses…at least for mine. It was two sizes larger than regular dresses. Way to depress a bride.
My mom and sister once got into a heated argument over clothing sizes at the dinner table. My mom was making the case they had changed sizes, and my sister wasn’t buying it. Example was Marilyn Monroe, who apparently was a size 12, which was much smaller back then.
I recently bought a top from J Crew and discovered I had to go with an XS. That’s just absurd! What do actual skinny people wear?! Sizing has definitely gotten stupider.
Ask CM8 ?. I say besides Size 00, the Children’s department, I kid you not.
Yup!!! Children’s department works.
But what a great shopping trip – the clothes looked good, fit great and were 50% off?! Excellent work! Usually I go in, try some stuff, it doesn’t fit right and I wander off to look at perfume.
Yes I am quite happy with my new clothes.
Now I already had 4 black skirts (and I wear them all). With these 2 items added. I felt like i needed a reality check. ?
So I showed them all to my husband and he judged that no skirt was redundant (….or he just said it to make me feel good…?
You married well, Jiji. ?
Yes, sizing is weird, and even in the same brand, same line, same type of clothing, can vary a lot. I know that cut is part of it, but I have in the past few months had two pairs of trousers from one company and two jackets from another, same size, but impossible to believe that was the case. I live in the shopping hinterlands and buy almost all of my clothing online, so I read the fit notes and dimensions (if given) carefully, but sometimes, it just doesn’t work.
Agreed. JJill clothes are notorious for weird sizing.
I have been lurking on evil bay and Etsy for Shalimar. Do I really need this?
I already have some classics, like No5
Sorry! But considering how much you love and enjoy Shalimar, you MUST-have it! ?
I’m with pl67. Buying more Shalimar is a no brainier!
To me you are the no1 fan of Shalimar on NST (sorry if I am forgetting someone now)….that bottle should be on its way to your house right now ?
?
You& Perfumelover67, enablers!
I am hesitating because I have some similar perfumes with “GuerlainAde” vanilla dry downs
KellyC!
Yes! She is also a fan
Maybe you can split something with KellyC…
?
Ah yes, of course!
Maybe you can split some with her? ?
Sorry! above comment was for Lovestosmellgood….
I am not very good at this poll it seems…i am such an enabler ?
There is just one footnote i have: only buy when you can afford it and are still comfortable (financially) after the purchase…I really dont want to be the enabler of trouble, a bottle of juice is just not worth it!
Classics are classics on their own, not in comparison with other classics. Say yes to Shalimar!
Even if you have some Shalimar “love children” perfumes
?
Yes! Get it.
Don’t bother buying. If you’d like about a half ounce of vintage Shalimar cologne my screen name is my yahoo address and I’ll send it to you
Aww!
I emailed you. I had your email from awhile back when I was moving and giving some bottles away..
Thanks for your kindness
I agree with everyone here, total no brainer, especially since you can get Shalimar for pretty cheap in all kinds of iterations, it seems – new from fragrancenet, partially used in all sorts of vintages…you probably need to get several Shalimars!
Assolutamente Sì. doveraverlo.
Grazie!
The two things on the top of my “To Buy” list are Juste un Reve and Bengale Rouge (which is my SOTD). However, we are going to stop in San Francisco/Napa/Sonoma on the way to Maui in February and there could be some things there that jump into my bag. Who has some suggestions of where I should look?
I gave a bottle of Just en Reve away many years ago, I wish I had it I would of passed it to you.
I wish you did too!
Juste un Reve is a great one! Hope you can find it.
And BTW (not helping you step away from the edge, I realize): the large bottle of Juste un Reve is on sale at BeautyHabit now. Final sale. (I’m not affiliated.)
OMG, springpansy. I have a feeling BeautyHabit doesn’t ship to Canada, but I am off to find out.
It does! It does! And I got an extra 15% off because it was my first time ordering from them!
Hurray!
Tigerlily and ZGO in SF for niche. There are stand alone Atelier Cologne, Diptyque and Jo Malone shops, but you can easily find those brands in the downtown Westfield Mall. Nordstrom has a limited amount of perfume, I find Saks to carry a better selection. Hermes boutique has the exclusive Hermessence line. Haven’t stepped into the Chanel boutique, but I imagine they carry the Exclusifs. Lots of luxury brands are located right next to each other near Union Square.
Thanks katsura!
Mmm bengale rouge, you smell great. Its on my wish list as well.
It’s worth looking into which brands you most want to check out and then go to either ZGO or Tigerlily if you’re pressed for time. Tigerlily carres Bengale Rouge, I believe, but ZGO also carries Mariages Freres Teas.
Unless I’m mixing up my department stores in Union Square, Neiman Marcus has an almost complete Guerlain range (or was it Saks? One of them, anyway). Saks has by Kilian and also Bond and they will give you samples fairly enthusiastically.
I think it’s N-M that has the Guerlains. Agree on Tigerlilly and ZGO.
If you make it to East Bay, Mandy Aftel’s perfume museum is a fun stop in Berkeley. And there’s good food in her neighborhood.
It’s on the agenda, thanks!
Enjoy Maui! It’s one of my favorite places.
Mine too. Haven’t been in 6 years and I’m wondering if it has changed much.
I am wearing L’ Air de Rien for a busy day. First i went to the sewing machine shop for an introduction course for my new maschine, then i finished my wrap dress at home and baked a cake. Now relaxing with some wine from Burgundy.
I would love a bottle of MKK, but its really expensive and i get anosmic to it in a few hours. I will finish my,small decant and see if i still crave it.
So much productivity tannina, you put my day to shame!
Sewing and baking! a fantastic day
Wow those are impressive accomplishments for a day Tannina. I get anosmic to it as well and love it too. I don’t know how I managed to break the cycle but somehow there are days where it lasts. I wonder if there is some note on the opposite side of the perfume wheel that would re balance your ability. Or maybe a musk perfume to heighten your sense?
I’d like to know as well for myself.
Ooof, I am super grumpy. I have managed to walk 2 to 3 miles a day for the last 10 days and have been feeling great. But yesterday, something went sideways. And now I am in a boot. Big, black, heavy, uncomfortable, boot.The pain is in the same place I fractured my left foot about 12 years ago. Gerrrr…
Cheering myself up in Memo Irish Leather.
My perfume haul from the holidays has chastened me. So I am officially not on the edge of the cliff buying any more perfume for at least a little while. Having said that… Rainbow Bar by 19-69 may be my next purchase. At some later date. Far in the future. Way far in the future.
Oh no, I am so sorry! Are you worried you’ve fractured it again?
I am. I wouldn’t let the doc prescribe an x-ray since the treatment would be the same–boot, weight off, ice. I am hoping it is just a bruise type thing in the vicinity, and that I caught it early… Yes. I may be delusional.
Good point if you’re doing the same treatment! Very good luck, hope it heals quickly.
Argh. I hope it’s just a brief setback.
Hope it feels better soon. I do this to myself all the time: I get all zealous about exercise all of a sudden, and then I mess up my bad knee. I need to ease into the exercise, I think. Unfortunately that is a fine excuse for not doing it
So sorry to hear about your foot. I hope its very temporary.
Hope you feel better soon!
oh geez! Well wishes to your STAT
Hope it’s just a sprain and nothing that will keep you down for long!
Oh no! You have the right to be grumpy! I do hope it is nothing long term, though.
ouchie! so sorry, and do take good care.
Sorry to hear about your foot, it’s no fun, I recovered from an ankle fracture recently, so got to know about these awkward orthopaedic boot.
boots sorry for the typo
Dang, I hope your foot heals quickly and doesn’t hurt too much.
Yowch! Hope it heals quickly!
Oh, I’ve been in a boot before. It is not fun! I’m so sorry, and hope you feel better soon.
Good luck with the boot! I also struggle with a previously injured foot (metatarsal fracture after backpacking for 3 months in the 90s). How is your App working for you? I am really struggling to find a weight loss program that works for me. Currently it is 2 steps forward 1.9 steps back…
Have you looked into calorie and fitness trackers like MyFitnessPal? That worked for me. Also setting up intermediate rewards (buying yourself presents for, say, losing 5 lbs or being able to do 30 push-ups).
My foot is already feeling so much better. I am thrilled. Wore the boot while I was out yesterday, and then shoved small ice packs down my sock all evening… My foot is definitely not broken—such a relief! When it happened before, it was so inconvenient and painful! I’m going to be super careful with it today, but already feel like it is on the mend.
But to get to your question. So, I am in my early 50s, definitely zaftig, and totally out of shape—so my bar for what defines success is pretty low ?. I’ve been using Noom for two weeks now and have definitely been eating better, exercising regularly (well, going for walks), and have lost about 7 pounds to date. The chatty questions and rah rah supportive language can be jarring and a little patronizing, but I don’t really care. I like the easy food tracking system and it’s flexibility, and I have just been connected to my support group—so we will see how that goes. If you do test it, don’t bother purchasing the “customized” food and exercise plans, which are not really customized at all, are expensive, $59 for both, and come as PDFs, so you have to print and staple them yourself — I asked for a refund and got it within 10 minutes.
Good luck with your efforts too!
Thanks for the comments on Noom — I have been curious.
I just learned that, in NY State, we do not need a referral for physical therapy. Perhaps that is the case where you are and an assessment by a good PT could set you up with some rehab/strengthening exercises for your foot? I just finished PT in late December for a torn ligament. Wish I had skipped the orthopod entirely.
Anyway, good luck and heal fast!
I just signed up for Noom! Hope it’ll help me. Good to hear you’re liking it.
Oh no, I hope it heals quickly!
Sorry to hear that you are back in an orthopedic boot, Oakland Fresca! Healing thoughts headed your way.
In January 2019 I sounded quite sensible about trying lots of samples instead of buying bottles. And I did get lots of samples and small decants, thanks in part to the generosity of NST folks. (Thank you!) I’d just finished working several months as a home health aide. Then for the rest of 2019 I didn’t work except for line editing e-book novellas, which pays a little per line editing job.
I’d realized from driving in the snow that I needed new tires, so that was an expense in early 2019. Then I had various unexpected medical things going on perhaps every quarter or so in 2019. I kind of gave up trying to keep to an everyday regular budget when I kept getting all those bills. I also did some stress shopping during the year. 2019 was not a year of being sensible about shopping.
Now I’m looking for a new job, hopefully lower-stress than that home health aide job of 2018, something to get me out of the house for some hours a week but not be exhausting.
I mentioned recently having something of a lemming for some of the prettier Serge Lutens perfumes, but not wanting to get a full bottle of those. There are various L’Artisan perfumes I’d like 10-15 ml of, but not a full bottle. I still have many, many samples of niche and mainstream fragrances to try. So, lemmings for some travel spray amounts of assorted fragrances, but not so much for full bottles.
Scent this afternoon: LUSH Dad’s Garden Lemon Tree body spray, just a couple of sprays. I find it cheerful, and not too strong. It even says on the bottle that the citrus ingredients “brighten up gray days.” Hopefully so, because I find it ridiculous that it’s dark out — in the sense of being very gray out — at 3:00 p.m.
I hope you will find that job that suits you and that the next swap or split meet will satisfy l’artisan lemmings!
Thank you for your good wishes!
Scent last night and this morning: vintage Apres l’Ondee. (Thank you, Katsura!) A general thank you to those who have happily introduced me to the classics.
And a thank you to those who have introduced me to the cool newer stuff. 
Good luck with your job search neyronrose!
Thank you, Jalapeno. One job I applied for, and had an interview for, was working part time in one of the smaller public libraries in the county. I enjoy working in libraries, and this seemed about my speed. I’ll keep you posted…
I want some more Carnal Flower in my life and am hesitating about my options: hair mist, body oil and body butter. I already own the Eau de Parfum. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Other than that I’m craving the Akro Dark. The most sinful chocolate, ever.
Those Carnal Flower options all sound lovely. ?
Id be thinking about what fits best in my daily routine and my needs.
(Unless the quality is not good for some products, but i hate to think thats the case with FM, its quite expensive….it must be excellent ☺️
So what would i do for instance:
Though a hair mist sounds lovely, i mostly use a leave in conditioner for it after shower and tend to not fuss with it after that. Now my skin tends to get drier in winter so a body oil would be a better option for me.
(So you have a lot of options here to not take a step back from the edge haha)
Okay….. I just looked up those FM body products online. The OIL bottle looks GORGEOUS…..???
OMG! now I have a buying itch (again…) ?
But its a good thing its so expensive….it does not really make for an impulse buy. ?
The disadvantage of the oil is that it might spill. And apparently the body butters are out of this world. Then again, I love body oils.
I’m just going to dither about this one for a bit. It’s a nice little worry to have.
I just got Akro Dark last week. I love it so much. I noted in a comment further down but just a heads-up because dabbing sample v. using an atomizer can change things – the scent on fabric for me went mega oud, which the perfume didn’t do on just my skin whatsoever.
So I’ve taken to spraying before I put clothing on because I want that delicious chocolate and not an oud bomb.
I tried 4 of the Akro scents a few weeks ago and am seriously smitten. I still need to try them on skin but I thought the line was a nice new addition to perfume land. The only one I didn’t sniff is the smoke one.
Carnel flower after sun balm- $95, softens skin and the scent lasts for quite a while.
Thanks for that – that looks like a great option!
I have the Carnal Flower body wash and I absolutely love it— I bought it for myself to make getting out of bed slightly less dreary a couple of years ago, before I really got into perfume (come to think of it, the samples that came with that order might have been my gateway drug…)
I’d say go for the body butter. It sounds wonderful and pampering in the middle of cold, dark winter.
I’m in Fleur de Peau today, from most of a sample atomizer. Can’t smell much, maybe a little plastic doll head, and something like cumin. It has pink pepper in it, so that’s the cumin, probably. It’s a no, but it’s thunked.
I was hankering after Musc Incense last year, didn’t buy it. Actually, I haven’t thought about it much, which is telling!
Musc Ravageur body oil has been on my mind since last fall. There was chat about how wonderful it was, having the drydown of MR straight out of the bottle. I’ve not ordered it, and think I will resist. ?
I wonder if you are Anosmic? That’s one that people complain about if I overspray. It’s a rosy salty musk. MR is really nice. I should get a bigger sample.
I think you’re right, Petunia. I don’t get any rose at all, not even a tiny bit. I used ~ 8 sprays and it is completely undetectable, rose nor musk. Now, my husband says I smell fresh….
Wow! You must be anosmic. 8 sprays is a lot, that one is a powerhouse on me. I-2 sprays max will take me through my 12 hour shift.
Wow indeed! It was not a powerhouse on me by any means. I know it’s been said many times before, but skin chemistry can be so wildly different.
Have you tried Eris Night Flower?
It has that lovely MR feel.
I thunked a sample of Music Incense also and really really liked it.
Haven’t tried Night Flower, but read the NST review. Apparently mals86 was reminded of MR, and Shalimar and Organza Indecence as well. I love both of those, so I clearly need to find a sample of Night Flower. Thanks for the tip!
After a couple of years of many lemmings and swaps and splits and so forth, I feel very perfume “calm” so far in 2020 – but we all know this can change in an instant! (also, I did get a few Eldo scents when they had their Black Friday sale…)
One scent I’m still considering is Bucoliques de Provences by L’Artisan – I had a tiny sample of it that came in a freebiemeet package and loved it, but I’m not sure I sampled it enough to get the 100ml. And why are there all these people in Russia selling this particular scent on ebay?
Not only that particular scent. Every time that I look for any perfume on Ebay, I find many seller from Russia offering them for much cheaper than usual. Tempting, but I don’t really want to risk a purchase, since I don’t know if they are legit.
I read something recently about being careful about getting fake perfumes from Russia. Do your research before your order. If the bottle is a fake, would you have to pay for return postage?
I usually don’t make perfume purchases from Ebay, but when I do they are not really from the big brands, like Chanel, Frederic Malle, etc. If there is an issue I understand that Ebay refunds the return postage if it is charged to you.
I think even if you get refunded, it’s a hassle in these cases because fake perfume is harder to argue for than “this never shipped”.
I just saw a video on a fake L’artisan from Russia. I wouldn’t risk it.
Good to know. It’s always so tempting.
I’d say avoid the Russian sellers on eBay. I’ve heard about enough red flags that I just wouldn’t risk it.
My bottles of Mohur Extrait and Seville a l’Aube are both almost empty, and I want to replace each of them in turn. In two weeks I am going to New Orleans for a conference, and intend to stop by the Hove store and try their Carnation and Lilac perfumes, and will probably get a bottle of Carnaval cologne. I have several samples that I wish to acquire more of, most specifically the DSH modern chypre Toward the Starry Vault (I can never remember the French name Vous la Voulte Etoilee or something like that.) which struck me as just lovely the first time I sniffed it, and has smelled just as good every additional time I open the sample. So, I am afraid I have solid justifications for doing what I want, namely, buying some more perfume .
You indeed have SOLID justifications! ?
I agree with you and PL67, especially about the first two: if you used up a bottle of any perfume and still want more, you should buy it.
But let me try to push you even further: you do remember that Mohur Extrait is a limited edition, and once it’s gone, there will be no more? Are you sure that Luckiscent bottle is not the last one?
I am comparing Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman to Le Cri de La Lumiere. Surprisingly, Cuir Ottoman is winning. I think I may buy it. The new packaging comes in 50 ml sizes which is better than 100 mls. I wish this house did travel sizes.
It’s been a good while since I’ve tried Cuir Ottoman and back then I wasn’t such a fan of leather as I am now.
I am wondering if it smells the same in the new packaging.
I wonder the same. My decant is getting low and it’s from old stock.
I love them both, but they are totally different fragrances. Bought le Cri last weekend, but I would still welcome Cuir Ottoman in my collection with open arms ?
And yes I agree, this house needs to do travel sizes, or a sample box with 5 ml of each.
You have great taste!
Have you tried the recent iteration Jiji?
I ordered my sample in 2017….
Sample was made in a store (so there is a chance the bottle it came from is older than 2017)
Thanks! My sample is probably around the same age.
I love both, but maybe Cuir Ottoman is more distinctive, it has been on my wishlist for a longtime. Mind you, I still have some left in my sample.
Have you tried CO in the new packaging?
No I haven’t. I have an old sample which I acquired around 2010 or so. At the time Parfums d’Empire still sold sample packages of their entire line. As did Histoires de Parfums.
It seems we all have the older version. I’m so curious. I may need to get a sample of the new version before buying.
Le Cri didn’t work for me, but I sure love Cuir Ottoman. It’s so cozy to me. I still have about 3ml in a decant and may have to consider a bottle when it’s gone. But do I really need a bottle of another leather perfume when I have plenty of other leathers? Hmm, luckily I don’t have to decide for a while.
More travel sizes all around please!
I don’t dislike Le Cri but it goes sour on my skin. I don’t love the dry down on me. Cuir Ottoman is pleasure for me from start to finish.
Petunia, maybe get new samples of those 2 Pd’E perfumes before you make a decision? If they’ve been reformulated, better to know sooner rather than later.
Need to post and run to a birthday party, in Mon Précieux Nectar. Back to read later!
Yum!
Have fun at the party!
Emjoy the party!
Okay, so, I *just* bought Akro Dark from Lucky Scentbar in NYC after getting samples of both that and Corpse Reviver by Bruno Fazzolari. I really wanted a cocoa/chocolate scent that wasn’t a sugar bomb.
I tried the Corpse Reviver first and adored it but then found the drydown turned a little bit too… not skanky, but like there was a weird celery-cumin seed scent that developed several hours in that didn’t sit well with me.
I tried the Akro Dark next after showering, and it’s such a beautiful and uncomplicated chocolate on my skin, supported by a judicious underpinning of wood. It’s so dark compared to what I usually wear but in a way that’s still really comfortable and familiar.
So I bought a bottle after letting it really sit on my skin a full 18 hours, because there was nothing to not love.
Now of course, I’m realizing that if the atomizer gets any on my clothing when I spray, the oud note – which supported the chocolate perfectly on my skin when the perfume was dabbed directly on – starts screaming at the top of its lungs on fabric.
Which is not my thing at all. A little oud goes a very long way for me.
Luckily I know it’s an easy solution to just spray Akro Dark before I get dressed – I’ve tried switching to that and it works a charm.
But meanwhile I put on the Corpse Reviver sample again and the second test, that celery-seed development didn’t occur – and short of that I just LOVE the scent.
I feel conflicted. I got a chocolate scent that I do really love if I’m careful with application.
But the Corpse Reviver is also SO GOOD, it’s chocolate but even more complex – except that inconsistent drydown.
I shouldn’t consider buying another full bottle of chocolate note perfume when it’s one that I may wind up having reservations about, right?
I should get another sample of it if I’m that intrigued when this one runs out, and continue to see how/if that uncomfortable note comes forward.
That’s all… I don’t really need advice, I just needed to say it out loud that a dry down you’re not sure you can live with is not a full-bottle buy. I’m going to be sensible and sample it again if it keeps calling to me.
for me, the opposite is also true – I can’t get over an opening I don’t like, even if the drydown might be divine. I figure there is enough perfume out there that can deliver on both fronts!
I am with Eschmeling on this one.
Agree!
Oh yes!!! Off top notes are the worst too. You just hesitate to apply, because you know you won’t enjoy the experience and putting the perfume on should be a pleasure.
I’m still relatively new to perfume appreciation and I want to learn to appreciate a variety of different scents but there’s a few I just have a hard time getting behind, or can only enjoy in small doses.
My skin also tends to blow up certain scents while just absorbing others – I’m sure it’s some magical combo of body chemistry and what scents we continue to perceive versus which we become somewhat anosmic to in any given perfume.
But then when you find one where it comes together – magic!
If I were you Id try out other stuff first…maybe there is a chocolate scent you totally love, from opening to drydown ☺️
Have you tried Bond T, by Sammarco? Its a gorgeous intense chocolate-patchouli fragrance.
I haven’t because reviews indicated it was pretty patchouli heavy which wouldn’t be my first pick for my skin, but you’re right, it’s worth exploring! There’s definitely some patchouli in Akro Dark as well but it works in that case.
You can always get a partial bottle which was what I did for Corpse Reviver.
Ooooooooooh. Thats… Oooh.
I just loved it so wholeheartedly til that weird note came out. I have enough in the sample bottle to try it once more and see what happens 3-4 hours in.
Hajusuuri – How do you get a partial bottle of something? Is that Eb*y?
Basenotes splitters. Some splitters like to offload the bottles so even if it is not listed as bottle available, you can either purchase 50% or more of the bottle or swoop in when there’s a little bit left and just ask if there’s a keep the bottle option. You end up paying a little bit more than the price of the split because of the higher shipping cost for the bottle.
Wow – interesting. I didn’t know any of that, thank you.
I was able to step back from the edge for VCA Moonlight Patchouli. A local perfume pal had it for sale for a really good price, so I was able to sniff it and…it smelled like Purple Flowers on me. This is not how I spend my work day – the other two VCAs are perfect for the office, but MP was ready for a night out, possibly on top of a bar. I was able to step back without any regrets.
? For me Moonlight Patchouli is a pretty floral. I wear it whenever.
Just one more example of= how very differently one perfume can act on different people. I would have gone for the MP where-everywhere floral version, but alas it was not to be…
SotD = Jour d’Hermes
Sunny and unseasonably pleasant weather made me think of Jour today. Smells joyful to me in a quietly beautiful way.
I wore my beloved Eau des Merveilles last night. Sigh, such a perfect thing to my nose and eyes. I adore the bottle and miss wearing it.
At this moment in my life my home and work environment are low-scent zones, due to a loved one’s lung problems and children’s sensitive noses, respectively.
So I steal time for perfume when I can, which means I wear less scent day to day. Though I do wear something almost every day.
And my situation makes it easier and more fun to share more perfume love with friends IRL. I really should get organized and add some things to the freebiemeet and future swapmeet.
I’m not lemming after anything now, though that tiny blue bottle of Tauer’s new BIS calls to me. I halfway hope it’s sold out. ???
Low scent zones! I never saw you as wearing perfume with a heavy hand so it must be very low ?.
That Tauer mini is really cute, isn’t it? ?
ha! yes it is a step down from low-scent to low-low for me. I try to apply perfume at a moment when others won’t be affected, it seems like those first few minutes when perfume is sprayed, and it is floating in the air, can be hard for some folks. I’m strategic. And it’s interesting that sometimes the less scent I wear the more I can smell it!
I agree with hajusuuri, you should get the Tauer BIS mini.
mini is so cute! so I guess I should check the Tauer site to see if the BIS mini is still available . . .
That Tauer BIS mini is calling your name and not so expensive… ?
right! It’s like Andy Tauer is teasing me! and I love it.
You’ve smelled so great in Jour and EdM. I love Hermès scents so much as a whole.
thanks, KellyC! Yes to Hermes! I wear more scents from Hermes than any other house, close tie with Guerlain.
Checking on that BIS mini won’t hurt… it’s that pesky “Buy” button that does the damage. ?
I am itching to buy a bottle of Bee Bliss, it’s such a happy scent. As I live in Spain I will try to see if a friend visiting the USA will bring me some…
Beautiful scent and full bottle worthy for sure!
Waving at you dear friend ???❣️
I got my full bottle as soon as SSS re-opened.
Hello dearest! YOU were the one who gave me the sample, so generous as always…
Hope you are fine and traveling the world! Take care ?
Traveling the world. I was in Mexico City for New Year’s and in July, I’ll be in Switzerland and Germany…so lots of international traveling to look forward to.
“Jesus Maria Josef Santisima” as my grandfather would say. It is cold outside and snowing on and off. I can’t see how it would warm up later and melt everything but I am snug as a bug at home and not attempt to go out there tonight.
SOTD = Bruno Fazzolari Corpse Reviver
It is a sweetish fruity boozy cacao fragrance. Love. It’s a good start to another Indie Week. While doing Indie Week 2 weeks ago, I realized I have quite a few indie fragrances and I want to cycle through more of them more quickly than one week out of every month!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7eZpdNhnmQ/?igshid=1koma54yfjlx0
My goal this weekend is to get a new laptop (well, it is new, still in the box, but I got it early last year) up and running. The one I’ve been using for work has an OS that is no longer being supported by Microsoft and it also cannot be upgraded (or maybe it can but I am too lazy to figure it out since the old laptop is old…at least 5 years old).
As to perfume, I am desirous of nothing for which I need to be talked out of getting ?. I ain’t telling…
? Your obvious pleasure in your collection needs no justification.
Thank you.
Is that Howdy Doody in the picture?
If it is, it’s his evil twin. It’s artwork on the inside of the packaging.
Oh wow! I wondered why you had such a spooky picture. Lol
Heh, I have some Dante’s Inferno type photographs I can use as backdrop but I’m too lazy to work on that ?
How did you manage to get a laptop with Windows 7 five years ago?! I’m asking because for a longest time I really disliked Windows 10 (still do but got used to it after customizing the hell out of it) but when I was getting my previous laptop for work, W7 wasn’t even an opinion any more. OK, it was 4, not 5 years ago, but I don’t think 1 year earlier it was different.
BTW, I’m getting a new work laptop as well. As much as I don’t like changes, a new one is supposed to be much lighter, which is great for traveling.
Ah, so the only explanation is my laptop is older than 5 years old! I chose the biggest laptop as I wanted a large screen without needing a separate monitor and I have no plans to travel with it.
Hope that you got your “new” laptop running without any aggro! Mr. Jalapeno has been building a new one for himself since the New Year.
This is today’s goal. I can’t imagine building a laptop!
PSA: Freebie post!
I decided to post a couple freebie lots here and will post a couple in the freebiemeet thread still with the caveat of NST regulars. Like hajusuuri often says, you know who you are! Please feel free to go over and claim another of mine on the freebie post, as I’ll be posting there next.
US only please, and send me an email to gmail using my NST username.
1. Tsi-la Natural mini roll-on set of 4ml each of Fleur Sauvage, Kesu, Ilang Ilang, and Kizes. I’ve had this set a long time and the perfumes smell delightful, but I don’t reach for them. I’ll also include samples of Hendley Mown and Jupiter (pretty sure that’s the one) and Arielle Shoshana Saturday. A few other random samples will be thrown in.
2. Grandiflora Queen of the Night 7ml decant, Keiko Mecheri A Fleur de Peau 3ml decant, and Ormonde Jayne Tiare 2-3ml sample. Plus I’ll include a few random samples.
Dibs on 2 please.
Dibs on 1, if still available, please. Thanks!
Yay, it’s all yours! Just email me when you have a chance.
Back from the party and evening dog walk. Got a compliment on Mon Précieux Nectar. Guérlain is really getting me the compliments lately! I think it is definitely my house.
There’s nothing on my list that I can be talked out of, I have a plan and I’m sticking to it.
“Fail to plan, plan to fail” my mother always says. I like that you have a plan and you’re sticking to it!?
Nothing I really need to be talked out of. I’m more the kind of person to be talked into buying…which my husband is very good at doing. He’s spendy.
Bengale Rouge today (Saturday) as we braved the snow and headed to Brooklyn to have lunch. I had excellent blackened salmon tacos and stole a few of my husband’s Old Bay seasoned tater tots.
It’ll be Bengale Rouge again on Sunday. Generous sprays of it.
Mmmm your food sounds delish. Haven’t sniffed BR yet but feel I should lol.
Me too! Lots of love for it on NST. Maybe someone will split it!
Those eats sure sounded tasty! ?
I honestly don’t want to be talked out of buying perfume so I won’t participate in the poll haha!
Moonlight Patchouli tonight. So good! My hubs loves this. Also wore Bohemian Spice earlier in the week on a day I didn’t have to comment and want to publicly state that I still love that one as well lol!
Had a nice dinner with neighbors tonight. Us and the lady across the street and the couple next door to us. Was nice to get to know them better. We’ve been blessed everywhere we’ve lived to have good relationships with the people living around us.
You know of course that you are the common denominator with all these lovely neighbours, that you have good relationships with!
“I honestly don’t want to be talked out of buying perfume” lol, I love it!
I love them both too, plus you, your hubby, son, girlfriend-in-law and your neighbors ?.
You smell terrific KellyC. I love Moonlight Patchouli too ( and I am not usually a Patch girl). It is so well made and the opening is glorious.
(I did a FB, on line, on sale, at a good price.)
So there’s a backpacking trip that I’m taking in Feb, but since not-quite-yet-so-close-Mr. Blue and I car camp I don’t have some big ticket supplies (50+ L backpack, sleeping bag, tent). I can borrow some things from friends, but I’d like to have at least the backpack for future excursions/travel. Thus, all my funds are shuttled into camping gear rather than that beautiful, beautiful bottle of La Fille de Berlin. *tears*
How long do you think those limited edition bottles will hang around? Alas, birthday is not until Nov.
If you really want that LE bottle, I would get it now. I got the LE edition of Tam Dao in July and was glad i did because it was sold out within a few months everyplace except ebay, and then people were selling it for more than I paid. November is quite a ways away….sorry to enable.
I finally got a bottle of Philosykos from that LE run! The smaller 30ml size was perfect. Ugh, my wallet cries.
I think you need to bite the bullet and get that LE bottle now, they likely won’t last long. Sell something else on ebay if you have to.
XD I think my eBay account is locked for some reason? But yeah, I was considering it.
Had a nice Saturday with the family. Watched Knives Out with the boys and then had hamburgers and ice cream from a little artisanal shop. Bought Bill Bryson’s The Body, though my brother, who recommended it, is saying that Bill is getting crankier with each book!
Sounds like a great Saturday! I really need to see Knives Out.
We saw knives out a couple of weeks ago and loved it (even the 12 year old). I gave the body book to my husband for xmas. Admittedly, I really wanted to read it, too….turns out the last Bill Bryson he liked was “A walk in the woods”.
Just finished “The Body”. It was interesting- *spoiler alert*, even if you don’t smoke or drink, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, you are going to die! Oh well…
I agree with your brother, so let me know if The Body is worth reading! I am cranky enough myself but got annoyed with Bryson’s grumping in the last book.
Sunday scent of the day is Chanel BoE. I’m nowhere near thunkable yet, but I’m already dreading the day I use the last spritz. Pretty sure I’ll need some time to grieve. ?
You smell great! And glad to “see” you back!
Like Calypso, I had noticed your absence on here and insta and was wondering if everything was okay. How much longer are you in Arizona?
Thanks for caring! ?I’m here through mid-March. Just when it starts to get hot, I’m saying buh-bye!
It’s Sunday morning and it’s 2 degrees out.? This winter has been pretty mild for the most part, so I shouldn’t complain. Yesterday my girls and I went to see Little Women. It was good, but madtownteen and I agreed that we both liked the PBS Masterpiece version better. I made a new to me recipe for dinner-Shepherd’s Pie and to my amazement both my daughters liked it. Madtownteen was eager to try it since “they always eat it in Harry Potter.” I didn’t bother to tell them there were brussel sprouts in it.?
My SotD was 10 Corso Como, one of the perfumes currently on my wishlist. When my decant is gone, I think a bottle is in my future. The other scent high on the list is Eau Premiere, in the original formula. I’ve been checking ebay on the regular for a bottle of that one. I did pretty well last year stepping back from the edge. Just two full bottles: the limited 30 ml edition of Tam Dao and Dior Dune, which was practically free on eBay.
How did you like Thelma and Louise?
Loved it! It had been so long since I’d seen it, I got all teary at the end (which is pretty standard for me, lol) and my daughter was like “What!?” She did not see that coming and I remember the first time I saw it, I didn’t either. But really, how else could it end? I told her sometimes I will see a bumper sticker that says Thelma and Louise Live.
You “shouldn’t” complain, but do it anyway… for me! Lol,?
I’m glad to see you mention the PBS version of “Little Women.” I also thought it was excellent. But you don’t see it mentioned or discussed much in coverage of how the new film compares with older versions. I thought Emily Watson was amazing as Marmie.
Thumbs up to your plan to acquire the original version of Eau Premiere (got one of those enormous 150-ml column bottles from ebay some time ago–set for life and then some). The drydowns of the older & newer are quite similar, but the original features a sparkling lemony topnote that’s absent from the reform.
Just read about that Hermes lipstick which was the subject of a post this week. It will cost just over 60 dollars, or within15.00 dollars of one. Of Hermes’s lower cost scents.
Seems like the fragrance will e the better female by far
Just saw the lipstick cases on Elle magazine’s site. Love! At least they’re refillable (not that I ever go through a full tube anymore…too many choices).
Not 2 degrees here, but cold for California with our un-insulated houses. 47 degrees and bundled up inside the house. I am wearing my decant of Cartier L’Heure Mystérieuse to warm up. It seems the Cartier Heure scents are being repackaged and relaunched at the same astronomical price, $285 for 75mls, I see them at Bloomingdale’s. Definitely not buying at that price.
How come California doesn’t insulate houses?
They are cheap. Builders don’t want to spend the money, and since it doesn’t snow in most parts of CA, they get away with it.
Wow! That’s hard to imagine that they get way with it. Especially because the insulation should help keep out the excessive heat as well, no?
Yes, and most houses don’t have air conditioning either.
Depends on the age of the house, and the area. My California house is definitely insulated
But some of my friends who have older houses in the Silicon Valley area don’t have insulation.
In San Diego, there is very little insulation. Cause it’s southern California and we live at the beach – the weather is always perfect dontcha know?
LOL. Yeah I have air conditioning too — livin’ fancy here in NorCal
$285 for 75mL??? Not even!
Been lazy today. I have been debating on either Vanilla Flash or vintage BaV today. I am saving up for either Lonestar Memories or Coromandel. I don’t really “need” either but I want them.
I want Hiram Green. Any Hiram Green. I have Slowdive. I cannot afford them at retail. So, I have gone without. That’s too much money for my conscience. I spent $85 on the Slowdive and even that is more than I usually spend as a bargain hunter. So, I keep waiting and praying for a swap or reasonable used sale.
Potions Naturals sells at half off once a year. I think it is October or November. Get on their mailing list and save up.
OMG, that is the best info I ever got about these. I didn’t know. Thank you. I just looked and they are sold out of a couple I want but still have a couple of others. Now, i can’t wait for fall!!!! Thank you so much.
I’m not needing anything right now, but like Kelly C, I don’t want to be talked out of anything since that could change quickly!
I really liked a couple decants from hajusuuri, Bengale Rouge and Pandora (thank you!). I almost got Pandora but held off. You can’t get everything you like, can you?
Yes you can ?
This is why I ❤you! ???
I’m wearing Nin-Shar by Jul et Mad, courtesy of a generous perfumista from this site. (It says “Indigo” on it but I’m not sure what that indicates. The juice is bright pink.) This is a gorgeous sweet rose. As far as lusting goes, I am kind of lemming some Cuir Mauresque, but not at $375! I’ll be looking for some sales, splits, or decants. That’s one that really snuck up on me. Recently I’ve bought some new items of furniture–cheaply from Wayfair–I will be working on sorting out stuff and re-doing the arrangement in my little study upstairs. I can’t buy any very nice or expensive furniture due to CATS. Sigh. As a friend tells me, after her boyfriend complained about her cats, “Cats are living beings, furniture is not.” (She got rid of that guy, who turned out to be a scary abuser…. long story…. and an attorney… had to move out in secret in the middle of the day one day.)
Good luck with your decorating project.
Cats are why I can’t have nice things too.
If your Nin-Shar is in a small spray bottle, then I think the Indigo means it came from Indigo Perfumery.
That’s so scary with your friend. I love your home office and your snoopervisor ?.
Last year I bought four or five bottles per month; although I got great deals on what I purchased, all bottles were less than £50 I have put myself on a low buy goal: 2 or3 bottles per month, will I be able to stick to it?
I went for a brisk walk this morning there was a handsome black cat by the lake observing the ducks. I spent some time with him and he settled on my lap for a good while.
Scent is Infusion d’Iris Absolue which is quite tenacious on my skin, I have put it in front of the perfume cabinet as I want to wear it more
With 5 bottles per month, it’s 60 bottles in a year. Do you really need 30+ new £50 bottles this year? Are there really no perfumes out there that are 3-5 times more expensive but you’d rather wear those?
Very wise words Undina.
I’m glad you got some quality time with the kitty.
Thank you Lillyjo, yes he was such a sweetie. I miss my cat so much still.
I know you do, and I’m sorry ?
Your time with the black cat sounds so lovely!
Thank you Rabbitsflower, we both enjoyed it I think.
Great story about the friendly black cat! Every single one I have met has been such a character. Lots of purr-sonality with them.
Thank you Jalapeno, like you I have a thing about black cats. My Schnooky who died three weeks ago was an all black long hair beauty. I’m slowly coming around to adopting another cat in the future.
Ok, finally finding time to make a real post. I don’t want to be talked down from buying anything, though maybe some encouragement to think over a possible purchase for a few days would be helpful. I was browsing the Beautyhabit clearance and saw a whole bunch of PPC mini roll ons that I’ve been wanting to try. Alas, do I really need to do blind buying? Probably not. On Friday I bought a 50ml bottle of Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka because I went through a decant of it and added it to my small “perfumes to buy” list. I’m not mad at this purchase at all.
I had a super fun evening last night. We went to a French bistro down in Pike Place Market that we haven’t been to since our first summer in Seattle almost 7 years ago. We ordered the calamari appetizer cooked in lemony oil with herbs and capers. So, so good. I ordered steak frites for dinner and the boyfriend had duck confit. Then we went to see Mystery Science Theater 3000 live! We bought cheap tickets during a Black Friday sale, sat up in the nosebleeds of a fairly small theater (sooooo many stairs and so steep up in the 2nd balcony), but we had the best time and laughed so much. I wore Volutes EDP.
I’ve been working on sampling the Francesca Bianchi line from the sample set Hajusuuri sent me to try and pass along. So far I’ve tried 4 of the 9 and have really liked all 4. Uh oh for my wallet. I’m about to watch a movie, but I’ll post my thoughts on the FB perfumes tomorrow probably.
That’s so cool you saw MST live!
So so funny!
Seems you had a super fun Sunday.
Very nice buy with that JM! ??
Yes, it was just $69!
Sounds like you had a lot of fun!
Hello NST! Wow, active thread!
Looking at last year’s post, I see that I was not really interested in perfume at this time last year. (Sad and highly emotional times.) So I didn’t really have anything I was Jonesing for then.
This year, the situation is slightly different. I *was* wanting something at the start of the New Year, but I have procrastinated long enough that it is no longer an option. Lillyjo mentioned the Wrappings gift set on sale at Macy’s back before Xmas, and yeah, it was a good deal. However, as of earlier this week, it is no longer on Macy’s website. Sure it I could get it at Amazon… for $20 to $25 more. Pass!
I am tempted to get some samples at SSS, now that they are back up and running. I’ll ponder more on that option. For now, my “No Buy” remains intact!
Jalapeno, give your local Macy’s clinique counter a call, they might still have some even if it’s not on the site.
I appreciate the thought lillyjo. However I still have some of the body butter/lotion/smoother left. I think I can hold out until this November when it comes back.
Wrappings is available only during the holidays only. After, it is still easy to get it on Amazon, Ebay, etc but for higher prices.
I was comparison shopping before Xmas, and Amazon was a terrible option for Wrappings.
Wrappings will come around again, Jalapeno, well done for keeping your resolution.
Thanks Aurora!
I used up my last teeny bit of Champagne de Bois sample today because they are back in business.
I saw Wrappings sitting at our Dillard’s Clinique counter when it was nowhere near the holidays – sounds like you can hold out anyway, but if not, it might be easy to find.
I suggest checking the Clinique website once or twice a week through April. Discounts can be huge. Ask me how I know ?.