If you'd asked me when we turned 5, or again when we turned 10, I probably would have scoffed at the idea that we would make it to 15. But here we are!
My relationship to perfume has changed drastically over the past few years. I still like perfume, and I still get enjoyment out of revisiting the scents in my collection. But I no longer try many new perfumes, and I only rarely write reviews. So I probably would have given up blogging altogether if it were not for Angela, Kevin and Jessica, all of whom have stuck with us since 2006.
That it's still worth doing, for anyone, after all this time is of course because we have such lovely readers, so as I did in 2010 and 2015, I want to most sincerely thank everyone who takes the time to comment and to help other readers with whatever it is that they need, be it a new perfume or just a kind word after a bad day. Thank you!
Our community project for today: wear a fragrance that you found out about from Now Smell This, or received in a freebiemeet, swapmeet or splitmeet, or just wear a favorite fragrance that you've talked about on Now Smell This. Plus, if you can, share the single best tip or piece of advice you ever received from another reader.
What fragrance did you pick? As always, do feel free to chat even if you’re not participating in the community project.
I'm wearing Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, which I never would have tried if everyone here (and at MakeupAlley) hadn't raved about it. Now it's often the only scent I bring on vacation, and yes, I am on vacation all this coming week. (And because I spent most of yesterday on airplanes, I'm behind on reading comments. I hope to read the Thursday/Friday comments by tonight.)
Note: top image is 15 [cropped] by g_u at flickr; some rights reserved.
Thank you so much for your 15 years of invaluable service, Robin. This site means a lot to a lot of people.
I’m like you: I have less and less interest in modern perfumery, and love to revisit all my old favourites and vintage scents. A natural side effect of getting older? I think so.
I’m wearing, as I said I would on Monday, vintage Parfum d’Hermes extrait, which I honestly think is one of the greatest scents ever made. I’m lucky to have found it when it was new back in the mid-eighties, and to have been able to invest in enough of it to last me the rest of my life. I wish everyone could try it.
I love PdH and the extrait is particularly gorgeous! Hope you are having a fabulous day.
yes to Hermes! 😀 I’m imagining you smell fantastic, the 80s created some gorgeous perfumes.
Is it from getting older? Could be that, could be that my stress level has been much higher the last couple years. Also I think the big number of launches is a contributing factor.
I also figure it is possible I will get interested in new perfumes again, who knows.
Wearing Safran Troublant today from my decant that Hajusuuri gave me the first time that we met in person. I have bought a bottle and a backup since then but I have a little left in that original decant so that’s why I’m wearing it today. Thank you Robin for producing a blog that has ended up as a lovely generous community
Woo hoo! I remembered being late and the Caron boutique being closed for a private event! That gave us more time to chat at dinner! Mwah ?
Oh drat, thegoddessrena I meant to point out that you were the one who reminded me our 15th was coming up…perfectly possible I would have forgotten altogether! So thank you!
That’s so sweet! I have had such good experiences meeting NST readers in real life.
i still haven’t sampled this, it sounds really good. i am sure you smell wonderful
Happy Birthday NOW SMELL THIS! Wishing you and all the family of people who write and comment here many happy returns.
I forgot that the community project was moved to today so actually yesterday I wore a NST-famed Winter Palace from Memo to commemorate this huge milestone. I had another reason to go with it as the bottle I have comes from the Swapmeet.
Hope you all enjoy the weekend.
Well I found your blog through NST as well,Lucasai!And although I don’t comment there as much,love reading your reviews!xo
Why thank you! ?
Hello sweetie, I think you’re wearing Rose Anonyme today, right? Were it not for you, I would not have “discovered” Atelier Cologne!
Yes, today it is Rose Anonyme.
I can’t imagine you without your Atelier Colognes!
So true
The first thought was: did I miss Lucas’s monthly calendar post? How does hajusuuri know what he wears?! And then I guessed: Instagram. Now I’ll go and check it out to see if I was right.
It’s a good guess my dear.
Like Johanob, I also found out about your blog from your comments here. I love your blog and read every article, despite not commenting often. But the passion you put in your reviews is the best! ❤
Thank you so so much.
Thank you Lucasai!
? sending lots of love
Happy anniversary ????
Wearing Paramela, a gorgeous citrus and aromatic honey and probably my favorite honey. No one knows it or mentions it but I am wearing it today because it was gifted to me by an extraordinaryly generous NSTer who I now consider to be a great friend. ♥️♥️♥️♥️. Somehow she knew that I would give her unloved bottle a loving home. Thank you, my friend.
So glad we could “meet” through NST,my friend!
Happy Saturday!xox
Same here ??♥️
How wonderful to hear this story of true friendship.
I’m in DSH Chinchilla, a sample of which I received from a generous NSTer moons ago. It took me forever to try it because I had too many samples/decants/full bottles.
I was smitten the first time I wore it. Completed the sample and kept thinking about it. And thinking about it. And thinking about it. Finally, I bought a travel size, which was thankfully offered on the perfumers website. It’s a cold weather go to, a bit animatic, a bit floral, and completely wonderful.
I think it was LisaD who sent me that first sample, and I’m so happy she did. It’s one of my top 10 perfumes.
Robin, enjoy your vacation! Hoping you get nonstop R&R, with a nice tropical adult beverage or two, including the paper umbrella. ?
We managed several tropical adult beverages shortly after arrival, and now I will probably have to go easy today. But I am typing this from a lounge chair by the pool, and I have my mint green tea, and the beach is about 10 yards away. I have no complaints.
I make it a policy to start with tropical beverages on the plane when headed in similar vacations. Only time I drink when flying.
🙂
DSH – new for me and quite an adventure… I’m not a frequent flyer on NST but I am going to be here more often: what a lovely community.
I love reading the comments and reviews and find the perspective quite refreshing – there’s so much more in the world of fragrance than department store perfumes. And so, my journey begins!
Hi all, and Happy 15 years of Now Smell This! Thank you Robin, Angela, Jessica, and Kevin! It is my homepage, and I truly love coming here day after day. I think I started coming here in 2007, in one form or another.
Though I still follow perfume with active interest, very few niche smells cross my nose these days. I can’t tell you the last time I just ordered samples! I’m in Dzongkha today, which was in my first sample order from Luckyscent. I had read Robin’s review and thought it sounded just my style. I’m on my third bottle now, if you can believe it.
Thank you to all the lovely fellow readers as well. I’ve never met such a kind and generous group.
Oh how cool that was in your first sample set! I can tell you that my first sample set had Parfums de Nicolai Balle de Match (now Eau Sport I think), Philosykos & Tam Dao, and I do still wear all 3. Wish I could remember what the other 2 samples were!
I remember I was mostly shopping for my mom (I was trying to wean her off Light Blue) so I had each of the CdG Vitamin C series, L’Artisan’s The pour une Ete…. I think Odalisque was in there too and I did NOT care for it at the time.
Happy Anniversary to Robin and all those who contribute!
I have to say this is the sweetest blog community.
I have gotten book recommendations, recipes, lots of freebies and swaps.
When my family and I visited Montreal a reader on here basically planned our whole trip itinerary.
I have only met one reader on here, and she has met me and my two little ones (at that time they were very very little) and showed up with little decants at the coffee shop to share.
With some many things happening in the world today that require our resistance, at least perfume is not one of them 🙂
My busy weekend turned out not to be busy but I still can’t remember to post my SOTD..
YSL Cinema from a generous NSTer
I too have only met one reader from here and lucky for me she has turned out to be a dear friend in real life… caring and supportive …and I am grateful to have met her and gotten to know her through NST.
I have enjoyed your father’s-in-law chai tea, vicariously thru you. Simple things like that is what I like the most from this blog.
Love your last sentence! So true.
That chai is a constant desire
Long live your FIL – so we can read about and covet that chai! 🙂
He will be in March, I have a big birthday coming up and planning a getaway
And…I have a desire to hit the thrift and consignment shops in your neighborhood now….
Oh yes! Do you need a list?
Yes! Would love that.
Do you live in NYC?
I do. Midtown East. Mid 50s. If you prefer to email I’m at eabrit on the geemail world.
Yay…happy 15 years Robin and NST! Thanks to Robin and all the contributors for your hard work.
So many kind and generous readers to thank as well who have commented over the years on perfume, life, love and loss.
This place truly warms my heart. 🙂
I volunteered to be the Troop Cookie Manager for my 6 year old’s Daisy troop which is selling GS cookies and this has taken up more time than expected so I have been busier than usual and haven’t been commenting as much…I intend to remedy that in early March when the cookie slinging fiasco ends. 😉
We have our first booth sale at the grocery store at 10 am…wish me luck…and, probably needless to say, I will be wearing something w/ vanilla…
I associate you with all vanilla perfumes.
Best of luck! Good for you taking on the Cookie Wrangler role. You will be smelling wonderful.
mmmmm, vanilla perfume and cookie slinging! LOL 😀 It will be over before you know it, our family did it and survived. My kids had fun building walls and forts with all the cases of cookies.
Is your daughter enjoying it? I hope so. You are getting brownie points (ha) in any case.
Have fun with the cookies. I get a HUGE kick out of downloading the GS cookie finder app each year to know whIch troop is selling where and when. It’s fabulous.
Good luck! Heaven has a special place for Cookie Managers!
Hope the booth sale went well! I’ve done the GS cookie thing with both my girls, but never the cookie manager-that looked like too much work, lol. You are a good mama!
Happy anniversary, NST! ?? And a big thank you to Robin for giving us all a home!
I think the best advice I have gotten was from foxbins, who said “you don’t have to own every scent you like”. Now if I could only do a better job of following that advice, lol.
SOTD is Donna Karan Labdanum, which is sorta on topic… Perfumistas have taught me that “older” scents can still be great.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
OH, if only foxbins had told me that in the beginning!
NST is the only blog that I read everyday. I refer to Bois de Jasmin occasionally, but not daily. I love the community and how generous the community is. I depend on the blog and the community. Thank you Robin.
Ditto!
NST is the only blog I read everyday
Thanks PriscillaE!
HAPPY SCENTED 15TH ANNIVERSARY Now Smell This!!!!
Woot Woot!!
Thank you to all the contributors over the years who helped to keep the blog fun,informative and always exploring new and fun smelly things.
I started reading in 2010-ish,but was quite reluctant for a good while to comment.It was when I noticed a fellow South African(Merlin,where are you babes??)commenting regularly,that I approached Robin through email,asking for help in connecting us.I was feeling very alone and isolated as a perfumista in South Africa,and YAY!,Robin sent her a nudge and we connected!The friendship is on an indefinite hiatus with Merlin,but I do miss her,and our regular sniffathons in Johannesburg.
SOTD!Parfum d’Empire Azemour les Orangers,which was a swap-find from Merlin.I know Robin likes it as well.Gorgeous citrus!
Best advice received here:Just use it up!!Lol.
And found a new word as well…THUNK.Hahaha!
Happy Weekend everyone!
Tea and a cupcake with a sparkler on top to celebrate NST now.Love you guys.
XOX???❤️????
Keep on thunkin’, my friend!! Life is too short to hoard or allow our fragrances to evaporate.
So true!Just enjoy them!I can hear you thunking all the way from Africa!Haha!???
LOL ?? ? You know it!!!!
Waving hello from here, my friend!?. Glad you were back in time for this anniversary! ❤
Waving back at you my darling friend!And just posted on your comment as well haha!!
Glad to be back and more active again!
Happy weekend!
???
Merlin has not been around in a few years, hope she is well.
and where is Bear?!
I miss him
Yes!!Where is Bear!And Mr Koenigsberg!
Bear has disappeared before and then come back, but it has been since last summer. Hope he is well.
I know she has been busy with politics,which I shall not discuss.Also,she published a book of beautiful poems a while back.Talented and such an interesting individual.I miss her.
Politics is a worthwhile reason to be busy, as is poetry. Glad she is well.
We love you, too!
???
Happy 15th to NST! Many thanks to Robin and all the contributors that make this such a great place to visit.
I don’t comment much anymore, I’ve reached a similar place with you as I still love perfume but don’t try many new things anymore. Still, I pop by to keep up with the lives of this lovely community.
So many of the blogs that helped educate me on my little perfume journey have disappeared and I’m so happy that NST still stands. Hope for another 5 years at least!
Hey Gi, I blanked out on your username but you’re in my list of people whom I’ve met IRL through NST!
Thanks Gi!
Yay for NST! Among other things, I got to meet some local perfume folks like Gi and SunnyDay. Little did I know that My Kind were right down the street from me…
Happy 15th Birthday, NST! And thanks to Robin, Kevin, Angela, and Jessica for co-parenting my favorite perfume blog.
There are very few items in my fragrance stash that I did NOT learn about via NST. And I will echo what others have said about the community — your kindness to me and to others, and the comments that manage to be warm, funny, insightful, and incisive are what makes it worthwhile to keep reading. I think we should plan an great big international bash for NST 25!
An NST party would be SO FUN!!!
Yesss.Count me in!
I’m in for that bash anytime!
Joining the 25th anniversary celebration!
Happily our birthday is in February, when I am happy to get out of town!
Maui is nice that time of the year. Just saying 🙂
What a great idea!
Happy 15th anniversary to NST! Robin, thank you for all the efforts you put into this community, it is really appreciated.
I read NST long before I figured out what blogs were. Back then I knew everything about perfumes (well, so I thought 😉 ): I was familiar with all currently available perfumes in department stores around! I had a dozen of bookmarks to online discounters, so I could buy anything I wanted cheaper! NST was writing about some strange perfumes I couldn’t really place into my mental picture of this perfume world – so I skipped reading about those. And only several years later, while looking for Ormonde Jayne Ta’if (and back then it wasn’t available online), I “discovered” niche perfumery, Perfumeland with all the blogs (most of them are gone now), and became a loyal NST reader (though, not that regular commenter).
I’m wearing my all-time favorite OJ Ta’if to celebrate this day. Thank you Robin. Thank you everyone else who makes the daily SOTD threads a wonderful place to come to.
You’re my tipster ?. I followed Ari from here to her Scents of Self blog and got very curious about “Undina”.
Well, I have one more reason to be thankful to NST! 🙂
yay for your blog and all the perfume blogs! and for the perfume discounters, I would have smelled far fewer perfumes were it not for those great prices. 😉
Hear, hear!
Undina what year did you start blogging?
A couple of weeks ago I celebrated 9 years of my blogging. But I was silently reading NST looong time before then. I just couldn’t grasp the idea of blogs yet (so I’m not sure I even looked at comments back then, those felt like a noise – you know, those strange readers who wrote to newspapers and magazines – why to read what they write?! 🙂 )
I enjoy reading your blog, Undina! Your most worn of 2019 inspired me to make my own list.
Thank you, Suzy! I love that we have that community that crosses over blogs and platforms.
9 years is a serious accomplishment!
Ormonde Jayne was one of the houses I was eager to visit based on NST discussion. Ta’if was one of my scents this week in honor of NST leading.
Just to think how many wonderful perfumes we might have never tried if it weren’t for NST and other great places in our Perfumeland!
SOTD = Bvlgari Black
Happy 15th anniversary!!! Thank you, Robin, for keeping up this blog, for this platform to share our perfume and non-perfume lives, through thick and thin. Thank you NSTers for indulging my commuting woes (fewer now, thank goodness) and various random ramblings in just about any topic under the sun (except politics). I have met some in person, the first being thegoddessrena ? and from then, a whole bunch more (ElisaP, LizzieB, floragal, Jalapeno, jepster, FearsMice, coolcookstyle, arielleshoshana, Jessica, cazaubon, ihadanidea, leathermountain, missionista, ede97005, farouche, AnnieA, jjlook, SunnyDay, GS, Gabriela)
My first ever swap was on NST with SuzyQ in 2012. The package included Bvlgari Black which I ended up not trying until I read a post by Undina and it was love at first sniff with subsequent bottle purchases to prove it!
The best tips came from Undina on how to package decants for mailing, including the use of parafilm and a labeler. Without these tips, I would not have been able to mail the few hundred packages I’ve sent out over the past 10 years between swaps, splits and freebies!
This post would not be complete without mentioning Lucas, whose writing on Histoires de Parfums I followed on Basenotes and then onto his own chemistinthebottle blog!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8T-UDAhAHl/?igshid=9a14bfrrdu0f
Here’s to another 15 years! ? ? ?
hajusuuri, you’re amazing! Always generous and beautifully perfumed. I bought a bottle of Black because of you. 😀
Yay!
Love reading your daily comments!NST won’t be the same without you Hajusuuri!???
Exactly right! Thank you hajusuuri.
I’m glad to have helped you find a new love 🙂 I’ve been thinking about Bulgari Black lately because I found something I like much better: CdG Sticky Cake, which is bitter almond and rubber. The rubber note in Black are my favorite part but the rest is just OK. Swap the OK part out with bitter almond and I couldn’t be happier.
Hey SuzyQ, I also have Sticky Cake!
Big smiley face!
While I’m glad your commute improved (or you grew a thicker skin? 😉 ), I kind of miss your daily woes.
And yes, without your generosity, I would not have found at least a couple of perfume loves. Thanks!
The enabler pins from you are extra special since you are probably the most disciplined perfumista in the entire blogosphere!
Congratulations for 15 years!
I’m wearing Bee Bliss from a sample which you gave me Hajusuuri. You are such a generous and wonderful person!
It was great meeting you. I am currently using Rituals The Ritual of Happy Buddha hand wash which was the line of amenities used at the hotel in Barcelona and every time I use it, I think of you!
FWIW, your samples and decants are always beautifully packed and are a pleasure to use.
Happy birthday NST!! And best wishes to everyone who enjoys communicating here!
I still think about a great saying of someone’s father (when I mentioned JHAG Vanilla vibes smells like butter, vanilla and flipflops to me): “it’s hard to go wrong with butter”. LOVE that!!
Thank you Hilde!
Thank you, Robin, for being here for us! I may not comment as much as some, but I read every day and I am so glad Now Smell This is out there. I really like the format and I’ve learned so much about new releases and everything else perfume related, in general. Fifteen years is a long time, and I certainly hope NST will be around for many, many more years.
Today I am wearing Pear + Olive, and I am sure I first learned of this one on NST.
Thank you Mary Carol!
Hi all, posting from a long-awaited vacation in Maui with the fam. I only brought a couple of small decants one of which I am wearing and did learn about (or learned more about) on NST: Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil. All my men are golfing so I am going to walk and get some yoga in.
The fragrance that most reminds me of NST is Theorema which I bought (and split) before BeautyEncounter ran out. But I didn’t bring that one – it’s more of a cool weather fragrance for me.
And meant to add: many thanks to Robin for all the time and work she puts into this site and to all of you who make it a great place to hang out!
Maui!!! Enjoy your vacation time!
Thank you!
Enjoy your breakaway!??
Thanks – happy for a break from rainy/gray Seattle! Altho I think some sun is coming!
What fun, so glad to hear you’re in Maui! Have a great time, and thanks for the Theorema mention — even reading the word cheers me up.
Actually, whenever I hear Theorema, I immediately think of you 🙂
I like that! But really I heard about it at MakeupAlley I’m sure, only that is so long ago that I can’t remember who used to talk about it there.
?
Have a great vacation!
Thanks
Happy birthday, NST!
I am wearing Gucci L’Arte, which I tried because mals86 praised it here. Another amazing scent I learned about thanks to NST.
Thanks Glannys!
HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY NST-ROBIN AND ALL CONTRIBUTORS!!! ????.
I started reading this blog in 2009. Most of my purchases at that time were mainstream based on the reviews here, but after I became a commenter in 2016 I went deep into the rabbit’s hole, not only because of the perfume reviews, but also because of all the enabling and sharing from all of you wonderful NSTers (readers and commenters). I am very happy to be part of this community. It has shaped my perfumed life all these years and I am extremely grateful for it. Thank you all for sharing your good and bad moments, your tears and happiness. That is what it makes NST so human, warm and welcoming.
I am also very thankful for the friends that I have made thru this blog, which have made my life brighter and happier.
Robin, thank you for keeping this blog going every single day without interruption, for all your dedication, hard work, patience and for keeping this scented community one of the best, if not the best, out there. I hope you are having a warm, wondeful vacation time in Granada. You deserve it! Keep enjoying! ?⛱?
I wish NST the best for the years to come and hope we can all celebrate many more anniversaries together!
I am wearing Ormonde Jayne Ta’If. A beautiful perfume that has been a favorite of mine for many years. Thanks to the great generosity of Xendawg from the last freebiemeet, a bottle has joined my collection. Thanks a lot Xendawg! I am enjoying Ta’If greatly!
In the spirit of celebration I would love to share some goodies with you. Please place dibs here and email me at monica67@aol.com. Include your NST nickname. USA only.
1. Ormonde Jayne Ta’If- 5ml decant (bottle received from Xendawg. Thank you!).
2. Lalique Elegance Animale- 5ml decant (bottle received from Flopper. Thank you!).
3. Yves Rocher Vie Privée (vintage) 5ml decant (bottle received from 50_Roses. Thank you!).
4. Serge Lutens- 5ml decant (from my own bottle).
5. Guerlain AA Ginger Piccante- 5ml decant (from my own bottle).
Happy NST Anniversary, everyone! ?
Lucky to be first dibs, on #1! Thank you!
Always welcome! ?
The Serge Lutens is Chergui.
THIS is what it is all about!So grateful to have you as a far-away perfume-friend as well,M!I treasure your letter,and I WILL write back soon!
If it wasn’t for being oceans apart and darn shipping issues worldwide,it would have been my pleasure to participate in splits and freebies,or offer decants from my collectionBut I love reading about the joy you guys give each other through these events as well.XO
Oh dear, hope we can meet some day and share some of our perfumes loves. Life will say! ❤??
Thank you pl67! And what a nice freebie group.
Thanks to you Robin! My pleasure to be here and share with you all our love for perfumes! ?
oh my!
may I call dibs on #5? Ginger Piccante?
It yours! Please, send me your info.
We are scent twins today! 🙂
Hi twin! We smell gorgeous! No doubts about it! ?
Dibs on 2 please!
Packed and ready to go! ?
Thanks! I’ve been so curious about this line, and it doesn’t get talked about much. Are the bottles as beautiful in person?
The bottle
and box presentation are very beautiful. I love the scent as well. I don’t know why the line is so underrated tbh. I hope you like it.
#3 has been claimed. Thanks.
#2 has been claimed by Eschmeling. Thanks.
Happy anniversary, NST. Thanks for providing such a convivial corner on the internet.
So many scents in my collection are with me because of this site. While the “stewed fruit” Lutens wern’t my cup of tea, pretty sure it was Robin’s reviews of ISM and TC that led me to sample & subsequently add them to my cabinet.
And who would have thought I’d be into a band-aidy frag like Cuir de Lancome?
Also greatly appreciate Robin’s mentioning Upton et al. Suspect we may both be greater tea addicts than perfume ones at this point!
Robin should do a collage of all the teapot pics over the years!!Love them!
That is possible — I did bring way more tea with me on vacation than perfume. But there are times when nothing will cheer me up more than spraying on an old favorite fragrance…
SotD = CdG Avignon
I would have never known about Avignon without the NSTers who wear it and post their scent of the day. It makes me happy every time I smell it, the opening reminds me of lemon-lime soda, then it’s all beautiful all the time from there, a seamless work of art.
I have a sample of Avignon from Luckyscent, and I wouldn’t know about mail order perfume samples or Luckyscent without NST. I’ve even been to Scentbar because of NST!
Later today I’ll wear Iris Ukiyoe, a beloved scent I wouldn’t know without NST, and one of the first splitmeet perfumes I ever received from hajusuuri, our lady of perfumed generosity!
Tonight I’ll finish off with a few spritzes of my beloved Eau des Merveilles. I love the bottle, I love the scent, I love the way it changes from warm weather to cool, and I love that I learned about it at NST.
My life and family situation has changed a lot in the five or so years since I found NST. Perfume-love has been a constant comfort, and so is this wonderfully scented community. I’m so glad we’re all still here. THANK YOU, ROBIN, you make a tremendous difference in my life.
Boy, my life has changed too, and while people here do come and go, you’re right that it is a comfort to still have this community.
I do agree with you: it is great to have some good constants in our lives.
My family situation has changed a lot too but my life seems to be steady and hopefully that’s a good thing!
A few weeks ago Robin posted about Flying Bird Botanicals hot cocoa.
I splurged on two flavors, vanilla rose and vanilla orange. Oh my goodness they are delicious! A little pricey but each can makes 30 cups so it’s actually very reasonable. I’ve been treating myself to a cup of hot chocolate several times a week, subbing for my usual matcha break. Thanks Robin!
SOTD is TF Lost Cherry again. Sample from a friend almost gone. I’m seriously thinking this needs to be my next bottle purchase. Yikes!
I didn’t see Robin’s post about the cocoa, but I see this one. Going to search out that vanilla orange. Thx!
Oh I’m so glad to hear it! Here’s the link if anyone wants to see
https://nstperfume.com/2019/12/26/the-almost-daily-lemming-29/
I bought the Rose Vanilla too, yum!
I love Lost Cherry..maybe there will be a future split sometime here. Hope so lol..or do I, donatella? Lol
I pre-celebrated yesterday in Azemour (discovered only by reading this blog), and today am in the Robin-approved layering of Tam Dao and Philosykos for a girls’-day lunch with my mom a little later. Want to echo basically every single thing everyone said above – this site is the only blog I follow daily, and love, and rely on, and all the other things everyone has already said. NST and NSTers are the best, hands-down. Thank you for creating and fostering this space!
Yay, Azemour. I do wish I had my Azemour with me. It is so hard to live with one quart bag of liquids!
So true. But then, you are someplace where Bronze Goddess fits right in – not sure who should be envying whom! 😉
Really, Bronze Goddess fits right in just about anywhere! Instant vacay!
Good point.
Congratulations on your 15 years!!!, I check this site religiously every single day, so You´ve been a part of my life for many years now too. thank you for your dedication and passion. cheers!!!!!
Thanks AFA!
Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Happy Everything! As so many people have said, this is one of the nicest places on the Internet.
I found NST very early in my days as a rabid perfume enthusiast, and I don’t remember how – I think I might have been googling “perfume reviews”. Once I’d found a couple of blogs, I then started clicking on links in blogrolls, and it was all on! This was longer ago than I realised, late 2008/early 2009, because I remember when some IT changes meant that all the previous comment changed to “Anonymous”.
I can thank people here for so much of my collection – this is where I first read about Frederick Malle, Ormond Jayne, Papillon Perfumes, Parfums de Nicholai, and so many more.
So, today I’ll wear FM’s Iris Poudre, it was in the first bunch of samples I bought from The Perfumed Court in June 2009. I then discovered how hard it was to get hold of from New Zealand, and I got my FB on a trip to Australia in 2011.
I wore Iris Poudre for the community project. I got it in a swap here but even though I liked it I seldom wore it. This winter though it’s become a favorite. I’m glad you got your full bottle!
Thanks Gaynor! Wish I could have kept all those user names, it still bothers me when I see all those anonymous comments.
Happy 15th Birthday, NST!
Robin, I thank you and the contributors for the generosity you have demonstrated by maintaining NST over these many, many years. In doing so, you have given us the best tips of all – show up, be kind, be gracious, respect others, and stay engaged and committed even when it’s tough.
This is such a wonderful community to be a part of, and I also thank all of you who are here! Fifteen freakin’ years, y’all! Isn’t that incredible?
I’m wearing SL’s ISM which I learned about here. It’s one of the few iris fragrances that I have difficulty with, and one of a handful I’m willing to keep trying because I love iris.
Hear hear! Love your post Holly.
Aw, thank you!
And it does work both ways! It is good to have a place where you have to show up and be kind, even on days when you don’t feel like it.
Good point!
Hiya Holly, thanks for your generosity over the years!
Aw, hi my dear! You are so very welcome, and I hope you know how much I appreciate all you have shared with me and this community over the years, and it goes way beyond the material. Now I’m feeling a little verklempt!
PS… Hey, we got our wish and a few old-timers have made an appearance!
So many of your posts are like typed sunshine Holly! ?
That’s such a sweet thing to say, thank you Jalapeno!
A big hug to Robin for hosting a friendly, fragrant corner of the world.
Like many of you, this is the only blog I read daily and all of you have been such a great and caring community about parents, surgeries, children…grown and small, furry babies,
recipes, books, movies.
Today I am wearing Box of Eels, because where else would I have found that name?
Lol!! That was my SOTD yesterday.
Lol! We have to thanks the NSTers’ husband (do not remember who), for messing up the real name. Hilarious! Trademarked! ?
I think it was pixel’s.
It was.
This perfume is forever renamed in my head 🙂
You smell great!
Happy 15th Anniversary, NST, and everlasting thanks to Robin, who manages this place with grace, tact, and honesty. I don’t know how you do it day in and day out, so I hope your vacation is everything you dreamed it would be.
I have gained so many wonderful perfume friends from NST, through swaps, splits, and just their daily posts. Some I have met in person, and I don’t think there is a more generous group of people than perfume lovers. Thank you all so much.
I am wearing Douceur de Vanille, a powdery vanilla I got in a Portland swap, and which will be offered up on the NST swap in March. I love vanilla but powder is not my thing.
Thank you foxbins!
And so far, perfect vacation.
15 years? That has taken a lot of hard work and dedication on your part Robin – thank you.
I am testing the orange blossom sample pack from Sylvanie Delacourt. I learned her name in this group, back when most brands never mentioned the face that someone actually had to create the scent!!
Thanks hannahmom!
How is her new pack? I really liked the vanilla one
Happy 15th anniversary, Now Smell This! I remember posting on your 10th anniversary post 🙂 I miss your reviews, Robin, because if you liked a perfume there was a very good chance I would too! But I enjoy reading the reviews from Angela, Jessica and Kevin. Kevin’s disdain for Iso E Super cracks me up and serves as a warning because I dislike it too.
The community project was easy this week. I’ve been with NST since maybe 2007. There are few perfumes I’ve discovered independent of this blog. The Swapmeets enriched my collection as well as created a place for me to share decants and bottles with others. I followed Arielle’s blog and Lucas’s because of their comments here. I find this to be a warm and generous place.
SOTD is Fendi Theorema. Important PSA: if you like Theorema, try L’Artisan Parfumeur Mandarina Corsica (2018). It’s not the same but it’s perhaps a cousin to Theorema.
I hope to be posting on your 20th anniversary, Robin! Thank you so much for Now Smell This.
Ah, and I keep forgetting about Mandarina Corsica and have not even tried it yet. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for the kind words.
Hope I will get back to writing reviews again.
Funny I’m jut trying out Mandarina Corsica tonight. Though it’s been years since I’ve smelled Theorema, I can see recall enough that I detect smilarity. I’m glad I bought a 5ml decant of MC.
Words to describe NST: intelligent, classy, and kind. It is still my ONLY perfume go-to, pretty well daily.
Thanking you, Robin, for all your work doesn’t seem like enough. Hoping NST continues for many years to come.
I used to miss Daisy, who was a riot, and lately I’ve been missing Marjorie Rose whose courtship was almost as entertaining as The Bachelorette’s.
With gratitude,
Celestia
Thank you! I was trying to remember her name and was just coming up with Mr. Spicebomb…
Weddings, babies, college graduates, office meetings, IEP meetings, broken limbs, illnesses, deaths, cats and dogs, van rides and staycations, train commutes, morning walks, yoga moves, home moves, book reviews, tv recs, movie musts, teas, shower gels, swaps, freebies, essential oils, holy grails, cuminphobes, and bwfs, from Poland to New Zealand, and everything in between, plus carefully curated comments about Bob Dylan, and lots of ????…. names that come and go—well done Robin and your team of perfume oracles!
Oh, nice list, and all so true!
For many years after Daisy left, she was still the biggest commenter! But she has now fallen to #15.
I got a split of Cuir Beluga from Daisy and the rest was history…a FB and a BUB!
Oh wow – she must have been pretty prolific
Daisy was exuberant 🙂
Happy 15th Anniversary!!!!
First of all, thank you so much Robin for keeping this place running and for all the lovely tea pot pics. ?
And of course
Thank you Eveyrbody as well!
For making this such a lovely community. ?
This is the only blog/community I visit almost daily,
I am busy this evening, will try to comment later!
Thanks Jiji!
Happy anniversary! I discovered Dawn Spencer Hurwitz through NST, and today I’m wearing her “Smudge Nebula”, which is meant to “clear the energy” in a room, for the community project. I love it.
Happy blogiversary! Thanks for all the years of work that have gone into NST! It is one of my favorite blogs and online communities. I can’t even think of one best tip or piece of advice I’ve gotten here, because I’ve learned so much from all of the commenters and the blog itself. Thank you!
Hahaha. I read this as “meant to clear the room”!!!! There are definitely perfumes that do that.
Lol
LOL! Yes, I loved the potential pun too, especially as the copy on the website says: “Use our Smudge Nebula spray or subtle oil essence roller for clearing rooms, blessing spaces, gems, and people with one journey through the mist.” I try not to use so much of any scent that I actually clear a room, lol!
Thanks Old Herbaceous! Love the name Smudge Nebula.
Happy 15th birthday Robin and all the contributors and commenters. I haven’t commented in longer than I can remember but I still read regularly. NST was my first ever perfume blog back in 2007 or so. It is this place that I blame for sending me down the rabbit hole ?? I have learned so much on here, niche, indie, naturals and so many other things. I found out about perfumes that I would never have heard of otherwise as I live in a perfume wasteland. And decants! OMG decants and samples. I was hooked and reeled in like a sucker. And very happy about it, too. It’s no small feat to keep a blog going, a lot of commitment and time invested, so well done, Robin. Hope you’re enjoying your holliers in the sun.
Thanks Cassieflower, and nice to see you!
Happy 15th NST! Many blogs have fallen by the wayside but you have stood the test of time. I read every day and am so thankful for all you & the team do to keep it going and provide the space for our little community to hang out. I’ve discovered so many perfumes here, and even more found true friends. Thank you and wish you a fabulous vacation!
I am covered in samples right now, in true perfumista fashion. 🙂
Thanks cazaubon!
Congrats ? on 15 years, Robin! And a huge thank you for all you’ve done in bringing this wonderful community together. Although I don’t post often, I’ve been reading almost since the beginning, and NST has served as a wonderful daily escape from the stresses of the real world.
In your honor, I’m wearing Fendi Theorema, which I first read about here and was one of my first fragrance purchases inspired by reading a perfume blog, but mostly because I always remember what a huge favorite it was of yours and whenever I wear it I think of you even though I’ve never met you.
I’ve learned so much here it’s difficult to think of one single tip. Generally I’ve learned to discern those NST’ers whose tastes more align with my own and carefully explore their recommendations and not waste my time trying to like fragrances, no matter how highly recommended and enjoyed by others, that contain notes I dislike. I’ve been enjoying fragrances for many years and, like some of you, am quite sated with my collection and am not tempted too much by what’s new, yet despite that I still find it fascinating to read about what appeals to -and excites – each of us and appreciate all the generous sharing on NST.
Robin, have a wonderful vacation, and everyone here have a wonderful weekend!
Aw, so glad people got to discover Theorema before it all disappeared!
Joining the chorus of those who’s lives have changed a great deal over the last five years, and my gratitude for this perfume sanctuary! Thank you so very much Robin.
I’m wearing a perfume I would never have tested were it not for NST, Stash in all its woody goodness.
I love perfumelover67’s idea of offering freebies to mark this perfume anniversary. (Sorry, CONUS only.)
So, if you are interested, please call dibs here and then email me your coordinates. I am at: ann dottie eisenberg attagirl comcast dottie net
Here’s a list of some old and some new perfumes, all of them worn by me, so all will be fresh decants made by me–feel free to call dibs on two:
Memo, Irish Leather, 5 ml or 2 ml
Arte Profumi, Bois Sacre, 5 ml or 2 ml
Arquiste, Ella, 5 ml or 2 ml
Bond #9, Chinatown, 5 ml or 2 ml
Caron, Yatagan, 5 ml or 2 ml
Guerlain, Promonade des Anglaise, 5 ml or 2 ml
Mary Greenwell, Plum, 5 ml or 2 ml
19-69, Chronic, 5 ml or 2 ml
L’Artisan, Dzongkha, 5 ml or 2 ml
XXOO, Oakland Fresca
How generous!
2 ml of Plum because I know from NST how much mals likes it.
2 ml Bois Sacre
Thank you!
Very kind of you! I’d love to try 2ml of 19-69 Chronic and 5ml Promenade des Anglaise. Will email you later. Please check my post for my freebies too in case we can end up swapping.
You smell great Oakland Fresca! And what a kind giveaway.
May I try Chinatown and or Irish Leather? Tyvm:)
Hey Omega, I am still holding on to your freebie package. Please email me with your mailing address!
That is so nice of you! May I try Bois Sacre and Ella? I will email you.
Happy Anniversary! Robin, what a great service you have done to this community, keeping NST going for this long. Early in my perfume journey (not so long ago) I found reviews on NST and I still search old reviews when I’m trying to find info on older releases.
I wore Shalimar ode a la vanille sur la route mexique this morning. I heard about the Madagascar version here, as a possibly more accessible flanker to Shalimar, which I didn’t like on first sniff. Found this version instead, and it was a gateway into appreciating the original.
For tonight, I sprayed SJP Stash, which I also heard about here. One of my favorites. But I could have chosen any number of perfumes – SSS in particular which I know I would not have found without NST.
I’m not as regular as I used to be since starting a job where I’m not on the computer regularly, but I still love dropping in and reading the SOTD posts and the lovely reviews. I’m not seeking out new perfumes often either, but if I do want to know something about a perfume I come here first!
Thanks MMKinPA! And hey, you are twins with Oakland Fresca!
I am jealous of your SOTD.
I am still lemming a bottle of Shalimar and the ODV is my favorite flanker. I prefer it over the original. The bottles online are of astronomical price…
I mean the Madagascar one, that is the bottle I drained.
Happy 15! This really is the best place on the internet. Thank you, Robin and co, for creating it, and for using your wits and your time to keep it such a nice place! And to the regulars, who also keep it such a nice place.
I started reading in 2010 sometime, after trying to track down exactly what labdanum was, and then falling hard for perfume once I found Serge Lutens (90’s department store perfume made me think I didn’t like perfume with all that watery fruit business). 10 years and many many dollars later, I think I’ve finally arrived at a place where I know what I like, and that I don’t have to try everything. And that there might even be a watery fruit perfume for me (but I’m not looking). Which is good, because there’s waaayyy too many perfumes out there now.
I’m wearing a smidge of Dryad today, for no other reason than to try to coax spring into coming early. Winter started in October here (wisconsin) and I’m plenty over it. I can’t say for sure if I heard about Dryad here first, but I can say that my perfume testing is heavily influenced by what is reported here! So I’m sure I was at least nudged by NST.
Robin, have a great vacation! A lovely rest of the weekend to you all!
There’s a cardinal in my yard that’s been trying to coax spring all week too, even though we got another dusting of snow overnight. What part of the state are you in?! Happy to see another Wisconsinite!
Cottage Grove for now, so just next door!
Thank you Amateur Dilettante! I bought a bottle of CSP Vanille Banane last year so I suppose I’ve come full circle back to watery fruit, LOL…
Happy anniversary!!!
I read this blog anonymously for 2-3 years before I was bold enough to post a comment. It was the day after my mother-in-law died and I needed something optimistic and comforting. I could not have made a better choice for my stress and health because everyone in this community is so fabulous.
Today I’m wearing L’Artisan’s Mirabilis 60 (60 Mirabilis? I never know) thanks to a split hosted by Koyel.
What has NST taught me?
1) If Kevin hates it, I will love it.
2) Don’t hoard the good stuff! Life is too short.
3) You don’t need a bottle of everything you like. But if you find a bottle of something you like that was discontinued 5 years ago, you should probably buy it.
Cheers all!!! Keep smelling great and making the world a better place.
you number 1 is spot on for me
It is good to have an evil twin!
??Happy 15th Birthday, NST!?? (Jeepers, you’re almost old enough to drive.??) Congratulations on this milestone and many thanks to you for giving us this wonderful space, Robin!!
I had a number of excellent split/swap/freebie-meet options for my SOTD, so choosing one was difficult. Ultimately, I went with my splitmeet decant of Dzing!, from the lovely perfume fairy-godmother hajusuuri.❤️
I stumbled across NST while looking for information on a scent (Elie Saab Le Parfum, IIRC) and lurked for a while before joining in myself sometime in 2016. The NST community is knowledgeable, humorous, generous, and kind—a joy to be a part of. I’ve been MIA a lot lately, but I lurk as much as possible because y’all are the best. Cheers to you lot!?
Thank you Creosote! I think that means we can get our learner’s permit soon 😉
Woo-hoo! Let’s ride!?
Waving ? ? right back at you, creosote!
??♀️
Hey there! ?
[Mrs. Doubtfire voice:] Hellooo!??
Happy 15th!!!! I am very new to NST still but hope to be around in another 10-15 years as my perfume adventure continues.
Wearing Fragrance du Bois Oud Bleu Intense from a Luckyscent Bar sample. It’s got such great longevity that I can still smell top notes (cardamom and mandarin) 7 hours later.
Thank teebear! And you are new I guess but you already feel part of the group.
A very happy anniversary to you Robin! It’s quite an astonishing feat to maintain a blog about perfume for that many years, esp. since you post so regularly and frequently.
I remember so very, very well how I found you. It was through one of your favourites Cristalle. I wanted to know a bit more, stumbled on your very witty review of it, and discovered I wasn’t the only person to prefer Roger Moore to Sean Connery 🙂
My SOTD is inspired by Angela. L’Ame Perdue by Le Galion. Tried it in Paris last year but couldn’t quite make myself get a bottle having already bought 3 other bottles of perfume. That incredible omission has been remedied since.
I hope you have a great vacation and that you get some well deserved rest!
Thank you Austenfan!
And my son has grown up with this blog, and he prefers *gasp* Pierce Brosnan! So it goes…
Now that is seriously shocking! 🙂
What can I say — young people, what do they know? Ha!
Congratulations and deep thanks to Robin and every contributor and admin at NST. I love this community and really treasure those of you I’ve met online and those I now know in real life.
I honestly think I must have found it early on (maybe even in 2005), during a difficult time in my life when I was spending a fair amount of time perusing blogs. NST quickly was bookmarked and became my favorite for perfume-related discussion. I lurked for years until finally started commenting.
You’ve been so kind and generous to me in freebies, decants and, more importantly, in the care and love I received over the past four years during which my parents and beloved cats passed away. And in your willingness to share your lives here.
And…it was just today I received my freebie from therabbitsflower! Perfect timing and thanks!
I’m wearing the granddaddy of NST recommendations and resulting blind buys in Cuir de Lancôme today. I never would have found this beauty without the many mentions, so thank you every person here who enabled that buy.
Glad your package arrived, and I hope you enjoy it! You smell wonderful today in CdL.
LizzieB, and you in turn have been kind and generous to others…thank you!
Congratulations, Robin! All I can say is that as you and some of your readers know, your blog changed my life and the lives of several others here in the SF Bay Area. I will wear vintage Adieu Sagesse in honor of your blog (I did get my first sample of it from an NST reader, Haunami) and of the dear friends I made through the blog. If anyone of you want to read the whole tale, Part 1 is here: https://delusiastic.blogspot.com/2019/08/perfume-story-farewell-caution-part-1.html. There are links to Part 2 and Part 3. Several NST readers are featured in this.
I knew the parts of the story but not everything. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful memory to have tied to Now Smell This.I remember her Gravatar was a franigpani(?sp) flower here on NST!Sending hugs!
Yes, it was a frangipani flower, it was also a tattoo, I think on her chest/collarbone.
This is the second time that I read the tale after you published it last year. It a great memory that touches my heart deeply. Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you Nina, and thanks for posting that link…I read it when you posted it but I’m sure there are people who missed it over the summer, and I’m sure many of them remember Tama.
I did think that this would be a day when people remember and maybe wonder about some of the frequent commenters of the past, including Tama, of course. But everyone always asks about Daisy, and she was one of the people who helped me with fundraising for Tama! Also Haunami. Of course, SmokeyToes was an essential part of the care team. And Joe Allegretti provided Tama with emotional support. I’m still in touch with all of them, and they’re all still enjoying perfume.
How nice that you are still in touch with all of them, that’s lovely.
Your writing is beautiful Nina! I do miss our walks!
Wishing NST a very happy anniversary! This blog has become a constant source of comfort and enjoyment for many years. I think that I de-lurked finally when there was a chance to win a bottle during a give-away that Robin had graciously hosted. I didn’t win at the time, but the knowledge and insight I’ve learned here are worth much more than that. The people here are so generous and kind. I feel that I’ve made friendships even though we’ve never met personally.
Today I’m wearing Prada Iris perfume for my trip home. There have been numerous NST’ers who have mentioned it here; enabler pins to you all!
Glad to see you back. We were wondering if you were ok. You smell great!
Thank you! I was back to my hometown to see my Mom who was admitted to the hospital. I took perfumes with me but ended up not wearing much these 2 weeks.
I did introduce my sister to La Pausa edp yesterday; her eyes rolled to the back of her head! And my niece is loving Miss Dior Cherie (the newer version); I have some vintage Miss Dior at home so I will be sending off some decants to them soon.
I am sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she is feeling better now.
Do we another iris lover now? I am so happy to hear that your sister fell in love with La Pausa EdP. I am sure your niece will enjoy and appreciate vintage Miss Dior a lot, which is absolutely beautiful!
Safe travels back home!
Thank you Gail, and hope your mom is doing better!
Thank-you for keeping my favorite fragrance blog going strong!
Thanks Sariah!
Joining the chorus of thank you’s! I’ve learned enormous amounts here, perhaps most importantly, if at first you don’t like it, that could change. Wearing Trayee today about which I undoubtedly learned here and which I have only recently come to love. So a double NST lesson. When things get frantic busy I don’t comment, but I do drop in every day. And I have to say I still love new perfumes, although I am much better able to predict what I’ll like and sample – and then maybe buy – accordingly. Current new loves Jorum Studios and Senyoko perfumes, all made by Euan McCall. Almost every one is amazing to my nose!
Thanks Amy! I have come around to many, many perfumes I did not like at first.
I’m late, but I’m here! Happy Anniversary Robin and Now Smell this crew! I accidentally stumbled across NST because I thought it was the website to an old perfume brand called Smell This. Lol. Fortunately, I kept reading and couldn’t stop. I believe that was around 4 to 5 years ago. My Sotd is Narciso edp white cube. Robins review pushed me over the edge for it, and I still love it. This community means so very much to me, and frankly saved me while I was going through a very difficult time. I’ve loved perfume since I was a little girl and it’s wonderful to share this love with all of you. I’m just so glad I found this place and that you all let me in! ?
That’s so funny — you probably said that years ago and I forgot!
It was a brand similar to Demeter but better and more fun imo. They had a great peach I would love to still have. It was so real, it was almost sticky!
And when you said that I could smell it in my mind — that’s why we are all here, right?
I can’t imagine NST without you and your equal parts funny, serious, touching, all too real style. I thought you would add where’s Bear?
You read my mind! But I thought if he does still read, maybe he’s tired of me pining for him! Lol
But here it goes anyway
I ❤you ?please come back!
And thank you for the kind words. I ❤you too!
I always look for your posts of the day on NST lillyjo. I enjoy hearing about what is going on with you.
I do the same with you, Jalapeno ?
I’ve been reading this blog for at least 10 years, though I only started commenting a year ago and quite rarely.
My first purchase that led me here while looking for reviews was Un matin d’orage from Annick Goutal and I’ve been hooked by the wonderful world of scents you help us discover. I’ve bought many bottles from reviews here, Diptique Tam Dao was among the first. I love finding new houses and perfumers here and reading the stories .. you all make perfumes sound like characters that you could or could not be friends with, or fall in love with.
Thank you for the time and years and many more ahead!
Thanks monica404! Tam Dao alone is worth reading for 🙂
I’m very happy to have had NST in my life for so many years. I know I read and lurked for some time before posting. I think I started reading in 2007 or 2008. I really love it and it wouldn’t be worth coming to everyday if it wasn’t for Robin, Anglea, Kevin, and Jessica and the community of commenters. It is the only blog I visit every day.
So I’m still feeling sick with a cold though not nearly as bad as yesterday. I put on a little Azemour les Oranges today since I wouldn’t have been so tempted to smell it were it not for Robin’s review.
Taking a cue from a couple others, I’d love to give away a few freebie decant packages. Please call dibs on one of the three options, then email me at gmail using my NST username. US only please.
1. Vintage decants made from my bottles of Hermes Amazone EDT and Ivoire EDT, 5ml of each
2. Smell Bent decants from my bottles of Never Never Land and Bollywood or Bust, 5ml of each
3. Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio (received in freebiemeet from Barqs) and Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide decants from my bottles, 5ml of each
Oh yay! We can do a swap! I’ll take 5 ml of your Amazone EDT. Will email you.
?
I have plenty of Amazone, so I’ll still give away the full set on number 1 even though I’m swapping some with Oakland Fresca.
Dibs on #1 and will email shortly!
Yay!
Thanks therabbitsflower, and sorry you are under the weather but you do smell fantastic!
Thanks, Robin! Hope vacation is treating you well. I’m just glad the sun has been out in Seattle this weekend. We need a break from the rain so bad. We just had the rainiest January in Seattle ever.
So far vacation is treating me VERY well indeed, thanks, and glad you are getting sun too. The rainiest January in Seattle ever must be just too much rain!
Dibs on #3 ?
Happy 15th to Robin and all who read and contribute! I would like to say thanks for all the wonderful and often clever images that appear at the top of each entry every day! This is always a fun place to visit!
The knowledge we gather, learn and share here is a huge service to the perfume industry. I’m sure some of the smaller or niche brands have been able to establish and maintain their businesses because of the interest and support of those who love perfume and seek out more than just the scents of established houses.
Here’s to the rabbit hole! ??
Thank you for appreciating my well-honed flickr search skills viridiaan!
Chiming in to say I certainly would not have hung around so long if it hadn’t been so much fun working with Robin. Not one fight in 14 years!!! I only remember one time she said “no” to me; I wanted to use a big banana as penis substitute to illustrate a post on a manly, pheromone perfume! It’s been great getting to know Angie and Jessica and so many funny/astute commenters.
Kevin, I love and enjoy all your fun, lively and refreshing reviews! A negative one from you means automatically that I need to stay away from a scent, candle, etc. An instant purchase after one of your reviews was Blackbird Y06-S. A bottle joined my collection and I enjoy it greatly every time I wear it (not to mention all the other fragrance that I have purchased thanks to you!) Thank you for all your contributions to NST! You are a fundamental key of the wonderful NST team! ?
Lol, I can’t imagine why she said no.??
I read all of your reviews, though I rarely comment. What I like most about them is your straight-up, shoot from the hip honesty and your humor. Banana or no banana, I’ll always read your reviews, even if it’s not a scent I’m interested in personally.
Kevin, no way — seriously — would I still be blogging without you guys!
(That said, really hard to believe that’s the only time I said no, but it’s kind of you to only remember the one, and such a funny one at that.)
I bought at least 2 perfumes, Coromandel and Immortelle de Corse, because of your reviews. These were the most memorable since they were instant lemmings after reading the reviews.
Kevin, I don’t always comment on your reviews, but I do always read them. Sometimes I find them “snort-laugh” funny!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again-this is the place where I first found my fellow perfume aficionados and felt truly at home, because you made me feel at home. You’ve done such remarkable job over the years with admirable dedication and transparency. And although, admittedly, my passion has subsided over time, now smell this remains a first love, a place peopled with such generous, intelligent and welcoming human beings that the perfume reviews are mere stars in a constellation that feels like home.
Happy birthday!
well said 🙂
Aw, thanks Dusan! Always nice to see you.
Many happy returns NST! Robin thank you so much for what you do everyday, hope you are having a wonderful time in Grenada.
I was wearing Nicolai Kiss Me Tender which I got in the freebiemeet along with other stellar samples from Ajda.
We’re having the first storm this winter, and it’s very windy.
We are having a ball, thanks Aurora — sorry you’re having your first storm!
Stay safe and warm, Aurora!
Thank you Lillyjo, 100miles wind so it’s no joke, worst is on the coast and I’m in London.
Hope your bad weather passes thru without incident Aurora!
Thank you Jalapeno, I stayed inside so safe. It was most spectacular on the coast.
Happy Birthday NST!? Thank you Robin for your dedication to this blog and for curating one of the kindest little corners of the internet.
SotW is Le Labo Vanille 44, a decant from my very first split. Shortly after I delurked and started commenting, the most generous hajusuuri offered me the opportunity to get in on a split of this one. I had never heard of splits before! (thank you, h!) Since then I have participated in many more and it’s been a great way for me to try and wear scents that aren’t easily accessible to me and/or are out of my price range.?
We have a light dusting of snow coming down this morning, but I am over winter, it can go away now.
Yes, I am sorry that my attempt to summon spring with Dryad yesterday failed miserably. I am now trying to chase the snow away with a hefty dose of Ambre Loup. (I live just east of the Madtown). Four months of winter weather is enough already!
Yes to winter going away! I’m expecting about 4 inches of snow today.
Yep, that’s about what we have on the ground here. I just got done shoveling because my h is still sick. The radar looked like it was heading your way. Sorry.☹️
Glad you delurked way back when and got in on the split!
And he, just to clarify, you delurked for other reason some time before. ☺️
Thanks!? Me too!
Thanks madtowngirl, and hajusuuri of course has made many people glad they delurked 🙂
Congratulations on your 15 anniversary, Robin, & thank you to you, Angela, Jessica & Kevin for your hard work & contributions to the site. I can’t remember how or when I found NST but I have looked at it every day since I did. Loved the comments above about people meeting other like-minded people in the flesh, something I think highly unlikely to happen to me given I live in the north east of Scotland! I’ve also greatly appreciated the responses/comments I’ve had when I’ve shared a few perfume-related stories on here, as my small circle of close friends don’t understand my obsession with ‘smellies’, although my dear friend Marion, as I have mentioned before, has been worn down over many years of trips with me & despite herself has become more interested than she ever thought she would!
I love the reach of this blog! NE Scotland! You’re reminding me I still need to watch the most recent season of Shetland. Created a real yen to visit Scotland. My parents were there in the 1970s, and my mom fell in love. I still have my Robert Burns mohair throw blanket she brought back for me on my couch.
My husband had a chuckle at your comment about your Robert Burns blanket! The friend I mentioned, Marion, & I are huge Shetland fans – fingers crossed for a few more episodes this year.
I know Burns is an important historical name, but I have no idea if it’s the name of a company that makes throws, if it’s the pattern name or what. Mine is shades of green. My sisters’ have red and blue as main colors. Don’t know about their labels, but I assume mom got them at the same place. This throw has moved many places with me.
Waving HALLO from faaar down south in South Africa!
I love your part of the world so much!
XO
Thank you for responding to my post – I’m waving back!
crikey, who used to post here and I see her pop up occasionally, is in Scotland. She’s on Instagram as scentosaurs.
I’m not on social media, but thank you for the info.
Thanks Carolyn! You never know, someone here might come your way eventually.
Oh I do hope so Robin – that would be fab!
Happy 15th Anniversary Robin and NST! Many thanks to you, to all the contributors and to all of you readers and commenters from all over the world from whom I have learned so much about perfume, books, movies, recipes and life in general.
I am sending all of you virtual hugs.
I am wearing Vanille 44 today (twins with madtowngirl), a perfume I have learned about here on NST.
May we find ourselves sharing perfume and stories here for many, many years to come!
Thanks adanst, and of course you smell wonderful!
Showered last night and spritzed on a bit of Bengale Rouge, another decant blind buy based on NST raves. Will stick with that today. I could do at least another week of scents I own because of NST connections or discussion…
I too have scaled back on what I obtain – I’m basically in a no/very slow buy phase… I look in my cabinet and can see I went a bit wild five years ago. I’m enjoying exploring what I have except for the occasional temptation that is just too hard to resist.
I have a buying drought too but it is probably likely due to other distractions.
A very happy anniversary to Robin and all you fragrant NSTers! I lurked for many years on this blog before finally making my first comment in 2017. I’m glad I did – I have had so many fabulous interactions here.
I became curious about Coromandel from hearing it mentioned so often here esp in the winter. It is now my favorite scent, the one I would save if there were an apocalypse.
Stay well friends
That’s a good one to save if there were an apocalypse.?
I’ll bring mine as well,at least we’ll have a backup then too.????
?
You are very funny!
Hilarious! ?
Haha – the apocalypse is gonna smell wonderful
Lol and I would save Jersey
I would probably die trying to decide between Diorissimo and Theorema, and then I’d stop at the drawer of Jean Claude Ellena…
Haha! I will one day have to smell Theorema – it gets so much love here.
I know some people who finally smelled it and thought what’s the big deal? So your mileage may vary 🙂
Congrats on the 15 years! I have discovered so many new perfumes through this site!
I filed my taxes yesterday morning and getting a little more back than I thought I would. Now it’s waiting for the refund to be deposited into my bank account. Ordered my sister a birthday gift yesterday too. I am wearing Hedonist today and forgot that I was looking at the Hedonist travel set. I am leaning to either the Hedonist travel set or Lonestar Memories. The Chanel Les Exclusifs line has gotten a little too expensive for my liking. I remember when the 2.5 ounce bottles were $130 and not $200.
I loved Hedonist when I tried it. The honey was not too heavy, backlit by sunshine, and wore well on me. You smell wonderful! And congrats on getting more back than you anticipated! ?
Thanks Dawn, and kudos to you for getting your taxes done early! I need to start worrying over taxes when I get back from vacation.
Wow! 15 years! Congratulations to you, Robin, and thank you for continuing to provide this space for perfume talk plus much more. It’s been fun getting to know my fellow perfumistas virtually and in person!
I’ve learned about the majority of my perfumes here and have benefited from the kindness and generosity of other perfumistas.
Heading to a dance class and am wearing the thoroughly inoffensive (and kind of bland) Dior Terra Bella which is a nice-enough, overpriced, citrusy thing, which is nearly gone already.
I was with you in vacation spirit last night in the thoroughly “bro” Ceeed Virgin Island Water. I don’t really get the hype around that one, though it’s enjoyable enough for a coconut cocktail.
Vacation spirit is better than no vacation at all, right? (But I don’t get that one either. It’s either Bronze Goddess or Terracotta for me.)
Happy NST-versary to everyone, and many many thanks to Robin et al.!! I love coming here. In trying to remember when I first came I cast back my memory to where I used to be and how little I knew…. I’ve truly learned so much on here, from the reviews, people’s posts, their enthusiasms and dislikes, and more. I love the community here and have personally depended on it for support during some trying times and transitions in my life. SOTD is AA Calling All Angels. Learning about niche brands is one of my favourite parts of this blog, and this is one I tried (first a sample set, then a bottle) due to reading some things about it here. This is so rich and complex, it’s become one of my top five fragrances. So fun to have people who understand and share my enthusiasms, even if we sometimes disagree (I still don’t like vetiver or iris!). Also it’s been fun recently to “meet’ more of you on Instagram and to actually meet a real friend from here for some fun sniffing expeditions and lunches–more to come, I’m sure! Thank you everyone!
Ah, wonder if we keep going for another 10 years if we will bring you around to vetiver and/or iris, ha!
Happy 15th anniversary to NST and a big thank you to Robin, Angela, Kevin and Jessica for their insightful and entertaining articles. I’m wearing Beast Mode, by Chris Rusak, part of a freebie package from pixel. I am so grateful to this community for their knowledge, generosity and compassion they’ve shown me since I timidly started posting here in early 2017. Like others, I lurked for at least a year, trying to just learn first before participating. ?
❤️❤️ I really appreciate all of you fabulous people! ❤️❤️
Thanks Nancyleandros!
Happy birthday NST!
15 years is a looong time! I’ve been with you for about 5 years, on and off. And as I feel good being here, I hope i’ll reach 15 years as a reader.
Sebastian, let’s hope 🙂
Thank you Robin for creating a space for us perfume junkies for all those years, this is hard work!
I wore Ambre de Merveilles yesterday, which a lot of you also love. Today i went for Essence No. 3 Ambre by Elie Saab, which is not my favorite, but nice (and i was away for the weekend, so i had not much choice).
Thanks tannina!
Cool rainy Sunday here, wearing Kilian Love. Stay safe vibes for our peeps across the Atlantic being hit hard by storm Ciara!
I love Love! It’s delightfully trashy.
The storm is not too bad (yet) where I live. But it sure is very windy!
Happy 15:) Awesome site, awesome ppl, awesome times. (I had more written here but it got lost lol) Awesome will have to do.
I will say this, nst ppl, you get me. You understand the fascination with carnation, need for narcissus, the want for whale vomit, the craving for cloves, champaca, stank and BFWF lol cause they are JFP. Lol.
Fragrant hugs all around:).
Free to good home
5 mls Day One and 5 mls Gelty from SmellBent, 10 mls of En Passant. One person to call dibs for them, thanks:)
Oops Oops..whomever calls dibs email me your addy at kalliela11 at the hawtmail.
Thx.
PS. Sniff on, my friends..sniff on lol
Dibs, please. Thanks!
Yes to carnation!!
Thanks omega!
Happy 15! I got sucked into NST by “wood pudding” and all the wonderful “Best of ” lists. ( I really miss those!) Long time lurker and seldom poster, but always devoted to NST. I’m constantly digging through the archives to do “research”. Wearing Byredo’s 1996.
Salutations!
Sorry we all ran out of steam for the “best of” lists! I don’t even try enough anymore to say anything sensible.
Happy 15th Blogoversary Robin! I am truly happy that NST has lasted for 15 years. I came for the perfume, and stayed for the companionship of this wonderful group of people. NST is truly a bright spot on the Internets. ?
SOTWeekend = Agent Provocateur L’Agent EdP. I really wish I would have grabbed a back up bottle of this one when they were easy to find. It’s one of my favorite incense scents, along with AG Encens Flamboyant.
Every so often it becomes in stock at fragrance net.
Hmmmmm, that might be worth checking their site every so often. Or maybe I should borrow some of CM8’s wisdom, and just use it!
Thanks Jalapeno!
Congratulations on what most people would think impossible; creating a space on the internet which is informative, where people are passionate, kind and supportive.
SOTD is MFK 754, as supplied in the Bergdorf Gift Bag for their beauty event. I am missing Barney’s beauty event.
I have been traveling back and forth to help aging family. Tonight I am traveling back and when I booked the ticket, I forgot that tonight is OSCAR night. The Oscar awards are a very big show and I don’t think I have missed a telecast (and the pre-telecast and pre-pre telecast) since I was a teenager. On the other hands the shows are no longer the amazing camp they used to be. Sontag once identified a form of camp she called failed seriousness, and that used to be the Oscars exactly. Oh, how delicious it was for all those hollywood people to pose as great humanitarians, just because they gave awards to the movie Ghandi. Oh, the jaw dropping horror of Rob Lowe badly singing to Disney’s Snow White. (Apparently, everyone in the Academy had forgotten to get clearance from Disney). Nowadays, the show seems mostly about the horror of going overtime.
Nonetheless I have a rooting interest: Parasite, a truly great movie, which I fear will be pushed aside by Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a movie dedicated to the glory of male narcissism.
Parasite, by the way, should be of interest NST folk because the movie is about, among other things, how people smell to each other.
On a happier note, as I travel through airports, I stop in the duty free shops, playing the “which of these bottles would I buy if I had to get someone a gift.” Actually, the airport shop had some very nice offerings. At the Hermes stand, I tried Terre De Hermes Vertiver Extreme. I was cheered both by the scent and by the fact that the name was actually accurate. It is a wallop Vertiver, of the slightly metallic type. Quite masculine and elegant.
Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver is one I smelled not long ago..my word, it’s awesome lol
Thank you Dilana!
I really want to see Parasite, it sounds so good. I am not up to anything upsetting lately, so it will wait on my list until everything else in my life settles down.
I did find the scent part in Parasite fascinating.
Reminded me of a two week rafting trip I did years ago, where the guide told us we would basically all smell the same after a short time. Same food, same river we bathed in. It was true.
Happy Birthday, NST! So thankful for this place!
I wore Canturi On Friday which I never would have heard of if it hadn’t been for this awesome place and a wonderful perfumista. Good stuff!
Why did no once talk me out of going to Scent Bar today? I had time to kill before picking the hubs up at LAX and decided to make a little afternoon trip of eating and sniffing. Holy cow that place was basically my perfume Mecca. Tried a bunch of incense I hadn’t tried (CdG, Tiger’s Nest), Slowdive, Lost Cherry…honestly too many to name. Came away with Tiger’s Nest, Zagorsk, and Kyoto samples. I can see me spending a lot of time there lol. It’s so fun to be able to sniff things in a setting outside of a department store.
Is Scent Bar Lucky Scent? Lucky you if so
Yes!
Well good for you for not buying all of it right away!
Happy birthday, NST! Thank you for this forum, Robin. I don’t comment often, but I always enjoy learning about new perfumes, books, movies and more. Most of the scents in my wardrobe are things I would never have heard of if not for NST. SOTD is Shalimar Ode a la Vanille sur la Route du Mexique. I have back-up bottles for life of this one. I have gotten to know so many wonderful people and share in their troubles and triumphs. It is great to know there are so many folks out there who care about smelling unique and wonderful.
Thanks Sapphire! And BUBs for life is impressive. I hope I have enough Diorissimo for life 😉
Happy 15th Anniversary
One of my fave blogs (that I still read) ever.
Thank you for still doing this 🙂
Thanks littlecooling!
Hi everyone! I didn’t have time to post this weekend but I did celebrate by wearing L’Artisan L’Eau du Fleuriste on Saturday. I started reading NST in the mid-aughts when I was considering a purchase of Green, green, green & green, and this was the only place I could find a review. I absolutely would never have gotten as into perfume as I am without this blog and all of you.
Anyway, L’Eau du Fleuriste: I first smelled it in a very small decant I got in a freebie meet (I think), fell in love with it, and was crushed by how hard it was to find – but when I aired my woes here, therabbitsflower came to my rescue and we ended up swapping for a large decant, which I now consider one of my most treasured possessions. I still have that first tiny decant, so I’d like to pay it forward today by offering that to the first person to call dibs here.
Thanks Regina! If nobody takes you up on that offer here, you might want to repeat it on a SOTD post this week so more people will see it…
Ha, never mind, I see you already did 🙂
Regina, if/when you need more Fleuriste, just say the word. I’d be delighted to swap you more of it. I have a vat and will never be able to use it all.
You are too kind!! I never use up anything, but it makes me happy to know this treasure is cherished in at least two good homes!
Sorry to have not posted on Sat. but just wanted to add to all the other heartfelt comments how much this site has meant to me. I’ve learned a lot from you, Robin, and so many others when it comes to perfume and books and many other things, but most of all it has encouraged me to see the kindness of people in this small little space of the blogosphere. Kindness is a rarity today and yet day after day NST has it in spades.
No idea where to start as far as how much this site has influenced me with perfume, but its a ton. Thank you and happy 15th!
Thanks floragal! You are so right that there is not enough kindness out there.
Happy (belated) 15th anniversary NST! I was overjoyed to discover you guys many years ago. I’ve learned so much about perfume and met so many lovely people (Nina, Tama, Brooke to name just a few) along the way.
Robin, as many others have mentioned, this site means a lot to a lot of people, I love it’s warm feel of community.
Like you, I have less interest in modern perfumery, and prefer to love my old favorites and vintage scents.
Turns out the community lasts even when the interest in the new stuff fades 🙂
Thanks SmokeyToes!
Happy Birthday and thanks so much for all your hard work! I heart this blog, and so many of the citizens have shown me so much kindness! Here’s to the next 15 years! Love, Wayne
Thanks Wayne!
Super-belated happy 15th anniversary of NST! Um, at least it’s still the same month…
I enjoy the reviews, and lemming posts, and teapot pictures, and many other pretty pictures on here. I like reading the comments. Some make me laugh along with the commenter. 🙂