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Lazy weekend poll ~ whispering to Santa (or the gift-giving entity of your choice), 2020 edition

Posted by Robin on 28 November 2020 261 Comments

Our thirteenth annual holiday gift poll. Here are the three questions:

What is the fragrance-related gift you’d most like to receive this year?

Let’s say you were going to ask for just one unsniffed fragrance this year, what would it be?

Are you giving any fragrance items for gifts this year, and if so, what?

My answers:

A bottle of Astier de Villatte Grand Chalet, and why not the matching candle and kitty lid while we're at it?

Probably Kerosene Sweetly Known.

No. We are still doing very little gift-giving in my family.

Note: you can find Kay Bojesen's Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Modern Shop in Canada.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: holiday

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261 Comments

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  1. @ka_rina. says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:23 am

    gift to receive
    Coco parfum

    unsniffed fragrance
    Les indemodables – oriental velours

    giving fragrance items
    yes – sample set and later bottle of choice of gallivant perfumes to my sister in law

    have a great weekend everyone!

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    • Cicely says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:09 pm

      I have been sampling Les Indemodables today after watching Persolaise gush over them.. the sample pack is rather well priced.

      So far I’m quite impressed, they are really well made.. they do feel classic and intemporal. Oriental velours has a green note (the spruce) that is very present in the fragrance throughout. I’m not a fan of that note personally so it’s not my favourite but I can totally see the appeal. My favourites so far are Cuir de Chine and Iris Perle.

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      • Amy says:
        28 November 2020 at 2:20 pm

        Cicely, I love and have both of those. Now I need to go resniff Oriental Velours.

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        • Cicely says:
          28 November 2020 at 3:24 pm

          If first impression holds they may go to the potential buy list… maybe for Xmas!

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      • @ka_rina. says:
        28 November 2020 at 3:00 pm

        Thanks for the mini review ? I love spruce, so now it’s even more on my unsniffed want list! However getting the sample pack sounds like a much more reasonable approach…

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        • Cicely says:
          28 November 2020 at 3:21 pm

          Then you’ll love it for sure karina 🙂 Each one is quite unique but very nice in its style. I can admire all of them, and tend to be quite finicky. They don’t rely on aroma chemicals for effect (at least I can’t detect them) which I appreciate.

          By the way, Coco parfum is a great Xmas present choice!

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:24 pm

      enjoy your gift of Coco…

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      • @ka_rina. says:
        29 November 2020 at 3:55 am

        Haha – IF I get it ? If not it will have to stay on that wish list for Valentine’s day.

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  2. 50_Roses says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:28 am

    1. A perfume cabinet to properly store and organize all my perfumes.

    2. I have not had good luck in general with unsniffed perfumes. Perhaps a 5 mL of PPC Basil & Bartlett. I don’t think I have sniffed a PPC fragrance that I positively disliked, so it would be a fairly safe bet. Five ml only, as I have so much perfume already.

    3. Yes, as usually I will be gifting my husband a new bottle for Christmas. This time it is April Aromatics Calling All Angels.

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    • MissGoldsmith says:
      28 November 2020 at 12:46 pm

      Oooh! I love the perfume cabinet idea.

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    • tannina says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:33 pm

      A beautiful perfume cabinet is a great idea, but for now I stick with my Ikea kallax

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      • Old Herbaceous says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:24 pm

        I have two IKEA Liatorp glass-door cabinets where I keep many of my perfumes in decorative storage boxes to protect them from light. I love those cabinets! I also keep other hobby materials in them, like sewing patterns, cross-stitch materials, etc. When I retire, I will probably reorganize them from top to bottom, given how much the perfume collection has grown.

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    • 50_Roses says:
      28 November 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Now that I say that, I remembered that Mandy Aftel has released Violet Ambrosia. I love violet scents, and buying just one sample is hardly worthwhile so I might as well at least get the 6 ml perfume pomander, right?

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      • lillyjo says:
        28 November 2020 at 8:27 pm

        Right!?

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      • hajusuuri says:
        28 November 2020 at 9:15 pm

        Totally right up my alley!

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    • yasmina says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:27 pm

      Every time I walk into Home Goods I hope my perfect perfume cabinet will be there waiting for me

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    • Calypso says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:43 pm

      Calling All Angels is so beautiful! Lucky you and your husband!

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      • 50_Roses says:
        28 November 2020 at 11:07 pm

        He likes wearing fragrance but he doesn’t really know anything about it and he would never bother to sample or try things, so he wears whatever I buy for him. I give him things I want to smell on him.

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    • lucasai says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Beautiful perfume choice!

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  3. sistine says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:36 am

    1) A bottle of Rainbow Bar, if Santa needs a suggestion.

    2) Unsniffed – a duet: Hot Masala and Tea and Charcoal from DSH. Or else Horla from January Scent Project.

    3) Scented gifts – maybe? If my best friend and I exchange actual gifts, I may get her a travel spray of something. If we exchange donations to charity in each other’s names, then no.

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    • sistine says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Changing my reply (yes. I’m indecisive)

      For #1 I would like a full bottle of my SOTD: Munchen by Frau Tonis Perfume. I only bought a travel spray when I was in Berlin – it’s almost empty, and I would love a full bottle. Thanks Santa!

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      • Robin says:
        28 November 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Hopefully Santa is paying attention and does not mind changes 🙂

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        • Oakland Fresca says:
          29 November 2020 at 5:18 pm

          I have it on good authority that he doesn’t.

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          • Robin says:
            29 November 2020 at 5:21 pm

            ?

  4. perfumelover67 says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:37 am

    Wearing Bruno Fazzolari Ummagumma on a nice and not so cold day doing cleaning at home and also some online holiday shopping.

    1. Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose or Chanel Bel Respiro. I would not mind some scented candles also.

    2. Armani Prive Bois d’Encense or Tom Ford Lost Cherry.

    3. My younger sister asked me for a light floral scent and honestly I don’t know exactly what to get that is affordable. Any suggestions will be appreciate it! ?

    Happy weekend, everyone! ?

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    • galbanumgal says:
      28 November 2020 at 11:56 am

      Maybe one of the Fresh Sugar scents at Sephora? There’s Sugar Lemon, Brown Sugar, Sugar Lychee, etc. (I like the lemon, never tried the others). Plus options from The Body Shop. Good luck!

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      • perfumelover67 says:
        28 November 2020 at 12:20 pm

        Thank you, Galbanumgal! Writing them down on my notebook!

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    • Merlin says:
      28 November 2020 at 12:37 pm

      I’m not sure what price bracket you have in mind as ‘affordable’ is pretty relative.

      I discovered recently that Estee Lauder’s Modern Muse (original) is a nice light floral. At a lower price point

      Zara has ‘A Daisy Bouquet in London’ which smelled nice on paper (to me) but I see the reviews are pretty bad. They have some higher rated florals though. Nude Bouquet, for example, is popular.

      I’m personally a fan of Paul Smith’s Rose (I think it’s better than many much more pricey rose soliflores) It’s usually available for a good price at discounters. And it’s a pretty bottle!

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      • Merlin says:
        28 November 2020 at 12:39 pm

        Sorry, I meant that Zara is a lower price point than Estée Lauder!

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      28 November 2020 at 12:50 pm

      How about the original Jessica McClintock?
      It’s inexpensive, pretty white floral, and easily found online at a steep discount.

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Any of the chloes or MJ Daisy line, also Jimmy Choo Blossom.

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    • LizzieB says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:04 pm

      Stella is a lovely floral. Rose, but fresh. And available at discounters. I enjoy wearing it,

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      • springpansy says:
        28 November 2020 at 1:09 pm

        I like Stella quite a bit, also. A different take on rose.

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      • skalolazka says:
        29 November 2020 at 11:07 am

        Ditto the vote for Stella — I bought it years ago (15?) and it is aging well. I still enjoy it and wear it often when a bigger fragrance would be inappropriate.

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    • tannina says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:36 pm

      If she likes Roses maybe Une Rose by Kurkdijan, very light tt and floral

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    • Cicely says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:50 pm

      Jo Malone has a wide choice of light florals, and very easy to like. Tuberose angelica, red roses, jasmin and mint, nectarine blossom and honey.. some of them are really nice.

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    • @ka_rina. says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Not sure what price bracket yor thinking but some that aren’t too expensive that come to mind are
      Estee Lauder Pleasures
      Diptyque Eau Rose
      The Aerin ones are generally pleasing and could fit the bill (they have small sizes I think)
      Acca Kappa Tilia Cordata is one I love for for straight up linden
      Chloe
      Annika Goutal Chevrefeuille
      Gallivant Los Angeles or Tel Aviv

      Or, for something different and affordable (at least with Europe shipping) try the buly1803 dry oils (rose ones is gorgeous, but they also have a beautiful tuberose or orange blossom).

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    • Dawn says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:03 pm

      Would Clinique Happy fit the bill? It isn’t wildly expensive.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:26 pm

      I’ll second lilljo’s suggestion of Daisy. Maybe one of the small Chanel Chance perfumes (30mL) would work, too?

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    • hajusuuri says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:17 pm

      I would get her either a Sephora sampler set or Atelier Cologne discovery set or both ?

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    • Old Herbaceous says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:29 pm

      An underrated light floral is Carat by Cartier; perfumer was Mathilde Laurent. Top notes are Pear, Green Notes and Bergamot; middle notes are Hyacinth, Tulip, Narcissus, Lily, Honeysuckle, Violet and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are Mimosa and White Musk. It is available at some of the big online discounters for very reasonable prices (I also saw a gift set at FNet) and it’s really pretty. The bottle is also gorgeous.

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  5. lucasai says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:44 am

    Greetings from the Baltic Sea seaside. Together with my family wd came to visit my grandma for a few days.

    1. I’d love Olfactive Studio Iris Shot or Ormaie L’Ivree Bleue.

    2. Chanel Le Lion. I don’t know it but my perfume twin does love it.

    3. Yes, I plan to give one of the Cologne Intense from Jo Malone as a gift.

    Sotd is Atelier des Ors Iris Fauve.

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    • tannina says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:53 pm

      I think Le Lion but be a good blind buy, if someone would gift me that

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      • lucasai says:
        29 November 2020 at 5:54 am

        Yes

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    • Amy says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:41 pm

      The Baltic seaside! I wish I was where you are. Iris Shot is on my wish list too.

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      • lucasai says:
        29 November 2020 at 5:55 am

        I look forward to a walk at the beach

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    • Sebastian says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:00 am

      Chanel Le Lion is something I’m interested also, sounds amazing!

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      • lucasai says:
        29 November 2020 at 5:55 am

        It does indeed.

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  6. springpansy says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:45 am

    Good morning! I’m wearing DSHPerfumes Muresque today. I am SO happy that I still have two more days of time off (the weekend)!

    This poll is always harder for me than I think it would be. So, at the moment I’ll go with:
    1) To receive: I’d love Coco body cream…oh, but I would also like the Astier Villatte Naples candle that Kevin reviewed several years ago:
    https://nstperfume.com/2011/11/23/astier-de-villatte-naples-candle-home-fragrance-review/
    2) Unsniffed: How about Stephane Humbert Lucas 777 Une Nuit a Doha
    3) Just some small scented candles for our sons’ girlfriends

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    • Robin says:
      28 November 2020 at 5:46 pm

      Oh, I want that candle too!!

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    • Eschmeling says:
      28 November 2020 at 10:38 pm

      Oh yes, get Doha! My favorite of all!! 🙂 (but you’d have to like Immortelle, I think).

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  7. Lisa D says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:48 am

    1. I’m with 50_Roses on this one – I’d love a capacious, easy to use, and beautiful perfume cabinet that would hold bottles, decants, and samples

    2. CdG Rouge. Sounds right up my alley.

    3. I’m only giving fragrance to myself this year. Everybody else is getting a book (gift giving within my circle of friends and family has thankfully tapered off quite a bit over the last several years).

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    • galbanumgal says:
      28 November 2020 at 11:59 am

      Books are my go-to as well–both for giving & receiving.

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  8. She-ra says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:05 pm

    1. A bottle of Rouge Saray and a well done vanilla candle. Any recs for a good vanilla candle please?

    2. Same as Robin…would like to try Kerosene Sweetly Known…don’t see it added to Fragrantica yet…anyone tried it?

    3. Just fragrance gifts to myself!?

    Wearing some Dionis Vanilla Bean hand cream and Lost Cherry today.??

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    • springpansy says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:34 pm

      You smell wonderful!

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    • cazaubon says:
      29 November 2020 at 11:57 am

      I blind bought a bottle. 🙂 It’s very nice, not overly sweet but definitely gourmand.

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  9. SheriG says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:06 pm

    Oh how funny – I just finished ordering some scented candles as Christmas gifts before popping over to NST, so I guess I have my answer to that part of the poll. Not sure what the rest of my poll answers would be … maybe a fir-scented candle in a pretty glass container, to replace the one I’ve had so long that the scent is mostly gone (but the jar is so pretty!), and a bottle of one of the new Chanels. Might be too early for me to be trying to think. ?

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    • LizzieB says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Soap and Paper Company’s Roland Pine comes in a nice silver glass container with snowflakes.

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      • SheriG says:
        29 November 2020 at 12:54 pm

        I keep forgetting about Soap and Paper Company – will investigate! Thanks!

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    • Calypso says:
      29 November 2020 at 11:56 am

      Frasier Fir from Thymes comes in different sizes with pretty glass containers and I love the scent.

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      • SheriG says:
        29 November 2020 at 12:55 pm

        That’s the (very) old one that I have – think I need another one! ?

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  10. galbanumgal says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:19 pm

    Have never tried the No 5 body cream, and it’s the fragrance-related gift I’d love to try. And the No 5 shower gel, which says “new” on Chanel’s site.
    As a fan of mimosa and aldehydes, would opt for Masque’s new Ray-Flection as an unsniffed surprise.
    No to fragrance gifts–this year will be giving books, tea and calendars.

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    • Dawn says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:05 pm

      I have the no 5 body cream and it’s nice. To make it really smell like no 5, dab on a tiny bit of parfum or just lightly dab any concentration. The body lotion smells close to no 5 but not quite.

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    • Merlin says:
      29 November 2020 at 7:07 am

      To me the cream smells more like 5 Eau Premiere – which I prefer 🙂

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  11. SmokeyToes says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:21 pm

    Hi all, my SOTD is Guerlain’s Shalimar Souffle Intense.

    A bottle of vintage Safari perfume would be very nice, or Patchouli Elixir by Reminiscence.

    Un-sniffed perfume gift would be Narciso Rodriguez Patchouli Musc.

    We’re not exchanging gifts this year, donating to a charity instead. 🙂

    After a salad for breakfast (with lox and poached egg, picture below) Mr. SmokeyToes and I are about to walk, shoes on, we’ll see you later!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CII9sUwhn8Y/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

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    • tannina says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:55 pm

      Nice breakfast

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    • sistine says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Wow, that salad looks amazing!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:24 pm

      Wish I had that breakfast! ?

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  12. Kelly Red says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:26 pm

    1) I’d like a year of scented and luxurious soaps. At least one a month!

    2) I don’t do unsniffed anymore, but if I had to risk it on someone else’s dime I’d pick TF Oud Wood.

    3) No fragrance gifts, no gifts really. Some home made food items between my brothers family and us. They’re getting home crafted Sour Cherry Vodka. Let the cocktails flow!

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    • tannina says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:56 pm

      I always think of buying one of the Tauer soaps, they seem to be great

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      • Kevin says:
        28 November 2020 at 8:08 pm

        Tannina…buy just one Tauer soap before splurging. With my water at home they produce ZERO lather.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          28 November 2020 at 10:15 pm

          Super hard water, I take it?

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    • Robin says:
      28 November 2020 at 5:48 pm

      Sour Cherry Vodka is a great idea!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:23 pm

      Sour Cherry Vodka sounds tasty! ?

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    • Calypso says:
      29 November 2020 at 11:57 am

      I made a bunch of flavored vodkas one year as gifts. Cranberry was the favorite, and so pretty! I bet the sour cherry is pretty and tasty, too!

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  13. johanob says:
    28 November 2020 at 12:32 pm

    SOTD Bendelirious!
    Poll:
    To receive:Tom Ford Lost Cherry or Rose Prick.(otherwise I’ll jist buy them myself.lol)
    Unsniffed:Olfactive Studio Iris Shot or the ltd edition Liquides Imaginaires Liquide.
    Scented candles and patchouli infused ceramic discs I found years ago,and keep buying for myself.I have a friend moving who would adore them for her new cupboards!
    Happy Weekend!
    XO

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    • johanob says:
      28 November 2020 at 12:46 pm

      *Not paying attention to typos anymore…jUst deal with it,OK?Lol.
      XO

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      • lillyjo says:
        28 November 2020 at 1:01 pm

        I will deal with your typos, but you have to deal with my my punctuation and run on sentences! Lol!

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      • SheriG says:
        28 November 2020 at 1:49 pm

        What typos? ?

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        28 November 2020 at 1:54 pm

        dealing with it!

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      • sistine says:
        28 November 2020 at 2:25 pm

        If your typos are the worst thing I have to deal with today, then it’s a really good day!

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    • springpansy says:
      28 November 2020 at 5:39 pm

      A vote for TF Lost Cherry!!

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  14. MissGoldsmith says:
    28 November 2020 at 1:00 pm

    SOTD: MDCI Fete Persanes. I never did switch over to it yesterday, so extending the CP. Love it.

    1. I’m piling on to 50_Roses idea. My dream perfume cabinet will be custom built, refrigerated, and hand-painted by my Mom (think: De Gourney wallpaper).

    2. Chanel Le Lion. From everything I’ve heard, it will be right up my alley.

    3. A body scrub and reed diffusers for Christmas stockings. Otherwise, it’s a no to fragrance gifts. Too personal and too spendy an item to go wrong on. If I were to go there, I’d do the discover set + gift certificate route. No one who I still give gifts to and would spend that much on likes perfume. So, there you go. More for me!

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    • lucasai says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:29 pm

      We’re together on point 2 😉

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      28 November 2020 at 1:53 pm

      I love #2, up there on my most loved Chanel’s ever…

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      • @ka_rina. says:
        28 November 2020 at 3:33 pm

        That‘s very high praise indeed! Almost makes me want to add it to my whis list of unsniffed

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    • yasmina says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:24 pm

      I just looked up this wallpaper! It’s gorgeous. I particularly liked the Chinoiserie collection

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      • MissGoldsmith says:
        28 November 2020 at 9:20 pm

        Yes, stunning stuff! If you like interiors porn, follow them on Insta. I’m sure the stuff is obscenely expensive and I can’t imagine my house will ever be as glamorous. But, I can admire!

        They just came out with a coffee table book, too. Haven’t seen it in person myself yet, but my Mom got it for herself already so I will drool over it at Christmas.

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        • yasmina says:
          28 November 2020 at 9:37 pm

          Yes I didn’t even bother searching for price- I can tell it will be out of my price range. But I will follow on Insta for some free beauty

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  15. LizzieB says:
    28 November 2020 at 1:11 pm

    Wearing YSL Cinema today.

    I’d probably ask for Chamade perfume. But I won’t. (See below…bought myself some candles)

    Can’t think of anything unsniffed. Maybe the new Shalimar flanker.

    I just sent some candles from Brooklyn Candle to a kind friend of mine. Their Cassis one and a couple of seasonal travel candles. (I actually got myself a Brooklyn candle as well as a Santorini room sprays…both on sale.)

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    • Merlin says:
      29 November 2020 at 8:55 am

      YSL Cinema is loooooovely 🙂

      I see no reason why you can’t buy yourself candles AND send a request to Santa!

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  16. Baby Dumpling says:
    28 November 2020 at 1:33 pm

    God, the last perfume gift I had was in 1997. I worked for a bookie, and he had bought his girlfriend a perfume shop. I don’t remember what he gave me, but it was popular at the time and seemed like a Juicy Couture-ish thing. What I remember most is the French pronunciation she insisted on for her mundane name, and that he bragged that she was one of the “top ten girls in. Florida “. I never figured out what that meant, but the work was fun and easy, money was good, and he had good taste in restaurants. We ate out three nights a week.

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    • Merlin says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:24 pm

      That’s the kind of boyfriend I want – doesn’t buy me a perfume, but a perfume shop!

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    • sistine says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:26 pm

      That sounds like a fun job!

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    • Amyitis says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:03 pm

      Love your post. Now I’m wondering what the girlfriend’s name was. Cheri? If it were you posting about the SpecSavers guy – I enjoyed that too!

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      • Baby Dumpling says:
        29 November 2020 at 10:17 am

        Her name was Marnie. They said it MarNAY. He had a Super Bowl party for some associates one year, and I worked it with her. Had to explain her you don’t slice Brie, you let it come to room temperature and smear it on stuff with a little round knife. You would think being a Top Ten Girl in Florida she would know that. But anyway, she was nice. I wonder if she knew about her top 10 status?

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    • MissGoldsmith says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Thanks for the laugh. “Back when I worked for a bookie…” is a great lead in. You must have some fun stories! (And if you don’t, I will carry on imagining that you do.”

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      • Baby Dumpling says:
        29 November 2020 at 10:25 am

        Oh yes. He rigged a hot legs contest for me. I was wearing dumpy sweat pants. My hooter girl contestants weren’t happy about it. But we got the money honey, and they learned that people aren’t always who they seem. A very fun year I had.

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        • skalolazka says:
          29 November 2020 at 1:03 pm

          That is…awesome.

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  17. Aurora says:
    28 November 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Parfums de Rosine Majalis
    Bucoliques de Provence
    Yes, vintage Moustache, Eau des Baux, Fragonard Eau de Hongrie.

    I started the day in Fenjal body spray which is a nostalgic scent for me and this evening Calandre keeps me company.

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    • Amyitis says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Fenjal bath oil and Badedas are the smells of my childhood Christmas gifts. And Pears soap.

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      • Aurora says:
        28 November 2020 at 8:59 pm

        Yes, zo nistalgic, Badedas is or was very popular in France, the country where I grew up.

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      • Aurora says:
        28 November 2020 at 9:01 pm

        Oh dear, sorry for the typos *so nostalgic

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        • Robin says:
          29 November 2020 at 5:25 pm

          “zo nistalgic” just sounds like a distinguished accent 😉

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          • Aurora says:
            30 November 2020 at 3:58 pm

            This made me laugh!

    • SheriG says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:01 pm

      Bucoliques de Provence is my SOTM!

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      • Aurora says:
        28 November 2020 at 9:02 pm

        What a coincidence!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:21 pm

      Aurora, if you like the Wrappings EdP, you would like the lotion/body smoother. It is true to the perfume, and the scent lasts! It also does a decent job of moisturizing.

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      • Aurora says:
        28 November 2020 at 9:05 pm

        Good to know, thank you, maybe I will indulge in a gift set when I run out of the perfume.

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  18. Lovestosmellgood says:
    28 November 2020 at 1:52 pm

    What is the fragrance-related gift you’d most like to receive this year?

    None, but I may buy myself something

    Let’s say you were going to ask for just one unsniffed fragrance this year, what would it be?

    The Shalimar Philtre flanker

    Are you giving any fragrance items for gifts this year, and if so, what?

    I am most likely not going to see my family this year, so not many gift buying. For a neighbor that helps me out with the kids one in awhile she loves candles, so I may buy her the Jo Malone that she likes.

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    • yasmina says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:19 pm

      LVTSG – how many Shalimars do you have? You are NST’s Shalimar Queen

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        29 November 2020 at 7:04 am

        I have the parfum (but in one of those travel spray not very attractive bottles) and the EdP, lotion.
        My favorite of all is the ODV Madagascar.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:22 pm

      Did I mention that the BG Guerlain SA said they’re not getting the Philtre ??‍♀️

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        29 November 2020 at 7:06 am

        thanks for letting me know since I know that BG is having their beauty gift card and I was going to ask again myself.

        Its available online on the Guerlain website

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  19. Gaynor says:
    28 November 2020 at 2:06 pm

    There are quite a few FBs on my list of possible future purchases, I’ll select something from that as a gift from my beloved – that’s the best way to receive perfume presents 🙂
    I’ve got samples on the way from Surrender to Chance and The Perfumed Court, so my list might get yet longer.
    Buy unsniffed? I’ve done that once with success, but I don’t want that to go to my head! Lots of people are talking about Le Lion, so that could be tempting, but that remains theoretical only, I have no idea how I’d get hold of it.
    I might get some soap for my mother, but otherwise the only perfumed gifts will be from me to me.
    In other news, I tried BDK’s Rouge Smoking yesterday. It’s too cherry for me, but if you like cherry, you’ll be well-rewarded – it lasts and lasts and is very hard to wash off!

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    • Amy says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:45 pm

      Rouge Smoking was pure root beer to me, although I didn’t try it on skin. I like a number in the line, but not this one.

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  20. tannina says:
    28 November 2020 at 2:08 pm

    Wearing What I did on my holidays today, because I felt I deserved a holiday at the sea…
    I would like a BUB of L’ Air de Rien.
    Unsniffed I am thinking about getting some 4160Tuesdays Wafts from the Loft or Meet me on the corner, because she has a reduction for members of her FB group.
    We don’t do gifts for Christmas at all, and I am the only one into fragrance.

    We ordered a dinner at a one star restaurant to take away and finish at home. We had fish with pumpkin and lentils in vinaigrette for starters. Now on to truffle potato thingies and Buffalo with gratin and truffle praline. Dessert will be chocolate with pear and Chai latte dressing and a macaron. And some champagne to wash it down. Delicious!!!

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    • sistine says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Wow! Your meal sounds incredible. May I come over the next time you order from that restaurant if I bring over several bottles of wine?

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      • tannina says:
        28 November 2020 at 2:32 pm

        Sure, just give us time to order again…

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    • Amyitis says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:11 pm

      Your meal sounds lovely. I’m not a tasting menu person, so this sounds right up my alley.

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    • @ka_rina. says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:37 pm

      That sound absolutely delicious! Jealous ?

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    • therabbitsflower says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:17 pm

      Every time you post about L’air de Risn it makes me happy because we have a mutual love for it. I’d also like a back up bottle. I’m watching a few different bottles of it on eBay, so it’s only a matter of time before I spring for one.

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:17 pm

        Oops, that’s L’air de Rien, of course.

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    • Old Herbaceous says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:39 pm

      I love Meet Me On The Corner and reviewed it a year ago in a “Scent Sample Sunday” blog post. Haven’t smelled Wafts From The Loft, but it sounds very appealing. I had resisted until today but I finally did place an order for a couple of the 4160 Tuesdays “Hot Pink Friday” deals.

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  21. Merlin says:
    28 November 2020 at 2:39 pm

    So Santa can bring me Penhaligon’s Cairo.

    I”ll go for Turmeric Latte unsniffed…

    And not yet sure with regards to gifts…

    Was wearing Aramis Tobacco Reserve – I love the green tobacco and black currant together and am thinking of a back up bottle. However…did have to add some sweet gourmand to it this evening to prop up my mood ?

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    • Merlin says:
      28 November 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Am very curious about Givenchy live Irresistible Delicieuse. Maybe I should go with that unsniffed. ?

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    • Cicely says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:37 pm

      Oh wow. Dominic Ropion making an almond perfume? With rose, vanilla, cherry and iris? Super intrigued!

      Turmeric Latte seems like a safe blind buy for a yog nog lover.

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      • Merlin says:
        28 November 2020 at 4:08 pm

        I didn’t even see it was by Ropion! A recent favourite is A Sweet Pastry in Paris by Nathalie Lorson and (sold by Zara). Someone reviewing it on Fragrantica claimed it was like the Givenchy except that the Givenchy has cherry in place of lemon. This is what piqued my interest…however, it’s probably weak grounds to go on.

        I’m seeing now that although we never got the Turmeric Latte body spray we DID get the bath bomb so I will have to go smell that with the Snowcake soap!

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    • yasmina says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:17 pm

      I love this perfume’s namesake city. I had a chance to sniff it too. It’s nice but I would buy the bottle just for the name. Not many fragrances named after Cairo

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      • Merlin says:
        29 November 2020 at 7:10 am

        I have to admit to having no expectations based on the name since I haven’t been there…

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:24 pm

      I recently saw a review of Cairo. It sounded very good.

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      • Merlin says:
        29 November 2020 at 7:15 am

        From what I remember the Basenotes reviewers did not like it AT ALL. Generally they thought it a very derivative rose and oud with low quality chemicals (if I remember correctly). I smelled it without having any expectations as to notes – I just came across it in a shop and loved the aromatic opening and kept sniffing it through the day. But… it is more than I would happily spend on a single bottle of perfume so I’m hoping it eventually finds its way to the discounters 😀

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  22. Amyitis says:
    28 November 2020 at 3:28 pm

    We don’t give Christmas gifts and I’ve decided no more blind buys.
    (Short answer to the poll)
    Haven’t worn perfume in a couple of days. I think I mentioned here that I was overworked and in typical fashion, the moment when my leave started, my body just gave out and I ended up in bed for two days with terrible vertigo and nausea. An ENT colleague calls vestibular neuritis “a disease of 40 year old women brought on by stress”.
    2020 has been tough all round. The trouble is that I’ve remembered that 2010 was an extremely difficult year for me too and 2011 turned out not much better.
    Thank you, Robin, for this calm corner in the midst of all the chaos.

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:47 pm

      Hey Amyitis.. sending you a big hug ?
      I hope you are feeling better and back on your feet soon.
      I feel ya.. I really do, about other years that stunk. I keep thinking what will be different when January is here? All I can come up with is spring will be on it’s way, and I hold on to that hope of new beginning. ?

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      • Amyitis says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:24 am

        A big hug back! And I’ll wear my only TM sample, Mirroirs de Majeste, just for you. I read your comments and was sorry that you got bad news in the mail again. I don’t always comment, but my heart goes out to you. I hope for a MUCH better 2021 for you!!

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    • Cicely says:
      28 November 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Oh no! I am so sorry Amytis. Wake up call to rest now, disconnect and put yourself as a priority. I had a very similar thing from shingles affecting my inner ear and giving me neuralgia 3 years ago (Ramsay Hunt). I wonder if it’s the same spectrum as was also caused by ++ stress and overwork.

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    • Merlin says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:18 pm

      Can’t say it better than Cicely so just adding to the general group hug!

      I came down with shingles on Valentines this year after ending a long relationship at the end of last year…which is just to say that you are certainly not alone with stress OR physical illness caused by stress. I’m prescribing ginger tea with honey!

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      • Amyitis says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:37 am

        Hi Merlin and Cicely
        I’m so sorry about your shingles. That is a hundred times worse than what I’m experiencing now. I think we as “modern” humans constantly deal with such a lot intellectually, that we can’t process our feelings properly, unless our bodies call a time out. And, Merlin, shingles on Valentine’s day after a break up says it all. I hope your ex was properly excorcised!

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        • Merlin says:
          29 November 2020 at 7:56 am

          I love the idea of exorcising him ?

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        • Cicely says:
          29 November 2020 at 8:13 am

          I think the vertigo was the worst part of it so definitely not a fun thing to have! Only silver lining is that it passes, I hope you are much better soon. When our work involves looking after others we often feel bad or guilty if we are not 100% ourselves.. that is the one good bit I took from the whole thing, health goes first, work second (though not sure I learnt it as well I should have, I’m doing a little bit better these days). ?

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    • Amy says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Oh I am so sorry Amyitis. I hope with rest this passes quickly. I think I join you and others with stress-related . . . stuff. For me it’s been constant ear-ringing. For ten days now maybe? I’ve had this happen before and pass, so just trying to wait it out.

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      • Amyitis says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:40 am

        At least we know that it is stress related. I’m also just waitng mine out, after taking some drugs for the nausea the first few days. Healing vibes to you!

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    • perfumelover67 says:
      28 November 2020 at 4:50 pm

      Sending hugs, Amyitis! ?
      I understand you. 2020 has also been a very bad year for me. Let’s hope the new year comes with health, peace and less physical and emotional stress. ?

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      • Amyitis says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:49 am

        Hugs to you too! From some of your comments here, I think that your year is worse than mine, but you are very courageous and don’t complain. I really admire you for that. But please get a load off here if you need to!

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    • Robin says:
      28 November 2020 at 5:50 pm

      Adding more good wishes Amyitis!! Hope you are better soon, and that you can avoid being that overworked again.

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    • sistine says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:21 pm

      I just want to send you hugs and healing vibes.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:26 pm

      Sending healing vibes!

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    • Aurora says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:28 pm

      It’s no fun to be ill during your break, sending hugs.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 10:13 pm

      Hope that you are feeling better soon. Hugs.

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    • Amyitis says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:53 am

      Thank you for everybody’s well wishes and sorry for being a such a baby!

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      • Merlin says:
        29 November 2020 at 7:55 am

        I think it’s our insistence on being strong and on NOT being ‘babies’ that gets us into trouble in the first place ??‍♀️

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        • Cicely says:
          29 November 2020 at 9:02 am

          That’s so right.

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      • therabbitsflower says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:20 pm

        I’m sending you good healing wishes and echo Merlin. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being honest and vulnerable inside a safe space like this. Hugs to you.

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    • cazaubon says:
      29 November 2020 at 12:05 pm

      That sounds like what I’ve been having, never heard of vestibular neuritis. I’m definitely stressed, like most everyone else this year. Sending commiserating hugs.

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    • skalolazka says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:06 pm

      Hope you feel much better soon! Isn’t it just like our bodies to come back and bite us the moment we have a bit of breathing space.

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    • Old Herbaceous says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:44 pm

      Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this! I have occasionally had serious vertigo attacks with the accompanying nausea, and I just wanted to pass out until they ended. Which I accomplished by taking Benadryl, since it knocks me out as well as helping with my variant of vertigo, which seems to be allergy-related. I hope you feel better soon!

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    • Eschmeling says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Vertigo is awful – I recently, on a drive to Yosemite, turned my head quickly to one side and boom – incredible nausea, luckily only for an hour or so. Good luck to you and hope you’ll have a proper break soon!

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  23. Amy says:
    28 November 2020 at 4:57 pm

    Yesterday I wore my latest purchase that’s arrived, Frassai Tian Di. It becomes soft pretty fast, but remains lovely.

    Today is the last of a sample, with a full bottle on the way. BDK Jasmin Wood. It really isn’t jasmine at all, which is probably why I like it. More stone fruit and just a touch of something funky. I love it, even though it is sweeter than I usually go for.

    All of which is to say, I am getting plenty of early Christmas presents for myself. Since March, perfume, scarves (one sweater, many scarves=changing Zoom outfits), and books have been my luxury expenditures (I don’t actually count books as luxury, so aside from food and necessities, my only expenditures!).

    After a lull in finding things I loved, I currently have a pretty good size wishlist though still. So to the poll:

    1) Maybe Maison d’Etto Karat. I own and love Durban Jane and also really like one other. Karat is rose and not wildly innovative, but lovely. Or else a full bottle of either Violet Shot or Iris Shot. Hmmm. Decisions. Imaginary as they may be.

    2) Unsniffed and paid for by someone else? Amouage Meander perhaps.

    3) Some Molton Brown hand wash for mother-in-law who appreciates them and would never spend the money. Otherwise, fragrances are lost on most of those for whom I buy gifts. Thought of switching to the Byredo hand washes because I am loving them and finding them a little easier on my skin, but they don’t come in a lovely gift box of three!

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    • yasmina says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:14 pm

      I don’t count books as luxury either Amy. Fiction reading has been a real mental haven for me this year

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    • hajusuuri says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:27 pm

      Oooh, do tell more about the Byredo hand wash! Which ones do you like?

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      • Amy says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:50 am

        I like both that I have tried a lot – rose and vetyver (as I think they spell it). Lovely scents without being too strong and without the something that is in a lot of the Byredo perfumes that doesn’t work for me. But also the hand wash is very soft, smooth, and softening. Really lovely texture.

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        • Cicely says:
          29 November 2020 at 5:58 am

          I also have that feeling with the Byredos.. none of them ever enticed me.

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        • hajusuuri says:
          29 November 2020 at 9:35 pm

          Thanks!

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      • cazaubon says:
        29 November 2020 at 12:10 pm

        I bought the Rose & Suede. Really nice stuff.

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        • hajusuuri says:
          29 November 2020 at 9:37 pm

          Good to know. Thanks!

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  24. apsara says:
    28 November 2020 at 6:12 pm

    Joining some others in wishing for Chanel le Lion.
    No gifting except to my sisters two granddaughters/something she and I usually split. And this year, so many people need food on their tables, medical care, rent relief so gifts of charity are needed.
    Tiger by her Side is SOTD.

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    • Robin says:
      29 November 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Charity presents seem like a better idea this year, for people who can afford them. I know our local food bank is really struggling.

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  25. GateGirl says:
    28 November 2020 at 7:08 pm

    1) Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. Full bottle, travel spray, whatever.

    2) There was a fragrance at my local Banana Republic, simply called Classic, and Classic Citrus. I never got the chance to try any of them on me before covid took away all the testers everywhere. That is what I would pick. BR fragrances usually agree with me pretty well. I enjoyed Jade while I had it and am waiting to break in Linen Vetiver.

    3) No scented things. A cat print drying rack mat and a little figurine of a glasses-wearing cat reading a book, for mom.

    SOTD: Pan, from Anya’s lovely Garden. Nice little romp.

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 8:22 pm

      I used to wear Classic. It’s very clean, in a crisp white shirt way. Comfortable yet put together. I’ve spotted it recently at tj maxx.

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  26. yasmina says:
    28 November 2020 at 8:12 pm

    I would love a bottle of Imperiale Poudre if Santa is listening

    Unsniffed I would ask for Orange Star. Persolaise’s review of it created a lemming. Or maybe the Esprit d’ete Theorema since I love the original

    For gifts I would give a set of mini Molton Brown shower gels

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    • tannina says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:09 am

      Oh, don’t buy orange star unsniffed. It sounded great, but I did not like it at all. Smelled like orange cleaning stuff to my nose

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      • yasmina says:
        29 November 2020 at 10:42 am

        Oh no! Good to know

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    • Eschmeling says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:35 am

      I second Tannina – I would say this is the opposite of a safe blind buy!

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      • yasmina says:
        29 November 2020 at 10:42 am

        Yikes I definitely won’t now

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        • Eschmeling says:
          29 November 2020 at 2:01 pm

          Having said that, if Andy ships to the US for his samples, his samples in the box presentation are really cute! One year when I ordered, he threw in a whole extra set for me.

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    • Merlin says:
      29 November 2020 at 7:41 am

      I absolutely adored Orange Star until a friend said it smelled like a cleaning product and I couldn’t UNsmell that…

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      • lekkerruik says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:08 am

        Was it me? Haha! I really cannot stand Orange Star, the only Tauer I dislike. Horrid!

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        • yasmina says:
          29 November 2020 at 10:43 am

          Ugh. It’s off my list

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        • Merlin says:
          29 November 2020 at 12:35 pm

          No, it wasn’t you ? I still like it – it’s just unfortunate that it smells like the most perfect Christmassy gourmand orange AND (somehow) a cleaning product!

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          • Eschmeling says:
            29 November 2020 at 2:11 pm

            It might be culture specific – where if you grow up in one country/region, there is an iconic toilet bowl cleaner with the same smell as someone else’s favorite scent…

        • hajusuuri says:
          29 November 2020 at 9:34 pm

          I don’t like it either but the worst was Carillon Poir Un Ange – rotting garbage ?

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  27. Jalapeno says:
    28 November 2020 at 8:14 pm

    1. Tauer’s LAdDM or Le Maroc pour Elle. Nice to dream, isn’t it?

    2. Maybe some samples from DSH?

    3. No scented things at all this year. We don’t exchange gifts with family members. It’s questionable if we will be exchanging Christmas gifts with friends. I still haven’t given last year’s goodies to one friend of ours, thanks to life in the time of CV-19.

    SOTD = back in Wrappings again today.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      28 November 2020 at 9:29 pm

      I know all about last year’s gift fail, but since I generally gift stuff I myself would use, they’re mine now ?

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      • Jalapeno says:
        28 November 2020 at 10:12 pm

        If the gift-giving Force is with me this year, I can double up the 2019 and 2020 goodies for this person. They were amenable to the idea, or at least didn’t shoot it down outright.

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 11:29 pm

      I’m so happy that you got Wrappings and are enjoying it!

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  28. Dawn says:
    28 November 2020 at 8:15 pm

    I don’t really do unsniffed purchases anymore but would like to give Coco Mademoiselle Intense a go, if I had to go with the unsniffed route. If I were to get a perfume as a gift, I would love a bottle of Cormandel.

    I don’t gift perfumes to people, too much can go wrong there. Gifts are going to be on the small side this year, but that’s ok. Gift giving is overrated in so many ways.

    SOTD is PHI Une rose de Kandahar today.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      29 November 2020 at 7:09 am

      If I end up going to BG on Monday I will sniff coco mll intense for you.

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  29. hajusuuri says:
    28 November 2020 at 9:48 pm

    SOTD = St. Clair Scents Seeking Balance

    I got a freebie sample from a previous purchase and decided to wear it today. A travel bottle is now on its way chez moi.

    No perfume pic post but here’s a #caturday post:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CIJAnhbhHfT/?igshid=68qstkp37urj

    On to the poll:
    1) Perfumed gift to receive – maybe I should stop buying
    2) Unsniffed gift – maybe that new one by Masque Milano
    3) I am giving my nieces the trio of Bruno Fazzolari soaps plus $s. No Friendsgiving this year and quite honestly, maybe never going forward. Nothing wrong with it, but as others have mentioned, there are so many in need I am better off just donating $s for the amount I would have spent on gifts.

    Also, if your company does it, we have Giving Tuesday on December 1st, with a double match up to a $1,000 donation (so a total of $3,000). I always remind one of my former colleagues ?.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      28 November 2020 at 10:10 pm

      ZOMG, your Caturday picture is too adorable! ?

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:21 pm

        Thank you. I tried to look for the unusual but it seems like other people had the same thought!

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    • lillyjo says:
      28 November 2020 at 11:14 pm

      What a beautiful ornament!

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:22 pm

        Thank you. Looks very classic.

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    • Calypso says:
      29 November 2020 at 12:09 pm

      How do you like that new St Clair scent? Those are always worth trying.

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:31 pm

        I got a sample previously and it was called “ Finding Balance”. I think Seeking Balance is a more appropriate name. It is incensey / resinous and as with many of Ms. St. Clair’s perfumes, I cannot tease out what’s in except if it is super-prominent.

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    • cazaubon says:
      29 November 2020 at 12:14 pm

      Love the kitty ornament! I really need to stop buying. The last two years have been over the top.

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:32 pm

        Ha! And you were on a low buy ?…

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        • cazaubon says:
          29 November 2020 at 10:49 pm

          Yeah, that didn’t quite work out…

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    • Eschmeling says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:12 pm

      Nice ornament!

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:32 pm

        Thank you!

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  30. cc says:
    28 November 2020 at 10:39 pm

    Fragrance gift I’d most like to receive this year: I’ve been wanting Parfumerie Generale’s Indochine for a long time..

    One unsniffed fragrance this year: Well, if someone else is paying for it.. maybe the new Hermessences Cuir d’Ange?

    Giving any fragrance items for gifts this year? Nah, my family is not into fragrances so I can’t buy them gifts I secretly want XD

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    • SheriG says:
      29 November 2020 at 1:12 pm

      Indochine is gorgeous.

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  31. lillyjo says:
    28 November 2020 at 11:26 pm

    1. I have a long wishlist of discontinued perfumes but for something still available I would like Cristalle edp or Atelier Santal Carmin. I’ve had decants, and miss them both.
    2. Unsniffed- I would probably have to go with Black Orchid Parfum or Lost Cherry or Bitter Peach. I am curious about the new Kerosene too.
    3. If I find a perfume math free deal, I might pick up something for my son or daughter.
    Sotd was Tobacco Vanille. I smelled great! ?

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    • johanob says:
      29 November 2020 at 8:06 am

      I had the TF Tobacco Vanille body spray,and I must say it was definitely potent!The actual perfume turned sour on my skin,so bodyspray it was!

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      • lillyjo says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:19 am

        I had wondered about the body sprays. My skin turns some perfume sour too, it’s so irritating. I think it has something to do with my overall cranky disposition, lol.

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        • cazaubon says:
          29 November 2020 at 12:15 pm

          You are too funny!

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          • lillyjo says:
            29 November 2020 at 12:35 pm

            Thank you!?

  32. Sebastian says:
    29 November 2020 at 1:38 am

    1. SL Iris Silver Mist, just because I am on an Iris kick this year and I just have to have it. I hope I won’t be disappointed.

    2. Iris Silver Mist, because of what I said earlier. I can’t try it anywhere so full bottle it is.

    3. No perfume gifts.

    I haven’t posted here in a good while. My sense of smell is on a good track after losing it two weeks ago because of covid. Still haven’t worn a perfume yet, only train my nose with essential oils. And I still can’t taste food properly.

    The good part is that my 4 year old has become interested all of a sudden by perfume and we agreed I’ll spritz his hands with 2 perfumes he chooses every day. He really likes the process of choosing the 2 perfumes. But yesterday he chose Iris Nazarena and said he does not like it; oh my heart is broken ?

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    • Merlin says:
      29 November 2020 at 7:47 am

      Is there a particular way in which you need to retrain your nose after covid-induced anosmia? I would have thought it just gradually returned? Glad you are well on your way to recovery!

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      • Sebastian says:
        29 November 2020 at 8:24 am

        It gradually returns, but I did olfactory training from the 3th day: smelling twice a day 4 essential oils, each for 30 seconds. In the first days I couldn’t smell any EO or perfume. Rien Intense Incense, POAL, Dior Homme Intense or anything else had no smell to me. I started to get a bit of smell from EO on the 6th day and now I can smell any perfume, but not the whole palette. Still waiting to fully recover.

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        • Merlin says:
          29 November 2020 at 8:48 am

          I think it must be quite scary to smell something you previously found strong and to suddenly get NADA 😮 I’m pretty sure there are many molecules I am anosmic to – and I also go noseblind fairly quickly. Have considered trying to systematically improve my sense of smell by way of some training program but never actually got round to it!

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          • Sebastian says:
            29 November 2020 at 1:01 pm

            Yes, it’s a bit scary. The whole virus thing is scary because of the media influence. I had to keep myself not falling apart when I realized I had it.

    • lillyjo says:
      29 November 2020 at 9:13 am

      Hi Sebastian, good to see you here! That’s pretty smart thinking about retraining your nose. I hope you have a full recovery soon.

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      • Sebastian says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:01 pm

        Thanks, hope so too!

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    • sistine says:
      29 November 2020 at 10:06 am

      The first time I smelled Iris Nazarena I disliked it. But I kelt the sample and tried it periodically and fell in love, just in time for it to be discontinued. Wish I’d fallen in love sooner…

      Glas to hear your sense of smell is recovering and that you have a cute new ritual with your son!

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      • Sebastian says:
        29 November 2020 at 1:04 pm

        Yes, I like sharing this hobby with him. I loved Iris Nazarena from the start, it just takes my breath away how beautiful it is! I just wish it lasted a bit longer than 3-4 hours.

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    • Eschmeling says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:14 pm

      I hope you get your full sense of smell and taste back soon! A friend of mine here is also mostly recovered from Covid except for the smell/taste part.

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      • Sebastian says:
        30 November 2020 at 1:08 am

        I hope so too and full recovery for your friend as well!

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    • Robin says:
      29 November 2020 at 5:37 pm

      So glad it was only 2 weeks Sebastian, sounds like some people are going much longer! Was that your main symptom, smell/taste?

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      • Sebastian says:
        30 November 2020 at 1:19 am

        A bit of throat pain, then smell and taste gone, head and sinuses pain and just overall tiredness for about 4 days, then bone/joint pain for 2 says then I got better. Overall I was pretty good considering what the media is saying about the desease. The danger is probably only with people who already have major health problems. My wife had the first two days of fever before smell/taste was gone. She lost the smell on a Friday and me the next Monday. Besides the fever, we felt almost the same things.

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        • Robin says:
          30 November 2020 at 10:37 am

          6 days is not bad at all…hope you both continue to be well Sebastian!

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  33. Lovestosmellgood says:
    29 November 2020 at 7:13 am

    Ciao a tutti

    SOTD is Shalimar

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    • johanob says:
      29 November 2020 at 8:00 am

      People are gonna say we both have only two perfumes in our cupboards,yours is Coco and Shalimar and I have Bendelirious and West Indian Lime Cologne(SOTD by the way!)Haha!
      XO

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        29 November 2020 at 10:32 am

        That is very true
        I don’t mind ?

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  34. johanob says:
    29 November 2020 at 8:04 am

    Gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon.It’s a perfect 26 celcius,sun is out,a couple of scattered clouds dotting the blue sky,birds are singing!
    Everything is lush and green after days and nights of wonderful rain.I love it.
    West Indian Lime Cologne for a day at the farmers’ market and running some errands.Tanning my toes now on the balcony.
    Happy Sunday Goodsmellies!
    XO

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    • lillyjo says:
      29 November 2020 at 9:21 am

      The sun is shining on both of us today ?

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      • johanob says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:46 am

        Wonderful news!??

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      29 November 2020 at 10:32 am

      Jealous of your tanning

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      • johanob says:
        29 November 2020 at 12:19 pm

        It turned out to be a flip-flop lines tan…haha!

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      • Robin says:
        29 November 2020 at 5:39 pm

        SERIOUSLY. I did sit in the sun on the front porch this morning for a bit, but tanning the toes…no, it’s just not warm enough for bare feet.

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  35. sistine says:
    29 November 2020 at 10:10 am

    I’m wearing Resonance by Provision Scents today. Man, this is good stuff. It’s like a woody incense and it’s just so grounding and comforting.

    I hope everyone has a great, relaxing Sunday.

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    • yasmina says:
      29 November 2020 at 11:00 am

      I like this one too

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      • sistine says:
        29 November 2020 at 11:33 am

        Did you see that she’s selling tester bottles of all three scents for $75 each? Brand new bottles, just no boxes.

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        • yasmina says:
          29 November 2020 at 2:08 pm

          Ooh tempting

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          • sistine says:
            29 November 2020 at 2:56 pm

            I dropped some very not-subtle hints to my husband!

  36. irisjasmine says:
    29 November 2020 at 10:28 am

    Spending my Sunday preparing to return to work, but this is a fun poll!

    Perfume gift? Probably something that’s been on my list a long while, like Chanel Cristalle or Diptyque l’eau.

    Unsniffed? Iris Shot or No 19 Poudre. Clearly, I have a comfort zone.

    Gifts for others: just Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt hand and body creme for my son’s preschool teacher. He thinks she wants on water, so I wanted to do something that might be a bit of a treat for her.

    I’m wearing Ormonde Man on one arm and Amber Royal on the other.

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    • Robin says:
      29 November 2020 at 5:40 pm

      Plus, preschool teachers are heroes, just in general.

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  37. lillyjo says:
    29 November 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I just went to ULTA to pick up a Colorpop eyeshadow gift set for my daughter. I sprayed Givenchy L’interdit Intense again. I am adding it to my wishlist. It’s a very nice tuberose. I can smell some ambroxan, but not enough to bother me. I only did one spray on the back of my hand, so I will pick something else for work tonight. Maybe Poison.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      29 November 2020 at 9:05 pm

      What did you end up wearing?

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      • lillyjo says:
        30 November 2020 at 12:14 am

        Poison!

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  38. Calypso says:
    29 November 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I would love to get Zoologist Musk Deer as a gift. But the only likely giver would be moi.
    Unsniffed? Any of those new ones by Amouage.
    Fragrant gifts? I already gave my dear neighbor two small scented candles by Nest, Sicilian Tangerine and Holiday. She will be leaving town for December as they go to their other house for the holiday. I will probably give another good friend some fancy Shea butter soaps. That’s about it for my buying except a few nice items for Mom.
    I somehow started cutting my hair again last night and this one is a very botched job that may necessitate hat-wearing for a month. I don’t know what I was thinking—or drinking!
    Last weekend there were a lot of adorable kittens at the local Petsmart. I’m facing danger by going back this afternoon!

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    • Robin says:
      29 November 2020 at 5:41 pm

      Calypso, I am sorry about your hair! I need another haircut, but having my husband cut my hair is enough to make me wait a few more weeks, ha.

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  39. cazaubon says:
    29 November 2020 at 12:20 pm

    My parents called me and placed specific orders for holiday gifts, so I in turn sent my request for Teone Reinthal Blue Lotus. Order confirmation has been received. 🙂 Requested a sample of the new Les Indémodables Havana Vanilla thing Persolaise raved about.

    Blind buy, I’ll take either the new Francesca Bianchi Tyger Tyger or take a rain check for the new Papillon spring release, about which I know nothing.

    No fragrance gifts being offered this year.

    Today I’m pulling out one of my old Mona di Orios, Jabu.

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    • therabbitsflower says:
      29 November 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Ahh, you smell great. I wish I’d had the income to allow me to stock up on those original MdO perfumes 10 years ago. The only one I have in full bottle is Lux, but I still have good sized decants of Jabu, Nuit Noir, and Carnation and smaller decants of Oiro and Amyitis.

      I’m with you on anticipating the new Papillon and FB’s Tyger Tyger. I still haven’t tried Sticky Fingers, and at this point, I’ll wait to order a sample until Indigo gets Tyger Tyger so I can try them both at once.

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  40. therabbitsflower says:
    29 November 2020 at 1:11 pm

    1. I’m stealing from 50_Roses like a few others and asking for the perfect perfume storage/cabinet. I haven’t had a good setup to store or display perfumes since I moved to Seattle almost 8 years ago. Back in Ohio, we last lived in a two bedroom house, and I’d figured out how to display and store my perfumes. In Seattle, housing is much more expensive, so I’ve still not tackled the issue of perfume storage in either of the one bedroom apartments we’ve lived in. Doesn’t help that my collection only keeps growing…

    2. I’ve been really interested in DSH Muresque, but I’ve talked myself out of blind buying a 60ml bottle (the only size offered, other than a parfum concentration. Nothing wrong with getting it as an unsniffed gift though.

    3. Not doing much gifting, and no scented gifts. I do still want to buy a bottle of Baume du Doge for my boyfriend, but not for this Christmas. We decided not to exchange gifts but instead buy ourselves something nice, like some good cookware or something else practical.

    I’m sure I’m not alone in being overwhelmed by all the sales this weekend. I really wish that every company didn’t feel like they had to participate in the same sale weekend. I wish the sales were more spread out, so I would be better able to budget for the things I want. I guess that’s why people use credit cards, ha.

    No SOTD yet, but I can smell remnants of last night’s Smell Bent Hungry Hungry Hippies, which they describe as pot brownies. It’s one of my faves for chocolate and patchouli, and certainly, one of the best values for that combination. Smell Bent had 40% off their entire website on Friday, so I bought another travel spray of it along with a couple others plus a full bottle of Elf-Fulfilling Prophecy. I’m hoping to do a split of that, which I’ll post about sometime this week.

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    • Robin says:
      30 November 2020 at 10:32 am

      Sale emails still vicious today on Monday!

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  41. hajusuuri says:
    29 November 2020 at 1:35 pm

    SOTD = Outremer Paris Vanille EDT

    Cheap cheap cheap thrill. It’s all about the vanilla! Under $20 and a perfect add in to your cart if you are trying to make a minimum purchase to leverage a discount code or a gift with purchase.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CILyCpFBat5/?igshid=1x4kcthfzmdak

    Having read others’ wishes, I would like a perfume house and a way to make new release atomizer samples appear with the snap of a finger (one sample per snap – I’m not greedy).

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    • lillyjo says:
      29 November 2020 at 6:25 pm

      The mice are my favorite, lol?

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      • hajusuuri says:
        29 November 2020 at 9:00 pm

        They are cute!

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  42. skalolazka says:
    29 November 2020 at 1:36 pm

    1. No surprise here, I’d love a bottle of Winter Palace. But my one gift is probably going to be the fee for an art class that starts in January (costs less than a FB of WP, even factoring in the purchase of some paints and brushes), and that will be just fine.

    2. Unsniffed either Mitsouko or Lancôme Climat (Klimat). I bought both L’Heure Bleue and Shalimar unsniffed and — although it took a while to warm up to L’HB — love them both. Climat just ‘cause it’s such an iconic scent in Russia and I am curious about it.

    3. No fragrance gifts here, though did get a set of Voluspa mini candles in the Sephora sale — normally I’d use them for hostess gifts (with something else — they are tiny) or table favors. Let’s hope that will be the case again soon.

    And thank you all so much for your compassion last week when I shared the news of the death of my husband’s friend. He’s been able to talk to some of the family members and it helps a lot.

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    • Robin says:
      30 November 2020 at 10:32 am

      So glad your husband is doing ok…

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  43. Old Herbaceous says:
    29 November 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Wished-for fragrance gift: no remaining wishes, as I’ve ordered my own for my lovely husband to give me! 100 ml bottle of 4160 Tuesdays’ White Queen, on sale this weekend at their website.

    Unsniffed gift? Maybe something from Jean Patou, since all its fragrances are now discontinued. I can’t believe the legendary Joy really has been supplanted by the uninspired “Dior Joy” and is now discontinued. I have the EDT just as a reference, Joy isn’t really “me”, but it feels like some kind of cultural vandalism to just end it completely.

    Fragrance gifts to others: I plan to give some of the Byredo/IKEA scented candles to my daughters who love candles; and a new cologne to my son, maybe Memoire d’Une Odeur if he tries it and likes it. I’m also thinking of letting the kids rummage through a curated selection of fragrances and choose some themselves. That would be fun for me, and I hope for them! My husband is still working his way through some scents I got him in the last year or so, including the EDT I made for him at a perfume workshop in Nice almost two years ago. I can’t wait until it’s safe to travel again!

    SOTD: I’m wearing a patchwork of scents right now, lol, because I re-sampled some from my 4160 Tuesdays collection to see what I might like to re-order (went ahead with White Queen and Scenthusiasm, both of which I love, but decided against Le Jardin de Monsieur MacGregor, though I do like it).

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    • tiffanie says:
      29 November 2020 at 4:08 pm

      That’s a wonderful idea – letting the kids have a go at choosing their own scent from your stash! Share the love. 🙂

      Le Jardin de Monsieur MacGregor is an adorable perfume name. Love it.

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    • cazaubon says:
      29 November 2020 at 10:59 pm

      I ordered White Queen as well. :-). Do you smell the cucumber in Scenthusiasm? I decided not to blind buy it because I hate cucumber, but I do love the smell of gin.

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  44. Eschmeling says:
    29 November 2020 at 2:24 pm

    No SOTD yet, headache is lurking and I need to decide what I can handle – but my shirt still smells of CDG Sequoia, which I quite like even though it should perhaps be called Fir or Pine instead.
    I have a long list of fragrances that I’d like and stuck it to the fridge, just in case the family takes note. Memo Winter Palace is on there, as well as Hiram Green Slowdive, plus of course Nuit a Doha (of which I still have a good sized decant, though).
    Unsniffed? Immortelle Corse by Parfum d’Empire.
    Fragrant gifts: Daughters will get candles, one wants a another perfume, I’m considering Stella but open to other budgety options if anyone has a good suggestion! She owns and loves Coco Mademoiselle, Stash Unspoken, La Petite Robe Noir Black Perfecto Eau Florale, and Lush Sun, among others.
    Will be buying more candles today to have as “just in case” gifts.
    Hope everyone has a fun Sunday!

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    • tiffanie says:
      29 November 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Sequoia is a good one! I sampled it, along with a bunch of others from CdG and found them very appealing.

      Black Perfecto Eau Florale sounds so pretty, your daughter must enjoy it. I just looked up the notes again. Someone here already mentioned that it’s almost perfumath free online, so very tempting.

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      • Eschmeling says:
        29 November 2020 at 5:39 pm

        I actually bought it as “Black Perfecto” on Fragrancenet, but this works out pretty well for her, even though I was a little miffed at the time. 🙂

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  45. tiffanie says:
    29 November 2020 at 2:36 pm

    SotD = Le Voluttuose Notturno Fiorentino by Bois 1920

    From a prettily bottled decant, courtesy of a generous and fabulous NST perfumista. 🙂

    I love this one very much – fragrantica calls it a floral woody musk, but thankfuly it’s not too musky to my nose, more woods and vanilla. Up top it’s powdery florals with impressive radiance.

    I hunted through past NST Santa polls and found I haven’t responded since 2017 when I wished for my perfume mojo to come back. It did. 🙂

    For 2020
    most desired: CdG Avignon or Dyptique Tam Dao
    unsniffed wish: Byredo Blanche or Chanel 1957
    smelly gifts: none at all

    We don’t really do gifts in my circle of family and friends. We’re all to the point in life where there is already enough stuff, mostly we want time together making memories.

    Both Blanche and 1957 are mentioned here:

    https://www.fragrantica.com/news/Best-in-Show-Minimalist-Perfumes-2020–13673.html

    It was an interesting article.

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    • sistine says:
      29 November 2020 at 7:45 pm

      I know we have similar perfume tastes so I thought I’d give you my impressions of your unsniffed wishes.

      I really like Blanche. I thought it was light and just the right kind of clean musk. Funnily enough, my husband hated it and asked me to never wear it around him again, so I never progressed beyond my initial sample.

      1957 is really nice – it’s elegant but not fussy. I want to investigate it again the next time I run into a tester. (So, 2022?). I wasn’t sure about the top notes but the sry down was amazing.

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    • cazaubon says:
      29 November 2020 at 11:01 pm

      Floral woody musk is one of my favourite categories. You smell lovely. 🙂

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  46. MossyBerry says:
    29 November 2020 at 3:23 pm

    I would like Chanel No. 19 body cream. I will give scented soaps, lotions, and maybe some candles, but I might slip in some of my own decants. I keep hoping a relative or two will fall down the rabbit hole with me! I think I might get La Myrrhe unsniffed, after watching Victoria’s video review on Bois de Jasmin. My lemming was very alert when the video ended. Here is what my lemming and I look like when shopping for perfume, more or less:

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/My_Neighbor_Totoro_-_Tonari_no_Totoro_%28Movie_Poster%29.jpg/220px-My_Neighbor_Totoro_-_Tonari_no_Totoro_%28Movie_Poster%29.jpg

    (Picture from Wikipedia article on My Neighbor Totoro.)

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    • tiffanie says:
      29 November 2020 at 4:01 pm

      so cute! Totoro is one of my favorites from Studio Ghibli. 🙂 My homescreen wallpaper is the cherry blossom tree from The Tale of Princess Kaguya.

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