The sixth edition of a poll about transitional fragrances: what are your favorite fragrances as summer turns to fall? What scent makes you happy as the nights get chilly and the days take on that crisp edge? And tell us what perfume you wish you owned for chilly weather.
(Or, if you're like me, tell us what fragrances will allow you to hang on to that summer feeling just a little bit longer. And of course, if winter is turning to spring where you are, adjust the questions accordingly.)
Or, as always, talk about something else.
Note: top image is lichens [cropped] by Bill Sutton at flickr; some rights reserved.
Cuir de Lancome is nice for this time of year.
I haven’t smelled that one. It’s popular on NST
Thanks for the reminder! Too long since I’ve worn it.
Cuir de lancome is one of my top autumn perfumes too, so beautiful..I wish I’d stocked up a few years ago when I bought my bottle on eBay, it’s rare and pricey now, I have a little over half the bottle left, and starting to worry about getting low, which means I don’t wear it as often as I’d like.
Mmm, that one is nice. I finished my decant, and have half an eye out for it.
Oh, perfect poll questions for me this morning. It’s raining here at last, and I woke at 5:30 and opened the window a crack to listen to it while snuggled in bed with a book. We’re due for more heat later this week, but today I’m in PG Cuir d’Iris to celebrate the coolth. I love leather fragrances in the fall and have plenty of them, but the one I wish I owned more than a decant of is Dior Cuir Cannage. Why they discontinued that one is beyond me, and I’ve decided to put some of my perfume budget aside for the day when (she said hopefully) I stumble across a bottle of it.
I do love the word “coolth”. It doesn’t get used enough. (Ditto other useful formations like “wrength” [= wrongness, as strength = strongness], “dampth”, and “slowth”.)
In my heart of hearts I believe Cuir Cannage was discontinued because everybody, even the French, kept reading it as Cuir Carnage.
You may have a point about Cannage/Carnage, but as Dior doesn’t appear to object to name changes (to wit: Gris Montaigne — really, wasn’t that just a name change?), I really wish they had chosen to solve the problem that way.
I always think I am reading Carnard – which is why I associate this with duck. duh.
I think duck too.
I’m still commando, just because I’m still in pjs. I think that my favorite lighter incenses such as Timbuktu and Kyoto are good transitional fragrances. Vetivers are good right now. I mentioned yesterday that I thought that CdG Rouge was a good transitional fragrance. By the way, that one lasted a long time on my skin, which is not necessarily true of most CdG scents.
SOTD is THoO The Time.
Timbuktu is on my transitional list too.
I haven’t really thought about perfume much this past week. I am totally ready for some cool fall weather, though, not least because it more or less means the end of hurricane threats for us. We just got our power back on yesterday after Nicholas, and I have cleaned and restocked the refrigerator. Still have piles of laundry to do, but I am so thankful to be able to do it. Fortunately, there does not seem to be too much actual property damage around town, mostly just brush/fallen trees, and piles of garbage bags that no doubt hold the contents of people’s refrigerators and freezers. I’m not seeing the multitudes of torn up roofs and damaged structures that I saw after Ike, nor whole streets and neighborhoods with the entire contents of houses (furniture, carpets, appliances) at the curb that I saw after Harvey.
Laundry ugh
no power ugh
have the very best day you can 50_Roses!
Oh, I think it will be a good day. We have power, the house didn’t sustain any damage, and there is food in the fridge again which I can actually cook on my electric stove. I’m just feeling really drained and tired, even though I slept well last night (in the cool, dry house with A/C). This outage at least was only 4 days. After Ike, it was 13 days before we got our power back on. I was just hoping this one wouldn’t be as protracted.
13 days?!! Wowza
Yeah, that experience pretty well convinced me that I would have made a lousy pioneer.
I’m glad the damage was less than you expected! Sorry about the ruined food.
Wishing you good weather from now on, one hurricane is enough, so glad it wasn’t the most destructive kind in your area.
What a mess! Fingers crossed that you’re done with really bad weather.
Glad it was not any worse, so glad you have power!
I always get this sort of helpless feeling when the power is off. Practically everything I normally do at home either requires electricity (cooking, laundry, internet, TV, vacuuming) or is vastly easier to do with electricity (reading). About all I can do is sleep, shower (we have a gas water heater), or eat food that doesn’t require cooking.
Same. Even during the day, I fail to do fun things I often do without electricity, like read. I just feel too restless.
We have a gas water heater and a gas stove, and now we also have a small generator — it’s still annoying.
Glad you have power back now and that the damage wasn’t too bad!
I’m really liking Tam Dao as a transitional scent. It’s not a bit summery to me but it’s not a fall sweater of a scent either. I think it pairs wonderfully with crisp rainy mornings!
Oh, good one!
Really nice thanks for reminder, will wear Tam Dao tomorrow now.
You’re welcome, you will smell great!
I mostly wear what I want year-round, but somehow I got into the habit — I guess by now it’s a tradition— of pulling out Yves Rocher Homme Nature every spring, and putting it away and digging out YR Nature Millènaire Pour Homme every fall, and then putting that away in the spring and….
So I’m in Nature Millènaire (even though it isn’t technically fall for a few days), and it’s so amazing, alchemy really: it exactly captures a fall day, the smell of cold air with wood smoke in it, the damp earth dug up to make a fire pit, and the crunchiness of leaves underfoot.
We both have Yves Rocher fragrances for the change of season ?.
It got very cold overnight, so this morning I also snuggled in bed and just listened to the radio for almost 1/2 hr! It was so relaxing.
A warm shower, then digging out a light sweatshirt all called for a spray of Hermetica Sandelsun. I adore it for fall.
Sounds delicious
Sounds so cozy. I just pulled out my Hermetica Redmoon and am glad I found it in time for the cooler weather.
It’s been cool here the past few days by the Pacific and the fog is still here. I think my biggest electric bill might be behind me, thank goodness.
Earthquake @ 8pm last night epicenter very close. It was shaker for sure just when I sat down with Ted Lasso.
Now I can start to wear Sycamore, JM golden vanilla + vetiver, le lion soon. Also Pharoahs’ Passion and Bois D’ Incense along with new bottle of Tabac 28.
Today Chanel for KellyC and her aunt.
Eek! Hope you got through the quake without damage.
No damage! all good. usually the 5 and over really move stuff around. I just had a few pictures to straighten and then moved from Ted Lasso to the new season of The Morning Show.
I do miss CA but earthquakes, not so much. Glad it stayed in the low 4s.
I’m glad you’re okay, apsara. Hopefully you slept well last night.
Spending some time in Bombay Bling so I can review it. I wonder when that new Shalimar will come out.
I believe people are already buying it at the Guerlain boutique at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. $118 USD or something like that?
It’s raining and cool here, and I’m amazed at how little runoff there is from the downpour overnight. The ground is so dry it is just soaking it all up. I’m wearing TF Lost Cherry–it’s too heavy for high summer, but too summery for winter. A shoulder season fragrance for sure.
I’m thinking of tossing all my makeup–I haven’t worn any for at least three years and don’t see any occasions coming up that would call for some. Maybe I’ll keep an eyeliner, blush, and a couple lipsticks but everything else can probably go. Thoughts? Anybody else pitch theirs?
I also haven’t been wearing makeup much — mostly it just messes up the mask — but I still like to do my eyes. I’ve had some skin reactions lately, though, and am about to toss all my old eye shadows and buy new, with the thought that they might be causing the issue. Even powder ones are only supposed to last a year or two.
I struggle with eye shadow too, though I like wearing it. It can irritate my eyes a lot.
I stay away from glitter and too powdery (as in dusty) formulas. So now I only use a few Dior and Suqqu eyeshadows which are lovely formulas- that seems to suit me.
Agree about glitter — I can’t really even do shimmer! And it’s very hard to find matte eye shadows these days. I’m not familiar with Suqqu — will check them out, thx!
Their mattes are really nice and silky. They don’t have glitter or shimmer but somehow they are not “flat” either. The individual eye shadows are best , as most quads will have some fine shimmer (which I also avoid). It’s a Japanese brand so you have to buy online- expensive but for me worth it, I don’t buy any other make up really. The ones I like are the mattes from Tone touch collection.
I stopped with the glitter and shimmer in my 40s. It was not a look I could pull off anymore. Same with any dramatic eye looks. I use mattes that are really close to my skintone, and that’s it.
SheriG – my favorite matte shadows these days are all by Sephora. I have a couple of massive palettes that have a lot of neutral mattes. The Anastasia BH Modern Renaissance palette has a lot of mattes, too, but they all lean very warm, which doesn’t work for everyone.
I am also forever on the search for matte cream shadows, but they are very few and far between.
But ya, it’s an age thing, and once you age out of the makeup market, it’s trickier to shop and wear.
Why older women are not the target market for either makeup or skincare has never made sense to me. We have more money to spend. Go figure. It’s also clear to me that makeup and skincare companies do not employ anyone over the age of 40, otherwise I’d not have to pull out my readers to see the print on the packaging!
Thanks, kpaint. Skewing warm is great for me, so I’ll check those out (even tho I’m not a fan of huge palettes — so much waste). My favorite matte shadows have been Laura Mercier’s, but she seems to be scaling back on mattes and adding more shimmers. I agree that someone should be focusing on makeup for ladies of a certain age … even if we are all eschewing makeup these days!
Yes, I’d also prefer not to buy palettes for the same reason (also space – some of them are HUGE) but I happen to have come across a few that have a high proportion of mattes in wearable shades, so that’s where I find myself.
kpaint: I agree that the print is way too small on makeup and I also hate the mirror-like surfaces on boxes that make it impossible to read. I long ago took a black felt pen and put a large “S” and “C” on my shampoo and conditioner. My mascara MUST be waterproof and I prefer black/brown. It’s softer somehow.
I almost never wore any makeup other than lipstick even before the quorantine, but since it was impossible to wear bright lipstick with the mask – it messed it up – I really missed using color on my lips.
So today whenever I go anywhere where I won’t be wearing a mask – I use like corals and bright reds on my lips =)
I’m having the same thoughts. I have a ton of stuff and hardly wear it any more. I have a minimal/neutral set of an eyeshadow duo, under eye concealer, and 3 powders (setting, blush, overall face) plus mascara and tinted lip balm, and that’s all I’ve used for the past year and a half. I’m thinking that might be enough going forward.
Once I started going out again in May post-vax, I tossed and cleaned up a ton of makeup. I kept running across articles from drs and derms talking about women coming in with infections from wearing their old makeup that had been sitting around during the stay-at-home days.
So out went the mascara and eyeliner. I cleaned all my lipsticks by scraping a good 1/8 inch or so off each. I tossed some cream blushes; others I cleaned by wiping off the top layers. Most of my shadows are newer, so they stayed. This was not necessarily a scientific approach, but made me feel better.
Here’s my Q:
Has anyone else changed their makeup routine after going commando for 1 1/2 yrs? I changed the way I wear blush to work with masks (higher up on the cheekbone) and have maintained that technique even when I go without. I was also so excited to go maskless and wear all my BRIGHT bright lipsticks, but found that they don’t really work for me anymore (if they ever did? 😉 ) I bought some more MLBB-toned lipsticks, and that’s my go-to these days.
I also cannot #$%! deal with mascara. Sometimes I wear it anyway, but I often just tightline my upper lashline and go without. And sometimes just use a tinted primer on my lids and skip the shadow.
Eschewing makeup and waistbands and anything tight and bras and heels for a year and a half has 100% resulted in my having a VERY low tolerance for even the mildest discomfort.
I know I’m not the only one in this camp and I keep hoping that standards for women will change as a result. Anyone seeing signs of this? I’ve been to 2 symphony performances since May and have been surprised by some very casually dressed attendees, but they were both in cities I’m not familiar with, so that might just be business as usual there.
I changed nearly everything I did, makeup-wise, but mostly because I also had cataract surgery and could, very suddenly, actually SEE what I was doing! It was horrifying. Anyway, I’ve switched from a medium coverage foundation to a tinted moisturizer, with a dusting of transparent setting powder over it, a much lighter touch with the under-eye concealer, and a single coat of mascara. Same blush, but a new block of it. I’m lucky enough to have nice color in my lips still, so haven’t been wearing lipstick much, just lip balm (Clinique or Paula’s Choice). I don’t see a lot of people these days, but I think lots of women are scaling back their makeup, if only because of mask wearing.
I hardly wear any makeup any more. My workplace requires a mask unless you’re alone in your office, so it’s a waste of time and effort most days. I do still wear mascara and sometimes a neutral eyeshadow. Always wear sunscreen. I and many colleagues and friends have stopped highlighting or coloring our hair. Once you get out of the habit, and it grows out, it seems like too much trouble and expense to go back to it. I’ll wear a light foundation and some blush if I’m going out somewhere where I know I’ll be removing my mask at some point.
My make up routine these days is sunscreen too… sometimes a light dusting of light mineral makeup foundation which seems to work well on top.. and one colour over the whole lid shadow.
I used to wear a BB cream, which contains sunscreen. But it rubbed off on my mask and got it all yucky, so now I go with a non-tinted sunscreen. That’s all I wear most days, but when I want fancy, or have a big zoom meeting, or when I was working off-site last week, I’ll do eyeshadow and mascara too. That’s the only thing visible over the mask! (And I never wore blush even pre-pandemic.)
I feel like I wear more makeup now, because during covid lockdown I watch so many makeup tutorial videos. ?
I just love watching makeup tutorials! Even if I don’t put on a full face every day, there’s something about the whole process that’s very relaxing to me.
Absolutely!
Me too
Me too! ?
I can use Clinique plain black mascara, it doesn’t drop irritating bits in my eyes and seems to stay put and keep looking black on my lashes, but washes off easily and completely in the evening, so I don’t end up with red eye the next morning. It’s the only mascara I use. Have you tried it? It also comes in small tubes, so I don’t feel too bad about swapping it out fairly often.
Clinique does make great mascara.
ITA with having a low discomfort threshold! I did buy some new “at home” clothes during quarantine and ditched my ratty sweatpants but now I want to wear yoga pants everywhere and no makeup. It’s not that I don’t care, just that it seems trivial with covid numbers so high again in my area. And the cataract surgery put a stop to eye m/u for a while anyway.
I had to toss a lot of my makeup because I let my grey grow out during the pandemic and my face looked unbalanced with those colours but without the dark frame of waves. So I’m working with a couple of shades that still work on me and rebuilding. I just bought a matte eyeshadow from Jones Road (Bobbi Brown’s new company) that I can’t wait to try, because I’ve been looking for a matte ash grey forever.
As far as makeup habits changing due to the pandemic – I actually increased the amount I was wearing when I had to see myself teaching on camera all the time – those dark circles needed some concealing for sure!! (Of course, they were there because of the pandemic, so chicken and egg…).
I have been looking for a matte ash grey forever! It has been nearly impossible to find matte grey of any shade. Had not heard about BB’s new venture. I’ll have to look into it.
And, yes, being on camera requires a whole different thing. Like driver’s license day full makeup+++ ?
EEEEEEEE! Went straight off to check out the new line, and it looks very promising!
Aaaaaaand I’ve placed my first order. ?
Thank goodness for the touch-up feature on Zoom! That’s all that saved me from looking as haggard as I felt! I’m back at work onsite but still do a lot of Zoom meetings.
I only just really got into makeup a couple of years ago so a bit sad that my highlighting, contouring, perfect shading eye-shadow equipment is all a bit obsolete now! I teach online but without being able to go out, wearing this stuff just seemed like too much effort. I’m not ready to part with anything yet but I do think it unlikely that I will got back to the full drama of it – especially since I’m also past 40.
And trying to find a cool toned grey eyebrow pencil or gel is just about impossible! I did finally find one that actually works for me. I’m so happy the super sharp defined brows are no longer “in style.” I’m much happier with the natural brow look. Who has 20 minutes to do just your brows?! Not me. But they are so important, especially as we age. I think make-up for “mature” women in more about defining features and trying to get the best out of your SKIN, rather than “decorating” the face. Skin care is more important than make-up, at least to me.
Yes… and “less is more”.
I prefer my under eye circles nowadays than I do concealer. Feel like it’s aging me more somehow.
What is the grey that you found? After a long search and trying many, my favorite is Benefit My Eyebrow Pencil Precisely, in cool grey. I don’t wear makeup much any more but I always have to do my brows because they’ve disappeared, and I do want my eyes at least to have some definition behind my glasses and my mask!
Yes, since I’ve gone grey, my brows have disappeared too. I tried the benefit pencil, and Anastasia Beverly Hills makes a “cool grey” or granite one, but got some reason, in my brows they pull warm instead of cool and it just doesn’t look right. I found a brow gel in the Sephora brand of make up that works well. Never used a gel before but I find it easier than a pencil and I don’t have to be as precise. Bottom line: I’m lazy! ?
Putting on makeup, doing hair and reg clothes (not sweats, or PJs) I do every morn. It signals to me I’m working since I WFH. I’m also on Zoom throughout the day so I need to look presentable. Plus, I enjoy doing it. Lipstick I no longer do, just a light lip gloss. But I’ve always done a minimal makeup look, no heavy foundation.
Clothes are more casual than even business casual. I’m a tee shirt lover plus our apt is very warm year round so that’s my go to.
It is weird to not be shopping for dressier clothes but I do pick up a skirt, blouse or dress periodically.
Also recently picked up a flat iron which I’ve really liked using. Just a nice change.
On mascara, just switched from Clinique High Frequency to BB No Smudge Waterproof. Harder to remove but stays put all day and I’m using skincare product around my eyes so it really makes a difference.
I actually had a lot of fun experimenting with makeup and trying new colors and techniques during the pandemic. I didn’t go out much so it didn’t matter if I messed up or wanted to switch my makeup in the middle of the day. My online music students were too polite to comment on my sparkly purple eyeshadow, ha. Now that I’m going back out into the world more often I feel more confident about wearing what I like. My favorite lipstick for under a mask is Rituel de Fille’s Enchanted Lip Sheer in Whitethorn. It’s very subtle and balmy and wears off evenly instead of getting crumbly and patchy like matte lipsticks.
“They” say you’re supposed to get rid of powder products after a year, but I have many that are far older than that. As long as they aren’t discolored, odd-smelling, growing mold, etc. , you’re fine with a powder product IMO.
Now, mascaras you should change out every 3 months to 1 year.
Lipsticks last longer than a year, but I’ve definitely had a few of those and lip glosses go bad. I think it is possible to clean lipstick in a tube as opposed to the kind where you dip a wand in. I think you’re OK with your pre-pandemic ones as long as they don’t smell funny.
Cream products go bad and dry up faster than other types of products, so if you have a lot of those, maybe throw them out.
The work party was great. A lot of fun, good music, dancing and food. But I still feel kinda tired today.
I’m wearing Guerlain Neroli Outrenoir today. It’s also a transitional fragrance for me.
Another ones I really like for this time are Prada Purple Rain, Aedes Pellargonium or Nishane Nanshe.
After this party I wish I had more of Amouage Boundless as it’s really growing on me.
Happy for you that you enjoyed the party.
Glad to hear you had a great time!
Twin!
Today I’m in ELDO Fils de Dieu, one of my favorite any time, any place, any occasion scents. I love the versatility of these types of perfumes. The definition of a Transitional Perfume.
Also in this category- Box of Eels, Eau des Merveilles, Bengale Rouge, Omnia (le original), many vetivers that I have, Vanilla Flash, as infinitum… I seem to really be drawn to these types of perfumes.
I feel better but not good so I think I’m just going to have to reset my expectations. I did manage to get a bunch of stuff done yesterday, including some shopping in Ulta, despite being in a curmudgeonly head space. Planning on watching the new Prime movie “The Mad Woman’s Ball” tonight, which sounds very interesting (not to mention the wardrobe…)
Video doesn’t really go with my perfume, but it is country. I love this little video from way back with Johnny Cash (guitar) and Buffy Sainte-Marie (mouth bow). I love the humor, I love the camaraderie, and the acceptance both show toward each other. And the look on her face at the beginning of that first stanza..?
https://youtu.be/F5yW2vTLa2E
Stay well, NSTers!
Fils de Dieu sounds beautiful. And I like your evening plan! Sometimes staying home snuggling on the couch is just what you need.
Fils de Dieu is gorgeous in all weather. I hope you have a great time watching the movie!
Glad you feel better, hope tomorrow you’ll be even better, what a wonderful duo, thanks for the video, I very much associate FdD with you, you are reminding me to wear it.
Wow, had not heard BSM in years. Thanks for the link and the reminder.
Really sorry you are not feeling 100%, Deva.
Love Fils de Dieu, and I also wear it as a transitional scent.
Hmmm. Winter has been mostly dense amber/ benzoin for the last two years and craving that at the moment.
Bois d’Armenie- very much looking forward to this one. In the same vein, I have a tiny decant of YSL Caftan, which is a very opulent incense with also a hefty dose of benzoin. Really dense and oriental. I may buy another decant or bottle, but it is potent so not much is needed.
Then of course, Shalimar which I liked so much last winter that I got the EDT version to keep wearing in Spring!
And in the same benzoin amber incense theme ? I’m really thinking about travel spray/ bottle of Grand Soir.
I’ve also been spraying myself with Amouages lately in my shopping/browsing sprees. And really appreciating them! I have a blade of perfume from Jubilation 25 that I keep smelling. Somehow find myself wanting complex perfumes.
Loving at the moment a 5 ml decant if Rose Nacree du Desert (so more incense/resin + rose).
This has been a self knowledge exercise. I didn’t realise I was getting so much into incense!
I am an incense fiend, not to mention all resins in general. Wish I could send you a bunch of decants, I accidentally bought the 125ml bottle of Caftan (I thought I was buying the 75ml) so I have a lifetime supply and then some! What country are you in?
I love Grand Soir and Jubilation 25 as well. Now that I have a bunch of their florals as well as the more wintery scents, Amouage is an all year house. Bois d’Arménie is a longtime favourite, just got a sample of the new version to test against my vintage.
That would be amazing! I think I’m across the other side of the Atlantic to you, if I am not mistaken. You are back in the United States, and I live in the UK (and I am Spanish- sorry if any typos!).
I am not sure, but sending perfume overseas may be a bit problematic from the “dangerous goods” point of view as alcohol is flammable? I’ve seen some small perfume companies don’t do it any more for that reason. But not so sure, I’ll look into it. I would love to participate in all your swapping and bottle splitting too! Maybe not so practical. Does anyone else send each other samples and decants from overseas?
I do look out for your opinions as I’ve seen your recommendations are usually a love!
Shipping to the UK is dangerous, the Royal Mail confiscates and destroys any perfumes, so unfortunately that won’t work. 🙁 Mainland Europe is usually fine. If you have a person in Spain I could ship to that could possibly work.
? How kind of the Royal Mail. It’s been shocking enough that they leave my packages with random neighbours I don’t even know! Lol
Spain would probably not be practical at the moment either as I travel not so often, maybe 3-4 times a year. And much less since COVID, sadly.
In any case it’s so very nice of you to offer ? I really enjoy reading what everyone loves. I’ll have to content myself with finding local groups, Etsy/evilBay.
Waving from the UK. We’re a very small group of us, Mayfly is another one who checks in from time to time.
That’s great to know Aurora! If you ever consider any bottle split of a particular thing we both like, please let me know! I have armed myself with decanting tools and a few empty bottles since getting a couple of impractical Guerlain sprayers. So the prospect does not scare me anymore lol
I had some Caftan and really liked it, but decants of those YLS exclusives are hard to find here. Seems like that line just never really took off. I also found Trench to be a delightful iris.
A small collection of Shalimar will take you through every season!
I got mine on eBay, I think it was pretty fair priced. I like Trench too, and Caban. My local Selfridges still carries YSL, so pass them by now and then.
What do you think of the EDT version of Shalimar?
I like it, it’s more approachable in the opening and is more lemony, so better for warmer days. But the creme brûlée/ burnt leathery vanilla of the drydown is much nicer in the EDP (I think). I never tried the cologne.
Which is your favourite version?
I’m very curious about the new vanilla Planifolia …as I never smelt the other vanilla ++ flankers.
I am curious about the new one too!
My favorite is the Vanille Madagascar flanker
Still pretty warm here in San Diego so I will be reaching for more transparent fall scents like Timbuktu, Passage d’Enfer and Dzongkha. Today I’m going to compare Guerlain’s current vs. vintage versions of SDV and Bois d’Arménie.
Yay! You’re back in California. I hope the trip went smoothly and your stress has decreased by 1000%.
The trip was awful but I’m so happy to be back here!
and California is happy to have you back!
Thank you 🙂
That’s wonderful, now you can relax, no more noise.
With many thanks for reporting on the vintage versus recent Guerlains.
I’m happy to report they are intact, all recognizable and if there were any changes they were minimal. I also tested Cuir Beluga and Angelique Noire.
That’s nice to know!
Thank you so much, it’s such a relief, I don’t own any yet but that may change.
What’s the verdict?
We’re having a cool weekend (maybe even a smidge of rain tonight!) but the heat will come roaring back on Monday. It’s supposed to be back in the 90s by Tuesday. September is often the hottest month of the year here in California, so it’s hard for me to feel autumn-y just yet. But since it is a little cool today, SOTD is Chanel Bel Respiro, lovely green + leather.
I can see from the angle of the light that it’s nearly autumn here, but am on a quick beach trip and it’s sunny and warm and the kids are frolicking in the surf…we have a few good weeks left, at least.
You smell great! (Or, you did yesterday. But I’m sure you do again today.)
It’s still in the mid 80s here, so I long for cooler temperatures to match the fall light. And when did the sun start rising so late? I really craved Bottega Veneta today but it’s too hot for it so I chose Odeur 53 instead.
Transitional scents off the top of my head: Vetiver Tonka, California Snow, Yesterday Haze.
Vetiver Tonka is on my list as well, and likewise won’t be transitioning into fall for another month or more.
I loved Bottega V , but eau legere. I think I finished that bottle long ago.
Another yes for Vetiver Tonka!
I fell asleep yesterday (it’s already evening in the UK when I post) while I pondered whether my song was really country. So having decided today that it is country and western, here it is https://youtu.be/nbtKHrI-OAs
I love how she laughs once during the song, I found this recently posted video the best version.
I very much enjoyed all of your selections, it made an awsome playlist.
For early fall I look forward to wearing my two Yves Rocher special editions: Folies de Saisons Délires d’automne and l’Humeur Nomade en automne.
Oh, forgot the pairing, it’s Hanae Mori ‘butterflies’, the parfum edition, because of the delicious ? note.
Great song, and hey, if they mention silver spurs it must be country, right?
? Yes, I love your reasoning Robin.
Opium YSL always makes me feel like autumn
I wish I owned a vintage bottle of Opium =)
I also think that l’Ambre des Mereveilles smells warm and cozy – perfect for autumn ? ?
There are always scads of vintage Opium minis on ebay.
It’s a full-on winter scent for me, though.
I agree, L’ Ambre des Merveilles is a great fall scent!
My package containing a travel spray of Cypress Shade just arrived. Well what can I say other than I LOVE it? It reminds me of CdG Calamus because of the green-milky notes, very aromatic. Smells like a great interpretation of it’s name: Cypress Shade!! Oh and one more thing. It isn’t one bit masculine: it is 100% unisex. Fix that LS!!
Also THoO is just sooo much fun!! Love their vibes, love their style, love the paint on the bottles!!
So glad it isn’t too masculine!
I am in Love Extreme and tomorrow I will wear a bit of No 5 parfum for KellyC
Question, non- Perfume related. I am looking for a b&b or resort upstate NY or may consider LI or any place by train. Mr L and I want a weekend away next month sans kids. We have done Mohonk Mt resort and loved it. Figured I would ask , in the past I have gotten great suggestions here on NST.
A fragrance to hold onto summer is hold be Songes for me.
Montauk LI is very pretty and has some nice places to stay, like Gurney’s Resort. Mystic and Stonington CT are pretty places to visit and have lots of inns, B&Bs, etc., including some on the water. If you have access to a car, there are some beautiful historic places in Northwestern New Jersey along the Delaware River, like Frenchtown, Stockton, Lambertville (on the NJ side of the river across from Bucks County PA, which is also beautiful).
Thank you for these suggestions!
I have never been to Montauk. Also Hudson NY is on my list
Second vote for Montauk and Gurney’s. Pricey but a special getaway.
We did Mystic by train this year again and love The Whaler’s Inn.
You can walk from the train station, maybe 10 min? Do the sunset sail and get to Sift for their amazing baked goods, and Mystic Pizza is quite good & fun too. Not a stuffy town but also not touristy or tawdry.
Gahhhh!!! Lost my bottle of Pas Ces Soir! I wore it this week, so it is closeby , I just wanted to wear it.
Broke down and purchased Eau d’Hadrien parfum. I’ve been really good this quarter and I have missed this forever.
I used to change seasonally and should get back to that. If anything, for rotation and excitement of wearing old favorites.
Not complaining, because we all go through this, but I think the bloom is off the rose with Hummingbird. I used to blind buy a lot more, so maybe I’ve learned my lesson?
Happy Weekend!
Wearing Heure de Nuit..I finally got decants at least ..this is what I am going to be wearing for a while come sun, rain..(rain not likely here) and snow(not likely here either but does get chilly) lol.
The swapothon got me to clean out my closet some..my actual closet…and went through perfumes and stored them in a container that fit pretty well. I am even selling a few of them..what? Lol.
I got so focused on this..I carelessly didn’t pay attention to the swap listing format…as long as I have been here..no excuses for that. Except..my brain turned into all air. Lol. Sorry Robin.
Smelling good in ☁️ of Guerlain
How are you liking Heure de Nuit, Omega? Do you think it’s redundant if you have and love L’Heure Bleue?
Good luck with re-homing those bottles!
I own both, not redundant to me. 🙂
Not redundant at all they are different enough and I like Heure Nuit better myself. The scent lasts a long time on me as well.:)
Sorry mispostpalooza here today..congrats on your AG purchase lol
No worries. Your stuff was more interesting!
My blind buy success rate has been poor lately, I’m stopping.
Done.
I had stopped blind buys for so long, not a cheap lesson.
It’s going to be summer here for another month at least, so it’s tough even to imagine a transition scent. I like Deva’s suggestion of Fils de Dieu and will try to find my bottle later. I’ve got a cat sleeping on my lap and she’s dreaming now. I can almost share her dream because I’m feeling her legs and neck twitching. Very sweet.
So, I reached in my crowded perfume cabinet and the ELDO bottle I managed to pull out was Noel au Balcon! So I went with it instead and I’m glad I did. It’s such a bright, saucy, cheerful scent. Some citrus and a lot of sweet. It’s not for every day for me but it’s putting a smile on my face.
I’ve been intrigued by that one for a long time. Now even more so because who can resist “saucy”?!?
Love it when kitties do that.
Deva, just to let you know, I am wearing Fils de Dieu today and enjoying it!
Wearing AdV Copal Azur.
It is still warm and humid here during the day, so transition scents for me now are the summer fruity ones that I find too overwhelming during summer time, like Byredo Pulp, Neela Vermeire Bombay Bling or Arielle Shoshana Saturday. Once the temps start going down, I will reach for any of the CdG incense series perfumes or scents like Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir or SL Feminite du Bois.
Happy weekend everyone! ?
Good call on the fruity scents, I think I’ll do the same, plus Copal Azur!
I think they are much nicer and more enjoyable this time of the year. Copal Azur is not only a summer, but also a transition favorite scent! I hope they also work for you!
Yes to the summer fruities….
The first perfumes I tend to pull out when fall is nigh tend to be fruits and nuts, airy powders, and other scents in that vein: Botrytis, Poudre de Riz, Cinema, Ambre Narguile, Nobile 1942 Cafe Chantant, LPRN Black Perfecto, Doir Midnight Poison, Mon Guerlain, VCA Bois d’Iris, Carner Barcelona Tardes, Heeley l’Amandiere, No 19 Poudre.
Last fall I was really craving roses and found VCA Rose Rouge to be perfect for the season.
Since it’s my first year in a new region & climate I have no idea when autumn will approach. We are now in the season locals call “Southern Summer,” or so I hear. We got here last year for the last few days of October and it kinda sorta looked like fall but we had plenty days in the high 70s and 80s all through to the end of the year, so I’m not really sure what to expect – except that I’m anticipating the nicest weather of the year from now through November and have been waiting for fall to arrive since June ?
Did you leave the Midwest?
I did. We are now in SE VA, where Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic.
It’s the first time in decades that I’m not absolutely dreading the winter ?
Beautiful part of the world!
Yes very beautiful – and no harsh winters!
VCA Rose Rouge is gorgeous and perfect for cooler weather.
How did I post my post wrong? Lol..apparently I just should not post at all today LOL
🙂
SOTD is English Pear and Freesia. I finished up the mini bottle that a kind NSTr sent to me during a freebiemeet, and I still have 3 samples left to use. Lucky me, because even though I am not crazy about freesia, this one is an exception.
If I wanted to wear a fall fragrance, I would choose With Love.
I need to pull out my VCA Automne, which is perfect for this weather. It’s categorized as a “floral woody musk” and it has a strong lily note that somehow combines really well with sandalwood, cedar, and spices.
I also think SJP Stash is a great autumn scent. Thank you, Portia, for the suggestion to use the oil that came in the set with the EDP as a bath oil (in small doses)!
Today I wore Miss Dior Le Parfum and now I am wearing Coco Noir. I think both are good transitional scents.
I am trying to get it together to post for the swapmeet but I am super tired.
You smell wonderful. 🙂
I made a mistake today returning a pair of shoes to Nordstrom on way to hair appointment.
I saw the bottle of Kyoto at Dyptique counter and let the SA spray on my inner elbow.
I had on a mask and then went to get hair cut and it wasn’t until I was in my car driving home that I could smell what was a SCRUBBER. And there I was with myself for one hour.
now I have a headache and that metallic taste in my mouth. ick.
Ugh that sounds awful
Poor you! I tested Kyoto as well, it wasn’t great but at least it didn’t make me feel sick.
I know the feeling, apsara! I also get headaches with some perfumes. Some of these I can’t even smell properly (anosmia to an ingredient) but I can taste them when I smell up close.
I’m at a bar of all places, with an outside patio. Wafting Mitsouko ?
Ahhh! I tested L’Heure Bleue current formulation today and actually enjoyed it. I think it’s been improved recently.
Yay!
I had the EDT only until a few weeks ago (actually had made a mistake years ago in the order, as I wanted the EDP) so I eventually bought the new bottle of the EDP. And I really love it! So much more than the EDT. I was wondering… if this is so nice, how would earlier formulations smell like?
Oh yeah! I think you were a hard no on Guerlains? Well, well, well!
Vintage Guerlains have never been my thing: Jicky, Mitsouko, L’Heure Bleue, Shalimar, Nahema, etc. The only one I lovedwas Parure, and Après l’Ondée. But the current version of L’Heure Bleue appeals to me now.
Wore Neroli Outrenoir today for a backyard potluck I hosted. It’s been Cali-like weather here but I heard Fall is coming on Tuesday ? Summer is my favorite season
Since I only check in here on weekends these days totally forgot about the swapmeet! Will try to get my act together and post some things
You smell lovely!
Good morning, everyone!!
Oh my goodness
…
SotD is THoO Cypress Shade. Described (wrongly thank goodness) by LuckyS as more musculine on their scale. Also THoO stated this is a fragrance most purchased by men… THoO also talks about Cypress Shade being THE perfume in their collection entirely made for perfumistas and people who like something unusual and niche.
That’s that. I have been “with it” since I put it on yesterday. I don’t even know where to start…
Cypress Shade has been on my to try wishlist for a couple of months now among The Time, Grape Pearls, Date Delight etc.
I expected to hopefully like it. I felt like I could use another green and herbal scent in my collection and this house seems fun.
First spray and I was breathless… Wow ohh ohhh…
Smells gorgeous!! Green and sweet. Like the crumbled leave and crushed green stems in CdG Calamus. Same type of green delicious sweetness. Very fresh WITHOUT any mainstream perfume freshness. Fresh like a freshly sliced watermelon. Fresh like freshly picked curly mint.
I want to stop myself here before I keep going on and on…
Long story short I LOVED IT ALL DAY, NIGHT AND reapplied it this morning after shower. Long lasting as hell!!!!!!!! How when it is green, aromatic?!!!! I do not know what is the secret!!!!! Possibly the most beautiful perfume I ever smelled. Ouch!! No I also love my Chinatown, Swan Princess…
But this is SO gorgeous it could easily be picked as the one I would like people to remember me by, or the one I would choose to go a deserted island with me. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is hard to breathe it is so breathtakingly beautiful. Honestly I did not expect to love it more than for example my beloved Ashoka and many more…
Glad it’s so good!
I’d love a new fall scent.
Sycamore will be used more as will Black Cashmere. I need to get a new decant or maybe a FB of Chergui as I really miss that for fall & into winter.
Heading to a picnic today and then our first movie since pre-Covid. Seeing Citizen Kane on the big screen, one of my husband’s favorites. Give me some popcorn & candy and I’m happy 🙂
Warm out still so wearing Mandarine Basilica.
Bucketing down rain yesterday afternoon so I pulled into a rest area to wait for the worst to pass and ended up spending the night. Trees are beginning to change color!
Wearing left over a Grand Soir from last night and re-upped my game with a couple of spritzes this morning.
Stay well!
Tree’s are turning here too.
Do you think you will ever come to the Midwest? Or are you staying out that a way?
Well, I’m in the PNW until after the New Year, at least. I try to travel with the weather so I have to pay for housing less often. The Willamette Valley here in Oregon has very mild winters, so I can stay in the van the entire length of my contract. January to March in the Midwest is pretty ?, so I would have to get housing for sure. The shoulder months are best, but the weather has become so unpredictable, I’m not sure any 3 months in a row in the Midwest would work. And I love being able to go out on BLM/NFS land on my days off to camp and explore. There are many great things about the Midwest and East Coast, but they just don’t have the land to be able to do the things I like to do or travel the way I like to for a 3 month spread of time. I do want to explore the US east coast and eastern Canada at some point, but it’s just not feasible now. I love the Midwest though, being born and raised there. I still feel some of the most genuinely nice people (as opposed to “fake” nice) come from the Midwest. Just my opinion, though. And opinions are dangerous these days, so take that with a grain of salt. ? When I go part time, I’m planning on 6 months of travel/ 6 months working, I will spend some time in the Michigan/Wisconsin area because I have many fond memories from childhood road trips, not to mention there are some glorious natural areas there, just not an area I could spend 3 months in. ? Very windy answer, I know, but there’s a lot of moving parts that go into my decision making process…stay well and don’t forget your flu vaccine! I think this winter is going to be a rollercoaster in Health Care! ?
We have had 2 tolerable winters in a row here, so I am expecting it to be awful this year ( ok, that is always my expectation) but even the best winter here, you would want shelter.
I will be getting my flu shot for sure.
I’m looking ahead to winter and getting excited about wearing Arquiste Anima Dulcis more. As far as transitional scents, Bottega Veneta fits the bill and is probably the perfume I reach for most when I’m not sure what to wear.
Finally decided on a wedding perfume! I tried Aprés l’Ondée for the first time a couple weeks ago, fell in love, thunked my too-small tester vial, and decided to just go for it and order a bottle.
Hey congratulations! When is the wedding?
Thank you! October 5th. Coming up soon!
Perfect wedding perfume! Perfect perfume!
I think so too!
I’m loving all the mentions of transitional scents here, especially the light incense ones!
It’s been an uneventful weekend for me, which is much needed after my first week back to work in person. Heading out to run some errands soon, and I think i’ll wear box of eels. An all-year fragrance for me.
Guys, is the swapmeet still open?
Yes. I believe it stays open for a week.
It is open until Tuesday September 28th.
Like so many have mentioned, Fils de Dieu is a wonderful transition scent. I was debating whether to wear Vetiver Tonka today, and decided against it. But then while I was out on a walk, a woman sitting a few benches away from me was wafting a gorgeous scent, and I swear it was vetiver tonka. She smelled so great, but it felt weird to tell her so (she was clearly on a date). Anyway, VT is clearly on my transition list. I also like Saturday, and anything that gets screechy in too much heat (like certain BWFs). Finally, all the hay scents, like AG Duel and Cartier L’heure fougueuse are great now. As it gets a bit cooler (maybe by the start of October), things like Bottega Veneta, any other leathers, and Lush’s Smell of Weather Turning will be great.
Sotd is Maison Violet Pourpre d’Automne – a great transitional fragrance (the name says it all!)
Dangerous Knowledge Alert!
It seems that MFK Paris has 1.1 ounce bottles of some of their scents as a Nordstrom Exclusive size. I am sorely tempted by the 1.1 ounce of Baccarat Rouge 540… ?
Yeah, browsing the Internet can be detrimental at times!
Jalapeno! I was just thinking of you. How was the weekend?
I’ve yet to find a MFK that moved me, but I haven’t tried BR540.
Lots of laundry done. More to go, but the volume is way down from what it was, so I am pleased.
Gorgeous weather for me, so I am also happy about that.
For MFK, I liked Oud Satin Moon and BR540. I should give those a resniff before thinking about a bottle, TBH. No need to be hasty!
I did 3 washer loads and 6 dryer loads (I am quite picky with dryer settings).
SOTD = Serge Lutens Borneo 1834 (Vtg.)
No pics today but you never know! It’s a chocolaty patchouli and a powerhouse. It’s divisive. I also think it works well as a transitional fragrance.
I have a rant about Whole Foods but it has to wait until next week.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
A Whole Foods is getting built here right now. I’ve never been to one.
Whole Foods has changed since Amazon took it over. Not necessarily for the better. Just my 2 cents.
I totally 2nd that. My local store is still getting progressively worse.
I do like their more extensive selection and more sales. I remember checking way back when and the only thing on sale was sad looking packaged pickles.
I suggest joining Amazon Prime (if you’re not in already) because you get an extra 10% off anything that is on sale. When you shop for the first time and if you are not a Prime member, you can ask for the courtesy discount.
For transitioning to fall, this year I seem to be leaning on spice-forward, light gourmonds, aromatic and herbaceous, especially fougere or lavender-heavy. Today I’m in PPC Samarinda, and recently on our slightly cooler and cooler days, I’ve enjoyed Chanel Boy, Guerlain Cologne du 68 and Promenade des Anglais, Safran Troublant, SL Vitriol d’Oeillet, Solstice Scents Violet Mallow, and Bruno Fazzolari and Antonio Gardoni Cadavre Exquis.