• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

Thursday scent of the day 12/2

Posted by Robin on 2 December 2021 168 Comments

It's Almost-Friday, the fifth night of Hanukkah, National Fritters Day and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. Happy 40th to Britney Spears! What fragrance are you wearing?

I'm taking community project points in Hermès Rose Ikebana.

Reminder: on 12/3, wear a perfume with a rhubarb note, if you have one.

And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2021, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.

Note: top image is Rhubarb Gradient [cropped] by regan76 at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: sotd

Advertisement


168 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. pyramus says:
    2 December 2021 at 9:30 am

    Another cold day but I’m warm and cozy in SL Ambre Sultan.

    However! I’ve been working my way through my samples, a surprising number of which are ambers of one sort or another, and my taste has *really* changed over the decades, because I don’t enjoy most of them very much. They’re too simple-minded and monotonous. Cloying, really. I don’t know when this happened but it’s unexpected, to say the least, because the first niche scent I ever loved enough to buy was MPG Ambre Précieux, kind of the apex of ambers.

    Log in to Reply
    • nozknoz says:
      2 December 2021 at 9:48 am

      I find the same thing with ambers, Pyramus. In general, my nose has gotten very finicky, but I believe ambers truly are very simple.

      I also find I necessarily need to wear old favorites to enjoy them. A sniff of the stopper or sprayer may be enough to refresh the memory. Like listening to a favorite piece of music once rather than having it on repeat all day.

      Log in to Reply
    • Isabella says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:32 pm

      I’m with you — most ambers are too predictable and underwhelming to me. But, that makes it extra exciting when I find one that stands out (Ambre Russe, here’s looking at you).

      Log in to Reply
  2. madtowngirl says:
    2 December 2021 at 9:57 am

    Britney’s 40? Man, I do feel old now.
    I’m in Molton Milk Musk and resisting the urge to even look at the website to see if they’re offering sales.
    I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Today is my Friday so I can sleep in a little bit tomorrow.

    Log in to Reply
    • ringthing says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:23 pm

      Hope you get a great night’s sleep!

      Log in to Reply
  3. PriscillaE says:
    2 December 2021 at 10:06 am

    I’m wearing Tutti Kiwi for the CP points, but I must say that it smells very cheap and cheerful. Not really, but that is the way it smells.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:24 pm

      Cheap and cheerful is good, right? Or no?

      Log in to Reply
      • PriscillaE says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:18 pm

        I had fun wearing it, for the first time in years. So – good.

        Log in to Reply
  4. happy888cat says:
    2 December 2021 at 10:09 am

    Good morning.
    Sotd is Gentle Fluidity Gold. A gentle and pretty vanilla cloud.
    Currently drinking Genmaicha.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:24 pm

      Oh, have not had genmaicha in ages and should make a cup. I do get stuck in tea ruts!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Holly says:
    2 December 2021 at 10:52 am

    Hi everyone! I’m working my way through heretofore unsniffed decant/spray sample dregs this month. I missed yesterday, so I’ll double up today. First up is A Fuego Lento by Frassai. Thus far it’s a beautiful jasmine soliflore on me, very reminiscent of Diptyque Essences Insensées 2015. I own the latter, but I have mummified the bottle in parafilm, plumber’s tape, cling wrap and a baggie because it has a stupid bulb sprayer and the juice was evaporating at an alarming rate. Obviously this is not an ideal situation and demonstrates that sometimes what my brain does cannot be called thinking.

    Log in to Reply
    • Old Herbaceous says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Those bulb sprayers are tragic. Pretty, but tragic.

      Log in to Reply
      • Holly says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:57 pm

        Exactly so, OH!

        Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:19 pm

      Hiya Holly! Good to “see” you!

      I actually thunked a sample earlier this week! Am currently working on another one…

      Log in to Reply
      • Holly says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:00 pm

        Hiya Jalapeno! Bravo on the thunk!

        Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:25 pm

      Hey Holly!!

      Shame about the Diptyque. Now I assume it is a pain to use even if you want to.

      Log in to Reply
      • Holly says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:09 pm

        Hey Robin!!

        I haven’t even unwrapped it in ages! I’ve stubbornly resisted trying to decant it or just unwrap the darn thing and use it as is and accept its quirks. Seriously goofy behavior!

        Log in to Reply
  6. Lovestosmellgood says:
    2 December 2021 at 10:58 am

    Enjoying Chai tea as my FIL is back

    After getting over my horrible sticker shock of what the dentist will cost to fix my teeth, I did some perfume retail therapy.

    Also, I am never eating almonds again.

    SOTD LE LION!

    Log in to Reply
    • Dawn says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:13 pm

      Dentist bills are always shocking.

      Log in to Reply
    • ringthing says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:26 pm

      I hate going to the dentist, the most painful part is opening your wallet, not your mouth.

      Log in to Reply
      • MossyBerry says:
        2 December 2021 at 3:34 pm

        *chortle*

        Log in to Reply
    • skalolazka says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:36 pm

      Yay, chai! Boo, dental bills. At this point, my dental work is worth more than my car….

      Log in to Reply
    • Ede97005 says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:54 pm

      Dentist bills are NO JOKE. The dental insurance however IS a complete joke and waste of time!

      Log in to Reply
      • lillyjo says:
        2 December 2021 at 1:54 pm

        This is so true!

        Log in to Reply
    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      2 December 2021 at 1:49 pm

      Yes, and I am being punished for eating healthy nuts-that have cracked my teeth!

      Log in to Reply
    • nozknoz says:
      2 December 2021 at 2:30 pm

      Giving up popcorn is also painful. ?

      Log in to Reply
      • Gail says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:58 pm

        I cracked a molar eating a popcorn ball. I was doing a co-worker friend a favor by buying one at a bake-sale at the office. Not a good trade-off.

        Log in to Reply
        • nozknoz says:
          2 December 2021 at 9:29 pm

          Oof! That popcorn ball took no good deal unpunished to a ridiculous extreme!

          Log in to Reply
    • MossyBerry says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:38 pm

      I keep eating nuts and popcorn and taco chips and Chex Party Mix (home made only) and the crowns keep popping on. I did give up Corn Nuts and those hard pretzels. And I floss every day…

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:17 pm

      I chipped a tooth eating pistachios. Fortunately it was a very small one, and my dentist was able to smooth it out.

      Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:26 pm

      Argh. I did finally make my appt today. Going to eat all the nuts before I go.

      Log in to Reply
    • DolceVita says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:53 pm

      You’re making me want to try Le Lion again…a blotter I was given 2 weeks ago still smells wonderful, which is both encouraging and just a leetle off-putting. It might be too big for me… yes I definitely need to try this again!

      Log in to Reply
      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:09 pm

        For ?, I like it when I am the mood for Shalimar

        There are other Chanel to love

        Log in to Reply
  7. ockeghem says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:00 am

    I’m in the remnants of Tauer Rose Delight oil from last night, after reading about the Aftelier one and having not pulled out any of my body oils in forever. It’s really quite nice…but I will have to go hit the shower soon.

    Log in to Reply
    • springpansy says:
      2 December 2021 at 11:44 am

      Hello, all. I am wearing my Boyfriend Dry Oil and absolutely loving it. Funny, I’ve always liked it but REALLY like it today. Perfect for our cool cloudy weather and my plans for today. (No rhubarb, though!)

      It lends itself well to humor as well. When I purchased it, I gave Mr SP a heads up that I had ordered a Boyfriend that would be coming in the mail. He said “oh ho, great idea!”

      Log in to Reply
      • ringthing says:
        2 December 2021 at 12:27 pm

        I love Boyfriend dry oil! Don’t wear it often enough. You smell wonderful.

        Log in to Reply
        • springpansy says:
          2 December 2021 at 12:45 pm

          *Waves to ringthing!* How are you? How’s your recovery going?

          Log in to Reply
          • ringthing says:
            2 December 2021 at 2:09 pm

            *waves back* coming along nicely, thanks for asking! One more week of non weight bearing, yay.

          • springpansy says:
            2 December 2021 at 5:43 pm

            Yay!!

      • Ede97005 says:
        2 December 2021 at 12:55 pm

        OMG- you smell wonderful! I used to wear Boyfriend on repeat! I know that the company is back in business; maybe I should get a roller?

        Log in to Reply
        • springpansy says:
          2 December 2021 at 1:17 pm

          Yes! It’s so good.

          Log in to Reply
    • springpansy says:
      2 December 2021 at 11:46 am

      Oops – sorry, ockeghem, didn’t mean to post here. Maybe I somehow gravitated toward a fellow Pacific NWer?

      Log in to Reply
      • ockeghem says:
        2 December 2021 at 4:25 pm

        No problem! Sort of related because it’s oil, right? :)

        Log in to Reply
        • springpansy says:
          2 December 2021 at 5:44 pm

          :D

          Log in to Reply
  8. SheriG says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:18 am

    SOTM is Gris Dior, formerly Gris Montaigne, while waiting for the tree removal folks to show. I expect lots of noise to commence shortly thereafter, and may need to flee the house to escape eardrum damage. ? In other news, one of the bottles I’m wrapping up for Mr. G to give me has arrived, so this afternoon I get to do my first Christmas wrapping, and will make myself start on the holiday cards.

    Log in to Reply
    • SheriG says:
      2 December 2021 at 11:54 am

      It has begun! … I said, it has begun!! What do you mean, “speak up, there’s too much noise”? ?

      Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:27 pm

      But you are so lucky to have tree people there…they are so hard to get here!

      Log in to Reply
      • SheriG says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:58 pm

        It took a while, and a change to a new arborist company, but they’ve been great about the process (city permits, etc.) so I’m quite grateful.

        Log in to Reply
  9. mayfly says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:28 am

    Wearing Tauers Incense Rose, cosy and uplifting.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:28 pm

      You smell great mayfly!

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 7:09 pm

      Good to see you posting mayfly! ?

      Log in to Reply
  10. irisjasmine says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:43 am

    I was also hunting for Rose Ikebana, but I think I used up my sample. Im substituting MFK l’eau a la Rose, which is almost scratching the rose itch I’ve been having lately, but not quite.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:28 pm

      And I have been really missing FM Une Rose! Might pull out the Drole de Rose next week.

      Log in to Reply
      • irisjasmine says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:56 pm

        Such a good one. That’s one of my sister’s favorites, too. I’ve always meant to try Drole de Rose but never managed to do it.

        Log in to Reply
  11. Dawn says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:46 am

    I am still in no 5 but in edp form. Don’t have anything with rhubarb so tomorrow’s CP is out. Just got an e-mail from Bath and Body Works regarding Candle Day and the 3 wicks will be $10.25. Since I am a rewards member I can get the sale price tonight. I am good on candles and I am not quite interested in the 3 wicks anymore. Now if I could get the 3 packages that I ordered from them, it would be great. Good thing is that it’s weeks before Christmas.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:29 pm

      Good luck with those packages Dawn!

      Log in to Reply
  12. lucasai says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:48 am

    I’m in MFK Gentle Fluidity Gold today.

    Log in to Reply
    • happy888cat says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:54 pm

      Twin! ?

      Log in to Reply
  13. Kanuka says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:49 am

    A grey, misty dawn, wet and slightly dismal but the birds are singing. I’m still in yesterday’s CDG Marseille. It starts off as the olive oil based Marseille soap but then transistions to something like an antibacterial soap, like Protex ( with a hint of pumice) and the. Lingers as Ambroxan, which is mostly what I have now (14 hours later). The opening is great, soapy but interesting layers, so it’s a shame it shifts in the drydown.

    Log in to Reply
    • skalolazka says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:37 pm

      The opening does sound lovely. No hope for the dry down?

      Log in to Reply
      • Kanuka says:
        2 December 2021 at 1:19 pm

        It just loses its identity in the drydown as the ambroxan surfaces and takes over. But during the first hour I was sniffing my wrist and enjoying it, and thinking it was unlike any of my other perfumes.

        Log in to Reply
    • nozknoz says:
      2 December 2021 at 9:37 pm

      I love the creativity of CdG, but I often wish for a better version of the idea than the price point allows.

      Log in to Reply
  14. Barqs says:
    2 December 2021 at 11:53 am

    A few squirts of Acqua di Parma Yuzu. I will heading to airport shortly for a short trip to Florida. I packed a few scents for my trip: Hermessence Cedre Sambac & Osmanthe Yunnan, Montale Roses Musk & AdP Yuzu (all small bottles or samples).

    I will traveling with my sister, her two daughters (one of whom is my godchild) and my daughter to celebrate my godchild’s upcoming wedding. So I guess its sort of a mild-mannered bachelorette trip :)

    Log in to Reply
    • ringthing says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Have a great time ?

      Log in to Reply
    • Aurora says:
      2 December 2021 at 1:03 pm

      Enjoy that family trip.

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:15 pm

      Safe travels!

      Log in to Reply
    • Calypso says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:58 pm

      I got a nice sized sample of Yuzu when I bought a different scent from them this summer. And every time I’ve tried it, I’ve enjoyed it. Same for their other “Asian” offering, Sakura.

      Log in to Reply
  15. Oakland Fresca says:
    2 December 2021 at 12:32 pm

    Blergh. Woke up at 3:40 AM with a migraine and could not fall back to sleep for hours. Now have what I fondly call a “serotonin 5-ht-receptor agonists” hangover.

    As proof that my headache at least is gone, I’m in POAL. It still goes on like a cheap air-freshener on me, but 30 minutes later it’s all silky scarves in a wooden drawer lined with patchouli and rose leaves. Enjoying it immensely now.

    Log in to Reply
    • nozknoz says:
      2 December 2021 at 9:39 pm

      I put this on recently after a year or two of neglect and found I loved more than before. I don’t know if my bottle has mellowed or if my sniffer has changed.

      Log in to Reply
  16. ringthing says:
    2 December 2021 at 12:39 pm

    Wearing Dune and smelling great.
    I am scooching around my little house in a wheelchair so I can choose my own perfume but the cabinet is deep and I can’t reach my Habanita. I’m craving it just like a food craving, hope I can get to it soon.

    Log in to Reply
    • Ede97005 says:
      2 December 2021 at 12:58 pm

      You smell great and the Habanita would be a perfect layer.
      Consider this to help you: a grabber. It has pincers at the end of a pole, which you can adjust the length of:
      https://www.amazon.com/Unger-Professional-Nifty-Nabber-36/dp/B0000V0AGS/ref=asc_df_B0000V0AGS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198069016725&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14957646937544327208&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061079&hvtargid=pla-338189049106&psc=1

      Log in to Reply
      • Vee says:
        2 December 2021 at 1:14 pm

        I can confirm that the grabber is effective at chasing cats out from under the bed, should anyone have that need.

        Log in to Reply
        • Jalapeno says:
          2 December 2021 at 5:15 pm

          ???! Too funny!

          Log in to Reply
      • ringthing says:
        2 December 2021 at 1:17 pm

        Thanks! I have a couple different grabbers and didn’t think to try one for this problem. I also wouldn’t have thought to layer Habanita and Dune, I’ll try it this afternoon ??

        Log in to Reply
  17. skalolazka says:
    2 December 2021 at 12:44 pm

    Winter Palace bonanza continues. Only two more classes…(both tomorrow morning).

    I have now tempted fate by purchasing non-refundable tickets to a concert in Galway in February. A reasonably modestly priced concert, but still. Let’s hope I am there to see it.

    Log in to Reply
    • AnnieA says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:39 pm

      Ooh, are you going to Ireland? Travel envy…

      Log in to Reply
  18. foxbins says:
    2 December 2021 at 12:52 pm

    There was the most glorious sunrise this morning. The clouds were deep violet, shading down into lilac, and then deep pink, almost fuchsia, on the horizon. I am wearing Tawaf this morning.

    To all the knitters who had tips for me yesterday, thank you all so much. I went to the store and bought some regular-sized yarn and needles and I am going to use those to practice knitting loosely. I can’t tell where the tension is coming from with the bulky yarn, hopefully I can with thinner stuff.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 10:15 pm

      Oh how perfect! And your sunrise matched your perfume.

      Log in to Reply
  19. Ede97005 says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:05 pm

    Hello all!

    Beautiful morning. I am in Beauty Pie’s LOVE for the AM. It has a quince/rhubarb note- which gives a tanginess to otherwise lightly sweet musky fragrance.

    BBW has their candle sale in store tomorrow and online at midnight.

    Log in to Reply
    • Oakland Fresca says:
      2 December 2021 at 2:11 pm

      If you can be bothered, can you share a little about Beauty Pie? Is it a brand or a coop type thing that buys large quantities to sell other brands? What’s it like? Inquiring minds!!!

      Log in to Reply
      • Ede97005 says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:04 pm

        Beauty Pie is….weird.

        What it is:
        Think of it as a private brand co-op. It was started by Marcia Kilgore, a serial entrepreneur (she was the founder of Bliss, Soap Glory and FitFlops) who decided to sell her own luxe formulated skin and body products direct to consumer.

        How it works:
        You buy into a monthly or yearly membership. This membership allows you to buy a certain retail value amount of products. The membership serves as a way to have access to luxe formulated products at cost prices instead of retail markup. If you value department store type makeup and skin care, then BP’s pricing is truly remarkable.

        The Pros:
        The skincare, bodycare and fragrances are truly good! I would say some of the skincare is far superior to what is on offer at the department store or even some specialty lines. Super Retinol Line, Collagen, Vitamin D is worth the membership cost alone. The fragrances are all very beautiful BUT light wearing- very nuzzly and skinscent adjacent. Lipstick, blush and shadow sticks(think Laura Mercier) are superb. Foundation, if you can find the right color, is a wonderful formulation- think Armani.

        Cons:
        The fragrances do not project much and need reapplying after a couple of hours. Shipping is relatively high at $9/order and can take up to ten days to reach the West Coast. Candles are made with paraffin wax instead of of higher quality soy wax. When stuff sells out it is gone- often for good, as novelty is the name of the game. There is an encouragement of buying for buying sake and hoarding which I do not like. Not all the colors are suitable for snow pale or very deep dark skin tones.

        What do I have from Beauty Pie:

        Fragrances: Petals (discontinued- a perfect solar musk skin scent- I have been stopped at my office & on the street about this scent ) Red Apple (discontinued- a gorgeous clean fruity floral, without being too sweet) Brazilian Lime (the most popular; Jo Malone adjacent) Love (2nd most popular- a tart fruity sweet musk, but not too sweet) Mandarin Freesia (utterly beautiful- a fresh green/floral scent). The 1st phase of BP’s fragrances were designed by Frank Voelkl; the second phase is being done by Sidonie Lancesseur.

        Skin products: Super Retinol Line, Japanfusion line- terrific gentle retinol and Japanese style cleansers and moisturizers My face feels and looks smooth and soft. The Soul Providers body scrub and shower oil is absolutely wonderful and fills my small home with it’s scent when I have had bath time with it.

        Makeup: Eyeshadow sticks and luxeshine lipstick. That’s all you need, or will want, from makeup part.

        Candles: I like to decorate with fragrance and have a ‘house scent’ so that people know “Yup, that’s Ede’s place, I’ll know it anywhere!” My fave is the Fresh Freesia, Patchouli & Moss candle, followed by the Bergamot and Fresh Basil candle. During the winter Bitter Orange is so delicious and festive, followed by the Birthday Candle(the most gorgeous, evocative vanilla/black pepper. GOD.) . The scents are so well blended and really lovely- they are not heavy or overbearing at all.

        Should you do it?

        I like the service, and I switched to the BP Plus membership for $59 (that’s the entire year). I really like the products- but keep in mind, there is an encouragement of spend, spend spend, which has led to hoarding in some of the BP chat communities I am part of it, which is NOT healthy. For a member of a perfume blog (us) BP is a very affordable and fun way to see how trends that we see with higher end, more exclusive brands makes it’s way lower down the food chain. The bottles are either 15mL or 100mL and are not more than $26 in cost.

        Log in to Reply
        • Oakland Fresca says:
          2 December 2021 at 6:14 pm

          You are so awesome. Period. Please come visit me in the Bay so we can shop and gripe. I’ll supply the cocktails!

          And now I am thinking about joining, but I have been on a terribly ruinous buying spree since I began “holiday” shopping. I’m probably BP’s ideal consumer!

          Log in to Reply
          • Ede97005 says:
            2 December 2021 at 6:27 pm

            Oh, shucks. (blushes)

            I am aiming for Feb for a couple of weekend trips to CA- I have not been to San Fran or Oakland in a while now!

            The marketing is very seductive in tone so you DO have to be careful. But I honestly do enjoy the service. Here go ahead and check out the website ( I get no kickbacks)

            https://www.beautypie.com/us

  20. Desirae says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:05 pm

    Wearing Golden Cattleya today. It’s wet and snowy so maybe I need some pollen-y florals to pick me up. I have no idea what I’m going to wear for the community project – rhubarb is an impressively specific note.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 10:30 pm

      I have not decided either, but a pollen-y floral sounds so nice!

      Log in to Reply
  21. Aurora says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:08 pm

    Received my bottle of Guerlain MPV yesterday, I got it at a discount during Black Friday sales, and I love the smoky but sweet drydown but now I am in vintage l’Heure Bleue extrait which is wafting crazy.

    Log in to Reply
    • Deva says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:32 pm

      Great score! Hope you enjoy it!

      Log in to Reply
      • Aurora says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:37 pm

        Thank you Deva, it’s a pretty scent while Shalimar is fierce?

        Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:14 pm

      w00t w00t! Enjoy your bottle!

      Log in to Reply
      • Aurora says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:40 pm

        Thank you Jalapeno, I really enjoyed my first wearing but of course l’Heure Bleue extrait has completely taken over, no complaint though.

        Log in to Reply
        • DolceVita says:
          2 December 2021 at 5:50 pm

          Oh how wonderful to have the extrait! Enjoy!

          Log in to Reply
  22. Vee says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:12 pm

    I’m continuing my Lubin week with Epidor today. I tried this from a dabber sample months ago and wasn’t into it. I thought decanting what I had left into a sprayer before trying it today might change that, but nope, there is still a note I don’t like. A wheat or straw or hay note, but I’m not sure. It reminds me of the dried grassy stuff that a childhood friend used to put down in her rabbit’s crate. And the cedar is amplifying it. It’s very dry to me. Not even powder, really, just dry. Everyone on fragrantica comments that they get plum but I don’t, which makes me think maybe I don’t understand plum or my sample is off (but it is relatively new and from a reliable source, so I think it is just me).

    Yesterday’s advent calendar tea was F&M’s Royal Blend and it was good, classic tea way to start it off. Mr. V got me a subscription to BritBox as an early Christmas gift and I’ve been watching the Jeremy Irons Brideshead Revisited miniseries. Watching that while drinking the the F&M tea made me feel like a true anglophile last night. :)

    Log in to Reply
    • Gaynor says:
      2 December 2021 at 1:25 pm

      You’re not the only one, I share your experience of Epidor, it just didn’t work for me. You describe it much better than I could. I’ve tried it a few times in the hope that something will click, but not so far.

      Log in to Reply
    • MossyBerry says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:25 pm

      I loved that mini-series because all the cast conformed with my imaginings of the characters when reading the novel. And it is an Anglophile’s dream – very nuanced and I am sure I miss a lot. But I laugh and/or have my heart broken by Mr. Waugh’s story whenever I have read it over many years.

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:13 pm

      What you are describing sounds like coumarin (the perfume note) to me.

      Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:26 pm

        Interesting. My experience with coumarin is through a local plant called vanilla grass (Hierochloe odorata) that just smells like ordinary grass if you pick it and crush it, but if you then leave it in your pocket for a mile or two it starts to exhale this thrilling cut-grass-and-vanilla-biscuit scent. I don’t know if I’d like it in a perfume as it’s a bit soprano, if that makes any sense, but I love it as a plant!

        Log in to Reply
        • Isabella says:
          2 December 2021 at 7:32 pm

          Ach, make that Heirochloe occidentale. Been a long day.

          Log in to Reply
  23. Gaynor says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:22 pm

    I still haven’t remembered to check what I might have with a rhubarb note!
    I’m wearing Patou’s Chaldée, my one and only blind buy to date. It was vedy successful :)

    Log in to Reply
    • MossyBerry says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:16 pm

      Glad you visited the blind buy club! Sometime I will have to estimate what percentage of my collection is in that category. It’s high.

      Log in to Reply
    • Old Herbaceous says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:29 pm

      I love Chaldee! And some day I will actually remember how to put a French accent over the “e”. I’m sad generally about the passing of the Jean Patou line, but especially those Collection Heritage fragrances that were remade by Thomas Fontaine. Is that the version you have?

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:12 pm

      If anyone is looking for the Collection Heritage Patou fragrances in the US, I found quite a few of them at eCosmetics.com. I (um) may or may not have done something foolish in the past 48 hours…

      Log in to Reply
      • Jalapeno says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:08 pm

        BTW, not affiliated with the above site.

        Log in to Reply
  24. meredifay says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:37 pm

    In the dregs of Gissah Miral, my really middle eastern style Oud, that is supposed to be flowery, but it mostly oud, but I enjoy it. Later I will apply Rose de Petra, rosy incense that should go over the oud nicely … I don’t think I have a single thing with rhubarb. Reading all the comments closely to choose some samples…

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 10:31 pm

      That all sounds lovely though, esp. the Rose de Petra.

      Log in to Reply
  25. Old Herbaceous says:
    2 December 2021 at 1:58 pm

    CP points for me today! After my Advent calendar SOTD wore off, I applied Jo’s Rhubarb, a collaboration between perfumer Jo Malone and Zara. Very nice!

    Log in to Reply
    • hajusuuri says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:29 pm

      I bet you smell good!

      Log in to Reply
      • Old Herbaceous says:
        3 December 2021 at 9:03 am

        Thanks! This is what the website says: “This delicious scent is scupltured on a base of grey vetiver, with bold strong pinstripes of red and green rhubarb.“ Listed notes are grapefruit, rhubarb, and vetiver. I like it a lot, and the price is right!

        Log in to Reply
  26. springpansy says:
    2 December 2021 at 3:01 pm

    I just read a perfume review on fragrantica where the young (I guess?) woman said that she would never wear this perfume as it smells like something a 60 year old woman would wear. She went on to be fairly negative about it, so that tells me at the least that she thinks 60+ year old women don’t wear perfumes that smell good to her.

    It’s funny reading these kinds of reviews now, as I’ve been reading reviews that say things like this for a long time. I probably started reading reviews around 2003 when I found MakeupAlley and of course, I was wearing perfume long before that. I was 45 in 2003, and back then, I didn’t even notice when someone said something like that. Reaching 60 seemed far away. If we’re lucky, we’ll all get to the age of 60+ at some point and then what do we say about a perfume like that? It smells great?

    Log in to Reply
    • MossyBerry says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:13 pm

      Well said, SP. All the perfumes I love most are what the 60 year old women wore back when I was in my 20’s; I felt it aspirational to be sophisticated enough to wear that kind of scent. I did like Blue Jeans perfume and those ever-so-hip Coty solid compacts, but I felt more like it was a duty to wear them only until I was worthy of Je Reviens or various Dior scents.

      Log in to Reply
    • Deva says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:31 pm

      If you ever decide to go gray, you will know what it’s like to be invisible to the entire world. And those young folks will think you intellectually dim. This youth obsessed culture we live in not only denigrates older populations, they completely ignore them.

      Log in to Reply
      • springpansy says:
        2 December 2021 at 5:08 pm

        Oh, I already know that invisible feeling too well.

        Log in to Reply
        • Gail says:
          2 December 2021 at 6:28 pm

          Me too! In the days of shopping in-store, I was always ignored.

          Log in to Reply
      • Old Herbaceous says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:48 pm

        My late mother battled back against that anti-gray bias in stores by sweeping in wearing her mink coat! Sales people fell all over themselves to help her, lol.

        Log in to Reply
        • Isabella says:
          2 December 2021 at 7:20 pm

          Love this!

          Log in to Reply
          • Old Herbaceous says:
            3 December 2021 at 8:54 am

            It helped that she was also tall, English, and somewhat regal in bearing.

    • nozknoz says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:32 pm

      I guess each generation reacts against the one(s) before and, later, to those after. Ideally, the best outcome is that, after six decades, one gains the wisdom to rise above that pattern. Although as someone who is always whining about IFRA I may not be the best exemplar. ?

      Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:10 pm

      If I see “smells like an old lady” in a perfume review that tells me the person writing it isn’t terribly creative. (Yes, that phrase pushes my CRANKY button hard!)

      Log in to Reply
      • Gail says:
        2 December 2021 at 6:41 pm

        And maybe we push the “buy now” button as it’s most likely a great scent!

        Log in to Reply
        • Jalapeno says:
          2 December 2021 at 7:07 pm

          True that! ?

          Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:22 pm

        If I see “smells like an old lady” I immediately imagine Barbara Stanwyck in The Lady Eve, and also immediately investigate.

        Log in to Reply
  27. MossyBerry says:
    2 December 2021 at 3:06 pm

    SotD for partial CP credit: 4061 Tuesday Says Alice, for the sweet-tart fruity notes. Beautiful day here; got the last of my bulbs planted (I am so glad I was realistic and did not buy 50 bulbs) and lots of leaves raked. I am counting on the predicted nice day tomorrow to finish raking. Then gardening is done for the year and I am satisfied but I will miss the exercise.

    Log in to Reply
    • springpansy says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:49 pm

      Mossy – I replied to you below. Can’t seem to post in the right places today.

      Log in to Reply
    • Old Herbaceous says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:46 pm

      Good for you! Alas, I was not as disciplined and still have about 50 daffodil bulbs to plant. Luckily for me, our climate allows for that all winter; late-planted bulbs just come up later the first spring. What kind were you planting?

      Log in to Reply
  28. Deva says:
    2 December 2021 at 3:26 pm

    Just like MTG, I didn’t sleep well at all last night. The last time I looked at the clock it said 5am. Ugh.

    I’m in Chergui again because I’m wearing the same flannel shirt from yesterday. It’s an understatement to say it’s impregnated with that scent! I might have been a bit heavy handed yesterday. ?

    The flannel is one I bought at DTC and I like more than my LL Bean flannels because it’s longer, and I’m long waisted. Also, the colors are not the typical plaids. Mine has all the hues of the sunset- coral, orange, fuchsia, and a bit of sky blue. It’s super cheerful. ?

    Log in to Reply
    • Deva says:
      2 December 2021 at 3:27 pm

      And meant to say that photo looks like a juicy slice of watermelon tourmaline. Just beautiful!

      Log in to Reply
    • hajusuuri says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:27 pm

      You smell great, at least!

      Log in to Reply
    • Aurora says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:08 pm

      Hoping you can catch on sleep tonight, the flannel shirt sounds pretty.

      Log in to Reply
  29. AnnieA says:
    2 December 2021 at 3:37 pm

    I was reading something about how vetiver has soothing properties and decided to wear Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle today.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 10:33 pm

      I would agree with that…I find it very calming.

      Log in to Reply
  30. Isabella says:
    2 December 2021 at 3:40 pm

    Lunchtime and I still haven’t picked a fragrance for the day, but my advent calendar’s JOTD (Jam Of The Day) was strawberry-rhubarb, so I’m calling myself CP compliant. Poor air quality today, and too much work frenzy — it feels like the only thing I’m accomplishing each day is the creation of another 20-item to-do list, and yet it’s day 5 of a 7-day work week. Today’s mail was a pathology report confirming skin cancer but since the area was treated in the office I guess it’s a moot point? What on earth perfume goes with today?? Would Lyric or Galop just make a mockery of me, or remind me that there’s a goddess underneath it all?

    Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:09 pm

      Do you have a perfume that feels like a hug from your best friend?

      Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:12 pm

        In the interest of not exacerbating my insomnia I’ll have to look for one that feels like a hug from my second-best friend, for reasons that are far too complicated and grown-up to get into here. ;) But, my next-to-best friend keeps bees and makes her own apple cider and is like a beam of sunshine in human form, so I could try to conjure her with some Traversée du Bosphore layered over a drop of Bee…

        Log in to Reply
        • Jalapeno says:
          2 December 2021 at 8:41 pm

          Ach! I didn’t mean to bring up something that has some heavy duty emotions to it. Mea culpa!

          But your beekeeping, apple cider making friend sounds awesome.

          Log in to Reply
          • Isabella says:
            2 December 2021 at 10:14 pm

            Oh no, they’re very good emotions! Just rather awake-ifying rather than sleepening. And yes, my homestead goddess friend is all kinds of awesome.

    • hajusuuri says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:26 pm

      I would skip perfume today / tomorrow’s another day. And I hope that’s the end of the skin cancer!

      Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:14 pm

        Thanks, Hajusuuri; me too! I went with one spritz of Galop but since I’m now home wearing sweatpants and eating cheddar bunnies with a glass of fumé blanc, I feel that I’ve failed to rise to the occasion of my perfume.

        Log in to Reply
    • Old Herbaceous says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:44 pm

      I think the jam totally counts! Sorry to hear about the lab result; I hope the office visit dealt with the entire matter. And I agree with Jalapeno; sounds like you need the scent of a hug!

      Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:18 pm

        Thank you! And I’m not entirely sure *how* to feel about the lab result — on the one hand, it’s unpleasant, but on the other hand, if I’m going to have to endure a 6-week healing period for the excision treatment, maybe it’s better that it was actually in the service of treatment and not uncalled for?

        Log in to Reply
  31. Jalapeno says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:08 pm

    I am poor sleep twins with some of you NSTers today. I woke up at one-bleeping-something this morning with a backache. Fortunately, I was able to go back to sleep after taking a couple of Advil.

    Grocery day today! Taking advantage of the nice-ish weather, which means I didn’t have to unload in wind, rain, or snow.

    Also more shopping online. Today was ordering more spices for the spice cabinet… I noticed that some things were running low at the beginning of this month.

    SOTD = Aedes de Venustas EdP again today.

    Log in to Reply
    • hajusuuri says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:25 pm

      Glad you were able to go back to sleep. It was just yucky out today.

      You smell wonderful!

      Log in to Reply
      • Jalapeno says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:05 pm

        Thanks hajusuuri! I did notice nice little wafts of perfume when I was unloading the groceries. Made me happy!

        Log in to Reply
    • Aurora says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Hope you can have a restful night and no backache.

      Log in to Reply
      • Jalapeno says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:03 pm

        Thank you Aurora!

        Log in to Reply
    • Isabella says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:55 pm

      Ugh, here’s hoping tonight is pain free and deeply sleepful!

      Log in to Reply
      • Jalapeno says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:02 pm

        I hate to say it, but I think that my sweet Teflon kitty might have been part of the reason for my back ache. Sometimes when she snuggles with me on the bed, I stay in one position for far too long. Then… OUCH!

        Log in to Reply
  32. hajusuuri says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:24 pm

    SOTD = Shalimar MVP

    … because Guerlain was the line for Day 2 of the perfume advent calendar. I combined my posts with the beehive calendar which revealed a mini candle in a figue scent!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_x-cErgLW/?utm_medium=copy_link

    Such a yucky day outside today but I hope it is better tomorrow since I am going into the office.

    Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 7:01 pm

      Had nice temps and a bit of sun here this afternoon. I found myself smiling when I saw the bright shiny thing up in the sky.

      Log in to Reply
  33. Nancyleandros says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:31 pm

    Not participating in the cp today. I’d planned to wear Honour Woman, but the hand reached for PMC Musc Extreme.

    Made a graham cracker cake today. I’ve had two nights with very little sleep, so hopefully will sleep better tonight. I just scrolled up, and it looks like I’m not the only one sleepless in wherever. May we all sleep well tonight! ?

    Log in to Reply
    • Calypso says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:07 pm

      Sorry about your sleep problems! I love Honour Woman. Didn’t know you had some. I’m wearing Amouage Love Tuberose today. It sits in my cabinet right next to Honour. Both are white—though the Tuberose bottle is blush pink, I guess.

      Log in to Reply
      • Nancyleandros says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:21 pm

        I have some from a sample set, but had never gotten around to trying it. I tried some on a knuckle and it’s quite nice!

        Log in to Reply
    • Isabella says:
      2 December 2021 at 7:04 pm

      That’s the second reference to graham cracker cake I’ve seen today (the other being from David Lebovitz), a thing I’ve never heard of, but it sounds quite good! Sorry to hear about the sleeplessness, and I’m part of that gang. Let’s all have some warm milk tonight and hope for a restorative night!

      Log in to Reply
      • Nancyleandros says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:18 pm

        Hey! David Lebovitz’s blog post today was where I got the idea for graham cracker cake. The recipe is quite easy and turned out great. I was jazzed to finally finish the box of graham cracker crumbs. It’s the little things.

        Yes to the warm milk! ?

        Log in to Reply
        • Isabella says:
          2 December 2021 at 7:29 pm

          I love that you went from blog post inspiration to finished cake in a single day! I’d be tempted to pipe little Italian meringue kisses on top and flame them, to make it s’moresy.

          Highest recommendation for David Lebovitz’s devil’s food cake recipe, if you haven’t tried it. It’s just a perfect chocolate cake.

          Log in to Reply
          • Nancyleandros says:
            2 December 2021 at 8:09 pm

            Oooh, found and pinned. Thanks for the tip!

            Meringue kisses on the graham cracker cake would be fantastic. And a sprinkle of cocoa powder in the batter would bring that last piece of the s’more puzzle into place. ?

  34. DolceVita says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Hello everyone. I feel very far from rhubarb at present (it snowed here last night, most unexpected!) but I do have one to wear tomorrow. Was in a cloud of Dolce Vita to get me through something on Tuesday, then yesterday I forgot to put anything on until I gazed out the window mid-afternoon and it seemed to go from day to night in the space of ten minutes. It made me so miserable I went straight to L’Heure Bleue. My! It helped! Forgot to put anything on again today. Ah well. It’s nearly tomorrow anyway. Keep well, everyone!

    Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 7:00 pm

      The sentence “I feel very far from rhubarb at present…” sounds so poetic to me. ?

      Log in to Reply
  35. springpansy says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Good job. I meant to buy more bulbs… but I did plant my garlic bulb that I paid a lot for at my farmer’s market. I *might* break even next year when we get garlic from the garden. :roll:

    Log in to Reply
    • springpansy says:
      2 December 2021 at 5:49 pm

      Wow – I can’t seem to post in the right place today. This was for mossyberry talking about planting her bulbs above. Oh well, I guess it’s because I’m 60+. (Kidding – this is in reference to my other post above.)

      Log in to Reply
  36. pixel says:
    2 December 2021 at 5:55 pm

    Hello all! Every last one of you smells better than I do. I’m taking one for the team today. Currently sampling Iman’s Love Memoir, which I really wanted to like, both for the story (David Bowie!) and for the notes (bergamot, blackcurrant, rose, vanilla, vetiver). But this smells like walking into a department store’s perfume department. I’d classify this one as vanilla mallrat. Maybe it’ll get better in the dry down (well, not likely, but I’ll give it a try, we’ll see how long I can manage…)

    Log in to Reply
    • springpansy says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Pixel, you are a true team player!

      Log in to Reply
    • pixel says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:28 pm

      OK it *is* getting better as it settles down, but “better” in this case is still a ways away from “good”….

      Log in to Reply
      • Isabella says:
        2 December 2021 at 7:00 pm

        I don’t really think you can draw a line from “mallrat” to “good” :D

        Log in to Reply
    • Jalapeno says:
      2 December 2021 at 6:57 pm

      LOL at “vanilla mallrat”! Wonderful turn of phrase!!

      Log in to Reply
    • tulipani says:
      2 December 2021 at 7:15 pm

      Aww, that’s so disappointing! I expected more from Iman! “Vanilla mallrat” is not her demographics.

      Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      2 December 2021 at 10:35 pm

      Thanks pixel! Another one confirms my worst suspicions.

      Log in to Reply
  37. Gail says:
    2 December 2021 at 6:59 pm

    I’m wearing an Iris oil roll-on made by Royal Apothic. It’s a bit green and maybe soapy? I brought mostly a few long-neglected oils with me here to Florida as it’s a chance to give them some love. I find them a good fit here since I don’t always want huge topnotes drawing any dreaded flying insects hurtling towards me!

    Log in to Reply
  38. tulipani says:
    2 December 2021 at 7:17 pm

    Scent today was Habanita, to keep me company on a very busy day at the office. I’m exhausted, and looking forward to rhubarb and Friday tomorrow!

    Log in to Reply
  39. Lovestosmellgood says:
    3 December 2021 at 11:17 am

    Not participating in the CP

    Ormonde Jayne
    Royal Elixir

    This is Ambre Royal in extract strength

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

From NST at Twitter

    Browse by...

    Topic

    Perfume talk New fragrances
    Shopping Books :: News
    Body products Home fragrance
    Polls Another subject

    Date

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022

    Prior months

    Author

    Robin Jessica
    Angela Kevin
    Erin Guest Author

    Tag

    Celebrity perfumes
    Cheap thrills
    Collector bottles
    Perfumista tip series
    Video
    The complete tag index

    Recent reviews

    Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
    Moschino Toy Boy
    Arquiste Misfit
    Diptyque Eau Capitale
    Zoologist Bee
    Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
    Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
    Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
    Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
    Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
    Chanel 1957
    Gallivant Los Angeles
    Amouage Portrayal Woman

    Blogroll

    Bois de Jasmin
    Grain de Musc
    Perfume Posse
    The Non-Blonde
    More blogs...

    Perfumista lists

    100 fragrances every perfumista should try
    And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
    50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
    26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
    25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
    11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

    Favorite posts

    The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
    Why I Love Old School Chypres
    New to perfume and want to learn more?
    How to make fragrance last through the day
    Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
    On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
    How to get fragrance samples
    Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

    Upcoming

    List of upcoming Friday projects

    20 May ~ Haiku Challenge
    20 May ~ splitmeet

    Back to Top

    Home
    About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

    Shop for Perfume Online
    Perfume Shopping in New York
    Perfume Shopping in London
    Perfume Reviews
    New Perfumes
    General Perfume Articles
    The Monday Mail

    Glossary of Perfume Terms
    Perfume FAQ
    Perfume Links
    Perfume Books
    Fragrance Awards

    Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

    Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
    H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
    T :: U-Z

    Copyright © 2005-2023 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.