Our eleventh annual 'stepping back' poll: can this group of shameless enablers help each other not buy perfume? Let's find out.
Name a perfume you've been itching to buy but suspect you might not need, and tell us why you think it might not really be a good use of your money. Maybe everyone will talk you out of it. Or, maybe not so much.
If you participated in this poll last year, tell us if you ended up buying the fragrance anyway!
Note: image is Crater Lake [cropped] by aspearing at flickr; some rights reserved.
I want to blind buy Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian, not gonna do it! This is what I tell myself.
Gym venting post:
This morning I went to the gym this morning, which takes a lot of effort on a Saturday morning. I made the mistake of saying good morning to a woman whom I never met, and then, a friend of mind whom was there came over to say hello while I was on the bike. This woman, whom I never met, just comes over and inserts herself into the conversation. Then, after my friend trots away, this woman sits on the bike next to me and proceeds to talk my ear off..so I got off the bike and she, a few moments later, proceeded to follow into the weight room. So I left that room and went to the mats to stretch, after not doing any sort of workout, didn’t really need to stretch…and she comes over and starts talking again. So I left. MrL was shocked to see me home so soon, and I told him I was just in an episode of Seinfeld.
Chanel Makeup and no 19 Poudre
Your gym experience sends my social anxiety right through the roof!Possibly one of my worst nightmares,also.This is why I’m rarely seen in public anymore…lol!
You do smell fabulous though!
💙✌🏻💜
I don’t want anyone to think I am not a friendly person, there is just a time and a place to have a chat.
And this person was giving me anxiety and I am not an anxious person.
😜
Love the Seinfeld remark.
Reading your post made me laugh, but at the same time gave me tons of anxiety. I hope you have better luck next time you go to the gym! 😀
She was giving me 😜 vibes 👎🏻
Oh, I feel for you! Bring some ears buds with you next time. I’ve had one or two guys try to chat me up on the elliptical and I just point to my ear buds and shrug and eventually they go away.
I just look unfriendly and grunt when they say hi! This is the train and not the gym.
Some people are clueless. Deva’s suggestion is golden; it’s my strategy as well.
Omg, this does sound like an episode of Seinfeld! How frustrating! Some people seem to lack social awareness, like my college daughter says, “read the room!”
Yeah, this is why everyone wears earbuds or headphones now.
I did! I put them in and she asked me if I could still hear her with them in my ear. I even tried saying..” have a good workout”to end the conservation.
Wow, that takes the cake!
I’m just impressed you went to the gym.
Sounds like Saturdays at the gym aren’t the best idea for you.
Happy Saturday!
And perfect timing of the poll!
So,my local contact for anything and everything exotic managed to find a bottle of “vintage” Xerjoff Irisss,at an insanely good price(100ml,secondhand missing maybe 3 sprays).I’d be paying roughly $540 for it…should I jump?
I have an insane amount of perfect iris perfumes already,do I really need the Xerjoff?
SOTD!
Jean Patou Sira Des Indes…strangely beautiful,but somewhat unsettling.I don’t wear it often because it makes me feel some sort of anxiousness,and I am not sure why.
XO’S!🌹✌🏻
About the Xerjoff, if you can afford it and think you would kick yourself if you don’t get it, then get it.
I was just looking at Sira Des Indes, there’s a nice gift set available at fragrancenet at a good price but it would be unsniffed. Is it really banana heavy?
Sira is banana heavy,but in a floral ylang-ylang way,not too fruity at all.It’s definitely a tropical floral!✌🏻🌹
I would just add that this one is REALLY not a safe blind buy,it’s just too odd.Lol.I can’t even compare it to anything else in my collection.
I definitely get the waver on Sira de Indes and contemplated a BUB because it holds a unique spot in my collection. Often I see it compared to Amarathine but I find both to be unlike anything else. Very curious Sira makes you anxious! I will go spray and contemplate. Dont reach for it often. When I do it hits the spot. Its definitely more light hearted than my other frags. If you go with the decant of Iriisss, then maybe a 30ml of Sira may do. I am not much help. Lol
Oh no,I don’t any more of the Sira,I have a 75ml bottle that’s about 95% full!Lol!
I’ll get a sizeable decant of the Irisss definitely!
Thanks!🤗🤗
I love Sira des Indes. The banana note is very dominant. I went thru a full bottle, and I am always thinking about replacing it.
I love it,and I have the 75ml,but this weird emotional reaction to it bugs me.
It is a very unusual and interesting perfume. You really need to be in the right mood to wear it.
Last year I was contemplating Iris Dore from Korloff.Still have not bought it!I did cave in on the Fragonard which you guys suggested,but only went with two discovery sets,and a bottle of their passionflower perfume…🙈🙈🤫😉
Funny how Irissss sounds very much like “my precioussss” from LOTR. This wasn’t my personal top of the iris list and, and that sure is one heavy “sale” price tag. Do you love love love it?
Lol!
It will be an expensive “blind” buy,as I once smelled a smidgeon only….🙈🙈
Xerjoff is a great brand, I have accento and a decant of overature or some name like that.
The bottles are so beautiful
Oh I have Accento as well!Hehe!The bottles are beautiful,the picture I was sent tells me it’s one of the earlier bottles that were more rectangular.
Oh! What do you think of accento?
I had a sample and then bam 💥 a full bottle appeared
Now THIS was a successful blind buy for me.I went after the pineapple note,but really,that tactile purple bottle called my name wayyy too loud!🙈🙈💜✌🏻
You need the Xerjoff! Iris lovers never have enough iris perfumes! And just the name is beautiful…😉
You’re not helping!Haha!
It is on many a list of “holy grail” iris perfumes.I do have the option to just buy a decant from the bottle at a much better price,so maybe I’ll do that.🤗🌹
Buy the decant. I thought Irisss was a beautiful iris perfume but not worth the price they were asking. Plus, I know you have lots of other irises so if you finish the decant, THEN you know you need a bottle.
This is the answer I needed,haha!
Thanks!🤗🌹✌🏻
As long as it joins your collection, a decant is fine! 😃
Deal.😁😁🤗🌹
So true.
The ultimate test is whether you think you’ll regret the missed opportunity for the rest of your life. Compared to that, the cost of the purchase is trivial 🙂
I can still remember a pair of long pink leather gloves that I didn’t buy over 30 years ago…
This is also true!
I don’t want to miss out completely,so I think the best plan is to get the eventual decant.I can live without the pretty bottle.🌹🤗
It’s almost impossible for me to argue against this purchase. You”ll never see it again. Think how you’ll feel ten years from now. I’m still haunted by the ghost of an early bell jar of SL La Myrrhe that I let pass on ebay.
The thing about decants is that they kind of randomly evaporate. I’ve had some for over a decade that are pristine, and others that suddenly dried up completely (moment of silence for Doblis). Perhaps if you get Parafilm and wrap them up well your Irisss might be secure.
I might be taking the original bottle,but as a partial after they decanted about half,which will leave me with roughly 50mls which I guess is more than enough!
That sounds ideal — it’s also good karma sharing this grail.
My question is… do you love another perfume $540.00 worth? If you do, get the true love instead.
There is nothing else that expensive on my radar at the moment!I-like Deva-already received my preciousssss in December(phi!!!),and that was perfume-math free compared to this purchase!
Le sigh….😉🤷🏼♂️🤭
I almost bought an original bottle of Fougere Bengale, but I stopped myself 🙁
I have a sample of it, and sometimes I think it’s warm, wonderful, one of the best… other times it’s too lavender and masculine for my tastes. Money saved, I guess? But it still feels bad.
I always find the differing reactions to a perfume on different days quite puzzling, because I can never figure out *why* it’s happening. Since I am not a spreadsheet person I am not going to track the weather/time of year/phase of moon/my mood/whatever else it might be. Once in a while it does have to do with the time of year, but the rest is a mystery.
I’m with AnnieA on this one,it all depends on too many variables for me as well.I cannot wear my beloved Bendelirious most summer days,but when the sun sets it is GLOOOORIOUS!Maybe try and sample Fougere Bengale on a couple of dramatically different occasions,then see how you feel!
In Deneuve edt today. Was tempted to wear vintage Mitsouko extrait but there would be no way I would be able to get any work done today. Maybe tomorrow I will get to wear Mitsouko.
You can’t work in Mitsouko? It is distracting?
I am always so awestruck on how fabulous it is, I can’t focus.
🙂
Last year one NSTer managed to NOT talk me out of Knize Ten (Reader, I bought it), and another NSTer satisfied my itch for Wazamba by sending me a decant (you know who you are, and thanks again!). And a whole bunch of you convinced me to skip 10 Corso Como because of reformulation (sigh). Right now my itches have been pretty well satisfied due to a combination of my relative frugality and my lack of self-control — another decant of Cuir Cannage and a replacement bottle of 19 EDT are both on their way to me. SOTM is a testing of Kerosene Sacred Memory, which will not go on the “more, please” list.
(Reader, I bought it): 🤣
And is Knize Ten still in your collection?
Sounds like you’ve had very good luck with this poll. And I belatedly agree on 10CC. Reformulation turned it in a shadow of its former self.
Knize Ten is most definitely still in rotation. On me it’s a very elegant, very slightly floral leather. I know some people find it a bit rough — Mr. G can’t wear it at all, for instance (it goes all dirt and gasoline on him). And “a shadow of itself” is exactly what everybody said about 10CC last time. So sad … but there are plenty of other oddball incense scents to explore. 🙂
Oh. Your comment just nudged me a bit closer to my own bottle of Knize Ten; I love it on me.
Do it! It’s sufficiently less expensive than a lot of other fragrances to make it a near-cheap thrill, and they make 50 ml bottles so one doesn’t have to invest in a vat of it. And you love it, which is really the most important thing.
I am still thinking about Wolfsbane from last November at Fumerie but really it is just a small itch. I think I can resist. Today I’m wearing Musc Ravageur, I thunked the bottle and don’t need any more.
You smell great!
I like maintaining a few small itches…it would be no good to not want anything.
I like this approach!
That’s so true!
Not itching for much of anything now that I have My Precious. She is the star on the top of my Perennial Invisible Christmas Tree that lives in the deepest chambers of my flawed heart. 🌟
I have been contemplating a full bottle of some PdE and PG’s that I’ve tried and know I love, but certainly not anything I can’t live without. Money is going in a different direction at the moment…💸💸💸💸 It’s sad to see it fly away but also exciting to be on the brink of new adventures! What I need to step back from is the urge to completely and totally ditch my profession. Not quite time yet, but as you all know, the closer you get to the end, the faster you run! 🏃🏽♀️
Can’t wait to hear about your new adventures!
Me too! Have no clue what they are yet, but I’ve found just going with the flow and being adaptable is the best way to delve into new experiences. I’m always open to suggestions! 😀
I totally agree. When people have rigid expectations, I think they can be awfully disappointed if things don’t work out just *so*. I am thinking I may be ready for the next adventure next year when madtownteen graduates and heads off to college.🤷♀️ We shall see!
Oh exciting! I can’t imagine the conflicted emotions moms must experience when sending kids off to college. Must an absolute joy and also terrifying at the same time. Hope you find yourself in a position that you absolutely love! ❤️
Forgot to mention I’m in PdE Ambre Russe for another rainy, damp day. Still thankful it’s relatively warm, considering it’s January…🌧
You smell totally fabulous.
Thanks! It’s been a while since I wore this one. 😊
Love that one!
It’s a pretty perfect amber! ☺️
You should do a reality show!
The adventures of Deva& T-rex.
Oh there’s plenty of those over on YouTube already! 😄
I’ve been torturing myself for the last year or so over the Patou Heritage Collection. Chaldée was my first ever blind buy, and very successful, and I keep looking at the others available at discounters. I’ll have to buy FBs if I’m ever going to smell any more of them.
There are tens of thousands of perfumes out there that I’ll never smell, I don’t know why I’ve fixated on these 🙂
Gaynor – I am with you. Adieu Sagesse was my madly successful EBay blind buy and the prices there and at the discounters are reminding me of when the Serge Lutens white label 50ml bottles were languishing at the discounters. That was then and this is now, but after I get back from the week’s shopping I’ll be tossing either Que sais-Je or L’Heure Attendue or Deux Amours in my cart. Or maybe Vacances? LOL. And yes there are indy perfumer and other EBay deals I am craving but these Patous are so excellent and so having that “forgotten treasure” vibe.
I’m not going to try and talk you out of the Patou – I have Chaldee and it’s pretty special. They won’t be around foreverso as long as your head won’t hurt when your bill comes in, I’d say find a price you like and get them.
Not going to talk you out of the Patous, sorry not sorry! I have most of that collection and I love them. Chaldée is wonderful and I also love L’Heure Attendue: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2017/08/25/fragrance-friday-total-eclipse-of-the-sun/.
Hah, these are exactly what came to mind when thinking about this poll. I’m so tempted to buy all of them! 😹 But they might have some musk that I’ll hate. What to do!
I was looking at the prices on PerfumeNZ and they are very cheap, just a tank of petrol. You have to get them while you can. If you hold off you may end up paying a fortune and shipping.
You just birthed a lemming for me! I have no background in this brand, but now I’m intrigues.
I am one of the worst people to ask about those Patous! I now have 4 of them: Chaldee, Colony, Adieu Sagesse, and L’Heure Attendue. No regrets!
SOTD = Parfums Dusita Splendiris
Beautiful! May be a good start to the David Lynch project as iris takes on different facets depending on the perfume and sometimes even for the same perfume!
No one needs to take me off the ledge of any buys because … I don’t have any in my want list. Maybe I’m just maturing in my perfume journey and / or I am Netflixing.
In other news … I don’t recall if I mentioned that the roofing debris was actually from my next door neighbor’s side of the roof so no worries for me unless mine is the next one to get damaged. We’re at the highest point of a cul-de-sac and it’s flat everywhere as far as the eyes can see.
Also, my parking ticket was dismissed – really worth the little bit of time, an envelope and a Forever stamp to plead not guilty!
For those who like cats, here’s my Caturday post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnZ-sh5u_iO/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Here’s my Monday to Friday recap of my SOTD:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnYbcBbuxK7/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Glad your parking ticket was dismissed!😀
Me too! It would have cost me more than the meal with my neighbor across the street.
Nothing interesting, yet. Is that it?
They’re all interesting but somehow the desire is not there.
You smell great! Love Splendiris. And yay for getting a ticket dismissed!
It is a beautiful Iris. I have a travel spray.
Roofing debris?? I missed that! Glad that it wasn’t off your roof.
Me too!
Is that a second almost thunked No.19?
Yes it is! I may think it in the first half of 2023 but maybe I just jinxed myself 😱
Love Splendiris. So glad I purchased that last year. You smell wonderful.
It’s a great one for sure!
My only itch right now is Guerlain Rose Cherie, but I don’t feel the rush to get it right away.
Lavishly sprayed in Imaginary Authors O, Unknown, thanks to a very generous NSTer. I have always loved it and I am so happy it has finally joined my collection!
Very cold and windy today with snow flurries on and off. I am postponing my errands for either tomorrow or Monday when the sun is supposed to be out and the temps higher.
I am spending the day putting away all the Christmas decorations and doing a deep cleaning. Coffee at the moment and a slice of chocolate cheesecake.
Happy weekend! 🌻
Your breakfast sounds right up my alley! Hope all is well with you and your mom post-Christmas. I used to get the blues putting away all the Christmas decorations although I know many folks are very happy to wrap it up for another year. IA is another brand I haven’t explored…
I am one of those who are happy to wrap it up for another year! 😁
Mom started chemo on Monday and things are not looking any good. God will provide.
I have only tried Saint Julep and Memoirs of a Trespasser by IA. Both are very nice, but O, Unknown was love at first sniff!
I hope you mom tolerates chemo with the help of other medications to ease nausea and pain. Thinking about her and you, and hoping for peace for the whole family. ☮️
Thank you, Deva!
I’m sorry about your mom and the chemo, pl67.
Thank you, Old Herbaceous!
Oh geez. So sorry to hear about your Mom being on chemo. Big hugs.
Thank you, Jalapeno!
Pl67, I’m sorry to learn about your mom.
One day a time.
Keeping you both in my thoughts.
Thank you, Apsara!
You smell wonderful today, pl67! I hope your sweet mom benefits from the chemo, somehow.
Thank you, NancyL!
Sending hugs to you!Happy Sunday!🌹🤗
Thank you, J B.!
Happy Sunday to you, too! 🌻
I can’t imagine putting away my Christmas decorations so soon!
You’ll end up with the Guerlain, just later.
I hope your mom feels better with the chemotherapy. I love how much you love her.
Thank you, Annie!
I usually put the decorations away the weekend after Epiphany. Now, looking for very few Valentine’s day decorations. 🌹
I love the Epiphany. Little Christmas!
No Groundhog’s Day decorations? 😊
No Groundhog’s Day decorations! Phil has disappointed me many times! 😁
Cold and windy weather twins with you. Not a single snowflake to be seen in my area, though.
Fewer snowflakes now, but they’re still flying with the strong winds!
Sending a big hug for chemo. You are such a great support for your mum.
Thank you, Kanuka!
Adding more hugs for you and your Mom.
Thank you, Gail!
pl67, I put away all the Christmas stuff today and despite the fact that it was all sitting on the dining room table all week because I did not get to it last weekend, I am feeling virtuous. Ha!
And, you smell great.
Thank you, Robin!
It feels very good to see all that free space again! 😅
You smell great today. Sending big hugs to you and healthy energy to your mom.
Thank you, Sistine!
Lot’s of love to you. I am really sorry your mom is so sick. You are a wonderful daughter.
Thank you, Lillyjo!
Rose Cheri is beautiful. I have thought about getting it too. I just don’t like the price tag very much.
Hugs to you and you mom pl67.
Thank you, Kris!
The price tag is what is making me think twice about it. I may end up getting a mini.
I too am happily stowing decorations. If it were up to me, they’d be put away Jan 1.
Hope and pray your mom’s chemo does what is needed and things get better.
Thank you, LizzyB!
You smell(ed) wonderful! I had a travel size of that one and only just recently discovered that I’d thunked it without realizing it. I should get another…there’s no good reason why not to, since those 14ml testers are so reasonable.
I’m pretty interested in Carner Barcelona Rima XI. It’s warm and comforting, but light enough for mild winter days. I have plenty of winter fragrances, so really don’t need it!
I’m in Lush Smuggler’s Soul today, which is playing nicely with the remnants of Bulgari Black on my hoodie from yesterday. ❤️
You might need a new one, Nancy. Its a long winter.
I have both of your perfumes for that combo. I’ll try that.
Well, I wish it was a little longer – I’m in Houston! We usually see the last of the cold weather by the first part of March, so I really have no business getting any more winter friendly fumies. 😎
I say get it. By next winter you might want something different.
Also, don’t you have a birthday coming up soon?
Yes, in March…enabler! 😂🤗
Takes one to know one!🌞
You are correct! 😎
Sampling FB Luxe Calme Volupte again today. I am laughing at the timeliness of this topic today. I had to talk myself of a purchase of LCV last night. This was my first sampling but its a humdinger and was on sale! Will
Be putting it on the FB wishlist but out of the danger zone thank god.
Its on sale?
Maxaroma has it marked down from $145 to $88, as well as several other of her extrait.
And you haven’t bought it? O, my.
Supposed to talk you out of it, but that’s a score!
Wow. That’s a steal!
My main take away from everyone’s comments for last week’s CP was that if I picked a perfume that many thought evoked a color, that color would be red or green. So it was a learning experience. Moving on, SotD is my secret crush LPRN So Frenchy edp. If you love LPRN and you want one of the three So Frenchy flankers, edp is the best IMHO. In general, don’t step back from the edge if Guerlain or Serge Lutens is in question. Also did I mention I LOVE Alien Fusion and it is at the discounters?
Oops need to say my back from the edge is Patou Joy. I remember a friend who loved and wore it circa 1980. But Mr Mossy is not a big jasmine lover and I don’t think the current versions at the discounters would live up to the memory so I will get something from the Heritage Collection instead.
From what I have heard, the current Joy is nice enough, but not in the same class as the vintage.
I’m sure you’re right on this. Joy is all about the luxurious ingredients, which are no longer possible. The perfumes in the Heritage Collection were originally a rather strong and may have benefitted from a bit of lightening.
I would agree…the original Joy smelled like money, in the sense that it smelled like a million dollars worth of flowers.
I still have my bottle of Joy gifted to me in 1972.
Looks like I didn’t participate in last years poll so I have no idea if I stepped back or not. The year before I was wanting bottles of 10 CC and Eau Premiere, and they have both joined the collection.
I’m in Love & Crime from a newly arrived sample. This has immediately joined the fb list, which doesn’t often happen at first sniff for me. Already eyeing bottles.😈
I need to do a little herd thinning first, and so I have a few little freebies to offer. Please call dibs here and email me p k wisdom(one word) in the yahooland.
1. ~4-5 ml decant of Chergui. Looking at the notes, I *should* love this but just don’t. I’ve used half of a 10 ml decant trying and I’m ready to pass it to someone who does love it.
2. Mostly full 5 ml decant of Shalimar Philtre purchased during a splitmeet. I’m not really a Shalimar girl at heart and if I need to scratch that itch I have Shalimar light and MVP(plus back up).
3. Arielle Shoshanna spray samples of Friday and Saturday. Each minus a couple of sprays, they were fun to try, now ready to pass them on.
The sun is out today!🌞😎
Dibs on #2, please. Thank you!
Awesome! I think I still have your address, just shoot me an email to make sure.😊
Love 10CC.
And thinning is beginning!
Ha! I love this.(and it rhymes😆) Yes, I’m trying to really thin samples and decants especially- decants have been evaporating on me. I want to focus on full bottles of true loves.🥰
I can send you some decants to try! 😂
Thanks, but no thanks, I’m good.😂😉
Dibs on #1 please!
Yay! Just emailed you back.😊
A tiny part of me wants to order a whole bunch of vintage, as I did last year, but no, I’m determined to be content with what I already own for the rest of the year. Next year we’ll talk.
Today I’m in CSP Vanille Peach, no reason, I just reached for it without thinking about it. It’s much brighter and fresher than Vanille Abricot, more like real fruit than a dried and candied version (although I love VA even more tbh).
Good luck making it through the year pyramus!
Hello fragrant friends, it’s been a while.
Yes of course I slept 12 hours last night.
Have been…working too much….not interested in anything to read or watch, gues just your basic ennui.
I went a few weeks without wearing anything but then did what had to be done, which was clear out the cabinets and move stuff around and samples, geez all over the place. Things I had forgotten, like my bell jar of Borneo and Bois D’ascence and Chene and Oud Palao.
Things not yet opened.
So I fell down an interesting fragrance rabbit hole of Henry Rose. Maybe because it was at Nordstrom? have bought Torn, Dark is Night, Queens and Monsters and have Char on today. I find them just wonderful wearable and travel sized! There’s just something about them I really like.
Also tried JM Vanilla and Rose and ick. Bought a good sized decant of Perris Rose Taif which is a winner to me.
My sister and I bought tickets to Africa for September. We are going overland through the Great Rift Valley and will be there for her 72nd birthday. I have postponed my facelift for the trip instead. We will be gone a month.
Jeff Beck just was like what? I will be 70 in four months. So much to do in one life time.
One free giveaway to a first dibs regular NSTers in CONUS only. Papillion Bengal Rouge – 2/3 sprays used. Original box. It was just a bit tooo close in for me.
May I dibs?
You are dibbed Annie
email me at Vivienne dot Elliott1 in the land of outlook.
You can probably go to a derm for other things if you can’t get your facelift. A good friend of mine had something done to her eyes and it made a big difference. I think the trip is worth it, though.
FWIW. I can’t count how many unopened perfumes I have.
A bell jar, too.
oh I do.
Wow, you’re going through the Great Rift Valley? I took a trip through Kenya once, and our route made one pit stop above the valley for a glimpse of that magnificent view.
I hope you have a wonderful time, apsara!
yep, yep we are. Our last trip just before Covid was Africa and we decided it will be our first trip out.
Tanzania, Kenya, end in Mombasa. One month.
Priceless.
Lucky you! I would love to see Tanzania. But, so many places I would love to see…
What a fantastic trip to look forward to!
2nd that! Quite jealous.
What an amazing trip to look forward to! Definitely worth putting off a few other things for that.
I spent a few months in Kenya right after college graduation, many years ago. I loved Mombasa. I hope you have an incredible trip!
I haven’t been to Mombasa in almost 35 years or so. When lived in Saudi it was easy to get to Lamu and down the coast and over to Seychelles. Of course, that was then with he who must not be named and now it’s my sissy and me.
That will be an amazing trip! I used to think 70-ish was ancient but it isn’t after all! 😎
Yeah somehow 70 feels just right. Interesting how time warps.
Sounds like a great trip to look forward to in September!
I don’t think I have something in mind. I was so good last year until my girl died. Then, any perfume I connected to her I bought without blinking.
And then there’s Lush.
Biggest thing. I think someone I never thought I would see again just emailed me for help. Long story short, I sent him money. I had a bad feeling the second time when the first amount wasn’t enough. He must have been hacked, he’s a really nice person.
I do this crap all the time. I must have idiot written all over my face.
If you haven’t sent this person money again, then don’t. Chalk up the first time as a learning experience. And forgive yourself like your sweet doggo would.
I did, twice.😔
Then, he kept asking for more.
I love how you put my baby in there.❤
And Hi!
Hiya!
You are a good and generous person! I’m sorry you got cheated.
Thank you. I think I’m just foolish.
No no
You are kind.
There are just so many scams and they are getting more an more realistic. That one was especially clever, and I wouldn’t have suspected either. Thanks for telling us so that we can be on guard!
Make sure you block the emails. This is actually a big scam. You are far from alone in believing it to be authentic.
It is too late for me to be talked off friends, since I already bought the backup bottle of L’Artisan Parfumeur Saffron Troublant. It arrived yesterday. Yes, I do have a 90% full bottle in my possession already. No, I have never had to break into any of my couple of backup bottles to date. But it is difficult to find and is one of the few gourmands I like to wear.
I think I am forever scarred by not buying L’Artisan’s Jour de Fete back in 2015ish when i could have gotten it on sale right before it was discontinued. That is the one that got away for me.
I know the feeling. Somehow the ones that got away bother me more than the mistakes.
May I ask where you found the Safran Troublant? It’s not easy to find for a reasonable price.
Ebay, and it was a 1.7 oz tester. I haven’t gotten around to opening it, so not sure if it real.
I don’t have a perfume bugging me to buy it right now, since I already pulled the trigger on a Patou a couple of days ago. And it arrived today! I now have a FB of L’Heure Attendue, Collection Heritage version. It’s still shrink wrapped, patiently waiting its turn in the spotlight.
Hopping in the Wayback Machine, I see that I was Jonesing for a BUB of SSS Incense Pure, travel spray version. I did NOT get it! I got distracted by a bunch of other shiny objects last year.
SOTD = Etro Royal Pavillon EdT. This bottle was one of my purchases last quarter. It’s a spicy, 1980’s style tuberose perfume.
That’s one I’ve been contemplating! Have you already tried it, or will this be new to you?
It’s a complete blind buy, so I haven’t a clue. But Aurora mentioned having it, and I’ve noticed that she and I have a decent overlap in perfume likes/loves.
Hoping you’ll love it as much as I do, I find it timeless.
Wayback Machine! 😊
Shiny objects are fun, too! You scarfed up all the Etros, didn’t you?
I did not move quickly enough to get all the Etros I was interested in. So I have only 2 full bottles. Just as well… where would I put ALL the perfumes?
Scattered around your place of residence, of course!
What Etros did you miss?
Dianthus, Shaal Nur, and Paisley. Possibly Palais Jamais. The only bottle I can find of the Dianthus is 100mL, which is just way too much. I have the shower gel of Shaal Nur, and a sample of Paisley. So I really can’t complain.
I love Royal Pavillon!
It’s lovely! And a great antidote to the grey, blah days of winter.
Your sotd sounds great!
If you like ylang and tuberose, it is definitely worth a sniff! I figured out that the ylang ylang is what I was reading as spicy.
I’m so tempted to order Chanel Coromandel Parfum based on this review:
https://colognoisseur.com/?submit=%E2%86%92&s=Coromandel
$280 for the half ounce. I could trek out to the Saks 5th Avenue in Friendship Heights which has an in-store Chanel perfume boutique (Espace Parfums). But I have tendenitis in one hip right now and am also not enthusiastic about unmasking in a public place until flu season is over.
Has anyone tried this extrait version?
Happy New Year NozKnoz! The parfum sounds fabulous, and perfect for a Washington winter.
It does, doesn’t it? Wishing you all the best for 2023, Kanuka!
They can deliver!
And, we are on high alert here. Mr. AP had two coworkers who never wear masks using them. He said they were hacking up a lung.
I don’t have time for these respiratory infections! I lost most of September to a cold that I caught the one time I didn’t wear a mask at the gym. (I thought no one had been in the yoga room but found out later there had just been a class.)
I had no idea you could get tendinitis in your hip! I am pretty sure I have it in my right thumb. It must be very hard for you to walk.
This is a recurring problem for me because my glute medius muscles are weak and don’t fully engage due to decades of sedentary work. I always assumed it was just arthritis until I saw a rheumatologist. He looked at my X-rays and told me that, although I had mild osteoarthritis, the pain was due to gluteal tendinitis. He referred me for physical therapy, which usually resolves it. I did have to have a steroid injection for the most severe episode.
Hip tendenitis can cause back pain, too, since some hip muscles attach to the spine. Honestly, I think there’d be fewer people getting addicted to pain killers if physical therapy were more readily available.
I have a small decant of the parfum from fellow NST-er hajusuuri (thanks so much!). The extrait is definitely less sweet (no white chocolate to my nose), woodier and projects less than the EDP or EDT. I personally like the white chocolate note, so I prefer the EDP though extrait is gorgeous in its own right.
Hmm. It’s that perfect balance of chocolate and patchouli that makes Coromandel so special. I should probably wait until I can make the trek. I do have Parfumrie Generale 02 if I’m in desperate need of patch and chocolate. Thanks for your insights!
Beautiful hot morning, wide blue sky, no wind, dogs panting in the shade. I found a sample bottle of JM basil and neroli ( don’t know where it came from) and it is pretty perfect for the lazy warm weather. I’d never tried it before but nice and fresh, but soapy…a bit like those scratchy cologne soaked facial tissues you’d get on aeroplanes .
I would like to buy Cow but I haven’t smelled it and our exchange rate is terrible ($1 for 60cents US), plus shipping. Plus, what I really want is a clover perfume. Luckily, the garden smells so good I am pretty content perfume-wise.
The first time I tried Kai it immediately made me think of clover. And it’s cheap!
That’s interesting. I will look it up immediately. My lawn, unmowed for weeks, is dense with clover and there are so many bees it hums. I can sit outside and read and the noise is distracting. So wonderful.
That’s awesome. One other rec: Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca. For me it’s clover + mint + green tea. Really nice.
Dogs.😍
I have a bunch of ideas for clover.
Margot Elena is genius. I’ll check my stash and get back to you.
I second your dog love. ❤️🐕❤️
IIRC, L’Artisan Batucada had a clover note in it.
Your weather sounds perfect 🌞
I checked last year’s poll and had these three on my hope-to-buy list:
OJ’s Ormonde Woman
Fzotic/Fazzolari’s Ummagumma
BUB L’A Dzing!
I did buy OJ Ormonde Woman but waited for a great price and had help from a lovely perfumista friend. Ummagumma remains on the list for now. I may just enjoy the last of my Dzing! bottle and not worry about a BUB. I’ve just ordered a few samples from LS, we’ll see if I find new lemmings in those!
I have a travel spray of Eris Mx. (thanks to another wonderful NST friend) and I think I will want a full bottle once it’s empty. I wear it pretty often, so it’s likely that will happen this year. Does anyone want to try to talk me out of it? 😀
No.
That’s the test. If you finish the travel spray, still love it, you HAVE to get it.
Excellent point.
Not me❤️
Ha! Of course not!
If you’re burning through the travel spray, that’s a clear sign. Get eeeet!
😀
No. That perfume always reminds me of you!
Oh, that’s nice! I love that I am associated with Mx. for you.
Agreeing with everyone who has said that if you thunk the travel spray, that’s permission to level up to the FB. Achievement unlocked!
Thanks, Jalapeno!
No from me as well! I think the universe has spoken with all the No’s!
😀
It doesn’t look like I had anything reported last year. Recently there’s been a few Dame frags mentioned so I checked around on his site. I’m looking at the Chocolate+ scent. Perhaps the oil too. Is it redundant if I have 4160 Tuesdays Over The Chocolate Shop?
Today I wore the Oil Perfumery version of Feve Delicieuse. It was pretty potent and smelled great with the cold weather hanging around here.
I’ve been eyeing the Chocolate+ Rose for awhile myself. I think the regular chocolate is similar to Over the Chocolate Shop but I only tried that 1 time so I might be mistaken.
The Dame Chocolate+Rose is definitely a milk chocolate scent as opposed to dark chocolate. IDK if that helps clarify things.
I have on my maybe-WTB list and my thoughts behind them:
– Chanel Cuir de Russie extrait and/or EDP
– Guerlain Apres l’Ondee EDT (current formulation)
– Di Ser Hasunoito
For Cuir de Russie, I can’t decide between the EDP or extrait. I am enjoying my EDP decant and already know I love it, but I am so curious about the extrait! Unfortunately the boutiques do not have testers of the extrait, so I hesitate to blind buy.
For Apres l’Ondee, it has been many years since I smelled it, but I do remember liking it, and it would be nice to have this classic in my collection. But since I haven’t worn it in so long, I don’t know if I will wear it often enough, and I can’t justify a full bottle just to have as a reference. If anyone would be willing to spare a few drops of their ALO I would be so grateful!
Hasunoito is GORGEOUS. I love it so much, but it costs $500 for 30ml (!!!) and I simply cannot justify that price. I drained my sample and enjoyed it so much though! It’s a citrus-lotus-oud blend that smells completely unique and natural. Might have to wrangle another sample from Luckyscent to mull it over.
Thoughts and opinions welcome!
Definitely get another sample of Hasunoito! $500 for a FB is hair-raisingly steep. And maybe LuckyScent has Apres l’Ondee to sample as well?
Guerlain decants are surprisingly difficult to come by, I don’t remember finding the current formulation of ALO online (only saw the previous bee bottle formulation), but I shall have to try again!
The AlO is online through Guerlain. Don’t go by me, but I find there are other Iris fragrances that I like much better. At first I thought I liked it, but then realized I really didn’t. Others love it though.
My dear friend-I have ALO in my collection. Could I make you a sample, in a Travello spray, and send it to you? i still have the box you sent my candle in lol-would be perfect 🙂
I had the CDR parfum-it was a very special gift from my father. I loved it-it was so special. So clean and elegant. I loved the EDT, too when it was available. The EDP was nice too-it went a bit barnyard on me-not that I minded. By barnyard I mean it smelt so strongly of hay and horses and leather I was surprised. Let me know about the ALO, ok?
Best regards,
Carole
Hi Carole, that’s so generous of you! But it’s quite alright because I had the genius idea of asking for ALO for my birthday in March ^^ I think it would be quite fitting for this spring. But truly, I am so grateful for the offer.
Perfume gifts are so special, so lovely that you have one from your father. I shall have to seek out the parfum! I managed to dig up a very old sample of the Cuir de Russie EDT, I shall have to compare it to the EDP! I do agree that it is barnyardy, which I enjoy but only on occasion.
I already know I have no business buying perfume. However.. I have about $70.00 in Sephora points and gift cards.
Of course I would love to get a perfume that would be perfume math free. The problem is nothing is calling my name right now. I am thinking about Chanel Chance edt or No.5 edt or Coco Mademoiselle Intense.
My sotd is Angel Muse.
So you might as well use that $70, right? Any Chanel choice is good as far as I am concerned.
I’m with Kris😊
P.S. If you would like a decant of Eris Green Spell, per our ambroxan discussion yesterday, ping me at le s li c or the ll AT geee male dott com
I do love Chanel! None of the ones I listed are my favorites though. I already have those. Lol.
Maybe you should go and explore something entirely new at Sephora?I love the discovery of something completely new,like Ganymede I recently sniffed(and just waiting on the 30mls to be back in stock again!lol)
And what’s this about “no business bying perfume”?
There are so few pleasures we can enjoy these days,we should totally indulge if and when we can!
XO’s
J B, you are so awesome. I love how you think and how you encourage people. Hugs! 🤗
The other day I went and tried something by Boy Smells and I couldn’t smell it! I also tried Clean Reserve Sugar something and I did like it.
I agree that you should feel free to use those points/cards for perfume if you want, but my advice would be to wait for something you are really interested in (as long as the points/cards remain good).
I think my points expire in March. I should double check though. The last time I lost them.
Hmm, it’s Winter…what about using your gc’s for some really luxurious body lotion, scented or not? A Guerlain Rouge G lipstick in a fancy case?
I have been looking at the body care.
Lillyjo, if you have no business buying perfume, then so do I. And yet, I will still get more. Perfume mania is not the worst vice to have, LOL!
You are right!
I would wait until you know exactly what you want.
Yeah, I am sitting on my hands for now.
I am only contemplating two small perfumes at the moment. Last year I bought the travel sprays of Zoologist Bee and Civet. I think they were $47 or $49 a piece. I thought it was worth it and I have really enjoyed them this winter. Though I have not drained them yet, I thought maybe I better get back up travel sprays again as I don’t think I need full bottles. Anyway, I both scents have gone up to $59 a piece. I am guessing it may have something to do with them both receiving awards. I am thinking I should get them before the prices go up again or the travel sprays aren’t offered anymore. Then I wonder if it is really necessary since I haven’t finished the ones I own now.
Some perfumes you just buy the backup and not look at the pricing again. I don’t know if winning awards have anything to do with price increases, but then again, I am not an insider.
Plus, that isn’t that expensive so why not, right?
Have prices gone up on all the Zoologist perfumes? Or just those?
Some are $175 and some are $210 so I believe there may have been a bit of an increase, but I could be wrong.
I have my eye on a bell jar of SL A la Nuit and unless one shows up between now and my trip to Paris this summer, I will not be talked out of procuring one at the mecca that is SL Palais Royal.
I will say, this poll does anything BUT dissuade me/talk me off a ledge from perfume purchasing. Jean Patou Collection Heritage? Get them while you can? At a discount? I’m in full swan dive!
I mean,you HAVE to buy it at the Palais Royal shop!That seems like a true rite of passage for any perfumista!🤗🌹
Yes! 😁
Yes! ❤️
Oui oui oui!❤️❤️❤️
It is not a good poll if you really think you ought to save your 💰💰💰
Which of the Heritage Collection are you eyeing?
L’Heure Attendue and Adieu Sagesse. Que sait-je also sounds interesting…
I have a question I’m hoping someone can answer. In March my husband and I are moving to Florence Italy for 3 months. A life long dream and an adventure we’ve been eager to take. I’m aware of several good-great perfume shops, but I’ve found a perfume class offered in a Renaissance palace that looks fun. 3 hours of class and you leave with a personalized scent. Decent price. Has anyone taken this? Or if not any suggestions for hidden perfume gems? I know about Santa Maria, Flor de Florence, any others?
We’re not doing a ton of traveling once we’re there, the point is to live there, but we will be doing nearby day trips every once in awhile, so if there’s something great please let me know. Thank you!
Oh wow,what an adventure!
Remember to check out Carthusia as well!🌹🤗
Kelly Red, that is a dream trip, indeed! I’ve never been, but it’s on my list. Maybe I should take an Italian class to give fate a nudge. 😉
I would add this to your list:
https://en.spezieriepalazzovecchio.it/
My advice is to take the class. Even if it’s not 5-star, you will still have a great memory and a scent-reminder of your trip to bring you back there.
Thanks! It’s now saved in my Notes.
What a splendid adventure you’ll have! 😃
Lorenzo Villoresi!
Finally getting around to trying a free sample I got when I purchased Shalimar MT. Well, actually, I forgot all about it…😬
Anyway, I spritzed on the back of my hand and guess what..? I love it! I’m very much a Guerlain Girl, I think. Anyway, not going to be an upcoming purchase (I don’t think) but it’s lovely in the same way Bvlgari Omnia is- bears no resemblance to that perfume scent wise, but it’s a very classy all around every day, every occasion appropriate perfume. I would get tons of use out of it. Alas, my perfume cupboard overfloweth. However, I will be thinning the herd again as I transition into my next adventure mobile!
Happy Sunday to all. Hope your getting some sun because I am getting ZILCH! 🌧
What is the Guerlain scent?
Ack! Sorry, I’m half asleep. It’s Oud Nude I think. I’m liking it more with each sniff!😎
I was eyeing this set from Guerlain last year, but I like these updated 8 perfumes better. It’s the L’Art et la Matière collection, called The Perfumer’s Set – Iconic Harmony. I just went through a difficult personal time, and came into some money, so I’m thinking of it as a reward and symbol of strength. What say you? It’s $360 for 8 small bottles.
https://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us/p/lart-la-matiere-the-perfumers-set—iconic-harmony-P018037.html
I’m not the one to talk you back from the edge on this, because once I clicked on the link I was already persuaded to buy a set myself! Difficult times + money on hand –> Must buy now!
I wish they were spray bottles.
I say go for it — there are few enough times when the stars align so well. And I’m with Calypso in coveting a set for myself!
I’m with SheriG AND Calypso!
I also wish they were spray bottles, Deva! I made my boyfriend watch the video with Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jenk, which is beautifully done. He’s given me the thumbs up so I’m just going to sleep on it one more night. I am a total Guerlie girl, and I think those bottles would be beautiful, nestled together on my dresser. Thanks, y’all!
$45 for 10mL isn’t a bad price at all. It all depends on if the lack of a sprayer is a deal breaker for you.
It really is a beautiful set. 👍from me.
Also, I am sorry for your difficult time.
We had sun yesterday and this morning but getting overcast. Rain expected tomorrow. Again. It did amuse me that some folks were sitting outside around the local brew pub’s outdoor fire pits yesterday. It was about 27 degrees….
Back of my mind purchase has been PdN Riviera Verbena. But I only want a 30 ml bottle, which I haven’t found.
Ha – that would be me and Mr. SP (if we’d been in Door County). We sat outside whenever possible way before anyone sat outside. We are hardy souls. ;D
Hope you can find a 30 ml Riviera Verbena. Sometimes patience pays off.
I totally wanted to join them, but I was working..,,
Late to the party. But last summer I accidentally bought two 30 ml bottles of PdN Riviera Verbena (lost shipment eventually turned up). Ping me if you want one… emc dawt 7 1 1 7 in the land of gee-mayle.
LOL. I guess you are in the enabler camp! I’ll email you. Thanks.
Other than wanting to get my hands on All the Vintage Chypres, I’m good. And I am definitely too cheap (ahem pun) to shell out for what the market will apparently bear at the moment for many of them. (I *did* land a SIB purse spray of Rive Gauche edp for a buck at my local thrift shop the other day. Who knows what might appear next…)
Your purse spray was an incredible deal!
Yes, absolutely. One of those beautiful thrift shop moments that happens on occasion.
Total score!
Curse you all and your Jean Patou lemmings 🙂 Suffice to say I’ve got some large samples on the way….
Ha!
They were particularly persistent buggers this time around, weren’t they?
As a collector of perfume, not sure it is realistic to go on a no-buy but I will try to stick with no more than 3 full bottles. It is not so much the money spent but I am feeling bad about the perfumes I don’t wear, I think because my taste has evolved.
I am still getting vanilla samples, trying to decide between a sweet vanilla (Bianco Latte) and something more straight-ahead (Obvious Un Vanille). I moved on from Tihota since it really is between the other 2 and Tihota is much more expensive. I have been on this vanilla quest for a year but bought woody/dry vanillas in 2023 – Silky Wood and Commodity Gold.
I think one reason I bought more perfumes in 2023 is that I would narrow choices down to 2 then couldn’t choose and bought both. Might happen again . . .
I do look back to some purchases which were not obsessive loves in the past (Stash, Bvlgari Black) but I learned to love and now are more scarce and I am really glad I bought them. Fear of missing out.
Wearing Obvious Un Vanille for a dreary Sunday. I got 2 of 3 nagging unfinished tasks done and will try to polish off the last task before I make soup and roast chicken thighs for dinner. I will be pulling out old my cold weather scents in the coming week since we are heading into sub freezing weather here for the next 3 days.