A variation on a poll we last did about 5 years ago. Name your favorite fragrance (at the moment) in each of these five categories:
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume?
2. fun perfume?
3. romantic perfume?
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume?
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume?
Or, as always, just talk about something else.
Note: top image is Embroidered [cropped] by Anne Worner at flickr; some rights reserved.
ok-I may be the first to comment!
1. Eau d’Hadrien EDT – I’ve worn it for decades and still love it
2. Jour de Fete – it’s almost impossible to be in a bad mood wearing this pretty fragrance
3. This is where I fall down-I don’t think I own one romantic perfume, in all the scents I own! I’m not a romantic sort of person. I think Fille de Berlin is as close as I can come.
4. relaxing perfume-probably Chat Perche, from Goutal, or the Ptisenbon, which kind of smells like Hadrien again lol
5. Maybe vintage Cuir de Russie, or En Avion parfum
I cannot wait to read everyone else’s responses-what a great series of questions! Still snowing here and I can spend the day batch cooking for next week’s work week. Will try and get to the gym later, especially cause they got sauna working again š
Love your list! And sauna, I am jealous š
Iām not responding to the poll as yet but just read an article in the New York Times about scent in the workplace. What would you do? Thanks for your input!
Since I couldnāt paste link here (d-mn NYT š”), Google ādo I have to smell my co-workerā. Itās the first letter under āScent Mattersā. Not sure if it is behind a pay wall.
It will probably be behind a paywall, but here is a link that ought to be readable: I’m a subscriber and can give a free link 10 times a month. As far as I know, this can be read by multiple people, but I’ve never tried it before. Hope it works!
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/business/coworker-strong-perfume.html?unlocked_article_code=7A1aWyS_WikRbRj9DNn4If1xt4RiwjCEJ1hZs3KCXk5smMegb4ctofwN2DoKTn3s6tS8r2dUB8pUdA9_KXCXyyEbyuVYZszAlVwW7wz6veTXldyaf0Ju9J5t7QvJdyciFH71MkoqXtIUMrQZJFuv0Dkf6oQS6cws_E69wVy45uqwncei1QpdBs37X54Z1OHG6BaY3I-Oy9RdbgbZM1JvzaZ0AJ6Ri8gUxZ–5ouQ7RNPrvzE01VdWNF2KBjjxm-b5nfVSZZqG_-0rfKYQ5twvXZxSjCUEbczlosllvo8o2l3tMmJfiA8j2DnE-WIV-nwJ4VfbHsvRVo5AXr5FcIUm0iRfw&smid=url-share
Yes, the link worked. Thank you.
It worked for me as well. Many thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks for access to the link. I’ve had experiences in the workplace that have been dreadful as well as inspiring.
Dreadful – a gal who sat in front of me in the airline call center wore layers upon layers of Pear. Just pear. I think it was BB&W or Victoria Secret.
Inspiring – I discovered Paloma Picasso around the same time (late 80s) from a coworker who sat several seats down from me. The sillage was gorgeous and I went out and bought it immediately.
I love hajusuuri’s comment about not over spraying while at the office, with the exception of La Pausa! So true.
If it was me having an issue with a co-workerās scent I would talk to that person before going to the boss. Some people are bothered by scents and I get it.
I had a co-worker years ago that complained about some perfumes I wore, but I think she didnāt like to be around any scent. She had an issue with another co-workerās hairspray. I am not sure what the problem was, but I didnāt notice she had allergic reactions. I never did ask her, but luckily didnāt work right next to her.
I would have done the same!
I kind of get the letter writer’s discomfort since the writer appears to be in late 20s and the scented colleague is very senior, so a direct, person-to-person approach may feel intimidating. I think the person should ask the boss for a different work location in the office if that’s feasible, and explain that 1) the scent is really distracting; but 2) there’s no desire to impose change or personal taste on the co-worker.
Definitely options or even take this opportunity, if itās feasible, to request a WFH arrangement.
Well,as THE perfumista at work,I’ve had to tone it down myself quite a bit.Haha!But everyone knows me and my sillage by now.However,there was a situation recently at work where someone in the surgical ward was really cranking up the sprays of perfume to nuclear level,And collectively everyone did not think it was a great smell at all(I know the perfume,but let’s not name and shame it haha!)
Something needs to be said.There’s always a diplomatic route available and the company could always just republish it’s policy on perfume at work,with no-one being targeted in particular.
We have a company no fragrance policy but it is rarely enforced. That said, peer pressure may actually do the trick.
Iām retired now, but when I went to an office every day I generally sprayed just enough to be able to smell myself – if anyone else could smell me then they had gotten too close! And if anyone elseās spritzing was too heavy I usually just avoided them. Never had a boss who wore too much scent, and not at all sure what I would have done in that case since bosses canāt really be avoided. š
Very true! I avoid my usual 8 sprays except for La Pausa.
I have had to ask a coworker who was using one of those scented wax melters at her desk to please stop as it was unpleasant. I think functional room scents should be banned at work anyway. A moderate amount of fine perfume on your body is fine but I don’t want to smell a Glade plug-in or some other cheap stuff all day long.
Scented wax melters??? That is cheeky. Besides a fire hazard, the scent or stench of the wax melters are unbearable. My hair absorbs environmental scent and once itās there, I am stuck with it for the rest of the day.
It’s perhaps relevant that the letter writer says they are autistic. I haven’t heard before that this could be related to chemical sensitivities but I can well imagine that it might be.
Very true about the autistic qualifier.
Thanks for your input! When it comes to perfume overspray, I would first try to find a way to speak to the offender directly. We do have a no fragrance policy in place but it is never enforced. Next stop would be the manager.
I may have mentioned this before but I had a co-worker (same executive manager but totally different work) whose body odor was so disgusting that his manager ended up putting him in a cubicle that was far away from the mainstream – it was good that our floor was fairly empty! That said, if I were this personās manager, I would have spoken to HR because the stench was so offensive that he seemed to really need some kind of intervention, including possibly medical. This was at a time when woke was not woke and the word was not yet coined so I donāt know if this were to be a present day issue, how would my reaction be different. I say I would have stuck to the same go to HR mantra.
I’ve never had any issues with overdone perfume in workplaces, but there have been a few occasions of coworkers having quite the body odor. One of them was a department head. Uncomfortable!
Great poll!
1. If I can’t make up my mind, it’s going to be CSP Amour de Cacao, never the wrong answer as far as I’m concerned.
2. I don’t know why exactly but YSL Yvresse just says “big fun” to me. If I want to feel like there’s a party somewhere, I’m wearing Yvresse.
3. I am not a romantic person (I proposed by saying, “Well, I guess we have to get married now”, but I promise you it’s not as brusque or unfeeling as it sounds), so I’m going to interpret this as “sultry” and that would be either Lush Lust or Guerlain Samsara, both of which are saturated with jasmine and deeply sensual.
4. Most any Demeter: just splash it on, have a bit of fun, enjoy the feels, put something else on a couple of hours later when it’s worn off.
5. SL Santal Blanc. There is something rigorous and squared-shoulders about it that I can’t resist.
The ugly weather yesterday wasn’t dramatic but it was treacherous: we walked to the supermarket for a few last-minute groceries (fresh produce mostly) before it really set in, but between the time we set out and the time we headed home, a thin sheet of ice had formed on every horizontal surface, and we barely made it in the door without a fall. It was very close, so today we’re staying in until all this nonsense sorts itself out. The older I get the more I dislike winter: spring can’t come soon enough.
Pyramus, I love Amour de Cacao as well, but it lasts about 10 minutes on me (and I generally don’t have trouble with lasting power for perfumes). It must stay better for you?
Hours and hours, but my bottle is not less than 20 years old (one of the old aluminum canisters with the turquoise printing like this https://universalperfumesandcosmetics.com/image/cache/data/2013A/IMG_7100-500×500.jpg): it’s highly likely that it was reformulated at some point, and perhaps a newer version doesn’t have the same durability.
Iām glad you got home safely! That sounds very treacherous.
1. Bandit by Robert Piguet – A good armour ready for the world.
2. Womanity by Thierry Mugler – I was about to say most of those signed by Mathilde Laurent, Christine Nagel and launched by old Mugler: ML’s creations are classic, transparent, and delightful, while CN’s are modern and middle-classily-decent. But finally, I choose Womanity since it is not only a masterpiece for fun moments, but also very interesting in its own.
3. Absolue Pour le Soir by MFK / Rumba by Balenciaga – Well, both are more sexually romantic. The former is more masculine-leaning while the latter more feminine. Depends on my mood. I will also love to name Kouros and Fracas; though they are often too difficult for me to wear.
4. Baghari by Robert Piguet – Baghari has a melancholy yet persistent tone for me, like a gentle hug. Depending on the conditions, I will also choose Caron Pour Un Homme, Pascal Morabito Or Black, Shiseido Koto, Cartier L’Envol, and Oriza L. Legrand Heliotrope. (Well, what an emotional life…)
5. New York (Intense) by NicolaĆÆ – Personally, it is not my favourite NicolaĆÆ’s creation. Yet, it is very decent without being too stiff. More importantly, it is well-received by the general public and thus often helps deliver a good impression š
Iām thinking you must be new. If you are – Welcome!
Hi, hajusuuri. Thanks!
Yes, I am new here. Have been reading nst for years, but this is my first time joining in polls : )
Glad you joined in Gnossiennes!
2nd Fracas for romantic, and L’Artisan La Chasse too.
Hello there!
Love this!
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume? Right now, it’s Miller Harris’ Violet Ida. So easy and pleasant to wear! But my go-to perfumes change often.
2. fun perfume? Gotta be one of my many fragrances from 4160 Tuesdays! Sarah McCartney’s names and copy make me giggle. One of my faves is Le Jardin de Monsieur McGregor. I love the fragrance and the sly reference to HermĆØs’ Le Jardin series (which I also love).
3. romantic perfume? Ormonde Jayne’s Ta’if — one of my top rose fragrances. Portrait of a Lady is also very romantic, I think. Also Jeffrey Dame’s Duality, which is sexy in a cozy way, if that makes sense. Very cuddly.
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? Jicky eau de toilette, I keep it by my bedside to spritz at night when I feel the need. Also Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’ Smudge Nebula.
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? Chanel No. 19 eau de toilette! And when I want to feel assertive but maybe not as much as No. 19, I wear Cristalle edt.
Ta’if is a great call.
I would agree with any of them in #3.
1. Go to scent- irises, VC&A Bois dā Iris, perhaps being replaced with Shalini Iris Luminiereā¦
2. Fun scent- Chaubaud Chic et Boheme- a cheerful, light-ish, citrusy Chypre that is fabulous in the frig for summertime spritzes. And Hiram Green Dilletante, which always cheers me up.
3. Romantic.. whatever smells āGood!ā to adorable hubby, currently Guerlain Mon Precieux Nectar, and the old stand-by, Karanās Cashmere Mist.
4. Relaxing scents – Covent des Minimimes Eau de Missions, whenever I can find more of it, or the Seven Virtues vanilla, (basically things that smell like SDV, minus the tobacco) or anything with lots of sandalwood, like Jacques Fath Tempte dāAutomne, which is a ylang and sandalwood bomb to my nose, and always knocks me into languorous contemplation for some reason. Also La Myrrhe, which is pretty high end for a wear to bed scent, but I love it on my sheetsā¦
5. Tam Dao, on the other hand, is the sandalwood that is activating to me, along with No. 5, and LADDM- no pattern there, other than I associate all of them with get up and get something done!
Have a great weekend, everyone.
In my naughty days )and I still am), I ended up getting a FB (the smaller one bigger than a travel size) of Iris Lumiere.
Does it have the silly spray bulb?
SOTD Musc Ravageur
1. Shalimar
2. Love Extreme
3. Rose Prick ,POAL, Perfume de Bois 5th Ave, Delina
4. Hmmm…
5. anything with Iris
So interesting, Shalimar probably goes in #5 for me! But admittedly it is also romantic.
Happy Saturday, all. I love these kinds of polls but the questions were harder for me than I thought they would be.
1. Go-to: Like Old Herbaceous, my go-to changes often. At the moment: Eris Mx. or YSL Cinema.
2. Fun: 1000 Flowers Reglisse Noire, Fzotic Ummagumma or Monserrat.
3. Romantic: NR Musc Oil for Her, AG Le Chevrefeuille
4. Relaxing: DSH Lumiere, CJScents Vanille Incense
5. I-mean-business: ?? I’ll come back later with that one.
Ah, Chevrefeuille, yes!
Commando thus far but that will change in a bit.
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume?
-Chanel Box of Eels
2. fun perfume?
– ELdO Fils de Dieu
3. romantic perfume?
-Papillon SalomƩ
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume?
-Shalimar MVP
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume?
-I rarely mean business, so this is an unrepresented category in my collection.š
LOL at your #5!
Me too!!
Hmm…
1. Lyric, right now. In the summer, TDC Sel de Vetiver.
2. AS Saturday
3. Jubilation 25 Woman
4. CBIHP Memory of Kindness (and many others, but this comes to mind first)
5. 31 rue Cambon
And…going back to the catalytic converter discussion a while back, apparently it is an epidemic in NYC, too (sorry, another paywalled article but this is my gift link): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/nyregion/catalytic-converter-stolen.html?unlocked_article_code=wCBj6wV0d5CET7wKDWGBj9n6EpXf-J_OKKPkbliOHe_qp2PA0jZcPuk8dKhd5O8pvPSR9RfE1j_8vfvAuBbir6D-16o4-tHq1l6rS09j41LS0VUx34eryzDt7djjxyIORNW-Z4Qt6syBzhezHTZdST2eqpTIF-n8noBMIUCT3xVegvI5vnf4Dguvbu8a35Ol8nuYO_XgDOrzTK6HhPMLYFGL9gRRuFUsMd2XU9IJ9NdyG1FFyy3z7zq_QsNWr16AhNOVFKhsB1AK50qiHxFeQ2c3FFL-tWfl55Egv0asu2l0zgqp5U7sM92yxreAtp0XC1gwC9105y2CnxvGbyxmWyTBJISC&smid=url-share
I love your picks! Memory of Kindness is so excellent, I had not thought of it as a de-stressing but you’re right, there is something relaxing about it.
It’s destressing for me because it reminds me so strongly of my grandfather’s farm. š
Ah, that makes sense.
Happy weekend!
Fun poll!Okay,let’s see…
1.)No-brainer/go-to perfume.
Depends on the occasion/situation?
For a night out Bendelirious
For business/work Chergui(at the moment)
When I’m in serious perfumista mode either Iris Silver Mist or POAL.Depends on the mood!
2.)Fun Perfume:
Always Bendelirious.Anything from ELDO,really!Putain de Palaces,Fils de Dieu or Remarkable People immediately comes to mind!
3.)Romantic perfume:
LOL.I really am not sure.Maybe Eau de Protection…uhm…Chanel No.18.Fracas has an air of romance for sure.Wick Fabulous Human and/or Night Call.
4.)Relax/Destress:
Anything uncomplicated and with lavender mostly.Caron Pour un Homme soothes me,also most colognes in my collection from Guerlain and Acqua di Parma.
5.)I mean business perfume:
Depends on the business I suppose?Haha!Perfume to fortify me:Eau de Protection.No.5 for straight-up confidence.Grey Flannel to come accross as suave.Lol.
Love to read all the answers!
SOTD!
Initio Musk Therapy.I dare you guys to test this one and not SWOON over the far drydown!!
XO’sāš»š¹
As always, Bendelirous = wheee!
Exactly!š¤£š¤£šš¤
Yes to Grey Flannel for suave!
So classy methinks!š¤£š¤£āš»
I enjoy these polls, these are answers without much thought.
1. Go to? Clair de Musc.
2. Fun? Kerosene Black Vines.
3. Romantic? Coco.
4. De-stress? Shalimar, lots of it.
5. I mean business? Chanel 19.
Wearing Clair de Musc today. In thinking of things week’s CP, it’s a crisp white cotton shirt, freshly ironed. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
I don’t know BV, but I agree with all your choices! You smell wonderful. CdM was the first musk perfume I ever loved wearing.
Hunkered down today at home and cooking good things to eat, which sounds perfect for me. It’s chilly out there! š„¶
Stay warm, JalapeƱo!
Doing my best! ā
Iām still away from home with a limited selection of travel sprays on hand, so my SOTD will probably be Tam Dao again. Looking forward to reading everyoneās poll answers, and meanwhile here are mine:
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume: Tam Dao EDT. Itās always good.
2. fun perfume: something lemon-y, like Dior Escale a Portofino or Eau dāHadrien. Or Memoirs of a Trespasser!
3. romantic perfume: Vol de Nuit extrait. So soft and delicious, and makes me feel much more elegant than I am.
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume: either CdG Kyoto or Carthusia Mediterraneo.
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume: Chanel 19 EDT, forever and always.
No brainer Tam Dao twins! Itās so great.
It really is!
Kyoto is a good one for relaxing!
Indeed! Was wishing Iād brought it with me just last night when we had a bit of family drama. šš
Ugh! Too bad that family drama had to rear its ugly head.
Uh oh!
Go-to perfume: VCA Bois d’Iris or L’Attesa
Fun: Bendelirious or Demeter Gingerale
Romantic: Lancome Oud Boquet
Relaxing: Bulgari’s blue tea, or Douceur de Siam
Executive Lady: No.19 or ELO’s Rien
Fun twinsies!šš»š¤
Ooh, I love polls and lists!š¤©
1. no brainer: Tam Dao or Chanel No. 5 Lā Eau. I have both of these in the cute 30 ml bottles and when they are each gone I think Iāll go ahead and get the biggest bottle they come in. I *think* if I had to limit myself to 2 perfumes, these would be it.
2. fun: Art Meets Art Like a Virgin LE, fizzy orange candy on the skin. I love it. Or Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc, because it reminds me of the beach, which is never not fun.š
3. romantic: like others here, Iām having a hard time coming up with something romantic, so Iām going to go with sexy: Obsession, in vintage form, my OG.
4. relaxing: Tam Dao
5. I mean business: anything Chanel, but especially 31 RC.
Excited to read everyoneās choices! Happy Saturday!
Those 30mL Chanel bottles are incredibly cute!
They are! Iām so tempted by the 30 ml bottle of Coco, so that Lāeau would have a matching friend on the perfume tray lol.
I’ve been wearing Tam Dao to relax for so long that it’s an instant response now. I spray it on, I start breathing slowly & evenly š
Nice.āŗļø
Great choices!
Thanks!
It’s cloudy but not too cold here, and I’ve got a beef stew in the slow cooker. I’m wearing Messe de Minuit.
I forget who asked about Stephen King’s “Fairy Tale” during the reading poll, but I’ve finished it. “The Talisman,” “The Stand,” and the Black Tower series are the best of his books in my opinion, so up against those, “Fairy Tale” is pretty far down. It’s standard King, and he’s not really exerting himself. OTOH, I did finish it, and I tend to drop books nowadays that don’t seem worth my time.
Poll answers:
1. No brainer: Carner Barcelona D600. I’ve worn it hiking and to a funeral. Goes anywhere, anytime.
2. Fun: Bombay Bling. It’s a party in a bottle.
3. Romantic: NR White Cube. It invites you to get closer, but won’t overwhelm someone who does.
4. Relaxing: I don’t know. I don’t think of perfume as “relaxing” and I usually put something on in the morning and that’s it for the day.
5. Business: Onda Voile de Extrait. Vetiver means business to me.
Great choice for #2, and a great description of it!
I agree that Bombay Bling is happiness in a bottle!
Iām with you on no. 5.
I loved The Talisman and The Stand both, when I was a huge Stephen King reader back in high school. The Talisman, especially, was a comfort read for me.
Love the poll and looking at everyone’s picks for it. I am in Coco Noir today.
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume-I would have to say Chanel No 5 L’eau.
2. fun perfume-Either Byredo Pulp or IA Fox in the Flowerbed.
3. romantic perfume-Probably FM POAL.
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume-Not sure on this one.
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? I would go with Chanel Coromandel.
Byredo Pulp is one of my favorite fun perfumes! So bright and cheerful!
I am no brainer twins with you and SheriG. Love no. 5 Lāeau, itās one of those any time, any season appropriate perfumes.
We shared both a “No Brainer” and a “Fun” pick!
Sotd continuing in White Linen. I’ve missed this old favorite!
I like the poll, and am glad Robin added “at the moment” as an option. So:
No-brainer / go-to perfume: EL Sensuous or Sensuous Nude.
Fun perfume: LPRN So Frenchy edp
Romantic perfume: TF Black Orchid Voile de parfum
Relaxing / de-stressing perfume: aren’t they all?? But, Lolita Lempicka original
I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume: Amouage Myths. Myths is far from my desert island choice, but it does not smell like anything else I have, and it makes me happy that I’ve smelled so many different perfumes.
Hope everyone is going to have a nice weekend. The Super Bowl has come and gone, but we can still eat popcorn, Buffalo Wings and pigs-in-a-blanket, right?
Mossyberry, I have a new recommendation for kibble from the vet, so I will be getting some of that soon. Trying another novel protein for Spooky kitty.
Oh my little black cat and I hope sheāll like them. Sending Spooky a little scritchey.
I actually thought of Myths as well for no. 5, itās a statement perfume.
perfume is such a personal thing and i love seeing everyone’s answers!
for me right now, off the top of my head:
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume? i *feel* this way about bottega veneta but haven’t actually worn it in awhile.
2. fun perfume? la petite robe noir black perfecto i guess? this one is harder to answer, for me, but it’s one of my few cherry scents and that seems to make it fun.
3. romantic perfume? orient rose by solstice scents
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? joop! le bain.
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? bandit by piguet.
LPRN Black Perfecto is a great call, I think of it is a fun fragrance too. And Bandit, of course, means business š
My SOTD is Philosykos.
I often overthink these polls, so here are my āvery first thoughtsā answers.
1) No brainer – Eau des Merveilles
2) Fun – Lushās Tank Battle
3) Romantic – Hiris
4) Relaxing – Gris Clair
5) Get it done – Musc 25
I have a question – can anyone recommend a journal/ book/ website with writing prompts for journal entries? Iām trying to build a journalling habit, but I am very intimidated by a blank page and need some help to get into writing.
Sistine I was interested to see the responses to your journaling question and very surprised we don’t have any! So now I think if/when you find something you should share š
1. No-brainer/go-to perfume: Any of the Chanel Les Eaux. Paris-Venise and Paris- Deauville are my favorites.
2. Fun perfume: Arielle Shoshana Saturday.
3. Romantic perfume: Guerlain Encense Mythique D’Orient, Guerlain Apres l’Ondee, Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, Masque Milano L’Attesa.
4. Relaxing /de-stressing perfume: Iunx Talc, Bulgari Au the Bleu, L’Artisan Passage D’Enfer, Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide, Frederic Malle En Passant, Caron Pour Un Homme.
5. I-Mean-Business perfume: Chanel No. 19.
SOTD Comme des Garcons Avignon.
It has been a very busy and stressful week. Mom is in the hospital since last Saturday and I have been staying overnight with her. Back home in the morning for a shower, then go to work, and at the end of the day back in the hospital. I am very sleep deprived and exhausted, but I am happy I can be there for her. I hope she is discharged sometime next week. I have been catching up on NST and the world news in the middle of the night, which has helped me stay awake. We have had gorgeous spring like weather. It is much colder today, but as long as the sun is out I feel good!
Happy weekend, everyone! š»
I’m sorry this has been so tough for you lately. Those days sound very exhausting and waiting at a hospital is always dispiriting. I really hope you’re right that she can go home soon.
Thank you, Calypso. Seeing her suffering is so overwhelming and disheartening. Still, I pray for her relief and comfort.
Oh pl67, I am so sorry you are going through this. More prayers coming your way.
Thank you, Madtowngirl.
My heart goes out to you. I have an elderly friend whoās going thru what your mom is, and her daughter is also my friend and going thru her own stress, so I understand both sides of that pain. Prayers and hugs for you both. ššš¤š¤
Thank you Laila. My prayers to your friend and her mom. It is very tough.
You are in an extremely stressful situation. If it helps you to know that a stranger has you in their thoughts, please know that you and your mom are in my peayers.
Thank you, Sistine!
Sending you a big big hug, pl67! I hope the upcoming week goes smoothly for both you and your mom.
Thank you, Tulipani. I hope so too.
I had noticed your absence and was wondering how things were for you. Sorry to hear about your Mom. Going from job to hospital to job is incredibly hard. Hugs.
Thank you, Jalapeno. It is indeed incredibly hard!
Hugs, pl67. I was wondering about you and your mom since you haven’t been around much, best wishes for you both.
Thank you, Ringthing!
Big hugs to you. I hope your mom is discharged soon!
Thank you Hajusuuri!
Sending prayers for you and your mom.
Thank you, Cazaubon!
I hope you have been wearing some of your relaxing/destressing perfumes as well M!
Sending hugs and good vibes to you and your Mom.That’s a tough one,seeing a parent be unwell and aging.Lots of love!J.
š¹š¹š¤š¤ā£ļø
Thank you, J B! I have not been wearing any perfumes because I don’t want to make any sad associations to them right now. I have only been applying a couple of lavender essential oil drops in my wrists for comfort.
Good idea with the lavender.š¤š¹
That sounds like an incredibly stressful week. I hope your mom is able to be discharged soon.
I hope so too, but it looks like hospital stays are going to be more often from now on as her illness progresses.
I wanted to say I admire you for what you’re doing-I did it for years and while it wasn’t easy it was rewarding. Try to take care of yourself, and try to stay hydrated-it’s easy to get even more overwhelmed if you forget to eat or drink. Take care, and sending good wishes for the health of the people around you š
Thank you for your kind words and good wishes Carole. There are days when I don’t even have time to eat or I just feel too tired to do it. I definitely need to take better care of myself.
So sorry to hear about your mother. Be sure you take care of yourself too. Hugs and prayers coming your way.
Thank you, Kris!
Holding you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers every day pl67.
Thank you, Lillyjo!
Sending you big hugs and love, PL67. That is a such a tough and stressful schedule. Hope your mom is discharged soon and you are able to get more rest and some peace.
Thank you, She-ra!
Ahhh. So sorry for this ordeal for both you and your mom. Praying for both of you. Wish everyone here could bundle up our extra energy and shoot it your way.
Thank you, LizzyB! I am sure all your well wishes, prayers, and positive energy are reaching us. I hope things will get better soon.
I too hope your Mother can get home soon. I am glad you can be with her in spite of double duty. I had a similar time with my parents and even though they did not expect me to stay we all knew it made us all feel better. Good pick on SL LāEau Froide. I tried it because Victoria at BdJ liked it, and I was very surprised how it won me over. Just the first moment makes me think ānopeā and then Iām all āwait!ā this is getting good-Iām going along for the ride.
Thank you, MossyBerry!
Eau Froide was love at first sniff for me. A very unusual scent. It smells so cold and mineral on me, and that makes it very soothing and relaxing. That’s a scent that I need to have in my collection forever. Hopefully, my full bottle will last me for a very long time.
Oh my. Very glad she is getting well enough to hopefully be discharged next week, that sounds like an ordeal for both of you.
I apologize if you’ve already explained and I’ve forgotten…does your mom live on her own? Or in a retirement community, or ?
Mom lives with me, but she has an aide who stays with her everyday while I am not home and a nurse who comes home 3 times a week. The nights are not easy, but still manageable, but I don’t know for how long.
Thanks, I did know that at some point but I no longer have the world’s best memory š
I’ll have to have a think about all the categories, but I definitely think of chypres as no-nonsense perfumes.
Thank you for the kind thoughts about the cyclone here, I’m finally catching up on comments from a few days ago.
My beloved’s mother and sister are fine, but some of his cousins have lost everything. They were in Australia and have nothing left but the clothes they took with them and the car they left at the airport. Their house sitter was rescued from the roof.
How terrible! Rooftop rescues are so frightening–I’ve seen these on the news in some of our bad Houston floods and it must be such a scary experience. I hope there’s some agencies there that will help out?
Iām so sorry for all those whoāve lost so much; Iāve seen it on the news and it was devastating. I hope they will get the help they need.
Wow, so sorry to hear about the devastating losses!
Yikes. Hope that things dry out VERY soon there!
Oh my goodness! Glad everyone is safe, including the housesitter, but that’s pretty harrowing.
Oh, so sad. So sorry your family is going through this. Prayers to all of you.
Glad they are safe but so sorry for the devastation and dealing with the terrible losses.
Oh my goodness. So glad the house sitter was rescued, at least.
What fun, a poll
1. no-brainer Shalimar Philtre
2. fun AS Saturday
3. romantic AnaĆÆs AnaĆÆs
4. relaxing Liz Earle Essence No 1
5. I mean business vintage Hermes CalĆØche
We are “Fun” scent twins!
Oh great, twins! I won my travel spray of Saturday here on NST and it’s how I got to know it because AS scents are not available in the UK.
Agree on the easy and uplifting qualities of Philtre. I wish Iād nabbed it at the discounters but even at full price itās a joy.
Yes, would not have thought of Caleche but it’s perfect.
1. Go-to: Elixir des Merveilles or Azemour les Oranges
2. Fun: Fils de Dieu
3. Romantic: Amoureuse or Grand Soir
4. Relaxing: Tam Dao or Hanae Mori Butterfly
5. I-mean-business: Tyrannosaurus rex (I really DO mean business!)
š We both posted at the same time; I looked up and then saw we both have the same Go To!
How interesting–most people prefer the regular one not the Elixir. You must have excellent taste, ha ha!
The original Eau Des Merveilles is my favorite, next favorite is the Elixir, which is what I switch to in winter – thatās why I said āat the moment.āš
At this moment:
1. No brainer: Hermes Elixir Des Merveilles
2. Fun: Dame Perfumery Chocolate Man
3. Romantic: YSL Nu
4. Relaxing: Barbara Bui Le Parfum
5. I Mean Business: Balmain Jolie Madame
Itās a glorious š day here and Iām filled with an energy thatās been missing lately. Off to catch up on miscellaneous chores – everythingās easier with sunshine streaming thru the šŖ!
Yes, sunshine makes all the difference! It was sunny here too.š
Laila, thank you for the virtual hugs yesterday!
Hmm let’s see. I would definitely give different answers in the summer, I know that!
1. No brainer: for winter that’s usually ambers. Let’s say Kilian Amber Oud if I have to pick one.
2. Fun: somehow I associate summer scents with ‘fun’ more than winter. But for winter I’ll pick ELdO Noel au Balcon. I guess quiet cozy fun is how I think of winter fun.
3. Romantic: hmm. I wore J’Adore L’absolu on Valentine’s Day, so I guess that’s my pick. Love me some J’Adore. Funny how it strikes me as more classic and less current as time goes by.
4. Relaxing/de-stressing: incense, or vanilla, or both: Xinu Copala. I was a committed vanilla-phobe for a long time, but I’m coming around.
5. I-Mean-Business: well I’m retired now so No Business! Yay!
Nice sunny warm-ish day here, but we have snow in the forecast for days starting Tuesday. Yes snow, here in the SF Bay area (up at my altitude anyway). Should be interesting.
I definitely think J’Adore is moving into “classic” territory.
I really like your pick for #2 here and agree with that!
Totally agree on no. 4.
Always hard to choose just one!
1. no-brainer: vintage Ivoire
2. fun perfume: They’re all fun!
3. romantic perfume: Shaliamr
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? Shalimar š
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? Also Ivoire… is that weird?
I love Ivoire. Got a vintage mini for a good price when first falling down the rabbit hole. Iāve often thought that, had I sniffed more vintage scents before deciding I was MOSSYBerry, I might have been GalbanumBerry šø.
SOTD = Slumberhouse Jeke
Got a compliment today with this resinous smokey incense patchouli. So good.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co0fRclOA3z/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
On to the poll:
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume – Chanel No. 19 EDP
2. fun perfume? – This one is harder. I will pick Love, donāt be shy Extreme by Kilian.
3. romantic perfume? – Guerlain Shalimar (doesnāt matter which one because they are all excellent)
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? – Stress? What stress?
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? – Chanel No.19 EDP
Ooooo Jeke sounds good and how nice to get a compliment. You just reminded me I have a sample – will try it very soon.
Don’t hear much about Slumberhouse here anymore. Are they still around?
I was sure you would have selected LāEau for #1. Guess I was wrong š
Without overthinking, here are my answers:
1. no-brainer: Chanel Boy
2. fun perfume: Bombay Bling or Jungle l’Elephant, both with so many fun notes and not taking it too seriously
3. romantic perfume: something with rose for sure. I used to find Ce Soir ou Jamais incredibly romantic, I haven’t tried my bottle in over a decade and I’m scared it’s turned. Nowadays, maybe Encens Mythique or PoaL.
4. relaxing perfume: Bvlgari Au ThƩ Bleu, Bois des Iles
5. I-Mean-Business perfume? Aromatics Elixir
Great choices!
Was surprised to see Bois des Iles as relaxing, but maybe it is, I have to think about it. Or for me, it is on the relaxing end of meaning business, ha…
1. No brainer/Go To perfume: Clinique Wrappings and No. 5 L’Eau.
2. Fun perfume: Byredo Pulp, Arielle Shoshana Saturday, and Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser.
3. Romantic perfume: L’Agent by Agent Provocateur. Samsara EdP in the red bottle.
4. Relaxing and/or destressing perfume: incense (AG Encens Flamboyant) and patchouli ( Reminiscence Patchouli).
5. “I mean business!” aka “GET ‘er done!”: No 19 EdT, and Bottega Veneta.
Any and all answers are subject to changes in the seasons or my mood. šš¤£š¤£š¤£
I did a little constructive demolition on one of the cats’ litterboxes the other day. It occurred to me that maybe Spooky was having trouble getting in and out of it. Both are covered. The late Pixel kitty had a nasty habit of punting her poops onto the wall. So now there is a much bigger door for her to use. Let’s see how that works!
SOTD = Guerlain Rose Cherie, from the Sample Stash. Back to roses. But this one might be better in warmer weather.
I have a perfume friend who says I *need* Reminiscence Patchouli. I have Nicolai Patchouli Intense, Les Nereides Patchouli Antique, TF White Patchouli, a decant of Montale Patchouli Leaves and some patch oils. Love the stuff! I would like to hear your thoughts about the Reminiscence and if you have tried any of the perfumes I listed, do I still need Reminiscence? It’s a good price online.
The Rem Patchouli is one of the best that I have tried. I’d go so far as to say that it is a reference patch for me.
I will say that I have not sniffed most of the ones that you have. I did *not* like TF White Patchouli when I had the chance to smell it, which was quite the surprise to me.
Aurora is also a patchouli fan, so maybe she will see this and chime in.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, it helps a lot, esp with the reasonable price of Rem. š
I like Rem Patchouli but donāt consider it a must have. Personally I prefer Loree Rodkin Gothic II, Patchouli Leaves and Ummagumma.
Thanks cazaubon.
Oh hey, I just got my bottle of Patchouli Nobile by Nobile 1942 so I can send you my sample! I’ll send you an email in the next few days to confirm your mailing info and see if there’s anything else I can send ya.
Pretty sure I don’t have that one in The Sample Stash. Thank you!
Of course I love your #1 and #2. I have yet to try #3, but need to. I know you love that one!
Unfortunately, L’Agent seems to be made from Unobtainium now. I can’t find it anywhere.
But Samsara in the red bottle is still around on Evil Bay.
Love your list,bEncens Flamboyant is a great pick, so beautiful and indeed relaxing.
We have a lot of overlap on perfume likes and loves, don’t we?
Iām wearing Eau Mu Soul with a dash of Tobacolor since I was decanting today.
My go-to lately has been Eau My Soul, been craving boozy smells. Fun perfume is Profumum Vanitas, itās such an over the top sweet vanilla. Romantic choice would be Bengale Rouge. Destress is vanilla or incense. Business would be Onda or Gold.
Eau My Soul does sound wonderful.
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume: Infusion d’Iris Absolue, Shalimar, Vetiverissimo
2. fun perfume: most gourmands or jammy roses like Rose Jam or Solstice Scents Rose Mallow Cream
3. romantic perfume: the wood pudding of Organza Indecence, always a winner with my partner
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume: lavenders like Jicky or Gris Clair
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume: Cuir de Russie, No 19, Le Lion – seems like certain Chanels are perfect for this
So far today I’ve just worn a bit of DSH Balls…Said the Queen, which I thought would be a funny and unfortunately named perfume to get asked about hehe. Made it to a miniature cakes pop up shop at the coffee shop inside our large neighborhood bookstore. Bought a few books and will happily be eating a campfire cake tonight (s’mores) and some honey lavendar cake tomorrow. Not sure yet what my SOTN will be. Maybe reading through comments will inspire me.
Snickering a bit about the name of that DSH perfume!
*thoughts on the upcoming community project!*
I’ve always been fascinated by the Steampunk aesthetic,the fashion,the principles and the merge of two seemingly clashing worlds.Steampunk as an idea is so wide and varied and you can find inspiration and examples anywhere from Victoriana to present day.My reference framework is something like this:
Perfume houses to consider:ELDO,Unum,Penhaligons(from a victorian romantic perspective),Kerosene,Comme de GarƧons,Slumberhouse,Mugler,even Guerlian!
Movies:Metropolis(always a fun watch,I’m in awe),Back to the future(yess!),Midnight Express(I mean),Blade Runner,Alien.
Music:Andreas Vollenweider,Mike Oldfield(Tubular bells),Emily Jane White
My 5 scents of inspo for the cp!
XO’sš¹
Thanks J B!š
Very helpful šŖ
Good ideas-Penhaliganās!-looking forward to this CP.
This helps, a lot.
So fun
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume?
Boy CHANEL
2. fun perfume?
Amor Amor Cacharel
3. romantic perfume?
Shalimar Guerlain/Rahele Neela Vermeire Creations
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume?
Monsieur Li HermĆØs
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume?
Jaipur PH Boucheron
Boy is getting a lot of love here! Iāll have to check it out.
I agree with Portia – So Fun!
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume?
Coco EdT (as of late)
2. fun perfume?
SL TubƩreuse Criminelle
3. romantic perfume?
FM Portrait of a Lady
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume?
IUNX Talc
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume?
Apoteke Tepe The Holy Mountain
I certainly agree with #3š
šš¹
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume
Bombay Radio at the moment
2. fun
Baiser Fou, Ambra di Venezia
3. romantic
Cuir d’Ange, Coco Noir, Loewe 001 Women, Bruno Acampora Musc Oil
4. relaxing
White Smoke Perfumer H
5. I-Mean-Business
Vetiver Pour Elle
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume? Chanel Boy
2. fun perfume? Vintage Givenchy III
3. romantic perfume? Madonna Truth or Dare
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? SL Encens et Lavande
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? Chanel Bois des Iles extrait
1. Narciso White Cube
2. Orange Sanguine
3. Organza
4. Eau de Soliel Blanc
5. Anything Chanel.
Hope that you have a BUB of White Cube!
I almost put White Cube for #1 also. If I was taking the poll today, I would.
Iām channeling summer in SSS Yin & Ylang because itās another grey and damp day here.
A couple of very restless nights trying to get used to the new bed which is quite firm. Iām usually a fan of this type of mattress but I aggravated an old shoulder injury during all this moving from van to camper, packing and unpacking, toting garbage to the dumpster, etc., etc. Itās the side I usually sleep on. Of course. š
Then, my propane alarm randomly went off in the middle of the night last night and I have no idea why. I couldnāt get it to stop so I had to shut the entire camper down. Iāve never had to deal with any type of propane before, other than the small one pound canisters, so Iām extra cautious and didnāt even turn the propane on until 2 days ago. I have a separate hand held battery operated volatile gas detector (as mentioned, Iām extra cautious!) and tested all around the stove, fridge, and outer propane storage and not a peep on the alarm. Nothing even down by the installed camper propane alarm. Iām still clueless. Turned the power to the camper back on this morning and Iāve got the green light and no alarmā¦this is the kind of stuff that makes me worryā¦ Hoping for a non-combustible day! Smell well, yāall! š
Here’s an odd coincidence for you: I heard another smoke alarm beeping away, non-stop, in the garbage Dumpster this weekend.
I do hope the people bought a replacement for that before it got chucked!
Wearing Scents of Wood Vanilla in Bourbon right now, but I think Iām going to add a splash of Bois dāArmĆ©nie for extra oomph.
Question for you please as you are an experienced overseas buyer. š
If I buy perfume from the UK are there any import taxes if I keep the order under $800 USD?
Are there import taxes if I order from France if I keep it under $800 USD as well?
I was going to email you but who knows how many other fragrance lovers are pondering these very same questions today. š ehaeheh
Actually I have received orders up to $2500 duty free, so I wouldnāt worry about $800.
Thank you!!! And does the shipping country matter at all then pls?
Personally I have only ordered from the UK and Germany, but I donāt believe the exporting country makes a difference.
1. no-brainer / go-to perfume? Shalimar Tonka for this past winter
2. fun perfume? L’Interdit or one of the flankers
3. romantic perfume? anything w/ jasmine
4. relaxing / de-stressing perfume? anything w/ vanilla which is the lion’s share of my collection š¦
5. I-Mean-Business (whatever that means to you!) perfume? vintage Coco
I am still patiently waiting for Presidents’ Day sales.š If sales do not appear, I may buy samples sitting in my Luckyscent cart. You were all warned.š
Letās seeā¦
No brainer: probably Fiori di Capri, Twilly or Shalimar Eau de Cologne because theyāre all easy going.
Fun: Old Spice Amber body spray.
Romantic: Hmmmā¦. Probably Cuir de LancĆ“me or Narciso white cube.
Relaxing: Angel Muse or Shalimar Tonka
I mean business: Chanel No. 19 or Allure EdP
Visited Office Max/Depot yesterday and sat in a bunch of chairs. I had brought screen shots of the ones I noticed online. One of them fit the bill nicely from a comfort and price standpoint. Almost got a desk, but decided to wait on that. Now I have to put the chair togetherā¦oh wellā¦
Saint Julep would also qualify under the fun categoryā¦.
Interesting, your thought on Allure edp. Iād first think easy reach and de-stressing categories but since you mention it, I agree it means business because It made me *love* it at first sniff in the easy reach and de-stressing way š§šŗ
Interesting. I think I put it there because Allure, to me, is classic and an adult, elegant scent.
Hi everyone!
No brainer go to: Apres l’Ondee
Fun: DSH Passport a Paris
Romantic: Musc Ravaguer, Coromandel, Donna Karan original, Agent Provocateur, Carnal Flower
Relaxing: anything with Iris – Volutes, Iris Poudre, TDC Bois d’Iris
I mean business: No. 19, Portrait of a Lady
SOTD: a couple of days late with CP scent, Tom Ford’s Fleur de Chine. Such a well blended scent with plum, tea, magnolia, and soft woods. I’m eyeing a silk caftan online as I snorfle my wrist!
No brainer – Parisian Musc by Matiere Premiere
Fun – Klito by Mirko Buffini or Ki by Mirko Buffini
Romantic – Fils de Joie by Serge Lutens or Ylang Ylang by E Coudray
Provocateur – Non Dire No by DFG 1924 (can also be I mean business)
Relaxing – OR/18 by A.N. Other (can also be the no brainer)
I mean business – La Panthere (original EDP) by Cartier – can also be Lipstick Fever by JHAG – all depends on the age of the crowd I need to boss around.
Hi 2LipsinHolland! Just wanted to say welcome, and hope you will join in again š
Thank you! I have been lurking on Now Smell This and enjoying this site for many years and finally decided to join in!
Oh good, the more the merrier! Everyone here is very nice, do join in on a daily scent of the day poll.
My list has changed as I’ve read through the comments and copied ideas from other NSTers š
1 Go-to: Lubin Grisette, Bottega Venetta, Carthusia Mediterraneo
2. Fun: Pulp, CdG Sherbet Mint
3. Romantic: TF Black Orchid
4. Relaxing: Lubin Sinbad, Zara Magnificently Dubai
5. I Mean Business: No. 19 EdT (for work); Abaton Fior di Chinotto (for non-work)
1. no-brainer / go-to: California Reverie – Van Cleef & Arpels
2. fun: Forest Lungs – The Nue Company
3. romantic: any of the vanilla-forward Shalimar flankers
4. relaxing / de-stressing: all versions of Chanel No 5 & also Aura Sublime
5. I-Mean-Business: Santa Sangre by Bortnikoff & Le Lion de Chanel