March is halfway over and the swapmeet is open for business. It’s also Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, and the equinox is coming up on Thursday.
We're marking all the occasions with our usual open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, your favorite perfume for spring cleaning, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Crocus [cropped and background extended] by Sergey Urzhumskov at flickr; some rights reserved.
Gres Cabotine
You smell like Spring!
I am trying LOL. Even though it’s cloudy and cold today
Oh and I keep meaning to ask you, what are your favorite lilac fragrances? Which ones do you not like? I might do a week of lilacs soon.
I actually don’t know most lilac perfume but love the flower.
I always thought Liz Clabourne Vivid was lilac but it’s not listed. I think the Pacifica Lilac is very good.
Also the original Gucci Guilty line.
Yes the Pacifica one is most realistic to my nose. My daughter loves that one!!!
Bath and Bodyworks has a new fresh cut lilacs line. I really want to try it but it’s only available online. I hope it comes to the stores eventually.
That would be great!!
Iris Poudre. Happy SwapMeet Saturday NST!
On a cold, clear, after the rain day, I’m going to amble through a nearby park by stopping to smell every budding flower area.
Excited to witness my first swap meet!
Feel free to jump in, LesLiesse. It’s a great way to try new scents and say farewell to those you’re no longer enchanted with!
Oh DeniseH thanks for encouragement, but it’s rather intimidating for a n00b. I’m trying to familiarize myself with all the new scents as well as lines. It’s like a foreign language. Then there’s the guidelines to master as well. I’m happy to watch. Plus I just sent off my first fragrance gift, to lillyjo, paying Kris’s and Daniel’s generosity forward. I am making progress!
Well, you certainly smell good!
Thanks to a lovely, generous person – Y-O-U !
Do look at the swapmeet. There are people that are offering freebies too.
Will do. Question: who is Kevin I see referenced?
Kevin did a review on a candle yesterday. Robin has certain people like Kevin, Jessica and others that review fragrances on here from time to time. Others would know on here, but not sure if they also have their own perfume blogs or are perfume “experts” or what the connection is with Robin. Hey! Let’s have her answer.
We used to have lots of reviews here, daily or almost daily. The last group writing was me, Angela, Jessica and Kevin.
We pretty much stopped having regular reviews in the late 2010s/early 2020s. Jessica still writes a review 6 or so times a year. I have written virtually nothing. Kevin stopped writing regularly in 2021, but wrote a few reviews in 2023 and wrote 2 reviews this month, sort of out of the blue.
Thank you Robin!
You smell lovely!
Thank you mals! I certainly feel lovely when I use fragrance. It really lifts my spirits!
Happy weekend NST Peeps! For all those participating in the swap meet, I hope you find your hearts desire. 💞
The wind died down yesterday afternoon so I made it to the post office to pick up my goodies. Today, happily immersed in non-windy weather, I’m wearing Astier de Villatte Ambre Liquide which Kevin just reviewed here a week or two ago. I bought a 10 ml bottle of that one and Delhi based on comments from NST folks whose sniffer I trust and admire. Both were blind buys, which I rarely do these days, and both are winners! So, a successful and happy purchase that didn’t break the bank. I also love the bottles which are same shape as the larger ones but a bit more squat. The caps are substantial and the bottles reminds me of an old apothecary type bottles, so I love the whole vibe including the cute little boxes they came in that make storing them super easy. I know the candles were also mentioned but they’re a bit steep for me. Has anyone tried their incense sticks? I may have to take one for the team and try them out so I can report back to you all. 😉
I think I am getting your wind today. Enjoy your new goodies!
Thanks, and sorry for the wind! It wasn’t terribly cold here yesterday but that wind just cut me in half like a machete. I hope it’s fleeting at your place and moves east quickly! Look out all you folks in the eastern US… 🌬️
Oh yay, so glad you like them both. I am still pissed I did not buy Grand Chalet when it was still easily found in small sizes.
I gave Kevin some incense sticks a bit back and he did review them:
https://nstperfume.com/2021/05/17/hot-humid-astier-de-villatte-tucson-incense-arquiste-nocturnal-green-candle-home-fragrance-reviews/
That’s kind of crazy they don’t offer that one in 10ml as well. It’s the perfect size, IMO. I wonder what the rationale behind that is..? Thanks for the link, I’m off to check it out!
They did have it in 10 and 30 ml, I think? But they don’t seem to restock the tiny sizes much if at all, maybe they just do them once as “intro” sizes, I don’t know, and also few of the US retailers bring in the small sizes.
Robin, I know you’re unlikely to take me up on it, but I would love to give you a hefty decant of Grand Chalet. What am I going to do with 120mls if you don’t help me??? Drown. Help!
In the land of geeee male le slic orth ell
oops – 150mls!!!!!
Allo, I have a decant but you are so sweet to offer!! So my wishing I’d bought a bottle is not because I don’t have any 🙂
I haven’t tried anything from Astier de Villatte, but the brand is rapidly making its way to the top of the list of things I need to try.
Explore at your peril (or at least your pocketbook’s peril)!
They sell it at Tessuti in Auckland
Am burning some Hollywood incense, in the amusingly sinister smoking-cat burner.
I love that cat! 😻
Happy weekend!
Sotd is Sticky Dates. I love it and it ranks top from all my Lush body sprays.
Has anybody tried the new Lush Mossy Bottom? I am very intigued and my store still hasn’t got it. What I have tried though is Mr. Wallet. It’s a really good one! Sweet (but not too much!), comforting peppermint candy.
Scent for spring cleaning? I don’t think I wear a specific scent for chores but if I do, it’ll probably be Amouage Dia 40. Soapy aldehyde galore. Gorgeous stuff and smells clean and fresh. Definitely motivational.
I used a bit of Sticky Dates shower gel this morning (mixed with Sunrise) but I guess we are not quite twins 🙂
I used Sticky Dates shower gel too😉
Twins!
I’ll take us being sisters!
🙂
When I wore the (to my nose) unisex Kenzo Jungle Homme earlier this week, Robin reminded me that L’Elephant was equally versatile in the gender department. And that’s what I’m wearing this morning. Loving the spiciness of it on this chilly morning.
Great cold weather scent, Daniel.
🐘🐘🐘
Love the elephants!
L’Elephant ages beautifully in situ. You will be smelling great years from now!
L’Elephant never forgets!
Hi everyone, happy swap day if you are playing along. I am pretty much ok with my collection so chose not to swap today but I am already thinking of changing my mind lol.
I’m in green scent mode still with vintage No. 19.
Hi ringthing. Are you getting this crazy wind today?
Definitely! I saw a tall stack of plastic bread trays on a dolly careen across the Kroger parking lot where a pothole at the entrance caused it to topple and blow around everywhere, and there’s a thick haze in the air. Do you have to work tonight, lillyjo?
No thank goodness. I’m picking up my son from work right now then staying home. I just got an alert saying my city has the worst air quality in the U.S today due to all the dust blowing around. The sky is gray and yellow .
I’m glad you can stay put. Take care of yourself.
Almost twins! I’m in No. 19 edp, which my daughter brought me from the Duty Free in the Rome airport several years ago.
SOTD is Indochine. I love this scent!
Rain and snow yesterday, but not enough to amount to anything. A little slippery driving around this morning, but it will warm up again. It’s almost spring!
Kris, I will join you in Indochine today.
We smell great!
Yes, we do!
You smell fabulous, Indochine is lovely.
I think so too and thank you 💕
Almost spring! That’s a beautiful thought Kris!
Still cold this morning so I’m finishing up a decant of AG Myrrh Ardente from a generous swapper which is quite warming and delicious and cozy and all the good adjectives. Definitely need a bottle of this. Good luck to me as it’s d/c I’m pretty sure.
Very good luck to you!
Hope you find your Perfume Unicorn! 🦄
I saw the new Steven Soderbergh movie Black Bag yesterday- which I found incredibly dull and pointless. But Cate Blanchett’s character has a desk littered with perfume bottles and doused herself with a Penhaligon perfume ( one of the ones with a cap like a mounted head, which was how I felt after watching it). Today looks like it will be sunny and bright so I’ll wear Interlude. I’m reading a really good novel called The South by Malaysian author Tash Aw. I’ll find a review and add it. If you liked House of Doors etc. you might also like this.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/13/the-south-by-tash-aw-review-an-intimate-epic-begins?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Review of The South
Fancy spies wearing Penhaligon’s Portraits? That is disappointing right there. Trailer was not enthralling either.
Even the best actresses can’t save a dull film! I like her, so thanks for the warning that the film is lacking.
It’s had some excellent reviews so you might like it.
Sotd Perris Montecarlo Mimosa Tanneron. My favorite mimosa scent. It is so beautiful, I am considering to get a BUB.
I placed a new order of Jaisalmer from Ministry of Scent and I hope it arrives safe and sound next week. I am waiting now for my credit card company to get my refund from LuckyScent, after I disputed the charges.
Cold and grey day here. I will have dinner with my sister tonight before she goes on a long business trip. I hope it all goes well for her.
Happy weekend! 🌻
I hope you get the new bottle and the credit on the other one.
Good luck to your sister on her business trip!
Thank you, Lillyjo!
Happy weekend to you, pl67 🌹
Thank you, Ringthing! 🌻
LuckyScent is pretty good about fixing things that go wrong, in my experience. Hope it gets sorted.
Fingers crossed that you get your bottle of Jaisalmer!
🤞🏻
Good morning! My clothes are wafting last night’s Narcisse Noir, it is a beautiful perfume, I bought a bottle back in 2010 – it’s hard to quite comprehend that’s 15 years ago!!!
We’re heading out shortly for the supermarket, I’ll add some elegance to the experience with Bois des Iles 🙂 .
I was just reading Laundry Loves, and in the chapter on fancy clothing they say something like “No big evening for your beautiful cocktail dress? Wear it grocery shopping!” I think many of this understand from a perfume point of view
I am wearing Messe de Minuit but it is not pleasing me today, so I might wash it off and put something else on. Maybe something light and fruity, I am feeling tired, sore, and cranky.
Something cheering/soothing is in order, perhaps with a nice cup of tea…?
Tired, sore and cranky! Been there, done that! Hope you find a scent to smooth out your day!
Did you ever find a better perfume match?
Doing a sniff TF sniff-off of Tuscan Leather and Lost Cherry. I was thinking both were in the pipe-tobacco neighbourhood, and it turns out I really like the former. That’s good, as I still have half a bottle of that, and just a couple of ml left of the latter’s travel spray.
If you like the tobacco smoke vibe and want some of that cherry goodness, try TF Cherry Smoke 🙂
SheriG I saw your comment about Private Collection earlier this week, if you’d like to try some, pls email me at Ladenisa(dawt, as in period)hamilton at the geeemale and I can send you some.
So kind! I would indeed, and will email you shortly. Thank you!
Shalimar MI today.
Made a white bean and vegetable soup; it will be good for dinner since it’s cool out today. We got more snow overnight but it’s now starting to rain.
You smell good and I bet the soup does too. Yummy!
Thanks Kris! I just sampled the soup; it’s pretty good. It has a little kick too from the Rotel.
Oh, that sounds really good!
Rotel works its little magic again! One of my go-to cooking secrets!
Got a recipe for that soup? It sounds yummy!
I’m sampling a perfume by Octavia Morgan called Dark Rose. It’s definitely dark and sultry. I’ve been going crazy trying to figure out what it reminds me of. It’s rose/patchouli so maybe it’s just the general smell that is familiar.
I was getting together perfumes I want to swap and my daughter says ” hey what are you doing with my perfume?!” ( I store my limbo perfumes in her room) she then says ” put them back Mom, that’s my private property!” Lol.
I put them back for today anyway.
Ha!!! Love your daughter 🩷🩷
🤣🤣🤣
You may have “lost” those perfumes to your daughter!
Quiet day for me, as the family has gone snowboarding. Snow sports are not for me, but I was happy to wake up at 5am to make them breakfast and send them on their way! I then had a leisurely trip to the farmers market. Sad to see that it’s the last weekend of the season for my apple stand, so I stocked up.
Thanks to all who replied to my comment yesterday about not knowing what hyacinth smells like and greatly increased my knowledge! I’m more curious than ever and will keep my eye out for them at a nursery or even Trader Joe’s… seems like they have sold hyacinth bunches in past years!
Has anyone tried the new Prada infusion de rhubarbe?
https://youtu.be/2VomCj_man0?feature=shared
I haven’t tried it but this is a nice video review.
Thanks for the video link! The fragrance brought such a smile to her face, I’m definitely going to seek out a sniff.
Natori
Lovely stuff, with a bottle to match!
Going to be Mon Precieux Nectar after my shower. We had lots of wind yesterday but no big problems. The devastation in the south is heartbreaking. Today I continue the great decluttering of 2025! I am such a pack-rat, but I just can’t take it any more…
We are expecting wind & weather tonight…fingers crossed.
Woke up in Delhi today and it was lovely! Will up my game in a bit with another spritz. This is absolutely lovely stuff! Voluptuous, transportive, immersive, and dare I say a little bit magic? Very happy with both perfumes. 🥰
Saw your new fragrances on your instagram reel and was so happy for you! I’m glad to hear you’re loving them.
Thanks! I think I will be doing some more exploring of this house. I love the whole idea of going back into history to bring ancient perfume styles to life.
Also, hear quite a good review of the house and a few of their offerings. Cheers!
https://youtu.be/-hwUnOWFf4o?si=tkELIv6Su8LXWBQm
Here*
Thanks for the link, I’ll give it a watch. And yes, I definitely want to explore these fragrances, they seem well done and the bottles lovely!
Glad that your blind buys worked out so well!
Having a particularly fun Swapmeet, making great connections with kind and knowledgeable NSTers. What the world (and my world) need now💕
I’ll be wafting whatever I’m decanting today. And maybe Norell because of the hyacinth note and how beautiful it is.
So glad swapmeet is fun!!
I’ve been wearing 24, Faubourg this weekend to cap off hyacinth week, and while I can’t really discern the hyacinth note in it, I do love it — makes me think of spring.
Perfect then…
Happy St Patrick’s Day all. It’s been forever since I’ve logged on. I became pretty anosmic after COVID or its vaccine (who knows?) so backed away from all things scented. After more than two years, however, I think I might be getting a bit more back. I had such a disappointing experience at Scent Bar in Dec 2023 where I literally couldn’t smell anything – not even LADDM! I used a gift certificate to just buy something for my husband.
So,I haven’t kept up. 😒 Thankful that some of my favorites still resonate. SSS Jour Ensolleile, Chanel No. 19, Allure, Shalimar, Kiss Me Intense and today…Gabrielle Essence. There’s no rhyme or reason, Hajusuuri put up Ostara as a SOTD the other day, so I have to pull that out soon. Wet daffodils.
May not be ready for it yet, though. After a number of days in the 40s and yesterday getting almost to 60, I woke up to a dusting of snow and 29 degrees and windy. Sigh. This will likely continue for another month. Alternating Winter with the Spring of Deception.
Enjoy the Swapmeet!
Hello and nice to see you back! Sorry to hear about your lack of smell for so long. SSS JE is one of my favorites and a powerhouse
Hello hello! Wow, two years is quite awhile to have your sense of smell dampened…. were you pretty bummed the whole time or did it get to a point where you gave it less thought? I’m so glad to hear it’s coming back!
Welcome back LizzieB!
Good to see you!
Nice to see you, LizzieB!😊
Nice to see you LizzieB!
Hey LizzieB, so nice to see you!! And so glad you are getting your smell back, what a long wait.
Glad to see you back, LizzieB!
Welcome back LizzieB! But sorry to hear about your bout with anosmia.
Hey, NST, happy Sunday/Monday! I rushed out the door this morning and so am commando (will remedy that soon; it’s warm and rainy outside, chilly here in the house, so maybe a last seasonal hurrah of a wintry heavy hitter).
Looking for some perfume-shopping advice: I’m traveling for work in early April and will have about half a day on my own in Stockholm and a full day in Copenhagen. In Stockholm I’ll be in Östermalm. Not sure yet about Copenhagen. Any not-to-be missed perfume shops or good counters in department stores? I’m open to other suggestions of things to do/see — especially relating to design in Denmark and textiles in Sweden.
Hope someone else will have some advice, I just wish I could join you 🙂
Crime Passionnel in Copenhagen. Shortish hours, open everyday except Sundays. Have fun!
Thank you! I should have a full Saturday available. I have yet to map out my itinerary for this free day but am looking forward to it.
We fortunately survived the Friday nite storms with just an overturned rain barrel, but we didn’t escape this morning’s snow ‘showers,’ we got a good inch or so. Hard to believe it was almost 80 degrees just a couple of days ago! But most of it’s melted by now, tomorrow it’s supposed to warm up a bit but the forecast for the official start of Spring on Thursday is sleet and snow again. Crazy!
So much for Spring fragrances! Today I needed something cozy and warm and Barbara Bui Le Parfum provides that amber/woody comfort with just a touch of incense; it’s a perfect skin scent. I can’t remember where I heard about this one but I’ve had it a long time and it was an inexpensive great buy. It’s a favorite yoga scent for me.
Have a nice night!⭐️🌕
An oldie but goodie…you smelled great today! Sorry about the weather. Sleet would really piss me off at this point….and it might still!
Sleet?!? Yuck. Hope that forecast is wrong!
Sunday Scent – Prada Infusions de Mimosa – redolent of a sun-dappled spring day! Generous gift from Daniel.
Yesterday afternoon, had my spring walk in the park to stop and smell the buds from recent rain. Alas, no scent wafting up….yet.
Had late night run to local ER at Cedars-Sinai here in LA after my widowed aunt took a header in her master bath. She’s safely ensconced with me for a few days of recuperation. Long, exhausting day. The Mimosa has uplifted me to make a good dinner. Hope everyone else’s weekend has been more rejuvenating than mine.
Oh gracious, glad she is ok and can stay with you!
Yes thank you Robin! It’s a blessing and a responsibility!
I hope your Aunt recovers quickly LesLiesse!
Thank you Lillyjo! At dr’s office now (and wafting Mimosa) with her.
Wishing your aunt a quick recovery!
Perfumelover67 we got an encouraging Dr report. Thank you!
How stressful!
You’re a good niece. I hope your aunt is quickly on the mend.
The dark purple bruising has been quite upsetting, but she’s upbeat at least.
Sounds like your aunt is in good hands, she’s lucky to have you! I hope you can get some rest yourself.
Only five hours last night, but ideally tonight will be better. Thank you!
Hope your aunt recovers well and maybe as she does you can relax, too, and have a nice visit together.
Laila, so true that we enjoy each other’s company. Corned beef and cabbage for dinner tonight (thanks to Mr Engineer’s culinary talents) for a wee’ celebration for St Patrick’s Day.! Thank you!
Best wishes for your Aunt’s recovery! And sending you thoughts of strength.
I need the strength! It’s been emotionally tiring as well as physically. Thank you!
So nice of you to take such good care of your aunt. Hope she recovers and you are able to get back to normal.
She’ll be staying with us until Thursday morning. Then she’s going to have physical therapy for an extended period. If you see the bruises you’d understand why I’m incredulous she didn’t break anything! Impressive strong bones!
It’s Monday, and it’s my birthday.
Normally, I would choose something fresh and bright as my birthday scent, but the cold weather—and some mild cold symptoms—made me crave warmth. So, I wrapped myself in the smoky sweetness of Shalimar.
Happy Birthday Glannys!
Thank you, lillyjo! I hope you have a great day.
Happy birthday 🎂🎊🎈🎁🎉
Happy Birthday, Glannys! You smell great!
Happy Birthday, Glannys!💐🎂 You smell divine (and cozy🥰)!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Glannys. You smell fantastic!
I hope you have a happy and peaceful birthday and that you get to treat yourself to something nice today
Happy Birthday, Glannys!
Happy Birthday to lovely and great-smelling Glannys!
Happy birthday, Glannys! You are smelling fabulous, and I hope you manage to fight off the cold.
Happy Birthday 🎉
Happy Birthday, Glannys! Sending you ☮️ and ❤️.
Happy Scented Birthday, Glannys! 🎉🎁🎊🎂🥂
Passing you a virtual bowl of hot chicken soup, too!
Happy Birthday wishes to you, Glannys! 🎂
Happy Birthday Glannys! Wishing you a beautiful next year of fragrance and friendship!
Thank you, everyone!❤🌻🌷
Happy belated birthday, Glannys! I hope it was a nice day for you.
Un Ete En Provence
Happy Monday NST!
I like the CP this week. Today I chose Les Nereides Patchouli Antique because it’s cold this morning and powdery patchouli sounded just right.
I have to find another caretaker for mom. The one she has is great when she shows up but her personal life life is so chaotic and I have had it up to “here”. She texted me 3x this weekend in the middle of the night with emergencies that prevented her from showing up. I’m interviewing agencies starting tomorrow. It would be so nice if people could just do their jobs! When I was working, I was expected to show up every day, isn’t that still how it works?
I don’t think it is how it works anymore unfortunately. At my work people don’t show up for the most ridiculous reasons. They will say they didn’t know they had to work that day when the schedule is now easily found on their phone.
I wish you luck finding a new caretaker.
Thanks, lillyjo. I am looking forward to talking to an agency. While we have had good individuals, an agency has back up, they can do the taxes and everything, so I don’t have to. It will cost more than what she’s paying now, but everything costs more. 🤷♀️
Oh no, I’m sorry for the troubles with your mom’s caretaker. Exactly correct, we were expected to show up everyday, ontime and do our job.
I hope you find someone suitable.
Thanks Gail.
Unfortunately, lillyjo is right. My brother has stories about people he works with calling out all the time.
Good luck finding someone who is good and reliable.
I guess it’s good they call, at least? Instead of not showing up, which I know happens too. It seems like it got way worse during the pandemic. My area is almost all manufacturing and the factories don’t drug test anymore because they need people too badly.
Somehow, a a tempered glass broke in some soapy water today and I gouged the palm of my hand because I didn’t see it or know that it was broken. Will be wearing no 5 edp today.
Currently ready the Leiberman papers series. It’s not a series for one on a diet with descriptions of coffee houses and desserts.
Ouch! I hope your hand isn’t too badly cut.
Oh Dawn, hope your cut isn’t too serious, that hurts!
Oh no! Did you have to get stitches?
Haven’t been to the hospital. Seems a little silly right now to head to the ER for a small gouge that probably doesn’t need stitches.
Good morning, it’s Tuesday here already! I’m wearing Caron’s Parfum Sacré.
And smelling wonderful!
With temps up to the mid-50’s and bright 🌞, the leftover snow is gone and I’m back in Spring mode wearing a very green & life energizing SOTD, the long d/c YR Ode à la Vie. Notes are galbanum, water bamboo, cyclamen, violet leaves, water lily, Virginia cedar, sandalwood, and musk. Just a few drops left in my bottle, and I will miss its galbanum punch when it’s gone.❤️
In addition to today’s honoring a much-revered Irish saint, my three 😻😻😻insisted I inform everyone that today is also St. Gertrude of Nivelles Day, honoring the famous French woman who is the Patron Saint of Cats. 😽😽😽
Be sure to celebrate 🥳!
Envious of your weather! It sounds lovely.
Mid 70’s today with all day sunshine, but I slept through most of it (or tried to). Wearing AdV Ambre Liquide which you’d think would be too much for warmer weather. Nope! While definitely being a lovely rounded amber, it has radiance and lightness to it that makes me think it will be perfectly wearable year round.
Horrible night at work which is probably why I didn’t sleep well. But, for the short period I did sleep, I had a wonderful dream about an old friend and woke with a smile and leaky eyes. 🥲 Ah, memories!
Your sotd sounds lovely. I hope your next shift is better.
I hope you are done there soon!
Late Monday Post:! Wore Prada Infusions de Mimosa again today. The sillage is insane! It’s after 8 pm and I can still smell it. We were at the dr’s today so I should have gone commando out of respect, but oopsie. I think if anyone caught a whiff, they would have loved it.
The fragrance was a balm against the stress and exhaustion.! I kept raising my wrist up to my mask, and I could get the scent through it.
Sounds beautiful!