So, the first of our perfume boxes is continuing its travels, and Kate is now ready to pass it along to another person. Below, Kate is including her sampling notes and the list of perfume samples in the box. So, if you are in the US and would like to participate, here is how you can do it.
How does it work: To enter, please answer these questions: 1) are you in the US? ; 2) do you agree to pass the box onto someone else (and share your sampling notes with the rest of us)? and 3) what perfume are you wearing today and why did you pick it? Bois de Jasmin is on its fall break next week, so the thread is going to be open till we return on Monday, November 24th. I will pick the next box recipient via a random number generator.
When a winner is ready to pass the box onto someone else, they should get in touch with me. Please include the list of samples and your sampling notes (what you’ve discovered, what you’ve liked/disliked, any observations you care to include).
Parfums DelRae–Coup de Foudre
Thierry Mugler–Angel
Annick Goutal–Ambre Fetiche
Bond no.9–The Scent of Peace
Chloe–Roses de Chloe
Santa Maria Novella–Eau Santa Maria Novella
Olfactive Studios-Flash Back
Aerin–Gardenia Rattan
Costume National–Scent Costume National
Dolce & Gabbana–Dolce
Calvin Klein–Endless Euphoria
L’Artisan Parfumeur–Explosion D’Emotions
Lancome–La vie est Belle
Parfums di Nicolai–Eau D’Ete
Burberry–Eau de Parfum
Amouage–Opus VII
Amouage–Opus II
Tom Ford–Velvet Orchid
Viktor & Rolf–Flowerbomb
Versace-Bright Crystal Absolu
Prada-Candy
Chloe-Eau de Parfum
Valentino-Valentina
Cartier-Eau de Cartier
Parfums de Nicolai-Patchouli Intense
M. Micallef-Couture de Denis Durand
by Kilian-Beyond Love
by Kilian-Amber Oud
Kate’s Sampling Notes
I took Amouage Gold Woman, Tom Ford Shanghai Lily, and (for a friend) Aerin Lilac Path. I put in M. Micallef Couture de Denis Durand, Olfactive Studios Flash Back and Knize Ten.
The box also includes a little notebook so that everyone can write down their impressions of the scents they try. Here are some of mine:
11/5 Amouage Gold Woman. I’ve always avoided Amouage because of their stupid “boy toys/girl toys” names. Anyone could wear this and it’s delightful. Kind of a sharp, stretched top that rounds out into a warm, mellow, gently spicy situation–it doesn’t smell old-fashioned but it smells old, like something old and special.
11/6 Parfums delRae Coup de Foudre. Big, spiky opening, then a very clean rose. Clean all the way down.
11/7 Amouage Opus VII. Green and bitter, a note like wood ash almost, at first. Bitterness and sweetness rise together. Some leather underneath? I don’t know what the sweetness is. The two notes seem very separate for a while, then gradually blend, tart without being sour. I loved this; my friend tried it and said it smelled like a “failed stew” on her, first cumin, then celery.
11/10 Tom Ford Shanghai Lily. Another stupid name, but I’m really into this one. It does smell like lilies; it smells like a room where there’s always lilies and always incense and always spices, and everything has soaked into the fabric.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
76 Comments
Connie: I’m in the US and definitely agree to pass along the box to the next person. I don’t have anything on yet but the remainder of By Kilian Intoxicated from last night. November 14, 2014 at 8:36am
WJ: What a gorgeous concept. Unfortunately, I can’t take part, I am in Australia. (I am wearing “J’ai ose”). November 14, 2014 at 9:20am
Tijana: Great idea, too bad I can’t participate as I am in Canada! But FYI, I am wearing TF Velvet Orchid today… 🙂 November 14, 2014 at 9:29am
Kate: How are you liking it, Tijana? For me, it was almost like the perfume was wearing me! I was glad for the chance to try it, though. November 14, 2014 at 9:36am
marini: This is a fabulous idea! I do live in the freezing US, and would love to pass this one to the next person. I have piles of samples. Today I haven’t decided what to wear yet, but yesterday I layered, bravely, L’Air Desert du Marocain and Bellodgia, and it is a fabulous mix, believe it or not. I think I got the idea from one of these blogs. It’s spicy, dry but very carnation-y. They work together. I might wear Habanita again today; it’s so comforting in the cold. November 14, 2014 at 9:45am
Kandice: Shanghai Lily sounds wonderful. I can see why you kept it :-). I would love to participate. I live in the US and would be happy to pass the box along. I haven’t chosen a fragrance for today yet, but as it’s freezing cold I will probably pick something bright, like Dame Perfumery’s Pear, Waterlily, and Amber or something comforting like Lush’s Vanillary. Thanks for the chance to participate! November 14, 2014 at 10:18am
Elisa: Yes, I loved Kate’s notes for Shanghai Lily! Made me want to try it again — I don’t always love orientalized lilies, even though lily is my favorite flower and DK Gold is one of my favorite perfumes. I measure all lilies against Gold! November 14, 2014 at 12:11pm
limegreen: Thank you for the sampling notes, always fun to read sampling responses!
I’m not participating in the draw but wanted to chime in on the fragrance I’m wearing. It’s the mimosa combo I’ve been wearing the last few days: diptyque Essences Insensee perfume solid with L’Artisan Mimosa Pour Moi sprayed on (lasts half a day this way). For some reason, it’s so perfect for these cool temps (I know it’s not spring). I think Une Fleur de Cassie started me on a mimosa kick. 🙂 November 14, 2014 at 10:24am
spe: It’s interesting so many of us are layering (me – caleche and various florals). Today maybe I’ll try the new Hermes Cuir d’ Ange. I can’t participate in the sample pass, unfortunately, but very much look forward to all of your shared impressions! November 17, 2014 at 10:08am
Katy: Not participating (yet — work is extremely hectic this time of year and I’m afraid about not making it to the post office in a timely fashion) but I just want to say I love Kate’s note about Shanghai Lily. It’s so sensual and evocative! I will have to track down this scent for myself. November 14, 2014 at 10:37am
Snowyowl: Yes, US.
Yes, I will pass it along. 🙂
Love the idea and for the sampling notes.
Yes, Love this blog (my fav) and the amazingly intelligent and thoughtful people on here.
Today I am wearing Houbigant Quel que flers which is an unusual choice for me as normally I go for dark and spicy things. I think I was looking for a classically made ‘pick me up’ scent and it has softened down nicely now an hour into it. November 14, 2014 at 10:41am
Deb Russell: That was great to read your comments. I’d love to participate in the box journey. I live in the U.S., naturally I’d be happy to pass along and share notes. :o) I’m not wearing anything yet today, but yesterday I wore Attrape Coeur, thanks to a very generous swapper. It is SO incredible. Warm, honey like w/o exact honey note; very feminine. It draws one in to just revel in it. I swear I smell anise (very fleeting) in the topnotes, but I don’t see that listed anywhere. Well worth sampling for anyone who like warm, smooth, rich, florals. November 14, 2014 at 10:59am
donnakitt: I’m in the US and, not only will I pass the Traveling Perfume Box along, I’d love to add some of the many samples I’ve collected.
I’ve been wearing April Aromatics Rose L’Orange by day with a spritz from my Calling All Angels sample in the afternoon/evening. The incense/smoke scent is so warming — especially as we’re about to experience our first Arctic blast in New England! November 14, 2014 at 11:04am
Julie: I’m in the US and would gladly participate!
Thank you to everyone involved!! November 14, 2014 at 11:18am
Trudy: I am in the US and I would love to participate. Ive plenty of samples to share and agree to pass along with notes. Today I am wearing Tom Ford Fleur de Chine. The list looks promising. I’m especially interested in the Parfums de Nicolai-Patchouli Intense for my very dear friend who love patchouli. November 14, 2014 at 11:28am
Jennifer bookwyrmsmith: Yes I live in the US. Yes I’d love to try some scents ,share some scents and send it on. Currently , I have the vestiges of Chanel Coco edp on from yesterday evening. It’s cold here today so I’m leaning towards a full bodied scent ( Black Orchid, DK Gold, Samsara, or one of my new to me acquisitions Ruffles or Jacomo Parfume Rare). November 14, 2014 at 12:00pm
Trang: Yes, I’m in the US and definitely agree to pass it along.
Today I’m wearing Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan. It’s extremely cold here in Pullman and only Ambre Sultan makes me feel so cozy and happy during a freezing day. November 14, 2014 at 12:16pm
Ashley Anstaett: I would love to participate and do live in the U.S. I love your description of Shanghai Lily, too. So true. Today, I was going to wear some Lipstick Rose, but I woke up with a horrible cold, so I don’t know if there will be any scent for me today. 🙁 November 14, 2014 at 12:17pm
Vishishta: I am in the US and definitely would pass this on with my samples and notes. This morning I am wearing only 1000 Roses by Amorage. A nice face oil. November 14, 2014 at 12:34pm
Theresa: I’m excited to try again – maybe someday I’ll win! Yes, I live in the US and agree to pass on the box with samples of my own.
Today I’m wearing Chanel Sycomore, because it is very cold here and I feel cozy wearing it. November 14, 2014 at 2:25pm
Karen: What fun! Please don’t include me in the draw, samples that I don’t fall in love with I pass on to my daughter so my sample numbers are limited. I love encouraging her enjoyment of perfumes. Today I’m wearing a new purchase, Bollywood or Bust (oil) on one wrist and Gardenia Oud (sample) on the other – both from Smell Bent. Loving them especially in this crazy cold weather! November 14, 2014 at 2:33pm
Robbie: I am in the US and would love to pass it my samples, and my notes along. Today I am wearing L’Artisan Bois Farine because it’s a cuddly scent in the super cold! November 14, 2014 at 3:55pm
Vanessa: 1.) I am indeed located in the US!
2.) I wholly agree to pass the box onto someone else (& am willing to share my sampling notes with the rest of you all!)
3.) I am wearing CUIR 28 by LE LABO. I was feeling a bit sultry this morning.. It’s always a treat to to wear it! Plus my husband really likes it on me! November 14, 2014 at 6:02pm
Ncmyers: I’m in the US and would love to participate! I’m wearing APOM pour Femme today because it’s super cold and this lovely orange blossom is so cheerful. November 14, 2014 at 6:33pm
angeldiva: Hello Everyone!
I am in California , and believe that -yes!- I would like to participate this time. I agree to forward the box. Today I am wearing Ma Griffe by Carven.
I first read of this fragrance in a romance novel where a powerful art directoress always wore it. The employees could smell the trail of Ma Griffe when this women swept out of a meeting. What was this novel?
Well, I found a full bottle at an amazing price, and really do pine to smell the original! I get the green note – then there is a muted powdered silage that is very subtle on me. I am enjoying the history of this perfume. It was created by Jean Carles who created my angel mothers’ SHOCKING! So, that is a connection I can feel with her because I simply cannot find an affordable reissued of SHOCKING.
I am awaiting the arrival of a bottle of Y- recommended by BdJ. Can’t wait. THEN- my heart is beating for Annick Goutal Le Chevrefuille. ( CHEVY FUEL lol) I am in love with a sample. I wore it to a black tie gala last week.
Then dear BdJ sisters and brothers – I am going to admit that I am powerless over perfume, and surrender to a 12 step perfume program!
Peace November 14, 2014 at 9:32pm
Tourmaline: Hi Angeldiva,
Don’t bother. Substitute a sponsor for a swapper and perfume meetings for 12-step meetings. There is no cure. Surrender to the addiction; it has you for life.
If you’re interested, you can read about my mother’s use of Ma Griffe in one of my comments following Patricia’s article, Organizing Your Perfume Collection. Mum probably didn’t use much of it, because both bottles seem almost full; I think that she mainly enjoyed owning it. November 15, 2014 at 1:08am
angeldiva: Hi Tourmaline!
Yes! I read the lovely anecdote about your dear mother ,”Ma Griffe!” 🙂 Too wonderful.
Thank-you for your kind words about my perfume habit… I hope that all the women who have husbands who buy their perfume will give them an extra amount of appreciation today- and think of all of us who are single !
You and your dear Mum were both fortunate to smell the original Ma Griffe. I can just barely smell this on me. I don’t have a dog at the moment, but would consider this a ,”Dog walking fragrance!” Lovely, but soooo distant.
Happy to be participating in the SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PERFUME BOX.
P. November 15, 2014 at 5:24am
Tourmaline: Hi Angeldiva,
I’m glad that you enjoyed the anecdote about my Mum, “Ma Griffe”! Yes, I am indeed fortunate to have the two bottles of vintage parfum that she left.
I live in a unit and therefore can’t have a dog (and in fact have never had one), so I have been interested to read all the threads about dog-walking scents. I wonder whether there would be much overlap with walking or jogging scents. November 15, 2014 at 8:48am
Karen: I was going to comment on your earlier Ma Griffe post as well – I bought a bottle solely because my grandmother had a bottle on her dresser (in the box). I don’t know that she wore it – I have no scent associated with her, unlike her sisters (glamorous, realized later one wore Arpege) – but green was “her” color so it may have been for the box. I’ve tried it several times (blind buy), but it just doesn’t work on me. Did a paper test and love the dry down, two days later, but wish it worked from the start. November 16, 2014 at 7:52pm
angeldiva: Hi Karen!
I feel your pain! But, know that the history of this perfume is rich with fascination. If I could just possess the skill of layering it with something else- maybe it would last on me and provide an outgassing scent of ANYTHING! lol Where there is life there is hope! I would humbly invite anyones ideas.
Thank-you! November 17, 2014 at 3:11am
spe: Maybe with a lily of the valley soliflore? You might end up with something close to Gucci Envy! November 19, 2014 at 9:48am
angeldiva: Hi Spe,
Thank-you so much for the suggestion! I will need to look into obtaining a Lilly of the valley scent. You can buy gucci envy at O.co.
P. November 20, 2014 at 8:19pm
Jackie: Hi Karen, Hi Angeldiva, my BdJ friends: I’m commenting on an old post here, so hope you see this: it’s the funniest thing — I discovered Ma Griffe today and then did a search here because I knew I’d seen someone talking about it, but couldn’t remember who! And lo and behold, it’s you two!
I spotted it today in a shop here in Vancouver that sells discontinued fragrances — the woman even broke the plastic wrap on the box and opened the bottle to give me a teeny squirt, but that one teeny squirt is still going strong! I really like it, especially after the first hour or so! Karen, you mention elsewhere the asafoetida note that emerges: could that be the unusual note I’m getting once the (to me) soapy topnotes have settled? Yum! I’m loving it! At $59 for 100 ml and $47 for 50 ml, I might just have to indulge myself.
(My little one, the one with the nose, said she didn’t like it; she said “cow poo, you know, manure,” which I also get! Must be one of the crossover things.)
I know you talked elsewhere about layering this, and I must say, I’d sprayed Chanel #5 parfum on my other wrist, and now I’ve got an amazing sillage happening, like a beautiful cloud! I wonder if this is the old version as teeny spray they gave me has some serious lasting power (I was in a big hurry with my two girls in tow, but it was a modern looking bottle, so hard to say.) January 6, 2015 at 12:00am
Tourmaline: Hi Karen,
I remember sampling Ma Griffe at the time that I was sorting through my mother’s perfumes and storing them, however I was trying a few other fragrances around the same time and I don’t recall the scent. I must take the opportunity to try it properly soon, since I am fortunate enough to have two vintage bottles of the parfum.
In the lead-up to Christmas here in Australia, the big department stores do a special Guerlain order from France, and customers can order fragrances and products that are not usually available. In this way, over recent years I have obtained bottles of Après L’Ondée, Chant D’Arômes and Vol de Nuit, albeit probably not as they were originally created.
About a month ago, this year’s order arrived. Having read about it and sampled it many times over the years, I had finally ordered a bottle of Jicky. It is not one of my favourite Guerlain fragrances, however I am sometimes in the mood to wear it, and I wanted to own a bottle of it, particularly given the story of its role in the development of Shalimar.
Less than a week later, at a lunch with extended family members, an aunt told me that my maternal grandmother had worn Jicky. I was intrigued, and told my aunt about my recent purchase. My maternal grandmother died nearly 20 years ago, at the age of 92, and I don’t recall her fragrance/s, but it was lovely to hear that a close relative was an admirer of Guerlain. My love for perfume hasn’t sprung out of nowhere after all! Mind you, I never got to know any of my other grandparents, so who knows what fragrant secrets they may have had… November 17, 2014 at 7:46am
Karen: Very interesting! I think we all feel (or at least I do), some type of obligation to like the fragrances that have been a part of perfume’s history – or development. I’ve bought a few blind buys simply on the notes list that didn’t work for me, First is the one that most surprised me, given that in theory each (listed) note is one that I love. I keep trying it hoping it will somehow feel right.
It’s sometimes just enough though having the bottle as a connection to a relative – who knows, maybe Jicky will work for you in the future! And for now I’m content with the beautiful green and white striped box of Ma Griffe, although I may see if my daughter likes it! November 17, 2014 at 7:58am
angeldiva: So beautiful ! 🙂 November 17, 2014 at 11:03am
Tourmaline: Hi Karen and Angeldiva,
Perhaps my account of my response to Jicky was a little unclear. It’s not that I don’t like it; I like it a great deal, it’s just not one of my favourite Guerlains like L’Heure Bleue or Mitsouko. I’ve never particularly liked lavender, although I appreciate its cool quality; however I love vanilla, so I like some aspects of Jicky more than others. It is certainly a perfume with a distinct character.
In fact, the more I remember about my maternal grandmother, the more I realize that Jicky was the perfect fragrance for her. She was a strong person with clear opinions and she was not afraid to air them. If she disagreed with you or disapproved of something that you had done, then she would tell you. The strength of Jicky was a good match for her no-nonsense disposition. Moreover, its unisex quality complemented the facets of her personality that could be seen as masculine and feminine. Lucky Gran, she would have used earlier versions of Jicky that were no doubt closer to the original.
The fact that we were discussing perfumes (as we occasionally do) and my aunt revealed for the first time that her mother (my Gran) had worn Jicky, within a week of my bottle of Jicky arriving, tickled me. I had been meaning to buy a bottle for years, after all. I love a good coincidence!
I quite like First, but not enough to buy a bottle. Yes, you never know, Karen, your daughter might very well love Ma Griffe! November 17, 2014 at 9:21pm
angeldiva: God Bless your dear mum!
P. November 18, 2014 at 9:46pm
Tourmaline: Hi Angeldiva,
I almost forgot to ask. Are you going to satisfy our curiosity and tell us the name of the novel?! November 18, 2014 at 4:55am
Karen: I love your description of Jicky and your grandmother’s personality being a perfect fit! It has gotten me thinking about which perfumes really resonate with me and how they may be associated with qualities I want to strengthen or celebrate. November 18, 2014 at 6:22am
Tourmaline: Thanks, Karen.
I think that there is enormous scope for such an exercise. Imagine how wonderful it would be to read everyone’s thoughts on perfumes that could strengthen or celebrate their personal qualities – fragrances that they already use, might use in the future, or wish that they could use (if only they could go back in time to obtain them, or simply afford them!).
If you’re reading this, Victoria, the topic might make for some fascinating threads! November 19, 2014 at 4:55am
angeldiva: Hi Tourmaline!
I WISH I NEW!!!:) lol It wasn’t a quiz type question. The character in the novel wore Ma Griffe. I read the book in the 1980’s. Maybe it was Danielle Steele??? Is there a ‘fume reference database? lol
I really need to find one of those perfume swapping website that these brilliant BdJ people use because Ma Griffe won’t work for me. (Unless I learn what to layer it with.) Also, sigh, just tried a generous application of ,”Y” in the EDT, and , well, blaaaaah…
When am I going to learn to test, test, test?!! This was a hard to find , not cheap perfume! There was not a tester to be found.
I also just need to let go of the past memories of my long lost scent. It’s gone. Vent Vert smells close, and Y just smells like the shrunken ghost of Vent Vert. I think I need to hold out for a hero , and really only invest in what really turns me on. Like Annick Goutals Le Chevefueille!!! 🙂 How long does it take for a bid to go through on ebay anyway!
Well, tomorrow I’m going to meet Killian Henessey himself at his launch of “Vodka On The Rocks,” at Scentbar in Los Angeles. He’s a really handsome dark haired heir, and I think I’m going to enjoy this event. So, I’ll be able to really test, test, TEST until the cows come home.
Love And Peace
I am so glad I have a tribe that understands me! November 18, 2014 at 9:45pm
Tourmaline: Hi Angeldiva,
Yes, we need a “Perfume in Fiction” database!
Oh, that is such a shame about Y; I can feel your disappointment. I have neither purchased nor sampled Y since about 1984, because I have enough vintage juice to last me for some years. I wonder how I would find the most recent version that was produced.
Don’t give up hope that one day you will find Mountain Greenery; just don’t dwell on it, because that will sap your energy. You never know; you might find a bottle in a second hand store when you least expect it. But yes, do like Bonnie Tyler and hold out for that hero!
How long a bid takes on eBay depends on how much time is left for the auction. It is far less nerve-wracking if you can just “buy it now” – if you can afford the special buy-it-now price, of course.
I am so fortunate; as I mentioned in an earlier comment following Victoria’s article on 4711, my younger brother bought me a bottle of Le Chèvrefeuille for my birthday about ten years ago. He knew that I loved the scent of honeysuckle – largely because Avon’s Honeysuckle was given to me by two different aunts when I was a child.
I hope that you enjoy meeting Kilian Hennessy. For several years now I have wanted to try Love by Kilian (a Calice Becker fragrance), after being inspired by Luca Turin’s description of it as smelling like “vanilla meringue”. I could be tempted to buy a bottle blind, just on the strength of that description, but as you have found, that would be unwise.
Oh yes, this Bois de Jasmin tribe is wonderful! November 19, 2014 at 5:30am
Tourmaline: Hi there,
I can’t participate because I’m not in the US, but I couldn’t resist commenting because the US President Obama arrived in our fair city of Brisbane here in Australia this morning for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. He has just delivered a great speech at the University of Queensland – my old stomping ground. I watched it on TV and it was quite inspiring. It is almost 30 years since an American president has visited Brisbane.
It is interesting reading how cold it is for most of the other commenters at the moment. Here in Brisbane it is late spring and very hot. We are experiencing heatwave conditions in Queensland generally, and tomorrow in the city the temperature is expected to reach 39° Celsius.
Due to the heat, I am wearing Clair de Jour (Lanvin 1983), which has sadly been discontinued for some years now. It always seemed to me that Clair de Jour was a little ahead of its time in that, to my nose at least, it has an aquatic, ozonic quality to it, although it was formulated prior to fragrances such as “New West for Her” that first used ingredients such as calone to produce these notes. November 14, 2014 at 11:54pm
Courant: Hi Tourmaline,
I watched coverage of G20 here in Auckland. President Obama was in air-conditioned comfort, he looked great. Gale force winds here and cold. Yesterday we sent Chancellor Merkel out to a wild life sanctuary to release a Kiwi bird. Poor woman, must like a fougere November 15, 2014 at 4:06am
Tourmaline: Hi Courant,
Yes, Obama was well looked after in Brisbane, and he certainly delivered with his speech.
Poor Angela (I just love the German pronunciation of that name!). No doubt the sanctuary visit was planned well in advance but she had a stroke of bad luck with the weather. I’m not surprised that she was looking so happy to be in Brisbane in the footage that I saw of her today, despite the heat! November 15, 2014 at 8:43am
Yolanda: Hello! Everyone I would love to participate in the sampling box. I am in the US! I will pass the sampling box and share my notes with everyone else. Today I am wearing Mambo by Liz Claiborne. I am learning and love to smell beautiful as well as a love for any type of flowers. November 15, 2014 at 4:56am
dominique: What a great idea. Shame I cannot take part because I live in Cyprus. Today I wear L’eau Ambree. Its a cold Autumnal day here and it feels cosy, warm and comforting…I plan to spend the day working at home (with a few welcome distractions such as this one) and its the perfect companion!! November 15, 2014 at 5:52am
SylviaP: I am in the US and would love to participate and forward the box to the next winner, if I am the lucky one! It’s early still so I haven’t decided what to wear today, but it so happens I wore Shanghai Lily (again) yesterday – I will definitely add a sample to the perfume box because everyone should try this beauty! November 15, 2014 at 7:11am
Janet M.: I’d like to participate! I live in the US; I agree to pass along the sample box with perfume notes; I chose PdN Number One Intense today because I’m hoping to be bolstered by it’s sweet caress while I attempt the arduous task of sorting through/paying medical bills. Ugh. November 15, 2014 at 9:13am
silverdust: Yes to the U.S. and yes to passing it on.
It’s about 10 degrees above freezing in my area today, so Hypnotic Poison it is! November 15, 2014 at 1:17pm
Tiffanie: Kate, I enjoyed your perfume sampling notes.
1) I am in the US.
2) I agree to pass the box onto someone else (and share my sampling notes).
3) Today I am wearing a sample of Parfums Delrae Debut. It is wonderful so far. I don’t often get along with green fragrances, but this one is a surprise. The lime and linden take turns leading the way, and the lily of the valley is just starting to peek through. I like it. November 15, 2014 at 7:37pm
vani: Hello Victoria, thank you for this wonderful blog and what an awesome idea. I am in the US and would love sample and share my notes about each of these perfumes. Right now I’m trying to experience both Shalimar and Shalimar Parfum Initial so that I can compare them; so I sprayed it once in each wrist. I had already fallen in love with Parfum Initial last winter and only now I decided to purchase Shalimar after spraying a little in a card at a dept. store a few weeks ago. November 15, 2014 at 9:38pm
Maren: Yes, I’d like to particpate, live in U.S., and will happily pass along and share notes. Today I am trying to ignore the 12 degree weather by testing what is supposed to be a white floral, Tauer’s Sotto la Luna Gardenia. Not entirely sold on this fragrance, although it’s interesting. November 16, 2014 at 10:42am
Kelly: 1) I am in the US.
2) I whole-heartedly agree to pass the box onto someone else and also to share my sampling notes.
3) I’m wearing CB I Hate Perfume’s Mr. Hulot’s Holiday, which I ordered a decant of solely because I could not resist the name. It is similar to his At the Beach, although less sun-tan lotion, more sea spray, as it were!
It’s nice, and it’s getting me through a day of academic writing, and also reminding me that Florida is less than two months away…. 🙂 November 16, 2014 at 12:21pm
Katyk: I would love to participate! I live in the us and promise to pass on the samples and add some of my own. I’m not wearing anything yet, as it’s only 7 am here in Hawaii! But yesterday I wore Timbuktu by l’artisan parfumers. I’ve
Loved all their perfumes that I’ve tried so far! Today I’m going to try fou d’ absinthe. November 16, 2014 at 12:26pm
Svetlana: I am in US and would love to participate. I can include samples. Today I am wearing Fate by Amouage. November 16, 2014 at 1:20pm
Sofie: I won’t enter this time, I’m in Australia. I’m wearing V&R Spicebomb today, as a test. I was in a small pharmacy and nothing in the girl dept caught my fancy, so I decided to genderbend today. It’s nice, but not for me I think, I find it rather sweet. Say, fellow Aussies, would there be enough of us to start an antipodes box? Spread the love in the Southern hemispere… November 16, 2014 at 10:58pm
Tourmaline: Hi there Sofie,
Greetings from Brisbane. I noticed that WJ (second comment above) also lives in Oz, so perhaps she might like to participate, along with you and me and anyone else. I know that I have seen several other Australians comment in relation to earlier Bois de Jasmin articles. Let’s hope that a few more put their hands up; just give it time! November 17, 2014 at 7:55am
angeldiva: Hi Tourmaline,
Thank-you so much for your very supportive post about my experience with Y. I think I got carried away with the spray!!! I excitedly opened the box, and proceeded to take a bath in Y. Three sprays on each wrist, more on both sides of neck, decollate’. I smelled like a swamp! Gave myself a terrible headache. But, hours later I could smell the crystalline quality you referred to. Perhaps in a smaller dose. Or, I could have received an anemic or old lot of juice. Who knows! The discounter refunded my money to me, so, what more can a girl want?
I think I need to diversify my interests a bit more. Your incredibly kind words about Mountain Greenery made me chuckle. I mean we are just talking perfume after all! lol Not a long lost relative! Also, received my sample of Decennial- ” Lys du Desert. A tiny amount of this resulted in a potent cloud of scent. But, not much desert. I lived in Palm Springs for 10 years. The rare blooms of Joshua Tree smell so different than this. The dry down was bubble gummy. I was surprised that reviews on other sites describe the orientation of the deset scent as Moroccan. It was inspired my a very specific elevation in Joshua Tree, but imho misses the (ambitious and nobly attempted ) mark. It’s a dog walker. November 19, 2014 at 4:22pm
Tourmaline: Hi Angeldiva,
Well, perhaps there is some hope for you and Y! Did you have to return the bottle?
It is certainly true that we need to keep things in perspective (which is why I said that it’s best not to dwell on the loss of an old favourite perfume). However, your remark, “We are just talking perfume after all! lol Not a long lost relative!” reminded me of that wonderful scene from the original M*A*S*H movie where Walt Waldowski, the unit’s dentist, makes a comment to the effect that football is “just a game”, which indicates to the doctors that he is seriously depressed!
That’s a shame about Lys du Desert. I know neither the perfume nor the scent of Joshua Tree blooms. Well, I suppose you can never have too many dog-walking scents! November 19, 2014 at 5:54pm
Karen: This is so good – the whole new classification of perfumes, dog walking fragrances! November 20, 2014 at 5:28am
angeldiva: Hi Tourmaline!
Well, I met the very handsome, healthy, wealthy Mr. Kilian Hennessey last night at Scentbar in Beverly Hills. What a great event. Vodka On The Rocks smells strongly of juniper. It’s really cocktailish. I tried sooo many perfumes, and felt good about the knowledge base that I have learned from BgJ.
The perfumer I would most like to share is local to Los Angeles: Keiko Mecheri. Her scents were beautiful in a California way. The first scent I tried:
Sedona Blue rated 5 out of 5 with a note that said ;”Buy This”
Canyon Dreams I rated 4.9
Peu de Peche I rated 3.3
These scents were in the $115. US range
I smelled 10 others, and FINALLY smelled FRACAS. They don’t carry it, but they had a sample. Oh! Joy! I know I’ve caught a sniff on other women, but it was just wonderful to try it on myself.
Aso, fully understand Victorias’ rhapsodies about Annick Goutals Ninfeo Mio. I rated that a 5, and the silage smelled like ivy. It just lasted, and transformed, lasted and transformed again.
There was unfortunately a downside to the evening. I purchased some Japanese incense, and a bar of Savon Oriza L.Legrand Verveine De Venus bar soap. I also purchased Aesop -Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel: $38.50 US tax included. But, they did not put the body gel in the bag!
I live at the beach, and my attempts at correcting this situation are delayed by the owner having the day off, and also a bit of attitude on their part. Will keep you posted.
P. November 20, 2014 at 4:03pm
Karen: What a fun event! Hope that the body gel issue gets resolved soon and without any more attitudes! (other than maybe we are so very sorry). I love Fracas! Have had a bottle for quite a while, fortunately it’s black so no chance of sun damage. It is intoxicating and can be a bit addicting. Keep us posted. November 20, 2014 at 6:26pm
angeldiva: Hi Karen,
it’s so fun to read the notes on my sample papers! Mojave Ghost by Byredo was amazing, too.
The funny thing about the missing gel is that I think it may be the base I need to spray Ma Griffe and Y onto.
Petitgrain just smells amazing on me. You are so lock to have fracas, Woweeee!
There should be photographs on the Scentbar website under EVENTS, soon. I got Kilians autograph for my collection.
P. November 20, 2014 at 8:30pm
angeldiva: Oh Karen!
I found that bottle of Aesop petitgain gel, and I feel sooooo stupid !!!!! 🙂
Steve, the manager was really nice to me, but I had a petty attitude about the Petitgrain gel! Apologies have been issued to all at Scentbar, and a retraction of the bank card claim. I don’t know how the one item leaped out of the box, past the tissue, slid across the trunk of my car- then wedged itself behind the back seat!???
AT LEAST I SMELL GOOD… November 21, 2014 at 9:01pm
Karen: I am sure that Scentbar was impressed that you contacted them to say you found it! A less honest person would not have, so I think you should not feel bad in any way. Now, on to the bigger question – does it work with Ma Griffe! I love the fragrance of petitgrain although I am only familiar with the essential oil.
Fingers crossed that it is a good layering combination and it sounds like you had a true fragrance learning experience! November 22, 2014 at 9:10am
angeldiva: Hi Karen,
Thanks for your kind words! YESSS!!!!! I apply a thin layer of the Aesop Patitgrain Gel- then a LIGHT spray of Y or Ma Griffe, and the scent works, and smells lovely. Layering Annick Goutals Le Chevrefeuille over this gel smells MINDBLOWING!!! It must be the petitgrain in the juice. This is what Heaven is going to smell like when I get there. So glad I kept trying. I didn’t win the bid for the Chevrefueille ( the Chevy fuel! ) on ebay, but will keep trying for a full bottle.
Peace November 22, 2014 at 3:04pm
Mos’ Beth: I’d love to participate, and would happily share notes and pass the box on. What fun! I’m wearing Chanel’s Bois des Iles today. It was cold but gorgeously sunny in Seattle today, so I wanted something that was both cozy-warm and cheerful enough to meet the day. The warm sandalwood and radiant aldehydes have been perfect. Yum. November 16, 2014 at 11:15pm
Lindsay: I would love to participate- I really do think this is a great idea. I’m in the US, and would be able to pass the box along promptly when I was done.
No perfume today because I’ve got a cold and wouldn’t enjoy it, but last week pre-illness I spent some quality time in Spicebomb. November 17, 2014 at 12:35pm
Clover: New to this blog! What a great idea & I’d love to join the fun. I am in the States & would enjoy a chance to try some new scents as well as try my hand at notating them. I would gladly send the box out to next person. Today I wore Nemer by Boadicea The Victorious. Lucious, deep, bitter wood. Can’t wait to see if I get a chance to participate in the sample share! November 19, 2014 at 10:25pm
Nati: Dear Victoria, sorry to bother but Id really like to ask you something as its really important for me. I rarely know people that travel internationally, and now my sister is going to the US and I can finally get my hands on different perfumes. (I cant buy from internet because Brazil has a very big tax on importation). So I wanted to know if its worth it to ask her to bring me a No5 edp from the US. My question is, do you believe to be possible that the edp sold here is weaker than the one sold in US or Europe? Is the No5 edp as strong as the Coco Mademoiselle edp for instance? I have a No5 edp that I bought in Brazil that is considerably weaker than the Coco Mademoiselle edp someone brought from the US many years ago. Maybe CM is stronger than No5, and its not a matter of where it was bought?
If you believe that the No5 edp is just as strong as the CM edp, then I will ask her to bring me a No5 edp. But if you believe that the difference in intensity I feel is due to the fact that No5 is really more discreet, than I will ask her to bring me a perfume I have never been able to experiment as Joy or L’Heure Bleue….
Sorry for the bothering, but a girl has got to dream!
Thank you! November 21, 2014 at 9:39am
Victoria: I doubt that it would be weaker, but it’s possible that it may be less expensive bought in France than in Brazil. I may be wrong, but I recall a friend from Brazil mentioning this to me. November 24, 2014 at 12:33pm
Nancy: Greetings! Wonderful site Victoria. Yes I live in the US, and of course agree to pass along the traveling box of perfume. Today I was wearing Cotton Musk as a lovely transition for winter, and too a reminder of the past summer season.
Thanks and ciao! November 21, 2014 at 10:38pm
Sue: 1) I am in the US 2) yes, I agree to pass the box onto someone else and share my sampling notes 3) I’m sampling Dries Van Notten by Frederic Malle, it’s warm and inviting, I thought it would be nice for the fall weather November 23, 2014 at 12:03am
Sarah: I would be thrilled to pass the box on and share my sampling notes. I live in the US, and today after a headcold I am wearing Acqua di Parma Colonia because I can smell it through the congestion and it is bright! November 23, 2014 at 7:53pm