D’Orsay – Flower Lust, Tonka Hysteria, Incense Crush – Extraits de Parfum

Three new perfumes from D'Orsay to evaluate. You get an extrait. You get an extrait. Everybody gets an extrait!!! I don't know about you guys, but I think Oprah's secretly working behind the scenes of these perfume houses, divvying out extrait after extrait like candy. Every brand and their dog has a line of extraits … Continue reading D’Orsay – Flower Lust, Tonka Hysteria, Incense Crush – Extraits de Parfum →

Maison Margiela – From The Garden

Tomato's in a garden—a snapshot of summer. The "Replica" scents from Maison Margiela bottle moments in place and time, attempting to replicate our emotions and feelings related to these moments through perfume. For example, they've given us scents such as By the Fireplace, Lazy Sunday Morning, and Jazz Club. Their ideas seem clear and legible, … Continue reading Maison Margiela – From The Garden →

Le Labo – Eucalyptus 20 – Le Labo Up To Their Old Tricks

In true Le Labo style, Eucalyptus 20 doesn't smell much like eucalyptus. Indeed, there's a camphoraceous, medicinal character to Eucalyptus 20 for some brief moments. But, as is true for many scents from the New York brand, the moniker on the bottle merely serves as a marketing label. Supposedly, though, the brand names its fragrances … Continue reading Le Labo – Eucalyptus 20 – Le Labo Up To Their Old Tricks →

Nomenclature – Aloeae – Green And Refreshing

My sister has been living in New York for the last few years. Each year, before she comes home for Christmas, I've purchased sample orders from stores such as Luckyscent and shipped them to her apartment, circumventing the high international shipping costs. Not only does this prove cost-effective, but I can try perfumes I find … Continue reading Nomenclature – Aloeae – Green And Refreshing →

Versace – Eros Energy – The Best From The Line?

I find the original Eros (2012) beyond horrible! From top to bottom, it smells obnoxious and of poor quality. Its green apple and mint top smells more reminiscent of bubblegum than anything natural. But as it develops, it somehow gets worse. Versace doubles down on the sweetness and cliches, as vanilla and tonka first, and … Continue reading Versace – Eros Energy – The Best From The Line? →

Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea

Early in the new year, I was fortunate to stay with my family on the Sunshine Coast (Kawana Waters/Minyama area) for a few days. It's a very laid-back part of the world where many go to retire and where folks while away their days surfing at the beach. The lifestyle centres on the outdoors with … Continue reading Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea →

Guerlain – Patchouli Paris – Soft, Elegant & Overpriced

Guerlain pairs patchouli with iris in their latest fragrance. For whatever reason, I thought that Guerlain's new Patchouli Paris would be another in the long line of rose/patchouli scents. Thankfully, it's not. No doubt, the reference to Paris in the name, the color of the perfume, and the association we have linking rose with patchouli caused me to come … Continue reading Guerlain – Patchouli Paris – Soft, Elegant & Overpriced →

Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind”

Epona isn't quite as idyllic as this scene, but it's close. "Memories light the corners of my mind." Something about that Barbra Streisand lyric from her melancholic 70's hit struck me when I sprayed Papillon's latest perfume, Epona. Liz Moore's most recent launch pays homage to her horse, and although I'm not a "horse guy" or … Continue reading Papillon Artisan Perfumes – Epona – “Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind” →

Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever

Akros's previous Harrods exclusive, East, came across as a poorly composed Tuscan Leather clone. So, I didn't go into smelling their newest fragrance, Glow, dedicated to nightclubbing and parties (a Harrods exclusive for a few months before a worldwide release in 2024) with great confidence. I was right to be coy. Glow smells clichéd and … Continue reading Akro – Glow – The Most Boring Party Ever →

Caron Paris – Pour Un Homme de Caron Parfum – Lavender For The Win

I finally managed to get some flowers blooming on my lavender. I've no idea how I did it, but we have had some quite rainy days here over the last couple of weeks. Perhaps lavender likes the rain? Or does it prefer dry weather or a combination of both? Who knows. And who knows how … Continue reading Caron Paris – Pour Un Homme de Caron Parfum – Lavender For The Win →