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- Bizarre Perfume Reviews
Bellies are full, spiked drinks are poured, and the sounds of hip-hop from the 2000s play in the background; it's Friendsgiving. As the host, surrounded by my closest friends, I decide to stir up some fun. With access to my perfume collection, I ask them to share their thoughts on my last ten perfume buys. The results? Completely off-the-wall and hilariously unexpected. Here's what they had to say: African Rooibos by Chris Collins Earthy and slightly sweetened tea Their Thoughts: Fruit juice or fruit punch. Harsh fruit. Starch. Cherry. Queening by Mind Games Coconut, powdery vanilla, and a hint of rum Their Thoughts: Ocean breeze. Sweet candy apple. “If you spray this on your neck, you’ll end up with a hickey.” Coconut. “I only smell vanilla.” Nomade Jasmin Naturel by Chole Jasmine, sandalwood, dates, and vanilla Their Thoughts: “Old aunty vibes. Something your mom would wear.” “This reminds me of White Diamond.” Baby lotion. Sweet vanilla lotion covering up medicated ointment. Citrus, jasmine, and honey. Delina by Parfums de Marly Fresh rose and peony with lychee Their Thoughts: Apple juice. Sweet and spicy. Subtle sweetness. Casa Blanca by House of Bo Woody, fruity, and aromatic Their Thoughts: Sandalwood and cinnamon. Woody like evergreen trees and pine. Watermelon rind, mint, and flowers. El Sireno by House of Bo Aquatic, floral, and mossy Their Thoughts: “A yummy man.” Masculine fresh. A breezy summer day. Green plants. Cucumber and chili powder. Afternoon Delight by Replica Smells exactly like madeleine cake Their Thoughts: “I don’t like it.” Brown sugar with vanilla. Chocolate and caramel. Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar by Kayali Sweet candy Their Thoughts: Fruity Candy. Warm brown sugar. Cherry soda and cherry cheesecake. Cruz del Sur II by Xerjoff A tropical fruit milkshake Their Thoughts: Dial Soap. The color blue. Woody fresh. Lemon cough drops. Sultan by Royal Crown Dried dates smoked with incense, resting on sun-warmed cedar Their Thoughts: Cookies. Sweet vanilla. Mint leaves. Clearly, my friends and I smell things through entirely different noses. Their descriptions threw me off, but they were nothing short of entertaining.
- Two Friends, Two Scents: A Guerlain Story
The lake house is alive with chatter and the distant sounds of waves and jet skis flying by. The smell of barbeque fills the air as guests eagerly await the arrival of their friends. This is the perfect gathering to celebrate the end of summer. She arrives first, dressed in white with gold jewelry, ready to sip cocktails overlooking the view, laughing with friends. Everyone's eyes light up when they see her. Her presence relaxes you and she's often the voice of reason. Good music, food, and conversation fill the afternoon. Her perfume fills the air with lavender sweetened by vanilla and powdery sandalwood with a hint of licorice . A warm breeze carries the scent and slightly blows up her dress revealing a large thigh tattoo not many know she has. The scent mirrors her calm wisdom and approachable warmth, with a touch of edge. She is effortlessly elegant, she is Mon Guerlain . The energy shifts as another familiar face walks in. Her best friend arrives at the party two hours late in baggy jeans and a tight crop top, announcing that the two trays she's holding enclose a recently discovered decadent dessert. After catching up with everyone, she pulls a party game out her designer tote and starts passing out the most mouthwatering chocolate fudge, slightly spiced and infused with rum . You know you shouldn't have seconds, but something about her keeps you from saying no. How does she always convince you to step out of your comfort zone, you wonder. The dessert reminds you of her indulgent charm and daring flair. Irritated at first, but now you're comforted and a little buzzed. You can't live without her, she's Gourmand Coquin . As the sun sets, casting a golden glow on the water, the music grows louder, and the group is lost in dance. Off to the side, these two best friends sit close, sharing an unspoken bond. Their laughter echoes, a perfect harmony of sophistication and mischief. The lavender from one scent layers with the chocolate and spice of the other, creating an aroma that mirrors their complementary personalities. This is the essence of their friendship: effortless and unforgettable.
- Scents for the Characters in Your Life
When it comes to choosing a fragrance, it’s not just about smelling good, it’s about finding a scent that speaks to the essence of who you are. Perfume has a unique way of capturing personalities and moods. Here's a lineup of perfumes that capture the spirit of different personalities. The Adventurer - Guidance by Amouage For the thrill-seeker and world traveler that has a dare to be different personality. Guidance is a bold, unorthodox fragrance that brings together vibrant florals, sweet fruit, amber, exotic spices, and woody notes. A perfect blend of excitement and mystery that an adventurer brings to every journey. The Romantic - Jasmins Marzipane by Lancome Soft, sentimental, and hopeful; The Romantic's fragrance has to feel like a warm embrace. Jasmins Marzipane is a delicate white floral with almond and vanilla; ideal for those with a gentle spirit and a love for life's tender moments. The Minimalist - Pure Musc by Narciso Rodriguez Clean, subtle, and effortlessly chic. Pure Musc embodies The Minimalist's refined taste and "clean girl aesthetic". It's a floral woody musk that leaves an impression without being overwhelming. The Foodie - Italica by Xerjoff For the person who savors and explores life's flavors, Italica is a treat in a bottle. This fragrance is a gourmand lover's dream with notes of almond, toffee, milk, and vanilla. A rich dessert for anyone who lives for a culinary experience. The Life of the Party - Oud Bouquet by Lancome Exuding confidence and charisma, Oud Bouquet is designed for the social butterfly. Notes of sweet rose, praline, and smooth oud fill the room and pleasantly command attention. This fragrance is for the person who knows how to make an entrance and keep everyone entertained. The Homebody - Bianco Latte by Giardini Di Toscana Comforting, soft, and inviting, Bianco Latte is for the person who finds joy in cozy home activities. This scent feels like a warm blanket on a chilly night with vanilla, honey, and caramel notes. The Boss - Blonde Amber by Clive Christian The Boss is confident, ambitious, driven, and enjoys luxury because they worked hard for it. Blonde Amber is a luxurious a blend of warm amber and tobacco with spicy and fruity undertones. It speaks to their strength, sophistication, and enjoyment of the finer things in life. The Creative - Jardins de Misfah by Une Nuit Nomade Full of imagination and originality, The Creative’s scent is as expressive as their art. Jardins de Misfah combines notes of dates, saffron, and rose, creating a unique fragrance that feels both exotic and personal. It’s for the person who sees the world through a different lens. The Intellectual - Eau Duelle EDT by Diptyque Reserved yet profound, The Intellectual is drawn to subtle complexity. Eau Duelle is not overly sweet or loud like most vanilla perfumes, instead, it's aromatic and slightly spicy with a more natural vanilla. This approach to vanilla is unique, adding an air of curiosity and depth that an intellectual would likely appreciate. What type of fragrance personality do you identify with? Do you see a scent on this list that makes you think of someone special in your life?
- Sephora Sale: Scents & Sensations Wish List
The Sephora Sale is almost here, and if you're anything like me, it's the perfect time to indulge in a few new scented treasures. From perfumes that have been on my radar for months to body oils that promise to elevate my layering game, this wish list is all about fragrance. These are the products that I'm adding to cart, if they're in stock. Perfume African Rooibis by Chris Collins This is a cozy, earthy blend of tea and honey has been calling my name since the summer. Perfect for the fall season, it's a warm and soothing scent that I can't wait to add to my perfume collection. Her Intense by Burberry I used to love the original Her, but after going through half a bottle, the synthetic notes became too much for me. The Intense version offers a smoother take and smells like a strawberry milkshake. Alien Goddess Intense by Mugler I have and adore the original Alien, but according to the jasmine bomb haters it can be a bit much in enclosed spaces. Alien Goddess Intense softens the blow with a creamy coconut note, making it more wearable indoors. Sadly, it's always out of stock, but I'm hopeful that this sale will be different. Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil by Nest I once tried a dupe of this and fell in love. Now I'm eager to get my hands on the real deal. I plan on mixing it with unscented body lotions for a tropical vibe. I'm already thinking of layering combos. Body Care Butta Drop Body Cream Refill and Butta Drop Body Milk by Fenty Skin My body cream jar has been empty for far too long and the Butta Drop Body Milk has me curious. I can't wait to try it out, especially since the cream leaves my skin soft and moisturized with a tropical fruit and floral scent. Vanilla Vibezzz Whipped Argan Oil by Josie Maran There's nothing quite like smelling like vanilla ice cream after stepping out the shower. The whipped argan oil leaves my skin hydrated while giving me that sweet, dessert-like aroma. Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant by Kosas This aluminum-free deodorant is a holy grail for me. It's the only one that actually works and I genuinely hope it's never discontinued. It's available in two scent options, citrus and sandalwood-jasmine-vanilla, but I prefer the unscented version so it doesn't interfere with my Scent of the Day. What’s on your Sephora sale wish list? Are there any must-haves that I should add to my cart before it’s too late?
- Scented Seasons: Perfumes That Capture the Essence of Each Season
As the world around us transitions from the carefree days of summer to the cozy embrace of fall, the chilly stillness of winter, and the rejuvenation of spring, our scent preferences also shift. Each season has its own mood and memories, and the right fragrance can evoke those feelings long after the moment has passed. Here’s a look at the scents that capture the essence of each season and why they resonate with me. Summer Summer has always been my favorite season, a love that started in childhood. It was the time of family vacations, endless nights with friends, and the sweet, fleeting freedom from school. As an adult, the nostalgia of summer lingers, though its carefree spirit feels bittersweet now, fading under the weight of adult responsibilities. The fragrance that embodies this season for me is Pas Ce Soir (BDK) . It’s a fruity floral, sweet and tart, layered with spice to keep things exciting. The woody base grounds it, making it wearable day or night. It’s not the typical “beachy” or "summer" fragrance; it’s intriguing, inviting, and playful, much like the long summer nights that seen to stretch on forever yet slip away too soon. Main Notes: Quince, Ginger, Black Pepper, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Cashmeran, and Amberwood. Fall Fall is a season of coziness and contentment. As the weather cools and life gets back to its steady rhythm, there’s something comforting about this time of year. It’s warm sweaters and the last of the outdoor brunches and nighttime events with the girls before the chill fully sets in. It’s also a time of reflection, as we hold on to memories from summer trips, knowing that the darker, colder months are just around the corner. Angels Share (Kilian) perfectly captures the warmth of these moments. Sharing memories over boozy nights and rich desserts. Its sweetness lingers for at least 8 hours, creating a cozy scent bubble. Main Notes: Cognac, Cinnamon, Tonka Bean, Oakwood, Praline, and Vanilla. Winter Winter is my least favorite season; cold, gloomy, and weighed down by layers of clothing. Even though I live in sunny Southern California, the dreariness of winter sometimes finds its way in. On a brighter note, it’s cuddle season: the perfect time for intimate conversations, spontaneous date nights, and fun indoor activities with your love. Althair (Parfums de Marly) is the fragrance that cuts through the cold winter gloom with its syrupy sweet orange blossom scent. It leaves a lingering trail that stays on the sheets, ensuring your presence is remembered long after. Main Notes: Orange Blossom, Toffee, Tonka Bean, Amber, and White Musk. Spring Spring is a time for renewal, both inside and out. As the flowers bloom and the world feels refreshed, we embrace self-care and start planning for beach season. The air smells fresh and alive, and it’s the perfect moment to start anew with workout goals, a lighter wardrobe, and a brighter outlook. Levant (Oromonde Jayne) captures this sense of rejuvenation. It’s a fresh, uplifting mix of florals, fruits, and woods that evokes the feeling of a cool breeze on a spring day. It’s light, airy, and full of life, just like the season itself. Main Notes: Lemon, Mandarin, Rose, Jasmine, Cedar, and Amber. Is there a perfume in your collection that perfectly captures the essence of a particular season? Let me know in the comments.
- Bae Rates My Top 10 Perfumes
When you’re a perfume enthusiast, you value your own opinion the most, but sometimes it’s fun to get an outsider's take on your scents. I let my husband, who knows nothing about perfume but has a nose for what he likes, rate my top 10 favorites. They’re mostly OG classics and in no particular order. Let’s see his reactions below. 1. Ani by Nishane His Rating: “Sweet. Citrus lemon. Like lemon meringue pie or cheesecake.” Score: 7/10 My Thoughts: Ani's blend of spices, vanilla, and citrus is magic, but to him, it’s a dessert. I’ll take it. It’s a sweet scent, after all, and I guess that lemon note really stands out. 2. Sunshine by Amouage His Rating: “I can’t explain it. Smells like something from my childhood… maybe apricots?” Score: 9/10 My Thoughts: The apricots (osmanthus) do give a nostalgic, sun-kissed vibe. Maybe it reminds him of summer days or some hidden memory. Either way, I’ll take the 9. 3. Levant by Ormonde Jayne His Rating: “Flowers and something tangy. Sweet, fruity.” Score: 8.5/10 My Thoughts: This fragrance is like a bright floral garden with a hint of citrus zest. He’s not wrong. That "tangy" note is probably the bergamot and orange shining through all the florals. 4. Oud Jaune Intense by Fragrance du Bois His Rating: “Smells like the outdoors. Like a place with flowers and trees... but trees with flowers on them.” Score: 8/10 My Thoughts: The mix of floral and woody notes definitely give off garden vibes. Love that he’s picturing a whole enchanted forest for this one, but I mostly get tropical vibes and pineapple candy. 5. Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait by Maison Francis Kurkdjian His Rating: “Candy-coated root. Like the caramelized coating of a candy apple. Tobacco and vanilla.” Score: 8/10 My Thoughts: Root? I still love this perfume even though everyone is tired of hearing about it. BR 540 Extrait is known for being a sweet burnt sugar scent, but comparing it to candy apples? I never thought of it as carnival chic. 6. Hibiscus Mahajad by Maison Crivelli His Rating: “Flowers, lemon, and wet wood. Like they’ve been soaking for a long time. Has some tea in there.” Score: 7/10 My Thoughts: I guess it’s that mix of hibiscus, rose, mint, vanilla, and leather that’s confusing him. This is a 10/10 for me and definitely a crowd pleaser. 7. Mon Guerlain by Guerlain His Rating: “Smells like Christmas. Maybe some tobacco or tea. Powdery.” Score: 6/10 My Thoughts: Christmas? This is cozy vanilla-lavender blend, so maybe that’s where he gets the comfy holiday vibes. Still, a classic that I love, even if it didn’t blow him away. 8. Donna Born in Roma by Valentino His Rating: “Pink lemonade candy. Fresh, like an air freshener… or strawberry lotion.” Score: 9/10 My Thoughts: I don’t understand his description at all. The main notes are jasmine, vanilla, and woods. But Born in Roma always gets compliments for its sweetness, and apparently, it’s hitting the same sweet spot with him. 9. Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly His Rating: “Grapefruit and bergamot. Not chocolate, but almost like a Tootsie Roll. Musty, wet.” Score: 6/10 My Thoughts: Delina Exclusif is my favorite Delina and one of the ultimate rose perfumes. I guess the earthy notes are playing tricks on his nose. The original Delina is his favorite. 10. Deep N Desire Yacht by EBK His Rating: “Blueberry… but something is sharp in here. There’s something I don’t like.” Score: 5/10 My Thoughts: This one’s a bold, fruity explosion that reminds me of a blueberry/black grape muffin. I think the hazelnut is what’s bothering him. Honorable Mention: Tihota by Indult His Rating: “Pure vanilla. Only vanilla.” Score: 7/10 My Thoughts: Vanilla lovers unite! Tihota is pure, sweet, and simple, but sometimes that’s all you need. This is my favorite "mainly vanilla" perfume. While his ratings were all over the place, I appreciate the honesty. It’s fascinating to see how someone without perfume knowledge interprets the scents we obsess over. Sometimes it’s all about how a fragrance makes you feel or what memories it evokes. Do you agree with Bae's ratings, or do we need a scented intervention? Let me know in the comments.
- Chopping Block Perfumes and Their Replacements
As much as I love growing my perfume collection, there comes a time when I need to say goodbye to a few scents. I'm pledging a "No Buy" for October (with the exception of snatching Silk Santal from Kayali the minute it is re-released on October 1st) and it's time for some seasonal cleaning. Since my last Wish List, I've added Sparkling Lychee (Kayali), Cruz del Sur II (Xerjoff), Sultan (Royal Crown), and Nomade Naturelle (Chole) to my collection. Now, I'm eyeing a few perfumes I haven't worn at all this year and plan to swap them for something more exciting. Here's what's on the chopping block and what I'm considering replacing them with. On the Chopping Block: Acqua di Gioia (Giorgio Armani) Once a staple in my work rotation, Acqua di Gioia had a solid run. Its sweet, green aquatic notes brought me many compliments, but lately, it's just sitting there untouched. I have nothing negative to say about this scent. Time to layer or let it go. Replacement Added to Wish List: El Sireno (House of Bo) So far, this is my favorite from the House of Bo. It's a refreshing aquatic yellow floral with woody and green notes that reminds me of an elevated Acqua di Gioia. I'm a sucker for aromatic perfumes and this one hits all the right spots. On the Chopping Block: Golden Nectar (Nest) This one was an impulse buy during a Sephora run. Its powdery amber vanilla vibe reminds me of my grandma's lipstick, which I oddly found comforting. Recently, I discovered this has a note of suede, which I usually don't gravitate towards. Replacement Added to Wish List: Casa Blanca (House of Bo) My second favorite from the House of Bo, and as I mentioned, I usually don't like suede, but this one is special. The blend of tea, fig, suede, vanilla, tobacco, and oud creates an intoxicating scent. While others get powdery florals, I smell an airy, clean scent that is irresistible. On the Chopping Block: Dior Homme Intense This one is technically gone; I gifted it to my guy and it smells much better on him. While I loved the woody and powdery notes, the vetiver always felt a bit off on my skin. Replacement Added to Wish List: Santal Austral (Matiere Premiere) Santal Austral gives me the same powdery, woody vibes but does it better with added benzoin and tonka bean. It's warmer, smoother, and fits perfectly into my fall fragrance lineup. On the Chopping Block: My Way (Giorgio Armani) This scent will always bring back memories of my last girls trip to Vegas. A pleasant white floral scent, slightly fruity and non-offensive, but I can do better. My mom loves this one, so I'll give it to her. Replacement Added to Wish List: Narcotic V (Nasomatto) This sample came in a capsule with no way to seal after opening, so I decided to empty the entire sample on my skin. Once emptied, it took over my senses in the most intense way. It coated my nostrils, slid down my throat, and nearly choked me. This is a loud, bold white floral dominated by tuberose with touch of spice. Once it dries, it become a softer but still potent floral. I love a fragrance that demands attention and this one is definitely making its way into my collection. Honorable Mentions While these perfumes aren't replacing anything, they have been on my Wish List all summer, and I still need them in my life: African Rooibos (Chris Collins) is my Carefree Relaxing Day, Queening (Mind Games) is my Creamy Coconut Scent, and Love Delight (Amouage) is my Breath of Fresh Air. What's on your wish list this season? Let me know in the comments.
- Scented Disappointment: My Birthday Weekend Fail
Since my life is full of non-perfume lovers, I decided to keep it simple while everyone took me out for my birthday. Here are their underwhelming comments on my selected scents: Night out with the Girls Perfume Worn: BR 540 Extrait (MFK) under Carmina (Creed) Comments on my Fragrance: "Smells fresh, like the ocean breeze at the beach." "Smells like deodorant. A fresh scent." "Smells like basic perfume, fresh and simple." "Sweet and warm like cinnamon and honey." While they didn't exactly nail the perfume notes, I can sort of understand the last comment. The spice she was picking up was saffron and the sweetness was from the burnt sugar scented BR 540 Extrait. But "deodorant"? Really? I get sexy black cherry and amber, not fresh deodorant. Spending time with the Parents Perfume Worn: Casa Blanca (House of Bo) Comments on my Fragrance: "Flowers and powdery. Smells nice." "Flowers. Smells like you, not me." My dad dislikes strong scents, and my mom prefers a simple rose, so I thought I would impress them with something more complex, with tea, woody, and aromatic notes. I was sniffing my arm all day, loving it, meanwhile they were clearly not amused. Dinner with the Husband Perfume Worn: Florabotanica (Balenciaga) Comments on my Fragrance: "Soapy flowers. This smells familiar. Is it the one I like?" I expected more enthusiasm, especially since this is his favorite perfume from my collection (or so he says). He didn't even recognize it. I wore this for our wedding (along with Hibiscus Mahajad), so I was hoping for more excitement. Florabotanica is a green, rose, and "fresh" scent. New Additions to My Wishlist Everyone knows I'm a perfume enthusiast, but I've always told them not to buy me perfumes since I'm picky. Unfortunately, they listened and I've added the following to cart for a future splurge. El Sireno (House of Bo) The perfume community is in love with Casa Blanca, and while I like it, I think I'd rather smell like a mer-man. I have more samples on the way, but El Sireno smells like an aquatic floral... a real "ocean breeze" and my favorite from the house so far. Fleur Narcotique Extrait (Ex Nihilo) I have a sample of the edp, but the scent disappeared within a couple hours and I couldn't justify the price tag. If the scent and longevity is amplified in the extrait, I'm definitely buying it. Santal Austral (Matiere Premiere) This smells like sweet, airy sandalwood with tonka bean and amber notes. Warm scents like this will be perfect for fall. The moral of the story is to wear what you want instead of trying to please others. Their noses might never appreciate the art of perfume the way you do.
- Bedtime Scents: The Perfumes I Only Wear to Bed
When it comes to nighttime rituals, there's something personal about a scent that wraps around you as you drift off to sleep. Whether it's setting the mood or simply enjoying your own scent bubble, bedtime perfumes can be soft, flirty, or just fun. These are scents I reserve solely for bedtime. Musk 12 by Kayali Soft Sheets You know that feeling of slipping into fresh, soft sheets after a long day? That's Musk 12. While it's designed to be layered, I save this comforting scent for bed. With its gentle musk and cozy vanilla, it's a perfect "your skin, but better" scent that's light, inoffensive and draws people in just a little closer. Cuddle-worthy perfume. Toy 2 Bubble Gum by Moschino Playful Energy She's fun, playful, and always up for a good time. Toy 2 starts as a powdery, fruity, floral scent, and then the wood slides in. Cedarwood and ambroxan sneak in to tame the bubblegum, making it playful but grown up. This is just what you need to add a pop of fun to your bedtime routine. Idole Aura by Lancome Sweet Sweat On a casual shopping trip, my guy mentioned this perfume was his favorite out of the many we sampled, so naturally it came home with us. The salty sweet blend of vanilla and rose mixed with skin, give me a sweet sweaty sultry vibe. Idole Aura projects and lasts all night long. Bois Dore by Van Cleef & Arpels A Happy Nut Almonds are one of my favorite notes, and Bois Dore gives them the spotlight they deserve. It opens with mineral notes, but climaxes with almonds and tonka dripping in vanilla. It's like a sweet, smooth finish (not synthetic) that feels comforting without ever being too much. Libre EDT by YSL Refreshing Splash Sometimes you need a cool breeze. When I'm hot, and craving something fresh to help me cool down, Libre EDT delivers. With jasmine tea notes and relaxing lavender, it's like a refreshing splash as I drift off to sleep. Honorable Mentions If I'm not wearing one of the mentioned perfumes to bed, I'm either wearing a perfume sample, testing a scent layer, or wearing a favorite. What's your go-to bedtime scent? Do you have a select few that never leave the house, too? Let us know in the comments. Splash Waterfalls played in my head as I typed this. If you know that song, tap the heart below. Sweet dreams.
- The Perfect Topping: Perfumes that Layer with Everything
If there's one thing I’ve learned from my fragrance journey, it’s that certain perfumes have an almost magical ability to elevate any scent they’re paired with. These are the unsung heroes of my collection—the perfumes that layer so effortlessly with others, they’ve become the perfect toppings in my scent wardrobe. Whether I’m looking to add warmth, sweetness, or a touch of complexity, these fragrances never let me down. Here are my go-to perfumes that blend beautifully with just about anything. Bianco Latte - The Comfort Blanket She's warm, fuzzy, and always there when you want to feel at peace. Bianco Latte smells like whipped cream drizzled with honey, and it layers with just about any perfume in my collection. Favorite Combo: Naxos by Xerjoff, which is perfectly unisex in my opinion, and Bianco Latte by Giardini Di Toscana. Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait - Silent Confidence She walks into a room knowing you'll smell her, exuding a "feel free to hate on me" attitude. Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait smells like burnt sugar and almonds, and layers with any perfume. I love using it as a base to boost the longevity of whatever fragrance I'm wearing that day. Favorite Combos: Carmina by Creed and 540 Extrait by MFK, Atomic Rose by Initio and 540 Extrait, or Lost Cherry by Tom Ford and 540 Extrait. I couldn't decide which layering combo is best. Safanad - The Sweetheart Always smiling, always helpful, and always pleasant. Safanad is a powdery, sweet orange blossom scent that layers with any fruity, floral, woody, or vanilla scent. Favorite Combo: Levant by Ormonde Jayne and Safanad by Parfums de Marly. Tihota - Heavy Vanilla Cloud This is the batch of oven baked cookies that's always on your mind when you're on a diet. Tihota is my go-to for sweetening up any scent of the day. It's the perfect addition when a fragrance feels too woody, too ambery, too sharp, or just too anything. Favorite Combo: Noir Pour Femme by Tom Ford, Minnie Mouse by House of Sillage, and Tihota by Indult. Sparkling Lychee - The Best Friend She's sweet and tart, and you always want her around. Sparking Lychee is the first perfume I bought solely for the purpose of layering with everything. I just upgraded to a full bottle, and it's quickly becoming indispensable. Favorite Combo: J'Adore d'Eau (the white bottle) by Dior and Sparkling Lychee by Kayali. Honorable Mention: Silk Santal - Wifey Mona Kattan Elamin, we are all begging you to bring this gem back. You cannot create a perfume house based on the art of layering perfumes and discontinue the best one! (Said with love.) I didn't realize how much I enjoy sandalwood until I started wearing Silk Santal. I can't think of a fragrance in my collection that wouldn't layer beautifully with this. Who wants to smell like nectarine and sandalwood? I do . Favorite Combo: Rouge Malachite by Armani Prive and Silk Santal by Kayali. These fragrances have become my secret weapons for creating fun and unforgettable scent combinations. Whether you’re a layering pro or just starting to experiment, I hope this list inspires you to play with your perfumes and discover new favorites. Let me know in the comments if you have your own go-to layering fragrances and tap the heart if you enjoyed my suggestions.
- Opinions from My Non-Perfume Obsessed Friends: Niche & Designer Perfumes
As a perfume enthusiast, I find it fascinating to see how others react to the scents I love or hate. So, I decided to take three of my non-perfume obsessed friends on a fragrance journey. I gave each of them three carefully selected samples based on their preferences, with the challenge to guess whether each scent was niche or designer. Once again, meet The Laid-Back Traveler, The Busy Mom, and The Outgoing Nurse . Before diving into their reviews, here were my instructions for the experiment: On clean, moisturized skin, spray or slowly twist open and dab the perfume on your pulse points letting it air dry. Wait at least 15 minutes, write down your thoughts down your thoughts, and have fun with it. 😁 The Laid-Back Traveler Likes: Fresh, floral, sweet, and fruity. Levant by Ormonde Jayne (Scent Profile: Citrus, Floral, and Fresh) Her Thoughts: " This is a good one. It’s soft, a little powdery, fresh, and clean. This smells like a shower gel or fresh rain scent. I see green and I see blue. This is an everyday scent and something to wear in the heat. " Mango Skin by Vilhelm Parfumerie (Scent Profile: Tropical, Fruity, and Sweet) Her Thoughts: " Very disappointed. I was excited when I saw the name because I love mango and tropical fruits. I only smell a heavy sweet vanilla note that takes over the entire perfume and that’s not the type of scent I like. I would only wear it if someone bought it for me as a gift. This is a night-time and going-out scent. I don’t smell mango at all. " Perfect by Marc Jacobs (Scent Profile: Green, Fruity, and Almond) Her Thoughts: " I knew from the first spray that it would be perfect. The name says it all. It's a soft, subtle, sweet, feminine smell. Not sexy, but flirty and sweet. It reminds me of a summer dress. An everyday scent that I would wear in the office. This is not unique or intoxicating enough for me to go out and buy, but if I were into perfumes I would buy this. I like this. I could see this being used to attract a man and get his attention. " The Busy Mom Likes: Fresh and aquatic. Bouquet de Hongrie by BDK (Scent Profile: Fruity, Floral, and Fresh) Her Thoughts: " I would wear this out of the shower. It’s subtle, mellow, fresh, and I could not smell it at first. I would say this is a niche perfume. " A La Rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian (Scent Profile: Rose and Citrus) Her Thoughts: " I like this one because it makes me feel sexy and more feminine. It's gentle and I smell apples or some type of fruit. I would wear this on a date night out with the hubby. It’s long-lasting and my favorite out of the three. Definitely a niche perfume. " Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani (Scent Profile: Aquatic and Floral) Her Thoughts: " This perfume is just okay. It’s too sweet and too strong for my liking, but it also smells fresh. I would say this may be a designer scent. " The Outgoing Nurse Likes: Sweet, floral, spicy, amber, and fruity. Rehab by Initio (Scent Profile: Woody, Aromatic, and Sweet Spicy) Her Thoughts: " This scent wasn’t my favorite at first—soft, sweet, with what I thought smelled like fresh wood, but also like vanilla. As I smelled it again after drying for a while, I did smell vanilla, but also some of the spicy and sweet notes came through more, giving it something that spikes my interest. I would wear this on a chill day, hanging with my family, or a lazy day around the house. There’s just something about it. " Dolce Melodia by Sospiro (Scent Profile: Fruity and Sweet) Her Thoughts: " I love this soft and sweet scent. Hints of fruit, maybe some peach (my favorite fruit), which is perfect for these hot LA days. Good for the beach or just a day brunch date with friends. Something sweet to catch attention! " My Way Intense by Giorgio Armani (Scent Profile: Floral, Citrus, and Sweet) Her Thoughts: " Definition of bold and sweet. One spray and the smell envelops your nose. I love the bold sweet smell. Could wear this on a night out with the girls and have everyone turning heads. Because that’s the goal, right? Lol. I would definitely make this my go-to scent! Yummy! First word when I sprayed it on my skin. Out of the three, I'm not sure which ones are designer or niche. " The Verdict It turns out that the non-perfume obsessed public has their own way of experiencing scents, and it’s not always in line with the official notes. Not everyone accurately guessed the full profiles of their samples, but that’s what makes their opinions so interesting. Each of them brought a unique perspective, interpreting the fragrances in ways that felt personal to them. Whether it was imagining fresh rain, a summer dress, or simply being intrigued by something that didn’t immediately appeal, their takes were anything but predictable. It just goes to show how subjective and personal the world of fragrance really is. A special thank you to my friends who at least pretend to listen when I go on about perfume and for completing this experiment. For everyone else, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—did you agree with their reviews? If you enjoyed reading their opinions, don't forget to tap the heart. If you're curious about what they thought of perfumed oils, click here .
- Rethinking My Top 10: My Most Worn Fragrances So Far This Year
As I reflect on my perfume choices this year, I find I have an overall love for rich or complex scents with a strong emphasis on warmth, sweetness, and exotic notes. My collection speaks to a taste for both comfort and opulence, often blending floral, fruity, and gourmand elements. Here’s a breakdown of my most worn perfumes so far this year and what they reveal about my taste: 1. Complex and Luxurious: Cavort, Guidance, and Peregrina These scents have complex compositions with multiple notes, revealing my attraction to layered fragrances that offer depth. 2. Warm, Sweet, and Comforting: Bianco Latte, The Wedding Silk Santal, and Althair These choices suggest a love for warm, sweet, and comforting scents with notes of vanilla, sandalwood, or creamy accords. 3. Exotic and Spicy: Hibiscus Mahajad, Jardins de Misfah, and Deep n Desire Yacht These feature rich florals and spices that show my appreciation for bold, statement-making fragrances that stand out and leave a lasting impression. 4. Floral and Fruity Elegance: Levant, Safanad, Dolce Melodia, and Carmina These highlight my affinity for elegant floral and fruity fragrances. They balance the freshness of florals with the sweetness of fruits, creating a refined and feminine aura. 5. Playful and Feminine: Minnie Mouse This perfume captures my love for playful, youthful, and slightly gourmand fragrances. Soie Malaquais This perfume brings a more mature femininity, with its soft silky notes and delicate elegance. These choices show that I appreciate both the fun and more refined aspects of fragrance. Now that I’ve been documenting what I wear daily, I’m starting to rethink my top 10. Ani, Sunshine Woman, Oud Jaune Intense --- where have you been?