Glossier You Eau De Parfum Review

 

One more review and then I am done for the day. The way I usually decide the next perfume I'm going to use is just googling and finding the most iconic fragrances. This popped up on some list- before then I had never heard of it. So I went ahead and ordered it from Sephora. I wish I didn't. Or I wish I had ordered the smaller size or something because this was not worth it.

Glossier claims:

Glossier You is a soft, warm and familiar skin-scent enhancing fragrance. Sparkling Pink Pepper opens into earthy Iris, settling into a strong, slightly-sweet base of Ambrette and Ambrox that wears close to skin–so it smells a little different on everyone!

Musky, Iris, Amber, Powdery, Soft Spicy, Violet, Floral, Earthy

Made in the USA

I think maybe I have a problem with "Ambrette/Ambroxan" type of scents. I don't think I have tried one that I have found to be very good. It's mainly the initial spray and the fact that it doesn't develop into anything good either.

It smells "cheap" to me. Something about the top notes reminds me of cheapie Glade sprays. I can't pick out any of the other notes- I wouldn't say it gives floral, fresh, oriental, woody- or any of the other categories. Maybe slightly powdery?  Just cheap and meh. If I didn't know how much I paid for the bottle I would have thought it was $30 or less. I feel $20 would be a fair price for it. But of course it was much more than that. 

Even the packaging gives cheap. I had been carrying the bottle around in my bag and you can see wear on it. Some of the packaging has worn off and the top has chipped. 

I really wish I had seen the smaller size because that is what I would have gone with. I didn't see that option- unlucky for me. 

I did read that it was reformulated about two years ago- so it's entirely possible that it was much better before. 

Overall, I really dislike it. I might try to use up the rest of it as a room/bathroom spray. I can't see myself wearing through the rest of the bottle. Waste of money for me. 

Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau De Parfum Review

 

I was excited for this. My very first Tom Ford. I've heard really great things about the fragrance for the most part. Or at least I think I have. I remember when the makeup hit the scene and a lot of people were had nothing but great things to say. So I was excited when this came up on a list of most iconic fragrances so I could finally give it a go. 

Tom Form claims:

Black Orchid by Tom Ford is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Black Orchid was launched in 2006. Black Orchid was created by David Apel and Pierre Negrin. Top notes are Truffle, Gardenia, Black Currant, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange and Amalfi Lemon; middle notes are Orchid, Spices, Gardenia, Fruity Notes, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine and Lotus; base notes are Mexican chocolate, Patchouli, Vanille, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver and White Musk.

Made in Switzerland

I just knew I would love this scent so I sprang for the larger bottle. And I really wish I hadn't. I would say lesson learned but I will probably do the same thing again in a few months. And I had access to smell the fragrance first but I was too lazy to make the drive. 

I have the 1.7 ounce size. And I think I'm almost through it. Hard to tell because the bottle is so dark. At first I wasn't so sure about the bottle design- but the more I look the more I like. It's very unique. A nice dark black glass with a gold engraving of the name? I think that's how you describe it. I'm glad to be able to add this bottle to the collection since I do collect them. The only negative is you never know how much is left...it's all a guessing game. 

The first spritz of this was disappointing. Mostly it reminds me of a mens cologne scent. Maybe something my brother had when I was younger. It's very heavy and it does seem surpassingly masculine. I don't think the scent is "me" at all. Some perfumes you put on and they just smell amazing- this gives very much I have a very strong fragrance on. At least in my opinion. But it does wear very well and I can smell it on me at the end of the day. So it lasts forever and projects well. 

When I first got it- before I got used to it, it was very headache inducing. Now after more wear I am immune to it and it no longer induces headaches...lucky me. 

It has a lot of notes- I honestly can't really pick any of them out though Maybe I do get chocolate but those notes don't come out when I wear it. There also seems to be every floral known to man in this as well.

Overall, it is not for me. I think I prefer something lighter and fresher. I'm glad I finally got to try the brand though.  

Update: Now that the bottle is gone- I think this ha officially grown on me. Instead of sniffing it after I sprayed I gave it a good sniff after the dry down....hours later and why does it smell absolutely amazing? Warm and sweet and inviting? I think I need another bottle....

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne Review

One day closer to Christmas. And I need to get started with gift shopping. I think I am going to try and do at least one order a day until I am done. First order is the easiest. Tomorrow I will have to put on my thinking cap. I also need to think of what I am gonna make for Christmas. I'm seeing people try the new Grinch meal from McDonald's. Maybe I'll do a Grinch theme? That could be fun. But what could I make? 

 In the meantime, I have a quick cologne review. The last in the discovery set I bought that had five minis. I think it was part of their best sellers. I saved the best for last? Or did I.

Jo Malone claims:

Breathe in the bracing air of the British coast. The windswept shore alive with sea salt and the mineral scent of rugged cliffs. Immersed in wild waters, the sound of breaking waves heightening the senses. The natural beauty of the British Isles inspires a fresh woody scent.

Top - Ambrette Seeds

Its textural quality wraps the top notes with an aura of sophistication.

Heart - Sea Salt

The crunchy nature of sea salt brings both texture and a sense of freshness and purity to the heart of the fragrance.

Base - Sage

Woody with earthy, aromatic tones that bring a natural depth to the base, grounding the sea salt accord.

 I was eyeing this in candle form but I really wasn't sure it would be a scent for me. It was the Wood Sage that had be unsure. I tend to love Sea Salt scents. I think. I'm basing it on that being my favorite cleaning spray scent (Method Lime and Sea Salt). 

That being said, I really enjoy the scent. Or at least I did in the beginning. I don't think it smells like what it says. It just smells fresh. A little citrusy. It's just immediately pleasing to the nose. It's supposed to smell like the British coast. I've been on the British coast. I don't remember it smelling this nice. I'm also a little surprised because it is a woody fragrance and usually those can go either way. But I do like this one.

This is one that I do agree is unisex. So many fragrances these days fall into that category....but they don't really seem uni. I think it's just trendy. But this one I could see anyone wearing. 

It is a newer scent- came out in 2014. I'm always glad to try newer scents because the oldie scents although fun to try mostly don't seem to stand the test of time. 

The main problem is that it doesn't last. It's nice for as long as you can smell it- then it disappears. And it disappears fast. You can really try to layer it on and it will not stick around for more than 30 minutes to an hour. 

It's also a simple scent- it's not a journey. It doesn't develop. You don't get interesting top, middle, or base notes. It's very linear. 

For the price I'm not sure I think it's worth it. It's nice. Non- offensive. Easy to wear and I'm glad I gave it a try. But I wouldn't pay asking price. I think it should be cheaper. Not cheap- but just more affordable. I wouldn't buy it in cologne form again- but I do want the candle. Maybe the next time I am in the market for a candle- I'll pick it up. 

Samples Review: Kayali Vanilla 26 and Prada Infusion De Figue Parfum

 It's been a minute since I've had any samples to review. Now I have quite a few. Mostly skincare. But I do have these two perfume samples so figured I would give them a go instead of keeping them sitting around and collecting dust.

Kayali Vanilla 28- This came in my latest Sephora order. I have seen this brand everywhere- they seem to have really great reviews. Normally I would think Vanilla is a little boring but I love the top notes of this. I  think it's probably the best vanilla scent I've come across. It's been a minute since I've used straight up vanilla. There is also quite a bit of patchouli in it that I really picked up on in the latter half of the wear. I used the entire sampler and it seems to last forever. I could even smell it the next day when I woke up. I'm not typically a fan of gourmands but this is nice. I actually want a full size bottle. 

Next up Prada Infusion De Figure. I've never experienced a full sized Prada perfume. Only a few samples here and there. I've had a few fig candles and sampled a few fig perfumes. This is quite a different scent to any other fig scent. Really unique in general. It definitely smells of summer. It's nice enough...I thought it was OK. It didn't compare to the Kayali perfume which I enjoyed much more in comparison. I think I would have liked this one more on a hot summer day...it's just not the right season for it. I don't see myself buying it anytime soon...but it was nice to try something so unique. 

And that's all for now....

Jo Malone Peony and Blushed Suede Review

It's super cold out and nothing to do but stay warm. Or try to. And in between I need to knock out a few posts. Today...we have a Jo Malone review. I'm almost through the discovery set I bought and then I'll give something else a whirl.  I used the candle of this not too long ago- it was my intro into Jo Malone. Mostly because I found the candle at a really great price. I wish I had picked up a couple of them- they would have made amazing gifts.

Jo Malone claims: 

Peony & Blush Suede by Jo Malone London is a Floral fragrance for women. Peony & Blush Suede was launched in 2013. The nose behind this fragrance is Christine Nagel. Top note is Red Apple; middle notes are Peony, Rose, Jasmine and Carnation; base note is Suede.

Peonies in voluptuous bloom flourishing in an English garden. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine and rose. Mingling with soft, blush suede.

This is a newer fragrance- it only came out in 2013. I only recently discovered that the brand had been around longer than I thought but this came out around when I thought it would. It smells in the style of most florals that have come out in the last 10 years. I wouldn't say it smells the same- but it just smells really familiar in a way.

It's a very pretty and unmistakeable floral. I really like the scent in candle form. I think I prefer it in candle form over the actual perfume because the scent is just not really me. I enjoy wearing it and catching whiffs of the pretty scent through the day though. I just think it would suit someone else better. 

I definitely get the apple it is a top note for sure- I still have no idea what a peony smells like. I think I can detect the rose, jasmine. and suede.  Suede is an interesting note and choice here. It's one I have to think about..and if I think about it in terms of other scents I've had that had a leather type scent- I get it. But it's only something I realize is there when I read it and really focus on what notes I am picking up. The florals are the ones that really stand out and smack you in the face when you spray and throughout the wear.

It has great sillage and lasts pretty well as long as you spray it in layers. It is still gone at the end of the workday but it's so easy to top up. 

It's not terribly complex. It won't  change and develop throughout the day but I notice most of the other colognes from Jo are like that. They are just very linear scent. 

Overall, a very pretty scent. But not one I would buy again in cologne form. It's just not my type of scent. I'm looking for something different or something that smells more like me.  I would still try out the soap or room spray and whatever else form this comes in.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne Review

 I'm reviewing this in the wrong season. This is definitely a summer scent. And here we are in fall. I have a little bit left and I don't feel like saving it until next summer so I'm just going to continue using it out of season. I bought this in a mini set- which as soon as I saw I bought it. Jo Malone colognes are not cheap...especially for a cologne and getting a few in the mini size as right up my alley. I think after this one is gone I only have two left.

Jo Malone claims: 

A succulent peach plucked from a market stall in the early morning sun. Energise the spirit with a playful and fruity scent.

Top - Cassis
Intensely juicy and ripe, it gives a crisp edge to the fragrance.

Heart - Acacia Honey
This deliciously honeyed note suffuses the scent with its smooth, sweet accents of beeswax and blossoms.

Base - Peach
A lusciously, juicy note, succulent with textural velvety softness.

Nectarine Blossom & Honey by Jo Malone London is a Floral Fruity Gourmand fragrance for women and men. Nectarine Blossom & Honey was launched in 2005. The nose behind this fragrance is Jo Malone. Top notes are Green Notes, Black Currant and Petitgrain; middle notes are Nectarine and Black locust; base notes are Peach, Plum and Vetiver. 

This really captures nectarine perfectly. It has all the fruity notes. All of the sour you get when you bite into a fresh nectarine. Necatarine is the star of the show. It does say it has notes of honey but...I don't pick up on it.

I wore this on vacation and at one point went on a hike outside in the heat with it one. I kept getting whiffs of this and was enthralled with the scent. It smelled really nice in the heat. 

Smelling the scent on my skin rather than just wafts of scent is a totally different experience. I don't like sniffing it directly off my skin. It smells odd that way but luckily I didn't even notice until just now that I am writing the review.  I tend to use these more as a body spray on clothing rather than directly on my skin.

It's not a complex scent..and it doesn't develop throughout the day. It's just a simple and fruity scent that works really well in hot weather. I don't find Jo Malone scents to have great longevity but they are all colognes which has a lower concentration of oils anyway.

This scent came out in 2005-which is kinda surprising to me. I always think of Jo as a newer company and am so shocked to see some of the scents have been around quite awhile. 

I liked it. I enjoyed my time with it and would probably buy other things in the scent collection but I'm not sure I would repurchase this. It does come in quite a few forms such as candles, body cream, shower gel, hand cream etc. I wouldn't be mad though if I bought it in another set, I just don't think I would specifically seek the cologne variety out again.

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne Review

 I want to finish up the cologne sampler set I bought by the end of the year and the way I go through colognes and perfumes I'm on track. I'm almost through this sampler- maybe one more wear and it's gone.

Jo Malone claims:

Mimosa & Cardamom by Jo Malone London is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women and men. Mimosa & Cardamom was launched in 2015. The nose behind this fragrance is Marie Salamagne. Top note is Cardamom; middle note is Mimosa; base note is Tonka Bean.

This cologne has confused me. At first I really didn't like it. I think it was the Cardamom that made it smell a bit more masculine than I normally like even though I love the smell of cardamom. Every time I would wear this in the beginning I would focus in on the spice and just dislike it. 

As I've continued to wear it- it's made me pause and think. .....maybe it's not so bad? 

Now I like it a lot more. But I'm still a little confused by the hint of spice. Other than that hit of spice it's a very gentle scent. Reminds me of a scent you might find in a baby product-  but not baby product powdery. It kinda reminds me of a detangling spray my mom used in my hair as a kid. I wonder if that is the Mimosa? I'm not too familiar with the scent of Mimosa flowers. I wish I could find some of the fresh flowers to smell. 

It's not something I immediately think of as floral though. I think that's the part of the scent that is really growing on me. Also..it's very unique. I have never smelled anything quite similar although I wouldn't call it a complex scent. It seems more on the simpler side.

One thing to note- I don't think it has great lasting power and I don't necessarily love what's left of the scent after wearing it on my skin for a while. I think I enjoy spraying it more on my clothes (it lasts longer that way) and doesn't change as much. 

It took awhile but it has really grown on me. I don't think I would buy a full bottle of it....but maybe I would purchase a smaller one again sometime in the far future. Or maybe just buy other things in the same scent family. 

Moschino Toy 2 Perfume Review

 I've been spending time watching vids about the new Apple phone drop. I want to put off buying a new phone. I just got a new battery in mine which is really extending it's life.  I want to use it as long as I can before replacing. But then I saw they dropped a phone in Orange. My favorite color. And I want it. I'm gonna resist though and try to wait until at least next year.

In the meantime, I have a perfume review from a new to me brand. 

Moschino claims:

Toy 2 by Moschino is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women. Toy 2 was launched in 2018. Toy 2 was created by Alberto Morillas and Fabrice Pellegrin. Top notes are Apple, Mandarin Orange and Magnolia; middle notes are White Currant, Peony and Jasmine; base notes are Musk, Sandalwood and Amberwood.

I picked up the bottle because of the big teddy bear. It's a little juvenile but still so cute and I thought it would be a good addition to my perfume collection. I like to collect unique bottles and this fits the bill. 

I also liked it enough to buy it. I thought it would make a good alternative to the other perfume I was wearing at the time...and I liked that it would be a better summer pick when I wanted something light. 

I really like the scent. It's very floral,  a little fruity, light, fresh, and not too sweet. Kinda unique (in the way I can't think of anything similar enough to it) ...but not really. It doesn't smell terribly complicated. It doesn't smell more expensive than it is. It just smells nice. A great everyday scent that I never got tired of. I really have been enjoying my bottle. It's nothing I need to buy again but I am enjoying it to the last drop. 

I can't really pick out specific notes. Maybe I get the apple, jasmine, currant? And a hit of florals. It really just smells like what I want my hair to smell like...anyone know of a shampoo that will make my hair smell like this? 

I did want to briefly talk about the brand- I know the brand because a couple of months ago I got caught up researching the outfits from the Nanny. I love, love, love that show. Especially love the fashion. Fran Fine was that girl. She was always fly! 

I don't know much about designers but I do know that I loved these designs! And there are so many more because she wore a lot of Moschino. I do wonder if she would also like this scent....but I don't think this is a Fran scent. It is very modern smelling given that it came out in 2018.

Overall, I like it. I'm glad I got to spend a summer wearing it. I probably wouldn't repurchase though, not while there are so many scents out there to discover but it served it's purpose.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Review

 I decided to majorly treat myself to the priciest perfume I have purchased for myself to date. What helped me take the plunge was I finally cashed out some money from blogging. I really haven't made much of anything from it- but I do it as a hobby anyway. Even with cashing out, I definitely paid well over $100. But I wanted to try this much hyped perfume. I ordered it because I'm not sure any stores near me carry it and I didn't feel like searching in person. So here with are. 

MFK claims:

Baccarat Rouge 540 was created from the meeting between Maison Francis Kurkdjian and the crystal factory Baccarat to celebrate its 250th anniversary. An eau de parfum that reminds both of the transparency and the density of crystal. With this unique woody-flowery-amber creation around three scents, Francis Kurkdjian wanted to express the poetic alchemy of crystal production.

In the top note, the airy facets of jasmine flowers and the explosive power of saffron symbolize the breath of air. They combine with a chord reminiscent of gray amber, as well as with dry woody notes that embody the mineral touch. And finally, the addictive sensuality of ethylmaltol, a fragrance with delicious accents, expresses the breath of fire. The radiant, racy Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum lays on the skin like an enveloping and at the same time airy-light veil - like a woody-amber touch of flowers. An inimitable fragrance signature, graphically and concentrated to the extreme, with long-lasting sillage.

Complement your care ritual with the other Baccarat Rouge 540 beauty gestures to pamper yourself and extend the sillage of your perfume: the foam gel for hands and body, the body milk, the hair perfume and the solid soap.

Made in France

I ended up with the 70 ml bottle which seemed to be better bang for my money. I wish I had seen the option to personalize it. I've bought a few perfumes that had that option and for some reason have never done it. And it's free....

This is my most complimented perfume. Most recent compliment- it smells expensive. That made me feel better (slightly) about the price. Because at least it smells unique and who doesn't want to smell expensive. It is truly a crowd pleaser...if you want a scent that others love, love, LOVE- get this one. 

As for me...it's OK. It tends to be on the sweeter side but it's not overwhelmingly sweet. Just more so than I was expecting it to be. I think I am under the impression that the more you pay the less sweet a scent is. It's not bad though. But it's mainly what I get. It's not really very floral to me. But I think it is woody. It is supposed to smell of Saffron which I have no real idea what that smells like. I should soon because I bought some from a spice group I am in and they always get the very best quality stuff. 

I really don't know how else to describe it except to state it doesn't smell very complex like I was expecting. I don't see how it is inimitable but I can also admit I haven't tried any dupes or smelled anything very similar. I have heard a certain celebrity fragrance is a dupe but I don't buy celeb scents often. I mostly try to avoid them. 

It's only been around since 2015 and has exploded in popularity. 

The packaging is very pretty though. Comes in a really pretty fancy feeling box. Does it feel as fancy as the price? Well...no. But it doesn't give cheapie either. I might save the box for a little while.

The perfume bottle itself is heavy feeling. It has a magnetic lid. It's a nice feeling/looking bottle. I'll probably keep it forever...especially since I collect perfume bottles. 

For me- it was overhyped and I'm not in love with it. I can easily wear it as an everyday fragrance...I don't think it offends anyone. I do love the compliments. But there is nothing really exciting to me about wearing it. So..I would say probably not worth the money for me. And I wouldn't buy it again. I would still try other scents from the brand. In a couple years. Might be best to see if I can get a sampler set for my wallets sake. 

Samples Review: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream, Viktor and Rolf FlowerBomb Tiger Lily, YSL Black Opium Glitter

I'm not an eye cream person- unless I have a sample to try. They are just way too pricey..so whatever I use on my face generally goes around my eye area.  This was a very generous sample so I feel like I used it for a few weeks. Usually an eye cream sample is about 1-2 uses. This is nice though. Goes on smoothly and hydrates without making the area appear greasy. And no reaction from my skin either...I tend to get small bumps and lots of texture with certain products.  Nor did I have issues with my eyes. Maybe through the weeks it helped with dark circles....and a slight reduction in fine lines. It was OK. I can't see myself actually putting down $85 on it. It's Made In France. The actual product has a metal applicator which I'm sure is nice and cooling and further helps to de-puff. It's fine.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Tigerlily

I love little perfume samples and with my latest order, I got two samples to give a whirl. They are always newer scents so that's fun too. I did buy a bottle of the OG FlowerBomb a couple years back but I wasn't a fan. On me it was a Patchouli bomb and I like Patchouli...but something about it just didn't wear well on me. This doesn't smell anything like the original. In fact, it's so unrelated I don't know why it's a part of the Flowerbomb line. It's very tropical. If you like a tropical vibe, this would be nice. Then there is something that's a bit floral. I like that bit. I just don't think based on the sample the tropical vibe fits for me. Not on my radar to purchase- but you never know! 

YSL Black Opium Glitter 

They went from Opium to Black Opium...and now Black Opium has a "spinoff" in Glitter. I'm a fan of the original Black Opium. It reminds me of my vacation to Las Vegas because it's all I wore there. This smells like the original but with a more floral feel. I don't know what flower. But just floral. And slightly soapy. I like it...but not more than the original which you also get a sample of. I just used the sample of the original and something about it smells a bit off. So I think this type of sample might not capture the fragrance as it's supposed to. It's something I may purchase though...just to experience the full bottle. 

Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Eau De Parfum Review

 I just finished a perfume today...so I ordered a new one and in the meantime this will be my go to. It's almost gone though so I figured no time like the present to review it. Frederic Malle is a new brand to me. I am trying to get my hands on more of the classic fragrances. So far it's been a fun journey for me. I actually ordered this to go to my parents house and then picked it up when I went to the states because I noticed it was on sale and they actually sold the small size. So that's what I ended up with. But even the small size was kinda pricey. Even on sale. 

Frederic Malle claims:

Eau de Parfum 

Floral Chypre notes

It’s not just a perfume, it’s a revolution.

A paradox in every drop

An exceptional fragrance by Dominique Ropion, PORTRAIT OF A LADY enhances the opulence and voluptuousness of the Turkish rose in extravagant proportions.  

With PORTRAIT OF A LADY, Frédéric Malle and perfumer Dominique Ropion mark a new stage in the great timeline of perfumery. With this immoderate rose, magnified by woody tones, amber and incense, the designers are redrawing the contours of the cypress, an olfactory family synonymous with the finest eras of 20th-century perfumery. Their play of light and shadow, their elegance and extreme refinement. From this expert craftsmanship, there emerges a splendour created to outlast time.  

Rose, patchouli, sandalwood, incensePortrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Portrait of a Lady was launched in 2010. The nose behind this fragrance is Dominique Ropion. Top notes are Rose, Clove, Raspberry, Black Currant, Cinnamon and Red Berries; middle notes are Turkish Rose, Patchouli, Incense, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are Incense, Sandalwood, Musk, Benzoin, Amber, Cedar, Ambergris and Vanilla.

I'm surprised to see the perfume has only been around since 2010. The name just evokes a feeling of it being a very old fragrance. But I do really like the name. It's very intriguing. Kinda like the perfume. 

I've gotten quite a bit of compliments on it which was surprising to me. I'm not sure I've really developed an opinion on whether I like it myself.

I do like that it's unique. So many newer scents tend to smell the same. They all seem to be very sweet florals. This is a very unique scent. I've never smelled anything like it. I can say I do like that about it. 

I don't know how to describe it. It's definitely a grown woman scent. It does have rose in it, but it smells different from all other rose scents. It's incense-y, dark, spicy, mysterious. If I take a deep sniff, I get a lot of Rose. But...the very best Rose scent. It's not powdery. Which is a good thing for me. I don't like powdery rose. Or at least all the powdery rose scents I've used lately I definitely have not liked. I'm sniffing my shirt with it now...and the rose is intoxicating. 

I was kinda surprised when I looked up reviews to see a lot of men reviewing it. So I guess it's unisex. I can kinda see that. 

I've been wearing it for 9 hours and it's still going strong. Especially in my clothes. So it does last very well.

I like it. I'm glad I gave it a go. I don't think it's one I will be sad about when I use it up. Nor will I wish I bought a bigger size. But I'm glad I got my nose on it. 

Lush Big Body Spray Review

 

The last couple of weeks I watched alllll eight seasons of Girlfriends. I remember catching the show every Monday night for a year or two when it came out but I stopped watching when we moved and it wasn't so easy to access. I'm the biggest fan of Living Single. So I thought it would compare. Living Single is better. I don't think there is a single likable character on Girlfriends and I found Joan insufferable. But she did have me second guessing if there was something wrong with me cause homegirl was DESPERATE. Lynn was a bum and moocher and I couldn't understand her music storyline.  Mya was....Mya. And Toni was terrible- but entertaining. I really could not stand the Todd storyline. As horrible as she was- she deserved better. And the episode with Idris, who in their right mind would pass him up? Anyway,  I was a bit disappointed in the ending - it really didn't get a real ending so even though I didn't like the show all that much, I do think they should bring it back and end it properly.

But..back to Lush.

Lush Big:

Neroli breeze at the beach

As a bestselling shampoo, Big gives the hair mega beach body. Can it do the same for the skin in fragrance form? We think so. Big gives you a sunny beach in a bottle. Straight away, a floral wave of orange flower absolute greets your nose with sweet mandarin following swiftly in its wake to add a gentle fruitiness. Vanilla absolute offers a final comforting note of muskiness and warmth. Worth its salt, in our opinion. 

I mostly bought this because I wanted a Lush Body spray. I wanted Sex Bomb. But of course it was out. So I just sorted and chose one. I'm not familiar with the Lush Big shampoo...so I didn't really know what I was getting into.

I sprayed it as soon as I opened the box. And was undecided on the scent. It's definitely a unique scent. And it really lasts just about forever on the skin. 

It's hard to describe. Except it kinda smells like a Lush Store. And the scent you might get if you order a ton of bath bombs and all the Lush smells just mesh together.

Then it has a citrus- but not citrus scent. It reminds me of the Lush Celebrate Body Spray. I think I like that one better although the booziness of that one can get overwhelming if you wear it too much. 

Ingredients:

Alcohol Denat, Water, Fragrance, Glycerine, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Neroli Oil, Sicilian Red Mandarin Oil, Vanilla Absolute, Orange Flower Absolute, Anise Alcohol, Vital, Coumarin, Farnesol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitranellol, Limonene, Linalool, 

Overall, I wouldn't buy it again. But I would try some other scents. I do find them overpriced but...the scents are unique. You get a ton. And the scents tend to really last. 

Giorgio Armani My Way Eau De Parfum Review

 

My first Armani perfume. I was running low on perfume and I like to keep three scents on hand at all times. Usually I am picking off of some sort of iconic list or an old Hollywood celebrity fav etc. I wanted something a bit more modern so I just decided to go to the store and pick one. I don't necessarily smell before I buy, but I did recently smell Is by Armani and I wanted that one. But for some reason I went home with this one. 

Armani claims:

My Way by Giorgio Armani is a Floral fragrance for women. My Way was launched in 2020. My Way was created by Carlos Benaïm and Bruno Jovanovic. Top notes are Orange Blossom and Bergamot; middle notes are Tuberose and Indian Jasmine; base notes are Madagascar Vanilla, White Musk and Virginian Cedar.

Another reason I bought this was because I had a gift card so I ended up paying around $86.00 for 1.7 ounce bottle. Not a bad price compared to the list price of $125.00. I love getting a good deal. 

When I first started wearing it, I was thrown off by how familiar it smelled. And because it smelled so familiar, it made it seem a bit more generic and not as unique as I would have expected. 

After a couple wears it finally hit me what it reminds me of- Givenchy L'Interdit.  I think it mostly shares that "grape soda" note. Otherwise, I think it's the tuberose they have in common that make it smell so similar. The rest of the floral notes remind me of every perfume I have reviewed that is from 2020 and newer. I definitely smell the Jasmine and the sweetness that comes from the vanilla but it's not overly sweet nor it's it gourmand sweet. 

The dry down is different enough hough. 

It does smell very nice though and it does make an easy everyday wear. 

It has longevity and it also has a good throw. I have gone nose blind to it...but I know that even if I can't smell it, I know it's still going strong. If you spray enough it lasts the whole day.

It's not head-ache inducing...which is good. And it's not a scent that I feel is very overwhelming even when really layering it up. 

Overall, I like it. It's a good everyday scent- but not terribly unique. I think I might like the Givenchy scent just a teensy bit more- but either will do.  

And then just because I cannot spray this on without singing My Way by Usher. I'm adding that song to this post: 

Murray and Lanman Florida Water Cologne Review

 What a drive home! The fog was so bad I could barely see more than two feet in front of my car. I hope it all goes away soon..it really only was good for a super spooky Halloween. 

Florida and Lanman claims:

Florida Water by Lanman & Kemp is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. Florida Water was launched in 1808.

I heard about Florida Water when I was reading about Lucille Ball. It was supposedly one of her faves- she even was said to request it after her last surgery before she passed away. I don't know how true that was but since I read that, I wanted to get my hands on it. I didn't know of a retailer so I ordered it when I was in the states off Amazon and brought it back with me. It actually came in a pack of two and I just gave the extra one to my sister. She said she likes it so that's good.

The packaging is plastic- I think it was probably originally glass though. The label looks like it might be the original.

I incorrectly assumed Florida Water had something to do with Florida. Or was made in Florida. Not true. 

It's basically an American version of European style colognes. It smells like citrus...and spice. And for some reason really reminds me of mouthwash.

I don't really like wearing it. It also doesn't last anyway so I have mostly been using to mop the floors. And scent my DIY cleaning sprays. Would probably be cool as a fleshing room spray as is too.

The scent is also linked to spiritual/practices and the scent is largely believed to channel good vibes. 

Overall, fun to try. I love experiencing beauty products that have been around a long time. Supposedly this is the same formula that was produced in 1808... Fun to try but I definitely prefer more modern scents.

Jean Paul Gaultier "Classique" Eau De Toilette Review

I had an early morning this am so I am absolutely shocked that I am still up. Usually when I have early mornings I come home and go straight to sleep. It's probably the excess coffee I had. I just hope I can go to sleep later on....

In the meantime...a perfume review. I'm still trying to find random classics to review...but after the next few I might just take a break. I've had a lot of duds or just buying things I really dislike and end up wasting. Like this. 

Jean Paul claims:

'A fragrance that promises pleasure...' Bold and sweet, awakes your feelings. And not only yours – imagine that people can recognize you even with their eyes closed. At the beginning its name was JPGaultier Eau de Parfum and it was produced as eau de parfum. Now, it is called Classique and comes both as eau de perfume and eau de toilette. In the top notes delicate rose scent is spiced by fresh anis. Middle notes combine sweetness of orange blossom and exciting ginger, a powerful aphrodisiac. Vanilla and sensual amber gently embrace in the base. The perfume is created in 1993.

This perfume is more modern than some I have tried recently, combining that with the fact that it is describes as an oriental I thought for sure I was going to fall in love. It came out in 1993, which was a little surprising to me. It doesn't smell like a 90's scent. Maybe more like the 80's. But the gaudy and tacky part of the 80's. Not the colorful, fun 80's. 

Reality is I hate it and could only make myself wear it three times or so. It smells like Glade Air Freshener...and Glade Air Freshener reminds me of poopy bathrooms. So yeah...I hate this scent. 

I'm a little iffy on white florals scents- most of them I tend to strongly dislike. They can just smell so old fashioned if they aren't modernized...and I think that's what the problem I had with this was. Maybe its's the white floral and amber combo I dislike so much? 

So I mostly wasted it. I sprayed it in rooms as an air freshener. Especially rooms I wasn't going to be in. I sprayed it on a cotton ball and put it in my vacuum filter to make the rooms smell better than the vacuum cleaner scent. 

The only thing I like about it is the bottle. It's a cool shape to add to my perfume bottle collection.

But overall, it's a big fat no.

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum Review

I think this is one of the most hyped up scents of the past few years. I have heard so much about this brand- the candles etc in this Santal scent so it was top of the list for things I wanted to try..It is definitely a unique scent but since it is so popular it is a scent that is being duped by other brands. When I went to the states I was browsing the candle section of TJ Max and there were quite a few more affordable version of this. So you don't have to spend Le Labo money to get the same vibe- but I do love trying the original of the scents when I can. 

Le Labo claims:

Imagine sitting in solitude on the rugged, wide plains of the American West, firelight on your face, indigo-blue night skies above. There is nothing around save for the soft, desert wind. You. Are. Free.

From this defining vision was born SANTAL 33: a perfume that touches the vast and wild universality of this dream... that intoxicates... It combines a mix of cardamom and notes of iris and violet, which crackle in the formula. Added to this smoking wood alloy (Australian sandalwood, cedarwood) are some spicy, leathery, musky notes, giving this perfume its signature and addictive comforting scent.

Here is, in a few words, what SANTAL 33 is... An open fire... The soft drift of smoke... Where sensuality rises after the light has gone.

I was already familiar with the scent because I had a sample of a dupe from Mason Louis Marie. Scent No.4. And it does smell very similar. I can't really detect any difference but I did only have the sampler size from the Mason brand.

This is completely different from any scent I have ever had before...usually my type of scents have leaned more floral or oriental. This is something that falls into category of a woody-spice-smoke type of scent. It's supposed to be unisex. I would agree- but I do think it leans a bit more masculine. I haven't typically been a fan of unisex scents but of all the ones I have tried- this one is the most tolerable for me. But I definitely prefer to wear something more feminine. 

So many scents these days lean synthetic- and one thing I can say is all the notes really smell natural. To me, I do get some Sandalwood/Santal, but it takes a backseat to the spice. I mostly get cinnamon. A lot of people have mentioned a dill pickle note- luckily I don't get that. Oh..and it also has a smokiness to it. Maybe like a campfire but not too much. Just enough. To me it seems more of a basic scent with not too much complexity.

It does wear all day- I layer the scent and probably over spray. I think it does project and I don't really go "nose" blind to it like I can with other scents.

It's a nice perfume and I think if I smelled it on a man, I probably would not be able to get enough....but it's not me personally. I am interested in trying other scents from the brand- also interested in trying the body lotions/hand soaps but Santal 33 (perfume form) is not a repurchase for me. I do enjoy it more in candle form but the price is so high I am more likely to purchase dupes that give the same vibe. 

Joop Le Bain Eau De Parfum Review

 

I have an amazing- but exhausting weekend...I'll probably post about it in a few weeks. But for now, I have another bargain perfume review. I search perfumes on Amazon often. It's just something I do when I'm bored. This particular perfume is always in the top of the search results so I figured it has to be worth trying.

Joop claims: 

Le Bain by Joop! is a tender, dazzling composition. A fragrance that embraces the soul, created for the woman who gives herself unreservedly to her feelings. Exuberantly, southern Chinese lycees and magnolias open up the tender encounter. The floral splendor of Turkish rose sinks into the spicy fog of amber and Arabic sandalwood. Attractive vanilla and tonka seduce with sweet lightness. oriental floral bottle with hinted, feminine silhouette closure cap with JOOP! Logo embossing

Joop! Le Bain by Joop! is a perfume of the fragrance family Ambra Blumig and is for women. Joop! Le Bain has been available since 1989. The nose behind this perfume is Symrise. The top notes are aldehydes, orange blossom, bergamot and lemon; the heart notes are sandalwood, jasmine, cedar, rose and lily of the valley; the base notes are tonka bean, vanilla, amber, musk and patchouli.

Made in France 

I bought this for around 2o euro. The price as listed on the Joop site is 40 and I don't think it's worth that. I really don't. $10 to $15 is the max I would spend for this one. 

But we'll start off talking about the packaging...it definitely looks and feels like a bargain perfume. Everything from the box, bottle, and sprayer just feels bargain. There's nothing wrong with that but I couldn't do a review without mentioning it. 

As for the scent, it's not for me. It's certainly unique and I can't say that I have ever smelled anything similar but...I don't like it. It came out in 1989 and it definitely smells like a vintage scent. It smells like a hodge hodge of things that I can't describe with some prominent vanilla. I can't really pick out any sandalwood or rose or lychee's or magnolias. It just really smells like a hodge hodge or random stuff that doesn't particularly go together. 

So I can't say that I like it. 

As for lasting power, if you spray enough it does last. 

It's not for me. Glad I know what it smells like now though so I don't have to wonder about it every time it pops up in the search results. 

Korres Black Sugar Eau De Toilette Review

I'm so sleep deprived right now, I really just want to go to sleep. I might just do that after I do a few things I really need to get done.  Partly it was because I have been staying up way too late. Sunday I was up watching the Bad Boys movies. I thought I didn't remember them but actually it definitely feels like I have watched them a billion times, they are pretty hilarious which I did not remember at all. Then I was up watching the new House of Dragons episode. I kinda want to watch it again...or just watch the series from the beginning. All of this and watching instagram reels until the wee hours of the morning has me exhausted.

But back to the perfume. I needed a new scent but I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I decided to shop Amazon. I bought this and another scent and I probably should have kept my money. I didn't really end up liking either of them.

Korres claims: 

Black Sugar by Korres is a Amber Vanilla fragrance for women and men. Black Sugar was launched in 2020. Top notes are Caramel, Heliotrope, Oriental notes and Lily; middle notes are Brown sugar, Brazilian Rosewood and Rose; base notes are Vanilla Bean, Tonka Bean and Amber.

A fragrance set for you that combines the magical attraction of sweet, black sugar with the gentle elegance of the Oriental Lily to the opulent-feminine fragrance Black Sugar. 

Floral, oriental, sweet

Top notes: caramel, heliotrope
Heart notes: rose, black sugar, Brazilian rosewood
Base notes: amber, vanilla beans, tonka bean, musk

Black sugar is more original than refined sugars and is considered an integral part of the Mediterranean way of life due to its richer, richer sweetness.

Made in Greece 

Korres is a new to me brand, it's a Greek brand that I have wanted to try for quite some time so I was happy to get my hands on this. Although I really should have gotten a different scent. I don't really like gourmand sweet perfumes but I forgot about that when I saw the name Black Sugar. Really any perfume with the name "black" just guarantees I will buy it. 

I'll start with the packaging. It's very nice and feels like quality. Comes in a nice box that details all the notes right on the front. If I had read the notes and not just the name, I probably wouldn't have picked it up.

It's a new scent- came out in 2020. It is nice to have a newer scent- especially since I have mostly been trying out the old classics and sometimes they just end up smelling very outdated.

The bottle is nice. Very heavy. Also quite unique.

As the for the scent- I don't like it. I will probably never use it out the house. It's been demoted to room spray. And I don't even like it that way. It's very sweet and sugary and has a caramel note that is very familiar to me from another perfume I reviewed awhile back. It reminds me of Escada Desire Me which I think is discontinued. So very sweet and sugary- not very prominent on Vanilla which is supposed to be the top note. And then there is a the scent of something like you would have in products targeted to babies. Most other reviews of the scent say that's it's "soapy" and I do get that part of the scent- but the sweetness overpowers that for me.   

It's not my type of scent. I wouldn't buy it again but I would definitely try some of their other scents- the florals do sound very appealing. 

It will remain an overpriced room spray for me until I use it up.