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Saturday Question: What Is Your Favorite Rainy Day Perfume?

Whether you like rain or can’t stand it, welcome the next shower or are sick and tired of it, you will experience it sooner or later. Are you ready?

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #163:

What Is Your Favorite Rainy Day Perfume?

Do you have one? Are there different perfumes for different seasons? Do you like rain?

My Answer

I’m sure that growing up I was not too fond of rain. In the area where I lived, we had maybe 4 months when it wasn’t cold, windy, snowy or otherwise unpleasant. So, if the unpleasant weather was supplemented with rain, it didn’t make it any less miserable. And if the rain would come during those long-awaited short better months, it would spoil a day or two at a time.

I don’t remember when it changed. But after leaving through a couple of droughts in California, I love rain. And this year was fantastic! We had so much rain, and I enjoyed every grey and wet day of it. I don’t have a special perfume for a rainy day. But I wore Tauer Perfumes Vanilla Flash for the last two rains (including today), and it felt just perfect. I think our rains are almost over until October. But maybe I should buy a bottle and hope for the next rainy season.

How about you?

What Is Your Favorite Rainy Day Perfume?

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Saturday Question: What Was The Last Perfume You Finished?

Many of us have extensive perfume collections, so each perfume gets just a fraction of wear time. So, I understand that it’s a tough question.

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #162:

What Was The Last Perfume You Finished?

It doesn’t have to be a bottle; a decant will do as well. Will you repurchase it?

My Answer

It has been a long-long time since I finished anything! I have a couple of bottles that are close to the end (I have backups for them), but I can’t even remember the last bottle I emptied.

But today, I sprayed the last 4-5 sprays from the decant of Guerlain Cuir Beluga. Every time I remembered to wear it, I thought it was great. Cuir Beluga is one of the perfumes that I should have bought years ago. Now? I don’t know. Once my “no-buy” is over, I’ll check the latest reformulation and decide.

 

How about you?

What Was The Last Perfume You Finished?

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Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes

Hey Crew, I know it should be Un Jardin à Cythère byHermès but and not using the diacritical marks through the piece. Soz. So it will be Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes from hereon in. It means garden of Kythira. A Greek island, part of the Ionian group. Just so you know, the only Greek island I’ve been to is Zakinthos and it was years ago with a group of mates. It should have been a honeymoon but my friend backed out of the wedding a week before. Still we had the best time celebrating his anti-honeymoon.

Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes

Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Pistachio, Citruses, Olive Tree, Green Accord

Yay! Christine Nagel has signed off on another in the jardin range. Colour me happy. This was the first time I’ve seen it in store to test and the SA was really knowledgable and helpful. Also, I’d met a perfumista girlfriend in town for lunch and she was so impressed we went up and  got her spritzed as well.

The opening is all the citruses but grapefruit becomes the focus after a few minutes. It’s lip puckeringly refreshing and lasts into the nuttiness. I was really skeptical when she said I was going to smell pistachios but it is quite the scent memory. Not exactly but all the pertinent triggers and I loved how it rose out of the bed of citrus. My friend also smelled anise and I got the merest whiff of it but that may have been suggestion working its magic.

Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes blotter

I’m now about three hours in and the nuts have receded somewhat, the citrus is now a soft pithy cloud and my nose is saying vegetal musks. Un Jardin a Cythere is still noticeable but not heavily fragrant.

If you have liked any of the garden range then this is worth a sniff. If you dislike them it won’t change your mind. A very nicely produced and wearable fragrance that won’t overpower or distract. Low key loveliness. I am imagining a 30ml in the collection already.

The blotter still smells just spritzed hours and hours later though. Interesting. I’m wondering if having it on a scarf might prolong the opening?

Are you a fan of the jardin range?
Portia xx

 

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Saturday Question: Who Is Your Favorite Perfumer?

One of the answers to the question about being a perfumista from a couple of weeks ago was “I know what a ‘nose’ is and have several favourite noses,” which, in my opinion, is one of the significant indicators of someone being “into” perfumes. I still can remember the time when I didn’t even think that there was anything else to my favorite perfumes beyond a brand name.

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #161:

Who Is Your Favorite Perfumer?

Do you have a favorite perfumer? How do you define this? Do you follow that perfumer’s work?

My Answer

I’ve never been good with names. Writers were probably the extent of my ability to remember names. I could go through several book chapters without remembering characters’ names but just visually recognizing a combination of graphemes. Actors, singers, politicians, etc., have to be very significant for me to remember their names, not even actively to say it but even as a passive recollection when someone else refers to them. So, while I appreciate the work perfumers do creating perfumes I love and wear, and I even add this information to the perfume’s description in my database, I rarely remember who was the nose for those perfumes I wear – unless they are brands’ creators. So, when I asked today’s question, I wasn’t sure what  my answer would be.

I know and recognize many names. But without checking the database, I wouldn’t have been able to choose the one. After running some queries, I now know that not only did I try the highest number of perfumes created by Bertrand Duchaufour, but also, out of those I tried, I liked more perfumes created by him than by any other perfumer. It probably means that Bertrand Duchaufour is my favorite perfumer. Though the last new fragrance from him I tried was Corpus Equus for Naomi Goodsir (2021). I checked Fragrantica, and it looks like these days he creates perfumes for brands I haven’t heard about before, which makes me less interested in these new creations.

 

How about you?

Who Is Your Favorite Perfumer?

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Saturday Question: What Is Ideal Perfume Tenacity For You?

When several years ago hajusuuri asked if longevity mattered, most of the respondents answered negatively. Many of you mentioned that it would not stop you from loving or buying perfume. But what if you could choose?

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #160:

What Is Ideal Perfume Tenacity For You?

How long do you want your perfumes to last with the initial application?

My Answer

I didn’t remember that previous question (and it’s not surprising since it wasn’t mine). I came up with today’s SQ one morning recently when I woke up and thought that I liked that I could still smell the perfume I wore to a party the night before. And later, when I checked the list of questions we’ve done (as I always do), found that one and read through the discussion, I discovered that I gave the same answer back then.

I rarely wear perfume to bed intentionally. But when I wear perfume that stays on my skin and hair through the night, it makes me happy. Though, I’m glad that I have in my collection some perfumes that I can wear for 3-4 hours – and then replace with something else. Or reapply – if I feel like doing so.

How about you?

What Is Ideal Perfume Tenacity For You?

ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse Candle.
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ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse Candle.

Hey Crew, Yeah, perfume adjacent today. Recently a mate of mine was waxing lyrical about the ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse fragrance. So much so that I went looking for it but of course Australia doesn’t have it yet. We do though have the candle. So I grabbed one at less than 1/2 price, YAY! So under AU$20 for 200g. Already it felt like a win.

ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse 200g. Aromatic Candle.

ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse 200g. Aromatic Candle.

Pro tip: take the plastic cover off the wax before lighting. HA! Yes, me.

Citrus and vetiver and in lovely soft focus with soapy undertones. Very clean. It does change the scent in the room nicely but isn’t overwhelming. No noticeable smoke. It burns OK, the wick doesn’t seem to be a good choice and the candle tends to hollow out. It could be my opening gambit with the plastic top. The smell though, heaven.

ZARA Vetiver Pamplemousse candle

Worth a sniff, definitely. I like that it’s going to appeal to both sexes and comes in sturdy packaging. Very giftable.

Might have bought a Vetiver Pamplemousse bottle at Zara in Korea. More anon.

Would you?
Portia xx

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Saturday Question: Tell Me You Are a Perfumista Without Telling Me…

I’m not sure if this prompt can be considered a question but why not to do something different? I know that this meme/trend has been around for a while, but I’ve never played this one before – so, I invite you to join me.

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #159:

Tell Me You Are a Perfumista Without Telling Me…

My Answer

These are my three attempts:

  1. When planning any trip, I always check if the destination has specialized perfume shops and visit them.
  2. I put on perfume before taking a shower (to test something new that might be a scrubber).
  3. My truthful answer to an SA’s question, “What [kind o] perfumes do you like?” is more confusing than helpful to them.

 

Now it’s your turn.

 

Tell Me You Are a Perfumista Without Telling Me…

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A Beauty of Rose in a Single Shot

Olfactive Studio was quite popular when it first appeared on the perfume scene 10 years ago. I read reviews, many praising, but I wasn’t enticed: I didn’t find the concept too interesting, and, as shallow as it sounds, I didn’t like their first bottles. Eventually, thanks to hajusuuri, I tried the first six perfumes from the brand several years ago. And while I didn’t dislike any of them, none spoke to me enough to pursue them beyond those samples.

When the initial set of a brand’s perfumes hasn’t impressed me, I rarely follow future releases. So, I could have missed this new series altogether if it weren’t for Lucas (Chemist in the Bottle), who first did an excellent review for these perfumes and later even shared his samples with me.

It was a rare case when I liked all three perfumes I tried, but since Rose Shot seems to be the least popular in the trio, I chose to write about it.

Al Farrow The Spine and Tooth of Santo Guerro 2012

Created in 2019 by Dominique Ropion (my favorites created by him are Cacharel Amor Amor, Calvin Klein Euphoria and Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady), Rose Shot includes notes of Italian bergamot, Manila elemi, Madagascar pink pepper, Turkish rose, white flowers, Atlas cedarwood, wood mosses and Paraguay guaiac wood.

Rose Shot is, not surprisingly, a rose-centric perfume. Rose here isn’t a girly rose, but it’s neither dark nor intense. It starts citrusy and blooms into a giant rose on a backdrop of polite woodsy notes. Rose Shot isn’t controversial or extremely original, but it has some interesting nuances that might just “click” for you.

An additional check mark goes in the “Plus” column for the beautiful travel bottle: it is more expensive per ml than a large bottle of Rose Shot (which also looks great), but most of us do not need more than 10-15 ml of any perfume.

Olfactive Studio Rose Shot

If you are testing perfumes, Rose Shot is worth trying: Olfactive Studio is one of the slow brands that doesn’t churn out new fragrances every two months. So, each next release seems well thought through and crafted.

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South Korea Perfume Wearing 2023

Hey Crew, Well, I have a mildly amusing tale about my South Korea perfume wearing on this visit. My travels out on the desk, the Guerlain bag to transport them in and had put my decants into my onboard backpack wetpack. Yeah, I have a kinda G0-Bag here. It has aforementioned wetpack, umbrella, jumper, polo shirt, undies and socks, There are all my phone and Kindle charging needs, lighter, plastic cutlery set, biros, tissues, wet wipes, mints, bottle of water, shopping bags and a small pack of nuts. Sounds like a shitload but it’s hardly even 1/3 of my available space and allows me to shop or carry gifts etc. Jin gave me the bag years ago and his Mum calls it my crap bag because it doesn’t look new and nice. The size is perfect for both daily and travel, it’s really light and is this ridiculous bright blue and orange, which makes me super easy to spot in a crowd. You’d be surprised how often the Go-Bag contents get used.

Anyway, after the decants got packed I must have mentally crossed off the perfume bit of my list and the 5 travels (picked with such love, care and attention to forthcoming adventure), were left behind as Jin and I went traipsing around South Korea. GAH! The best laid plans etc etc etc

South Korea Perfume Wearing 2023

I hear you asking, WHAT did I wear perfume wise in South Korea?

There were two decants. They both came from the same perfumista, I can tell by the writing. My bet is on Scotty but am yet to see him to confirm or deny the hunch. Vintage versions of both and amazing. Hermès Caleche and Givenchy L’Interdit. It was so fun and felt slightly subversive wafting the good old aldehydic florals in a country that wears low key scents. In respect I kept my spritzing light.

Then there was my new FragranceNet 8ml decant Miller Harris La Fumee Ottoman. Bought for around AU$20 it’s a freaking brilliant way to test and not outrageously expensive.

Travelling with perfumistas is really fun. While Jin doesn’t see himself as one his collection and knowledge of the business and its people are formidable. He has a much more acute nose than me, remembers details dropped by perfumers, creative directors and others that I’ve forgotten or not even noted. We cruised through Esxence a few years ago and he throws out little titbits of memory from that adventure still.
Along with Jin were Kerri and TinaG (you may remember her from APJ). Both well read, sniffed and travelled perfumistas with amazing collections.

As we wandered through the Insadong alleys towards our favourite BarBQ joint we had been passing a classy vintage designer clothing and handbag store called NEARED. They had a virtually untouched Valentino bag from the 1980s for under AU$400! Really. It was Jin who sighted the perfumes and we all couldn’t get inside fast enough. A small collection of six fragrances which came in 3 sizes, including a 10ml travel for around AU$19. Colour us interested. We trooped in and smelled the set. On a time budget so I picked the three that spoke to me from the top notes. Sadly I can’t find the brand online to give you anymore info. If I find myself emptying any of these travels I’ll be back to get one of those gorgeous bottles.

Another store I always hit in South Korea is Etude House. Their brand seems to be on the wane and it’s getting harder to find a store. So annoying because they make the BEST liquid eyeliner I’ve ever used. It’s perfect and lasts for an eternity. They have also added a fragrance range and I bought one for my BFF Kath. Aggravatingly I also can’t find the fragrances online damnit!
Here’s the eyeliner though and the perfume box below.

Jin and I also went into the Seoul Station ZARA looking for a bottle of Vetiver Pampelmouuse, which hasn’t come to Oz. It wa the night before we flew out and though they didn’t have it there the SA told us that there were two bottles left in their store just a few train stops across town, they close in under 30 minutes. Well, you can imagine the race that ensued. Run, train, run, run, run. Sure it was about 3C but we were rugged top and by the time we got to the store we had 4 minutes and were sweating like farm hands. SCORE!! Next fortnight I have a little story about how and why I was even looking for this perfume.

Lastly, I love soap and Korean soaps are really good for next to nothing. Their scent is often equal with high end niche (the good stuff) and have surprising note pairings. These all cost around AU$1.

There’s the round up crew.

I hope it was a fun read for you all.
Portia xx

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Saturday Question: What Was The First Perfume You Bought?

I can’t believe it’s Saturday again! I mean, I don’t complain; I enjoy the upcoming weekend. But I’m amazed how time flies: I had a post almost done that I planned to publish on Tuesday… then Wednesday… then… Well, now I’ll wait until after Portia’s Tuesday post, but hopefully, the next week will pace itself.

Saturday Question on Undina's Looking Glass

Saturday Question #158:

What Was The First Perfume You Bought?

I didn’t want to make the question too long, but I meant “perfume you bought with money that you earned.” So, it’s not about perfume you acquired with saved lunch money or money gifted by a relative but with salary/gig/etc. money that you received in exchange for your time and service.

Is it currently in production? If yes, how different is it from the one you bought then? Do you still have that perfume in your collection? Do you still like it?

My Answer

The very first perfume that I bought was a mini bottle of Yves Rocher Nature perfume. I wrote about it 12 years ago as an episode in my Week-long Test Drive series WTD, Episode 2.6: Nature by Yves Rocher. Even then, it was already discontinued. But by that time, I already went through half of one large bottle of it (it went off before I could finish it, so later it became one of the display bottles in my Thinking outside the Box project) and bought another large bottle, which I still have in my collection.

Years ago, I ran an experiment – Imaginary Signature Scent – where I tried to wear just one perfume for a week. I chose Nature for that exercise, and my conclusion was that even though I still liked it, I wasn’t ready to “go steady” with just one perfume. Any perfume.

I still wear Nature once in a while, and thanks to the fact that I keep decanting perfume from the large bottle into the original mini bottle that I bought decades ago, the fragrance in the second large bottle is still good. I like it enough to enjoy it when I decide to put it on, but I never think about wearing it again – until something like this post reminds me.

Nature by Yves Rocher

 

How about you?

What Was The First Perfume You Bought?