My Nose, My Blog




I call myself a “thrillseeker” when it comes to fragrance, because I find all odors captivating and inspiring -- even the not-so-pretty ones! I think that comes from having traveled so much when I was growing up. My dad was in the Air Force, and my family bounced around from the US to Berlin, Moscow, London, Athens, Tangiers — so many places with distinctive cultures and smells.

Staying alert to the ever-changing smellscape helped me develop a “conscious nose”. Those two little holes in our head are the key to intensifying any experience. Sensual pleasure can be had at a sniff. And speaking of sensual pleasure, what could be more enrapturing than floating along in a cloud of your favorite perfume?

I find the simple act of wearing a fragrance you love does so many positive things. You make your heart a little happier, you express your individuality, you feel more "yum". Not to get all Oprah on your hindquarters, but a quick spritz does lift you up and make you feel that all is right with the world — even for just a little bit. It's joy in a bottle — and not the Thunderbird kind!

Picking up with the party started over at my YouTube channel, KatiePuckrikSmells, this blog settles in for a long hang with my fumehead friends. Fragrance reviews and giveaways will be peppered with regular features, including Viewer Mail: in-depth looks at your...um...unpredictable fragrance questions.

Questions like, “How can I smell like a bonfire?” or “What’s that perfume I smelled in a library book on vampires I checked out last year?” Honestly, you guys are freaks — and I love it! I’ll do my best to answer your queries, and will gladly accept assistance from any knowledgeable co-smellers who wish to chime in.

Anchoring the blog will be frequent installments of Perfume Pen Pals: ongoing fragrance squeees and squabbles between me and some guy named Dan Rolleri. I finally met him in person after corresponding for a whole year and a half, and I can confirm that he smells fantastic (Le Labo Patchouli 24).


Dan Rolleri's photo session scent: Annick Goutal Myrrhe Ardente.

For your browsing ease and enjoyment, please use the Search box to the left. Click on Fragrance Names and Fragrance Houses to find my reviews in those alphabetical groupings. Reasonably enough, the Table of Contents provides an index of all posts by title. And check out Fragrance Groups for a breakdown of all my reviews by olfactory category: Fresh, Floral, Masculine, Feminine, etc. I welcome you all to Katie Puckrik Smells. Pull up a chair — smell a while.

166 comments:

  1. Ah, the joys of going from Basenotes to Bill Simmons on ESPN to Katie Puckrik...now I can have those nagging questions like "What do I wear to a Mets game besides Eau de Guldens" answered...and seriously, your review saying how Lovely could smell good on a man is what got me to try it, and now I love how it smells on me...

    Namaste,
    Boo

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  2. Hi Boo - glad you had success with Lovely. I was revisiting Prada Infusion d'Iris yesterday, and was thinking how nice that would be for the lads. It's a smooth, sheer incense that makes a nice low-key diversion for your "scent wardrobe". And smelling it made me realize how few mainstream options there are for incense-luvvas like me.

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  3. Katie, I am right there with you on the incense love....although for me it is a fairly recent obsession....mainstream wise, I very much like
    Eau de Baux from L'Occitane...and I have recently started exploring the CdG 3 series...thanks for the Prada recommendation, I cant wait to try it...

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  4. Boo, too much incense perfume is not enough for me. And I didn't know about Eau de Baux, and it seems like I really need to. Thanks for the tip-off!

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  5. Hi Katie
    This is Nishant David from India. well my fragrance collection reads like this:
    cool water, ferrari light essence, burberry weekend dunhill desire blue, grey flannel etc. I especially like citrusy fresh kind of fragrances which have a citrusy zing to them. Ferrari light essence has that zing but the problem with citrusy scents is that they fade off too quick.
    Will be obliged if u could give me some advice about tangy, citrusy, lemony, icy fresh fragrances which last you more than 6 hours. Indian summers are a scorching 42-45 degrees so please take that into account.
    will be much obliged to hear from you.
    thanks

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  6. Hi Nish,

    Brrr! I feel chilly just reading "tangy, citrusy, lemony, icy fresh"! The annoying thing about citrus fragrances is that they typically don't have the longevity of deeper, richer scents, so you might have to resign yourself to reapplying. But if you keep your bottle in the fridge, it's instant air-conditioning as you re-mist.

    My top choice for you is Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin. It's very tart and fresh, and lasts well and will cut through the heat and humidity.

    Here are some other citruses that might fit the bill:

    Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien (woody lemon)
    Annick Goutal Hadrien Absolu (more intense version of Eau d’Hadrien; slightly more floral)
    Christian Dior Eau Sauvage (classic sparkling citrus)
    John Varvatos Artisan (zesty orange blossom)
    Fresh Citron de Vigne (crisp, light citrus)
    Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta (citrus & light musk)
    Clinique Happy for Men (milky citrus & woods)

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  7. Hi Katie
    thanks for your precious time.
    Ill definately check them out.
    well It seems that out of the fragrances u suggested only Happy is commonly available. Can you please suggest me some good sites which ship to India and offer free shipping. I generally shop from fragrancex.com and strawberrynet.com.
    (I WAS SURPRISED THAT U DIDNT MENTION "ISSI MIYAKE".......IVE HEARD THAT HE HAS THE BEST CITRUS BASED SCENTS.)
    :-) THANKS

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  8. Nishu - you're so right, L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme is a zesty, bright lemonade that lasts pretty well for a citrus. (The Clinique and Fresh ones I recommended smell great, but longevity isn't a strong point for those two.)

    If you use the fragrancex and fragrancenet links from this site, you can apply the 10% off coupon codes to save more money, so that's a bonus.

    And here are a few more citruses while we're at it:

    Dior Eau Fraîche (zingy cologne)
    L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme (zesty bright lemonade)
    YSL Live Jazz (minty grapefruit & herbs)
    The Art of Shaving Lemon Essential Oil (tangy woody lemon)
    Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche (clean citrus & vetiver)

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    Replies
    1. I just purchased a FB of AOS's Lemon Essential Oil. What a beautiful scent. I pick up a floral citrus that transports me to youthful summers, backyard pools surrounded by lemony jasmine and honeysuckle, and first girl crushes.

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    2. A portable but powerful time machine, Scott.

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    3. Indeed, Katie. Right now, the AOS website is selling Lemon Essential Oil EDT for 1/2 off. Does this mean that my time machine will be permanently docked? Tempted to buy future rides but since I have a nearly full FB, I have my eye on a few L'Artisans that bring me back to Christmases past and teas with my mom and sisters. I just realized my personal advert. should read: nostalgic geek seeks androgynous rides with time traveling perfumes. Katie, do you have any time travelers in your collection?

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    4. My mom's Youth Dew. She died last year and it keeps her close.

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    5. Katie, that's very comforting to have your mom close to you via Youth Dew. Perfume is a wonderful memory trigger. My mom puts soap bars in all her dresser drawers, anything from Irish Spring to Magnolia Balls from Colonial Williamsburg to magazine perfume inserts. My wife and I now do the same. Every time a dresser drawer is opened, another memory is evoked.

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    6. I like the idea of those "memory drawers".

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    7. Me, too. Today, I wore Penhaligon's Castile, a Lucky Scent sample I purchased based on your review. Castile is the comfort food of perfumes. Soapy, yes. But it's the kind of soap that the boutique hotel is selling and you're sotempted to buy, but instead you hoard the room samples. I love it. Thank you!

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  9. Hi Katie, I have to say I am very impressed with your vast knowledge of the scent world. Many (many!) years ago I had a light musk fragrance that is no longer made. Can you recommend a musk fragrance that is both light (not in-your-face, hey I'm Musk, get used to it) and fresh? I do tend to wear ight florals that seem to use white flowers. I also like a good rose scent but surprisingly don't currently have any. Usually the rose scents smell more like bathroom air freshener when what I want is just picked out of the garden smell. Anyway, I can't wait to hear more of your story and recommendations. thanks!

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  10. I'm going a bit, “hey, you just got chocolate in my peanut butter!” on you, but if we combine your musk search with your rose quest, we end up with Stella McCartney Stella, a sultry little rose and salty musk. A lighter, fresher version of this is Sheer Stella, just out this summer. And Juliette Has a Gun Miss Charming is such a pretty rose with a bit of berry and musk, you might give that a whirl, too.

    For your just-picked-rose needs, Perfumer's Workshop Tea Rose is the way to go.

    As for light musk, I have 3 favorites, and they’re all oils:
    C. O. Bigelow Musk Oil
    Bonne Belle Skin Musk Oil
    Memoire Liquide # 507 Ivoire

    These are all soft and “your skin but better”.

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  11. hello Miss Katie,

    i enjoy your vids. i was hoping to get your expert thought on the lolita lempicka line. i love really fruity alive fragrances, the kind that makes you stop and say "what smells so delicious?" or "OMG! WHAT IS THAT? I NEED THAT FRAGRANCE!". any other suggestions on this kind of perfume? thanks darlin'.

    candy

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  12. Hello Miss Candy,

    I’m not on a first-name basis with all the Lempickas, but I do know and love the original as well as the fascinating Fleur de Corail. The Lempicka line has really carved out a niche in the “quirky gourmand” area, and the bottles are fairy-tale beautiful.

    Your request for “fruity/alive/delicious” scents brought these to mind:

    L’Artisan Parfumeur Mûre et Musc Extrême (zesty fresh blackberries & musk)
    Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Abricot (apricot cake)
    Sarah Horowitz Perfect Nectar (the mango & pineapple pep squad)
    Fresh Sugar (tart sweet lemons & vanilla)
    Fresh Fig Apricot (like it says on the bottle)
    Clarins Par Toujours Amour (raspberry & rose)
    Jean Paul Gaultier Ma Dame Eau Fraiche (herbal orange fizziness)

    See if any of these pop your cork!

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  13. Hi Katie, thanks for the recommendations on light florals and tender musks. I am now enjoying both Stella and Stella Sheer, thanks to you. I do have a sample of Une Rose which I find both lush and soft. Winner! I also have a small sample of Miss Charming which I am eager to give a whirl. Thanks for all your great recommendations!

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  14. Wow, Pino, good going on getting your hands on Une Rose, which is the way-upscale version of Perfumer's Workshop Tearose. So glad you've been doing your "perfume homework"!

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  15. Thanks for the kudos, Katie! I lucked into the Une Rose sample. I recently tried a Marc Jacobs sample. Silly me - I don't remember the name of the fragrance. It is very nice. It smells like maybe it has lily of the valley or sweet pea in it? What is it???? It isn't just the usual sweetness and light and I think it will stay in my fragrance repertoire. I also tried Romance by Ralph Lauren which I liked alot but it quickly disappeared, never to be smelled again. I was disappointed that it faded so quickly, where the Marc Jacobs hung around all day and into the night, my kinda guy, er I mean fragrance. With you and Sephora as my study guide, I think doing my perfume homework is going to be a breeze!

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  16. Hi Katie,

    I'm very pleased to see you've started your own fragrance site as I've been tuning into your YT channel for a while now to enjoy some quick perfume desserts.

    Perhaps you have some recommendations for me: I'm looking for three perfumes, one for winter, one for summer and one odd little ambiguous one to be worn on foggy days regardless of the season.
    The summer one should be a really hardcore jasmin scent. SG A La Nuit would be my choice - heady, very sexy, kind of green just before it disappears - but I'm wondering if there's anything a bit weirder or even sultrier out there (don't worry, I would only wear such a fragrances after sunset). I like AP Une Haie Fleurie as well...
    For winter I would like to try a musk. My favourite so far is FM Musc Ravageur, but I really don't like the chocolate/vanilla/cinammon territory it enters after a few hours. I like IP Musc Bleu, too, but first of all its staying power as horrible and secondly I find it a bit too tame, even a tad boring.
    My favourites for the hybrid one are Guerlain Mouchoir de Monsieur, FM Angélique Sous La Pluie (can you tell I admire Ellena?) and SMN Melograno, but I would like to explore some more options before I invest in anything.

    I you have any ideas, even just for one perfume, I would looove to hear them!

    Nadine

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  17. Nadine, I love all your choices, and I’m sure you’d be happy with any of them. But just for kicks, I’ll throw in a few more options.

    Summer: I know you’re looking for a “death by jasmine” jasmine, and Serge Lutens À la Nuit is probably it. But I’m grooving on a weird, sultry summer fave that’s all about Polynesian flowers and sweat: LesNez Manoumalia. I think it’s fantastic! And another “wowie” sultry number is Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, with its creamy tuberose (along with jasmine) framed in crisp leafy green. For a spicier jasmine, try The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit.

    Winter: For years I’ve loved wearing Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur in the oil form, which I feel amplifies the musk element. But I’m with you on not favoring its cinnamon/spice aspect. That’s why I did little mountain goat leaps when I discovered Le Labo Labdanum 18, another Maurice Roucel creation. Labdanum 18 has all the dirty moose oomph of MR, but without the distracting spice sprinkles. It lasts forever and a day on the skin, and smells sexy and mmmmm the whole way through. I feel confident that you will love this!

    Foggy hybrid: Yves Saint Laurent Kouros (barbershop and incense) and Nasomatto China White (smoky roses, powdery leather, violets and shattered porcelain). Thinking of your Monsieur de Mouchoir lavender: Guerlain Jicky (lavender, vanilla and full diapers), By Kilian A Taste of Heaven (menthol lavender, absinthe and woody vanilla), B Never Too Busy to Be Beautiful Breath of God (menthol lavender, leather and fall leaves). The last two are tip-offs from my Perfume Pen Pal Dan, who is also is a big jasmine lover. I shall summon him, like a genie from a lamp, to share some of his findings.

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  18. Yahooooo!

    Thanks for your brilliant reply!

    Except now my mouth is watering desperately for the Labo beast. And all the others, too.

    And funnily enough, I wore Kouros today. I like wearing it and then stamping my feet and smashing my fist down hard on the table groaning KOUROS in a heavy metal voice. I'm pale and skinny and very awkward, btw.

    Would be thrilled to hear PPP Dan's thoughts, but am already very grateful for yours! Will let you know how it pans out.

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  19. Nadine, for my contribution to the "green" effort, I've recycled your interesting query as a "Viewer Mail" post. Dan will chime in with his comments there soon!

    I'm glad I hit the nail on the head with Kouros! I love hearing how it turns you into a death metal Incredible Hulk.

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  20. Pino, if the Marc Jacobs perfume you tried and enjoyed is indeed the one simply called "Marc Jacobs", then may I direct your nose over to Estée Lauder Beyond Paradise, which is Marc Jacobs in a push-up bra.

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  21. Katie, you must be psychic! I recently thought that I had worn Beyond Paradise years ago, but couldn't find the bottle to verify. Then the other day I turned my head to the left - et voila! - there it was. Beyond Paradise in the flesh, or glass, as it were. I haven't gone so far as to sniff it to see if it is still any good, but that will be the next test.Gosh, it has probably been 5 years or more, so I am sure it no longer smells fresh as a daisy, or whatever it is, but it is funny that I was thinking about it recently and then it was right there. And before you comment on my poor head turning, a couple of accidents has reduced my neck-turning ability. So I will give it a whiff next time I am at the perfume counter. Thanks for looking out!

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  22. Probably a silly question, but do you plan to ever give any of your wonderful reviews about vintage, hard-to-find or discontinued fragrances?

    I've been exploring the highs and lows of vintage perfumes (and sometimes just the residual, resin-like substances left in the old bottles) and would love to hear what your expert nose thinks of things like Lanvin's "My Sin," (discontinued in the 1950's) Guerlain's "L'Heure Bleu," (rereleased in new formulation these days) or the self-titled "Deneuve" from the 1980s.

    In the meantime, I love your blog and YouTube sites. Thanks for the wise and entertaining descriptions!

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  23. Albiana, no question's ever too silly - look who you're talking to! Funny you should ask about vintage reviews, because at this very moment I'm sitting in a cloud of Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT, writing up a review for my next post.

    The whole exploration of discontinued greats is not an area I've been able to tackle as of yet. I'm a bit overwhelmed with juggling the interesting commercial releases and the never-ending niche intrigues to apply my nose to vintage delights as of yet. But thanks for the nudge...I'll look to working in some oldies as and when I get my hands on some.

    A friend did just give me a never-opened bottle of Worth Je Reviens bath oil, which I'm looking forward to trying. And since I discovered Jean Desprez Bal à Versailles, I'm all a-froth to sample earlier formulations.

    If you're not already a fan, I heartily recommend the 1000 Fragrances blog for Octavian's incredibly broad and deep coverage on long-extinct perfumes. There can be so much glamor, history and science in one little bottle!

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  24. hi katie I'm so excited to write you I love your page your channel on youtube in short I love everything about you I write from monterrey mexico to say I'm your number 1 fan and you're a beautiful woman for you I do straight jejeje

    One more thing I'd like to recommend a perfume in monterrey summer is very hot because now I'm tired of using the original Paris Hilton for men not to like the smell much but its scent is very light and not me dizzy as other perfumes and building this winter that I recommend always use perfume beyond paradise for men by estee lauder other perfume that I recommend waiting to answer me

    Jonathan Gomez
    your fan number 1 in mexico

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  25. Hi Katie,

    I LOVE ur youtube videos and searching through ur blog...I think ur so knowledgeable and I like the way u express how u feel about a certain fragrance. I'd love it if u did a review of Romance, by Ralph Lauren. I know that I, as well as a few of my girl-friends, would love to know what u think!

    Thanks so much!

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  26. Hi mysteriousminx - so pleased you've been digging the KP Smells scene: YouTube, blog, stage and screen. Okay, maybe not stage and screen. But thanks for checking in!

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  27. Hey Katie
    Have you ever dallied with Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs? For people who want to smell like library books and bonfires it's a pretty good bet. Can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choice, and they tend to get overlooked by reviewers probably because of the output. But I think their quirky aesthetic would appeal to you, and some of their oils are really good.

    (Have to admit, I'm a recovering BPAL addict... ;))

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  28. Oh... I totally agree with you on this one. I was a total addict as well. They have so many choices that it took me ages to decide on what to try first. What I did get smells really great though. They are super slow on shipping and kind of expensive. I do agree that this seems like something that Katie would totally LOVE <3

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  29. Katie, maybe you could help me. I have been searching for the perfect perfume for a while now. I want to have one that is "my scent". It used to be be Elizabeth Arden Red Door Revealed but they stopped making it. I love those kinds of smells that actually smell warm. I like soft and powdery and sweet all in one. Do you have any suggestions?? One that I do wear sometimes and really love is my husbands D&G The One. OMG. I don't care if it is for men. I love this one, but are there any womens fragrances out there that might compare to this or Red Door revealed, or anything else you might recommend?

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  30. Sarah and Megan - I have indeed dallied with BPAL...in the form of a filmed interview with BPAL headmistress Beth Barriel that will be on the blog soon!

    Megan - I shall put some thought into your question when I get back from my trip to London next week.

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  31. Kate, congratulations for the blog, I stumbled upon your videos on Youtube a couple of days ago and simply love your reviews!!!

    I'm a former perfumaholic, who downsized my collection one year ago, keeping only a couple of dozens of favourites, which I love as if they were my own children, LOL

    I have a very "open" taste regarding perfumes, a little bit niche driven, but I can also enjoy some mainstream fragrances. The only things I just can't do are heady florals and thick leather notes.

    I rarely use the same scent 2 days in a row, sometimes I wish I could change my fragrance more than once a day, just to follow my mood switches... today, for example, I started the day with Acqua Di Parma Colonia Assoluta and now I'm craving Guerlain's Apres L'Ondee, and will probably go to bed wearing Serge Lutens' Louve (hubby's favourite)... how crazy is that?

    I would love to see you reviewing some of my favorites... but they are just too many to list here. Anyway, here go some suggestions for future reviews: Annick Goutal Eau de Charlotte, L'Artisan Bois Farine, Guerlain Après L'Ondee, Serge Lutens Chergui, Etro Heliotrope, Caron Farnesiana and, why not, Prada Infusion D'Homme (I don't know why, my husband always smells better than me in Prada!!!)

    Congratulations again, and have a nice weekend!

    S.

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  32. Thank you, Sabrina, for your very kind and encouraging comments! You don't sound very "former" in the perfumaholic dept to me -- a couple dozen perfumes is pretty solidly "in there".

    Thanks for the list. I'm relieved to report that I've already reviewed Serge Lutens Chergui here on the blog. But I'll make a note of your other suggestions.

    You certainly do have a pinball trajectory in your perfume tastes! As it should be.

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  33. Hi Katie,

    Maybe "former perfumaholic" is not the perfect word to describe me, you are right... but if I compare the size (and quality) of my collection now with what I had one year ago, I can admit I am in the right path (just don't know to where, LOL)

    Thank you for your comments on my yesterdays posts, I am trying to read all of them now, while I decide what to spay on for a visit to an open air museum later this morning:)

    And please, do try Bois Farine, I am sure you will at least like it (if you don't love it) and will make a great review on it!

    Hugs,

    S.

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  34. Hi Katie,
    I'm actually considering dressing up like Alex from A Clockwork Orange. The funny thing is, if I did, I'd have to wear Secretions Magnifiques!! I think its too perfect of the costume to go without! Metal from the psychological hospital, Blood from all the beatings, Milk from the nightcap Milk-bar, and Seminal fluid from the most violent scene in that movie...

    Best,
    LD

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  35. LadyD777 - oh, that is too perfect! You're exactly right: Sécrétions Magnifique is a "Clockwork Orange" fragrance if ever there was one.

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  36. Hi Katie: Could you please recommend a fragrance for an 18-year old girl, just graduated from high school and off to college. She presently wears Live by JLo. I was hoping to bump it up a bit for her. Thanks and love, love, love your blogs and you tube videos.

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  37. Anonymous, I had to give this some thought, because since she's plugged into the full-on fruity caramelliness of Live, it's going to be hard to budge her too far from that aesthetic. Staying with mainstream fragrances, she might like D&G 10 La Roue de la Fortune, which is a sheerer Angel featuring some of Live's pineapple. To go to the caramel-sweet side of things, she might dig Flowerbomb. She could go for Kat Von D Saint. I wonder if she'd find Kate Walsh Boyfriend too spicy? It does have a tropical hint to it. Also check out Estee Lauder Sensuous Noir and YSL Belle d'Opium.

    Niche-wise, she might like Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille.

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  38. I have been watching your videos for a year and I have to just ask you, what kind of skin care do you use your complextion is GORG!! Plus you are so funny really and we have alot of the same tastes especially Shalimar I was worried before I started watching you that it was a matronly scent and I was offending people so I only wore it rarely or barely a dab. It is the most beautiful and special perfume.xo

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  39. Hi Anonymous - thanks for your tribute to my complexion. I have to admit that it's a factory-installed feature courtesy of my parents' good genes, though of course I'm careful to wear daily sunscreen (and hats) and to moisturize plenty. I try all kinds of different things (usually whatever's offered in freebie sample sizes from Kiehls or Chanel or whatever), but for the past few years I've been regularly using Trish McEvoy's Beauty Booster serum and cream (which is also a primer). It supplies that dewy look I'm after. I also prefer cream blushers that add a lightly flushed look. My favorite one by Fresh (Age of Innocence) was sadly discontinued, but MAC Something Special is kind of similar. I also love using oils on my face. Currently using Aftelier Perfumes Rose, Sandalwood and Frankincense Face Elixir.

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  40. Thanks this New England weather is tough on skin!!xo

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  41. Oh, I can imagine, Anonymous. Another tip for heavy-duty night time moisturization is Skin Food by Weleda. It's inexpensive and I use it on my face, as well as on dry patches elsewhere. It's greasy and has a strong herbal smell, but it gets the job done. A perhaps more aesthetically pleasing moisturizer is Clinique's Moisture Surge. It's my husband's secret elixir: no more dry skin flakes on his face!

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  42. You are the best! I am going to try the Trish MCevoy I ordered it has not come yet. I am preggers also so the little one is probably sucking me dry!! Thanks again!

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  43. Katie - I just came across your blog and love it! Your statement about Fracas getting her feathered hiney out into the fresh air a la Secret Garden made me laugh outloud. Just very nicely put. Look, we're the same age, I'm a girl about the world, so why can't I stop my wistful pining for slam you over the head, somebody open a window, I can't breathe Opium by YSL? Is it just the nostalgia for the good old days of tons of Sabastian Shaper Spray on my spiral permed Lita Ford do, spandex mini skirts just south of the equator, long, dangly shoulder duster metallic earrings and way too much Ultima Nudes makeup? Where can a gal of the new century find something similar to that heady, sexy oriental that doesn't make everybody clear out or ask you how much for an evening? I'd appreciate your expertise in this matter.

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  44. GingerG, I'm touched my your enthusiasm, and inspired by your search for a newer, kinder Opium. May I use your inquiry for my next "Viewer Mail" column? I have some ideas, and so will our fellow fumies.

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  45. Sounds fab! Thx! xoxo
    Ginger

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  46. Katie - Could you please review Love in White by Creed? I am almost ready to buy it unsmelled, just because I've read that it was made first for Laura Bush. Love your blog and You Tube videos!

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  47. Hi Katie, Could you recommend a really luxurious bath cream or oil? I am very big and pregnant and that is my favorite spot these days to be comfortable. I love really all your recommedations so far, we are on the same wave length. Shalimar rules.

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  48. I've got just the thing, especially as you love Shalimar. Miller Harris do lovely bath oils, and they have one in their Fleur Oriental fragrance, which is quite Shalimar-esque. Even better, they have a 20% off online sale till Sat 10 Dec.

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  49. You are the best! Merry Christmas to me!

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  50. Hi Katie, My Dad my hero and Granpa both smoked a pipe, that smell is one of my favorites in the world I think the flavor was black cherry. My Dad quit years ago and my Gramp has past, I would love to find something that would remind of that smell.Thanks dear.

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  51. There are some wonderful pipe tobacco perfumes out there. Try By Kilian Back to Black, Serge Lutens Chergui, Hermès Ambre Narguilé - those are my faves. Sweeter and less smokey are Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and YSL Belle D'Opium.

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  52. Wow you hit the mark with the Hermes Ammber Narguile, smells just like the tabacco. I might give it to my husband too masculine for me but will be yummy on him. He got me Tocca Stella for Christmas, a little to uninspiring for me sorry Jon, anyways they told him I could exchange it at spacenk. I love Shalimar, Roma, Eau Dynamisante, Paris, Eau d"Hadrien and Creed Royal Delight, any suggestions?

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  53. Space NK in the UK? Try Miller Harris Fleur Oriental if you like Shalimar. Lumiere Pour Femme by Francis Kurkdjian is a beautiful dark, sultry rose.

    Many women do love wearing Amber Narguile. Look out for By Kilian Back to Black for a sweeter, more powdery and girly tobacco.

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  54. My little town in CT opened one this year I love the eve lom face cleanser they sell there. The brands they have are Diptyque, Chantecaille, L'artisan, Aquade parma Blue medettareno, and Laura Mercier. I got a sample of the Amber Narguile, and by the end of the day yesterday it had gotten really soft,smokey and warm so I will be wearing it Thank you!! I just might as well get another bottle of something, because I will have the credit and I am boarderline obsessed with perfumes my friends and sisters think I am nuts. I am glad there is someone else or many peole who are as passionate. Thanks xo

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  55. Ah, too bad, the US Space NKs don't have the wider fragrance selection of the UK branches. In which case, just sniff through the options and see what takes your fancy. Acqua di Parma Colonia or Diptyque 34 Blvd St Germain might hit the spot for freshness a la Eau Dynamisante/Eau d'Hadrien. Don't know if Laura Mercier L'Heure Magique is in stock - check that out for a floral/amber oriental. If nothing excites, there's always their great selection of skincare and cosmetics: By Terry Rose de Baume, Chantecaille Lip Chics and Brilliant Glosses, and Ren Keep Young & Beautiful Serum and Rose Synergy Serum are favorites of mine. There! I've just spent your gift card.

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  56. Its such a thrill to get your responses thanks!!

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  57. i just found your site, i think it is awesome, i love your site katie

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  58. Hi Katie I have also just found your site and already I'm addicted...... Keep up the good work from sunny Glasgow!!!!! Well not sunny right now as it is 1:07 am ��

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  59. Ps what do you think of SpaceNks own fragrances??

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  60. Hey Katie Can you please tell me what you wore on your wedding day? You mentioned it on utube and I can't find what you said. I into rose and incsence sorry I can't spell. I really like Paris and people tell me I smell good but it annoys me when it dries down,too urine like.Thanks sister.

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  61. ChrissychrispantsApril 19, 2012 9:17 AM

    Hi Katie,

    I have just discovered you and your youtubes all the way from Australia. I love your florid and visceral reviews.

    I'm wondering if you can recommend some scents to me that contain peach notes? I've done Burberry and Gucci Rush and am wondering if there's anything else out there. It seems to be strangely rare to find!

    Many thanks.

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  62. Here are some lovely peachy peaches for you to try: Petite Cherie and Le Mimosa, both by Annick Goutal, Keiko Mecheri Ume, Sake by Fresh.

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  63. Hi Katie,



    I'm an avid perfume collector with an affinity for skin scents, soft and subtle, beachy smelling, spicy and vanilla based fragrances. For years I've been wearing a lot of vanilla, coconut and sandalwood based perfumes, and have recently decided to go outside of my comfort zone with something different. While perusing the Luckyscent website looking for new samples to order, I stumbled across the Nobile 1942 Le Petit Chocolatier collection. I was skeptical because of the chocolate based fragrances, but was intrigued enough to order the samples. I loved the idea that the three perfumes could be worn alone or layered to add warmth. When I received them, I instantly fell in love...especially with the first of the set, Confiture, which has notes of peach, honey, orange, chocolate, sandalwood and vanilla. For days I've been unable to stop smelling them. The one downside is that I don't feel they have much lasting power, but I don't mind respraying.



    I have seen quite a few of your perfume reviews and find them quite useful. I would really like your opinion on this chocolate line, and whether or not you think wearing a chocolate scent can be off-putting to others, especially men. :-) I've never really been a fan of scents that are too too foody or gourmand, but this line seems to be light enough for me to enjoy. I would be really excited if you reviewed this line sometime soon! Thanks.


    Stacy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't worry too much about chocolate perfumes being off-putting, especially since it seems like you'd be sensitive to a death-by-chocolate fragrance. I've not encountered this line yet (and am not in LA at the moment, otherwise I'd hightail it to Scent Bar to check it out), so can't lend any insights. But you've got me intrigued!

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  64. Hi Katie,Ddo you know of any perfumes that are bug repellants I loathe misquitoes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. "Natural" mosquito repellant sprays often include bergamot, citronella, lemongrass, and/or verbena, so citrussy permfumes will probably work. I've always heard that Avon Skin So Soft repels biting insects.

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  66. Hello, Katie!

    I am from Romania ( I'd love to be your pen pal)- my name is Mirel and I am a 26 year old male. I would like to recommend you a fragrance, in case you still love Daim Blond: Allure Sensuelle- Chanel. It has patchouli, floral notes, vanilla and incense. But it feels very airy, and I get an apricot-suede vibe from it. If you can, seek the EDT, because it is less fruity. Even though I am a man, I love to wear it. I find it clearly unisex. Could you review Allure Sensuelle? In both EDT and EDP if possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mirel, I'd never made a connection between Daim Blond and Allure Sensuelle. Thanks for sparking my interest.

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  67. Hi , Mirel here again to disturb you :)! I would love to make another suggestion for a sensual skin: layer allure sensuelle edt `with bourjous deshabillez-moi shower gel and body spray. It is very sensual. Also, you may find the edp more pleasing than the edt at first, but on a mild weather, the edTt is far more interesting and it lasts: the edp smells too fruitchouli after a while, while the edt is smooth suedey-vanilla with a patchouli hint. The peachy apricot note I linked with daim blond: but, really, try the edt: I will arrive next week in Paris and I will check the extract also, and some exclusives. As a note ( I hope I won't bore you), I find the most sensual fragrances are the ones halfway masculine-halfway feminine: not the typical ones: Tubereuse criminelle ( unisex, menthol haze-patchouli-tuberose- I do get a link with Poison), Le Baiser du dragon EDT ( MUST TRY). Also, you should review Must de Cartier EDT and Parfum ( the EDT with the red cap- now reformulated again with a golden cap). I know you adore Shalimar, and you will find I link with it.

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    1. Thanks Mirel. That's a good observation about half feminine/half masculine fragrances having a special sizzle - I agree!

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  68. Hi Katie just interested in your view of the perfume China town by Bond9. Before I invest I would like your opinion. I would like a new fall spicy scent something for everyday i wear Roma and Dune right now. I want som,ething a little more yummy.

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    Replies
    1. Chinatown could work great for you, but to be sure, you might track down a sample. They give them away at the Bond No. 9 counters, and if you don't live near one, maybe call one and ask if they can send you a sample.

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  69. Hi Katie,

    In looking for a new Fall vanilla scent, I decided to talk a walk over to the Scent Bar. The gentleman inside introduced me to the new M. Micallef Vanille line, and I instantly fell in love! Have you had a chance to smell these? I would love your opinion on the four scents (Vanille Cuir, Vanille Fleur, Vanille Marine and Vanille Orient). I personally like the Fleur and Cuir the best, which surprises me because I don't know that I'm into florals or leather. I think the Cuir is the best, but I wonder if it's teetering a little on the masculine side. Would LOVE for you to review these! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Stacy, your question prompted me to check out the samps I have of these new Micallef vanillas. It wasn't a love connection for me, but I don't want to stand between you and your destiny if you love the smell, and if they work on your skin. I much prefer the Mona d'Orio Vanille, with its boozy smoke. These new Micallefs smell like functional fragrances to me, and the Cuir reminds me of the smell of a dog shampoo I'm familiar with! I think Vanille Orient works the best of the four. But as I said, they might work a special alchemy with you.

      I remember running into a former Scent Bar SA and when we embraced, she exclaimed how great I smelled, and couldn't believe it when I told her it was Comme des Garcons Daphne. She'd hated it at the shop, but had to admit it smelled lovely on me. That's how it goes.

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  70. Hello Katie;
    I think my perfume taste falls in the middle of your sent spectrum. Oddly we like many of the “creeper” or less value perfumes (Jovon, Loves Baby Soft, Tea Rose and skin musk). I am much less incensessy then you seemingly tend to be.

    The fragrance that seems to get ppl to react to me pleasantly (most especially men) is White Linen. Does that mean its my “signature fragrance”… seriously what defines a “signature fragrance”???

    Two of my most favorite fragrances were flukes; In1993 I first discovered White Linen, when I rented a Chicago apartment and the perfumed cream was left behind. I tried it, I liked it, and WOW both genders kept complimenting and asking me about it (especially guys). The second was found the same way only in NYC 1989. My love of this fragrance was prompted by a childhood memory of bayberry candles burring while my mother was writing Christmas cards; the perfume was “L'air Du Temps”. There were only mere minuet dregs remaining, but yet enough to send me over the moon and on a mad search for it. Then came a trip to Barnney’s in 1992 and Annick Goutal’s Eau D'Hadrien appeared. I fell in love for selfish reasons, just for me, to sleep in. I was mesmerized with the artistry of subtlety. It was clean, faintly floral, and invigorating. Up until these discoveries, I was using my mother’s favorites, such as White Shoulders, Charlie, and the Jovon’s.

    Nowadays; I am still in love with clean smelling subtlety. I am ashamed to say I love LOVE… Baby Grace. I don’t know what’s in it but it’s clean, graciously sweet, with a faint memory of violet candy (not candy the way you hate candy). I do quite like Pairs (on rare occasion). I did also like Cristalle, but then they went and reformulated it. The dry-down now is very male and too dry for me.

    with much appreciation
    Kellyann AKA cosmicku

    PS: Dare I ask you what you think of Baby Grace ; /

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kellyann, the idea of a signature scent is the one perfume that defines you and reminds other people of you. Before perfume production ramped up to over 1,000 new launches every year in the last decade, it was easier to settle on one or two fragrances. Now there's so much competition for one's attention.

      It sounds like you're good at picking perfumes that really glow on you and attract positive attention.

      It's been a while since I tried Baby Grace...don't have a position on it.

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  71. Hi Katie, Have you ever tried Ferre. When my husband and I were dating I found in his bathroom that we were wearing the same perfume. I was thinking of getting it again.

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  72. Hi It was Ferre 20. It is discontinued but it is still around, very expensive. Have you ever smelled it? What is your favorite go to everday scent if I may be so bold to ask. Nothing compares to Shalimar and my husband just bought me the jo malone mandarin lime basil which is nice but inbetwwen would be awesome I think, any suggestions?

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    Replies
    1. HI Anonymous - I've not tried Ferre 20. Hmmm...trying to think of "in between Shalimar and Lime Basil Mandarin". How about Hermès Eau de Merveilles? Guerlain Habit Rouge?

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    2. HI Katie have you ever gone threw a period where you just are not satisfied with a perfume . I feel like I can not find anything that I adore, What do you suggest to do I have so many that I know I will never finish.Thanks

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  73. Hello Katie, I stumbled onto you and your site while searching colognes and perfumes.I enjoy what your doing and you have helped me quite a bit.I thought I smelled,but now I know I don't smell as much as you.My question is as I searched and learned how to smell I came across a brand that intrigued me. Clive Christian. Number 1 for men is over $850.00 bucks. Could you please tell me what could bring a cologne to that price. I've spent $200.00 on brands before, but that amount I don't understand. Please enlighten me. Like I said I'm still trying to smell like you so this info would be great, should I start saving my money for the ultimate lady killer fragrance? Thanks again

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    1. Hi Bryan - I couldn't have answered your question better and more thoughtfully than the way Anonymous did below. And I will be more blunt than Anon's softly-softly approach and tell you that there is nothing that justifies the ludicrous expense of Clive Christian perfumes. It's just their marketing ploy to back up their tagline: "The World's Most Expensive Perfume". I've never heard of an actual perfume lover who buys from this line. I think it's marketed to rich people who need some help offloading their spare chump change.

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  74. Bryan, don't spend $850 on a bottle of cologne unless your nose justifies it. You can buy three or so of the greatest most expensive fragrances for that, and 10 or so of the greatest less expensive fragrances for that price. Even the highest concentration of the most expensive ingredients doesn't come to that kind of cost, and a lot of commonly used ingredients that are equally great and used in a lot of great perfume are very cheap, because expensive does not mean greatest; it merely means expensive. So what are you then paying for when spending $850- the bottle, the marketing, the hype, the right to say that you have bought the most expensive bottle of cologne? Probably all that. But what I woulds say is smell a lot of perfume, at a lot of different prices, including Les Exclusifs, the Malle range, the Guerlains, Hermes (including the boutique range), the high street Chanels, and then when you have done so, sniff the Clive Christian, and let your nose be your guide, to work out if the price is justified, and whether purchase of the said fume makes you a connoisseur or a fool (with his proverbial money).

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  75. Hi Katie Love to know if you can recommend a fragrance w white ginger in it.I tend to go for floral orientales ,love Annick Goutals Eau de Charlotte, Tom Fords Black Orchid and Wish by Lollia

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  76. For vivid florientals with a fruity glow, you might go for Burberry Classic for Woman, Kate Walsh Boyfriend, Tom Ford Noir de Noir, and Agent Provocateur L'Agent.

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  77. Katie have tried Santa Maria Novella Ginestra? It is so great!! A great green punch when you need one. It mellows nicely, it really is one of my favorites. I am curious what you think..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love a bunch of the SMNs, but haven't smelled Ginestra...

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    2. Thanks so much!

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  78. Hi Katie! This is Irfan. I am requesting you to review on :

    1. Ange ou Demon Le Secret Elixir Givenchy for women

    2. Nina L`Elixir Nina Ricci for women

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  79. Hi Katie! I have just recently discovered YOU and Annick Goutal and L'Artisan Parfumeur and Frederic Malle and Byredo and... I am so exited! A whole new world has revealed itself, and I can't believe my luck! I had given up on the whole thing, I never seemed to find the right scent... The roses smelled sweet and gave me a headache, I could never find the right "clean" smell, the citrusy, lemony smell was never right - and the list goes on and on. Now I know, thanks to you, there is musc and oud and wood, inncense and green and... But where do I start? A little visit to the bank for a loan and out to buy a couple of dozens fragrances? I mean, how many times can you visit a small parfumerie without buying, before it gets anoying? (for the person trying to make a living out of this I mean). Hope to hear from you! A big hug from Karina from Norway:-)

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    Replies
    1. Karina, what a fantastic boost you've given me!! I'm so glad I'm contributing to your perfume freefall. You have so much fun and technicolor smells ahead of you.

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    2. Thank you Katie - I am having a blast! I bought a small suitcase of Frederic Malle fragrances, and I am already loving Portrait Of a Lady and Musc Ravageur. For some reason Carnal Flower makes me blush. To me it's like wearing that red dress when you are not quite up to it... I will give Une Rose my attention the next few days.
      I also bought Eau d'Hadrien so I can smell like a lemon when the spring is here and Oolang Infini on days.. eh well, when I don't want to smell like a fruit. I think my next step will be ordering Bruno Acampora Musc online, and there might still be some money left for food. So it's all good!:-)
      Thanks again Katie!
      Karina:-)

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    3. You're on a sensory rollercoaster!

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    4. Hehehe... I know! I do feel a bit dizzy... Let's hope with time I'll find my way in this jungel, and sort out the smells I like. As for now I love almost everything - I just love the consept of smelling (lohooovely)! :-)

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  80. Hey Katie I have a gift card at Sephora and want a knew scent. I love your taste in perfumes do you have any favorites there? I don't like any thing too sweet and soft. Thanks Love you!1

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    Replies
    1. Try Bulgari Black - it's unisex but is found in the men's section. Check out Prada Infusion d'Iris Absolue, too. For not "too sweet and soft", one of my favorite perfumes is Clinique Aromatics Elixir. People freak at how strong it is, but if you only spray once (from as far away as you can, maybe on the small of your back - that's what I do), it's a dark and magical forest smell. I always get compliments with it.

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    2. Thanks Katie!

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  81. Hi! I was wondering what your thoughts were on Rive Gauche for women. I remember my Mom wore it and I like all of her past scents. I always like your opinion, especially when I might get it with out smelling it for a while. I love Aromatics Elixer I spilled a little of my sample in my leather purse it is the best to open the combo is really nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hah! I can imagine purse leather and AE smelling good together!

      Rive Gauche is so sophisticated, and there is nothing like it out there anymore.

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    2. I love you thanks!!

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  82. Hi Katie,

    I'm new to the world of fragrance, and have learned so much from your videos - thanks for all you do! I tried a wonderful unisex scent called Padparadscha. I loved it's chili pepper vibe (I'm from Texas - we love our peppers). Sadly, it has little staying power on my skin. Any other recommendations for something with a chili pepper vibe for the next big BBQ? Thanks!

    Gary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gary - one that smells similar to Padparadscha (I own that one myself!) is Santal Sacre by Decennial, available from Scent Bar. Try also L'Artisan's Piment Brulant. I haven't smelled Comme des Garcons's Harissa, that might be too foody-weird, but it's chili-peppery.

      More peppers: Marc Jacobs Bang and Hermes Poivre Samarcande.

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    2. Thanks so much for the quick and helpful reply. Have a great rest of the week!

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  83. I tried New Haarlem and enjoyed the sweetness, but I wish it were "sweet" instead of "SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!". On my skin it wears as a single, linear maple syrup vibe. I've read a lot about Rochas Man and Play Intense, but people seem to talk more about their respective coffee vibes. I'm looking more for coffee cake with a faint whiff of coffee. My only other request would that it be not more expensive than New Haarlem. Any ideas? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau, Parfumerie Generale Coze, and Mugler A-Men.

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  84. Howdy Ms. Katie!

    After doing some reading on this subject online, I am keeping each of my colognes in individual zip closure baggies. The baggies are all stored in the same snap-top plastic container. The lid is always on tightly. The container sits on a shelf in my small walk-in closet with the lights off and the door closed, so it is almost always in darkness. The temperature and humidity levels are pretty consistent as well. Does this seem like I'm doing the right thing to protect my investment? Thanks in advance for your advice!

    Doug

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    Replies
    1. Doug, in those conditions, King Tut himself would be fresh as a daisy! I'd say that putting them all in a plastic container would be ultra-safe enough (and above and beyond the call of duty), without needing the baggies. The main thing is a consistent, not-too-hot temperature and no light, so you've got those covered. Be sure to wear your beautiful fragrances too, though, y'hear?

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    2. Thank you ma'am. Rockin' my Egoiste today! :-)

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  85. Katie,

    I live a dual life. Through the week, I'm "Mr. Chanel" - elegant and refined at work. But on the weekends I am Bubba the Lumberjack - gnawing on wood planks and wrestling bears. I had Guerlain Vetiver and Anteus recommended to me as more rugged, but they both made me gag. My wife's favorite is Aramis, and I do like that one. I also like dior Fahrenheit. Any suggestions for the "Chanel lumberjack"? Thanks!

    Dave

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    Replies
    1. Oops - I should have made it clear that I'm looking specifically for recommendations for "Bubba the Lumberjack". "Mr. Chanel" is perfectly happy with his Egoiste, Coromandel, and Allure homme edition blanche. :-)

      Dave again

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    2. Dave, I believe I left you hanging with this - so sorry! I'd direct Bubba the Lumberjack towards Comme des Garçons Santal Blue and Diptyque Tam Dao.

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    3. Dave, the intersection of Chanel and lumberjack selves would probably enjoy Sycomore. I'd also recommend French Lover by Malle, Equipage by Hermes and Terre de Hermes: they aren't quite as wood as Katie's excellent recommendations- more smoke, woods and landscape.

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  86. Hi Kate,have you ever tried kenzo L'elephant?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I have. It reminds me of one of those Serge Lutens dealios, like Féminité du Bois.

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  87. I ordered it from a home shopping channel you can return if you don't like it. I can't shop that often at the beauty counters 5 young kids, they are not really welcome.So thank God for your blog it is my guilty pleasure, I own most of what you recommend and love all of my little gems!

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    Replies
    1. Ah! That's a wonderful compliment that KP Smells offers a respite from your young army. Glad to provide an olfactory oasis.

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    2. I know you are swamped with all you do but a book would be a pleasure to read by you, so talented with words!!!

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  88. Katie, have you made a trip to the Slumberhouse part of the olfactory landscape? I tried four of their scents this weekend. In terms of the metaphorical olfactory landscape, it's a bit like discovering that part where the medievals wrote 'there be dragons' actually exists; they are quite extreme but also challenging, and also the most interesting scents I have smelt in a long time: however, I would in the end classify them as art scents (I think) rather than anything I would actually wear due to their very dark and dense palette: Rothkos in scent form is how I would characterise them. I do however think they would make very interesting reviewing material for yourself.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tip-off! I don't know them, and just returned from a skip around their website. Looks verrrry interesting...

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  89. Hi Katie
    keen outdoors type into road cycling what is the fragrence of on a hot day cycling in to shaded mossy woodland and from the uk so with added rain cheers
    James

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    Replies
    1. James, try Comme des Garcons Blue Santal. It's a wet earth-smelling sandalwood. Check out my review here on KP Smells.

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    2. Hi Katie
      Thanks for your help just purchased some love it
      James

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  90. Hi Katie, I love all your perfume advice thank you for it!! I also love to see your style your cool blouses, hair and makeup, and vintage looking necklaces! Just thought I would ask I have been looking for a new handbag and frustrated by the selection out there, may I ask what you carry I bet it would be something I would like! Thanks! Rachel

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rachel - your question inspired me to write an entire post on the subject of handbags! It's up now on my other blog, Mixties: http://www.mixties.com/2013/10/perfect-purses.html

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  91. I Loved it!!!! rachel

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  92. Hello Katie and Happy 2014:-D!!!!
    I love your videos, and not only the fact you know everything about the global perfume world, but also the way you present the perfumes is UNIQUE!!! BRAVO :-D!
    I am so happy you have created this blog because I could use some help!
    My sister has been wearing for years Jill Sander #4- a divine smell that she can't live without- but lately is really difficult finding it even on eBay. So I want to get her something that will come as close as possible to Jill Sander #4!
    She also likes and enjoys Tardes from Carner Barcelona and Perle di Bianca by Simone Cosac but I want to find something new for her that will love :-D!!!
    So who better to contact than you :-D!!!!
    I would love if you would come up with some perfumes that resemble these perfumes, especially Jill Sander #4!
    Thank you in advance and Happy New Year again :-D!
    Alina

    ReplyDelete
  93. Happy New Year to you too, Alina. A couple of gorgeous, complex tuberose blends your sister might like are Divine by Divine and Black Orchid Voile de Fleur by Tom Ford (discontinued, but still available online). I've got a review of Divine here on the blog.

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  94. Please can you recommend the ultimate ladies preferred cologne I've topped up Tom Fords bank balance over the last few years with various purchases from his collection..... Now it's time to find "THE ONE" I've heard ladies like the smell of Baby powder is this correct and could it be for reasons other than opposite sex attraction

    rgds Jamie

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    1. Sorry I should have introduced myself...

      I'm Jamie from Wales in the UK it's nice to read your comments on soooooo many topics x

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    2. Hi Jamie! I just saw your question - sorry for the lag time in answering.

      There's no universal smell all ladies (or gentlemen) love (and baby powder can be especially divisive). I truly believe that the "love potion" magic of a fragrance comes from *you* loving it and feeling great about yourself while wearing it, and therefore giving off those irresistible vibes of being comfortable and at ease with yourself.

      There are so many ways to smell amazing, the fun is trying as many as you can. Lately pour les dudes, I'm loving Comme des Garcons Palisander, Gendarme eau de cologne (though I don't think it's in the UK), Byredo Gypsy Water, Hermes Voyage, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, Guerlain Vetiver and Prada Amber pour Homme Intense. But that's just me!

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  95. Katie Hi! I was wondering if you had a scent for yoga that you like? I know it is taboo but it makes me feel better just something I can smell or something subtle? I am going on a retreat and want to bring something with me.Maybe something natural?? Thanks! Rachel

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    Replies
    1. For yoga, I like to sneak in a taboo fume from time to time. I find "smells of the ancients", like woodsy sandalwoods and incenses, can provide stealth scent satisfaction. Oil fragrances are the quietest, so check out Mystra from Aesop, with its olde worlde frankincense, mastic and labdanum. It doesn't last a long time, but that's fine since less is more when you're sneaking in a perfume. There's also a body oil I love by This Works called Dry Leg Oil (not a very entrancing name, I know). It's one of those "enchanted forest" smells I love - shades of Aromatics Elixir, but quieter.

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  96. Hi Katie,

    I so appreciate all of the hard work that goes into all that you do. I'm a 48 year old man who has come very late to the fragrance game. Here's my problem: I secretly enjoy drinks like fuzzy navels and amaretto sours, but am afraid of having my man card revoked for drinking them in public. When out with friends I usually order a gin and tonic, which I also enjoy very much and which keeps my man card safe in my wallet.

    I have a similar problem with scent. I couldn't afford fragrances in the 80's and 90's, so I never had the chance to get sick of the fragrances that everyone makes fun of now. When out in public, I have plenty of scents that I enjoy that will be acceptable to the cool kids, but when I'm behind closed doors, I really do enjoy things that the rest of you are sick of like Drakkar Noir and Polo green and Cool Water. Does this make me a bad person?

    Also, is there a rose scent for men that actually smells like a @$#&%^* rose?!?! I ordered a "men's rose sampler" from a decant shop and not a %@^$# one of them smells like roses (one would think with a name like "Rose 31"....). My wife wears Tea Rose and it actually smells like a beautiful rose - go figure! Is there a butched-up version of Tea Rose that will keep my man card in good standing?

    Thanks for letting me get that off my chest...

    Late Bloomer

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    1. Late Bloomer, you're a delight! Your reason for loving the doomed-by-their-popularity fragrances is poignant. Similar to my affection for disco - I was too young for Studio 54, but when I read about it as a kid, I thought it sounded the height of glamor and welded myself to the disco sounds in solidarity.

      Let's get you sorted with a real rose. You've really ID'd something here: "masculine" roses do their best to not smell like a rose. Never mind the fact that ancient kings ponged far and wide of roses, since that was the creme de la creme of expensive status smells. Not to mention, it smells gorgeous.

      My prescription for you is Une Rose by Frederic Malle. It's a huge ROSE, butched up with trufffled earth and wine dregs. Another muscular rose is A*Maze by People of the Labyrinths. Both of those are very "rose-forward", and high rotation favorites of mine.

      Some other rose-centric (but lower in the mix) perfumes to try are Frederic Malle Geranium pour Homme (geranium smells lemony-rosy), and Byredo Rose Noir (that's one of my regulars, too). G pour H is very full and thick with the sandalwood, and Rose Noir is more sheer, with a grapefruit start and a lot of woodiness.

      But I think your nirvana may well be Une Rose.

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    2. I think Late Bloomer may also enjoy Amouage Lyric Man - it is far more purely rosy than Lyric Woman - it's divine! Justineantonia xoxo

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  97. Katieeee... I'm a perfume collector, but I have problem that I got sinus that sometimes make me can't sniff anything. I'm Indonesian and I love oriental perfume. I really want to be a perfumer but seemed like there is no perfume academy in Indonesia :( really want to create a blog that review many fragrances. how do yo started it Katie? kisses from Indonesia xxx

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    1. Hi Indira, let the Internet be your teacher. Start researching the different blog platforms (I use Blogger, but there are others out there) and see which interfaces you like the best. Decide on your subject matter and point of view, and start writing and posting! It's up to you what you make of it. You'll keep learning the more you do it.

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  98. Hi Katie!

    I stumbled upon your videos and blog just a few days ago and I am thrilled by all the vivacious eloquence you have going on! This just gives me so much pleasure.

    I am just getting back into fragrance after putting it on hold for a few years, which just serves to remind me of just how much it was all work and no frivolity for me :-) I am currently living off the dregs of Lutens Ambre Sultan and Sa Majesté, Bvlgari Jasmin Noir, Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, L’Artisan Premier Figuier, Caudalie Fleur de Vigne, and Gucci pour Homme; a pretty eclectic mix I guess, but if you can make a smelly horoscope from that I’d certainly be interested in hearing it!

    Anyway, I was inspired by your review on Penhaligon’s Castile to pull out a sample of it, and I just love it! All soft-sunshiny and weirdly sophisticated. I think I'll purchase, but I’d like to compare it to some other orangey scents just in case. Any recommendations? (I’m just now sampling AdP’s Arancia di Capri, but compared to Castile it falls flat...)

    Another question that I have: the Gucci pH (2003) is discontinued, sadly, and I want to get a head start in looking for an alternative. I guess pepper, amber and incense are what makes me love this so much—do you have any hints to give out (There is the CdG2 comparison, but I was wondering... is there pepper in lady’s scents)?

    Sorry for the seriously long wall of text here! I’d really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. All my best from sunny Cologne/Germany!

    Jenny

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  99. Hello Katie,
    What a great effort helping everybody out. Maybe you cn help/advice me.
    My favourites are nikos for men(purple) and cartier pour home, both of them are discontinued, now i can find anything that comes close, do you have any suggestions?
    A few more on my shelf are baldessarini strictly private, and sun by sander. Please help.... :)
    Thanx, Bram from the Netherlands

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  100. Hello Katie,
    I have been watching your youtube videos for a while now and I was hoping you could give me some advice. I have a young daughter and she is autistic. She only likes candy scents and strawberry scents. While finding a candy perfume for her is super easy I am having trouble finding a really good strawberry scent. Could you suggest one for her first real perfume. She has had the disney perfumes and such but now it is time for her to start her own collection. Thanks so much.

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    1. Strawberry crops up in a lot of perfumes aimed at young women, and Marc Jacobs' original Daisy comes to mind. It's strawberry freshened up with grass and a bit of milky sweetness. It might be just the thing for your girl, plus it has a cute bottle with that rubbery flower cap.

      A more strawberry-forward perfume is Fraaagola Saalaaata by Hilde Soliani. I know that LuckyScent carries it. It's a niche number that costs bigger bucks. Maybe start off with the Daisy and go from there.

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    2. Thanks so much I'll pick up some daisy this week.

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  101. Hi Katie, a quick question: Wonderwood or Wonderoud? And I can't wait to hear your opinion on Misia! Do you like it at all? Thank you from Cybele

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  102. Hi Katie, I've just spent the last couple of hours in total bliss watching your YouTube perfume reviews. I searched and searched but can't find one on Lanvin Arpége?
    I remember being desperate to wear it in the 80's but too chicken. Thoughts?

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    1. Hi Mrs. L - what a nice compliment! Glad to help get you on the bliss track. I've not done any Lanvin reviews, methinks. Perhaps Arpége should be my first.

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  103. How marvellous! Thank you Katie. Don't you just love falling in love with a new scent? The surprise of finding something new to adore? Only this summer did I fall head over heels with pink carnations! So now the fun begins. I shall be checking out Floris Malmaison, L' Artisan and a new Prada D'infusion. Have you crossed paths with any of them?

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    1. I've not encountered those carnations. I do know that one sniff of Comme des Garcons makes me happy.

      You might get a kick out of my perfume pen pal Dan's discovery of Roger & Gallet's Blue Carnation. You can read it here.

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  104. Thank you Katie, I shall head over right now and check out the goods! Arpége update: it appears the old girl et moi are never to be. Others get symphonies, I get fly spray. After kicking my husband in the ribs for suggesting me buy Coco Madamoiselle ( every man and his dog wears it) it appears that I too like whale vomit and skipped home with a bottle of Hermés Eau Des Merveilles. Your review was perfect!! It smells wonderful on Mr. Lee too. I don't know if that's a bad thing? I could always carry a fork to stab him with if I notice the contents going down. Have a lovely weekend.

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  105. Katie
    Just saw you for the first time on Pointless. I thought you looked beautiful. I also thought you were in your 20s and so amazed to discover your are a little more 'mature'. Maybe the smells that you enjoy keep you young!

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    1. Thank you, Unknown. What a terrific compliment! My mature eyes enjoyed reading it.

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