The Perfume Challenge

[txcatx]

Do you have a box full of perfume vials and/or a vanity covered in perfume bottles? Are you the Goldilocks of perfume, just looking for the perfect signature scent? Do you want an opportunity to post daily about how your perfume of the day smells oaky and smoky with hints of blackberry and currant, like a cigar in a whisky barrel rolling through a Mediterranean orchard on a breezy summer morning?

If you answered yes to any of the above, or you just want to hop on board for the ride, join us for a 31 days of perfume challenge starting January 1st! Some of us from the 25 days of lipstick challenge wanted to continue the fun and exploration, and since many of us have so many perfume samples, we thought this challenge would be perfect. If you don't have 31 perfumes or hate everything that doesn't smell like Meyer lemons and fresh goat cream, that's fine--we're just aiming to use the neglected perfumes we have laying around and incorporate them into our perfume rotations.

And if you want more perfume vials, there's no better time than now to take a peek at Sephora's samples section.

Edit: Anyone can join in at anytime! We're here to support, live vicariously through, and encourage everyone in their olfactory adventures!

[Alicehoopz]

Day 5: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black - this is the first sample that I tried and LOVED in this challenge. It's not terribly feminine nor is it too far on the masculine side. I think it's mysterious enough that it's unique. Loved it!

Day 6: Versace Eros. Back to the floral feminine smells. This is a nice, light perfume but it disappeared way too quickly. I've been wearing it for a couple hours and it's already nearly gone.

Side note, this challenge challenged me to come up with sampler storage ideas. Used my Smashbox light it up box + some heavy foam cut to fit the box. Not 100% perfect but will still help me SEE and reach for these so I can at least use them up and decide what I do and don't want to buy in the full size!

[TriesToBoClassy]

I also really like Nirvana Black. It's super interesting considering it's a mainstream fragrance.

[unfungirl]

@Alicehoopz what a cute idea!! 

[Titian06]

How creative, @Alicehoopz!

I mentioned that I'm using a basket, but it's a little inconvenient.  Your picture reminds me of an acrylic(?) NARS box (from a lipstick set I think) that might work better.  It's flat rather than tapering inward like the basket...mmm...

[txcatx]

I love this storage idea! It looks so modern and artsy!

[Alicehoopz]

Thanks! I just got tired of digging through makeup bags for these samples lol. They are so easy to lose/neglect that way!

[k617]

Day 6 - Givenchy Dahlia Divin

I had to look up notes again 😄 I tried guessing but I was wayyyy off!

Notes are Mirabelle, Jasmine, Patchouli. I have no idea what Mirabelle even is, soooo I'm going to  use that as an excuse.

This is my kind of plain, floral fragrance. I seem to like ones with Patchouli (V&R Flowerbomb being one of my long-time winter faves)

Spoiler

Day 4 - Somethin' Special Sweet Petals (LUSH Rose Jam dupe)
Day 5 - Giorgio Armani Si Intense

[Magrathea]

I love this one, too. So much, I am considering getting a bottle of it. So... I must really like it... right? 😛

[Titian06]

@k617 - I was going to wear this scent today.  I had the sample in my hand, but changed my mind just as I was ready to spray!  Guess I knew someone else was going to wear it (ha, ha)  😄

[k617]

Great minds think alike @Titian06! 😉

[jen143xo]

V&R Flowerbomb is also my #1 long time favorite fragrance.  I have loved this for years and always will!!

[alexasteph]

Day 6: TokyoMilk Dark 33 Rotten Apple

Eeehhhhhh... Not loving it yet. I found a sample vial last night and thought I'd give it a try. We'll see how it wears as the day goes on. Right now, and I don't know why, it reminds me of a hospital or nursing home? Maybe the nursing home my great-grandma was in when I was 5 smelled like this? Maybe the hospital I used to volunteer in did? I don't know. I don't think I'm going to wear this one again.

EDIT: I want to re-read the description of this one and I totally got the name wrong. I think that says enough about my thoughts on it. Definitely won't be wearing it again. 

Spoiler

1. Alien by Thierry Mugler (meh)
2. Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic (yay!)
3. Atelier Orange Sanguine (yay!)
4. D&G Dolce (yay!)
5. Pinrose Merry Maker (yay!)

[txcatx]

Day 6: Viva La Juicy. I smell like one of those naked cakes topped with fresh flowers that are all the rage on Pinterest. 

Key Notes:
Wild Berries, Jasmine, Vanilla.

Spoiler

31 Days of Perfume
1. Derek Lam 10 Crosby Ellipsis
2. Maison Margiela Replica, Lipstick On
3. Miu Miu
4. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia
5. Chloe

[ghrelin]

@txcatx I recently tried this one myself!  It's such a fun fragrance.

[AMHWKI]

Day 6:  V & R Flowerbomb (sample card)

After so many years, I am still not sure on this.  I don't love it or hate it, but I feel like it's too common or something. 

[k617]

I'm always told I smell delicious when I wear this! 😄 It's definitely common but also one of my favs.

[alexasteph]

I used to not be a fan, but have just recently changed my tune and have a rollerball. It is definitely very popular, but I think it's because a lot of people find it so wearable. I do actually really like it now, and wear it quite a bit. 

[JenniferOhJenny]

Day 6 - Philosophy Fresh Cream - needed something sweet today. It's one of my favorites; I just wish it lasted longer. I layered it with the body lotion, so that helps the staying power a little bit. 

[greenporchlights]

Day 6: Parfumerie Generale - Aommassai

I'm starting to realize I have a type. At least, it seems the coId weather this season has me reaching for spice, woods, resins, and vanilla. Aommassai is no exception, and I'd describe it as a woody vanilla gourmand. Definitely on the sweeter side, but not cloying, and it's decidedly masculine. I would love to smell this on my guy.

ETA: It's just about 1pm, and Aommassai is still kicking. It's mellowed to a soft woodiness and I keep sniffing myself. I'm working off a sample, but I may need a bottle.

Backlog:

Spoiler

Day 5: Jo Malone - Vanilla & Anise
Day 4: Tocca - Margaux

Day 3: Parfumerie Generale - Felanilla 

Day 2: Elizabeth and James - Nirvana Bourbon 

Day 1: Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Grand Soir 

[TriesToBoClassy]

The name is really cool 😄 I could use those notes in winter, as long as it's not too sweet..

[pocketvenus]

Day Six: Comme Des Garçons' Original

I love this fragrance - it smells niche, but is more affordable than my favourite niche lines. Its bristling, spicy opening has heaps of nutmeg and clove. However, in spite of featuring such warm spices, the scent has an overall cool abstraction to it. In the dry down, it smooths out into woods and incense. Not a crowdpleaser - I would definitely test this out first before committing to a full bottle.