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The Perfume Challenge

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!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

I'm totally still going to experiment with fragrances! This was perfect timing in to the different fragrance promos stores hold in February. Last night I played around with my Pinrose rollerball set and read through the booklet to find new combinations. Today I layered a couple of Commodity scents. And to think, just a few years ago I didn't consider myself a fragrance person at all. Now I'm obsessed!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Thanks for hosting this challenge @txcatx! I'm definitely considering continuing to participate - at least maybe in a few days, after I revisit some old favorites, and others that I wanted to retry :).

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31 Creed Virgin Island Water

Tropical vacation in a bottle! 

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: replica by the fireplace

 

I saved the best for last. And yes, after 30 days of different perfumes, I still absolutely adore this perfume and think it is one of, if not THE, most unique scent out there.

 

This has been really fun and in the end, I have a better understanding of what notes to look for if I'm trying to guesstimate a scent I would like going forward!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: Sarah Jessica Parker Stash

 

"Top - Grapefruit zest, black pepper, sage
Heart - Cedarwood atlas, patchouli, ginger lily, pistachio
Base - Olibanum, massoia wood, vetiver, musk"

 

Woodsy and smokey, I like it.

 

Spoiler
Day 30: Lalique Fleur Universelle 1900
Day 29: Dior Addict
Day 28: Nothing...skipped day
Day 27: Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche
Day 26: Jo Malone Red Roses + Pomegranate Noir
Day 25: Paco Rabanne Olympea
Day 24: Demeter Gin & Tonic + Paperback
Day 23: Penhaligon's Blasted Bloom
Day 22: Penhaligon's Vaara
Day 21: Narciso Rodriguez Musc for Her
Day 20: Jo Malone Sorrel & Lemon Thyme
Day 19: Moschino Fresh Couture
Day 18: Penhaligon`s Blasted Heath
Day 17: Valentina Oud Assoluto
Day 16: Aerin Evening Rose
Day 15: Degree Shower Fresh (missed day!)
Day 14: Ramon Monegal Lovely Day
Day 13: Alexandre J White Leather
Day 12: Rupaul Glamazon
Day 11: Lancome La Vie Es Belle
Day 10: Jo Malone Nashi Blossom
Day 9: Penhaligon's Quercus
Day 8: L'Artisan Parfumeur Nuit de Tubéreuse
Day 7: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1960
Day 6: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1950
Day 5: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1940
Day 4: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1930
Day 3: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1920
Day 2: Besame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance 1910
Day 1: Cartier Baiser Vole

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Last day! I tried Stella McCartney Pop, but it reeked of plastic on me. I swear I can smell the pthalates in some of these perfumes. For work I layered Fresh Sugar, TokyoMilk Dark Tainted Love, and CK Eternity Now. Seriously yummy.

 

I also have to say that YSL Mon Paris ended up smelling great, once the patchouli stink wore off. I may have to give it one more chance. 

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31- Christian Louboutin- Tornade Blonde

Notes-Rhubarb, Violet Leaves, Ambrette Signature, Cassis, Bulgarian Rose, Jasmin Sambac Absolut, Orange Flower Petals Firnat, Gardenia from Brazil, Ambregris, Cedarwood, Australian Sandalwood, Patchouli.

 

I was able to get a sample of this from an online order. It was the only one I wanted to try. I don't care for it. 

http://www.sephora.com/tornade-blonde-P411917?skuId=1862572&icid2=products%20grid:p411917

 

Thanks @txcatx for this challenge! This is honestly the only challenge I have ever seen thru! 

Image result for you the bomb diggity

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Also wanted to add thanks to everyone for participating - I enjoyed reading everyone's descriptions now have a few more fragrances to try ❤️

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day Thirty-One: Serge Luten's Sa Majeste la Rose

 

I thought I'd close out the challenge with a fresh and dewy rose. Bright geranium lends an aromatic air. A light honey adds warmth and depth. Begins pretty and effortless but becomes more mature and Lutens-esque in the dry down.

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

 

I actually used to think I hated this one, but I acquired it in a TSB a few months ago and am very happy I gave it a second chance. It's very nice, and despite the name, does not smell like a bomb of flowers. Yes, it's floral, but not overpowering at all. It shares notes with some of my other favorites - sambac jasmine and patchouli. Some people hate patchouli. I love it! 

 

 

This challenge was great! I discovered some new favorites (such as Commodity Mimosa) and released I had outgrown some old ones (I'm looking at you, Marc Jacobs). I was also able to eliminate some that I was interested in, but failed to impress me. I have enough fragrance to last me a lifetime, but I can't fight the urge to want to add to my collection. It's taught me how sample vials can be a good tool, and I need to use them up before making a decision regarding a new fragrance. I have a running list of some I'd still like to try, thanks to things mentioned here, or through self-discovery in store. I have a few sample vials I definitely want to use up and then purchase at least a roller ball of. 

 

Spoiler
Day 1: Alien by Muglar (eh)
Day 2: Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic (yay!)
Day 3: Atelier Orange Sanguine (yay!)
Day 4: D&G Dolce (yay!)
Day 5: Pinrose Merry Maker (yay!)
Day 6: TokyoMilk Dark Pretty Rotten 33 (no)
Day 7: Fresh snow and a frozen nose
Day 8: Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils
Day 9: YSL Mon Paris (yay!)
Day 10: Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (eh)
Day 11: British TV shows
Day 12: Lancôme La Vie Est Belle (yay!)
Day 13: Pinrose Tambourine Dreamer (yay!)
Day 14: Balenciaga B. Skin (double yay!)
Day 15: Pinrose Secret Genius (yay!)
Day 16: Pinrose Pinrose + Secret Genius (yay!)
Day 17: Jose Maran Joy/Sweet Holly (yay!)
Day 18: Chloe Eau du Parfum (yay!)
Day 19: Dior J'adore (yay!)
Day 20: YSL Black Opium (yay!)
Day 21: Elizabeth and James Nivana White (double yay!)
Day 22: Nothing
Day 23: Marc Jacobs Dot (eh)
Day 24: Versace Eros Pour Femme EDP (no, unfortunately)
Day 25: BVLGARI Omnia Paraiba (eh)
Day 26: Commodity Mimosa (double yay!)
Day 27: Atelier Vanille Insensée (yay!) to mask MM Lazy Sunday Morning (100% NOPE)
Day 28: Paco Rabanne 1 Million (double yay!)
Day 29: Giorgio Armani Si (eh-yay)
Day 30: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose (yay!)

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

I didn't like a single Marc Jacobs perfume during this challenge. I swear I like his other stuff so it was super surprising!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

@Alicehoopz I used to love his scents, but like I said in my post, I've just outgrown them. I also found they weren't very long lasting. Marc Jacobs makes good "introductory scents," if that makes sense. For someone who hasn't worn a lot of fragrences, they are a good place to start, but they don't age with the wearer. 

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Yknow, I think you nailed it. That's it exactly.

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: Hanae Mori by Hanae Mori

 

This is a really nice sweet, woodsy, fruity scent.  It's light and on my skin it doesn't really last long, but I like it a lot.

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Ok so I've been slacking because I went away for a quick bachelorette trip 😉 I have been wearing perfume though! It's always fun to see which fragrances your friends bring and I had a blast trying all of theirs out. 

 

Day 31: Tory Burch Love Relentlessly 

Key Notes:
Pink Pepper, Rose, Orris, Sandalwood.

http://www.sephora.com/love-relentlessly-P48696122?skuId=1887553&icid2=toryburch_lp_thefragrancecoll...

 

Got this in my Play! box this month and I really like it! I think it's because it reminds me of Flowerbomb lol. 

 

Here's what I managed to try while I was away:

Day 30: Elizabeth and James Bourbon

Day 29: Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom

Day 28: Gucci Guilty

Day 27: Clean Cashmere

 

Spoiler

Day 31: Tory Burch Love Relentlessly

Day 30: Elizabeth and James Bourbon

Day 29: Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom

Day 28: Gucci Guilty

Day 27: Clean Cashmere

Day 26: Commodity Moss

Day 25: Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning

Day 24: Royale Ambree Eau de Cologne by Legrain

Day 23: Aerin Amber Musk

Day 22: Maison Margiela Replica Flower Market

Day 21: Stella McCartney POP

Day 20: Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb

Day 19: Burberry My Burberry

Day 18: Christian Louboutin Tornade Blonde

Day 17: Carven Le Parfum (LOVE)

Day 16: Tory Burch

Day 15: Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline

Day 14: Angel by Thierry Mugler

Day 13: Tom Ford Velvet Orchid

Day 12: Atelier Cologne Collection Azur Sud Magnolia

Day 11: Marc Jacobs Daisy

Day 10: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir

Day 9: Burberry Brit Sheer

Day 8: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and White

Day 7: Stella by Stella McCartney

Day 6: Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming

Day 5: Flower by Kenzo

Day 4: Maison Margiela Replica Lipstick On

Day 3: Commodity Gold (LOVE)

Day 2: Moschino Fresh Couture

Day 1: YSL Black Opium

This was such a fun challenge, thank you for setting it up @txcatx! It really made me use up some samples and discover some new favorites. Kind of want to do this with eyeshadow palettes and singles! 

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne 

 

Notes: bluebell, lily of the valley, eglantine, persimmon

 

This is such a beautiful, feminine fragrance. It reminds me of Spring! It was really fun doing this challenge, and trying new fragrances. I also revisited many already in my collection. I have enjoyed seeing what everyone else is wearing, as well! 🙂

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31 - went really old school today and put on Jessica McClintock.  After all these years, I still love it even if it's more suited for Spring or Summer.

 

Notes:  white rose, lemon and basil and deeper hints of white jasmine

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

I completely forgot about this one! I had a bottle in high school!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

I actually asked for a new one for Christmas 2 years ago.  I missed it that much!

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31Santal de Mysore by Serge Lutens

 

 

I unintentionally picked another stinky one for today :x. Woody, but not in a forest way - maybe an antique furniture sort of way? Boozy/Ambery, and spices. But not cinnamony spice...maybe curry and cumin spice - something more savory. This...is...not for a day to day kind of wear lol. At least not on my skin!

 

From SL direct:

What incredible sandalwood!

This scent takes spices to the limit – they nearly cry out against the sandalwood base. One perceives saffron and, strangely enough, wild carrot.
Sweetness paves the way for a blast of heat!

 

Notes: Mysore Sandalwood, Cumin, Spices, Styrax Balsam, Caramelized Siamese Benzoin, Saffron, Cinnamon, Rosewood, and Wild Carrot

 

 

 

Spoiler
Keeping running tally so that I won't repeat!
Day 30Across Sands by Maison Margiela
Day 29Velvet Wood by Dolce & Gabbana
Day 28Velvet Exotic Leather by Dolce & Gabbana
Day 27Like This by Etat Libre d'Orange
Day 26Penhalgion's Anthology Gardenia
Day 25Fumerie Turque by Serge Lutens
Day 24Vert Boheme by Tom Ford
Day 23Sidi Bel-Abbes by Serge Lutens
Day 22Black Orchid by Tom Ford
Day 21Dangerous Complicity by Etat Libre d'Orange
Day 20: Plum Japonais by Tom Ford
Day 19: Rahat Loukoum by Serge Lutens
Day 18: Oud Wood by Tom Ford
Day 17: Rahat Loukoum by Serge Lutens
Day 16: Soul of the Forest by Maison Margiela
Day 15: Ombre Indigo by Olfactive Studio
Day 14: Eau de Sens by Diptyque
Day 13: Honey Oud by Floris
Day 12: Panorama by Olfactive Studio
Day 11: PHI Une Rose de Kandahar by Tauer
Day 10: Jasmin et Cigarette by Etat Libre d'Orange
Day 9: Chance EDP by Chanel
Day 8: Missed - "Eau de me" :x
Day 7: Ombre Leather by Tom Ford
Day 6: Straight to Heaven By Killian
Day 5: Bapteme du Feu by Serge Lutens
Day 4: Fir Balsam by L'Antichambre
Day 3: Borneo 1834 by Serge Lutens
Day 2
: Maison Margiela Replica Dancing on the Moon
Day 1: Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford   

 

Re: 31 Days of Perfume Challenge

Day 31: Commodity Moss. What, 31 days already? I could keep going for another couple of weeks with perfume samples! Since we had people joining in at different times, I'll change this to a "use your perfume" challenge after today. Then I'm going to use my favorite Jo Malone and Byredo fragrances for a few days and then get back to using my samples. 

 

I actually went to a couple of Sephora stores to get Commodity samples because I was intrigued after seeing you guys post about them! Moss is nice, but I'd like to try it mixed with a different Commodity fragrance. There's one note I'm on the fence about, and I think it's the ozone. 

 

Notes:
Ozone, Petitigrain, Italian Bergamot, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Oak Moss, Orange Blossom, Cashmere Woods, Cedarwood, Amber, White Musk.