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!

[heartsmyface]

Ouhh, that actually sounds nice.  I know I have an untouched mini bottle of that around somewhere.  

[alexasteph]

Light Blue is a nice one. I haven't worn it for a while, and I kinda got tired of it for a bit, but a lot of people have been posting it. I think I should revisit it. 

[Anonymous]

Day 8: Tom Ford Black Orchid

Notes:
Black Truffle, Black Orchid, Black Plum, Noir Gourmand Accord, Patchouli.
Style:
Luxurious. Sensual. Timeless.

Not entirely my cup of tea. It took some getting used to it, but it is kind of nice. Kind of. Still not sure what I think of this one. But, I don't hate it like I do Neroli Portofino. At least I know that much. 😛

Day 9: Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine

Notes:
Blood Orange, Bitter Orange, Jasmine, Geranium, Amber Woods, Tonka Beans, Sandalwood.
Style:
Zesty. Energizing. Playful.

I'd never say this is something I'd end up liking. But, I do! I really like it. It is very nice. And yummy. 😛 But, alas, it doesn't last on me... And, at that price point, that is unacceptable ( if you ask me 😉 ).

* I am going through my sample stash.

[blackkitty2014]

I like most of Atelier scents. They are sweet, fruity and right down my alley. Unfortunately they won't ever last for more than couple hours. That's why I haven't hoard any full size yet 😉

[Anonymous]

I agree. I've tried so many of them, thanks to never ending fragrance sample supply in Sephora's free sample section. 😉 And, only Vanille Insensee had more lasting power on me so far.

( No wonder they have 6.7 oz bottles! 😄 )

[alexasteph]

Day 9: YSL Mon Paris

This is one very sweet when you first spray it, but it's dried down to a nice, subtle floral, slightly musky but not too musky, with a bit of patchouli. At first I thought this one was really similar to Lancome La Vie Est Belle (probably the orange blossom and patchouli), but I think La Vie Est Belle isn't as sweet. While I don't think this one is terribly unique (and is one of like... 45 I have with this type of scent profile, I clearly have a preference for slightly sweet, slightly musky florals), it is very wearable and lovely. If you're looking to get a fragrance gift for someone, this would be a good bet. 

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

[Haleyhale]

I'm looking forward to trying this it's on my list too but I've been putting it off and I don't know why now. The name Mon Paris makes me think I need to save it for a brunch or coffee outing or sitting on a patio haha

[alexasteph]

@Haleyhale It's really nice. I put it on almost 12 hours ago and I can still smell it. A little faded at this point, but that subtle sweetness is still there. 

[JennVA]

Day 9: Juliette Has a Gun MMMM... (travel spray)

This was a total in store impulse buy, but one I can't say I regret. It doesn't last particularly long on me, but the scent is unique enough to make up for it.  I love that JHAG are making travel sprays now! The packaging is really nice as well.

Notes: Vanilla, Neroli, Sandalwood, Jasmine Sambac

Spoiler

Day 8: Gucci Guilty (sample vial)
Day 7: Jo Malone Dark Amber and a Ginger Lily (sample vial)
Day 6: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDT (mini)
Day 5: E&J Nirvana Rose (rollerball)
Day 4: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Ellipsis (sample vial)
Day 3: Marc Jacobs Decadence (rollerball)
Day 2: Derek Lam 10 Crosby 2am Kiss (sample vial)
Day 1: Philosophy Fresh Cream (body spray)

[heartsmyface]

I tried a vial of this and it's soooooo nice!   This thread is going to make me buy perfume.  At the end of this challenge I think I may give my vials away and buy two bottles to replace them:) 

[pixiedust2]

@JennVA I've been wanting to try this. Does it smell more vanilla or more floral to you? I read one review that said it smelled like Play Dough haha! But I know what they meant. Some vanillas with almond turn into Play Dough on me, but I see no almond in this. 

[JennVA]

@pixiedust2 It's a sweet vanilla on me with a hint of jasmine, more gourmand than floral to my nose. I don't get play dough at all!

[angel7594]

Day 9: Tom Ford Orchid Soleil. I received a sample of this, and sadly it does not work with my chemistry. 😞

Notes: Tuberose Petals, Black Orchid, Headspace, Spider Lily Orchid, Vanilla, Chestnut, Cream Accord, Patchouli

[pocketvenus]

It didn't work for me either - I recall it being overpoweringly creamy/stuffy and sweet on my skin.

[JennVA]

I always want to like this one when I sample it in store, but I don't think it's for me either. 

[EmmyLove]

Yes, me too! Every time I smell it (and to be honest, see the gorgeous freakin bottle its in) I want to love it sooooooo bad so I can justify buying the beautiful bottle for my vanity. Its one of those ones that I like aspects of but I just don't love the overall experience I get from it. I keep going back for samples hoping that somehow my chemistry will change, the clouds will part and i will love it, but alas this hasn't happened  yet 😞

[k617]

This one didn't work for me either, @angel7594!

It was too milky on me. I smelled like I had a floral perfume on, then spilled a warm, frothy glass of milk all over myself. yucky.

[angel7594]

@k617, It smells like sour milk mixed with patchouli on me. I had to wash it off after 15 minutes, as it was getting more rancid by the minute, lol.

[ghrelin]

Day 9:  Nirvana Rose by Elizabeth and James.

I REALLY like this perfume.  I love the woody, bourbon, cedar scent that's lightly touched with rose.  I feel like it's an extension of Nirvana Bourbon but with less vanilla and more rose.  I really love both of them, honestly.  Eventually I'd love to get a full size of both, I just have to get through some of what I have already first!

[michelleshops]

Me again!

Day 7 - MMM By The Fireplace

My notes: Sweet Nibblets this is wonderful. I've always wanted a fireplace so maybe this can placate that urge for a while 😉

Real notes - Pink Pepper, Orange Flower Petals, Clove Oil, Chestnut Accord, Gaïac Wood Oil, Cade Oil, Vanilla Accord, Peru Balsam, Cashmeran.

Day 8 - Nada, forgot to spray before heading out for the day.

Day 9 - Atelier Cologne Vanille Intensee

My notes - for some bizarre reason, this reminds me of middle school science class.  Vanilla-y but not sugary sweet.  Something citrusy and/or green? ❤️ it

Real notes - Lime, Cedrat, Coriander, Jasmine, Vetiver, Oak Moss, Vanilla, Oak Wood, Amber.

[EmmyLove]

Ohhh the Atelier sounds good! I love vanilla that isn't sickening or sweet, and I am obsessed with scents that have a hint of green/freshness to them. Awesome description, I'm going to have to check this out!