I'm a perfume blogger- Ask me anything

[MissBattleaxe]

I've been blogging about perfume since 2013. Ask me anything. No snobbery, all budgets and nothing is off the table.

@OhtheHillsareAlive I thought you just liked oils, if that's not the case, then try the following: Goutal Rose Pompon, Yardley English Rose (it's brilliant and lasts longer than you think) or for a richer deeper rose, try 4160 Tuesdays Raw Silk and Red Roses. I love it.

@KezzabellaB have you tried the other Bvlgari The range? There's a bleu and a noir. Another one you might like that has tea notes and musk notes is the fabulous Elizabeth Arden White Tea.

@Lemontree118 Similar to SJP Lovely? Definitely. Try Narciso Rodriguez For Her or, at the other end of the scale, Avon Dreams. Lovely's been going strong for a long time now so it's unlikely to be discontinued in the near future. I love my 100ml bottle!

@Scruffalicious thanks. It's nice to get a mini review of a brand I haven't tried.

@namby I haven't tried any to be honest, so can't give an opinion. Unless you mean Frederic Malle? In which case I could bore you for hours!

@31RueCambon How wonderful! next time you're in Paris ( and with a user name like that...) then book their little perfume experience in Montorgeueil. Let me know how you get on with Eau des Delices.

@wetwiped You can still buy it on Amazon UK. Apparently EL White Jasmine and Moss smells similar or Chanel Cristalle. It's a floral aldehyde with green notes, so look for similar descriptions when choosing scent. I haven't smelled Wrappings myself but now I've looked into it, I definitely want to! I also read that it's not discontinued but they bring it out at Christmas.

@BabyMoonPie @definitleyshouldknowbetter I have been wearing Sensi for a few hours now and it really reminds me of EL Sensuous. Try before you buy in case I'm wrong, but that's the first one that came to mind. It's like a light powdery sandalwood.

@bluestripedtop Aha! here's my review of Gucci eau de parfum. I liked it. iscentyouaday.com/2014/05/19/gucci-eau-de-parfum-its-persuasive/

Thank you for those further suggestions!

@bluestripedtop Sorry I'm late. Black amber you say? To me that means amber and incense or amber and oud, so I recommend 100bon Oud Wood and Amyris. Find them on Feelunique. They're also a natural perfume brand if that's important. I don't mind either way. Also try Serge Lutens Arabie (search online and don't forget to check TK Maxx), Zara Amber Noble or (trust me on this) Lynx Urban daily Fragrance Oud Wood and Dark Vanilla or Tobacco and Amber. They're deodorants but proper fragrances that look like deodorants and I adore them.

@LumiereLennie see above for Black Amber love! I've just discovered wax melts so if you can find any of those which are spicy or oriental I find they give a better scent throw than anything I've tried.

I really like modern muse eau de parfum but feel it's a bit middle of the road. Also like lancom's hypnose. See previous comment.

I spray and spray but can't find anything I like more. My mother wears First and it's a beautiful perfume but it's my mother's and possibly a bit intense for me.

What else might I like. I'd love something different or new to me?

@MissBattleaxe yes I mean Frederic Malle 😊 yay or nay?

@namby YAY! I adore Portrait of a Lady, Carnal Flower, Lipstick Rose and Une Rose. They are pricey, but a little goes a long way.

@YesQueen do Kyse ship to the uk? So much that I want to try 😀

Do you think that matching shower gel is a bit pointless for layering, or does it make a difference?

Similarly, would you get the 'matching body lotion' effect by spritzing some unscented lotion in your hand with perfume and then applying it? Or is it worth shelling out for the real thing?

Ooh I'm adding the Great Randello to my 'must try' list, thank you!

Have you tried the Beauty Pie fragrances, and if so do you think they're as good quality as they claim to be? They're pleasingly cheap so I'm keen to give them a try but the little tester vials are out of stock at the moment so I haven't been able to try them out yet.

Apart from 4160 Tuesdays, are there any other small artisan perfume makers you would recommend?

I need to stop reading this thread really as I now have a big watch list on ebay of things I'd like to try, and I'm supposed to be saving money

@OhTheRoses Your best bet would be to get a Discovery Box and see what you like out of there. The Perfume Society Launches We Love one would be a good start. perfumesociety.org/product/launches-we-love-discovery-box/

@gromberry I think layering does work but I personally wouldn't spend a lot on say, Chanel shower gel as DS needs school shoes!. I would for the cheaper stuff. For example, I got a Dana Tabu gift set with shower gel, body lotion and fragrance. The layering effect is excellent but the whole thing only cost me 5.99. I feel OK about that sort of budget.

Otherwise, you could use an unscented lotion or one that "goes" since perfume seems to last longer on moisturised skin.

@Nowisthemonthofmaying I really love Sarah Ireland perfume, specially Crushed Velvet which is a rich sandalwood rose. I also highly recommend Papillon Artisan perfumery. She's made six scents now and they are all exceptionally good. I also like Andy Tauer, Ruth Mastenbroek, Gallivant, Ex Idolo, Paul Schutze and Le Jardin Retrouve.

You can find reviews of all the above on my blog www.iscentyouaday.com if you use the little search box and type in niche.

My all time favourite is Time for Peace by Kenzo - discontinued! I don't suppose you could recommend anything similar? Perfume is one of my weaknesses and has been for over 50 years. Thank you for your knowledge and, hopefully, recommendations 😄

Having had two successes, are you up for a third enquiry? Sister love Vera Wang ‘Preppy Princess’ but supply seems inconsistent. Is it likely to be (or being) discontinued, and if so, what are her next best options? The most interesting thread in YEARS!

Thank you so much! Excited about trying all these out. Thank you for this thread, it's been so interesting