Perfume Discovery Sets

[HolidayHattie]

Yet another "I'm looking for my new signature scent" thread, I'm afraid. I love perfumes but I struggle to distinguish different notes and can't describe them. A lot of the perfume threads on here are like a foreign language to me.

If anyone can help / recommend something, Flower by Kenzo has been my everyday scent for years, but I feel I've outgrown it and would like something a bit more sophisticated. I liked Encens Lumière by Kenzo when I tried a tester but, when I got it home, it doesn't seem as nice, but I find it hard to say why. I also have Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret as a summer scent, (nice enough but don't love it,) and Ministry of Oud: Greatest for winter. Love, love, love this latter one but it's too heavy for year round wear. Recently got Vinegia 21 by Merchant of Venice and I do like this.

When i was younger i liked Rive Gauche, Sun Moon Stars, Chloe. Hated L'Eau d'Issey - it smells really astringent and unpleasant on my skin.

I live rurally so dont have access to stores with good ranges so I thought I would try some Discovery Sets. I've seen Floral Street recommended on here. What a disappointment! Only liked two of the 12 and not enoughto buy them. The rest smelled cheap and very unsophisticated and faded extremely quickly. They must have promoters posting on Mumsnet because I can't believe anyone impartial would ever recommend them.

I've just got a Saltworks set and it's too early to be sure but they seem much better.

Can anyone recommend either something I might like, or other discovery sets to try, e.g. Jo Malone perhaps? I'm happy to pay top dollar for the right scent but don't want to commit without trying.

I've not heard of Diptique. Will add it to the list to try!

I bit the bullet and this arrived today.

Enjoy! Let us know how you get on.

Zara ones lovely I have Fields at nightfall very nice.

I’ve bought 3 of the Maison Margiela replica discovery sets because I just love having the tiny ones to keep in my bag/at work!

I also can’t decide how I feel about Jazz Club and if I want a full size. I hate it on the first spray (too grassy/earthy for me) but sometimes I catch a smell of it on my clothes a little later and it’s gorgeous!

When you say replica discovery sets, what do you mean? Are they cheaper dupes?

I have liked and worn a few of your listed perfumes.
Try a 4160tuesdays taster set (includes a voucher towards a full bottle)
They are my mainstay for ethically made, niche perfumes these days.
I'm wearing avon attraction today, which I always get compliments on.
In spring/summer I mostly wear 4160tuesdays clouds illusion, both sides of clouds, sexiest scent on the planet (don't let the name put you off!), complicated shadows, temptation and (S)layer.
Also, Avon attraction and little black dress.
I get many compliments on all of the above 😊

By the fireplace is one of my all time favourites - bit for next its an autumn/winter scent.
Ditto obsession and andy tauer perfumes.
Mmm do one called whispers in the library which I think can be worn all year round and would satisfy your powdery preference 👍

The perfume line is called 'replica' as it is supposed to conjure up specific memories etc. If you want vegan friendly dupes, look at Eden perfumes. If you're anywhere near Brighton they have a shop there and a few other branches. I buy a lot from there and they're great and long lasting. I've recommended on here before but I don't work for the brand 😁 They do a lovely by the fireside version (think it's called Bonfire or something)

Just an update: I've tried half of the Maison Francis Kurkdjian set and I do like them all but none have been "YES! This is the one!" hits. The Aqua Media just gives me strong fennel. It's supposed to be good in hot & humid climates so I'll save it for that.

Anyway, the success of this has led me to go mad ordering several more Discovery sets which arrived today. Costing a fortune but I gave up an expensive hobby last year so that's my excuse.

Plus I've just ordered the Space NK Fragrance Library Edit, which looks really interesting and will arrive next week.

Will I find my new signature scent? Watch this space!

DH: "Why are you buying more perfume when you've got lots already?"

How can I answer that?

Does he have a hobby he spends money on? Music? Why does he buy more music when he already has lots already?

You may find you really get into the discovery sets and the concept of a 'signature scent" no longer holds appeal. If you're in need of any further recommendations, Byredo and Matiere Premiere have good discovery sets. And I'm getting into Maison Crivelli although they are very unusual and not to everyone's liking.

Have fun!

I’ve had the replica one and bought jazz club, by the fireside and lazy Sunday morning. Oh, and autumn vibes.
The other discovery sets I’ve had were the Juliet has a gun one (no winners from there) and the Phlur one (no firm decisions made, the scents don’t tend to stick on me for long and I think they all smell very similar, some are definitely too sickly for me too).
My favourite perfume though is by Vilhelm parfumerie called basilico and Fellini and I found it through the Liberty beauty box and bought a full size immediately. Just cracked open my second box today actually! It’s a very fancy box just to recycle but I adore the scent.

I got the Jo Loves discovery set for Mother’s Day and like a couple of those.

Another option is the m&S perfumes which are dupes and really good and so affordable if you don’t like them after a few goes it’s not a bit loss to put them to charity.

Yes I'm meaning to try some M&S and some more Zara but I live rurally and the M&S in the nearest town shut a few years ago apart from food and the nearest Zara is in the big city.

No expensive hobbies; he lives quite frugally, really. It's my money I'm spending, though.

I'll probably get the MM Replica autumn/winter set later in the year, if they still offer it. I've just got the spring/summer one for now.

I saw the Juliet has a gun and Phlur sets but I can't go for everything!

Not heard of the other one. Intriguing.

I bought that in the sale from just my look, think they are around £30 which is a really good deal

I love this set. My friend bought it me from Amazon but may be cheaper elsewhere. https://amzn.to/3RKnJ7w

I bought the MMM 10 x 2ml Discovery Set and have tried the Autumn/Winter ones.

By the Fireplace is far too smoky on first spraying- they need to get their chimney swept - but I liked the dry down.

Autumn Vibes another where I didn't like it initially- something quite unpleasant, but that quickly evaporated and I really like it.

Jazz Club intrigues me. I can't describe it and I'm not entirely sure if it suits me but I do quite like it. So I'm going to buy the autumn/winter set with 3 x 10ml.

Where the F did that gif come from and how do I get rid of it? Sorry about that.

Ignore previous post; MNHQ kindly removed the gif. Nothing to see here.

Le Labo!!!!!!!

must try.

floral street is disgusting I agree

How about trying the Nicolaï discovery set? It’s a French house-Patricia Nicolaï is a member of the Guerlain family who set up her own perfume house and is a proper ‘nose’. The samples are intense and last and give a good selection-am not a fan of the leathery scents but have used all the others. It was recommended on here and very glad I got it. Very different-not the usual you get at John Lewis but very French. You have to pay postage from France but the set isn’t outrageously priced at all.

Do they do a Discovery Set?

Never heard of them; sounds intriguing.