While I'm trying on these samples, let me jot down my thoughts on them so I can remember them for later. I posted about these on Instagram a few weeks ago (because that's where people ask me the most about my fragrances), and now I want to add them here as well. Just recording my thoughts, so I remember how I felt about these fragrances later. Sampling has become a big part of my life as has collecting perfumes that I really enjoy. If you'd have told me this would happen a few years ago, I'd have laughed at you. I've always liked perfume, but I've never been one to flip cartwheels over fragrance. In fact, there were times in my life that I went years without even owning a bottle of perfume (gasps). That has certainly changed (she says as she wraps her body around the couch to try and get into the back of it where her sample fell through a corner crease but there is no opening at the bottom for it to come out).
These samples came from Fragrances Line. They have fast shipping and great customer service. They also have an extensive selection of fragrances, including a whole lot of niche scents that are not always to find. I appreciate that for sure and that's why this sample house is one of my favorites.
I purchased 5 samples this go around. I'll list them in alpha order.
I wanted to try this for several reasons. First, because it's farily new. Second, because it comes from BDK and I really enjoy some of their fragrances. Third, someone said is smells like Safanad, a perfume I LOVE from a different house. Now, I know that when people say something smells like something else, it really usually doesn't (with rare exception) but I had to try. This definitely does NOT smell like Safanad to me, and that's okay.
Villa Neroli does not have the traditional Neroli scent I expected. It is much lighter (which is good) but it's also very familiar to me in a way that I can't quite identify. This fragrance is very long lasting. I wore it sleep and could still smell it when I woke up. It had a slightly metal smell to it in the morning, and I'm not sure why? I didn't smell any vanilla, which I think would have been nice. The Neroli in here does stick around, beginning to end.
Top Notes: Lemon, Neroli, Petti-grain
Mid Notes: Orange Blossom, Rose Absolute
Base: Vanilla Absolute, Vetiver, Patchouli, Labdanum Resinoide
This is unique, like all Byredo's are...a soft, close to the skin scent. It has a very pleasant opening, almost like you stepped out of the fresh shower...with a nice expensive soap smell. Not aggressive. Byredo is so easy to wear. Always. The dry down showcases the vetiver but not in a traditional vetiver way. Love the opening! Not super fond of the dry down,
Top Notes: African Marigold, Bergamot, Buchu
Mid Notes: Cyclamen, Violet
Base: Moroccan Cedarwood, Vetiver
This is my first to try a Louboutin fragrance. I knew it was going to be high quality, and it is...it's a superbly made rose in fact, with an undertone of cedar. I don't smell strawberries, which is what I was hoping to find (and the reason I purchased the sample). It's not bad, in fact, it dries down so nice. So, even though it's not what I was hoping for (juicy strawberry) it is still very refined and pretty. I'd absolutely wear this if I owned it.
Top Note: Strawberry
Mid Note: Rose
Base: Cedar
Ever in search of the perfect cherry, I tried this one with high hopes because of the many 5-star reviews that it gets. What I am looking for is a juicy, realistic cherry smell, but that's not what I get with this one. I smelled cherry for half a second, and then burnt rubber/tires and leather. This one is not for me.
Top Notes: Cherry, Saffron, Sichuan Pepper
Mid Notes: Violet, Jasmine Absolute, Mimosa
Base: Patchouli, Tonka Bean, Black Leather
Did I buy a full-sized bottle of any? Not this time, but that's okay.
Part of the scent journey for me, that is so enjoyable, is trying out the samples to see how I feel.
See any you'd like to try?
Visit Fragrances Line to see what they have to offer.
I think we'd go for the Louboutin out of all of these. Rose scent is something that Allison and I both enjoy and the bottle is so cute. I was hoping there would be vanilla in the Villa Neroli as that is another favorite scent of mine, so that's a bit of a shame the note isn't there.
ReplyDeleteThe Louboutin bottle has the cute cat. :) I really like a few BDK frags but that one's just not the one for me. And nope, I couldn't get even a hint of vanilla. Perfumes are different on everyone though, so I hope my description doesn't deter anyone from trying it. It really is an awesome perfume house as a whole. They have one called Smoking Rouge that I really enjoy.
DeleteSmoking Rouge sounds seductive!
DeleteAll of these sound amazing! I’ll have to check them out at done point. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Whitney Stewart
Wow the Byredo, Bal D'Afrique looks as unique as you described it! What interesting scents.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea to be able to sample a perfume before you buy. I have spent money on perfumes in the past and ended up not liking how they wear all day, so this is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI would love the scent of strawberries, but the look of the bottle is so great, I would almost buy it because of that
ReplyDeleteThat is a really nice collection there. I have heard of some of those, but have not tried them yet. I am sure they smell great!
ReplyDelete