Synchronized Fridays 2023

[Schubertian]

Puma: what a gorgeous bottle! 😍

 

[ChypreInBloom]

My current Allure and vanilla obsession (s) have led me to discover Anatole Lebreton's Fleur Cachée today. It's a small French house but man, oh man, is this vanilla warm, spicy, fat yet aromatic! Fantastic! It's not sweet but rather... yes, aromatic, like they used a surprising bit of the plant (the flower?) or a rather uncommon facet of it. I mean unusual for me. It's not an obvious vanilla.
My Allure is swooning, and so is Allure Sensuelle - but hey, this is too!

 

[Schubertian]

My current Allure and vanilla obsession (s) have led me to discover Anatole Lebreton's Fleur Cachée today. It's a small French house but man, oh man, is this vanilla warm, spicy, fat yet aromatic! Fantastic! It's not sweet but rather... yes, aromatic, like they used a surprising bit of the plant (the flower?) or a rather uncommon facet of it. I mean unusual for me. It's not an obvious vanilla.
My Allure is swooning, and so is Allure Sensuelle - but hey, this is too!

Glad you like it! It wasn't for me, but full points for creativity, I do like this brand a lot.

 

[Puma]

Puma: what a gorgeous bottle! 😍

It's Coudray's standard bottle!

 

[Schubertian]

Continuing the dark rose sync: Mon Nom Est Rouge by Majda Bekkali. It does remind me of Amouage Epic (though a bit sweeter/more gourmand) and perhaps to a lesser extent of Amouage Lyric. Cecile Zarokian created both Mon Nom and (partly) Epic. What's common to all of them is that besides rose, they have a ton of other things going on (the 'kitchen sink' approach to perfumery, which I like!) I admit I was initially drawn to this one because of its name (I loved the book by Orhan Pamuk) and the sculptural bottle. Luckily I also like it.

I have Lyric but only a miniature of Epic (mind you, it'll last forever!). I wouldn't mind a bottle of this, too. The price is similar, i.e. expensive, but I see it comes in 50ml 👍

 

[kewart]

I’m a bit obsessed with the plum note so my scent of choice for this evening and possibly my “holy grail” is Feminité du Bois.

 

[ClockworkAlice]

Today's a bit hectic, so I'll just shortly say - as I mentioned yesterday, I feel drawn to Lily and orange blossom / neroli (and Eau de colognes in general) recently, so this morning I dabbed a little of 4711 Eau de cologne for some light neroli/ob and when it faded applied my recent obsession - Cartier's Baiser Vole for the crisp and very lightly spicy lily.

For the evening I changed into the delicious and posh Orchid Soleil by Tom Ford which also has a lily note among the creamy nuttiness, vanilla orchid and solar florals.

So many great choices and perfumes I also really like OR would love to also try! (That Andre Lebreton is especially intriguing)

 

[IsoESuperman]

My typical note/accord obsessions are with iris, vetiver, or rose (in no particular order). Vetiver has held the top spot of those three for almost a year straight so going with a vetiver-ish scent to warm things up a little on this cold, gray, rainy day - the spicy, earthy, feral, leathery Vero Profumo Onda.

If I've got a recent obsession with an individual perfume, it's probably Bruno Acampora Sballo but I've drained both samples and have yet to buy a bottle. I do have some body creme that is nearly potent enough to be a wearable scent, so maybe I'll throw some on post-shower this evening.

Happy Friday!

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Lately I've been appreciating fragrances that give off a nice barbershop feel. To get that fix I've been reaching for Patou Pour Homme along with Chanel Pour Monsieur Concentree, Burberry For Men (2nd version), Creed Baie de Genievre. The smell of a barbershop brings a lot of calming and zen. Probably one of these choices are another that gives off a similar experience would be another sync pick for myself.

 

[Ken_Russell]

Syncing with Salvador Dali PH-one of the latest obsession among recent additions.
Incidentally containing both several powerhouse notes am both recently and quite long term keen on, but also among the very first fragrance preferences that started any serious personal interest for this hobby.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

My typical note/accord obsessions are with iris, vetiver, or rose (in no particular order). Vetiver has held the top spot of those three for almost a year straight so going with a vetiver-ish scent to warm things up a little on this cold, gray, rainy day - the spicy, earthy, feral, leathery Vero Profumo Onda.

If I've got a recent obsession with an individual perfume, it's probably Bruno Acampora Sballo but I've drained both samples and have yet to buy a bottle. I do have some body creme that is nearly potent enough to be a wearable scent, so maybe I'll throw some on post-shower this evening.

Happy Friday!

Vetiver was my obsession the previous year but that has mellowed out. Iris and rose happened several years earlier.

 

[ChypreInBloom]

Glad you like it! It wasn't for me, but full points for creativity, I do like this brand a lot.

What other(s) from the line did you like? I tested Racine carrée once, which nearly knocked me off my feet - so strong was the carroty facet of the iris root...

 

[JBHoren]

I have a long-standing obsession with... Calvin Klein Obsession for Men (but I'm an equal-opportunity obsessor, and Calvin Klein Obsession also "lights that fire"... more on that, later in the day)

It's now "later in the day", and I've moved on... to Calvin Klein Obsession.

 

[Schubertian]

What other(s) from the line did you like? I tested Racine carrée once, which nearly knocked me off my feet - so strong was the carroty facet of the iris root...

In Fleur cachée it was the turmeric combined with fenugreek that made it a bit too redolent of my spice cupboard. L'eau scandaleuse is the one I bought a full bottle of, a gorgeous dark tuberose with leather and animalic stuff. I also liked Perfumista, an old-school rose patchouli floral. Incarnata is a very realistic lipstick-powdery scent, really lovely but I didn't want another one of those. I expected to like Cornaline and it was pretty indeed, but I felt it lacked some darkness or depth in the base to be perfect. The rest were really interesting to smell and evocative of things, places... but I didn't want to wear them as perfume. Haven't tried the latest one, L'eau guillerette.

 

[Schubertian]

I was going to say I'm post-syncin in Mad Madame, but actually I don't smell any rose in it really, it's more a fruity floral. I like it more than I remember, though. No skank in evidence yet...

 

[ChypreInBloom]

In Fleur cachée it was the turmeric combined with fenugreek that made it a bit too redolent of my spice cupboard. L'eau scandaleuse is the one I bought a full bottle of, a gorgeous dark tuberose with leather and animalic stuff. I also liked Perfumista, an old-school rose patchouli floral. Incarnata is a very realistic lipstick-powdery scent, really lovely but I didn't want another one of those. I expected to like Cornaline and it was pretty indeed, but I felt it lacked some darkness or depth in the base to be perfect. The rest were really interesting to smell and evocative of things, places... but I didn't want to wear them as perfume. Haven't tried the latest one, L'eau guillerette.

Thank you for your notes. I believe they have just released Brioche, which I haven't smelt. It's supposed to be a gourmand but not in the sugary sort of way, rather with hints of honey, I gathered. I look forward to discovering all those!

 

[Blue_Eyez]

It’s hot again, so the last few days I am back to anything light, fresh and floral - Hermes Hermessence Rose Ikebana and Iris Ukiyoe fit this category very well for me. That and watching Arrow on Netflix. Let’s nominate these two as my summer 2023 obsessions so far.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Wearing from my favorite house it will come down to choosing either Guerlain or Chanel or Creed. What path should I choose?

 

[Diddy]

Wearing from my favorite house it will come down to choosing either Guerlain or Chanel or Creed. What path should I choose?

I’ve not ‘nosed’ everything you have from those houses and probably shouldn’t recommend anything. However… Djedi and Aubepine Acacia popped into my head as I read your post. So I’m going to recommend choosing a really old and special Guerlain, or, anything that strikes you from Creed.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

I’ve not ‘nosed’ everything you have from those houses and probably shouldn’t recommend anything. However… Djedi and Aubepine Acacia popped into my head as I read your post. So I’m going to recommend choosing a really old and special Guerlain, or, anything that strikes you from Creed.

Djedi and Aubepine Acacia are excellent choices. I have so many goodies to choose from both Guerlain and Creed, I'm leaving it open for suggestions. Who knows maybe I'll pick at least one from both.

 

[ClockworkAlice]

Wearing from my favorite house it will come down to choosing either Guerlain or Chanel or Creed. What path should I choose?

Which one of these three houses is your most favourite?
Which one consistently creates scents that you adore?
Which one makes you feel the most?
Which one makes up the core of your wardrobe?
Which one gets the most wears?
Which one you keep turning to no matter what?
Only you can answer this.

 

[Schubertian]

I'll have to go with Guerlain... it's got the classics I adore most, and also the biggest number of full bottles in my collection (yes, I checked). We'll see which one to choose though.

 

[ClockworkAlice]

I must go with Guerlain too, it makes up the most significant part of my wardrobe, too - both classics, modern gourmands and citrusy Aqua Allegorias. I love the versatility of the brand and how evocative, emotional, cozy and overall beautifully made their fragrances are.

 

[teardrop]

l don't feel a strong sense of loyalty to any particular house, & there are many from which l only have one or two bottles. But my most worn house last year was L'Artisan, while the house with the most bottles is Goutal, with five. So l'll probably pick from these two...

 

[ineespenes]

I have the most scents from Serge Lutens and Chanel. But I also love Guerlain, L'artisan parfumeur and Frederick Malle too.... I'll see what I am in the mood for on Friday

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

It’s just staring me in the face…

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

I'll have to go with Guerlain... it's got the classics I adore most, and also the biggest number of full bottles in my collection (yes, I checked). We'll see which one to choose though.

I must go with Guerlain too, it makes up the most significant part of my wardrobe, too - both classics, modern gourmands and citrusy Aqua Allegorias. I love the versatility of the brand and how evocative, emotional, cozy and overall beautifully made their fragrances are.

I guess I will get on the Guerlain train...

 

[ChypreInBloom]

I'm pretty sure this sync is going to be... Caron! I've just acquired decants of
Tabac Blond extrait and
Pois de Senteur extrait
and they're gorgeous. I love the caronnade (is there such a word in English? You know, like guerlinade, the basic Guerlain accord?) which I can't describe, though.
I'll keep you posted about my final choice!!!

 

[sagebrush]

Hermes and Guerlain are houses I wear frequently, because their scents are favourites in work rotations. Hermes : Bel Ami, Equipage, Equipage Geranium; Guerlain : Vetiver and Heritage. More serious than fun.

Seeing as it's Friday, and I'll not be working, will wear something from the house of Etro, being the house from which I own the greatest number of full bottles. There's an aromatic dustiness about many of them, which I enjoy, and I wear them less for work, and more for my own enjoyment.

 

[donna255]

I am going with Guerlain.

Now, there are a few others I have been with through the years, but Guerlain is the one I have really stuck with.

Will go for Shalimar, this was the first Guerlain I ever bought. I have a 90s edp so will go with that.

 

[Schubertian]

Thinking of tomorrow's perfume, I said I would go with Guerlain. It's really because it was iconic Guerlains - Mitsouko and Shalimar - that really blew me away a few years back when I (re-)discovered them. How could I have missed out on them? Inconceivable...

These days I'm a bit saddened with the direction Guerlain is taking, and I haven't been super impressed by the L'Art et la matière line (good, but terribly overpriced and even more now with the new bottles), I'm not a fan of the black dresses, and never liked the Aqua Allegorias much. But, still, if only for those iconic perfumes and the fact that Guerlain counts most bottles in my collection (10 + 2 decants), I have to choose it.

I'll go with something less often worn: Iris Torrefié or L'Heure Bleue edt for the day. Or if in a sweet mood, Shalimar Vanilla Planifolia. It'll be Vol de Nuit extrait for the evening, I think, unless I decide to use up some of my precious vintage Shalimar extrait.

 

[ClockworkAlice]

I see Guerlain seems to be a popular choice for tomorrow!

I thought I would choose some rarer or more rarely worn Guerlains to celebrate.

And I did start early on Wednesday by wearing Guerlain Lui from the bottle I managed to snag from a discounter before it was renamed to Oeillet Purple, rebottled to a less nice bottle and quadrupled in price. funnily I do not smell any carnation in it at all, and no spices either. I do smell a very smooth suede, chalk, a hint of tobacco and something sweetly gummy and very familiar that I can almost taste in the back of my throat but I cannot pinpoint what that smell is. Mastic? Glue? Something edible? I'm not sure. I find it very unisex and unique, and while it's not a sweet fragrance at all objectively, I do find it a bit too sweet in a way that I find a bit cloying - despite loving many actually very sweet fragrances. It's a lovely perfume, but 360 dollars for this at today's price? Never, bitches, never.

Tonight I'm choosing another rarity that got a rebottling and a price upgrade - Eau de Lingerie that apparently used to go for 65 for a 125 ml bottle and now costs 180 for 100 ml. So now it costs what - four, five times more? I'm afraid to do the math, especially because I did miss out on this and only have a small decant. And I'm mad because I love it so much. It's a very quiet and very subtle guerlinade-iris-musk goodness with sheer dreamy sweetness. I'm pretty sure many perfumistas would not find it as lovely as I do because of its quietness, and it's not so special or unique to go for that much, but it really melds with my own skin absolutely beautifully and it makes me mad. 180 is so NOT what I'm ready to pay for a bottle of smelly water.

What should have been a celebration has turned out into a bitching spree on my part.
I'm sorry. Should have gone with Shalimar, Mon Guerlain, LPRN or something else less triggering. (Aqua Allegoria line is also slightly triggering after a recent price increase, although these I can at least still afford. But while I got many of my Aqua Allegorias from official stores during sales, I'll only buy from discounters from now on).

Guerlain is such an easy house to fall in love with, but it's not easy to keep loving it these days.

 

[Blue_Eyez]

So many Guerlain-heads! Love the old classics, but they lost me after the multitude of black robes Love my Shalimar (EDP and EDT), Vol de Nuit pure perfume, Samsara, Mitsuko, and a few others.

I have a question for you: should I get Shalimar Souffle de Parfum? It will be a blind buy from a local seller, and it's pretty much not sold anywhere anymore - at least in my nick of the woods. I understand that it's nothing like the original. I am prepared to buy it to try, but don't want another "black robe". Does it hold its own merit?

Back to the topic. My top houses are Chanel and Hermes - both in quantity of bottles in the collection and how often I wear fragrances. Will pick something to wear from these two houses. Perhaps, one for AM and one for PM.
Then Guerlain and Caron - a little lower in quantities. I had a thing for Caron vintage fragrances for a while and bought all and any Caron pure perfumes that I could find, and older EDP formulations. What I could not get in bottles, I got in vintage samples from Caron fanatics, and have a decent reference library. There is only one that I could not agree with - Sacre. After a few torturous years of acquaintance we parted ways. Still have a sample reference. No regrets.
I don't have anything of Guerlain that can be classified as vintage in my view. But feel free to correct me on the vintage-ness - at what age a fragrance can be classified as one. All Guerlain bottles that I own are between 10 to 20 (25max) years old. And it's a guesstimate.

 

[Blue_Eyez]

@ClockworkAlice, love a good bitching spree one in particular about rising cost of fragrances

 

[ClockworkAlice]

@Blue_Eyez - regarding Shalimar Souffle, it's hard to tell. You're right, it has nothing to do with Shalimar besides being a citrus, vanilla, musks and jasmine fragrance - they do share notes and the general structure of citrus top, floral heart and vanillic drydown, but Souffle is a modern scent on the verge of gourmand and not a bombastic oldschool oriental. It's sweet, the musks are clean, there is a light lemoncake vibe, the scent is fluffy and elegant. I can't tell you if you would like it or not. I do like it. But liking Shalimar tells you nothing.

If you feel you'll be missing out on it if you don't get it, then get it as supply seems to be drying out. If you don't like the idea of clean musks and sweet lemon/vanilla, then don't.

 

[Blue_Eyez]

thanks @ClockworkAlice. Surprisingly, I found Souffle version available at a local department store (double the price of my find of course - insert more bitching here), and will try it. Then we shall see.

 

[ClockworkAlice]

thanks @ClockworkAlice. Surprisingly, I found Souffle version available at a local department store (double the price of my find of course - insert more bitching here), and will try it. Then we shall see.

Do try it and tell us what you think of it!

 

[CuddleCat]

For years, Guerlain was my favourite house but that has changed in the last 18 months - 2 years. Not just for one reason but there are several different factors/reasons involved. I only have two Guerlains in my current perfume wardrobe - Shalimar Eau de Cologne (my favourite Guerlain) and LPRN Black Perfecto EDP Florale (it fills a gap in my wardrobe, a dark gourmand that is not too sweet on my skin).

My current favourite house is Diptyque. I currently own 8 bottles - 34 Boulevard St Germain EDT, Eau Capitale, Eau Duelle EDT, Eau Rose EDT, Fleur de Peau, Tam Dao both the EDP & EDT and Volutes EDP. Most of the perfumes from this house don't bother or irritate my sensitivities and their base filler ingredients (non fragrance ingredients don't irritate my skin or sinuses). Also, due to my acute heightened sense of smell, I pick up lots of note changes and transitions throughout the wearings even from the houses' more linear offerings so I never get bored wearing Diptyque fragrances. Their perfumes aren't bold but I'm really struggling to wear that type of fragrance at the moment so I appreciate the softer, easy to wear vibe of this house.

This morning, I'm wearing Volutes EDP which was my favourite new discovery of 2022.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Syncing with Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale - I'm going with something more work friendly before considering some of my preferred, much bolder picks.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

Syncing with Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale - I'm going with something more work friendly before considering some of my preferred, much bolder picks.

Nice photo, N.CAL. Will you be unsealing that bottle for the occasion?