Gourmandgrl
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Synthetic air freshener, rather than fresh and clean
Oof, this one fell flat (to my nose). Soapy, fresh, cotton/detergent scents are some of my favorites - but this smelled like I was huffing a carton of laundry detergent inside of a truck stop bathroom with strong air freshener that keeps auto-spraying.
This was too sharp, screechy, synthetic, and not well blended. Also had an aldehydic dry down that turned metallic. 2nd Philosophy fragrance I've tried where that happened, and it wasn't on my skin either.
Better soapy/fresh scents: BBW's Sea Island Shore (NOT the release from 2022 - smells very different from older versions), VS "Heavenly" (newer version is more "soapy"/simple - OG formula is a bit warmer/spicier with the cardamom that was later removed).
This was too sharp, screechy, synthetic, and not well blended. Also had an aldehydic dry down that turned metallic. 2nd Philosophy fragrance I've tried where that happened, and it wasn't on my skin either.
Better soapy/fresh scents: BBW's Sea Island Shore (NOT the release from 2022 - smells very different from older versions), VS "Heavenly" (newer version is more "soapy"/simple - OG formula is a bit warmer/spicier with the cardamom that was later removed).
More bubbly & aldehydic than fruity
This was a very fruity champagne to my nose - bubbly, sparkling, and aldehydic as the primary feel, with the black currant as a supporting role. The floral and peppery notes were in the background, contributing to the bubbly/champagne simulation.
The dessert-like gourmand notes (that made me curious about this fragrance to begin with) were so soft I might not have detected them if I hadn't looked up the notes beforehand. Would have loved for these to come through more.
As far as bubbly champagne fragrances go, this one felt more like I'd been drinking too much rather than being playful or carefree. I prefer BBW's "Champagne Toast" EDP to this (not the body mist) - but I can see how this would be a good NYE fragrance.
The dessert-like gourmand notes (that made me curious about this fragrance to begin with) were so soft I might not have detected them if I hadn't looked up the notes beforehand. Would have loved for these to come through more.
As far as bubbly champagne fragrances go, this one felt more like I'd been drinking too much rather than being playful or carefree. I prefer BBW's "Champagne Toast" EDP to this (not the body mist) - but I can see how this would be a good NYE fragrance.
A simple but beautiful strawberry rose
I was so pleasantly surprised with this, and I haven't heard anyone talking about it! It's very simple, but beautiful: powdery, creamy roses drizzled with a jammy strawberry sauce.
Would be perfect for Valentine's Day, winter, spring, a picnic, or any time you want to feel delicious, feminine, youthful and carefree.
Would be perfect for Valentine's Day, winter, spring, a picnic, or any time you want to feel delicious, feminine, youthful and carefree.
Smells like a combo of BBW's Midnight Blue Citrus candle & Haribo gummy bears
When I think of neroli, I think of bitter, earthy citrus. There was none of that here, at all!
This is BBW's "Midnight Blue Citrus" candle... but in a perfume form + amp up the volume on the scent a bunch, add a giant bag of fruity Haribo gummy bears... and now you have "Very Sexy Sea".
It does smell summery, due to how fruity and bright it is - so in that regard, I can see how this would be a "sea"/beach or hot weather fragrance... but the bergamot was too sharp/screechy/synthetic for my taste.
I didn't get any cedar/woodsy notes, and this didn't smell at all to me like a refreshing, soapy, or aquatic/ozonic scent like some have said. Definitely test this in store before buying!
This is BBW's "Midnight Blue Citrus" candle... but in a perfume form + amp up the volume on the scent a bunch, add a giant bag of fruity Haribo gummy bears... and now you have "Very Sexy Sea".
It does smell summery, due to how fruity and bright it is - so in that regard, I can see how this would be a "sea"/beach or hot weather fragrance... but the bergamot was too sharp/screechy/synthetic for my taste.
I didn't get any cedar/woodsy notes, and this didn't smell at all to me like a refreshing, soapy, or aquatic/ozonic scent like some have said. Definitely test this in store before buying!
Great caramel bargain buy - sweet, zesty, warm
Smells mostly like warm, soft caramel chews - with a dash of powdery vanilla + fresh orange. Doesn't last long, but it's uncomplicated and lovely for the price (typical performance for this fragrance line; often performs more like a body mist).
It's carried at TJX stores, but these are hit or miss. You can also test this out at Urban Outfitters, by checking your local store inventory online to see if they carry it.
It's carried at TJX stores, but these are hit or miss. You can also test this out at Urban Outfitters, by checking your local store inventory online to see if they carry it.
