Lia

I love niche fragrances. But I also really enjoy the search for twins of my favorites. Yesterday, I was at my 'local drugstore' armed with my phone/access to Parfumo. I had finished work and wanted to sniff around the easily accessible and relatively inexpensive world of fragrances. The Judith Williams scents caught my eye. Tested. Put aside. Strolled on. Stopped: "Hey.. what is this? Smells like 'Rouge Malachit'.."
I pay for my purchases, feeling puzzled. However, the thought hardly leaves my mind. So I decide to enter the store once more and sniff again. For just under ten euros, I buy 'Beautiful'.

The next day, I'm excited because this one actually smells creamier than the expensive twin. I head to my evening shift. I work in a dental practice in the field of prophylaxis, so it's important to me that a perfume has good longevity but moderate sillage. I want to calm my patients, not narcotize them (mostly at least:)

Upon arrival, I immediately get the first feedback from a colleague: "Uah.. is that you? I know that!" I think for a moment: "Could it be possible that she shares my passion for the olfactory?" I ponder whether to share my association with Armani, but decide to first mention 'Alien', which many associate with RM. Bullseye. She notes that many love the Alien on her, but it doesn't seem too mainstream.

Two hours later, another colleague enters a treatment room after me: "Wow, that patient smelled good!" "Hello?? Is it possible that I could be the one?? No? Hmmm.." She: "Oh, actually! I want it! ...Can I even afford it?" (My reputation precedes me)

Both were already on the hunt for the new grail after their morning shift. I hope successfully. (I'll find out tomorrow)

Almost twelve hours later, it is still noticeably present on my skin. The drydown of RM has been similar from the start. Creamy, sweet, slightly coconutty, sandalwood. Well-groomed. It never became too annoying for me, and I'm genuinely pleased to have found a pleasant companion for the day. For just under ten euros. It really can be seen - excuse me - smelled.

I really have to keep it short today. I just tested this fragrance, which I received as a little extra from a very lovely participant. Unfortunately, it’s already quite late and my alarm will ring again soon.

I was familiar with the name. I expected something different, but I have always been curious. So why not a little fragrance date before the bed cards are punched..? *pff*...hmm..okay? Wait...there! I don’t know why, but the first association: Escada! It smells like the good old classic by Margeritha Ley. I am a child of the 80s. Born in the 70s. In the 90s, I indulged in it. And why? Because it reminded me of something specific (don’t hit me). Perhaps some of you still remember those gumball machines that used to hang on house walls. And among all the colorful gumballs were little rubber figures. As a toddler, I was fascinated. And since I always had to smell everything, the olfactory impression remained. I am fascinated by many things that remind me of the good old days. Lilacs, the sea, apple shampoo, grass, and just things like gumball machine figures. And that’s exactly what Jasmine Marzipane gives me.

How I wish I could describe things in lyrical words as beautifully as many of you do. But I tend to be more rational. Although - emotions are somehow involved here too. ?

As so often in the past: after the first sniff, I think - no. I have no idea, but to me it shifts between Cuir Beluga and YSL's Cinema. The impression of Cuir Beluga prevails. But I want to be able to make a decision. And today, after hours of (!) wearing it, I am quite impressed. Alongside a soft, great vanilla base, a pleasant powderiness emerges. And neither Guerlain nor YSL. Powderiness hasn't even been mentioned here. Nor any connection to the two fragrances.

So the longevity is great. It takes you on a journey. And I love surprises.

..now I definitely have to add my 'two cents' here. (Two cents? Did I just write that?)
For me, it was love at maybe the 334th sniff. And I can explain it. Certainly not as flowery as most here (I’m unfortunately more of a rational type), but I’ll do my best.
About five years ago, I ordered a sample. I love niche fragrances. And also warm and vanilla-like scents. The first impression disappointed me. I smelled cocoa plus mandarin. The scent reminded me of one I had almost forgotten: Il Profvmo Kakao. I had treated myself to that a long time ago at an inappropriate time (namely in summer) and even wore it to a barbecue. I found it too masculine on me. Similar to how I perceive perfumes leaning towards oud. Just too 'dark'. I washed Grand Soir off. For now, that was the end of the story.
Much later, I discovered Baccarat Rouge for myself. Better put: my absolute favorite employee at my house perfumery did that for me. I must admit that this encounter (with BR) had a lasting impression on me. Until that point, I hadn’t thought that a fragrance could surprise and make me so happy. When a perfumer works so creatively, there must be so much more to find in their creations. Grand Soir was already out. In contrast, I was thrilled by Apom. And Petit Martin. Both scents that I perceive as simultaneously citrusy buttermilky (Apom) creamy and yellow (Petit Martin). I’m excited by the development. The two actually make me happy.
Hmmm (on the topic)..should I give Grand Soir..so to speak, another chance as a counterpart? I did. I sprayed it on and went to work. After about an hour, a feeling of happiness returned. (Was it due to the long-past barbecue??) Suddenly, I saw it with different eyes (or a different nose smelled it). It develops. Wow. Warm. Sweet. Amber. As one of the previous writers hinted: in the direction of obsession. I love it when I smell obsession on others. Now, you can’t compare the two 100%, but I find it clearly goes in that direction. Not cocoa or mandarin. A cozy and spicy vanilla. Well..and cuddling is known to release happiness hormones. Perhaps that’s the secret. Conclusion: it’s moving in with me. And I’m happy that it will accompany me this summer day and night..or maybe rather night (during the day, definitely Apom). :-)

I think I need to jump in to support this fragrance. Today, I was once again in my favorite perfume store looking for something extraordinary. I became aware of Montale after my favorite saleswoman recently sprayed some of their scents on me. Took a deep breath and off we go. I got stuck on this one. "Wow.. chewing gum" was my first impulse. A bit of 'Eden', a bit of 'Aura' by Mugler... in the worst case, that scent reminiscent of the air fresheners in portable toilets that used to be at festivals... And since a woman doesn't treat herself to much else and I have no problem with synthetic scents, I decided to go for it. So I brought the treasure home and, as usual, first dedicated myself to your comments before opening it. Well... I was somewhat disappointed and anxious while reading the reviews. "Did I make a mistake here?" After a few hours, I felt brave enough for a test. And indeed, I was initially a bit startled. Rubber? Chewing gum?? Too much of a good thing? Whatever... let's wait...

...a few hours later, I only perceive this slightly unusual scent, which I still quite like, in a subtle way. It does develop. Into a very nice soft vanilla direction with roasted aromas. To be more precise, it smells like wonderfully warm popcorn. As if you were entering the lobby of a big cinema. A little like "Biancolatte" by Zeromolecule. Really great. The longevity of the base seems above average. Fragrances are a very subjective matter. Fortunately, I absolutely do not regret the purchase. And I could sniff at my wrist for hours...

So perhaps one must be made for this sweetness and warmth. I find it wonderful.

P.S.: Montale did not do itself any favors with the color of the bottle. Dark green suits it better ;-)