Many months ago I wrote a post about how I’d like to work my way through my too-large collection of perfume samples and write up brief reviews of each one to share with you. Well, I promptly forgot all about that. But recently, after I found myself on Luckyscent ordering a small batch of mostly new releases, I confronted my sample box and and told myself I need to get my shit together. So, here’s a week’s worth of daily sample reviews.
Monday 8/11: Oriza L. Legrand - Reve d’Ossian
This smells like a beautiful, woody church incense. It’s cozy and warm and probably comforting to Catholic types. Which…well, that’s definitely not me! Though it undeniably smells good, the religious vibes are a bit much for me personally. It’s not a screamer - more of an intimate scent - but on me the lasting power was quite good. And I do love the hyper-girly bottle.
Tuesday 8/12: bdk Parfums - Pas Ce Soir EDP
Ooh, this one is pretty. I mostly pick up on the ginger and orange blossom. It's quite sweet but I find it rather light so it’s not too overbearing. This is coming from an orange blossom maniac, though, so be forewarned. I saw someone on Fragrantica compare it to hairspray, which I actually agree with - it’s a really expensive and good-smelling hairspray, though.
Wednesday 8/13: Ormonde Jayne - Levant
A thoroughly blah floral/citrus scent. It opens with a very unappealing blast of cleaning product before settling down into a vague peony-dominant fragrance. People compare this to Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique but I don’t get that at all. Not for me!
Thursday 8/14: Une Nuit Nomade - Jardins de Misfa
A syrupy scent for my fellow date lovers. It’s blended with cardamom, saffron and rose. Also almond and nutmeg, but I don’t pick up on those as much. It’s very feminine and would be really lovely worn in the fall.
Friday 8/15: Eau d’Italie - Acqua Decima
This is from a sample set that my friend Jocelyn kindly picked up for me on a trip to Italy. I’ve worked my way through the rest of the set and enjoyed them all, but somehow this one got lost in the mix. It’s citrusy and herbal and quite unisex. Very summery and pleasant. If I hadn't used up the whole sample I would’ve passed it along to my husband. I think it’s hard to go wrong with this brand (I have one full bottle, of Mystic Sunset).
Saturday 8/16: Oriza L. Legrand - Oeillet Louis XV
This is a super peppery, vintage-style fragrance. Spicy, soapy and floral at once. Apparently it’s carnation-heavy, but I don’t really know what a carnation is supposed to smell like, so to me it’s just vaguely rosy. Ultimately it’s not quite up my alley but I can appreciate the craftsmanship and the pretty bottle.
Sunday 8/17: Xinu - Ummo
Sandalwood isn’t listed as a note here, but it’s mostly what I seem to smell. It’s also a little smoky, with a touch of powder. Pleasant enough, but nothing particularly noteworthy. And I really hate the bottle.
I will try to keep up with this particular project in earnest this time because I have MANY more samples! I’ll keep you posted on the batch I just bought, too.
High key recommend the incense from Xinu! If anyone you know is visiting CDMX have them visit the store for the experience and so you can get your bag.