I have a substantial collection of lightly used or totally unused 1 ml fragrance dabber samples (and some 2 ml sprays), as seen in the photo above, and I'm making it my mission to burn through them all. I'm planning to douse myself with a different sample each weekday until the box is empty, and I thought it might be fun to give you guys some mini reviews along the way. I'm selecting the scents at random by just digging through the box. I can make this a semi-regular thing if you're interested. Here goes:
Monday: Hilde Soliani Eau de Cuisine (2019)
Okay, we're starting off with one of the weirdest-sounding perfumes I can think of. The notes listed are (steel yourselves!): Fish, cheese, anise and chestnut. Not exactly appealing. But somehow Soliani pulls it off - it's actually very...light? A little hard to wrap your nose around, but hardly rancid. Of the notes provided, I pick up on a gentle anise more than anything. Far from my favorite Soliani, and not anything I'd purchase, but worth a sniff for the adventurous.
Tuesday: Parfums MDCI L'Aimee (2020)
I had a lot of trouble deciphering any of the notes besides "floral" upon first sniff, and was surprised to find that there are more than 25 of them listed on Fragrantica! There are white florals, fruits, vanilla, woody notes and plenty more. It's pretty but sort of generic, and it gets a bit too soapy for my taste as it dries down. I wouldn't wear it again.
Wednesday: Jousset Parfums Accident a la Vanille Creme de la Berry (2023)
What came to mind upon first whiff was a big bowl of fruity cereal melting in milk. After a few moments, it warmed up into more of a flaky berry pastry scent. It smells very good, but in a Bath and Body Works candle kind of way. Not quite for me. Disappears pretty quickly at least!
Thursday: Moth and Rabbit Dolls (2019)
Unfortunately, I can barely smell this. It starts out lightly plasticky (there's your "doll" note) and a little powdery, but fades away so fast that it's impossible for me to even review. Too subtle for my nose, I guess.
Friday: Ex Nihilo Love Shot (2016)
Ugh, I wish Ex Nihilo wasn't so expensive because I love every single one of their scents. The cheapest I've found this one new is on Fragrancenet for $219/3.4 oz. (a pretty solid discount). The only notes listed are raspberry, leather and musk. Sounds simple but it has a surprising amount of depth - it's juicy without being trashy. The sillage is ideal, too. Other people can smell it but it's not overwhelming. I understand why it costs a lot...they can get away with it with a product this good.
Hope your new year is off to a good start!
this is such a good idea! my favorite true plastic note scent is still marissa zappas' pink bedroom oil. it's really the only doll-like phantom note perfume that i've loved