#Fragrance Discovery Set

[krystalfragrance]

Explore New Scents with a Fragrance Discovery Set

A fragrance discovery set is the ideal way to explore luxurious scents without committing to a full-sized bottle. Each perfume discovery set includes carefully curated samples, letting you find your signature scent at your own pace. Perfect as a gift, especially when paired with a fragrance gift card, discovery sets make fragrance exploration enjoyable and convenient. Explore premium options at Krystal Fragrance. For inquiries, call 406-407-3797 and start your journey to discovering new favorites!

[mankillercalledbunny]

One of the problems with being both a nerd and someone with a minor special interest in fragrance and perfume is that I put in a casual throwaway mention of someone's cologne and immediately went "wait what could that be" and proceeded to compile a list of options from MY OWN SAMPLE COLLECTION (bar Eau de Audacity which I've smelled but they didn't have a sample of when I went)

Anyway if anyone wants "warm amber" fragrance recs to imagine your character wearing to a gala, here you go, I've added descriptions but they're usually a vanilla, resin, and/or incense base with some kind of spice, tonka, leather or wood note as the focus (though there are a few surprises), and I've linked their Fragrantica pages for more detail! Several of these are cross-recommended for each other, so if you like one on the list it's worth checking out a couple of the others.

Penhaligon

The World According to Arthur (my all time favourite, wore this to my wedding reception)

Terrible Teddy (another favourite, amber incense and leather)

Eau de Audacity (bold, orange blossom, frankincense and pepper over vanilla and leather)

Le Labo

Vetiver 46 (woody with strong vetiver and spice notes, the vanilla and amber take a back seat)

Kuumba Made

Amber Paste [now discontinued] (Musc Rav's sneaky cheaper alternative; opens pine resiny but quickly settles into a gorgeous vanilla tonka blend that lasts AGES)

Amber & Sandalwood (similar to above with more wood and resin rather than sweet)

Frederic Malle

Musc Ravageur (complex head turner that opens with with lavender, bergamot, then shifts to clove and sandalwood on a vanilla tonka base)

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Gentle Fluidity Silver (beautifully blended juniper and nutmeg over bergamot, cedar and vanilla, a clean, woody amber)

Grand Soir (hits like vanilla bourbon, softens out as it goes; not for people who have sensitive noses or an aversion to boozy scents)

Diptyque

La Duelle (vanilla-forward with woody and spicy/smoky notes)

[autoerotick]

sotd is Angelface by SYD Botanica ^.^ i'm not usually a rose person but i like it here

[julietsbb]

Chapters: 16/? | 62k WiP Fandom: Thai Actor RPF, เพื่อนายแค่หนึ่งเดียว | Never Let Me Go (TV 2022) RPF, We Are คือเรารักกัน | We Are (Thailand TV 2024) RPF Rating: Mature (borderline E at this point) Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Pond Naravit Lertratkosum/Phuwin Tangsakyuen Characters: Pond Naravit Lertratkosum, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Jojo Tichakorn Phukhaotong Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Vampire, Canon Universe, vampire!Phuwin, Biting, Blood, your regular vampire tropes, they’re pretty chill and integrated into modern society though, set during never let me go filming, count on the rating most likely going up in later chapters, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Power Exchange, Dom/sub, Kink Negotiation, except they really don't know that's what they're doing..., Slow Burn, Kink Exploration, Masochism, Sadism, Praise Kink, Under-negotiated Kink, mild sub/top drops, Frottage, Kissing Summary:

“My mum says,” a beat, “that it really would be best if I instead just had someone. That I could feed on. A little. Just while I was a bit too far away from our regular supply.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” A pause. He continues, “Mum says it’s not a big deal.”

[mynamesdrstuff]

orok fragrances and lore perfumery are following each other on instagram. which could mean nothing.

[five-seasons-parfums]

Men's Fragrance Discovery Set by Five Seasons Parfums

Discover a new favorite scent with the men's fragrance discovery set from Five Seasons Parfums. This curated collection features a variety of scents, from fresh and clean to deep and woody, allowing you to sample and find your perfect match. Ideal for any man who enjoys exploring different fragrances, the men's fragrance discovery set is available for purchase online.

[boys-fashion-123]

MTJ Himalayan Inspirations

MTJ Himalayan Inspirations Fragrances

MTJ Himalayan Inspirations are not just fragrances; they are mesmerizing adventures for your senses. Each bottle encapsulates the essence of the Himalayas, inviting you to explore the depths of their olfactory beauty. These scents are dynamic, bewitching, and elegant, just like the Himalayan landscape itself.

Discovering the Notes

Before we delve deeper into the captivating journey of MTJ Himalayan Inspirations, let’s explore the olfactory roadmap that these fragrances offer. Just like the Himalayas themselves, this collection is layered with complexity and mystery.

Top Note:

The top note of these fragrances welcomes you with the crispness of cedar and juniper, reminiscent of the lush Himalayan forests. It’s then gently caressed by the sweetness of black currant and the zesty freshness of mandarin orange. This initial burst of scents sets the stage for the adventure that follows.

Middle Note:

As you journey deeper into the heart of these fragrances, you’ll encounter the captivating middle notes. Cardamom adds a hint of spice and warmth, while green tea introduces a sense of calm and tranquility. Patchouli weaves a rich, earthy thread, connecting the scents with the Himalayan soil.

Base Note:

The base note, the final chapter of this olfactory tale, leaves a lasting impression. Musk imparts sensuality, while sandalwood adds a creamy, woody depth. Oak moss, a classic base note, contributes to the fragrance’s longevity and complexity.

Three Enchanting Journeys

Now, let’s embark on the aromatic adventures of the three distinct fragrances within the MTJ Himalayan Inspirations collection.

[lymtw]

Birthday Shenanigans

What business do you have outside of bed—outside of Toji's arms—so early in the morning, on your day off? It never feels right to wake up without you by his side, but today, it feels worse to wake up alone. He's been sleeping on his side of the bed for hours, staying warm, yet, at the discovery of you missing beside him, he almost gets whiplash with how quickly it feels like he's been tossed onto a bed made of snow. He's freezing, and you're to blame. There's a heaviness in his chest that only worsens as he drags his hand back and forth over your side of the bed. None of your warmth remains, meaning you've been gone for a bit. You couldn't have woken him up? Today is supposed to be about him, yet, all he wants to do is spend the whole day with you.

Once Toji fully wakes up, he sits up and prepares to go to the kitchen to fix himself some breakfast. A sticky note that is stuck to your pillow grabs his attention. He peels it off your pillow and takes in the simplistic drawing consisting of two stick figures resembling you and Toji, lying in bed, kissing. This already brings a little smile to his face, but when he reads the caption written in your handwriting-- (Since we didn't get to share our morning kiss, please enjoy this renaissance painting I made of what I think that would've looked like <3) --he lets out a small chuckle and folds the sticky note, before putting it away in the first drawer of his nightstand. He puts on a shirt and some sweatpants and leaves the room, not even bothering to make the bed.

As he's walking past the front door, it aggressively swings open and scares the hell out of him. You're there with your hands and arms riddled with bags. Grocery bags filled to the brim, a few bags from some clothing stores, and one smaller bag from a fragrance store. You have a small box in your hands with the logo of the bakery that is a few streets away from the house.

"Oh, hi, baby! Happy birthday," you say, standing on your tippy toes, which Toji understands as the signal for him to lean down a little. You place a quick peck on Toji's scar, and before he can get a word in, you run off to the kitchen, not even closing the door behind you. Toji shakes his head with a grin and shuts the door, before going after you. He silently watches you scramble to put the bags down in an organized manner. You set the small box from the bakery and the groceries down on the kitchen counter, while the other bags are temporarily set down on the ground.

"Hmm... Oh!" You grab the small box and the pack of small striped candles and take it with you to the counter by the sink. You carelessly rip open the pack of candles and open the box, smiling when you see the single, chocolate flavored cupcake, decorated with a blue flower made of frosting. All is going well, until you can't find the lighter that is usually in the drawer you store the dishrags in. You lift all of the small stacks of towels and can't find it anywhere.

"Where could it be?" You mumble to yourself.

"What's up, ma?" Toji asks, curiosity getting the better of him when he sees you continue to rifle around the drawer, clearly in search of something.

You sigh, defeatedly, and shut the drawer. "Turn around, please."

Toji does as you say and turns around, not wanting to stress you out. He has a feeling this is something for him, too, so he wouldn't want to ruin whatever it is you have planned.

You put the cupcake on a plate and grab one of the blue and white striped candles, taking it with you to the counter by the stove. You turn on the stove and put the candle wick to the flame, watching it quickly light up, before turning the stove off, again. You put the candle on the cupcake and slowly make your way over to Toji, who is leaning on the opposite side of the counter, facing away from you like you asked him to.

"Baby," you call, smiling when his attention goes to you before it goes to the flame you are indirectly holding. He smiles softly at the small pastry you present to him. "The lady at the bakery tried to sell me a cupcake with a red rose and I told her, 'no, he likes blue'. Then she still tried to sell me one with a sunflower on it and I said, 'no, it has to be blue'. So, look, I got you a cupcake with a blue flower, baby. Their specialty is definitely flowers, because I promise you, that green cupcake did not look like a Stegosaurus." Toji chuckles at the rambled, silly recap of your experience at the bakery. "Now, make a wish, before the wax melts and gets all over it," you say, holding up the plate for him.

Toji's gaze remains set on you as he mentally makes his wish. He looks at you for a long time, long enough for the blue and white wax to start dripping down onto the cupcake. A few of those seconds were spent just thinking, because what is there to wish for when he has everything he needs? A home, a job that pays the bills and puts food on the table, something to get around in, and best of all, an unlimited source of love and support.

Then, he knows it.

He considers who you are to him. You lit up his life, again, and he can't wait to spend all the years to come, with you. Because of his big, beefy, tough guy appearance, he knows it would give you a good laugh if he ever told you that being around you makes fluttering little butterflies flood his stomach. He'll say it out loud to you someday, just to hear you laugh. Frankly, you deserve it, because before you, he could count on his hands the amount of times he had laughed so hard and for so long that his stomach felt sore. Being around you has turned it into almost a daily occurrence, and all he can wish for is years, decades, and the appearance of grey hairs and wrinkles with you.

You laugh. You laugh at how he ignored your warning about the candle wax, you laugh at the utterly soft look on his face. You feel giddy as you watch those green eyes of his, tracing your face and taking in every feature on it. Like anybody who can't read minds, you wonder what he wished for, even when you know it's something that is never meant to be said out loud.

Before you can even process it, the candle is blown out and the plate is being taken out of your hands and placed on the counter. Toji wraps his arms around you and pulls you in close enough to rest his forehead against yours. He knocks his nose against yours a couple times, a gesture that lures an unfaltering grin onto his face at the sound of your giggles.

"You're the best, doll. You didn't have to--"

You shut him up, instantly, with a kiss. It's soft and warm and delicate. It's everything that he loves about you, wrapped up in the sweetest touch.

"Yes, I did. Don't even, my love," you assure, smiling as you rub his chest. "I'm so lucky to get to celebrate you, baby. I love you, and i'm happy you're here. Those two reasons are enough on their own for me to willingly wake up at five in the morning and run around store to store like a headless chicken, so I could get home before you woke up. Clearly, you had different plans," you say, reciprocating his smile. Your hand raises to cup his cheek and your thumb strokes his soft skin, tenderly. "All of this is from me to you. Please, let me show you how much you mean to me."

It didn't take much convincing. Toji was on board the moment you killed his denial of these extra things being necessary to celebrate another day of living, another year of getting older. Your trying little kisses don't hurt, though. If this is your way of begging to show him extra love—by showing him extra love—then who is he to reject your affection?

"Please, pretty please, please, pleaseeeee, please-"

"Shh, baby." His index finger goes over your lips. He smiles at how obedient you are—birthday treatment. Normally, whenever he does that, you try to bite his finger in a playful manner. "I woke up alone in bed this morning. That kinda sucked."

"I'm sorry," you say, against his finger.

"I liked your renaissance painting," he says, a smirk forming on his lips when he feels a breath of a laugh from you on his skin. "Couldn't help but feel a little jealous that a few scribbles got more lip locking action, first thing in the morning, than I did." He sighs, almost like he's wounded by the remembrance of reaching for you and being met with an empty space. "How ever will you make it up to me?" His finger slides down your lips, causing the bottom one to bounce back after he pulled it down.

"I'll give you all the kisses and a bonus kiss." You nod, proudly, at your offer.

"Mhm, that's pretty good so far. What else?"

"What else do you want? I'm up for anything today."

You don't miss the movement of his hands on your waist, subtly maneuvering so that his fingers lift your shirt the slightest bit, allowing him to graze your bare skin. The glimmer of mischief that almost immediately appears in his eyes and the unfaltering smirk on his face, make it so that it's not necessary for him to word what he will eventually want to do with you. Your face goes warm at the thought, but you just laugh it off.

"Do you know what time it is, right now?" Toji asks, more to chide you for being out of bed so early, than for the purpose of knowing the time.

"Almost eight, no?" You take your phone out of your pocket and check. "Seven thirty," you confirm, showing him your screen.

"It's seven thirty in the morning, ma. What are we doing awake at seven thirty in the morning, on our day off?"

"I was on a mission, I don't know about you."

He scoffs. "Oh, kill that. You do know about me."

Simple. Toji doesn't like sleeping without you. He likes knowing you're getting your rest next to him and he loves the ongoing, intimate, physical contact. Even if he's not full on spooning you, he's always touching you. Whether it's his face buried in your chest, his legs tangled with yours, his elbow digging into your back or even his head pressed into your shoulder, he's always touching you.

"Let's go back to bed," he says, placing a peck on your forehead, before resting his chin on top of your head. "Just for a little longer."

"You don't want breakfast?"

He shakes his head, in response. "I want you to sleep with me."

"I can make something quick," you insist.

"Do I have to throw you over my shoulder and drag you away?"

"No, sir," you say, with mock seriousness. "I'm going." You wiggle out of his hold and barely manage to take two steps, before you feel his hand swat at your ass. You gasp, dramatically, and turn around to look at him, your widened eyes being the most prominent feature of your surprised expression.

Toji snickers, unable to stay serious when you look at him like he did something life altering to you. "Run. If I catch you, we're staying in bed all day."

Nothing else needed to be said for you to start sprinting towards the room. You've been awake since five in the morning to ensure that these celebratory plans are followed through with, properly. You can't stay in bed all day, so it's a good thing Toji didn't chase you to the room.

Once Toji slides into bed and finds your body under the covers, he completely encompasses you in his hold. His front is flush against your back, his arm strewn across your waist, and his face is pressed to the nape of your neck. He's made himself comfortable, having gone as far as to slightly overlap your leg with his. It doesn't take very long for Toji to fall asleep this way. You're his own personal cuddle bug and the reason he sleeps like a hibernating bear every night, down to the brief snoring he makes you endure before he wakes himself up with the loudness.

You wake up a few hours later, pulling Toji out of sleep as well, because of all your movement. You smile when he grunts and buries his face in your chest, in an attempt to go back to sleep.

"Was that not enough time?" You ask, running your fingers through his hair.

"Mm-mm," he hums, quietly. He's starting to move around more, mostly pawing at you to keep you close, so you don't leave him.

"We have to get up soon. We slept through the rest of the morning," you say, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. The tenderness of the gesture just makes him want to stay in bed with you for longer.

"Mm," he hums, once again, the sound coming off as dismissive.

"Sounds like you don't want your morning-turned-afternoon kisses, before we get up. You would rather stay asleep, huh?"

Now, that grabs his attention.

He moves away from your chest and just stares at you with his sleep ridden eyes and a pout that you know he would deny is a pout if you mentioned it.

"Oh, you're awake. I knew it," you say, with a teasing grin. You know he's ready when his eyes keep flitting between your eyes and your lips, silently signaling to you what he wants. "Alright, alright. Don't yell at me," you jest. You lean in and press a quick peck on his lips, then another, and another, until it's quick bursts of kisses that make him want to laugh. "Come on. Keep up. You know I try my hardest when you do this to me."

As if he's insulted by your taunting, he rolls on top of you and traps you beneath him, returning all your kisses while you're distracted, laughing at the sudden crushing weight of his body on yours.

"Keep up," Toji throws at you, this time, in his slightly raspy voice. "Come on, kiss me back. Keep up," he repeats, not even giving you a chance to respond before he's back to smothering you, again. He laughs when you end up surrendering, welcoming defeat by just lying there in a giggle fit. "It's like... a million to nothing, ma."

A few more giggles flow past your lips, your smile lingering once you somewhat collect yourself. "Best million to nothing ever. I'll get you, tomorrow." You don't promise or swear it, because just by looking at his face, now, you think you just might lose, again. You have a very strong feeling about it.

Toji simply gives you a low "mhm" and smirks, confidently, because he knows that you will be in this position, again, tomorrow morning.

"Well... now that you're awake, we can finally leave the bed." Toji's reaction to that is the most dramatic groan ever, but when you tell him that he can stay in bed while you "do stuff" in the kitchen, he refuses and follows you. It's great, but he almost makes you burn the food a couple times.

"Toji- Baby." You laugh, when he clings to your back and buries his face in your neck. "Go sit down and eat your cupcake."

"Mm-mm. Saving room for you," he mumbles.

"You're so..." You can't even finish the sentence, the shaking of your head and the curl of your lips doing wonders to reveal your flustered state.

"Romantic?" He asks, pressing a kiss to the side of your neck, as if to give you more proof. He smirks against your skin when you freeze, like you're lost in thought. "Keep stirring, mama," he says, grinning when you snap out of your very brief daze and stir quickly to make up for your lack of focus.

"You're gonna make me burn your food," you chide. You reach behind you with your free hand and try to push him back, but he doesn't budge.

"Nah, nah. I'm looking out for you," he corrects.

You turn off the stove and turn to him. "Listen. You're a very handsome distraction, but you're going to make me burn the entire kitchen down if you keep doing what you're doing."

"Which is?" He questions, standing right in front of you. He loves how easy it is for him to have you cheesing.

"Being romantic. You know what you're doing! Stop being cute," you say, pressing your lips together to stop yourself from giggling and egging him on.

"Just say you need my help, pretty," he says, his voice and the placement of his hands on your hips, indicating that there's a double meaning to the sentence. For now, you choose to ignore the one that doesn't involve cooking.

"Okay, then. Help me wash, peel, and cut the potatoes, please."

It's hard not to laugh at his reaction—the quiet 'tsk' sound and the subtle twitch of his lips. He looks like he was expecting you to stop cooking, to take a brief intermission with him. The disillusioned look on his face is quickly traded for an expression that says 'i'll get you'. It's a smirk and something feral hidden in those dark eyes.

"Sure thing," he replies, squeezing your hips a couple times between his enormous hands.

You would think having help in the kitchen would expedite the process of getting things done, but it was the opposite when it came to Toji helping you out. If he's not distracting you, he's distracted by you.

Instead of finishing the task you gave him, he turns around and watches you cut vegetables like it's one of the most interesting things he's ever seen.

"Damn, ma. Look at you go," he says, watching the smooth, back and forth motion of the knife you are using and listening to the consistent, rhythmic sound of the blade on the cutting board. He's mesmerized—you make it look like art.

You put the knife down, unable to contain your laugh when he keeps watching you. "Almost done, Toji?" You ask, turning to look at him.

"Yeah, yeah," he responds, before turning around, again.

Somehow, after all the pauses and distractions, and the swatting at Toji's hands when he would pick at the food, claiming multiple times that he was doing a taste test, the food was finally finished.

"The house smells fucking amazing, doll. We did that," Toji says, coming up behind you and wrapping his arms around you as you finish washing the cutting board.

"We did," you agree, grinning at how proud he is of the results of your conjoined efforts. "How does it taste?" You ask, washing the dish soap off the cutting board.

"Perfect," he murmurs, in your ear. "Not as good as-"

"Don't say it. Don't say it." You turn off the water and turn to look at the menacing smirk on his face.

"-you," he finishes, without hesitation, and almost instantly, you smack his chest, earning a chuckle from him. "What? You don't wanna be my dessert?"

"Oh my god, Toji," you groan, walking away from him to grab some plates.

The cupcake you got him did not go to waste. You both had one of those 'I need something sweet' moments, once you finished eating. After a couple more eye rolls from you towards his suggestive remarks, Toji being the kind soul he is, shared the dessert. He took one enormous bite of it—bits of candle wax and all—and then gave you the rest. It definitely hit the spot, and watching Toji get frustrated every time he asked if his lips and teeth were still blue, has become one of the many core memories you have with him.

"Gifts?" You ask, drying your hands after washing your plate and putting it away.

Toji sighs. "What did you do, ma?"

You smile at him, mischievously, and beckon him to come with you. You pick up all the bags you left on the floor and lead him to the couch, where you set them down. The second he sees how many bags there are, he shakes his head, and you know what he's thinking—'you didn't have to'. It's written all over his face, so in an attempt to steer away those thoughts, you rub his chest, like you did before, and smile.

"Open them."

For someone who was iffy about receiving gifts, he sure went through the opening process quickly. After pulling out the paper tissue you awkwardly fluffed and placed in each bag to hide what was in it, he scanned what was at the bottom of each bag before pulling the items out as well. Shirts, pants, gym shorts and sweatpants, a new coffee mug—he inspects all of the items, closely, with a soft smile on his face.

"Everything else is in black, why the navy blue jacket?"

"You look hot in navy blue."

Case closed.

"Oh shit. What is this, doll?" Toji asks, picking up the smaller, gift bag with the crispy, bold font on it. This gift in particular caught his eye, because it's something he knows for sure both of you like. You watch with a beaming smile as he pulls out the blue box, a low chuckle leaving him when he reads the name of the elegant cologne. "Remember that time you said just sniffing this would get you pregnant?" He asks, as he rips the plastic covering off the box and opens it, bringing out the even more elegant looking bottle.

"Yeah, you have to stay away from me if you're gonna wear that. From here to the kitchen, that's the distance you have to-"

The fragrance lands like mist on your face. It immediately overpowers the smell of the food you and Toji made, and fills your nostrils with the manliest, sexiest, most perilous scent you have ever smelled. It has your heart racing. It's Toji. You smell it and all your thoughts lock in on him. Toji, Toji, Toji, like a siren blaring in your head.

"How you doing, mama?" Toji asks, grinning fiendishly at your stunned reaction. "Smells real nice, huh?"

You stop buffering and take in the teasing smirk on his face. This would be the second time, today, that you look at him like he did something life changing to you.

"We should go to the beach," you suggest. You're calm and collected on the outside, frenzied and bouncing off the walls on the inside. A trip to the beach sounds good.

"That's random. Why do you wanna go to the beach?" He asks, putting the cologne back in its box.

"Let's catch a sunset and get you out of the house for a while," you elaborate. "Do you really want to spend the whole day in here?"

"I do wanna spend the whole day here," Toji responds, stepping towards you. "Just me and you, relaxing in bed together. Doesn't that sound way better than the beach?" He asks.

You can't even pretend like he's wrong when he looks at you like that. Like going outside after getting so comfortable and reveling in the warm atmosphere created in your home, would be worse than when he woke up alone in the morning.

"Let's stay here and keep each other warm," he says, pulling you into him. His arms act like vines around your waist, tightening to keep you close.

"Sure," you respond, a soft smile on your face as you look into his eyes. "We can stay inside."

When Toji leaned in to peck your lips, he really considered turning it into another competition to see who could get more kisses in. He was going for another win, aiming to overpower you with speed and quantity, to end it the way he always does—smothering your entire face with kisses, while you laugh through your sweet defeat—but when he felt your fingers drag over his back, right before you balled up his shirt in your hands, he decided to mind your gentleness and reciprocate it. He even smiled into a few of the kisses, to settle down the urge he felt to laugh, because he could smell his cologne on your face.

Toji took your hand and dragged you with him to the bedroom, once he broke the kiss. There, you spent your time cuddling, kissing, talking, and making love, each act done separately, but just as easily melted together into one act. You even got to see your sunset through the bedroom window, with your cheek and your hands pressed to the glass that kept fogging up.

By the end of the day, you were both spent, but still remained inseparable—not even a shower called for being apart. When it was time to go to sleep, you kept your face buried in Toji's neck. You pressed so many gentle kisses to his skin, while mumbling quiet, sleepy 'I love you's, that he hummed in response to, when he was't tiredly saying it back.

[roccoparondi]

This is more out of my own curiosity than anything, but what are y'all's favorite perfumes? Like top 3? Over the holidays, I got a set of mini Tocca perfumes which I'd been wanting to try forever, and I absolutely love all of them—Florence, Stella and Cleopatra (though Cleopatra is extremely divisive on Fragrantica…apparently because of the patchouli notes. I personally think it's a great winter fragrance but it’s too musky to wear in the summer) I'm considering getting Tocca's Mini Discovery Kit to try out the other fragrances.

Whenever I use L'ancome Idole, I get a lot of compliments, so I know that'll be staying in my rotation. I've used Miss Dior/Blooming Bouquet, and like pretty much everyone else at some point, grabbed for Marc Jacobs Daisy pretty frequently in the past (all great fragances, they're a lot of people's go-to for a reason!) but I guess I'm trying to find more unique scents?

[river-witchery]

I have gotten my hands on many perfume samples. Help me choose what to start with.

Set 1

Treading Water — D��chets, Judith, It's My Pyre

Set 2

CLST — Marginalia, Mushmallow & flairēe — La Bohème

Set 3

Santa Maria Novella — Fresia, Rosa Gardenia, Rosa Novella, Tobacco Toscano

Set 4

Fzotic (duplicates) — Lampblack, Vetiverissimo, Ummagumma

Set 5

Fzotic (Moonlight Discovery set + Fragrance Portfolio - duplicates) — Corpse Reviver, Au Delà Narcisse, Feu Secret, Soft Focus, Monserrat

[krystalfragrance]

Exploring the Luxurious World of Jovoy Perfume

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Jovoy Perfume. Indulge in the intoxicating blend of exquisite scents that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. Discover the artistry behind each meticulously crafted fragrance. Elevate your sensory experience with Jovoy Perfume. Experience luxury like never before. You can reach us by visiting our website or calling (406) 407-3797.

[ceilidho]

I’m starting to warm up to Santal 33 actually……I keep thinking about dill and dirty martinis and I took another sniff today from my sample and I was like wow. I kind of like this actually.

also I got Glossier Doux for Xmas and it smells soooooo good, although unfortunately no glossier fragrance will ever be as good as the original You formula :(( I wish they’d bring that back.

now I have to decide if I want to get the Aesop or le labo discovery set (or Fantome or Stora Skuggan, haven’t decided) and then I’m off perfume until I actually USE UP what I already have.

[incensemaniac]

naomi goodsir has one of the most perfect fragrance lines out there and you people deserve to know that . the discovery set was hit after hit i loved every single one of those

[scentedkarma]

Jasmine Freak

I could wax poetry about this fragrance and you know what, I get to.

So I didn't know it was a new scent this year but goddamn, they knocked it out of the park. I actually have 1 other scent of theirs (Wavechild) and another 2 on the way (Yesterday, Sonic Flower). So far only Cherry Punk has been a disappointment from this brand and I should have actually known better? It had a leather note that came through really strong on my skin. Leather & tobacco are bad scents on me.

Anyway. I sprayed this at 6:44a CST and it is now 7am. So it's settled a little into what I think the notes are going to largely be for the day.

This is a wonderfully creamy, amazing jasmine. There's some fruitiness from the blackcurrant and some pop from the orange and I'm not sure about the mango. That could be adding tot he juiciness. I haven't smelled mango in a fragrance yet (I have a mango body spray on the way, though!!).

The tuberose (details here) has the scent of honey which I don't get yet. I'm sure that'll be further on in the dry down. Same with the ylang-ylang (details here). Powdery, sweet, tropical, rich.

This is a jasmine that doesn't mess around. It's creamy and it's rich and it's tropical and I fucking love it. I can't stop smelling my wrist right now and inhaling this fragrance. I oversprayed on purpose because I'm working from home (this is so not an office/corporate safe fragrance) and there's no one around to be offended and I want to bathe in this. I might actually go back and spritz my shirt so I get more wear. Because omg this scent.

So, I will admit to where I found out about this scent. Because transparency. While a lot of my fragrances I find by just walking into Sephora and smelling whatever I want to smell, there's a few others (at this point) where I'm getting information from social media influencers. And while I always suggest taking whatever they say with a grain of salt because, let's be real, they're being paid to say something's good, there's sometimes some truth to what they say. Like, Folton & Roark -- I've heard they have an INSANE amount social media budget and pay influencers a ton of money. Does that mean their products suck and they're trying to get people to buy whatever based on curiosity? Who the hell knows. I'm still debating their discovery set.

Anyway, Jasmine Freak. I learned about it through Olivia Olefactory on YouTube buuuut the only Room 1015 she mentions on YT is Room 1015 (Room 1015 BY Room 1015) so it must have been on her IG annnnd she posts a lot on her IG so I'm not going through that right now. Anyway, Olivia is amazing, I love her, she gives a lot of interesting reviews. I don't trust everything (grain of salt) but I do put things on my list to get decants/samples of to try based on what she's saying after I look up notes and decide if it's something that MIGHT work on me.

If anyone's interested (lol like anyone actually reads this) I can post a list of all the influencers I actually watch/follow. Anyway. Thus ends my long obsession post about Jasmine Freak. I feel a little bad for Paradoxe. 😂 This will be hard to top.

[blessed-by-umbral]

Violence

@daily-writing-challenge

Topic: Violence

---

Weeks had gracefully slipped by since Baetylus embarked on its voyage to the enchanting shores of Tural, and now, four days had passed since the intimidating vessel had anchored in this unfamiliar haven. The air was thick with the scent of adventure and the promise of discovery, a curious juxtaposition that enveloped Ondrea Cress in a cocoon of anticipation. The strangeness of being enveloped by the unknown was not a source of trepidation for her; rather, it was a vital embrace, a welcoming that whispered of new beginnings and uncharted paths waiting to be trekked.

The passage of time had woven a tapestry of curiosity as the allure of uncharted lands beckoned from the shadows of the past. Those privy to the secrets of the sea had embarked on a meticulous endeavor, crafting maps and devising plans for their ambitious voyages. Yet, for Ondrea, this pursuit appeared to be a futile exercise, akin to embarking on a grand expedition without the slightest hint of direction or guidance. It was only when a reliable course was presented to them, a beacon of certainty amidst the vast unknown, that they finally set their sails toward the horizon.

On this afternoon, the sun reigned supreme, casting its golden rays upon a canvas of immaculate azure. The heavens were devoid of any clouds, creating a breathtaking expanse that seemed to stretch endlessly. Yet, in the depths of her heart, she harbored a profound disdain for the sun. The relentless heat was an unwelcome companion, transforming her midnight tresses into a sweltering burden, while the sensation of her leather attire clinging to her skin felt akin to a serpent ensnaring its unsuspecting victim.

The accoutrements of freshly squeezed fruit juices was a welcome reprieve, as a particular concoction of citrus we dutifully set upon a table before an open window overlooking a breathtaking view of the lush greenery interspersed with the architectural elegance of the nearby buildings.

As the echo of a knock reverberated through her space, it disrupted the serene equilibrium she had cultivated, drawing her attention with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. Ondrea's signature style, a blend of shadowy hues and intricate textures, spoke volumes about her character; she embraced the darkness not merely as a fashion statement but as a shield against the world’s judgments. The aura of mystery that enveloped her was both a source of intrigue and trepidation, ensuring that she remained an enigmatic figure, cloaked in the very essence of her chosen attire

As Ondrea opened the door, she was greeted by a visage that resonated deeply within the annals of her family. Cormac, a steadfast presence since his youth, stood before her clad in his signature ensemble—sleek, armored leather adorned with a distinctive bell sigil prominently displayed on his chest. This emblem, a testament to his unwavering loyalty and dedication, seemed to shimmer in the soft light.

It was evident that Cormac had taken the time to present himself with an air of refinement, embodying a sense of readiness for the day ahead. His hair, meticulously groomed and freshly washed, framed his face, which bore the marks of a recent shave.

Ondrea couldn't help but notice the subtle yet inviting scent of coconut that lingered around him, a fragrant whisper of tropical allure that seemed to complement his polished demeanor.

"My Lady." He addressed with a bow of his head. "All men are accounted for. Our ships are docked and being tended to as we speak. It's been recommended that we tip the service crew. I wanted to get your input."

Ondrea retreated a step, extending an invitation to Cormac as he entered her sanctuary. In stark contrast to his presence, the air within her abode was devoid of the exotic fragrances that characterized this new land; instead, she had meticulously chosen to fill her space with the familiar aromas of incense, carefully selected from her homeland. The delicate tendrils of smoke curled upward, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia that enveloped her, reminding her of of home.

Though she found herself amidst the unfamiliar, the longing for the essence of home lingered in whatever vestiges were left in her heart.

"Extend to them a generous gratuity, one that would comfortably sustain their needs for the forthcoming weeks. Should their circumstances demand further assistance, we shall delve into our reserves to accommodate their requests."

Cormac acknowledged the suggestion with a subtle nod, his gaze drifting toward the window. The vibrant calls of exotic birds echoed in the distance, their persistent cries resonating like a siren song, beckoning him to embrace the allure of this uncharted territory.

"-We've gotten word from some of the locals regarding some concerning news. Like many lands, they're wrought with bandits, enemies, those who would seek you out to cause you harm or your family harm simply because of your status. These warnings you're familiar with. I ask you now, Lady Cress---how would you like to proceed if met with violence?"

The interval stretched between them, enveloped in an almost palpable silence that seemed to linger in the air. In this serene yet charged moment, the only sounds that penetrated the stillness were the distant echoes of the bustling city below, a symphony of urban life, harmonizing with the sharp cries of seabirds soaring overhead.

"My father once said: "Violent excitement exhausts the mind and leaves it withered and sterile." I find it ironic, considering the means this House has taken in its past. Perhaps, in some way, he sought to extinguish that flame."

She paused without contemplation, but more so for effect. "Our words are "Light your candles". Keep them lit, guide the dead home, tolling of the bells--all that history you're intimately familiar with."

"Aye." Cormac affirmed.

"To preserve equilibrium in our interactions, it is essential to respond to hostility with an equally assertive stance. Those who seek to embody this principle to its utmost will find themselves confronted with a response that is magnified tenfold, ensuring that the scales of power remain justly aligned. This approach not only safeguards our interests but also serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to resilience in the face of adversity."

Cormac found himself unable to divert his gaze from Ondrea's striking visage, captivated by the intensity that radiated from her. It was no revelation to him that her response would carry such weight; in fact, he had secretly wished for the tempest of turmoil that raged within her to find some semblance of calm.

Yet, he recognized the futility of such hopes, as the storm seemed to only grow more ferocious with each passing moment. She stood before him, a living testament to the void, and he could almost perceive the dark tendrils of it wrapping themselves around her very essence. Despite the overwhelming nature of the situation, he felt an unyielding determination to engage with her, to reach through the shadows that enveloped her.

"Might it be possible..." he ventured cautiously, "...that extending a measure of mercy could yield positive outcomes? We are in uncharted territories, after all, filled with diverse cultures and unfamiliar customs."

Ondrea's response was immediate, her thickly shaped brow arching in skepticism as a low, dark chuckle escaped her lips, reverberating with a chilling resonance.

"Do you truly think they would entertain such notions about us?" she retorted, her voice laced with a steely resolve. "I refuse to gamble with the safety of our people."

Cormac drew in a deep breath, savoring it before exhaling sharply through his nostrils. "So be it. Violence will be met with violence."

[museenkuss]

This Valentine's Day, I'm once again looking through my little selection of discovery sets, daydreaming. I'm inviting you to 1) daydream with me 2) get inspired 3) help me pick a set to try!

(I broke down the prices to a ml price since the size of the samples varies a lot. I also added shipping to Germany in these equations, so they won't be accurate to every location)

Versatile. Includes 1ml samples of all 9 perfume oils of the brand. The scents usually have a very unique composition, with many being very food-focused (cola, pesto, croissants..). Funnily enough, I've seen many perfumeheads hail these strange notes as seductive when worn, which I find intriguing. Pro: Interesting concept! We could step out of our comfort zone? Con: It might suck. The offerings might be TOO specific and/or too eccentric. 3,86€/1ml (but they're oils!)

Miller Harris. Chic british brand, modern and elegant, contemporary and classy. The selection includes some of their best sellers: a variety of delicate, transparent scents, flower-forward or oud-centric scents. Powder&sandalwood, tea, rose&liquorice. Pros: Includes Scherzo, which I've wanted to try for years (..like everybody, I suppose) and I appreciate the variety offered - I'm very curious. Cons: The selection does NOT include the fragrance Jane Birkin designed for/with the house (L'air de rien). BOO!! Some fragrances (oud, rose) are not that interesting to me from the name alone (upsetting combination, I would've preferred a "assemble your own kit"). 3,06€/1ml

Atelier des Ors. This discovery kit is free to assemble. Gold and slinky black cats, champagne, madeleines&tea, Klimt-inspired scents: The concepts of the AdO scents are right up my alley (and the bottles are beautiful, of course). I had the chance to smell a few in person last summer, but didn't get to spend time with them and really try them on skin. Pros: selecting the scents myself is a great way to ensure I will at least be interested in all of them. Con: The full bottles are expensive (we're talking 230€), so I'm a little scared to fall in love with a scent. 2,8€/1ml

Bienaimé. A house with a long history got a revamp and relaunched a few of their scents. The discovery set includes all four scents for women and the new masculine scent. They're committed to the vintage aesthetic and their heritage, both in their gorgeous packaging and in their scents: unapologetically powdery, flowery, delicate. Lipstick, powder, veils of flowers. Dolls and princesses. The male scent sounds aromatic-fresh, too. In short: Charming sophistication. Pros: I adore vintage scents. Also, the founder Bienaimié was the nose behind Quelques Fleurs, which became Dita van Teese's signature scent - apart from the fact that I just like scents like this, the backstory might explain the vibe I get from them, too. Cons: Maybe they're TOO vintage? Old-fashioned? 1,43€/1ml

Essential parfums. Each scent is made in cooperation with an expert parfumeur. The idea is to return perfumery to its roots, with excellent ingredients and at an affordable price (they have a manifesto and everything). The names suggest a focus on different notes in each scent: Rose, Vetiver, Fig, Musc... It sounds like exquisite minimalism to me. When I see them mentioned on social media, they're usually highly praised (The musc, bois impérial...). Also it's interesting that they're so respected yet fly somewhat under the radar. Pros: A wide variety at a very good price. Cons: Maybe basic? The perfumes don’t seem to tell stories to me, it’s mainly ingredient-focused. 1,6€/1ml