#n: labdanum

[myscentarchive]

ROSE 31 - Le Labo

Eau De Parfum - 1.5 ml (atomizer)

Notes- TOP: Rose, Cumin MIDDLE: Rose, Vetiver, Cedar BASE: Musk, Guaiac Wood, Agarwood (Oud), Olibanum, Labdanum

Gender: Unisex The perfume’s aim is clear: to transform the famous Grasse rose, a symbol of voluptuousness and unqualified femininity, into an assertively virile fragrance that can be worn by anyone… The result is a model of its kind: alternating femininity and masculinity of the Centifolia rose, quickly picked up by a chorus of warm, spicy, and woodsy notes such as cumin, olibanum, cedar, and a touch of amber… In the background, the declared sensuality of Gaïac wood and cistus highlighted by distinctly musky notes, give this perfume a disconcerting sense of mystery.

[teddybasmanov]

I just sprayed one of literally two perfumes I have on a little piece of paper and sitting here trying to feel the notes that are supposed to be there. I'm so cringe.

[sirenedeslily]

VIDEO OBSESSION〻ᯇ # matthew sturniolo

✦ SEARCHING FOR PROFILES… two results found !

result ONE out of TWO — @FallenAngels

Y/N GREENBLATT, streamer known for her gaming skills and pretty visuals. seven stars cigarette. moon during a snowstorm. mtl › nyc. thé matcha 26. nyx cold brew lip liner. ‘03 stargirl. coy. cinephile. back tattoos. vanilla vodka infused. alluring. chrome heart uggs. silver jewelry. white orchid. dazed. tangled & wired headphones. black cat. sirene gaze. sullen girl by fiona apple. sweet talker. guarded. shows care in subtle ways. handwritten letters. sensitive. classic black eyeliner, smudged like a memory. mushishi. overpriced coffee. blue velvet (1986). her dream collab? a limited-edition hoodie with cibo matto album art, designed by a tumblr artist she once reblogged. midnight ‘silent hill 2’ streams.

VICTORIA WALKER, cheetah print. manicured nails. dean blunt. monchhicci. started off streaming with y/n, now focusing on her music. tumblr girl gone global. fur boots. london › nyc. betty boop. tom ford vanilla sex. pocket-sized camcorder. ‘01 baby. rick owens. reclusive but magnetic. spider lily. ipod nano. minecraft. angels by a$ap rocky. paradise kiss. 11:11. chrome heart grills. dream collabs? yves tumor, peggy gou, and a track with a.g. cook that’s “still in the works.” mismatched tiffany bracelets. unreleased a$ap mob.

AERI UCHINAGA, pink-haired enigma. macbook photobooth. mean lesbian. twitch streamer turned cultural icon. cherry blossom. prettiestproblem on and offline. perfect blue (1997). harajuku streetwear. retired scene kid. björk. self-released ep titled “petal circuit”—a mix of shoegaze and hyperpop with haunting vocals. tokyo › nyc. widowmaker main. paranoia agent soundtrack. byredo’s blanche. ‘00 doll. two weeks by fka twigs. synth lab streams with modular glitches. dating ning yizhuo; model. domo.

HAMZAH SALEH, slush puppie. bone comics. vintage quiksilver tees. duct-taped backpack. messy. tony hawk fingerboards. his youtube history? “how to ollie without looking lame”. polar bears. co-runs slushy noobz; a youtube channel. created a subreddit called r/CherrySlushiesAnonymous. circa ‘02. napoleon dynamite (2004). cherry airheads. sega dreamcast he won’t shut up about. ck one. spider-man pez. xbox 360. unbrushed curls. owns a lego keychain of marah; his girlfriend. scrawny by wallows. steve lacy.

MARAH ADEL, doll eyes. celestial paradox. possession (1981). iced lavender lattes, leaves the last sip untouched “for the spirits”. heaven by marc jacobs. medieval angelology. ethel cain. ‘03 angel. tattoo artist of the hidden soul, her studio, melancholie, drips in velvet, candied amethyst light, and the faint hum of dusty jazz vinyl. etruscan art. dario argento films. night drives to nowhere. secretly hid a chipped rose quartz under hamzah’s bed. antique heart lockets. soft leather boots. faded polaroids. sparse. mtl › nyc. messy bangs. labdanum no. 3. seperpentskirt by cocteau twins.

back to masterlist! - profile two @ChromeHearts

🖥️𓈒ིུ✧꫶᳜᳝͟ᰭ✿⃨ TRENDING NOW ! matt sturniolo was known for many things: his striking looks, his dominance in the gaming world, and his complete inability to keep his cool around beautiful women. so it’s almost poetic—almost—that his fiery temper explodes during an intense fortnite match, broadcasted live to thousands, only to discover later that the player who completely shattered his pride was y/n greenblatt, one of the most beloved streamers in the community—and undeniably beautiful.

𝒢𝜚 💭 ࣪ ✸ 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 ∿ plsplsplspls send asks about these characters !!!

TAGLIST ( open ) ; @carvedtits @et6rnalsun @wovenribbons @flouvela @waitforyrlove @elizabebabe @ncm9696 @marrykisskilled @l34n @sturniolossss @lovingregulusblack @cl1tlover3000 @mattslolita @mattssgf @le4hsblog @brvtall @mattscoquette @chratts-left-ball @jetaimevous @angelesqve @starlace111 @secretlocket @starkeyszn @etherealval @slut4chriss @star-yawnznn @nickmillersn1gf @sturnsmia @tastesousweet @strnilolover @xoxo4chrisss @ifwdominicfike @emely9274 @maggot3647 @fratbrochrisgf @2augustsago @sturn777

[peachdues]

HASHIRA PERFUME PREFERENCES

HEADCANONS

A/N: this came from my unhealthy perfume obsession. Don't @ me.

MITSURI KANROJI

Perfume: Killian PARIS Love, Don't Be Shy

Notes: orange blossom, vanilla absolute, luscious marshmallow

Sweet like candy, yet warm like a thousand kitten cuddles. This is the perfume Rihanna wears, and honestly, while I wasn't a fan of it on me, I do love the scent!

KYOJURO RENGOKU

Perfume: Replica's By the Fireplace

Notes: clove oil, chestnut accord, vanilla accord Literally smells like a crackling fireplace and marshmallow. I'm so in love with this fragrance, it's on my rotation in the fall (I have a leather jacket collection so mixing this on them in the cold is MAGIC). Of course I see our flame boy smelling like a literal cozy fireplace and GOD I could bury my nose between his tiddies forever.

SHINOBU KOCHO

Perfume: NEST New York's Wisteria Bleu ♔ Glossier You

I know the Wisteria perfume is a bit on the nose, but given our girl's development of the wisteria poison, it just seemed to fit! Plus this scent is just delightful. Key notes: French wisteria, watery notes, Bulgarian rose, imperial jasmine

That said, I can also see Shinobu as the type to gravitate towards skin scents -- especially as a doctor, she doesn't want to overwhelm anyone's senses, so she prefers scents that are more natural. So I also think she'd be a fan of Glossier You

Notes: pink pepper, abrox, iris

SANEMI SHINAZUGAWA

We actually know what Sanemi smells like canonically -- matcha tea and ohagi!

So in that spirit, I'm going with Matcha Meditation by Replica

Notes: Bergamot Essence, Matcha Accord, Moss Accord.

BUT there's another scent that I 1000% believe Sanemi would wear in the modern age, and it's super affordable: Dossier's Ambery Saffron

Top notes: saffron, orange blossom ♔ middle notes: jasmine, plum, cedarwood ♔ base: oakmoss, fir balsam, amber

I bought this for myself and loved it, but on my husband??? I go feral for it. It smells so fucking good on him, and it's an instant panty-dropper for me. And since Sanemi is the one 2D character I would happily bend over for, it fits.

GYOMEI HIMEJIMA

Tom Ford’s Ebene Fume

Notes: Palo Santo smoke, stoked by the warm elegance of cistus absolute, enticing black pepper, and notes of ebony wood, captured in sleek, sublime notes of leather.

Diptyque L’eau Papier or Tam Daisy EDT

L’eau papier notes: White musks, Mimosa, Blonde woods accord, Rice steam accord. I mean, tell me this doesn’t SCREAM our favorite Stone Pillar???? 

Tam Daisy EDT: Sandalwood, cedar, cypress, and myrtle 

Again, Gyomei SCREAMS diptqyue ok. So earthy and refined and quiet luxury

UZUI TENGEN

The flashiest Pillar deserves the flashiest cologne — and by “flashy,” I mean in terms of both scent profile AND price.

Obviously he is a Tom Ford whore. 

Most likely cologne: Tom Ford’s Cherry Smoke. This scent is literally described as “hedonistic” and it’s so correct. 

Notes: Cherry Smoke plays with fire, bursting with the scent of dark cherry, ignited by seductive osmanthus and smoldering, smoked woods.

while we’re at it: Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous. I mean, it’s in the name. 

Notes: leather, tonka bean, and sage 

tell me this man isn’t the best-smelling Hashira in the Corps I DARE you 

GIYUU TOMIOKA

Okay I feel like this man smells like CITRUS and he’s absolutely delectable. 

So that said — Oyedo by Diptyque 

Notes: yuzu, green tangerine, thyme, and raspberry  I’m sorry this man smells like earthy fruity citrus and you can’t convince me otherwise. There’s also a hint of the aquatic in there, since he’s, y’know, the Water Pillar. And this scent is DIVINE. 

I also see Giyuu having something with ginger as a major note — so that said, Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel

Notes: Citrus Accord, Labdanum, Sandalwood Cedar

MUICHIRO TOKITO

Baby is 14. He does not know fine scents/perfumes that well.

That said, I think he’s going for something lowkey and likely no-fuss (if he wears a scent at all). He’s going to smell like soap and something fresh and clean. 

So I think the safest bet is Bubble Bath by Replica 

Notes: Soap Bubble Accord, Rose Superessence, White Musk, Coconut Milk Accord

Tagging @xxsabitoxx who is a mutual perfume whore like me

[mistydeyes]

perfumes i think the 141 boys enjoy

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summary: Scent is one of the most powerful senses, so what kind of fragrance do the 141 boys + Alejandro like on their significant other?

pairing: 141 x Reader

warnings: none

a/n - i also work for a perfume company so I've had a couple of ideas about what scents the boys like :)

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

price - loves expensive, smokey scents on anyone. imagine the scents of a fresh cigar-that's what price wants in a fragrance. notes like pepper, leather, tobacco, cedar wood, and iris will make him crumble.

masculine

oud wood - tom ford notes: oud wood, sandalwood, chinese pepper

osmanthe kodoshan - maison crivelli notes: leather, tobacco, sichuan pepper, apricot, peach

functional fragrance - the nue co. notes: cardamom, iris, palo santo, cilantro

unisex

hinoki fantôme - boy smells notes: tobacco leaves, oak moss, and smoked leather

jazz club - maison marigela notes: pink pepper, rum, tobacco

lumière d’iris - veronique gabai notes: rose, iris, cedarwood, amber

feminine

baccarat rouge 540 - maison francis kurkdjia notes: jasmine, ambergris, saffron, cedar wood

cuir béluga - guerlain notes: leather, powder, vanilla

platinum 22 - floris london notes: rose, violet leaf, blackcurrant, oat, black tea

soap - woodsy, floral scents are soap's surprising pick. it brings back memories of the scottish countryside, adventuring in the woods and smelling the fresh flowers his mam had. notice notes of herbs (sage, rosemary, mint), lavender, and violet.

masculine

sauvage - dior notes: pepper, amberwood, bergamot, powder

h24 - hermès notes: clary sage, narcissus, rosewood

new york wall street - bond no.9 notes: sea kale, cucumber, lavender, ambergris, vetiver

unisex

voodoo chile - dries van noten notes: rosemary, patchouli, hemp

libre - yves saint laurent notes: lavender, musk

dirty grass - heretic notes: black pepper, lemon, hemp, violet

feminine

melancholy thistle - jo malone london notes: thistle, english ivy, cool wood

portrait of a lady - frédéric malle notes: frankincense, black currant, raspberry, patchouli

la tulipe - byredo notes: tulips, cyclamen, fressia, rhubarb

gaz - FLORAL CITRUS will make this man fall in love with you. it reminds him of a warm summer day sitting in the grass and smelling flowers. look for summery fragrances with notes of citrus, lemon, sage, and fresh herbs.

masculine

bleu de chanel - chanel notes: citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, cedar

polo black - ralph lauren notes: iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, patchouli

l'homme - yves saint laurent notes: bergamot, ginger, cedar wood, vetiver

unisex

cactus garden - louis vuitton notes: maté, bergamot, lemongrass

velvet cypress - dolce & gabbana notes: pine, lemon zest, bergamot, clary sage

eau de campagne - sisley notes: grass, citrus, herbs, jasmine, lily of the valley

feminine

brazilian crush cheirosa 62 - sol de janeiro notes: pistachio, almond, sandalwood, heliotrope, jasmine

her blossom - burberry notes: mandarin, plum blossom, sandalwood

flora gorgeous jasmine - gucci notes: mandarin, jasmine, magnolia, sandalwood

ghost - likes a light, musky scent! he loves when a scent adds to a person's natural smell (he hates sugary, gourmand scents). ingredients like musk, ambrox, pepper, sandalwood catch his eye as he pictures fresh sheets and a rainfall in a forest.

masculine

geranium pour monsieur - frédéric malle notes: mint, aniseed, sandalwood, geranium, frankincense

atlantis - blu atlas notes: orris, oak moss, violet, musk, ambrette seed

gentleman - givenchy notes: pear, lavender, patchouli

unisex

glossier you - glossier notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds, ambrox

not a perfume - juliette has a gun notes: ambergris

santal 33 - le labo notes: violet cardamom, cedar wood, iris, ambrox

feminine

missing person - phlur notes: musk, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood

golden nectar - nest notes: florals, orchid, amber, musk

apollonia - xerjoff notes: white floral, orris butter, white musk

extra! alejandro - if ghost likes it simple and light, then alejandro is the exact opposite. he loves when he can smell someone's fragrance across the room. focus on bold fragrances with spicy notes of nutmeg, myrrh, and rum that is mixed with the gourmand of vanilla, almond, and tonka bean.

masculine

the last day of summer - gucci notes: cedarwood, cypress, nutmeg, patchouli, vetiver

bibliothèque - byredo notes: peach, peony, violet, leather, patchouli, vanilla

london myrrh & tonka - jo malone notes: almond, vanilla, myrrh, lavender, honey

unisex

tobacco vanille - tom ford notes: tonka bean, vanilla. cacao

dark rum - malin + goetz notes: anise, plum, leather, rum, patchouli, amber

tao dao - diptyque notes: sandalwood, cedar, cypress, myrte

feminine

lost cherry - tom ford notes: black cherry, tonka bean, almond

brazil aroma - costa notes: white jungle flora, orange oil, pink pepper, bourbon, vetiver, patchouli

babylon - penhaligon's notes: saffron, nutmeg, coriander, cedar wood, vanilla, cypriol

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[missoneminute]

Combing my two biggest interests - The Libertines and perfume, recalling the scents which defined that era for me.

Libertine by Vivienne Westwood - Notes of Pineapple, Lily-of-the-Valley, Oakmoss, Labdanum and Musk. Released in 2000 and sadly discontinued. (A tester strip from this perfume was pasted into one of Peter’s early journals.) There are many perfumes that have had this same name since, but only one that smelled exactly like the year 2000 - mossy, earthy but soapy and clean, playful and lively, wiping off the grass stains of grunge and soaring into a new millennium, determined to cause trouble before it had consequences.

Stella by Stella McCartney - Notes of Rose Oil, Peony, Tangerine and Amber. Released in 2003. The syrupy rose jam scent of nights spent losing your mind - sleepless weekends, the eye of the storm of a cultural shift. Everything is alive, everything is exciting, everything is happening, and you can’t stop pressing your nose to your wrist, or a lover’s neck, to breathe it in, the hint of sour among all the flowers.

Prada Amber by Prada - Notes of Bitter Orange, Patchouli, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Labdanum and Tonka Bean. Released in 2004. A little sexy, a little dirty, things were getting messy. Sold via the cleanest of clean girl advertisements that were a total lie. This is the scent of a skanky cult - filthy and addictive, sweetness left on skin days after a kiss. An almost incoherent blend of vanilla and knees caked in mud - an ad for clean sheets when the bottle contains what went on between them.

Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood - Notes of Cardamom, Rose, Violet and Leather. Released in 2005 and also sadly discontinued. Where Libertine smelled of 2000 this smelled of 2005, the height of indie sleaze - leather jacket rock ‘n’ roll, hats and suits and ties and ironic nationalism, the celebration of all things British, driven at least in part by the explosion (and implosion) of The Libertines in English music and fashion culture. Weaved in with the spice of Brick Lane, the bootleg band shirts of Camden, the incense burning in the corner of your ashtray-scented flat.

Youth Dew Amber Nude by Estée Lauder - Notes of Cinnamon, Ginger, Carnation, Amber and Sandalwood. Released in 2005 and discontinued. The amber era for perfume, and the start of Tom Ford’s reign with ingenious collaborations that took dusty heritage brands into the modern age with their glamour intact in a time where we looked back to look forward. All the trash gathered up and made beautiful, injected with new life and resold at a premium. But didn’t it smell delicious, just like history, just like old money.

Belle d'Opium by Yves Saint Laurent - Notes of Jasmine, Incense, Tobacco, Peach, Rose and Patchouli. Released in 2010 (and yes, also discontinued). Rich and bold and witchy, the end of an era creeping in, all things indie drifting away, diluting but leaving their indelible mark - one last gasp of the rock star girlfriend, clad in her vintage faux furs and laddered tights, the messy glamour, the scent trail of a fearless era falling away, all those heightened, drunken memories of dollar store incense and roll-on oil remade into its final form.

[santi-u]

[ bie thassapak hsu, demi-man, he/they ] Look who just landed! SANTI AMARIN-ZHAO, I sure hope you packed all you need. Perhaps you’re not worried as the CEO of X ACADEMY. The city has plenty of spots for a 29 year old SIGHIR like you. You’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE PEACEMAKER, being CHARISMATIC and INSTIGNANT. 

❯ tags — interview — bio — headcanons — wanted connections & plots

OOC Information

Fayn / PST (Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles) /  They/Them 

Muse: Santi Amarin-Zhao 

Tagging System: here

Interview: here

Muse’s Statistics

Full Name: Santi Amarin-Zhao | สันติ อมรินทร์ | 兆三緹

Nickname: Silk / Xiao Ti (小緹) / Titty (lmao)

Date of Birth: 28 May 2376

Gender: Demi-Man

Pronouns: He/They

Sexual Orientation: Queer

Romantic Orientation: …Ask him when he’s drunk. (Queer)

Current Age: 29

Modification: Sighir (Classified) Human :)

Affiliation: X Academy

Birthplace: New Jakarta

Current Neighbourhood: Sora

Occupation: CEO of X Academy, Philanthropist, Insider Threat, Dog Papa :)

Known Languages: English, Thai, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Bahasa

Appearance

Faceclaim: Bie Thassapak Hsu

Height: 6'0"

Eye Colour: Dark brown, almost black

Hair Colour: Naturally black, tends to dye it dark, reddish brown 

Clothing Style: Has an extensive suit collection, surprisingly only a fraction of which are custom tailored. Wears more eccentric and femme-leaning blazer choices when feeling up to it. Tends to wear layers and long sleeves even during warm weather. Wears a hat to disguise himself in the Slums. Occasionally wears glasses.

Jewelry:  Watch he inherited from a mentor. Occasionally wears a bracelet and necklace with no real sentimental meaning, just only for the vibe. 

Tattoos: N/A

Marks/Scars: An innumerable amount of scars all over his body, even his face, as a result of testing done on him. They’ve all healed nearly perfectly thanks to his Sighir powers, and as a result, they’re nearly imperceptible / basically invisible unless you know what you’re looking for and are literally up in his business. He doesn't usually let anyone get that close, physically or emotionally.

Modifications: N/A

Scent/Fragrance: Tom Ford Ébène Fumé — overall woody and smoky; has notes of incense, palo santo, black pepper, violet leaf, leather, and labdanum

Personality

Positive Traits: Charismatic, compassionate, loyal

Neutral Traits: Guarded, resourceful, analytical

Negative Traits: Hyperindependent, manipulative, self-destructive

Peeves: His lunch getting double booked, expense reports, interviews, people who pet Khoi without asking Khoi if he’d like to be pet, people who don’t respect nature

Fears: A particular part of the city he now avoids going to at all costs; locked, windowless rooms; his parents; vulnerability

Skills: Partnership management, B2B commerce, research design, organizational management, public speaking, tying the perfect tie in one shot, being able to tell what kind of spices were used in a dish, inhuman-like terrifyingly high pain tolerance

Goals: Autonomy and control over his own fate

Favourites

Likes: His black golden retriever (Khoi), a tasteful accent pocket square, street food, boba, bugs (butterflies in particular), a certain Overseer :)

Dislikes: The smell of antiseptic, stainless steel furniture and decor, loss of control 

Hobbies: Cooking, going out to Bartori or the Marwar Market in disguise to eat street food

Habits: Sleep talking, overworking, checking the app on his phone to make sure Khoi is okay at home

One Cherished Item: The chrysalis of a butterfly he helped raise in secret from a caterpillar when he was a child

Biography

UNN's Class of 2405: 30 Under 30 Interview with Santi Amarin-Zhao, CEO of X Academy

Date: September 12, 2404 Time: 13:57 PM NJT Location: X HQ, Santi’s Office

The interview takes place in the sleek, ultra-modern headquarters of X Academy, a towering structure that dominates the skyline of New Jakarta. The office is a blend of glass and metal, with a panoramic view of the sprawling city below. Santi sits behind a minimalist desk, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, betraying the meticulous mind behind the polished exterior. The interviewer, an experienced journalist from the United News Network, is acutely aware that this is more than just a profile piece—it’s an opportunity to peel back the layers of one of Mars' most enigmatic young leaders.

Interviewer: "Santi Amarin-Zhao, thank you for joining us today. It's not every day that we get to sit down with one of the youngest CEOs in New Jakarta's history. Let's start from the beginning—being born and raised on Mars is still not an everyday occurrence, and especially not nearly three decades ago. How has your upbringing shaped the leader you are today?"

Santi offers a warm smile, the kind that has won him the admiration from many of the million citizens of New Jakarta, but behind that smile is a carefully crafted persona. He knows exactly how to play this role, the heir to a legacy of power and innovation.

Santi: "Thank you for having me. My upbringing was nothing short of a privilege, and I recognize that every day. My mother's side was instrumental in the initial colonization efforts, and my father's side were some of the original Braax mine owners. Their combined legacy is something I take very seriously. Growing up, I was always taught that with great power comes great responsibility—not just to my family, but to the people of New Jakarta."

As he speaks, Santi’s thoughts drift momentarily to his childhood, where lessons were taught not in classrooms, but in boardrooms. His mother, a brilliant scientist, would often take him to meetings where breakthroughs in Martian terraforming and mineral research were discussed, while his father, a shrewd businessman, exposed him to the intricacies of corporate strategy. From a young age, Santi learned that every action, every word, was a move in a larger game—a game he was expected to win.

Interviewer: "That's a powerful ethos to live by. Many would say that you were born into success, but you've clearly worked hard to maintain and build upon that legacy. What drives you to keep pushing forward, especially in such a high-stakes environment?"

As the interviewer asks this, Santi leans back slightly, as if contemplating the question. The truth is, the drive to push forward comes not from ambition alone, but from a deeper, almost primal need to assert control over a life that has always been orchestrated by others. But that’s not something he can admit out loud.

Santi: "You know, it's easy for people to assume that everything was handed to me on a silver platter, but the reality is far more complex. Yes, I had opportunities that others might not, but I was also held to incredibly high standards. From a young age, I was taught the importance of hard work, and that success is not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it. I’ve always believed in leading by example, which is why I make it a point to be in the trenches with my team, whether it's working late nights on a project or navigating the complexities of our latest research initiatives."

He recalls the countless nights spent in the labs of X Academy, not because he needed to be there, but because he wanted to understand every aspect of the institution he would one day lead. He wasn’t just a figurehead—he was determined to know the ins and outs of every department, every project. The long hours weren’t just about work; they were about proving, perhaps to himself more than anyone else, that he was worthy of the legacy he was born into.

Interviewer: "It's clear that your work ethic is something you take pride in. Let's talk about X Academy. Under your leadership, it's become a beacon of hope for many in New Jakarta, especially with the rising tensions in the city. How do you balance the pressures of being a public figure with the responsibilities of running such a pivotal institution?"

Santi’s expression shifts subtly—a flicker of something deeper, darker. He knows that the public sees him as a beacon of hope, a leader who can unite the fractured city. But the truth is, the very tensions they hope he will resolve are often of his own making. He is both the architect of chaos and the one who brings order, a duality that he keeps hidden beneath layers of charm and calculated sincerity.

Santi: "Balancing those pressures is definitely a challenge, but it's one I embrace. X Academy was founded with the goal of advancing scientific research for the betterment of all Martian citizens, and that mission is something I take to heart. At the same time, I understand the power of public perception. People are looking for someone to believe in, especially now, and I’m grateful that they see me as that figure. However, it’s not just about what I can do as a leader, but what we can achieve together as a community. Creating opportunities for all, committing to public good—these are not just slogans, but guiding principles in everything I do."

He remembers the latest crisis he orchestrated in the Akumu Slums—a small piece of information, leaked at just the right time, setting off a chain of events that sent shockwaves through the city. It was a dangerous game, one that could easily spiral out of control, but Santi thrives on the thrill of it. The chaos serves a purpose; it keeps people looking to him for solutions, reinforcing his role as the indispensable leader.

Interviewer: "You've been dubbed 'The Peacemaker' by some, yet New Jakarta is far from peaceful, if we must be honest. How do you reconcile this title with the realities of the city?"

Santi knows this question is coming, and he’s prepared. The irony of the title isn’t lost on him—it’s part of the persona he’s carefully cultivated. He is the Peacemaker, but peace, as he defines it, is a tool, a means to an end. True peace would leave him with nothing to control, nothing to fix, and that’s a reality he’s not ready to face.

Santi: "The title 'Peacemaker' is both a compliment and a burden. Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and opportunity. It’s no secret that New Jakarta faces many challenges, from economic disparities to social unrest. But these challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. My job is to navigate these complexities and find solutions that benefit the city as a whole. Sometimes, that means making difficult decisions that aren't immediately popular, but I always have the long-term prosperity of New Jakarta in mind."

As he speaks, his mind wanders to the many nights he spent alone in his office, staring out over the city. From this vantage point, he could see everything—the glittering towers of the elite, the sprawling slums below. It was all part of a grand design, one he was orchestrating from behind the scenes. Every conflict, every resolution, was a step towards a future only he could envision.

Interviewer: "There's a lot of talk about the criminal underworld in New Jakarta, particularly in the Akumu Slums. How does X Academy fit into this picture, and what steps are you taking to ensure that your initiatives aren't just a band-aid on a larger issue?"

Santi’s smile doesn’t falter, but inside, he feels a spark of satisfaction. The criminal underworld is a complex web, one that he’s intimately familiar with. He’s not just aware of it—he’s a part of it, a shadowy figure pulling strings from the comfort of his high-rise office. But that’s a truth he’ll take to his grave.

Santi: "The situation in the Akumu Slums is one of the most pressing issues we face, and it’s something I’m deeply concerned about. X Academy's role is to provide education and resources that empower people to create better lives for themselves, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why I’ve been working closely with the Overseers and other city leaders to address the root causes of these problems. It’s not just about education; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As for the criminal circuit—let's just say, we're keeping a close eye on things and doing everything we can to ensure that X Academy’s work is part of the solution, not part of the problem."

He remembers the recent heist at one of X Academy’s facilities, a heist that the public believed was a tragedy. What they didn’t know was that Santi had orchestrated the entire event, leaking the location of the facility to a rival faction in the slums. It was all part of a larger plan, one that would ultimately strengthen his grip on the city. The stolen research was never meant to be used—it was a decoy, a test of loyalty and competence for those who would carry out his orders.

Interviewer: "Lastly, with everything you've accomplished so far, what does the future hold for you and X Academy? How do you plan to continue your family's legacy while also making your own mark?"

Santi pauses, considering his response carefully. The future is something he thinks about often, but not in the way most people do. For him, the future is a canvas, one that he can shape and mold to his liking. His family’s legacy is the foundation, but the empire he’s building will be his own.

Santi: "The future is bright, but it’s also uncertain—and that’s what makes it exciting. My family’s legacy is something I’m incredibly proud of, but I’m also focused on carving out my own path. For X Academy, that means continuing to push the boundaries of scientific research and making sure that our work has a real, tangible impact on the lives of the people of New Jakarta. Personally, I’m committed to staying grounded, to listening to the needs of the community, and to never losing sight of the values that brought me here. My goal is to make sure that when people think of X Academy, they don’t just think of a name—they think of a force for good that is changing the world for the better."

As he finishes, Santi glances out the window, his mind already racing with the next steps in his plan. The interviewer thanks him for his time, and Santi responds graciously, but his thoughts are elsewhere. The interview is just another move in the game, another step in a carefully plotted journey that only he knows the destination of.

Interviewer: "Thank you, Santi. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next."

Santi: "The pleasure’s all mine. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story."

As the interviewer leaves, Santi sits back in his chair, allowing himself a rare moment of introspection. He’s come so far, but there’s still so much to do. The city of New Jakarta is a complex machine, and he’s the one turning the gears. The future he envisions is one of power, control, and legacy—his legacy, not just his family’s. And he won’t stop until every piece of the puzzle falls into place.

End of interview.

[helium-rambles]

Coffee Perfumes

Ever since I got into perfume, I have dreamed about smelling like black coffee. Not to spoil the review, but that dream has not come true. Nonetheless, here's all the fragrances I've tried that I've been told smell like black coffee (in alphabetical order by brand)

Alkemia's Caffaeum (five year aged black amber, Arabian coffee, labdanum, benzoin) This smells very perfume-y to me. If I smelt this on someone else, I would think it was a mainstream spray instead of an indie oil. It doesn't trigger migraines for me, but it's still not pleasant. Vaguely cough-syrup like. Other reviewers have said this scent is mostly amber, and amber rarely agrees with me, so that's probably why I don't like it. I understand in a vague way where this might smell like coffee. There's a richness to it that imitates coffee, but it doesn't work for me.

Bath Sabbath's Cupajoe (Freshly brewed coffee with hints of vanilla and cream) This one is nutty. If you drink primarily nutty coffee, this will probably smell like coffee to you. The vanilla adds some sweetness, but not enough to completely distract from the "coffee" scent. Alas, this doesn't work as a coffee scent to me, but I get where some people interpret coffee.

Haus of Gloi's Coffee Haus (coffee, chocolate, caramel, almond) People rave about this being the ideal black coffee scent. "You can't even smell the chocolate and other notes" they say. I think the people who say this have never smelt coffee before. This is straight up chocolate. Like, it's semi-sweet chocolate so I think people are tricked into thinking it's coffee by the fact that it's darker than milk chocolate. But as a lover of coffee and dark chocolate, I'm not buying it.

(Special note!!! After everyone in my household had thoroughly denounced this perfume as pure chocolate, we received a free sample of Frederick's brand cold coffee. We were convinced it was a mocha that they forgot to put the coffee into, but the ingredients list only coffee beans and water so....if you drink Frederick's brand coffee, I guess Coffee Haus does smell like coffee?!?! Still, I cannot in good faith recommend this as a coffee scent.)

Osmofolia's Cold Brew (ice, coffee beans, espresso) My reaction to this can be summed up as: What the fuck. People swear this smells like straight coffee and I would like to know what drugs they are on. This is floral and fruity, with maybe a hint of musk. It's a pretty nice actually, just not what I wanted at all. I thought maybe I was just having a weird reaction to this perfume because it is SO FAR OFF from coffee. Then my housemate tried it and also was like, "Oh, this is a nice fruity-floral scent. What's in it :) ... COfFEE?!?!?!?!?" So I thought perhaps they scent me the wrong sample. However, after trying another one of their perfumes with coffee as a side note, I'm pretty sure it's just this house's coffee.

Poesie's Whisper Your Bitter Things (coffee beans, clove, cinnamon, jasmine, neroli, vanilla bean) Okay, I can't give a good review of this perfume, because I seem to be anosmic to most of Poesie's notes. This smells like nothing for the first 20 minutes, then suddenly hits you with a blast of citrusy florals. My housemate can smell it from the beginning, but still smells no coffee. They do get the spices and florals, though. So, depending on whether you can smell this or not, it may or may not smell like black coffee. Who knows.

Possets Hophead (coffee and five ambers) This is fruity amber. No coffee, but like Caffaeum, I get where people can mistake the richness of amber into a coffee scent. It's basically the same scent as Caffaeum without the off-putting perfumey-ness.

Red River Apothecary's Raktajino (roasted espresso and sweet marshmallow fluff) You have no idea how sad I am this didn't work for me. Not only was it the last on my list to try, but it being named after a Star Trek drink made my inner nerd very happy. Alas, that marshmallow is soooo sweet. I do get the coffee underneath. It's nutty coffee, similar to Cupajoe, but deeper. I would possibly accept this as a coffee scent if it weren't for that dreadful marshmallow :(

Samar's Buzzworthy (Espresso, dark cocoa, vanilla cream, hazelnut) I get a powdery-chocolate from this. It reminds me of this coffee-scented chapstick one of my friends had in high school. Needless to say, that chapstick did not smell like coffee. My housemate gets an overwhelming amount of powdery vanilla. It's very reminiscent of marshmallows to them.

In conclusion: I will not be smelling like coffee any time soon :(

[princessofmissouri]

fav flower(s)? 💐

great question. the older i get the more i’m willing to accept most flowers, i used to be a florist so this decision is super hard for me lol i know too many and have had to look at n smell too many

more recently it’s peonies, queen annes lace, labdanum, lilac, wysteria

familial symbols that will always have a heavy weight n meaning to me are morning glories and honeysuckle

when i’ve been asked this question in the past i would say lisianthus but i think that my relationship w it is more for the flowers beauty than the symbol which is valid too

[blogperfumes]

Chanel Blue de Chanel Eau Parfum

Chanel SA é a grife fundada em 1910 por Gabrielle Chanel (carinhosamente chamado de "Coco" pelos amigos). Ele foi um dos primeiros designers a introduzir calças para mulheres. Chanel criou uma revolução semelhante no mundo do perfume com a sua primeira fragrância, o icónico Chanel N °5, introduzido pela primeira vez em 1921. Esta fragrância continua a ser um best-seller em todo o mundo. A primeira edição foi criada em 1920.

Chanel Blue de Chanel Eau Parfum

As fragrâncias Chanel foram feitas em colaboração com os perfumistas Jacques Polge, Henri Robert, Ernest Beaux e Christopher Sheldrake. Chanel apresenta a sua versão melhorada, Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum, no verão de 2014. A fragrância é dedicado a liberdade sem fim, profundo e sem limites.

Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum é uma fragrância aromática amadeirada criada por Jacques Polge numa versão mais sensual na qual as notas de cedro secas ambreadas denotam sensualidade e voluptuosidade. As notas de madeira almiscaradas e a madeira de sândalo da nova caledônia conferem elegância e profundidade. Um perfume impulsivo com uma óptima fixação. https://youtu.be/oG-nnDlnWrA A cabeça da composição aromática encanta com a união de bagas picantes de pimento com fruta cítrica fresca. Após alguns instantes, estas notas intensas são substituídas por notas delicadas compostas de flor fresca de jasmim e vetiver exótico. A base da fragrância Chanel Bleu de Chanel é caracterizada por uma combinação de cedro, madeira de sândalo, patchouli terroso e gengibre. Notas de Cabeça - citrinos, pimenta e mentha Notas de Corpo - vetiver, jasmim e labdanum Notas de Base - gengibre, madeira de sândalo, patchouli e cedrus Chanel Blue é a fragrância de um homem que se recusa a ficar sujeito a regras. Revela um personagem que se afirma com independência e determinação. O espírito de um homem que escolhe o seu destino. O Bleu de Chanel oferece uma linha completa de produtos para o barbear e para o corpo, para um perfume intensificado ao longo do dia. A fragrância está disponível em 50 e 100ml Eau de Parfum. Read the full article

[myscentarchive]

Love, don't be shy - By Kilian

Eau de Parfum - 0.7 ml (wand)

Notes- TOP: Neroli, Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Coriander MIDDLE: Orange Blossom, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Iris, Rose, Marshmallow BASE: Sugar, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Civet, Labdanum

Gender: Feminine Inspiration: Exhilarating, unforgettable, Love, don't be shy implores you at the opening with tender orange blossom absolute.

Fragrance Story: First love's innocence makes itself known with juicy honeysuckle and plush rose softly caressed by the sweetness of luscious marshmallow sugar accord, satisfying the craving pang of new love. A warm amber base lends a pulsing touch of sensuality, hinting the possibility of soon knowing another soul, inside and out.

[regulushair]

So, the only perfume review I am somewhat capable of writing right now:

Parfums Constantine "Mademoiselle N. 12" (private collection)

When I first tried it at the store all I could feel was bright and prickly citrus - which is understandable - the top notes are lemon and mint. I definitely feel lemon, not so sure about mint.

Tried it from a blotter (it was just a strip of paper, but till) at home in calmer situation and still felt the citruses, but they went away pretty fast to give way to the flowers of the middle notes. Felt jasmine without even looking at the pyramid, felt something like peony (heard, however, that peony is a pretty difficult thing to recreate in perfume, so I'm not sure). The pepper is a little more difficult to hear there, but it is just a tiny bit spicy. The base notes are definitely much sweeter - so I can believe in sugar cane that's supposed to be there. Don't really feel anything too woody - to my nose it remains quite flowery, probably thanks to labdanum (no clue what it's supposed to smell like on its own though). The last phase could be felt on the blotter many hours later.

Tried wearing it out once to the theatre, didn't really catch the jasmine part, but definitely got lemons and the final somewhat flowery sweetness. Might behave differently in the summer (but you have to keep in mind that I run pretty warm at all times), but there's no way of knowing until I try.

[missanthropicprinciple]

Chanel fragrance review 

My dad bought this set for my mom in the mid-90s. I can’t seem to find the exact thing online but I believe they were from the Les exclusifs de Chanel line. We got them at Dayton’s, a famous department store that was started in Minneapolis in 1902, was rebranded in 2001 as Marshall Field’s, and was bought out by Macy’s in 2006. I’m wondering if the bottles Dad chose were in a pick-your-own situation. The bottles came with a soft, diamond-quilted black travel case with a handle. I imagine this was not a cheap purchase for my dad. My mother never really used it, often falling back on her vintage Karl Lagerfeld Chloé. So I just “borrowed” this set and was told I could just continue to keep using it indefinitely. I use them sparingly as they’re expensive and may have gone through reformulation.

N°22 eau de toilette: It seems that all les exclusifs were reformulated in 2007, so my review won’t reflect the current formula. It’s also difficult to find a review of N°22 eau de toilette, as the parfum is more common. According to the one review I could find, the top notes are aldehydes which accounts for its metallic sharpness, the middle notes are Jasmine, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang and Rose  - this combo gives it a deeply balanced scent, and the base notes are Vetiver, Vanilla and Incense, which give it a smokiness. Overall, it’s powerful for a toilette and the talc scent hits you right off the bat, reminiscent of Guerlain Shalimar but more fruity. The jasmine and Ylang-Ylang linger on my skin.

Coco eau de toilette: The general consensus is that eau de toilette is weaker after reformulation in recent years. I also have the new eau de parfum but that’s still quite strong. This eau de toilette is a warm and complex scent. Even the note analysis reads like a shopping list. “Top notes are Bulgarian Rose, Peach, Coriander, Mandarin Orange and Jasmine; middle notes are Cloves, Rose, Mimosa, Orange Blossom and Clover; base notes are Sandalwood, Opoponax, Amber, Civet, Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Labdanum.” Needless to say, it’s a very spicy scent. The sandalwood balances out the floral notes, making it the classic evening fragrance. Both the older eau de toilette and the current Coco I have linger on the skin a fairly long time. I wear this in all seasons, though it seems to be favored for an autumn and winter fragrance. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

N°5 eau de toilette: Another shopping-list scent. “Top notes are Aldehydes, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Amalfi Lemon and Bergamot; middle notes are iris, Jasmine, Rose, Orris Root and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Civetta, Sandalwood, Musk, oak moss, Vetiver, Amber, Vanille and Patchouli.” The jasmine and rose stand out to me. For such a famous scent it’s remarkably light, certainly not in a bad way. Perhaps it doesn’t work for my skin, but is a bit bitter and talc-y once applied and much of the nuance is lost. I still recommend it, even if just for the novelty of being one of the most famous perfumes in the world. It certainly strikes me as a spring fragrance but it works in winter just as well.

N°19 eau de toilette: I would call this a unique fragrance, spring in a bottle, though mildly astringent. According to the Fragrantica profile the top notes are “Green Notes”, Bergamot and Neroli; middle notes are Iris, Rose, Narcissus, Lily-of-the-Valley and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are oak moss, Vetiver, Leather and Sandalwood. Atmospheric perfumes that try to capture a particular scene or experience are popular these days and this is an early example of that. You’re metaphorically transported to a woody glade full of dew on a spring morning. It was released in 1970, a year before Coco Chanel died, well into her 80s. The fragrance certainly reminds me of 70s aesthetics and could be called “dated” if you’re not into it, but I think it’s a great slice from the history of perfume.

Cristalle eau de parfum: At the time my father bought this in the mid to late 1990s, this was a new perfume, having been released in 1993. “Top note is Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Melon, Jasmine, Peach and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are Oakmoss and Vetiver.” A bit harsh, very 90s, kind of smokey, and slightly bitter. The orange fades a bit too fast, leaving the melon to sort of fester. You can smell the peach but only if you concentrate really hard. The consensus is that it’s a scent most suited to spring but honestly I’m getting strong autumnal vibes. I feel like you could wear this to the park for a picnic date or to a nightclub. It can be fairly versatile. 

Here’s the travel bag they came with: 

[helshades]

@valiha:

I remember some of this from school, buy I've also forgotten some. It's good to be reminded. Have you already talked about your favorite perfumes and why you like them?

Now that is a splendid idea. Using the plural, I mean, to mention favourites. I’m already incapable of choosing between two things practically as a way of life, so in terms of perfume, the old ‘What would you take to a desert island?’ meme reads to me like a cruel & unusual punishment.

For a long, long time I mourned my sheer incapacity to find myself The One, the one fragrance that would be me and which I’d wear to my deathbed and which to everyone else would be my scent—in retrospect, it wasn’t naïve only for the utter lack of self-knowing that ambition required, but also because it might have been rather bold of me to assume that the makers of Signature Scent 1.0 wouldn’t end up butchering the juice in reformulations, if they didn’t plainly cancel the production to replace it with some trendy abomination. You need spend very little time indeed in the perfume-crazed world to meet legions of mournful wearers of Opium or Féminité du bois, to say nothing of the distraught Guerlain aficionados out there. And then you’ve got your vintage perfume dealers who scrutinise batch codes frantically—such fun!

So, no unique signature scent, but I do have my list of most-cherished smells amongst my alarmingly-large collection:

Grimoire, L’Eau de Merzhin (Anatole Lebreton)

L’Heure bleue, Jicky, Jardins de Bagatelle & Après l’ondée (Guerlain)

Opium (Yves-Saint-Laurent)

Ce soir ou jamais, Grand Amour, Eau du ciel, Un matin d’orage [eau de toilette version], & Ninfeo Mio (Annick Goutal)

Ambre Russe, Aziyadé, Equistrius & Musc Tonkin (Parfum d’Empire)

Rouge Hermès

Ostara (Penhaligon’s)

L’Ombre dans l’eau, Eau de Lierre, Olène & Volutes (Diptyque)

Œillet Sauvage, Mon numéro 10, Nuit de tubéreuse, Traversée du Bosphore, Séville à l’aube, Drôle de rose, Voleur de roses, Timbuktu & Bois Farine (L’Artisan parfumeur)

Chergui, Daim Blond, Fleurs de citronnier, Sa Majesté la Rose & Five O’Clock au gingembre, Chêne, Clair de Musc (Serge Lutens)

Très Russe (Institut Très Bien)

Idole, Akkad (Lubin)

Habanita (Molinard)

Maroussia (Slava Zaitsev)

Youth-Dew (Estée Lauder)

Quite frankly, I could have included Guerlain’s Shalimar but in a bout of snobbery I didn’t, even though I wear it a lot in the summer. It is too wearable, precisely, and Guerlain releases three terrible flankers per year. Above all, Shalimar itself is a riff on the sublime Jicky, one of the house’s monuments, a complex beauty uniting aromatics (chiefly, a scrumptious lavender), citrus, spices, woods, balms, vanilla and leather which has been dazzling since its creation in 1889. I adore it. I’m incapable of wearing it in the summer.

I did, however, include a perfume I probably shouldn’t have: Opium, one of the most brutally beautiful things ever created by Man, and one that should have been left to die a glorious death a long time ago instead of reformulating it every five minute, not to mention the zillion horrid flankers milking the prestigious name to oblivion. A tragedy. Still, I added Opium to the list because I do own bottles of it in its original 1977 formula and in spite of the light maderisation, typical of vintage fragrances, its personality is intact. The funny thing is that when I was very young, everybody was wearing Opium, or more accurately attempting to do so because it isn’t that easy a perfume; now, you won’t smell it everywhere you go. You will, however, be subjected to the terrifying caramel bomb that is Black Opium, and suffer greatly.

In passing, and to speak of perfumes my mother used to wear when I was in my formative years, I cheated a little by including Habanita, the mother of all orientals that contain vetiver, a great-aunt to all orientals anyway, a pioneer in the style because when it was created in 1921 (as an oil meant to be dabbed on cigarette tips to cover the foul smell of smoke!) it was the opposite of what the market was like, but this luxurious monster soon became the flappers’ favourite fragrance (the perfume version was finally released in 1924). It was advertised at the time as ‘The Most Tenacious Perfume in the World!’, which wasn’t entirely unwarranted. It is made from nearly 700 essences, and in spite of various reformulations since the 1980s its core is unmistakable: a fresh start like a cologne with lemon and orange blossom, followed by languid flower queens, rose, jasmine and heliotrope, on a bed of soft leather impregnated with balsamic vanilla, musk and cedarwood.The thing is, Habanita is my mother’s perfume. I have a cologne version for the summer, but the winter version is kind of a personal taboo—so I retaliated by introducing her to Rouge Hermès.

If you haven’t been stalking me but you know one or two vague things about perfume, in seeing the list above you may have noticed that I’m completely obsessed with naturalistic florals and opulent florientals. I have two modes, apparently, where perfume is concerned: ‘Wet Garden’ versus ‘Fellini Woz Here’. I suspect that growing up during the late 1980s and 1990s, when women wore powerhouses over the Working Girl suits (and under the capillary sauerkraut) and femininity was all but rambunctious, but young girls could only wear Anaïs Anaïs and the Lancôme catalogue—I’m living my 1980s now, you see. Only, apparently I’m also living my 1880s at the same time. I had a lot of trouble not including the entire catalogue of L’Artisan Parfumeur and Diptyque and Parfum d’Empire, then. I didn’t include, either, perfumes that I love but don’t actually own (yet), like things by Jovoy, Frapin, Oriza L. Legrand or Atkinson’s.

You might have noticed also that there is only one (1) vetiver-based perfume on this list, which is the exhilarating Timbuktu. The list contains zero chypre, however, because I have trouble with oak moss in general, especially in the traditional chypre harmony of oak moss, cistus/labdanum, patchouli and bergamot. I’m peculiar about patchouli and I loathe it with fruit. Moss I love only truly with perfumes so green cows will follow you with hungry eyes, which is why the mossiest juice on the list, L’Eau de Merzhin, is more like faceplanting in grassy fertile soil than anything else. An excellent antidote to the terrible ongoing of ‘fruitchouli’ and caramel overdose, methinks.

Lastly... no, I didn’t include Nahéma, which I love. Yes, I have a zillion roses in my collection, and I’m still debating the inclusion of The Different Company’s Rose Poivrée, but the thing is, I’m hyperosmic to certain aldehydes—which makes the faintest sniff of N ͦ  5 a most expensive kind of torture—and my window to wear Nahéma, marvellous candied rose petals soaked in strong aldehydes, is ridiculously narrow, as I have to wait until the weather is hot enough for the aldehydes to wear off very quickly, but before it becomes too hot for me to bear wearing rose perfume, which I never do in the summer. In the spring, however, I drench myself in flowers everyday. People still don’t make quite as startled a face as they do in the water when I switched to Aggro Amber Incense mode. Feminists complaining about ‘manspreading’ in public transport should start wearing perfume. I have a list.

[talonted]

I can’t really believe that it’s been a year since the last round up, but here we are! If you want to see what made it into 2017’s favourites post you can read it HERE (spoiler, there may be some repeats as we all know I’m a creature of habit!) But let’s crack on with my 2018 favourites!

This has been a strange year for me, both in general and when it comes to beauty. I started my own business at the start of the year which I’m incredibly proud of but it has also meant that blogging has taken a bit of a backseat for me. I’m hoping to find a better balance in 2019 as I do miss writing and sharing my discoveries with you all, thank you to everyone who has stuck around through the quieter times – forget make up, YOU’RE my true 2018 favourites!

As with last year, I’ve tried to list every make up product in order of application rather than in order of preference. Some of these are products I’ve used for years, some are very new discoveries, but for me all of them are worthy of the title of ‘best of 2018’.

Once you’ve finished reading, please do head to the comments to let me know what your 2018 favourites were so I can check them out!

PRIMER

Winner – Sofina Primavista Long Keep Base

Highly commended – The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer

I am an oily gal so a primer is always necessary in my make up routine. If you’re not a primer convert, you can read more about primers and why I recommend them to everyone HERE: they’re a wonderful way to help your make up go on smoother, last longer, hydrate the skin, add glow… so many benefits! I stocked up on the Primavista primer in Japan at the beginning of the year as it’s wonderfully light but keeps my foundation in place all day – however it’s ridiculously expensive to buy here so I apologise for including it (and haven’t linked it for that reason), but I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t use it! If you want something more affordable and accessible, The Ordinary primer featured in last year’s round up and I still really like it, but all the Deciem founder drama put me off using it if I’m honest.

FOUNDATION

Winner – Make Up Forever Matte Velvet Skin*

Highly commended – L’Oreal Age Perfect

The MUFE foundation is probably the newest entry into my 2018 favourites, having only launched towards the end of the year, but it is BRILLIANT: it’s matte and lasts really well on my oily skin, but doesn’t cling to my dry patches; it looks glowy without being greasy; and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The L’Oreal Age Perfect foundation is very similar to one of my all-time favourites (L’Oreal True Match) but is a little bit more glowy and natural-looking so I tend to swing between those two when picking my base. I’ve reviewed it in full HERE.

  CONCEALER

Winner – Sephora High Coverage Gel Concealer

Highly commended – IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye*

This Sephora concealer is another non-mover in my favourites. Unfortunately Sephora have now stopped shipping to the UK so I’m loathe to include this product but it really is my most used concealer. It’s high coverage but light enough for the delicate under eye area and affordable (if you’re near a Sephora!)  The IT Cosmetics concealer is pricey but believe me when I say you need to use a blob the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, so it’ll last ages. This is the one I use when I need to bring out the big guns (e.g. red wine hangover…)

POWDER

Winner – Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java loose powder

Highly commended – Vichy Dermablend loose powder

I can’t count how many years I’ve been using this Bourjois powder, but it just ticks all the boxes for me. Very finely milled, with a slight sparkle to reflect the light (ideal for under-eyes), and doesn’t annoy my eyes – it does contain fragrance but it’s never annoyed my skin. If you’re very sensitive to fragrance, you may prefer the Dermablend powder, which is a great standard setting powder with a matte, sparkle-free finish. It’s more pricey, but it’s a huge pot.

  BROWS

Winner – Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Pencil

Highly commended – GOSH Shape & Fill

I love a strong brow and am quite picky about the products I use, especially as brow products for blondes are tricky to get right… many are either too warm or too ashy. The Maybelline brow pencil reminds me a lot of the Sephora version …. which I originally bought as an Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz dupe! All three have a fine nib and give a very natural, but long-lasting, finish. The GOSH brow product has a wedge-shaped pencil on one end and a powder on the other end (which I don’t use). If you like a stronger brow, I think the latter will be a better fit for you.

  EYESHADOW

Winner – Urban Decay Naked Heat*

Highly commended – Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance*

This category was tricky as I would say my Urban Decay Naked Heat palette was definitely my most used again this year, but I fell hard for the ABH Modern Renaissance palette (but didn’t use it nearly as much). Naked Heat featured in last year’s favourites post, which shows just how great it is. If you’re a fan of warm eyeshadows (or have blue/green eyes) then this will be so far up your street. Modern Renaissance is quite intense, with a high proportion of darker pink-toned shades so it’s definitely not for the faint hearted, but I do a little sigh every time I open it!

BLUSHER

Winner – Glossier Cloud Paints (P.S. that’s an affiliate link that will give you 10% off your order and me a credit on my account for sending you! Win-win!)

Highly commended – CanMake Cream Cheek Tint

Another new discovery for me (but not a new product by any means!) are the Glossier Cloud Paints. You can read my post about them HERE, but since then I’ve bought two more shades – I now have Puff (pale pink), Dusk (nude brown), and Beam (pale peach). These are cream liquid blushers that are lightweight on the skin and quite subtle so you can build them up really nicely. Following on my cream blusher obsession this year, I stocked up on CanMake cream blushers in Japan. I first discovered these on my first Japan trip a few years ago and they are brilliant – very easy to wear and ridiculously affordable (about £4 so please don’t pay the £30 some Amazon sellers are asking for!)

HIGHLIGHTER

Winner – Glossier Haloscope ‘Quartz’

Highly commended – Maybelline Master Strobing Stick Highlighter

I can’t believe that I avoided Glossier for so long as I didn’t buy into the subtle, natural make up look they embody. What a fool! The Haloscope highlighter is flipping dreamy: it gives a beautiful sheen to the skin without making you look greasy or like a glitter ball. I’ve been using it non-stop since it arrived. Before Haloscope converted me, I used the Maybelline stick highlighter. It’s a great stand-in if you are looking for a high-street option. I apply both with my fingertips to avoid disturbing the make up underneath and don’t think I’ll ever go back to powder highlighter!

MASCARA

Winner – Maybelline Lash Sensational

Highly commended – N/A

If you’re a regular reader you can’t be shocked by the inclusion of Maybelline Lash Sensational. It was my favourite last year and I have no doubt that it will be my favourite next year. It is my holy grail mascara and I will probably be buried with it. It lifts and separates lashes, is very black, doesn’t run even with my incredibly sensitive watery eyes, and doesn’t flake or transfer onto my brow bone. Plus it’s always on offer in Boots or Superdrug. Hand claps all round!

EYELINER

Winner – NYX Jumbo Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Pencil

Highly commended – Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow Stick*

I haven’t used liquid eyeliner or traditional pencil eyeliners much this year, but chunky crayon-type eyeliners will always be staples in my make up bag. Both the NYX and Bobbi Brown crayons are wonderful for either defining the eyes, an overall wash of colour, or building up a smokey, smudgy eye.

LIPSTICK

Winner – Sephora Cream Lip Stains

Highly commended – Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks

This is always the hardest category for me as lipstick is what makes me happiest when it comes to make up. But when I think of my most used and relied-on, the Sephora Cream Lip Stains are always number one. The name is a bit misleading, as they don’t stain at all – they are a standard matte liquid lipstick – but they do last very well, don’t dry the lips, and the colour range is great. You can watch a video containing swatches of my collection (I’ve added even more since!) HERE. The Kat von D lipsticks have an even better colour range (if you prefer more unique shades!) I find the formula a bit hit and miss, with some lasting all day and some fading within an hour so I have to pick and choose when I wear them but the colours are enough to keep me going back!

PERFUME

Winner – Shay & Blue Black Tulip*

Highly commended – Atelier Cologne Tobacco Nuit*

I was gifted Black Tulip last December and I’m still wearing and loving it – it’s warm and sweet without being cloying plus I think it’s a great size for the price. I always get comments on it because it’s pretty but slightly unusual as well. Atelier Cologne is a pricier brand but if you want to treat yourself, I think perfume is absolutely the way to do it. Tobacco Nuit is the sexiest perfume I own – tobacco flower, tangerine, labdanum… if you’re near a stockist I really recommend going in and smelling the entire range because they are just stunning. The only reason this isn’t my 2018 favourite is because I only have the travel-sized bottle and so I’ve been eking it out! There’s also one called Orange Sanguine that is summer in a bottle and it’s on my wishlist for next year.

  NAIL VARNISH

Winner – Essie Go Go Ginza

Highly commended – Essie Tart Deco

Choosing favourite nail varnishes is like choosing a favourite child for me… basically impossible. But I purposefully wore Go Go Ginza for our trip to Japan as I knew we’d be visiting Ginza, so that polish has such lovely memories for me. I need to replace my bottle as it’s severely depleted, but it is a beautiful pale grey-toned pink so I knew it would go with anything I chose to wear over those three weeks. The runner up, Tart Deco is a cult classic Essie shade for a reason – it’s like summer in a bottle for me, the perfect peach colour.

  And that’s your lot! So many amazing products, a lot of which are keepers from last year’s favourites which I think is a really good sign. Don’t forget to head straight to the comments to let me know what your 2018 favourites were!

Lex

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== PIN THIS IMAGE TO READ LATER!==

2018 Favourites: The Best Beauty Of The Year I can’t really believe that it’s been a year since the last round up, but here we are!

[beecost]

Nước Hoa Charme

Nước hoa charme được nguồn gốc xuất xứ triệt để từ nước việt nam với quy trình sinh nghiêm ngặt được chuyển giao từ âu châu. Chưa kể, thành phần và nguyên vật liệu để sinh nước hoa đều được nhập từ france, được cho là là một hãng nước hoa cao cấp tuy nhiên giá cả cực kỳ hợp lý cho người dân chúng ta. đôi nét về hãng charme https://beecost.vn/nuoc-hoa-charme.html Hãng charme là dòng nhãn hàng 100% từ nước ta, đã và đang gây chấn động trên thị trường nước việt nam thời nay. Theo chia sẻ của người tạo lập, nhãn hàng muốn tạo ra một hơi thở mới vào thị trường nước hoa của nước ta ở thời điểm hiện tại. Những sản phẩm lúc được tạo tác đều cần có tỷ lệ trong ngưỡng được cho phép từ cơ quan chức năng, vừa có được mùi thơm nhưng phải bảo đảm sức khỏe cho khách hàng. Những sản phẩm đều có kỹ thuật pha chế, chưng cất tối tân cùng nhà máy sản xuất đạt chuẩ iso và gmp giúp khách hàng triệt để yên tâm lúc dùng. đánh giá nhiều dòng nước hoa charme được ưa thích nhất hiện nay Nước hoa nam charme enternity Về toàn bộ xây dựng, dòng nước hoa này được đựng nội tại chai thủy tinh nhuốm màu đen trong thời gian suốt và cấu trúc hình vuông rất sang trọng. Hơn thế nữa, trên thân chai có logo charme cùng tên kết quả màu bạc cực kỳ nổi trội trên nền đen. Và tâm điểm đặc biệt nhất thực sự là phần nắp có xây dựng kỳ công, triệt để không tẻ nhạt đem đến sự khoái chí, dấu ấn cho khách hàng. Về mùi thơm, kết quả nước hoa nam charme enternity Có ba tầng hương : Hương đầu với mùi của cam berganot và hạt hồ tiêu lập ra sức hút, thu hút cho nam giới. Kế tiếp là sự phối hợp không có khiếm khuyết của hoa lavender cùng cỏ vetiver nhẹ nhàng Tầng hương sau cùng đem đến sự chậm rãi và dịu nhẹ của hoa labdanum, ambroxan cùng bách hương. Với ba tầng hương của sản phẩm này tạo cho khách hàng một vẻ ngoài rất thu hút, hay ho và đầy lịch lãm, khiến nam giới trở thành tin tưởng bản thân và thu hút hơn. độ tỏa hương của dòng này rất xa , chính vì vậy khách hàng cần dùng một lượng không quá kỹ, hợp với mùa xuân và thu dịu nhẹ. Hiện kết quả đang có mặt trên thị trường với giá thay đổi khoảng 550. 000 vnđ/ chai 60ml Nước hoa nữ charme queen Charme queen được biết đến qua tên gọi là một nữ hoàng của sắc đẹp với vẻ đẹp cực kỳ thu hút. Kết quả thay mặt cho sự sục sôi với một sự tươi trẻ của thành phần hoa đem đến sự khiêu gợi cho phái đẹp. Lúc dùng, mặt hàng cung cấp cho phái đẹp một cảm nhận mạnh mẽ đầy mê hoặc và cuốn hút đối phương. Với mùi thơm phối hợp giữa sự mới lạ của các mùi thơm dâu rừng, hoa hồng với mùi của mật ong và gỗ thơm. Dòng nước hoa này cực kỳ hợp với phong cách của các quý cô tối tân, năng nổ. điểm cộng của sản phẩm này là sự phối hợp hài hòa với hương hoa cỏ, đem đến một mùi thơm quen thân tuy nhiên lại mới mẻ. độ lưu hương cực kỳ lâu, kéo dài trong thời gian suốt từ 7-12 giờ. độ tỏa hương của nước hoa có bán kính trong vòng 2m khiến bạn thêm phần mê hoặc và đầy tin tưởng bản thân hơn. ở thời điểm hiện tại, kết quả đang có mặt trên thị trường với giá thay đổi khoảng 720. 000 vnđ/ chai 100ml.

🌏 Sản phẩm còn có mặt trên các nền tảng khác:

https://sites.google.com/view/beecost/n%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc-hoa-charme?authuser=5 

https://beecost.weebly.com/store/p47/N%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc_Hoa_Charme.html 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/129138239/Nuc-hoa-charme 

https://beecostvn.wixsite.com/beecost/post/n%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc-hoa-charme 

https://beecost.tumblr.com/post/664286585284608000/n%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc-hoa-charme 

https://beecostvn.blogspot.com/2021/10/nuoc-hoa-charme.html 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/833658581034503089 

https://twitter.com/cost_bee/status/1445222571352346624 

https://myspace.com/beecost 

https://www.plurk.com/p/ol2kfc