#patchouli paris

[persolaise]

Guerlain Patchouli Paris, Diptyque Les Essences and Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood reviews - 2024

We have a new Guerlain! And it's a good one. We also have five new Diptyques... but maybe not all of them are good ones...

Japan, France and a coral reef at the bottom of an ocean were just three of our ports of call in a recent session of Love At First Scent, in which I covered new releases from Guerlain, Jo Malone London and Diptyque. Here are links to all the videos, followed, as ever, by further thoughts on some of the perfumes: Guerlain Patchouli Paris review — Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood review —…

[angelitam]

Patchouli Paris de Guerlain

L’essence d’un Paris nocturne, Patchouli Paris de Guerlain. Patchouli Paris de Guerlain Une facette de la capitale encore jamais explorée par Guerlain avec la nouvelle Eau de Parfum L’Art & La Matière, Patchouli Paris. Patchouli Paris de Guerlain Patchouli Paris de Guerlain est un patchouli inspiré par les nuits parisiennes et leur magnétique. Le patchouli fait donc son show car il est…

[armandaughter]

Interview With the Vampire + Perfumes

i posted about wanting to make this and people were also curious, so here it is :) i absolutely have no qualifications to be making this. i just love perfumes and iwtv and wanted to combine em!! lmk ur thoughts <3 fyi this gets pretty long-winded and analysis heavy at times

louis de pointe du lac (new orleans/paris eras)

very slow world in my mind. i think he'd gravitate to the warm spice of it and the hints of whiskey. this also smells a bit like incense, which i think is fitting for him. louis' religious upbringing will always inform how i approach him. but this scent also reminds me of the clubs in new orleans, cigars and rich drinks, and that transfers over to him exploring new sides of himself in paris with photography and engaging with art and cafe scenes. i question the inclusion of the balsamic top note, it's actually much more tea-aligned! this is also quite masculine to me, which makes sense as, particularly in nola, he had to be a little overly masculine-- older brother, man of the house after the death of his father, business owner, and a black business owner in an extremely racist setting. i like this for him, i'd even go as far as to say maybe it's not quite masculine enough.

runner-ups: full incense by montale, nothing but sea and sky by une nuit nomade (this one is very bergamont heavy, which i also think he'd like) foreshadow by curatrix (this one is in my rotation rn and i am almost out because i use it SO much. musk, tobacco, incense, cypress)

louis de pointe du lac (dubai)

this one isn't similar to the above at all, but i think it sort of stays in line with what we know of louis in dubai. it's a very fresh scent, with residual fruity and cedar/fig accords snuck in there that are more noticeable with longer wear. this feels performative like most of dubai, put-together and appealing to the senses but deceptive at the end of the day. i think it's still something louis genuinely likes, but i see him, when he's happy, wearing something a bit more explicitly sweet-spicy, less wood-spicy. this is an amalgamation of the above scent and other sweeter, floral accords he'd drift to, but not quite leaning into it the way i suspect he'd be were he actually healed, had he actually confronted his past in full and emerged content with his circumstances.

runner-ups: of true minds by liis (this is inspired by shakespeare's sonnet 116, also smells like sooo complex. floral spicy with a bit of suede) angel dust by fugazzi (cashmere, pepper, bergamont)

lestat de lioncourt

i actually took so long to decide for lestat. after consulting @operahouses (thank you for enduring my lengthy perfume character analysis) i'm happy w this. it's very very floral, mostly rose, with jasmine and iris too. there's also the underlying patchouli and according to what i read, a sort of rosewater wine-y feel about it. walks the line of intense and mysterious with an elegant softness that feels very true to lestat coming off of paris and finding his footing (and the love of his life) in new orleans.

runner-ups: l'olympia music hall by histoires de parfums (floral, also the name is very lestat in the vampire lestat to me) baccarat rouge 540 by maison francis kurkdjian

rockstar lestat

this is zoologist, which literally makes perfumes off of animal scents. i think that is so fucking cool. anyway-- this is a very bold scent that takes the sweetness of the initial perfume i shared and expands upon it with some really interesting notes. there's passionfruit, leather, teakwood, and incense. (INCENSE, which i think he'd intentionally wear for the nostalgia it could potentially evoke in louis!!) but, overall, a very impressive and borderline questionable miasma of smells. because of this, it's startlingly unique. verrrry memorable, which is kind of the desired experience of a rockstar trying to get his ex-husband back.

runner-ups: triumph of bacchus by argos (this one has such an insanely diverse array of accords i feel only he could pull off) do not disturb by vilhelm parfumerie (this leans into femininity a bunch, which i am down for with lestat. also has some questionable accords but again i think this era welcomes that)

armand

so i'm not even going to pretend i'm not projecting with my first choice for him because i am-- press gurwitz 0.3 is soooo criminally underrated. it's got the knockout combo of the cinnamon and vanilla but when the smoky spice of it hits... it HITS! it also isn't overly sweet at all. the vanilla subdues the sweet notes and leaves sort of a smoky yet clean spiciness over time. i think also the idea of him wearing a gourmand scent has a lot of interesting character connotations in it-- wanting to be desired, wanting to be almost edible, to attract that sort of temptation. if not a gourmand, i can see him preferring fresh, clean, sharp scents-- hence the choices for him as rashid.

runner-ups: milk by commodity (amber, firewood, tonka bean; ultimately the marshmallow accord felt a bittttt out of line for him but this scent is GOOD. a pinch sharp but in a way that's striking rather than obtrusive) female christ by 19-69 (eucalyptus, woody, with cashmere and cinnamon at the base notes, emerging the longer the scent is worn)

armand as rashid

this one has a lot going on but i NEED you to stay with me and hear me out. first of all-- there's notes of pineapple here, which i feel are soooo good given the 'honey and pineapple' exchange. there's also a lot of sweetness here and while the 'honey' part isn't explicit, i feel like it's still reminiscent of it. also, who's to say rashidmand doesn't wear honey body oil with this? wouldn't put that past him. otherwise, this is also pretty floral, fresh, and long-lasting. my one flaw is it is intense, especially for his playing as rashid. my defense here is this: he's already gone with the slutty shirts and the speaking out of turn, so a memorable scent doesn't seem suddenly too far, at least not to me. also, the bottom notes like the vanilla stabilize the intensity. for the first hour or two after application, i'm sure this lingers in a room (which is what he'd want) but as it fades, you'd have to be in closer proximity to notice it.

runner-ups: honey & crocus by jo malone london (this is the honeyed scent that could replace the pineapple one, with traces of saffron and lavender included too which go nicely) fleur de délice by reminiscence (VERY herbal and fresh)

daniel molloy (1973)

ok i am pretty sure i'm not the first to say this but he's SO jazz club. to me. this on top of probably perpetually smelling like cigarettes. and i've heard it's more masculine-leaning, with the rum, spice, and tobacco staying on the longest. i think in devil's minion canon armand would also be all over this like a bloodhound. not much else to say aside from boozy and kinda sexy. the kind of thing you'd wear to go out and score drugs or a fatal vampire encounter.

runner-ups: none! i stand by this one. possibly book by commodity, which uses cedar and sandalwood to come shockingly close to putting your nose in a book. also accomplishes a sort of smokiness.

daniel molloy

this is kind of like if jazz club matured a bit. from what i read (i haven't smelled this one) it's very leathery and dry with a slight sweetness at the end. it has some pine and dates in the list of accords, which works for me too. it is also a bit sensual and i think daniel would wear this in dubai to see louis for the first time since '73. not too intense, which i think he'd prefer. @operahouses suggested a new car smell and i STRONGLY agree.

runner-ups: ombré leather (2018) by tom ford (this went too herbal for me to attribute to him, but i still think leather is good for him)

claudia in new orleans

getting into headcanon territory. this scent is sweet, light, and rosy. i'm imagining this is a gift from lestat before things soured. also something to wear before she branched out and developed her own preferences. i personally think this one is a bit strong and just a tad like a bath, but then again it's very clean and satisfying when the initial scent sits for a little. the sugarcane there brings it together too. this would also contribute to the infantilization both louis and lestat force upon her, the shared--whether explicit or implicit- idea that she's theirs, only the 'girl' part of daughter and too young and naive to be the 'woman.' i feel like she'd grow to hate this smell eventually the same way she grew to resent what lestat and new orleans meant for her.

runner-ups: rose of no man's land by byredo (i didn't think the spices fit, but could be that's a stepping stone for her)

claudia (paris)

i haven't tried this scent but i do love curatrix. so i think in a similar way to daniel's progression this is an older, sultry, woody-sweet rendition of what a younger claudia would enjoy. knowing curatrix, it's probably a bit intense, but for a woman duelling with the reality she will not ever be properly seen as a woman, i think it's very fitting! the cloves and tobacco lend age to it while the honey and vanilla sweeten it up a bit, dries down into a suggestion of ginger. i think the name would attract her as well. claudia owns being a vampire-- she loves it, wants so badly to be loved by the coven for loving vampirism, so the idea of fatale is definitely something she would gravitate to in my mind.

runner-ups: hypnotic poison by dior (similar wood themes with a bit of floral and fruitiness mixed in, but mostly, the bottle is cute) carmilla by immortal perfumes (the name, naturally-- also has a blood accord!! was my first choice until i remembered fatale exists)

madeline

gets a classic. i wore this for years before i started to present less feminine. it's clean, floral, sweet, a bit powdery, and stays on forever. not too overwhelming but def alluring. one of thee ultimate femme lesbian choices to me!

runner-ups: immortelle by chloé (still white floral with some tonka snuck in. i like the name for her a lot!)

santiago

i really have nothing to say other than this scent doesn't get very good reviews and it kind of pisses me off and that's perfect for him. def wears way too much of this and it pisses off everyone in the coven. the HEIGHT of gay man who is about to infuriate you.

okay i had a lot of fun doing this. so if anybody else matched my freak ab this i would LOVE to do more.

[tab00-t33f]

Joestar’s Favorite Perfume Headcanons

Heres a request from sweet anon about the Joestar’s favorite scents and perfumes! Hope I got this request right! :3

Also I see you guys really liked my latest bruno fic and some woukd like a continuation! I’d be happy to continue my “Dangerous Devotion” fic!!

Jonathan Joestar:

Favorite Smell: Freshly bloomed roses.

Perfume Recommendation: Chloé Eau de Parfum

This feminine fragrance is centered around a fresh and powdery rose scent, with hints of peony and lychee for added delicacy. It’s romantic and graceful—just what Jonathan would adore.

Joseph Joestar:

Favorite Smell: Citrus and warm spices.

Perfume Recommendation: Dior Addict Eau Fraîche

A lively fragrance featuring bright citrus notes like grapefruit and bergamot, paired with a warm base of white musk. It’s playful and confident, perfectly matching Joseph’s taste.

Jotaro Kujo:

Favorite Smell: Oceanic and fresh.

Perfume Recommendation: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

This perfume is crisp and refreshing, with notes of Sicilian lemon, apple, and cedarwood. Its aquatic, clean aroma is something Jotaro would quietly appreciate.

Josuke Higashikata:

Favorite Smell: Fruity and playful.

Perfume Recommendation: Escada Cherry in Japan

A bright and juicy perfume featuring cherry blossom, red fruit, and musk. It’s fun, sweet, and full of life—something Josuke would find irresistible.

Giorno Giovanna:

Favorite Smell: Citrus and florals.

Perfume Recommendation: Lancôme Ô de Lancôme

A sophisticated citrus-floral fragrance with notes of lemon, bergamot, and honeysuckle. Its elegant yet vibrant composition perfectly suits Giorno’s refined preferences.

Jolyne Cujoh:

Favorite Smell: Tropical and bold.

Perfume Recommendation: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

A warm, tropical fragrance with notes of coconut, ylang-ylang, and amber. It’s bold, sultry, and unique, exactly the type of scent Jolyne would find magnetic.

Johnny Joestar:

Favorite Smell: Earthy and grounded.

Perfume Recommendation: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

This fragrance combines earthy sage, sea salt, and a touch of musk, creating a scent that’s fresh yet grounded. Johnny would love how natural and comforting it feels.

Josuke Higashikata (Gappy):

Favorite Smell: Fresh and green.

Perfume Recommendation: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

A light and refreshing perfume with notes of green tea, mint, and citrus. Its crisp, natural scent is soothing and aligns with Gappy’s taste for clean, uncomplicated aromas.

Jodio Joestar:

Favorite Smell: Sweet and modern.

Perfume Recommendation: Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

A modern, sweet fragrance featuring notes of strawberry, raspberry, and pear, balanced by a base of patchouli and musk. It’s youthful yet sophisticated—perfect for catching Jodio’s attention.

[carelessflower]

alec closet analysis thread

now it's confirmed that alec THE ultimate successor of broke nepo baby - sugar baby - tradwife pipeline, I compile a list of what items and brands i think he would use

casual wear

alec's style is the fit in trsom where he layer a leather jacket over hoodie, except now the leather jacket is some authentic italian leather costing 1000$ and the hoodie is ralph lauren. very subtle, very preppy boarding school with inheritance quiet luxury boy, ysl (magnus got confirmed wearing them and magnus shop/magic clothes for alec), loro piana, ami paris (magnus think "a" can be an initial alec is tres chic)

outerwear

classic burberry trench coat, leather jacket (a must), puffer, bomber, if in in dark color and cozy, there 70% chance alec wants it. fw chanel tweed stuff but non-monogram only. oh yeah got access to magnus unlimited closet of fur coat and been dressing in mob wife style every winter (it suit him so why change)

formal wear

structured, clean line, no fussy business. rarely do a three piece suit, unless it's a fancy nightout with magnus. layered his sweater/turtleneck with a blazer all the time. in shadoworld gala or events his suit would have pop of red either from the tie, the brooch or the detail to signal his position while blending in with other party-goers (consul robe wouldn't be sensible, considering shadowhunters history with downworlders). i can see ysl, celine, bottega, alexander mcqueen and peter do (the suit with the open back is for magnus only)

bag

THE shadoworld birkin mom, his collection isn't the biggest in the world because he's very particular in his pieces, no neon, overt pattern or rhinestone. got a mini birkin to store his airphones and gummy bear and izzy can't believe this is her brother's life now. big fans of every big bag imaginable, his birkin always looks like it may burst any moment. louis vuitton duffle bag, neutral, no excessive logo

jewelry

like anything silver, white gold, platinum, diamond, sapphire, pearl. tolerable of period and colored diamonds. keep ruby (bad association), gold and those god-awful rolex away from him please. own a couple of richard mille but only for fancy occasions, his go-to is usually vintage gucci bangle or cartier tank. got matching cartier love bracelet with max. break about 4 sets van cleef albraham but magnus like how delicately they sit on his collarbone so he gonna keep being restocked on them. for ring: harry winston, tiffany, graff, his fave shape is carre, emerald, cushion

perfume

woody, slightly white floral (he doesn't play about jasmine), anything fresh and clean, skin type of perfume. he's basically smell like entering a very expensive yet worth-the-price therapist's office. mfk 724, another 13, the matcha, and do son would be perfect. magnus got a whole shelves of kilian, alec basically take a look and one bottle and that's it. unless you're magnus don't come near him with anything patchouli or overwhelmed musk he would scowl as if your existence's offensive

tag list: @magnus-the-maqnificent @literallytypogod @hoezier-than-thou @sociallyineptbibliophile @queenlilith43

@khaleesiofalicante @wandererbyheart @raziyekroos @onetimetwotimesthreetimess @alexandergideonslightwood

@noah-herondale-lightwood @elettralightwood @dustandducks @deliciousdetectivestranger @delightfullyterrible

@letsgofortacos

@kita-no @thelightofthebane @secrettryst @goldendreams3 @cityofdownwardspirals

@stupidfuckindinosaur

@i-have-not-slept @rinadragomir @potato-jem @kasper-tag

@banesapothecary @culiehua @izzysimcns

[reignpage]

Because you said you had a thing with scents, how do you think the eden au characters smells like? That’s such an odd question lol.

But I genuinely have a list in mind of perfume each of the characters use, or if she’s like an essential oils type of girl.

okay you got me with this question I was frantically searching Fragrantica for their vibes

gojo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris- Aqua Universalis

Notes: Sicilian bergamot and lemon, lily of the valley and sweet mock orange, white musk and woody undertones

delicate floral notes

soft, powdery, and slightly soapy quality

freshly washed fabrics

goth!reader: Tom Ford - Black Orchid

Notes: Black truffle, ylang-ylang, dark chocolate, patchouli, vanilla.

seductive, mysterious with sweet and earthy tones

opulent and classically dark

modern and timeless

geto: Amouage - Memoir Man

Notes: Wormwood, basil, incense, rose, leather, vetiver, sandalwood.

dark, smoky scent with a herbal opening and a touch of rose.

the leather and incense capture his shadows

the sandalwood offers a subtle, soulful comfort.

receptionist!reader: Parfums de Marly - Delina

Notes: Lychee, rhubarb, rose, vanilla, musk, cashmeran.

bright and fruity floral

romantic and fresh

classy and clean

choso: Diptyque - Philosykos

Notes: Fig leaves, green fig, coconut, cedarwood.

earthy yet tender

the fig notes represents his romantic idealism

the woody base reflects his artistic depth

art!reader: Marc Jacobs - Perfect

Notes: Rhubarb, daffodil, almond milk, cashmeran, cedar.

quirky and fun with unexpected contrasts

feminine and bright

with creative flourish

toji: Tom Ford - Noir Extreme

Notes: Cardamom, nutmeg, orange blossom, vanilla, amber.

warm and sensual

a mix of spices and soft florals

balance of toughness and subtle vulnerability

gossip!reader: Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb Midnight

Notes: Blackcurrant, night-blooming jasmine, musk, vanilla.

a sensual fragrance

sweet florals and fruits

a darker, wilder base

nanami: Prada - L’Homme

Notes: Neroli, iris, amber, cedar, patchouli.

clean, powdery iris scent

exudes intellectual sophistication

balanced with amber and cedar

understated sensuality.

physics!reader: Yves Saint Laurent - Black Opium

Notes: Coffee, vanilla, white flowers, pink pepper, patchouli.

sweet, seductive, and daring

bold and warm

energetic and sexy

the coffee and vanilla add a mysterious depth

sukuna: Givenchy - Gentlemen Only Absolute

Notes: Cinnamon, leather, rum, patchouli, vanilla.

Intense, bold, and spicy with hints of rum and leather

dangerous yet alluring vibe.

cinnamon and vanilla balance the roughness with a warm sensuality

prez!reader: Chanel - Coco Noir

Notes: Grapefruit, rose, jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, tonka bean.

elegance of classic Chanel with a dark, mysterious edge.

depth and sophistication

grounded in darkness

floral notes add a touch of refinement.

[peachdues]

Peach, I know you’re the queen of fragrances and I need some help bc I’ve absolutely fallen for the Pengaligon’s Clandestine Clara that I got in a sample but a bottle it $315 dollars 😭 I’m not a perfume girlie but it’s literally the only perfume I’ve ever liked the smell of on me and I’ve been literally OBSESSED with it and I ran out of the sample MONTHS ago. Do you have any suggestions for a cheaper dupe or something that is similar?

A PENHALIGON LOVER?? AFTER MY OWN HEART??

God, I LOVE the penhaligon perfumes — the scents and bottle designs are utterly exquisite. The price point, however…not so much 😭 one day I will splurge, though!

Clandestine Clara is a wonderfully warm and spicy gourmand, and those are having quite the moment on the perfume market! Lucky for you, that means there are tons of options!

First, let’s break down the main notes in Clandestine Clara so you know what to keep an eye out for:

Top note: rum

Middle note: tonka bean

Base note: oppoponax (AKA sweet myrrh/resin)

Pretty straightforward, and utterly gorgeous. Mainly, you want to keep an eye out for spicy, boozy gourmands with a good dose of vanilla.

Here are some good dupes!

Divain 692 — this is a direct dupe of Clandestine Clara. Probably the closest you’ll get to the exact scent profile and it has decent longevity!

Top notes: rum and vanilla

Middle notes: cinnamon and musk

Base notes: amber and patchouli.

The rest of these are Clandestine Clara adjacent — meaning they share many of the same key notes, but combine them with others in a way that makes them not quite a dupe, but still remain safely within that spicy/boozy gourmand family. I’ll bold the overlapping notes!

Killian Paris — angel’s share

Key notes: cognac, tonka bean, and oakwood. Other notes include cinnamon, sandalwood, praline, and vanilla.

Memoirs of a trespasser — imaginary authors

Y’all should know by now that I’m a HUGE fan of imaginary authors. This one is a gorgeous spicy gourmand.

Key notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Myrrh, Benzoin, Ambrette Seed, Oak (benzoin and oppoponax are very similar!)

Lush — turmeric latte

THIS ONEEEE. Smells like a spiced cookie.

Key notes: benzoin, tonka, vanilla, cinnamon

Note that if you want to make this extra sweet (and more akin to Clandestine Clara), I’d recommend layering this with either the sticky dates body lotion OR body spray!

DS & Durga — deep dark vanilla

Okay so this one is more expensive BUT in case you want to splurge OR want something with a little more complexity, I figured I’d throw it in!

Key notes: Cabrueva, Orchid, Pink Pepper, Vines, Green Vanilla Leaves, Cypress Root, Vanilla Absolute (will smell similar to tonka), Dark Patchouli, Hay

Demeter fragrance library — cardamom

This is straight cardamom which is the perfect warm spice.

I hope this is helpful!! Stay gorgeous!!

[mermaidinthecity]

Guerlain Patchouli Paris Launch Event at The Nines in New York City - October 9, 2024

[nancypullen]

The 23rd

I haven't posted here since September 5th because, quite frankly, my life is just a yawning canyon of nothingness. Dramatic much? Seriously, Monday is just like Tuesday, which is just like Wednesday, and so on. You know I'm a big fan of creating happiness where you are, and I'm killing myself trying to do that. No one likes to read the blog of a sad sack, I know I don't, so there's just not a whole lot to write about. I miss who I used to be. Because it's nearly the end of September, and because the 22nd was officially the first day of autumn, I decided to go all in decorating the porch. I'm not finished, but it's a start. Surely if I build it, fall will come. No more red gingham and pink roses, I'm all about pumpkins now.

I bought one of those $1 pumpkin trick-or-treat buckets and covered him in ModPodge and fall napkins. SO stinkin' easy. After popping a little battery powered votive in him, he glows at night. Cute!

The front steps are a hot mess right now. They need to be power washed, but I went ahead and put a few things out. I still have to get the garland above the door and swap some of that stuff around until it looks right.

Would it have killed the builder to center the damn door? It makes my left eye twitch. Of course I threw down my "Hey there, pumpkin" door mat.

I've only purchased two small mums so far ( and you know how much I love mums) because we're leaving town in a couple of weeks and they'd likely die while we're gone. A neighbor will check on the cats, but she's not a plant person so I don't ask her to water anything. I'm sitting on my hands to keep from filling the steps with pumpkins and mums. It's hard. This is my season and I want to enjoy every minute of it. And by enjoy it, I mean buy all of the pumpkins in the county.

I need an intervention. As much as I'm channeling autumn, Mother Nature seems determined to ignore me. As I type this I'm sitting in my craft room, burning my favorite fall candle - a yummy spicy, warm patchouli fragrance.

It smells like fall in here. Maybe I should crank down the a/c and pretend. Last weekend the Edgewater gang came over and we all took the Little Miss to an alpaca festival. LIke most festivals here, it wasn't much. A dozen or so skittish alpacas in a pasture, a store selling expensive alpaca goods (not even local), an ice cream truck, a handful of vendors selling their wares, a small bouncy house that needed more air, $10 pony rides, $8 face painting, and a free train ride. This was the train.

All that matters is that the grandgirl had fun and she did enjoy most of it. It was too hot and muggy for me. I'd planned to make dinner for everyone, but we just ordered pizza instead. I call that a win. I'm lucky enough to have a sweet daughter-in-law that is an incredible cook and baker, and she brought my favorite cake. It's called Bienenstich Kuchen, or Bee Sting Cake. Honey and almonds, need I say more? It's to die for! So we had a little early birthday celebration and their thoughtful gifts brought me to tears. My sweet grandgirl made a bracelet for me with her own little hands. She chose the beads and made it herself! She's crazy about mermaids, so this is indeed an honor. How precious is this?

Anywho, that's what's been going on here. Days and days of nothing, with lovely sprinkles of sweetness now and then. Did I mention our upcoming trip? We'll leave Baltimore on the 7th and fly to Paris.

We'll grab our bags and clear customs before hopping a train to Strasbourg. That will be our base for most of the trip. From beautiful Strasbourg we'll explore the Alsace region. It's the spot where France, Germany, and Switzerland bump noses. We'll visit Colmar and Riquewihr. Riquewihr (pronounced Rik-a-veer) is the town that inspired Beauty & the Beast and supposed to be one of the most enchanting villages in France! We'll probably take a train to Basel, Switzerland as well. If time and energy permits we can also take a quick train to Heidelberg, Germany - it's just a couple of hours away. Eventually we'll make our way back to Paris for a couple of days before flying home on the 17th. It'll be a whirlwind, but a beautiful one. Since the Alsace region is considered the "wine route", they may be very disappointed in the two of us.

I know I'll sound like, "Dee loo, see voo play." I hope they appreciate the effort. Time for me to sign off. It's 5 o'clock and I've got brown butter carrots in the crock pot that need me. We grilled chicken this weekend and have leftovers, so this meal is simple and quick. The mister has a photo meeting at 6 o'clock and I'll probably sit at my desk and make a few Halloween cards. Still trying to make fall happen. That's it from me, dear friends. I hope that you are all well and happy. If not, trust that it won't last. Good or bad,nothing is forever (except for the fat on my thighs, that's apparently permanent). Sending you lots of love, hope you feel it. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[thebeautycove]

JOVOY PARIS - AMBRE PREMIER - Candela Profumata

The scent of loving and feeling loved. All that truly matters. Surround yourself with everything suggests beauty and fosters this state of mind.

.

Tradizione dei dì di festa. Luce, calore, aroma. In splendida armonia. Sembra creata per garantire la perfetta atmosfera celebrativa dei giorni più suggestivi dell’anno la candela profumata di Jovoy Paris, Ambre Premier, versione in cera dell’emblematica fragranza Maison. 

Eleganza senzatempo di note gourmand ambrate, raffinatezza da ardere in un inconfondibile stile parisienne. Mix mesmerico con vaniglia, patchouli, muschio.

Di rara eleganza la confezione con box cappelliera, campana in vetro trasparente proteggi aroma e portacandela in vetro carminio logato.

Un dono prezioso, per momenti unici.

Candela profumata 185 gr.  Online qui

©thebeautycove   @igbeautycove

[persolaise]

Sometimes Magic Happens - An Interview With Guerlain's Delphine Jelk

image: Persolaise – I thought about two lovers hanging out in Paris, during the night. I imagined that patchouli is my lover and that I have to tame it, to make it mine. So I added some of the vanilla tincture that we make at Guerlain. We cut vanilla beans into small pieces and we put them in alcohol for 21 days to obtain a tincture. It’s not a sweet vanilla. It’s spicy, a little smoky, woody,…

[angelitam]

Parfums chyprés

Parfums chyprés, intenses et magnétiques. Mitsouko de Guerlain Un accord majeur facetté de fleurs, de fruits et d’animalité qui fait scintiller un art du clair-obscur pour inspires les parfumeurs et chavirer les c��urs. Parfums chyprés C’est un accord de matières premières qui forme la famille olfactive la plus riche, la plus énigmatique, la plus audacieuse. Le terme vient de l’île de Chypre –…

[r0sypeach]

♡ muse of rumi ♡

( inspired by yves saint laurent's mon paris )

top notes - strawberry, raspberry, pear, orange, tangerine, bergamot

heart notes - peony, jasmine sambac, jasmine, orange blossom

base notes - patchouli, white musk, vanilla, ambroxan, moss, cedar

fruity - sweet - fresh

[verdantude]

https://www.tumblr.com/verdantude/767927260012593152/do-you-have-any-cheap-and-affordable-scents-for?source=share

Hi there,

I like vanilla, animalic, amber, florals like jasmine, african orange blossom, magnolia, tuberose, rose, lavender etc,.. osmanthus, bergamot, patchouli, incense, ylang ylang, woody especially sandalwood & cedar, vetiver, MUSKY, mossy, smoky, earthy perfumes but without powdery notes. The asian in me wants to go "Ah, not too sweet" when I smell it if you get what I mean..

I despise oud with a passion & I don't like almond or coffee scents as well.

I have heard of kayali & tried their vanilla 28 but really, it's so overpowering like being dipped in vanilla extract. But their longevity & projection on my skin is so good.

Maybe this can help you can suggest something for me?

Also, how does one go about learning about the art of perfumery? Any tips?

Sidenote: I live in London too!^^

I do get what you mean!

I think you’d really like Marfa by Memo Paris, this has a noticeable orange blossom, it’s a woody tuberose that’s not too sweet, it’s very comforting and kind of a nostalgic scent.

Also lavender milk tea by Elysian!! It’s got lavender, orange blossom, black tea, very beautiful.

Doson by diptyque is absolutely beautiful, tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, amber. You’d like this too

You may also like Valaya by perfumes de marly. It’s not heavy or too sweet, it’s subtle but very clean and fresh, angelic and beautiful. It’s an aldehydic musky fresh scent with some citrus and florals.

For something more subtle try Serge Lutens 5’o clock eau gingembre.

I know you said under 100 but I just had to put these out there first since they’re definitely worth a try 😩 you can get some at a huge discount with upcoming sales.

So now I really recommend Rituals, they have many lovely scents at under £60 I recommend to testing to see if there’s any you like.

Also a 50ml Jo Malone, around £80 and many options I think you’d like. Not powdery, great for the florals and woods.

Mancera do many great scents under £100 too. You can try Roses Vanille.

Another is Bon Parfumeur 602 (pepper, cedar, patchouli definitely more on the earthy side). They’re under £90

And yeah I dislike Kayali because of that, many like them but not a fan.

There is a twitter thread I can send you that explains it well for anyone who wants to get into fragrance. It’s like a little guide.

Other than that, with any perfume you have I recommend learning about each note that’s in it. So research it, what it is, the role it plays.

For that I love to use fragrantica, wiki parfums, the perfume society, and experimental perfume club. For social media again I recommend the communities on twitter and reddit most. Instagram do some decent posts as well. Forget tiktok. The Reddit is extremely informative!!

Just knowing what makes up a fragrance first, what makes it last, and what combinations you like!

What I like to do for testing is 4 things:

• go to the stores and smell

• for ones that you can’t find in shops, that you liked but want to test more, or that you think you’d like but aren’t sure; you can order samples from sample websites

• get discovery sets when you want to learn more about a specific perfume house, when you buy them too they pop in extra samples too

• with existing perfumes doing what I mentioned earlier

The more you test the more familiar you get and the more you recognise things. It gets easier from there!

[adoracora-elizabeth]

Music made me love you, chapter 10

'This must do', Cora decided while looking at herself in the mirror. She had changed several times, but there was no more time to change again. She was standing in taupe linen pants with a dark orange coloured blouse on top. She chose brown sneakers with an orange touch in it. Her hair was pinned up, so it was not hanging directly in her face, but still loose enough to highlight her face. She hoped Robert liked her outfit, she was not sure what style he would like, and at the same time, she was not sure she cared. She liked this style herself and that was what counted.

She checked her make-up, it was not much that she used, just some bronzer and mascara. Enough to lighten her face, but not cover herself in plaster.

With a spring in her step, she walked towards the pub, when she noticed that Sorcha was walking towards her.

"You look radiant, are you going on a date?" Sorcha greeted Cora with two kisses on her cheek.

"Maybe I am." Cora did not want to tell her.

"Tell me everything." Sorcha hooked her arm in Cora’s.

"I am already a bit late, is it alright if I tell you after?"

"Is it Robert? Is he back?" Sorcha leaned against her shoulder "please tell me." Sorcha begged, when she saw in Cora’s eyes that she was not going to tell. "Alright, alright." She pulled her arm back. "Promise me you will tell me everything when you are back home!"

Cora laughed. "I promise, and now I have to run." She looked at her watch, she was late, hopefully Robert did not mind to much. A bit out of breath she stepped inside the pub, her eyes were scanning the room, but she did not see him. He would not let her down, would he? Of course not, she said angry to herself. He was the one suggesting meeting up here at the pub. She decided to wait at the bar.

+++

Robert had almost run through the shower, but he felt refreshed. He had used his favourite parfum, Guerlain - Patchouli Paris. He loved the musky smell, but he got insecure all of a sudden. What if Cora did not like this smell, he should have gone for a safer option. Why did he not just use his DIOR -Sauvage. Well, it was too late now to do anything, there was no time for another shower. He should leave. One more look in the mirror. He had a dark blue chino combined with a lighter blue linen v-line shirt, for comfort he chose brown sneakers, the same colour as his belt. Well, this should do. He picked up his phone and noticed that there were some missed calls. He quickly checked, twice from his mother and one from Rosamund. He contemplated if he should call back, but he decided that they could wait. He had said that he would not be available for the coming days. Whatever it was, they needed to wait. He could not let Cora down.

Just before he entered the pub, he heard his name. He turned around and saw Rosamund walking towards him. He sighed, why did she need to be here, right at this moment. He glanced into the pub, but he could not see if Cora was there. He looked at his watch and then greeted his sister. "Hello Rosamund, I did not know you were in the area."

"Hello Robert. I did not tell you that I was coming."

"Wait a minute." Robert stepped back. "How did you know where to find me?"

Rosamund did not look back at him, instead she lowered her eyes. "Mama, wants you back at Downton tomorrow morning. She says it is important."

"Everything is important with Mama. I do not understand her. She wants me to find a partner, but at the same time, she does not let me live my own life." He saw Rosamund taking in a breath to reply, he quickly continued. "I will call her tomorrow morning and do tell me; how did you know that I was here." He repeated his question.

This time Rosamund looked at him. "You know how Mama is. She wants you at Downton, for the simple fact that you are the next Lord Grantham. And it is not done, that the viscount does not live on the estate."

"I will ask again. How did you know where I was?" He ignored her last remark, he perfectly knew that he was supposed to live at Downton, but he could not be free and not be himself while his mother lived in the same house. He had found freedom the moment he moved to London, and he was not giving that up so easily. Even with the situation his father was in. The last month's he had told him everything he needed to know to take over the business, but he had already suspected it. Patrick was not ready to step down, so he would still be at the background. There was no need for him to live at Downton.

"I tracked your phone."

"You did what!" Robert exploded.

"Mama had asked me to put a tracker on your phone and I used it to find you."

"I cannot believe you Rosamund. Since when are you following Mama this close. You used to stand up to her and go your own way."

"Never mind that. I am sorry that I used the tracker. Can you please call Mama?"

"Since you are up there with Mama, you can let her know that I will call her tomorrow." He glanced into the pub again, was Cora still there? Was she even there, had she come?

"Is somebody waiting inside for you?" Rosamund asked. "Is it John? Come we should go inside; I want to catch up with John." Rosamund pulled on his arm and dragged him inside.

Robert felt his cheeks colour, how could he get rid of her, at that same moment he spotted Cora. She was sitting at the bar. She looked amazing, he chuckled when he saw that she was also wearing linen. He wanted to walk towards her and burry his face in her curls. She suddenly turned around, and he saw her spotting him. She started to smile, but when she saw that his arm was still held by another woman, a shadow came over her face.

+++

Why was he not here yet. Cora got really worried that he would let her down. Then she felt a presence and turned around. There he was, her heart jumped, and she felt butterflies, he looked incredibly handsome in his dark blue chino. Then she noticed another woman next to him. She had wild red curls, her figure was to die for, Cora thought. The dress she was wearing accentuated her small waist even more. She moved her hand to her own waist, and even though she was small, this woman was in an even better shape. What should she do, how could he set her up like this. She was excited and now he had crushed every hope she had. She got up from her barstool and walked towards the door, she had to walk passed Robert unfortunately.

"Cora, where are you going?" Robert said, even though he did know where she was going. She had taken the wrong conclusion.

"I think it is better if I go home. It was nice meeting you again." She nodded towards the other woman.

"Please stop." Robert grabbed her hand, what made an electrical wave go through her hand. "This is not what it looks like."

The other woman had in the meantime turned towards them and smiled at her.

"I am not sure what else I can think of this."

"Cora, can I please introduce you to Rosamund." He still held her hand, he freed his other arm from the women's hand. "She is my sister."

Cora felt a stone drop in her stomach. His sister? Why did she think he was there with another date? She made a fool of herself. Ashamed she shook Rosamund's hand. "Hello, Rosamund. I am Cora Levinson."

Levinson? Levinson, that name did ring a bell. Robert thought.

Rosamund shook her hand with a polite smile. "I think, I better go. I am sorry for barging in, I thought he was going to eat with John. Enjoy your evening." She turned towards Robert. "Please call Mama."

"I will." Robert answered. He still tried the name Levinson in his head, but nothing came up.

Cora brushed with her thumb over Robert's hand. "I am sorry." She muttered.

Robert pressed his lips on her cheek, close to her ear. "I am sorry for being late and coming inside with my sister. I can understand why you thought I was playing with you. I promise that I would never do that. I am so relieved to see you again after all these months, come let us sit down. I can eat a horse; I am that hungry."

Cora chuckled. She had been surprised when he kissed her cheek, but she loved the sensation, and she could get used to it. The same as she could get used to hold his hand. They were strong and big, but at the same time soft and caring. Her own slender hand fitted perfectly inside his.

+++

"So, when my father was recovered enough, I decided to come back home." Robert wrapped up his story. He had told Cora everything, about his father's stroke and why he had to move up to Downton. She had been surprised when he revealed that he was a viscount. At first, she had not understood the meaning of viscount. He had forgotten that she was not born in the UK and that in the United States these titles were not used.

"I am glad you came back to London." Cora reached over the table and touched with her finger tips his hand.

"With that I can only agree." Robert smiled and took her fingers in his hand.

"But there is one thing I do not understand. Why are you here in Richmond, John is not here today, and you live in Westminster. How come you are shopping in a supermarket in this area?"

Robert forgot that he had not told her about his Richmond house. He had been vague the last time about his living situation. "I have a second home here in Richmond. Sometimes the busy city live gets too much, and I retreat to my house in this neighbourhood."

"I think I understand, although I could never live in the city centre. I love the peace and quiet that we have here. Now and then you can hear beautiful music flowing through the streets and that is what makes this place magical.

[kennedy-lover]

Okay so...

I just found out about Fouquet fragrance for the Kennedy Brothers.

I'm enclosing a little history of the fragrance and a photo because I want to keep it in the notes.

Its called 'Eight & Bob'

You can't imagine how much I want to feel that perfume just by hugging Bobby 😭😭

In his family's château, the French aristocrat's son and perfume connoisseur Albert Fouquet created various fragrance essences for his own use with the help of the family butler Philippe. During his summer vacation on the Côte d'Azur in 1937, Fouquet met a young American student who was traveling through France in a convertible and would go on to become the youngest elected President of the United States of America.

John F. Kennedy was fascinated by Fouquet's scent and thanks to his charm and kindness he received a sample of the coveted eau de cologne the next morning. Some time after his vacation, Fouquet received a letter from the United States. Kennedy thanked him and reported that the fragrance was very popular among his friends. He asked Fouquet to please send him eight samples and maybe one more for Bob if possible. After his butler Philippe found some nice bottles in a Paris pharmacy, Fouquet labeled them "Eight & Bob" and shipped a package to the US. As fate would have it, it didn't take long for the first letters from Hollywood to arrive in Paris, asking for the Eight & Bob fragrance. Hollywood legends like Cary Grant and James Stewart demanded the exclusive Eau de Cologne. It was probably the French magic that appealed to American personalities.

Eight & Bob is a real skin scent. In other words, it only develops its real aroma on the skin and is almost irresistible with aromas of lemon, bergamot, cedar wood, hazelnut, patchouli, ambergris and vanilla.