Places that Work: Garden of Flowing Fragrance

Thousands of miles away from the Middle Kingdom, California’s Garden of Flowing Fragrance at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, assists visitors in understanding traditional Chinese design. This is why the place works.

It’s safe to say that Americans visiting Flowing Fragrance know little about Chinese design. And that’s too bad, because how we relate to people from other countries is shaped by our positive experiences with their unique expressions, whether through art or literature or architecture. And what we experience at the Huntington is quite different from our own idea who we are; we value individual accomplishment, whereas the Chinese are more collectivistic.

These differing values determine our preferences for what our eyes are drawn to. For instance, research shows that people from individualistic cultures are apt to prefer rectilinear forms, whereas those from collectivist ones are more positive about curvy shapes.

While the Garden of Flowing Fragrance provides primarily a visual experience, its design doesn’t slight the other senses. As its name suggests, plants here exude distinct, positive scents. To unfold the culture more, a restaurant in the garden serves Chinese foods and teas; the textures underfoot and the sounds flowing water in the garden add to the cultural immersion. In addition, this multisensory approach is an important element of biophilic design.

The Garden of Flowing Fragrance at the Huntington is a place that works because its design makes it clear that cultures differ in how they choose to experience the physical world and because its designers didn’t forget that we are multi-sensory creatures. Humans, after all, can see, hear, smell, and touch the spaces where we find ourselves. And so, because many designed environments emphasize the visual, at the expense of our other senses, many places don’t work.

Source

Sally Augustin, PhD, is a principal at Design with Science. She is also the editor of Research Design Connections and the author of Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture (Wiley, 2009). Sally, who is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, can be reached at sallyaugustin@designwithscience.com. 

Letter: Lighten up on the perfume so we can all breathe easier

Barbara Richardson of Columbus wrote this letter July 21.

I have an unusual request for the public. Actually, it is more of a plea.

My dilemma is that of air quality in confined places, with the abundance of scents, perfumes, colognes, body sprays, not to mention almost every product we touch or use comes with an “irresistible” scent to make our lives more fulfilling. I agree that we do not want to smell bad or to smell bad things ... but it would be wonderful to smell nothing sometimes or at least less.

I was so very excited when within our recent church bulletin there was an added insert describing the ill effects fragrances can have on people and that for some individuals it was even medically dangerous. And the insert politely asked people to be considerate and aware of this when preparing for church.

Sadly, it was confirmed that even after reading this, it did not prevent many from wearing their scents just as usual.

For myself, the menagerie of scents gives me two days of eye-piercing headache, and another family member gets such bad migraines from exposure which at times leaves lesions (scar tissue) on the brain. Many others I have talked with have bad effects from fragrances as well.

I do think some public places can be more aware of the issue and at least limit the extremes such as plugged in scent machines in elevators and bathrooms. We know most of the burden lies on limiting our own habits and environments and running past certain aisles in a store. We know it is mostly our problem, not yours.

Whatever your reason for wearing the extra fragrances, please sacrifice going without them for a few hours for confined meetings and if you work in small areas. Most of us are too respectful to embarrass you — and ourselves — to tell you “a little goes a long way.” You may not realize that you are leaving a trail of scent after you walk past; even sometimes before you enter the room, your perfume has already announced you. Yes, even that $200 an ounce perfume.

Allergies are real. Out of human compassion, when we can lessen another’s discomforts we should, especially in shared public areas.

Original Article

Here Comes The Whale Sperm, The Perfume Is Elated

Supply shortage, price inflation and the the fact that sperm wholes are an endangered species had lead European perfume formulators to develop alternative to Ambergris.

But a while washed ashore just off the Texel back in December and was dissected by Ecomare, a group that looks after the conversation and restoration in the North See, uncovered the uncommonly large amount of Ambergris in the mammal's intestines.

Those chunks excreted by the intestinal tract of the while are extremely rare and are tremendous value for the perfume industry. This is a 30 ton adult male who died at sea and washed ashore. About 83 kilograms of ambergris.

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With Hawaiian Ruby Guava Pacifica The Beach Comes To You

I am a fan of Pacifica fragrances, my favorite being Tuscan Blood Orange. I originally bought Ruby Guava for my mother, who was in search of a new fragrance when her long-time Sula one was discontinued. 

I ended up keeping it for myself! Light, airy, and the coconut is a nice ground, even when I'm not usually a fan of "tropical" scents. It's definitely stronger than my Blood Orange but doesn't irritate my sinuses or stir up my allergies. The scent is very nice. It is a lovely combination of coconut and guava. Light and not overpowering. Very nice summer fragrance. Will definitely order from this seller again.

Hawaiian Ruby Guava by Pacifica is a fragrance for women and men. Top note is pomelo; middle note is guava; base note is coconut.

It's a DELICIOUS, intensely tropical scent that seems to "read" differently to various people. I smell gorgeous pink grapefruit; my lover detects oranges; various friends have noted mango, lime, and other tropical essences. Maybe we're just not familiar enough with pomelo or guava here in the States? No matter: I'll happily sniff this tart, exotic fragrance all day long!

If you are a beach bum whose taste include juicy burst of guava, fresh and fruity. It quickly dries down to white floral-coconut combo. Summery daytime scent, light, 1 hour max and it's gone

The Scent Of Fresh Lilies Does Wonders

Lilies are lovely for evening fragrance. At night they take a live of their own and spread their most welcome scent in the yard. More and more companies are using lilies in their perfumes formulas  and who to blame them?

It always lifts the spirits to arrive home and be greeted by beautiful flowers filling the air with exquisite and exotic perfumes. My mother in law always knew this, she had her lilies and she would pick some and hand them to her guests in the hot summer, and if she needed she would give them a fresh lemon. I thought that was one extra thing she does, but then as I have been around it, it really the little things that brighten your day.

Its white form is more useful and more beautiful too. They are not always an attractive perfume, but something tell me they communicate in other means. She had the oriental hybrid lilies that boast exquisite – sometimes almost overpowering – scent. There are dozens of different lilies out there. I believe she had the best she can find locally.


As easy as can be, the bulbs are best planted fresh in the autumn, although most bulb merchants supply them in late winter or spring. They’re in the shops now. Be sure they are fat and succulent. Most lilies prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil. All are helped – especially in heavy, clay soil like mine – by adding a handful of grit under the bulb when planting. This helps water drain away from the base of the bulb.

The batch she had has persisted for years.  If you buy just one plant and save your own seed then manage to grow a batch of seedlings, pot them individually – preferably in loam-based compost. As, they say back home every morning, May you Have a lilies filled day.

The Skinny On Green Irish Tweed By Creed For Men

Green Irish Tweed by Creed is a classic Fougere fragrance. One of the signature scents of the house of Creed, this "walk through the Irish countrywide" is a favorite of many celebrities. The fragrance is rich, fresh, sporty and unforgettable. Like the people of Ireland, there are certain things that they wouldn't forget.

GIT opening is bright - citrusy, green, lush. where terre de hermes channels nature through earthen minerals and leaves, greet Irish tweed channels nature through what i can only describe as fern-like, mossy musk. the drydown comes sooner than i'd like but is equally beautiful, though not as potent. the wafts of mysore, violet, and musk make me feel calm, grounded, but not too serious (if that makes any sense!) the bottle is lovely, however I find the spray itself dispenses more juice than i'd like.

Meet this very fresh scent, good for just out of shower type. I put this on at 6:30 am this morning. It is now 1:30 pm and, after 7 hours, the juice is still going strong. I've read on Basenotes that any lot from 2011 is great. I can only say that this lot is really nice. My comments are completely unsolicited. This is hands down an amazing fragrance. The sillage on this juice is amazing, I can smell it from downstairs when he sprays it upstairs. It is definitely pricey but worth every penny. The package is elegant and it makes you feel like a million bucks. If you want to attract the ladies fellas then I highly recommend Creed Green Irish Tweed.

For the person saying that unless you buy from an authorized Creed retailer then it's fake doesn't have a clue. There are a lot of online retailers that sell genuine Creeds. Creed doesn't want to get rid of these fakes, because it benefits them by making people become paranoid and making statement.  I still own a 4 year old bottle of Creed Silver Mountain Water that smells exactly the same as when I bought it. Creeds don't age faster and have the same shelf life as any other fragrance. They need to make money in the secondary market and this is where Creeds that are sometimes only a year old go to.

Of course Creeds not going to endorse them because they're not authorized Creed dealers which probably costs a fortune. Same can be said about a Rolex or any other high end product. Bottom line is that your not going to get any Creed fragrance for $10 an oz (Ebay). If you would happen to get a fake they is all kinds of information on the internet to see if it's real. Just don't be paranoid and think you have to pay retail prices for something that's sold to the mass market. Common sense people.

Dead Writers Perfume Is Alive And Well

Far too many folks love books, and those who love them. Sometimes we really think that we are talking to those writers by reading their books. Now, some company wants to take this a bit further by creating a scent inspired by the dead writers of our past. Some writers never took a shower because they are too focused on their writing. I doubt many among us want the smell of those creative few. 

What would it smell like? It would most likely include black tea, vetiver, clove, musk, vanilla, heliotrope, and tobacco. Which is exactly what's inside J.T. Siems Sweet Tea Apothecary'snew perfume, Dead Writers, a scent that should evoke, "the feeling of sitting in an old library chair paging through yellowed copies of Hemingway, Shakespeare, Fitzgerald, Poe, and more."

It makes us wonder, what would a specifically science fiction writer perfume smell like?

J.T. Siems of Seattle-based perfume company Sweet Tea Apothecary has formulated Dead Writers Perfume, a unisex blend that “evokes the feeling of sitting in an old library chair paging through yellowed copies of Hemingway, Shakespeare, Fitzgerald, Poe, and more.” The copy further reads, it “makes you want to put on a kettle of black tea and curl up with your favorite book.”

This bottle contains black tea, vetiver, clove, musk, vanilla, heliotrope, and tobacco.

via Book Riot, Daniel P. Jones

Ernest Hemingway: Salt water, rum, coconut and lime, cigar smoke, Spanish wine

F. Scott Fitzgerald: Gin, citrus, oak (prep school, amirite), in a champagne-flute shaped bottle with gold flecks in it

Jane Austen: Darjeeling tea, snowdrops and pansies (flowers from her garden), meadow grass

Dorothy Parker: Whiskey sour, vanilla, mandarin, white musk

Edgar Allan Poe: Poppies, absinthe, sandalwood, and mold

Flannery O’Connor: Church incense, soap, vanilla, ginger

Jack Kerouac: Cigarettes, cheap beer, unwashed youth, patchouli, car leather

the Bronte Sisters: Heather, sea air, vetiver, primrose, black tea

Louisa May Alcott: Fir tree, red currant, blood orange, coffee beans

Tolstoy: Vodka, musk, black tea, black peppercorn, cedar

Sylvia Plath: Freshly washed linen, vanilla, daffodils, lavender

Margaret Mitchell: Musk, magnolia, tea, sugar, gardenia blossoms

Dickens: Cloves, tobacco, patchouli, brandy water, river water

Anne Sexton: Vodka martini, tobacco, lemon verbena, peppermint

5 Fragrances That Make Guys Drool

They like candy, baked goods and fresh fruits. Thanks to the The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, now we have an idea of what total suckers guys are for these five key scents. Remember  if you can bake it or eat it for breakfast, guys are into that. 

1. The Scent: VANILLA. It's long been believed that vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac: as early as the 1700s, physicians recommended it to male patients to ensure potency. And the guys at AskMen.com say the sweet, welcoming odor has a euphoric effect that sets the sensual mood.

The Perfume Doctor: SHALIMAR BY GUERLAIN. This powdery vanilla scent is sexy and all woman, not candy-sweet. Inspired by the love of an Indian Emperor for his wife (for whom the Taj Mahal was built), this delicious fragrance starts fresh and light, with lemon and bergamot, and reveals itself to be sensual and soft, with base notes of vanilla and incense.

2. The Scent: DOUGHNUT & BLACK LICORICE. This sweet combination increased arousal in more than 30 percent of men studied by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. We don't blame them: we have a complicated relationship with Krispy Kreme too.

The Perfume Doctor: DEMETER FRAGRANCE LIBRARY'S LICORICE. This library of singular scents (everything from fresh laundry to Hello Kitty-inspired fragrances) has something for everyone, including your guy. Not sure you want to douse yourself in licorice? Lather up with the licorice bath & shower gel, or add a few drops of the ANGEL FOOD bath oil to your next bubble bath. Combined with your favorite perfume, the subtle smell will drive him crazy.

3. The Scent: PUMPKIN PIE. The scent of pumpkin pie (especially when combined with the smell of lavender) increased arousal in 40 percent of men.  The Foundation theorized that the men in their study may have reacted to the vanilla and cinnamon in the pumpkin pie, both of which have been claimed to have aphrodisiac qualities.

The Perfume Doctor: Lather up with BATH & BODY WORKS SWEET CINNAMON PUMPKIN. This sweet and spicy collection includes shower gel, body lotion and a body splash, and combines pumpkin and cinnamon with apple, cranberry and clove, for a subtle, light scent that's sexy, not Thanksgiving. 4 Sexy Date Night Perfumes

4. The Scent: ORANGE. The citrus smell produced an arousal reaction in almost 20 percent of men.

The Perfume Doctor: BOSS ORANGE. This scent from Hugo Boss, presented by It girl Sienna Miller, will have his senses tingling, with top notes of sweet apple and soft florals that give way to orange blossom. The base includes sandalwood, olive wood and creamy vanilla, another male favorite.

5. The Scent: LILY OF THE VALLEY. Finally, the guys responded to a scent that doesn't come from the kitchen. The delicate white flower gives off a light, subtle scent that men love: in this study, it heightened arousal in 11 percent of men.

The Perfume Do: The perfect scent for a summer fling, ETERNITY SUMMER BY CALVIN KLEIN is a watery floral scent that's cool and fresh. Lily of the Valley combines with Pink peony and freesia for a subtle floral he won't be able to resist. Creamy musk and white amber lend some sex appeal to the scent, and grapefruit and ginger keep it fresh, not overwhelming. 

An Awesome Scent For Your State By United Scents Of America

United Scents of America is a true American brand. Our first five scents are proudly made in the USA and stir emotions for the state you call home. I think pride plays a big role in people shopping for this novelty item. More and more states are curious to see what would the company's take on their state be. It looks some states would have to wait a tad longer. The bottles retail at 59.99 a pop and the brand already has a best seller line.

United Scents of America has lunched its brand by rolling out of five of the most dynamic states based on population, cultural influence and social relevance - New York, New Jersey, California, Florida and Texas. Later Hawaii got its one scent. Most recently United Scents of America or USA has recently added a Massachusetts blend to its state-inspired fragrance line. Those are unisex so both ladies and gentlemen can appreciate their home states one whiff at a time.

With notes of bergamot, sage, cranberry, red oak and tobacco leaf, the scent evokes autumn in New England. The brand's other made-in-the-USA offerings include sprayable tributes to New York, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, California and Hawaii. I think this is a great idea that has so many people talking. You can smell like the state you are from or the one you like to be from. This is a fun way to get people to buy American products again.

United Scents founders Sasha Bertran and Samantha Sherwin still have many other states to get to. I hope Washington  DC get one, but as it's not a state, I cannot see us getting one to call it our own. I like how the scents are made in a New Jersey lab with themes developed by the two founders who found a cool concept and they brought to to life. Go ahead and brag about this product, the state of your choice has never smelled this good.

I will be watching over this scent company and wish them well. I think the challenge now is to get the scents in more stores, I would reach out to gift shops and tourist places like each state has its own convention center and network of shops. It's about time people take something back with them form a place they love so much. This thing will stimulate your senses and make you think happy thoughts.

My only question is the longevity on those scents, would it stick around? I was told by Samantha from United Scents Of America the following, "The scents are of high quality (15% which is on the higher side for an EDT) and last for hours. Depending on your body chemistry they can even last until the next day which I have experienced."

Dolce & Gabbana The One Desire Stunning New Fragrance

The fragrance arrives in a black bottle with gold-colored details. The name (Desire) is also inscribed in gold and hand-written in the Sicilian Baroque style by Stefano Gabbana. The One Desire will be available as 30, 50 and 75 ml eau de parfum. The advertising campaign was photographed by Terry Richardson, and it features celebrity actress Scarlett Johansson--the Black Widow herself.

Desire, is an Oriental floral with top notes of mandarin, lychee and bergamot with hints of jasmine, vanilla infused caramel, sandalwood, and musk. But those are just the facts.  

“This is for the woman who wants to feel unique, beautiful and sensual. She owns the room when she enters. She’s not just noticed, she attracts the attention of everybody and is sexy but not vulgar," said P &G Prestige vice president Luigi Feola.

This is the fruit of a gigantic collaboration with Procter & Gamble Co. Global Prestige, Dolce & Gabbana who are now launching a new fragrance named The One Desire, a stunning followup of the popular fragrance The One, launched in 2006. The new fragrance follows the trend of black bottles and its most distinctive feature is its carefully nuanced composition.

The One Desire fragrance will hit the shelves in January 2013. Kick off the spring season with Dolce and Gabbana’s new fragrance, Desire. With a collection of top notes like mandarin, lychee and bergamot, this scent is sure to help you spring forward.

Are You A Perfumista? Here's How To Keep Perfumes Affordable

Nothing beats the wisdom of the crowds, 

“Keep all of your samples!” This was one of the best tips I received when I first started out as a perfumista. If I didn’t like a fragrance, I would be tempted to pass my sample onto someone else. But the more I sampled, the more my tastes kept changing, and I can’t count how many times I’ve revisited a perfume and ended up liking it. 

A is for Always Ask. Sometimes I hesitate to ask a SA if they have any samples, and am pleasantly surprised when they pull one out from a drawer. The worst thing they can say is “no” and give you a withering look–Vanessa

A is for Atomizer. Bring an empty one everytime you go to see the SA that you’ve cultivated (see C for Cultivate). They can fill it with whatever you want, when you think you need more than a sample but less than a bottle of anything–Sassa Swartz

B

B is for Binge. Sometimes perfume binges are unavoidable, but try to pace yourself: it’s about enjoyment after all–Gogol

B is for Blind Buys. They are risky. Sample before buying–Victoria

B is for Box. Always keep the box (or other packaging). Keeping the boxes becomes even more important as your perfume collection grows. The box will help protect it from heat and light, two enemies of perfume. Plus, having the complete presentation makes it easier to swap or sell later on. Some of our fragrances may even end up as collectibles down the road, and the boxes could add to their value–Silvia and Minette

C

C is for Comment. You never know what great suggestions the perfume blog community will offer in response. You might discover a new favorite fragrance, or even make a real-life friend–Elizabeth

C is for Compliments. Do not be shy and compliment a nice perfume when someone wears it. It is a good conversation starter and may lead to finding a friend with the same hobby and a lot of information! People love being complimented on their perfume!–Yulya

C is for Copycat. Never copy a friend’s signature scent. Be your own person. Take the journey to find your own–Cynthia C

C is for Cultivate – as in SA at Nordstrom/Sephora. Find an SA that you like, and buy everything through him/her. Your perfume, makeup, even purses and accessories. There is no end to the free gifts and samples and advance notices that these people can provide for you–Sassa Swartz

D

D is for Dab vs Spray (complementary to Spray vs Dab tip below). I use both. Dab, not spray, when you feel that the fragrance is otherwise overwhelming. Try how it will be dabbed and then decide. Maybe you only need to wear a tiny dab of it for the entire day, and then your sample is your full bottle–Warum

D is for Dark. All perfumes, especially samples, should be kept in a dark place–Olfacta

D is for Decant. A decant is a small amount of perfume transferred to a small vial or a spray atomizer. When you are first starting out, it is best to invest in a few decants, rather than the full size bottles. There are several websites online that sell decants such as The Posh Peasant,Surrender to Chance and The Perfumed Court. Also, decants are useful when traveling, in which case it is best to seal them with tape. NST has a great article on how to decant and where to buy decanting supplies–Bee, Victoria and Mary Beth

D is for Diary. Keep a perfume diary or blog. Writing about what you smell will help you learn but will also help you to remember better–Gogol

D is for Display. Perfume bottles are often beautiful pieces of art in themselves. Display them on a shelf or table in a nice arrangement for both viewing and sniffing pleasure–Diane And also, display your empty perfume bottles. It’s the female equivalent of guys displaying their action-figure collection!–Haefennasiel

D is for Drain those samples. A little pile of empty sample vials is a great indicator of whether a full-bottle purchase is in order–Elizabeth

E

E is for Empty Spray Atomizers. Order a couple of dozen so that you can use them with the vial samples that you get, or use them with your minis–Sassa Swartz

E is for Envelopes. I write the names of perfumes I want to try on the outside of the envelopes. I spray the strips and put in the correct envelope. When I arrive home, I start testing them. If I find one that I like, I go back the next day and generously spray my wrists. If I’m still in love with the fragrance, I go back the next morning, purchase and enjoy!–Cynthia C

E is for Evocative. Sometimes the best way to get started is to start with perfumes that have evocative names–Gogol

E is for Extras. When you arrange a bottle or sample swap, throw in an extra sample or 3. This is just good karma!–Elisa

F

F is for Fridge. Storing your perfume in the fridge will help retain its freshness. I keep reading that perfume should not be exposed to cold temperatures, which is not true. A cool temperature (not freezing cold) is ideal. The French perfume conservatory The Osmotheque stores their wares in a climate controlled environment. The libraries inside the perfume houses are houses in regular fridges. I would only recommend sealing your bottles in a couple of zip-lock bags to prevent your butter smelling like Coco Mademoiselle–Victoria

F is for Friends. Perfume may smell different on you; don’t just buy it just because it smelled gorgeous on your friend–Suleen

F is for Full Bottle – that thing that you always think you need, but rarely do–Sassa Swartz

G

G is for Gender-bending. Don’t assume you won’t like something because it’s marketed to the opposite gender–Elisa

G is for Go hard or go home! If you can’t tell how you feel about a perfume, put more on–Elisa

H

H is for Headache. The worst time to try anything–Mary Beth

H is for Heat. The less, the better!–Olfacta

H is for Hormonal. Changes in your hormone levels can affect how fragrance smells on your skin and on how you perceive smells, so beware the PMT shopping!–Tanya M

H is for Husband’s video game hobby. It doesn’t count higher than your perfume collection!–Victoria

I

I is for I (me).  It is all about how I feel about the perfume, whether I like the smell, whether I get pleasure from sniffing it. Not the brand, not what the friends are liking. I. Maybe it’s pretty obvious, but it took me a while to arrive at this thought–Warum

I is for Inventory. You *must* keep track of what you’ve acquired or you’ll get the same sample over and over, because it always sounds good! Keep the inventory online (I like GoogleDocs) and you can consult it while shopping out in the world–Unseencenser

J

J is for Jargon. It can puzzle you initially and that you soon will master, so you will be able to fully understand what you read on blogs–Annemarie  (Victoria: I’ve compiled a list of fragrance descriptors here: Speaking Perfume: A to Z)

J is for Joy – not the perfume, the feeling. Study, investigate, try, experiment – but spend as much time as you can wearing what brings you joy–Unseencenser. Spread your joy in your hobby around. Write about it, talk about it, express it, be encouraging to others. Live in the moment of your scent and revel in it out loud. Joy is a happy contagion. You never know when your joy in perfume will catch someone else in it’s tendrils–Dervishspin

K

K is for Keep All of Your Samples. Our tastes change the more we are exposed to different scents. It is a good idea to revisit fragrances time to time. This is especially true for classics and complex, rich blends that require a longer courtship from you. Plus, it is so much easier one wallet to have a sample to check one more time before shelling out for a decant or a full bottle–Victoria, Mary Beth and Unseencenser

L

L is for Label samples/decants you make carefully. Make sure labels are readable and protected from the moisture. It is heartbreaking to have a sample of a perfume you like and not know what it is–Undina

L is for Layering. This way you can make use of something you would otherwise find unweareable and get the most of a limited perfume wardrobe–Amer (for instance, check outthis guide on layering created by Elle Magazine and perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena)

L is for List. A lists helps a total newbie to get started. List some perfumes you really want to smell. List some that you need smell in order to learn what you are smelling–Gogol

M

M is for Migraine. Some perfumes trigger them–Gogol

M is for Miniatures. If you are a fickle perfume junkie, a nostalgia freak and like the Lilliputian factor, you can find some old classics and mass market juices at online stores (such as www.miniatureperfumeshoppe.com). Great for your handbag, weekend away and building a mini perfume wardrobe to compare–Tanya M

M is for Minimum of sampling or spraying different perfumes when you are trying to choose a perfume. You will get confused about the smells–Suleen

N

N is for Nerd. Feel free to be one!–Silvia

N is for Never say Never. I do regret some samples I have given away, but at the same time it is liberating to be free of the ones you never learn to appreciate, so I am on the fence with the sample retention principle!–Vanessa

N is for No Need to Try/Buy Everything at Once. There are lots of perfumes released each year and lots at the stores and discounters; pace yourself (see B for Binge and P for Pace Yourself for more reminders that it’s best to take it one perfume at a time)–Rosarita

N is for Notes. Teach yourself to distinguish individual notes by smelling every essential oil, absolute and tincture you can get your paws on. Actually, make it a point to smell everything!–Minette

O

O is for Opinion. Yours is as important as that of anybody else. Do not let a negative comment influence you if you like a perfume, and vice versa, don’t be swayed by positive reviews until you test the fragrance thoroughly (see T for Three Times)–Bee and Victoria

O is for Organized. I keep samples organized by fragrance family in those taffeta bags they often come in, but any small bag or container will work–Olfacta

O for Overdose. If you want to make sure whether a fragrance would turn out right on you, before buying, spray it on abundantly–excessively, actually–have a walk and watch how you react–Iodine

P

P is for Pace Yourself. When you first start, the amount of stuff to try can be overwhelming. But even if your sampling budget is tiny, you will eventually get to the point where you’ve got an impressive sample collection–Dionne

P is for Patience. Always sample a fragrance that tempts you on your skin and WAIT. The alcohol needs to evaporate, and the juice needs to warm on your skin – let it bloom and grow and sniff at intervals, then decide if its a keeper–Tanya M

P is for Pleasure. Perfume is the most effortless way to infuse pleasure into your daily life.  Wear what you like and don’t feel pressures to enjoy a fragrance just because others are raving about it (or vice versa)–Victoria

P is for Populist. If possible, skip that snob-phase where you think only the luxe or niche will do. There are beautiful discoveries to be found at every price point–Elizabeth

P is for Pregnancy and Perfume. Try to avoid your favorite perfumes during early pregnancy; you could end up hating them for ever–Suleen

Q

Q is for Quality or Quantity. Do you want to spent your money on stuff you really, really love or do you want to buy and try a lot? Hélas, you will probably opt for both–Annemarie

Q is for Question. Don’t be afraid to question the wisdom of “The Guide”. It’s fun and informative, but don’t assume that if you disagree with a review, the authors must be right and you must be wrong–Denise

Q is for Questions. They are the questions that you always should pose as a beginner (or an expert). Answers can be stupid, but questions never are–Annemarie

R

R is for Read. Read blogs, read messages on online forums, read perfume-related books–Gogol

R is for Reference Cards. Keep reference cards in a box and write them as you sniff along, listing perfumer, year of creation and top/middle/base notes. Over the years they will become a quick and invaluable reference tool–Silvia

R is for Reformulations. When you fall in love with a scent enough to buy an full bottle, if you possibly can, get two. Even classic beauties like get reformated or discontinued–Elizabeth Ann

R is for Rules. Listen to what others have to say, take the best ideas, and then make up your own rules, using what works for YOU as your guide. So what if no one else is doing it the same way? You are unique. Your perfume habit will reflect it–Minette

S

S is for Samples.  Sampling programs and swaps make it easy to try a wide range of scents and make perfume hobby more affordable–Victoria

S is for Seasonal Changes. If you don’t like something in summer, put it away and try it again in winter (and vice versa)–Elisa

S is for Smell on Skin, not Strip. Never commit before trying on skin. Some perfumes smell incredibly different on paper, others quite close–Vanessa Always try a perfume on your own skin before you decide to buy it. Wait at least an hour for it to reveal itself. More time is better. Some suggest waiting until you’ve tried something several times, but I tend to fall in love pretty quickly (or not), so I sometimes break that rule–Minette

S is for Smelling. Train yourself to become aware of and smell everything in your environment. Sniff the air like a wolf or a cat – ask yourself what is on the wind. Perfumer Jean-Michel Duriez (ed: the head perfumer for Rochas Parfums) told me he sometimes gets caught holding odd objects to his nose for a deep sniff, but he doesn’t care. Be like Jean-Michel. It’s fun and insructive–Minette

S is for Splits. Share the cost of a full bottle with one or more friends–Silvia

S is for Spray vs Dab. A perfume can smell different when sprayed versus when touch-applied. I overlooked a lot of good scents when I first started sampling until I learned to transfer my sample vials to a spray atomizer (see E for Empty Spray Atomizers)–Sweetpea

S is for Storage. Proper storage—cool, dark place, outside of direct sunlight–makes your collection lasts longer and remain in good shape–Victoria

T

T is for Talk. Talk to your local perfume salesperson (sometimes they know their stuff, sometimes they don’t); talk with your friends, family about perfume. You’ll learn a lot–Gogol

T is for Three Times. Never buy a fragrance until you haven’t tested it minimum three times on skin, possibly at least once in Overdose (see O for Overdose)–Iodine

T is Travel size bottles. Always get them when you can. They are great for traveling, trying a smell out and simply if you get tired of fragrances and do not wish to end up with the almost full bottles of unwanted scent–Dianna

V

V is for Visit the websites of (smaller) brands to find fantastic and affordable sample offers–Annemarie. Annemarie lives in Europe and likes the samples programmes of brands like Divine, Etat Libre d’Orange, Histoires de Parfums, Juliette has a Gun, LesNez, Memo, Mona di Orio, Olfactive Studio, Parfum d’Empire, Parfums de Rosine and Tauer Perfumes. For instance, Parfum d’Empire offers 13 samples of their whole collection for 16 euros, Histoires des Parfums has 6 samples for 10 euros plus refund if you buy a full bottle, Olfactive Studio offers 3 samples for 4 euros and Mona di Orio sells 7 ml samples/decants for just 8 euro. Those who live in the US, can try Aedes.com and Luckyscent.com sample programs.

U

U is for Undesirable Fragrances/Unwanted Perfume Presents.  I’ve had a few well meant presents that are pleasant in themselves but just didn’t work on me. If they could not be swapped, sold on ebay or given away, I have found a use for them as home fragrances. For instance, they can be sprayed on blotting paper and left in shoes, linen drawers, books, etc. Otherwise, leave in a public place with a post-it note, saying “smell me and take me home” – your random good deed for the day!–Tanya M

U is for Unsniffed. Never buy unsniffed. Don’t rely on the list of notes only, if you don’t want to end up with the scrubber (also see B for Blind Buys)–Bee and Behemot

U is for Unscented. If you are looking to buy completely unscented products, be sure that the label says “scent-free.” Anything else means that it does have a mild perfume added–Victoria

W

W is for Wary at Work. Be careful with fragrance at work, because some people do have awful perfume induced conditions. If you go light, you will be less likely to get into “fragrance free workplace” issues–Warum

W is for Wear What You Like. Don’t worry about what others say or write, trust your own nose–Dionne

W is for Write down the names of what you are smelling on the blotters. Nothing worse than a clutch of anonymous blotters at the bottom of your handbag after a good day’s sniffing–Vanessa

X

X is for Xerox (not exact copies). If you liked a certain fragrance and it has changed, got discontinued or turned out to be too expensive, search the blogosphere for recommendations–Tanya M

X is  for X-rated. Don’t be shy of trying perfumes totally outside your comfort zone. If you are a delicate, spring floral kinda gal go and try something with a hint of earth, animal or leather–you may be pleasantly suprised–Tanya M

X is for Xylophone… if humble pieces of wood can produce melody then humble materials can make good perfume. Don’t be fooled by an extravagant list of ingredients. Follow your nose–Amer

Y

Y is for Year Cycle. Watch the turn of the seasons, note what you like to wear for holidays that mark the Year Cycle (Christmas/Solstice for Winter, MidSummer, fragrances that mark the start of Spring and the Fall for you in the area where you live). Mark your personal year with perfume and you will experience time differently–Warum

Y is for Yearn. Unless it’s a one off chance to buy something, think about it over before handing over the credit card. It will save you money and will ensure you appreciate every purchase to the max–Silvia

Y is for You and Yourself, Your nose and Your reaction, Your smile and Your joy that are Your best guides in the end. Blogs and reviews are there to inform and inspire you. Brands and their campaigns are there to seduce and impress you. Other noses may be more trained or refined, but you have just your own nose and that one will tell you what is right for you–Annemarie.  Trust yourself to know what is right for you. Don’t buy a perfume because it smells great on someone else, or becaue your boyfriend likes it on another woman (especially not because of that!). Only you know what makes your heart flutter and helps you feel more confident–Minette

Z

Z is for Zero. Sometimes you need a day with zero perfumes–Gogol

Z is for Zip-lock Bags. Collect them, especially tiny ones (for example, 2″x2″). They make great holders for sample vials. You can organize your vials into categories, for example, and you can see what you have without having to label. Plastic bags can also contain the sillage from powerful scents!–Patty

Thanks To Them

Best Perfumes – Top 20 Best Perfumes Ever

Have you ever wondered what the best perfumes in the world are? Check out the most memorable and best selling fragrances of all time.

20. Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani – This one of the best perfumes of all time is a top seller in its women’s and men’s variant for its freshness and lightness.

19. The One by Dolce & Gabbana – This perfume is charismatic, sophisticated and seductive in both is female and male version.

18. BLV by Bvlgari – Fresh, cool and exotic – this is how you will feel when wearing this unique fragrance for women.

17. Chloe Perfume by Chloe – The incredible feminine floral scent will undoubtedly make you feel even sexier and highlight your self-confidence.

16. Davidoff Cool Water – This is one of the top sellers in both the women’s and men’s   best perfumes category for its pure water elegance.

15. L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyaki – This one of the best perfumes of all time has a version for women and men. It is fresh and airy. It is great for every day.

14. Anais Anais by Cacharel – Wear an elegant blend of rose, lily, amber and frankincense which is totally feminine and exquisite.

13. Tresor by Lancôme – This iconic fragrance is the favorite of celebrities like Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz.

12. DKNY by Donna Karan – The innovative round shape of the bottle adds to the feminine and elegant touch of this perfume for women inspired by the Big Apple.

11. Gucci Rush – This one of the best perfumes ever is elegant and sexy and traditional at the same time. The mix of jasmine, vanilla, coriander seeds, rose and gardenia is irresistible.

10. CK One by Calvin Klein – This is the first unisex perfume ever created. It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic fragrances of all times. Both women and men love its rebel spirit.

9. Angel by Thierry Mugler – The star shaped bottle is the first thing which impresses you about this perfume. This luxury fragrance is a delicious mix of chocolate, vanilla, bergamot and caramel.

8. Opium by Yves Saint Laurent – This is one of the most memorable fragrances for women. It is heavy and easily recognized for its sensual touches. It offers a unique blend between vanilla, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin and patchouli.

7. Youth Dew by Estee Lauder – This women’s perfume was the first one of the brand. It came out in 1953 and it is still easily recognized for its bottle reminding you of an Ancient Greek goddess. This fragrance is superb for every day.

6. Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier – The first thing which strikes you about this one of the best perfumes eve is the bottle with the shape of a female figure. The fragrance is considered the most playful ever created. It is an excellent blend of orange blossom, rose, ginger and star anise.

5. Joy by Jean Patou – This iconic fragrance is an elegant luxury blend of jasmine, rose and musk. It has been a best seller even since the 1930′s.

4. Shalimar by Guerlain The name of this perfume for women comes from an Indian garden. It is elegant, sensual and exotic thanks to the bergamot top, opopanox and iris heart and vanilla base. It has been a best seller since its launch in 1925.

3. J’Adore by Christian Dior Everything about this women’s perfume is perfect – the elegant blend of fruity and floral scents, the name and the bottle. The fragrance is feminine, sensual and romantic thanks to the plum, violet, orchids and mandarin notes.

2. L’Air Du Temps by Nina Ricci – This is one of the best perfumes for women in the world because you can literally feel each and every note in it – from the rose, jasmine, gardenia and carnation to the iris wood, spicy musk and sandalwood. This fragrance was introduced in 1948 and is still bought every 5 seconds.

1. Chanel No 5 – This iconic perfume for women deservedly gets the first spot. It is the best selling fragrance of all time. It has been around since the 1920′s and has never gone out of fashion. It was personally approved by Coco Chanel and with it came the fashion of applying perfume to the wrists and neck, the spots where women would be kissed. Marilyn Monroe’s favorite scent and still the world’s best-selling perfume. In 1921, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel wanted a perfume that would define how women should smell. Perfume designer Ernest Beaux was given the task — and, as the legend goes, on his fifth attempt Coco Chanel approved the scent, so it became No 5. And from this scent was born the idea of applying perfume to the wrists, behind the ears and the neck, as Coco Chanel believed women should wear perfume where they would be kissed. 

Jean Nate Commercial - (1984).mpg
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You Can Smell Good On The Go, And The TSA Wont' Mind

Worry no more  your favorite scent can go the trip with you, and the people at the TSA security check won't throw anything away from your carry-on.

This lightweight, portable perfume sprayer makes it convenient to have your favorite scent with you anytime, anywhere. At just 3 inches long and holding .136 oz this sleek design is great for men or women on the go. The good news is that this atomizer does not leak!!! A problem when flying! It is easy to fill following the directions. It might be a little larger than I had hoped - those quart-size zip bags get full very fast with my assorted liquids and gels - but size is less of an issue than leakage!! I've purchased another one to fill with a different fragrance.

It's very easy to fill. The instructions looked like I was supposed to spray the perfume into the atomizer, but I couldn't figure out how to do that without perfume leaking out. So I just slowly poured my perfume from my large bottle into the atomizer. Because of the funnel shaped opening, the perfume just poured in with no spills or difficulty. The spray works really well. It's a very fine mist so you can control whether you want a concentrated spray (by spraying close to the skin) or do the "mist and walk under" method. Great product, exactly what I needed.

Holding up to 50 sprays and airline and TSA approved the patented refill system fills directly from almost any fragrance bottle with a removable spray head. Simply remove the nozzle from your big fragrance bottle, pump the atomizer up and down on the tube, and you can be ready to go in just a few seconds.

Small enough to fit into the closed palm of your hands. perfect for traveling and updating your perfume during the day. love the color. it's perfect for me. not sure how often it requires refill or how it will handle a change in perfume... so will the second perfume smell like the first one? not sure yet.