Friday, June 22, 2012

Fragrance, a mini menagerie


          This summer I've found my nose perusing the fragrance shelves of Sephora again. I figured it was time to pull out the deluxe sized fragrance samples I've collected from fragrance kits or gift with purchases. Most are florals or fruity florals, which are general crowd pleasers. I'll give a quick breakdown of my thoughts. Stella McCartney Stella is an old favorite of mine; I actually have the bottle in full size. This is really one of the best rose scents out there. Escada Especially Escada is my newest sample; it might still be available as a 100 point perk on Sephora. I haven't pieced through the elements in the scent, but it has a different fruity edge that I'm really liking. The bottle is gorgeous too. Coach Poppy and Versace Bright crystal have smooth fruits mixed in their scents; they'd be easy for even non-fragrance lovers to wear. Dior Addict Shine isn't available anymore online. It's a shame because I did enjoy the fresh blend of cedar and raspberry in it. Givenchy Very Irresistible and Ralph Lauren Romance were ok, but haven't yet left lasting impressions. I believe I wasn't terribly fond of Marc Jacobs Daisy and Juicy Couture Juicy Couture. It's a shame since both of the scents have cute bottles.
           Even with all these delightful bottles, I can't help but eye new scents. I still have my eye on Dolce + Gabbana Light Blue (and its summer counterpart), Chanel Chance Eau Tendre (even though it smells nearly identical to my DKNY Fresh Blossom), and maybe the Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin which I recently read about on The Non-Blonde. I have a little tester of Prada Infusion d'Iris too, which is in a category of its own. However, before I go off the deep end, I'm announcing a fragrance ban until I review each and every one of the samples shown here. I'm inwardly groaning at the thought, but I know it's for my own good. What deluxe fragrance minis do you have on your dresser? What samples or scents have you been liking this summer?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. I already reviewed Coach Poppy (see here). One down!

20 comments:

  1. They are such large mini sizes, I love that! I love samples of fragrances, I hardly ever commit to a full bottle until I've had some time to wear a fragrance and see how it sits on me. I have my eye on the new Chloe and Balenciaga fragrances right now!

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    1. Hi Emma, I have a little tester of the Chloe, the green bottle? It's definitely fresh and different. I'm undecided as to how I feel about the patchouli :)

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  2. Great perfumes! I've really been loving the Marc Jacobs Daisy and the Viva La Juicy from Juicy Couture!

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    1. Hi Kelly, it seems like though we fall into the same floral/fruity category, we have different chemistry. Somehow Daisy has never worked for me despite my bests efforts otherwise!

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  3. So many cute bottles! I want a new summer fragrance, too - something super light and aquatic or lightly fruity. I have my eye on a few, but I'm trying to refrain. Still, one needs variety, right?

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    1. Variety is the spice of life! Have you tried Tocca Graciella? It seems like that would fit the bill :)

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    2. I have! I want a full bottle of that, actually - it's been on my wishlist! :D

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    3. Hehe, I think that would suit you well. It is a really really pretty scent, and very Larie (it's even blue!)

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  4. I've been eyeing Coach Poppy for so long! These pictures make me want to build up my perfume collection. MUST. GET. ALL THE PRETTY BOTTLES! I only have two perfumes (one is actually a roll-on) and the rest are cheapy body sprays from B&BW. I must sophisticate my scents, LOL!

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    1. Hi Maggie, I know. The pretty bottles draw me in every single time! There's nothing wrong with a roll-on; in fact they're more convenient/portable! When I was younger I always wanted those Bath and Body works sprays! I think choosing is half the joy in a scent. Really steeping yourself in them at Sephora and mulling over them is one of the best parts! (Ask for a sample!)

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  5. omg how did u get such nice deluxe samples? I always get those paper things and use them as book marks! i have the dior one in the bottle but i hated the smell....i love the last photo, you found the perfect placement holder!!!!
    Im a big fan of Marc Jacobs Cranberry in summer but may break open my bottle of MJ Daisy Eu fresh! ( the pink one... i dont know the exact name lol)

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    1. Hm, the bookmark idea is pretty good--- I guess you'd end up with a nicely scented book! The samples are from a number of places, maybe some Sephora 100 point perks, Nordstrom GWP, and several are from those Sephora fragrance kits where you try several before buying :)

      I actually looked for a bottle of MJ Cranberry after seeing reviews on your blog, but didn't find one in my local Sephoras :(. I haven't tried Eau fresh either, but you've reminded me!

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  6. Oooh, we intersect on Givenchy Very Irresistible and Stella McCartney Stella. :) I do love a good floral.

    I don't have a lot of deluxe minis but one that I've been enjoying surprisingly is Dior Miss Cherie. Now you've got me wanting to start a miniature perfume stash!

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    1. Hi Liz! Sounds like you like really good florals. I'm tempted to get my florals out now. The good thing about a miniature stash, is they're composed mainly of 'free' or 'free-ish' products. Guilt free! I do like to hustle GWP events for these :P

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  7. Ah, I just received the mini Especially Escada from Sephora. It's a nice fragrance but I too can't quite put my finger on the different notes. D&G Light Blue is a staple of mine, as is Coach Poppy. I also got the mini of the Emilio Pucci scent.... Miss Pucci. I'm not sure I like it. it's a bit strong for my normal "fresh, light" taste. My other two absolute must-haves are DKNY Be Delicious and Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche. For fall/winter I live for Benefit's So Hooked on Carmella. I normally don't go for scents with Vanilla, but this one is so special. Highly recommend it :)I'm not sure what I want to try next. I should go through my stash and pull out some samples. I love that Sephora does the mini bottles though. No commitment if you don't care for the fragrance and how it performs- or if you only want to use it once in awhile. :)

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    1. Hi Danielle, I think we have such similar tastes! I also have DKNY Be Delicious (as well as others from the line). I remember that you loved Chanel Chance eau frache; I smell it almost every time I go in-store. It really is such a great green scent. I'll definitely have to seek out Hooked on Carmella after your rec!

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  8. oh i've been interested in tryin Bright Crystal and Especially Escada.
    my favorite summer scents would be Bvlgari Omnia Crystaline and Chloe EDT.
    i really wanted to love L'eau d'Issey Flarale but it didn't love me back. ;(
    Infusion d'Iris is my all time favorite work perfume.

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    1. Hi Lena, both are so easy to wear, I definitely recommend them! I know what you mean about scents not loving back; there are a number of beautiful scents out there that somehow don't end up working for me!

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  9. I'm a huge Stella fan! Recently got a rollerball of Coach Poppy and deluxe sample of Peace, Love and Juicy and love them! Currently eyeing Yellow Diamonds.... can't get enough fragrance!

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    1. Hi MakeupYippy; Poppy is such a nice and juicy floral. I smelled Yellow Diamonds recently; it's another really nice scent that I'd love to have around

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