Dear Scent Diary,
Whew, it’s been a long few of weeks with work. I find that when things get intense, my perfume habits become the most telltale, revealing more since my perfume choices are born out of a lower ranking on my priority scale than they normally do. What I reach for becomes a quick decision based on a sure thing – the last thing I need is a scrubber or something I’m meh about on a day when I need to be on top of things, or at least not underneath them. So here are the scents that qualify, based on my habits over the last few weeks.
Le Labo Iris 39 – Apparently, it’s what I want to wear when I need to get things done. Iris, fresh damp earth and a bit of soap (in a good way). Love.
Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli – A simple yet beautiful fragrance that I find uplifting and unobtrusive. I reached for it on several occasions, more than once to wear during yoga class of all places.
Il Profumi Chocolat – This has been a new discovery and perfect in moments when I needed a ‘pick me up’ or a distraction when I was stuck for ideas. Incredibly interesting and only mildly reminiscent of chocolate. Woody greenness misted with orchid and chocolate. Masculine but feminine at the same time. Ugh, I love it.
Juliette Has a Gun Lady Vengeance – I’ve taken to spritzing this on clothing I plan on wearing the next day when I need to be creative. The dry-down of this rose patchouli scent is to die for, and apparently inspiring.
Le Labo Rose 31 – Ugh, I need a full bottle of this. My decant is getting scarliy empty after these last few weeks. Loved forgetting what I put on in the morning then being struck by a beautiful spicey, woody rose later in the day and remembering that it’s me. (Update: The husband heeded my hints and bought me a bottle of this as well as Iris 39 for my birthday. I’m a lucky, lucky girl.)
Amouage Lyric Man – I have to admit I don’t love this (my heart is with Lyric Woman). But I do like its fresh, natural, dewy take on rose so I’ve been trying to make my decision to buy a used bottle, right.
Le Labo Labdanum 18 – Yes, it’s been Le Labopolooza around here of late. I found myself spritzing this after a bath at the end of the day for comfort and to celebrate the lack of thinking I’d need to do in the immediate future.
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon – I love the opening of this oh so Chanel fragrance. It’s quite sweet on my skin, powdery, woody and warm. Just when I think it’s quickly disappeared, someone mentions how good I smell.
Carner Barcelona D600 – I only wore this once during all the work craziness but boy did I enjoy it. The iris and (what I perceive as) almond combo had me smiling even when things were going to hell in a hand-basket.
Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay – Its crisp, crunchy, fresh zing was just what I needed on several occasions when I had to make presentations and sound like I know what I’m doing. Love it, and thank goodness for it.
Has anything rung your bell lately?
Dear Scent Diary, 
So may loves of my own on this list – Grand Neroli, Iris 39, Lyric Man, 31 rue Cambon, D600
I knew you were a D600 fan, but I didn’t know we had others in common. I forgot to mention 31 Rue Cambon in my comment on your lemming post!
Quite a few fragrances in common we have.
I loved this post! I think everyone goes through a period like this. My parents were visiting for a week for my grandpa’s 90th birthday. With all the party prep and family in town, I needed something unobtrusive yet quirky and inspiring enough to keep me going. I only reached for two (ELd’O’s Archives 69 and Atelier Cologne’s Oolong Infini), but your picks look great!
I’m so glad you liked it, Daisy! I like Oolong Infini too and I need to try Archives 69. I saw your post about your Grandpa – he looks so young for 90!
Thank you, Lorraine! Yes, Grandpa is very fit. No one can believe that he is 90!
Archives 69 is terrific. I normally run for the hills whenever I see that something has pink berries, but they are subtle and combined with pink peppercorn on top of benzoin, incense, and musk. Very good in the heat!
As Lucas above, I find on your list many perfumes that I like as well: all three Le Labo’s, Blackberry & Bay, Grand Neroli.
I’m glad we have a few in common, Undina 🙂
Just discovered your blog and absolutely love it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on BYREDO’S new fragrance 1996.
Hi Paula,
I’m so glad! You’ve made my day.
I’m dying to try 1996 so I’ll see what I can do. Have you tried it? What do you think?
Lorraine
Good to see someone else loves my favorite D600, it should be better known among perfumistas 🙂
It’s such a beauty, isn’t it? Had to squirt some on after reading your comment 🙂