Bois d'Encens

When I first started getting seriously into fragrance, people kept recommending to me Armani Code.  For some reason it never clicked.  I know Acqua di Gio is the men's bestseller, but it leaves me cold.

So it's kind of surprising to me that so far two in the Armani Privé line have made it into my collection.  They're a bit pricey and for a while unavailable. Last year I got Myrrhe Impériale.  I've been watching out for Bois d'Encens (100ml) for the past eight years, but never picked it up.  Boys in Basenotes used to claim that they were able to pick it up at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.  I was never so lucky.

Notino recently had it for basically half off so I finally got it.

It's a nice incense. I'm glad I was finally able to get it.

I also picked up a bunch of L'Artisans.... some for gifts later in the year.  For myself I got L'Été en Douce (100 ml).  Not really all that nuts about it.  I recently tried Glacialis Terra I kept thinking it reminded me of something.... and this is it!

I also got a tiny (5 ml) bottle of Providence Perfume Company Cocoa Tuberose.  It's ok.  Yet another Nestlé's Quik kind of scent. I smell  no tuberose. This bottle was, ml per ml, more expensive than an Amouage!

Never Say Never

Back a few years when the brand was being introduced in the US, Xerjoff very generously offered any Basenotes member who wanted a try a very hefty sampling of its perfumes. Perhaps I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of fragrances all at once, but really nothing stuck out. I was bored with what I smelled and annoyed with the price tag.

I ended up trading away the samples to a woman who couldn't believe her luck.  Since then I have pretty much ignored the brand, figuring I was not the market they had in mind. A segment of consumers will buy anything that costs a bomb, regardless of interest. Xerjoff has, despite my scorn, apparently thrived.

Last year, while I was on my honey hunt, the name Mamluk repeatedly came up as having a nice honey note to it. I, of course, looked the other way.

I finally ordered a sample come fall from Twisted Lily.  You know? It's not bad. I like that Patty at Perfume Posse co-opted March's fantasy perfume name Candy Ass in her review, although Mamluk is not nearly as skanky as I would like.  JTD at Scent Hurdle has an interesting review which reflects my attitude towards Xerjoff and the perfume.

As far as honey scents go, I probably didn't need it.  It is nowhere near the beauty of Miel de Bois.  Mamluk veers closer to Vilhelm Parfumerie's The Oud Affair. Nevertheless, when Notino offered a bottle for a fairly reasonable price, I snapped it up.

I think, in general, I will continue ignoring Xerjoff releases. I simply can't afford it. I may shell out for the Oud Stars Discovery Set if it ever comes available again, just because I've liked Mamluk as much as I do and I'm intrigued.

Some Kilian Ouds

I've been thinking about getting a full bottle of By Kilian Pure Oud for a while now.  Not really keen on shelling out $400, though.  So I saw there was an "Oud Harmony" sampler for much less, and I was able to get four scents, each 7.5 ml:  Pure Oud, Musk Oud, Incense Oud, and Rose Oud.  These should all last me a while.

Of the four, I only really like Pure and Rose.  If I finish this bit, I may get a refill of one or both.

Penhaligon's

I've had bad luck with Penhalgon's.  I loved Amaranthine.... but not on me. I ended up giving it away. Ditto Ostara.

The only scent I've ever liked by them was Elixir, which has been discontinued.

Still, I took the plunge and got two recent releases, which were on sale.  Bought them both blind.  As Sawira and Alizaren.

Well, they're both kind of forgettable. Musty smelling on me.  Of the two I probably prefer Alizaren, but I doubt either will get much wear.  Presents for my nephews?