Current Favourite Scents

I adore smaller size perfumes and rollerballs, the 15ml or less variety and the ones above I keep reaching for again and again.

One I've talked about time and time again on here is Diptyque's Philosykos EdT (12ml) which for me smells of summer on the Greek islands. It just takes me back!

I'm a huge kai fan and I always have this tiny roller-ball (4ml) of perfume oil in my stash. It is tropical beaches with lush fragrant gardenia and spiked with green notes.

From Bamford - One Evening Splash (10ml) which is blended to scent the whole body and contains notes of woodsmoke, vetiver, incense, cedar, musk and oakmoss. Pick it up at Naturisimo.

I love 4160Tuesdays perfumes. They are just so artisan - handmade with love, care and passion. My absolute favourite if I had to choose is the lemongrass spiked London 1969 (I've gone through countless bottles since I found it). Check it out HERE.

The first Jo Malone perfume I bought was grapefruit cologne (love the classic layer with Lime, Basil & Mandarin) and I'll always love it. Refreshing, bright and zingy.

Last December, Santal33 EdP 15ml by Le Labo was in one of the drawers of the Liberty Advent Calendar last year. It's a beautiful blend freshly formulated with notes of leather, iris, violet, cardamon, ambrox, musk, sandalwood, cedar and woods. It's one of my favourite handbag (or pocket) sized scents.

Laura Mercier's Tart au Citron 15ml EdT which I reviewed HERE. It really is a beautiful gourmand scent.

My final two are by the gorgeous Ancienne Ambiance - Colonia VI* which has notes of orange, lemon, blackcurrant and geranium which is sweet and delicious. See my review HERE. Also from Ancienne Ambiance is Colonia VII which is figgy with greens and woods. See my review HERE.

Do we share any favourites?

*complimentary

February: A month of Samples: Perfumes: The Results

Back in February I decided to wear a different perfume each DAY and then report back as to which I'd buy full size.

Here are the keepers (14 in all):

Week 1:

2. 4160Tuesdays Sleep Knot EdP - this is a beautiful blend of jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and black pepper.

5. Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel EdP - I own the very gorgeous Rose Silence by Miller Harris. This one is light with a hint of sea salt, flowers with vetivert, patchouli, oak moss and leather.

Week 2:

9. Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita EdP - I used to wear Ormonde Jayne Frangipani, a beautiful tropical floral scent. Sampaquita is also floral with notes of lychee, bergamot, grass oil and magnolia flowers. Going to pick up the Discovery Set soon.

10. .vero.profumo Rozy EdP - this came in my October Bloom Perfumery Subscription and has notes of honey, damask rose, passionfruit, lilac, peach, honey and sandalwood. It really is lovely.

Week 3:

15. Phaedon Oriban EdT - another one from Bloom Perfumery which came in my December pack. It is quite woody with ambroxan, incense, musk and sandalwood.

17. Le Labo Rose 31 - I adore their Tubereuse 40 (New York) which is hard to find. The Rose 31 is based on Grasse roses with woody notes of cedar, cumin and amber. You can pick this one up at Liberty.

18. 4160Tuesdays Dirty Honey EdP (not in pic have mislaid) - which is a sexy scent with honey and orange blossom.

19. 4160Tuesdays Who Knew EdP (not in pic) - this is beautiful. A heady scent of deep rose, green tea and a splash of smokey Lapsang souchong.

20. Agonist Vanilla Marble EdP - this came in my The Perfume Society Scent with Love Box and is an edible vanilla...so lush. With top notes of vanilla, almond and tiare flowers, a heart of orchid, white fig, amber and patchouli  with a base of sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean and benzoin.

Week 4:

22. Carner Cuirs EdP (not in pic) - in November Bloom Perfumery mixed up the sample packs and the girls got the one for the boys. This scent by Carner was my favourite in November. It has notes of saffron, gaiac wood, sandalwood, Texas cedar, violet, Amyris wood, oud, patchouli, leather, musk, tonka bean, cistus and nagarmotha.  I also love Tardes by Carner - see my review HERE.

23. Robert Piguet Fracas EdP - a cult classic and a love or hate scent. A heady scent with notes of tuberose, jasmine, jonquil, gardenia, Bulgarian roses, orange flower, sandalwood vetivert and musk. This is an evening time scent for me.

24. L'Artisan Mure et Musc EdT - this was the first perfume I tried from L'Artisan and remains my favourite to this day. A luscious blackberry scent with hints of musk and fruits.

27. 4160Tuesdays Doe in the Snow EdP - a fresh peachy floral with woods. Full size of this is my next buy.

28. PG 15 Ilang Ivohibe - another from Bloom Perfumery subscription. I received this in my first sample pack. It has top notes of lavender and vanilla, a heart of Egyptian jasmine, iris butter, orange and ylang ylang with a base of patchouli.

Do you wear any of these perfumes?

September Empties

It's that time of the month again! Empties.  I look as if I have got through loads - but the vast majority is samples (from my sample challenge).

And for a closer look..

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter - a pot of absolute gorgeous-ness scented with tangerine.  Super moisturising.  I will definitely purchase this again (you can see the other scents available here.)

Le Labo Tuberuse 40  EDP vial - exclusive to Liberty in the UK.  I picked up this sample at Luckyscent.  Gorgeous I'd love the full size.  Notes include tuberose, rose, orange blossom, neroli, citron, mandarin, mimosa, oakmoss and sandalwood.  

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne 1.5ml vial - one of my favourite Jo Malone scents.  I'll definitely pick up this full size again at some point.

Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Relief Treatment sample vial - this was gorgeous with notes of linden blossom and rose otto.  I'd probably not purchase as it is very expensive at £64 for 5ml but it was nice to try.  I picked up the sample at Naturisimo.

Lavera Faces Intensive Cream 1ml sachet - hated this, thought it smelt quite artificial and I didn't like the feel of it on my skin.  

L'Occitane Milk Concentrate Body Lotion 8ml - this was really nice.  I'd consider buying it in the future.  Love all L'Occitane products though.

Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was lovely would definitely purchase full size.  Gentle scent with green florals and mellow woods. I got this in a Sampler Set.  Noble Isle are now offering free P&P if you buy this set.

Lacoste Pour Femme Body Lotion 50ml - this was light and flowery and nice to use.  Great for use in the summer.

L'Occitane Exfoliating Gel 5ml sachet - loved this.  Would definitely like to purchase at some point.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner sachets - love these but would never pay the full size prices.

NEOM Restore Bath Oil 5ml - probably liked this scent the least out of the mini bottles.

RMK Cleansing Oil 3ml - love this cleansing oil scented with rose and mint.  Will definitely pick up a full size bottle at some point.

Annick Goutal Mandagore 25ml EDT - this was from December's Feel Unique Box - oh how I miss Feel Unique still!  Love this fruity and minty scent.  Recently bought one from a blog sale and got one in a swap (thanks Michelle and Karen).

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - got this in the Latest in Beauty YOU - In-Flight Travel Kit.  I loved this mist lightly scented with roses.  I'll definitely buy this full size  at some point. A real feel good product and my skin loved it.

Jo Malone Bluebell Cologne 1.5ml vial - A gorgeous scent.  I own the Bluebell body cream and love it.

Green People Moisturising Shower/Bath Gel - Neroli & Marshmallow - 200ml - loved this.  It smelt amazing and I enjoyed showering with it.  I reviewed it here.  I'd definitely re-purchase.

TAAJ Eau Micellaire 100ml - this came from February's Joliebox.  I loved it and would re-purchase.

Rituals Mei Dao - White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren Body Cream - got this free with a magazine.  This is the third body lotion used up in my Project Pan.  Not sure if I'd re-purchase but I did enjoy using it.

Dior The New Nude Foundation 1.5ml sachet - liked this would maybe purchase full size.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Ageing & Anti-Wrinkle Light Texture Cream 1.5ml sachet - loved this but only got a couple of uses out the sachet.  Would like to buy full size or try a bigger trial size.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructing Shampoo/Hair Reconstructor 10ml sachets - love these.  Especially the reconstructor.  Will probably buy at some point.

Biotherm Aqua source 24hr moisturiser 1ml sachet - another really nice moisturiser.  Would buy full size.

Dr Bronner 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap pillow - loved this.  Will pick up full size at some point.  Really refreshing and zingy in the shower.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml - love this.  Have just treated myself to the Limited Edition Rose & Lavender edition.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial 2ml - loved this, smelt amazing.  Keen to try some more products from Sarah Chapman.

Sisleya Global Anti-Age Cream 5ml - love this, have one left from swaps.  Gorgeous cream but wouldn't buy as it costs a fortune!

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub 60g - love this scrub.  Made skin super soft and it was nicely scented.  Would buy full size.

REN Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel 5ml - nice and effective product but didn't love the scent so wouldn't buy.

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo 30ml - really like this and would buy again. Smells gorgeous and hair feels really clean.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, honey and coriander body lotion 37ml - this was a nice lotion, melted into the skin and lightly scented.  Probably wouldn't purchase as there are other lotions I want to try more.

Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 5ml - I reviewed the face oil here.  Love this and have since bought the full size bottle.  It's my holy grail skincare product.

Alison Claire Vanilla & Coconut Body Butter - sample size - I was sent this to review.  The cream had a nice texture but I didn't like the artificial scent.  I'd have preferred it to smell more strongly of coconut and vanilla.  Would maybe try it in another scent as the body butter feels nice on the skin.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo 70ml - a lovely shampoo.  I'd definitely consider re-purchasing.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask sachet - a great mask.  Perfect for brightening the skin.  It made my skin look radiant.  It is quite expensive and I've got a load of masks to use up so probably won't purchase.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation sachet in Golden Beige - not quite my colour but the foundation blended well and felt nice on the skin so would maybe look at a different colour.

Naked Revitalising Hair Treatment 20ml - loved this.  Will definitely pick this mask up again as it left my hair so healthy looking (and I got two uses from the sachet).

Beatitude Peace Bath Oil Sample - gorgeous! I reviewed it here.  I'd definitely purchase and I'm fancying trying the Joy bath oil next.

sk:n Cleanse 3ml sachet - this was nice.  Made my skin feel really clean. Got a load of cleansers to use up at the moment.  I may purchase in the future.

Sanctuary Liquid Soap 250ml - like the scent of this and it works well.  I usually pick them up in 3 for 2 deals.

Fudge OOMF Conditioner 7ml sachet - hated the banana scent but the product was good.  Wouldn't buy as I just hated the scent.

Alison Claire Lemongrass Shower Gel 50ml - another product sent to test.  I quite enjoyed using this especially for my morning shower.  It had a nice lemongrass scent.

Vichy Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream 3ml - just love this cream.  It smells of raspberries and brightens the skin.  Definitely one I'd buy full size.

Angela Langford Perfect Pores Serum & Balanced and Beautiful Face Oil - you can read my review here.  These were lovely to use and smelled really nice.  I may purchase full size at some point.

Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this came from August's Amarya Box.  Really nice to use and light scent.  Would perhaps re-purchase.

Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt 4ml sachet - very effective product but hated the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa Mask - loved this! Would purchase. Signed up the their website and got a free one.  Lovely. Made skin feel radiant and loved the sea fresh scent.

L'Occitane Angelica Toner 50ml - this was a magazine freebie.  Really nice to use and I'd maybe pick it up again.

What have you been using up this month?

Perfume Minis & Sample vials

I love trying out new perfumes so I love sample vials and perfume minis.  Above are my current ones.  I think they are a great way to find a perfume you love as there is normally enough in a vial find out if you love/hate a scent.

I currently carry around the following in my make-up bag:

A mini roll-on of Trish McEvoy Blackberry & Vanilla Musk - I love this sweet warm vanilla blackberry scent - a full size bottle is on my ever-expanding wish list.

I picked up a Chanel Beige EDT sample at Surrender to Chance - as this perfume retails at £100 for 75ml I wanted to try before considering buying.  Glad I did. A lovely scent but not a patch on my favourite Le Exclusifs Chanel Sycomore.

Miller Harris Citron Citron EDP which I received from What's in my handbag on Friday - citrus with woods and moss - I'm enjoying using it (and the body lotion is gorgeous).

Several sample vials from Jo Malone - White Jasmine & Mint, Grapefruit and Wild Bluebell - I adore Jo Malone but rarely buy it for myself - a real treat to receive as a gift.

I love Tuberose scents such as Robert Piguet Fracas - which I know is a marmite scent! and Le Labo Tubereuse 40.  I've not had a bottle for ages of  Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia but love this too.

I discovered I loved Prada Candy via a sample vial received in my November Feel Unique Box.

I also currently have minis and samples of - Visa, Calypso, Kim Kardashian, Flowerbomb, Lolita Lempicka, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.1, Paestum Rose, Armani Code, Jo Wood, Serge Lutens, Memo Lalibela, Tata Harper, Annick Goutal Rose, Orla Kiely and a few decants.

What perfumes have you discovered and come to love from first trying it as a sample?