September Empties

I'm not going to use up anything else this month so here are my empties:

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this rose scented mist. See my review HERE. I've got several of these minis in my stash but I'd buy again.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream 40ml - which is the lushest rose scented cream ever! I've used it a few times and find it deeply moisturising. Would buy again.

Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream 30ml - I'm using up too many rosey things this month! A rich and deeply nourishing hand cream. I just cracked open a new one.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this product and have bought it loads. See my review HERE. This will be replenished!

Rosalena Goodness & Tonic Face Mist 15ml - gorgeous to use and I'll pick it up again at some point. See my review HERE.

JOIK Energising Bath Salts with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Essential Oils 500g* - these were fantastic and great value for money. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy them when my stash reduces a bit.

mio double buff dual action enzyme exfoliator 50ml - this was lovely to use with just the right amount of scrubbiness. Would maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 55ml - which is one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates products. See my review HERE. This one was a gift from my friend Julie but I'm sure I'll buy it again.

Diptyque Philosykos EdT 12ml - which is one of my favourite fig scents. Will buy it again for sure.

Elemis Revitalise-Me Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - it was nice to re-visit Elemis! Apex Hotels offer Elemis minis in their rooms which were a real treat. I'd maybe buy full size.

Olverum Bath Oil 15ml - I love this bath oil. See my review HERE. I've got a few of these minis in my stash but I'd buy this full size.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in Geranium & Neroli 40ml - I'm a huge fan of the product but prefer the unscented original version. Already cracked open a new one.

John Masters Organics Lavender, Rose, Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap 42g* - I've used this lovely soap several times. Would buy again.

Various Stop the Water 6ml samples - White Sage Shower Gel, White Sage Body Lotion, Lavender, Sandalwood Shampoo & Conditioner. These seemed quite nice although I sometimes find it hard to tell if I'm going to like something from a small sachet.

Herbfarmacy Body Oil samples x 2 - which seemed lovely. Would probably buy full size.

Corinne Taylor Balance Himalayan Bath Salts** which came in August's Skin Organics Beauty Box. I'm already a huge fan of the brand and it's likely that I'll buy them again.

You Dirty Scrub Mint & Eucalyptus Bath Salts 100g - these smelt glorious! I did find they clumped a bit together in the bath but that didn't spoil the enjoyment. I'd maybe buy again.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir vial - again a teeny sample. It seemed nice but just not enough to get a feel for the product.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 5ml - huge fan of this product and the brand. See my review HERE. I've got a full size of this awaiting opening!

Phaedon Coton Egyptien EdT sample vial - I love that Bloom Perfumery offer a fantastic sample service with most at £2 for a 1ml vial. I have totally fallen for this beautiful fresh perfume and of course now want full-size!

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: My To-Buys

My Bloom Perfumery perfume subscription finished in June and I decided not to re-subscribe (I'd had a subscription for two years at this point) and as well as being pricey (but lovely) I was beginning to get a few repeats (some which I loved, some not so).

I've decided to let you know my stand out favourites which are firmly on the want list (I loved a lot but realistically I'm only picking the ones I might buy at some point).

July 2015 - Summer Florals

My favourite was the beautiful TARDES by Carner EdP 50ml (£85) - see my review HERE.

September 2015 - Autumn Scents

I totally fell for the glorious Coeur de Noir by Beaufort EdP 50ml (£95) which is quite unlike anything in my collection. It's a beautiful blend of ginger, ink, rum, leather, paper, vanillin with a base of cedar, tobacco and birch tar.

November 2015 - Male sample pack

In November, Bloom Perfumery mixed the sample packs up and the girls got the guys one and vice versa! I was initially a bit surprised by found I absolutely adored Cuirs by Carner EdP 50ml (£85) which is a smokey oud with leather and woods.

March 2016 - Iris 

I totally fell for the gorgeous Boszporousz by Nishane Extrait de Parfum (which is no longer stocked by Bloom Perfumery). It has notes of cypress, galbanum, sage, seaweed, gardenia, jasmine, amber, musk, oakmoss and patchouli

April 2016 - Citrus Breeze

My top pick is Phaedon's Verveine Figuier EdT 100ml (£69) a stunning fig perfume with verbena notes which is perfect for summer.

May 2016 - Sea, Sand & Sun Lotion

I think Carner is a brand I love! My top pick for May '16 is Costarela EdP 50ml (£85) which captures a Mediterranean breeze. It has notes of bergamot, saffron, hot sand accord, sea spray accord, ambrozan and Virginia cedar.

July 2016 - Continental Roses

PG13 Brulure de Rose EdP 50ml (£81.50) portrays the life cycle of a rose - from the bud to full bloom. It has notes of rosewood, rose, amber, musk, raspberry and sandalwood.

October 2016 - Exploring Labdanum

My favourite is again from a perfume house I love Beaufort - Fathom V EdP 50ml (£95) which has top notes of  juniper berry, tangerine, blackcurrant, green leaf and earth, with a heart of thyme, lily, jasmine, ylang ylang, ginger, black pepper and mimosa with a base of patchouli, vetiver, moss, salt, frankincense, Atlas cedar and amber.

April 2017 - Violets

I absolutely adored Violet Disguise EdP by Imaginary Authors 50ml (£90) which is a bon-bon violet flower interpretation with notes of plum, violet, dried fruit, balsam and amber.

May 2016 - Fragrant Travel

I've got to have two picks this month! My first is Palo Santo EdP by Carner 50ml (£85) which is simply beautiful. A creamy and lush woody blend with rich notes. It has top notes of Indian davana and rum accord, a heart of warm milk, Paraguayan guaiac and Venezuelan tonka beans with a base of Moroccan cedarwood, vetyver from Haiti and Dominican Republican amyris.

My second pick is Melodie de L'Amour by Dusita Extrait de Parfum 50ml - £250 (gulp) with top notes of gardenia, honey and tuberose, a heart of broom, Indian jasmine, lily of the valley and peach with base notes of cedar and musk.

So there you have it! My to-buy over my 2 year subscription (11) are any of these in your collection or on your wishlist?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: October 2016

My Bloom Perfumery October sample pack arrived yesterday. This month the focus is on #ExploringLabdanum. Labdanum is a rich brown gum resin that's sourced from the cistus shrubs of rockrose. It helps to anchor and extend the impact of more fleeting notes.

"A key ingredient in any amber based perfume, labdanum is a truly multifaceted thing. Both the spice and sweetness it's honeyed and still enriched with oriental elements. It smells truly exotic yet comfortingly familiar. It's leathery and yet woody at the same time conjuring up ideas of far flung luxury as much as it does dusty carpenter's workshops and bustling shipyards".

Bloom Perfumery have included a sample of labdanum absolute so it can help subscribers identify the ingredients wholly unique properties. The perfumes this month are:

Paradis Perdu by Frapin EdP (100ml - £98, 1ml - £2) - is aromatic and woody with top notes of bergamot, lemon, grapefruit and mandarin with green notes of basil, elemi and galbanum. Hay and labdanum combine with moss and rosewood.

Panorama by Olfactive Studio EdP (100ml - £108, 50ml - £74, 1ml - £2) - this is a very green perfume. The labdanum adds a spicy note. With top notes of bamboo shoots, bergamot, fig tree leaves, tonka bean and vanilla a heart of cardamon, galbanum, cut grass and violet leaf with a base of fir balsam, labdanum, musk, myrrh, patchouli, tonka bean and vanilla.

Signature Wild by Art de Parfum Extrait de Parfum (50ml - £88, 1ml - £2) - the labdanum is buried between the layers. It has a woody and slightly masculine edge. With notes of leather accord, orange blossom, cinnamon, cardamon, orange flower absolute, ciste labdanum, davana, peru balsam and vetiver.

Sable Marocain by Phaedon EdP (100ml - £95, 1ml - £2) - opens with Moroccan labdanum with a sweet cocoa note. Ginger and balsamic notes help to avoid too much sweetness. With notes of cocoa, copahu balm, gaiac wood, ginger, labdanum and vetiver.

Saffron Rose by Grossmith EdP (100ml - £295, 50ml - 195, 1ml - £5) - this is the perfume you don't want to like too much ouch that price! It is really lovely and one of my favourites this month. Labdanum is used alongside the oud, myrrh and castoreum which provides an animalic note which "makes the rose smell dirtier and more realistic".

The final sample this month is by one of my favourite perfume houses. Just Landed: Fathom V by BeauFort London EdP (50ml - £95, 1ml - £2) "The idea of this ’sea-change’ and the constant tidal flux of the sea is properly explored in Fathom V with the overdosed use of contrasting materials: salt and earth, fragrant herbs and mosses, pleasant floral notes and intense dark spices encompassing and outlining the push and pull of the oceanic torrents". 

It has top notes of juniper berry, tangerine, blackcurrant, green leaf and earth with a heart of thyme, lily, jasmine, ylang ylang, ginger, cumin, black pepper and mimosa with a base of patchouli, vetiver, moss, salt, frankincense, atlas cedar and amber. Rather in love with this one!

Are you liking the sound of any of the perfumes in this month's selection? 

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: August 2016: Jasmine

My Bloom Perfumery August sample pack landed yesterday. This month the theme is Jasmine.

"A flower with several different scent facets, the jasmine can smell green and airy or it can feel heavier, more narcotic, indolic and animal. It's a material that's regarded as an essential component in modern perfumery, even though natural floral extracts are so rare and scarce nowadays that some cost more than the price of gold".

The first one I tried is Nishane's Hundred Silent Ways (50ml Extrait de Parfum - £120, 1ml - £5) which is a floral gourmand and simply stunning. It has top notes of Mandarin, Peach and Tuberose, a heart of Gardenia, Iris butter and Jasmine and a base of Sandalwood, Vanilla and Vetivert.

Just Landed: Phaedon's Sable & Soleil EdP (100ml - £95, 1.6ml - £2) is "an ode to a tropical Eden resplendent with sandy beaches, exotic flowers and crystal clear shimmering azure waters" (got me sold already!) With top notes of Lemon, a heart of Coconut milk, Geranium and Jasmine with a base of Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka beans and White Musk.

Jazmin Sarai's How you Love EdP (50ml - £72, 1.6ml - £2) which is inspired my Sade's "It's only love that gets you through" and has notes of Cardamon Absoute, Grapefruit, Jasmine Absolute, Rose oil, Beeswax Absolute, Sandalwood and Musk.

PG's Drama Nuui EdP (100ml - £117.50, 1.6ml - £2) is very floral with rich heady hues. With notes of French Jasmine, Gaiac wood, Musk, Petigrain, Sandalwood and spices.

Next up is Just Landed: Brocard's Modern Classic EdP which is very, very reasonably priced (100ml - £21, 1.6ml - 80p) which has notes of Pear, Praline, Blackcurrant, White Musk, Orange Blossom and Vanilla.

Finally, Grossmith's Shem-El-Nessim EdP (50ml - £170, 1.6ml - £5). This one is just not to my taste as I find it too heavy and a bit powdery for my liking. It has top notes of Bergamot and Neroli, a heart of Geranium, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Orris with base notes of Musk, Cedarwood, Heliotrope and Vanilla.

What's your favourite Jasmine scent?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: July 2016: Continental Roses

My July Bloom Perfumery perfume sample pack has just arrived and this month the theme is Continental Roses. I love rose scents so I'm really looking forward to trying them out. 

"Throughout the ages the humble rose has remained one of the most precious and multifaceted ingredients in perfumery".

Bloom Perfumery have selected for us "six different variations on the idea of a rose".

I've not really had time to test them out properly yet but on first sniff I'm drawn to Bestseller Parfumerie Generale's PG13 Brulure de Rose EdP (£81.50 - 50ml, 1.6ml - £2) which aims to portray the life cycle of a rose: from tight green bud to a full bloom. With notes of Rosewood, Rose, Amber, Musk, Raspberry and Sandalwood.

Next up, again by Parfumerie Generale is PG26 Isparta EdP (£81.50 - 50ml, 1.6ml - £2) which is also a Bloom Perfumery Bestseller. With Red Fruit, Smoke of Agarwood, Patchouli Leaves, Isparta Roses, Benzoin, Tolu Balm and Amber.

Rozy Voile d'extrait by .vero.profumo. (£156 - 50ml, 1.2ml - £10) is exclusive to Bloom Perfumery. The Rose isn't so noticeable in this formulation but it's there complementing the Blackcurrant, Tuberose, Honey, Cassis, Labdanum and Spice notes. (great to try such an expensive perfume too!)

Baruti's Indigo Extrait de Parfum (£80 - 30ml, 1ml - £5) has notes of Amber, Atlas Cedar, Frankincense, Hyacinth, Rose and Sandalwood. "The perfumer  sought to mimic the rose scent of freshly picked damascena roses by using Greek Roses with a Moroccan Rose absolute".

Just Landed: Parfumerie Generale's PG4.1 Le Musc Et La Peau (I can't actually find it online yet) is a blend of 7 musks with notes of Ylang-Ylang, Tonka Bean, Amber, Cedarwood, Rosemary and Vanilla. You can wear this scent alone of layered with any other fragrance.

Phaedon's Cendres de The EdT (£69 - 100ml, 1.6ml - £2) is exclusive and a best seller which has notes of Camphor, Cardamon, Cedar, Musk, Myrrh, Pepper and Rose. 

What do you think of this month's picks?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: June 2016

This is my final pack from my Bloom Perfumery yearly subscription (but I recently signed up for another year as I love it so much!)

This month the samples are "exploring Ambroxan" which is "an isolated ingredient that perfumers often refer to as a wonder molecule. It's a natural ingredient which comes from clary sage".  "It's an ingredient that universally, almost everyone likes the scent of". "In a blend ambroxan extends fleeting ingredients whilst also acting as an olfactive magnifying glass, glazing over top notes and making them shine whilst also rounding out the overall punch of a perfume".

Bloom Perfumery have included a 1% solution of ambroxan to identify the molecule's unique and projective properties.

My favourite perfume this month is Wūlóng Chá by Nishane (50ml Extrait de Parfum £110, 1ml Extrait de Parfum £5) which has top notes of bergamot, mandarin, litsea and orange with a heart of nutmeg and oolong tea and base notes of fig tree fruit and musk. It's the perfect summer scent.

I'm also loving Etat Libre d'Orange's Bendelirious (50ml EdP £70) which is a fun loving scent with notes of champagne, cherry lollipop, iris absolute, leather, tonka beans, violet leaf absolute, grapefruit, musk and vetiver.

Phaedon Paris's Rue de Lilas (100ml EdT £69, 1.6ml £2) has just landed and has notes of lily-of-the-valley, opponax, rain drops, musk, palisander and white lilac.

Grossmith's Floral Veil (50ml EdP £170, 1.6ml £5) with top notes of cassis, green leaves and lemon with a heart of geranium, tuberose, ylang ylang, rose and vanilla and a base of amber, cashmeran and musk. 

I've loved all the Nishane perfumes I've tried via the subscription but unfortunately I found Rose Turca (50ml Extrait de Parfum £120, 1ml Extrait de Parfum £5) just a little powdery and heady for my tastes. It has top notes of Isparta rose essence and ylang ylang, a heart of Egyptian jasmine and Sardinian jasmine with a base of Isparta rose absolute and musk.

The final perfume this month is NEW IN: Paul Schütze Cirebon (50ml EdP £135, 1.6ml £2) and is a bold citrus. With notes of bergamot, cedar, orange blossom, sandalwood, bigarade orange, magnolia, petitgrain and vetiver. I kind of like this one.

See my reviews of the rest of the year:

2016: May, April, March, February, January 

2015: December, November, October, September, August, July

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: April 2016

My Bloom Perfumery April samples arrived on Saturday and this month the theme is "Citrus Breeze". The picks are fresh and citrus (and there's only one in the pack which doesn't make me swoon!)

I've had a sample before of Phaedon's Verveine Figuier EdT (£69 - 100ml, £2 - 1.6ml) and I loved its refreshing verbena and earthy fig notes. With notes of benzoin, fig tree leaves, licorice, musk, ooakmoss, Texas cedar and Verbena. It's the perfect scent for spring and summer.

I am totally smitten with NEW IN: Art de Parfum's Sensual Oud Extrait de Parfum (£88 - 50ml, £2 - 1.6ml) and I'd say it's up there with TARDES by Carner as one of my favourites from the whole year. It has notes of rose, leather, cloves, cypress, jasmine absolute, patchouli and geranium.

From Olfactive Studio we have Flash Back EdP (£74 - 50ml, £2 - 1.6ml) which is sweet and tangy with top notes of grapefruit, orange and rhubarb, a heart of Granny Smith apples and pink pepper with base notes of amber, musk and vetivert.

Spice Bazaar Extrait de Parfum from Nishane (£110 - 50ml, £5 - 1ml) is spicy and woody with top notes of ginger, juniper, rosemary and yuzu with a heart of cedar, cinnamon and cumin and base notes of black pepper, saffron and vanilla. I also loved their Boszporusz scent.

Arquiste's L'Etrog Acqua EdP (£135 - 100ml, £2 - 1.6ml) is woody and citrussy and has notes of bergamot, cedrat, labdanum, mandarin, myrtle, petit grain and vetivert.

I find Arquiste's Fleur de Louis EdP (£125 - 55ml, £2 - 1.6ml) a little too powdery for my tastes. With top notes of bergamot, cypress, galbanum and neroli, a heart of clove, jasmine, orange blossom and rose and a base of amber, cedarwood, Italian iris root, labdanum and vetivert.

What do you think of this month's picks?

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?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: February 2016

My February Bloom Perfumery subscription arrived on the final day in February! I've been enjoying trying out the scents which are spicy, sensual and slightly aphrodisiac.

My absolute favourite this month is Just In: Nanban by Arquiste EdP (1.6ml - £2, 100ml £135) which is smokey and woody. With notes of black pepper, black tea, Chinese osmanthus, coffee, copaiba balm, frankincense, leather, myrrh, saffron and styrax.

My second favourite is the unusual New In: PG10.1 Bouquet Massai by PG EdP (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £81.50) which has notes of coffee (it gives the floral notes an unusual coffee aroma!), karo karounde, magnolia, cashmeran, peony, tolu balm, peach and sandalwood.

I'm also loving Best Seller: Exclusive: Rubj by EdP .vero.profumo (1.2ml - £5, 50ml - £156) which is a heady lush floral with top notes of bergamot, mandarin, neroli and passionfruit with heart notes of basil, orange blossom and tuberose and a base of cedar, musk and oakmoss.

Best Seller: Embers by Rouge Bunny Rouge Edp (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £95) is a beautiful sexy smokey scent. With top notes of cloves, nutmeg and pink pepper and heart notes of freesia, jasmine, cistus and incense with a base of styrax, Peru balsam and sandalwood.

Exclusive: Dzari by Phaedon EdT (1.6ml - £2, 100ml - £69) with notes of cashmeran, cedarwood, dates, malaga wine, sandalwood and tonka beans. The drydown is sweet and spicy.

The final perfume this month is Caravelle Epicee by Frapin EdP (1.6ml - £2, 100ml - £98) which is spicy and woody. It has top notes of coriander and nutmeg, a heart of gaiac wood, pepper and thyme and a base of amber, patchouli, sandalwood and tobacco.

I've actually really enjoyed wearing all the perfumes in February's subscription pack.  Do you have any favourites this month or are there any from the selection you fancy trying?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack - January 2016

My Bloom Perfumery January sample pack arrived at the beginning of the week. The pack is about "crisp and fresh fragrances".

My favourite this month is New In: Foudre by Parfumerie Generale Cruise Collection EdP (50ml - £80, 1.6ml - £2) which has notes of Black Tea, Champaca, Pepper, Cashmeran, Musk and Vetivert. It's crisp, slightly fruity, woody and floral. Lush!

Exclusive: L'Eau de Phaedon EdT (100ml - £69, 1.6ml - £2) which has notes of agave leaves, aloe vera, jasmin, mandarin, musk, neroli and white woods. Which smells fresh with greens and citrus.

Bestseller: Exclusive: Carrousel by Paul Emilien EdP (50ml - £60, 2ml - £2) with top notes of Bergamot, chili, Grapefruit, Carrot Seeds, Eucalyptus and Sicilian Lemon. With a heart of Egyptian Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Texas Cedar, Violet, Gaiac Wood, Sandalwood and Turkish Rose with a base of Amber, Vanilla and White Musk. 

Just Landed: Mitchell & Peach English Leaf EdT (50ml - £50, 1.6ml - £2) - this is a fresh and herby scent. It has notes of Basil, Coriander, Cedar and Mint.

PG12 Hyperessence Matale EdP (50ml - £81.50, 1.6ml - £2) - with top notes of Bergamot, Jasmine and Mint, a heart of Black Tea and a base of Cedar and Leather. This is quite smokey with a touch of citrus and leather. I'm looking forward to wearing this one. It's my second favourite this month

PG Corps et Ames EdT Apaisante (50ml - £81.50, 1.6ml - £2) - with top notes of Geranium and Verbana, a heart of Jasmine Sambac and Patchouli with a base of Musk and Sandalwood. This is quite a powerful scent and reminds me a little bit of Clinique's Aromatics Elixir. 

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack - December 2015

My December Bloom Perfumery Sample Pack arrived on Tuesday and this month the fragrances feature notes such as myrrh, frankincense and benzoin. Samples are also included of raw materials to give an idea of what they smell like before perfumers work on them in their perfumes.

Bloom Perfumery also gave us an extra gift this month of Hyalomiel Hand Gel with Organic honey and rose to moisturise and leave hands velvety soft - thanks Bloom Perfumery!

Inside this month is:

New In: Habanita - Molinard EdP (30ml - £47, 1.6ml - £2) which has top notes of lemon and petigrain, heart notes of heliotrope, mimosa, rose, virginia cedar, jasmine, nutmeg, vetivert and ylang ylang with a base of amber, patchouli, vanilla, oakmoss and sandalwood. It's a little bit powdery for my tastes.

Exclusive: Lye by Gabriella Chieffo EdP (100ml - £110, 1.6ml - £2) I like this one! It has top notes of bergamot and lemon, a heart of frankincense and iris with bases notes of leather, opponax, patchouli and vanilla.

Bestseller, Just Landed, Exclusive: Mūsīqá Oud by Nishane Extrait de Parfum (50ml - £150, 1ml - £5) a rich and heady scent. With top notes of amyris, wood, cypriol, grapefruit a heart of amber, oud and saffron with a base of gaiac wood, oakmoss and sandalwood. This is unlike anything I've ever worn before.

Myrrhiad by Huitieme Art EdP (50ml - £88, 1.6ml £2) a warm and sensual scent which is also gourmand, balsamic and woody. With notes of black tea, licorice, myrrh and vanilla.

Exclusive: Oliban by Phaedon Paris EdT (100ml - £69, 1.6ml £2) with woody, fruity incense notes of ambroxan, musk, incense and sandalwood.

Exclusive, Best Seller: Esprit Divin by Paul Emilien EdP (100ml - £140, 1.6ml £2) This is my favourite this month. A spicy chypre with top notes of clove, ginger, grapefruit, frankincense, nutmeg, rose saffron, vanilla, amber and cardamon with heart notes of musk, nagarmotha, patchouli, rosewood, sandalwood and violet leaf with base notes of amber, labdnum, musk, spices, tobacco and Turkish rose.

Extra: Exclusive: Hyalomiel Gel (50ml - £9.50) a luxe jelly which moisturises, soothes and refreshes the hands. Scented with honey and rose.

What do you think of the choices this month?

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: November 2015

This month Bloom Perfumery mixed up the sample packs and the girls got the ones for the guys! I was initially a bit surprised but being a lover of Drakkar Noir, Eau Savage and Cacharel Pour Homme in the 80s I decided to give this month's choices a bash.

Bloom Perfumery also thinks swapping this month will help with Christmas present choices for the men in your life - there are woody, citrus, leather, spices, herbs and frankincense notes in the perfumes this month.

My favourite this month is CUIRS by Carner EdP (50ml - £81, 1.6ml - £2) an intense oud leather scent with top notes of Saffron, heart notes of Gaiac Wood, Sandalwood, Texas Cedar and Violet and base notes of Amyris Wood, Oud, Patchouli, Leather, Musk, Tonka Beans, Cistus and Nagarmotha. I also adore TARDES by Carner (review).

My second favourite this month is best seller PG20 L'Eau Guerriere EdT (50ml - £81.50, 1.6ml - £2) which is woody, spicy and fresh. It has top notes of Cinchona Bark, a heart note of Frankincense and a base of Aloe Oud Wood and Ambergris.

The ultimate best seller for men in 2015 has been Tabac Rouge by Phaedon EdP (100ml - £95, 1.6ml - £2) which smells sweet and spicy on my skin and reminds me a bit of chai tea! It has notes of Benzoin, Cinnamon, Ginger, Honey, Frankincense, Musk and Tobacco.

Frapin's L'Humaniste EdP (100ml - £98, 1.6ml - £2) is light, refreshing and aromatic. It has top notes of Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Lemon and Pink Pepper. Heart notes of Juniper, Nutmeg, Peony and Thyme with a base of Oakmoss and Tonka Bean.

Bestseller Autoportrait by Olfactive Studio EdP (50ml - £74, 1.6ml - £2) is my least favourite. It's apparently a popular choice for customers working in the City and No.5 bestseller this year. It has top notes of Bergamot and Elemi, a heart of Benzoin, Frankincense and Musk with a base of Cedar, Oakmoss and Vetivert.

Finally, new in Selfie by Olfactive Studio EdP (50ml - £74, 1.6ml - £2) almost smells quite edible on first spritz. With top notes of Angelica Root, Elemi, Ginger, Star Anise and Frankincense with a heart of Maple Syrup, Cabreuva Wood, Cinammon and Lily with a base of Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Suede, Tonka Bean and Styrax.

What are your thoughts on this month's choices?