Coutureguru   03.11.2014 | Perfumes & Brands

Ormonde Jayne Discovery Set

...I have this discovery set :) … it is beautifully presented and I've tried a few of the fragrances … I need to make some time to go through them meticulously for review! I really like Ta'if and Orris Noir ...

Coutureguru   12.08.2014 | Miscellaneous

FragranceX and testers?

...I shop with FragranceX a lot and barring one missing package (which I was fully refunded for) I find their service to be reputable. I've had some very special 'pure perfumes' from them and while some of their stock is not always available they are efficient and cost effective. I have a few of their Tester bottles and have never had issue with these.

Coutureguru   28.05.2014 | Miscellaneous

The geography of scent - variations in perception

...Grey … I can confirm that climate and definitely affects the way some fragrances react on me. In the hot humidity of my Island job, favourites like Prada's Infusion d'Homme and Cartier's Goutte de Rose and Declaration d'un Soir veritably blossom on my skin, radiate more and last longer. When I wear them in cool weather they are done and dusted in a few hours. I've taken to not wearing d'un Soir in the dry heat of South African summers as it develops a metallic nastiness that I haven't experienced anywhere else. I'm currently in chilly and wet weather in NW England, where my Terre d'Hermes seems to be flourishing and I'm getting amazing projection and longevity out of Guerlain's AA Flora Rosa, which is only an EDT.Weather and geographic positioning definitely affects the way fragrance smells (I should know, I'm permanently traveling!) … any contrary opinion is simply ridiculous and uneducated!

Coutureguru   08.03.2014 | Miscellaneous

What the perfumers say - Francis Kurkdjian

...Strangely enough my favorite from this man is Green Tea for Elizabeth Arden … and of course Rose Barbare for Guerlain is a masterpiece. I have the full collection of samples from his own house, but find the musk he uses in Narciso's fragrances all too prevalent in his eponymous collection … it's quite laundry-ish … but having said that, a bottle of Absolue Pour le Matin would not go amiss in my collection. I also love what he's done over at Elie Saab … 'le parfum extreme' is truly beautiful!! It really doesn't hurt that M.Kurkdjian is easy on the eyes :) … but as far as his talent goes, that's through the stratosphere!!

Coutureguru   07.02.2014 | Miscellaneous

EU amendment to sharpen restrictions on fragrance allergens

...Coutureguru:I've signed the petitionJust to clarify … the petition I signed was the one located in the material elsewhere on this page. I will sign any petition related to this cause … please let us know when yours has been drafted Mia and Cryptic!!xoxo

Coutureguru   07.02.2014 | Miscellaneous

EU amendment to sharpen restrictions on fragrance allergens

...Wonderful job peeps … keep it up!! I wish I had the time to get more involved again but at the moment my schedule is chaotic! I've signed the petition and will keep an eye on this topic so that I can offer my help if time pressures recede!xoxoxoxo

Coutureguru   10.01.2014 | Perfume Recommendations

Wanted : herbal elixir

...Give Aramis 900 a bash … better if you can get a pre reformulation bottle, but the newer one (from the Gentlemen's Collection) is not bad either. It reminds of AE but is more herbal and a little mineral … hope that helps!

Coutureguru   24.06.2013 | Perfumes by Note, Accord, Genre

What are your favorite Rose perfumes?

...Apicius:May I also add a warning? Never ever wear Cartier's "Declaration d'un Soir" together with clothes that are difficult to wash!This perfume contains what we will be getting in the future once the IFRA succeeds with their plans to prohibit natural rose oil.Yes, you are right Apicius :) ... but this is one of the facets of d'un Soir that I really like ... it hangs out forever on my clothes and projects beautifully. I've had so many compliments while wearing it and it is another favorite Rose for me ... but I agree that it should preferably be worn with the same outfit ... teehee ...

Coutureguru   23.06.2013 | Perfumes by Note, Accord, Genre

What are your favorite Rose perfumes?

...My favorite Rose perfume is definitely and without a doubt Guerlain's "Rose Barbare", with Goutal's "Ce Soir ou Jamais" in a tie for second place with Boadicea's "Glistening". I also really love Tea Rose by Perfumer's Workshop and Ineke's Briar Rose.I don't include my Rose/Oud combinations ... those are in a list of their own :). There is nothing like a beautiful Rose fragrance. There are SO many of them out there ... one for everybody to find and enjoy in their own way!!

Coutureguru   07.01.2013 | Miscellaneous

I can't wear Lutens ... why oh why oh why????

...Greysolon:Forgot to mention, the one Lutens that seems universally loved that "turns on my skin" is Daim Blond. For the first half hour, it's intoxicating. Then, slowly but surely, a smell that can only be described as an old, stale perfume odor begins to...damn, I'm already reverting to old habits... Daim Blond turns on my skin. :wink:Teehee ... 'turns on my skin' just about sums it up Greysolon :) ... thanks for the vote of literary confidence !!!

Coutureguru   06.01.2013 | Miscellaneous

I can't wear Lutens ... why oh why oh why????

...Teehee ... so nice to see some interaction from different perspectives on this thread ... I've added another 'like' to my very small Lutens repertoire ... Santal Majuscule (which I have a sample of) is very nice!

Coutureguru   13.12.2012 | Miscellaneous

I can't wear Lutens ... why oh why oh why????

...Cryptic:Hey Coutureguru, I thought of you when I read this. A peppery rose!http://boisdejasmin.com/2012/12/serge-lutens-la-fille-de-berlin-new-fragrance-and-book.html#commentsOoooh fabby!!! Ta Cryptic :)

Coutureguru   26.11.2012 | Perfumes & Brands

Farina's Kölnisch Wasser – a History of Plagiarism

...Wow ... that must indeed be a really fabulous exhibit to see! I have 4ml miniatures of both Russisch Leder and Farina 1709 and can attest to the quality of both!! (Thanks A.) Far better than 4711. A few new fragrances by this house would surely not go amiss!

Coutureguru   22.11.2012 | Perfumes by Note, Accord, Genre

Middle-Eastern Perfumes

...Cryptic:Coutureguru:Cryptic:If you have the chance, you should test Neela Vermeire's Mohur. It is a gorgeous rose/oud that I think you would absolutely love.I LOVE MOHUR Cryptic :) ... read my blog entry "A Passage to India" :)Thanks, that was a great read. Sorry I missed it. :oops:Teehee ... I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

Coutureguru   20.11.2012 | Perfumes by Note, Accord, Genre

Middle-Eastern Perfumes

...Cryptic:If you have the chance, you should test Neela Vermeire's Mohur. It is a gorgeous rose/oud that I think you would absolutely love.I LOVE MOHUR Cryptic :) ... read my blog entry "A Passage to India" :)

Coutureguru   20.11.2012 | Perfumes by Note, Accord, Genre

Middle-Eastern Perfumes

Re: Arabic Perfumes - Zahras
...Zahra:Nice to be here and will be glad to assist with any queries related to Arabic perfumes, bakhkoors and perfume houses.ZahraHi Zahra :)Welcome!! Wonderful to have you around :)

Coutureguru   19.11.2012 | Miscellaneous

I can't wear Lutens ... why oh why oh why????

...I have to be honest here and mention that since writing the beginning of this entry earlier this year, I have delved more deeply into finding out which Lutens work on me. I can happily report that I am quite content with Tubereuse Criminelle (which I now own) and have found a similar respect for A la Nuit, of which I have a bottle on the way! I have, however, really come to enjoy Miel de Bois :). This will be my next Lutens purchase :).

Coutureguru   07.11.2012 | Miscellaneous

Living well is the best revenge...

...Sherapop:Whenever I wear "24, Faubourg", I feel like a million dollars!"Fracas" is another great choice for me...Carpe Diem!!! :)FRACAS!!! pant,pant,pant ... TUBEROSE :D ... pant,pant,pant

Coutureguru   06.11.2012 | Miscellaneous

Samples from Houses - best experience

...Parfums Divine send a beautiful sample package, fast too and also with hand written attention to detail ... best service I've ever experienced!

Coutureguru   15.09.2012 | Perfumes & Brands

Petit Fracas

...Sherapop:Coutureguru:Oh dear :( ... bottles on Ebay already? That can't be a good sign!No perfume from ebay for me! Thank goodness I have this policy. Imagine how much time I could waste surfing there!:roll:Teehee ... I should try and curb the time I spend there :) ... it's very addictive! I often don't have any other way of getting what I want tho' ... didn't find any bottles of Petit Fracas ...