Welcome to the May 2018 edition of my ‘Sampling The Scents’ series. If you’re new here, this post will feature six different perfumed fragrances, where I will share my thoughts on each scent and provide my own personal star rating on. Without furthermore, lets dive into the third instalment of ‘Sampling The Scents‘, for May 2018. To start it all off, let me introduce this month’s scents..
Intro
As you will see, my May 2018 ‘Sampling The Scents’ series features; Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos and last but not least, Guerlain. These particular samples are from shopping orders that I’ve made and I love the fact that you can sample fragrances this way to see what you really like before buying a full size bottle! Let’s get ready to go through them all..
The Fragrances and Their Notes
– Marc Jacobs Decadence; starting off with top notes of Iris, Saffron and Plum, with middle notes of Bulgarian Rose, Jasmin Sambac and Orris, while ending with base notes of Amber, Papyrus and Vetiver. Released globally in June 2015, developed by perfumer’s Annie Buzantian and Anne Gottlieb, ‘Decadence’ is considered to be the first mature fragrance from the designer house and exudes sexy and sophistication. The campaign for Decadence was shot by Steven Meisel and starred model Adriana Lima as the face of the campaign. The bottle packaging is inspired an Emerald Green handbag with python pattern and is depicting a personal talisman of the designer by representing glamour and opulence. The bottle is a replica of the emerald green handbag with python pattern and gold chain detailing by the sides and gold font title. Decadence comes available in the sizes of 30ml, 50ml and 100ml.
– Tom Ford Black Orchid; it starts off with top notes of Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Gardenia, Patchouli, Truffle, Bergamot, Black Currant, Jasmine, Mandarin & Tuber, with middle notes of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Orchid, Lotus, Gardenia, Fruit & Spices, while rounding it up with base notes of Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood, Dark Chocolate Cocoa, Vetiver, White Musk & Incense. ‘Black Orchid’ was released in November 2006 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York as the first fragrance under Tom Ford Beauty and was developed by perfumers David Arpel and Pierre Negrin from Givaudan. ‘Black Orchid’ is a woody, oriental scent that was designed to be classically dark. Full of spices, inspiring dark chocolate, remaining modern, timeless & opulent. The darkest Black Orchid was in mind with the creation of this popular scent. The bottle is a black sleek elongated design with rigid line grooves throughout in a pattern and a gold flat plaque title in the centre front. It typically comes available in a 50ml and 100ml size bottle but also offers a limited edition size 15ml.
– YSL Black Opium; starts out with top notes of Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Vanilla & Coffee Bean, with middle notes of Jasmine, Almond, Coffee Bean & Licoruce. The base notes consist of Vanilla, Patchouli, Cashmere Wood & Cedar. Released globally in September of 2014, Yves Saint Laurent went for a glam rocked up interpretation of the classic which highlights the mysterious and darker side to YSL. Developed by perfumers Marie Salamagne & Nathalie Lorson, alongside perfumers Olivier Cresp & Honorine Blanc, whom designer the compositions. British model Edie Campbell served as the face of the campaign, which was shot by Daniel Wolfe. The bottle is a dark black, elegantly detailed with shiny black sequins giving it a glam, luxe look with the title emblazoned in capital black font with a round rose gold background. ‘Black Opium’ comes available in a 30ml, 50ml and 100mk size.
– Prada Candy; it starts off with top notes of Musk, Caramel & Benzoin, with middle notes of Powdered Orris & Musk, then it settles with base notes of Vanilla, Musk & Benzoin. ‘Candy’ was released globally in August 2011 under the fashion house and was designed by perfumer Daniela Andrier to inspire a fun, bright, sensual and bold fragrance that is very feminine. The campaign starred French model/actress Lea Seydoux and was shot by Jean Paul Goude. The bottle is a tall, slim golden tower with a black push top lid. Hot pink foreground details the top of the glass bottle while the title emblazoned in gold lettering shines bright. It comes available in a 30ml, 50ml and 80ml size.
– John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; top notes of Coriander, Leather, Lime, Plum & Sandalwood, with middle notes of Pepper, Sage, Cinnamon, Cedar & Indian Fig, and rounding off with base notes of Fig Leaf, Tamarind & Amber. ‘John Varvatos Classic’ was released globally in March 2004 as the first ever fragrance under the fashion house, titled ‘John Varvatos’ and created as a men’s cologne. It was developed in cooperation with perfumer Rodrigo Flores Roux. John Varvatos would later expand the fragrance line to women as well. ‘John Varvatos’ bottle design is a sleek black glass oval shape with a leather banding going around it with silver font emblazoned across the front saying ‘John Varvatos’, the tip spray is a silver metal push down. It exudes sleekness! It comes available in a 75ml and 125ml bottle, with also a 75ml deodorant stick, a 125ml aftershave and a 250ml bath & shampoo gel as part of a extra collection.
– Guerlain Mon; starting out with top notes of Vanilla, Bergamot, Courmarin & Lavender, with middle notes of Iris, Rose & Jasmine, and ending with base notes of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Licorice & Courmarin. ‘Guerlain Mon’ was released globally in March 2017 with well known Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie as the face of the campaign. Jacques Guerlain states that his company Guerlain, liked to create perfume for the women that it admires. Created and developed by perfumers Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk, Thierry was inspired to create a scent filled with notes of a woman and the choices, dreams and emotions that embody modern day feminity. The fragrance bottle is a classic glass squared dome shape with gold detailing for the rim and a clear crystal-like, rounded mushroom lid. It comes available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes.
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My Thoughts & Ratings
After a couple of months of trialling these out for different occasions, I have gathered my thoughts on each one, lets break it down:
Marc Jacob Decadence; this is something completely different than to any of the previous releases from Marc Jacobs, and yet this still oozes luxury and taste. Much like all the other MJ fragrances have done. Upon first experience of this one, I notice the a bolder, spicier, sweet plum hue and amber straight away.. then comes in the sharp rose aroma and vetiver. It’s quite a woody scent in a way & a lot darker, deeper but yet remains very feminine all the while. I like it, it’s different than any of my other fragrances, it’s actually a very unique scent that grows on you in time! Rating: I will give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.
Tom Ford Black Orchid; instantly with this I can smell the white musk, then the jasmine and vetiver set in with the dark chocolate cocoa lingering at the end.. this is a strong scent, I must admit I don’t like the dark chocolate at the end, it throws it off for me. I feel as though the white musk and vanilla saves this, it’s a bit too spicy for me. I think this would be perfect for a bold statement but it’s personally not for me.Rating: I will give this one a 2/5 ★★☆☆☆.
YSL Black Opium; I instantly notice the jasmine, then the vanilla.. it opens strong and sweet. Coming in next is the coffee bean, then it sets with orange blossom lingering. I like how this one starts off strong but mellows out to the orange blossom and its very pleasant and bright, fun! I really enjoy the bubbly nature of this one, its a lot of fun but it also exudes class, luxury and femininity all rolled into one. I quite like this one, it’s nice. Perfect for a night out of a few drinks with friends or even a lunch with the girls. I definitely give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.
Prada Candy; this opens with a sweet essence of vanilla, musk and caramel all rolled into one. At first you think it’s going to be strong throughout but it blends out nicely and mellows to a sweet vanilla-ry musk with a settlement of caramel lingering at the base. It stays put too, I really love this one for a fun night out! It’s exudes femininity and style.. I picture wearing a summery dress with this on! I’m a big fan. I must admit, at first I was thinking it would stay too sweet but it surprisingly mellows out and softens down. I love fragrances that can achieve this! I give this beautiful release a big 4/5 ★★★★☆.
John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; this opens with coriander and lime, I notice the leather and cedar coming through next, and it settles with pepper and plum. It is a unique scent and for a bold one, I quite like it. I feel like this one is a unisex fragrance, it starts off strong but blends out to a nice base. I give this a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.
Guerlain Mon; opening with musk, vanilla, rose and bergamot. I am instantly a fan! Its softer than most musks, it’s subdued and a beautiful blend of aroma’s. I can see myself wearing this for any occasion; brunch, lunch, dinner, at the cinema, a festival, a fair, any event & anywhere! I love it! It’s feminine, sexy, fun and softly sweet! I definitely give this one 5/5 ★★★★★.
Where To Buy & Availability
Liked the sounds of one of the fragrances you saw on this post? Want to purchase it? I’ve got you covered! Please find below all the info you need on availability, pricing, locations, etc.
Marc Jacobs Decadence – the 30ml for $90 AUD, 50ml for $135 AUD & the 100ml for $171 AUD at Myer, the 50ml for $150 AUD at Priceline, the 50ml for $89.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 100ml for $129.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse and the 30ml for $80 AUD, the 50ml for $99 AUD & the 100ml for $157 AUD currently at Strawberrynet.
Tom Ford Black Orchid – the 50ml for $139 AUD at Priceline and the 30ml for $108 AUD, the 50ml for $167.50 AUD & the 100ml for $231.50 AUD at Strawberrynet.
YSL Black Opium – the 90ml for $119.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 50ml for $149 AUD at Priceline, the 90ml for $199 AUD at Priceline and the 30ml for $99 AUD, the 50ml for $165 AUD & the 90ml for $218 AUD at Myer.
Prada Candy – the 50ml is $99.99 AUD at Priceline, the 30ml for $85 AUD, the 50ml for $116 AUD & the 80ml for $154 AUD at Strawberrynet and currently the 50ml for $127.80 AUD & the 80ml for $161.10 AUD at Myer.
John Varvatos – the 75ml is $66 AUD & the 125ml is $84 AUD at Strawberrynet and the 75ml is currently $76.50 AUD & the 125ml is $103.50 AUD at Myer.
Guerlain Mon – the 30ml is $79.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 50ml is $99.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 30ml is $92 AUD, the 50ml is $129.50 AUD & the 100ml is $172.50 AUD at Strawberrynet and currently the 30ml is $91.80 AUD, the 50ml is $126 AUD & the 100ml is $184.50 AUD (normally $205 AUD) at Myer.
Would I Purchase the Full Sizes?
Referring to the big question, would I purchase the full size of any of the fragrances listed in this post? Let’s get through each one.. starting with Marc Jacobs Decadence; I like this as it grew on me, I will admit that at first I wasn’t that into it, but after a while I recognise its uniqueness and how mellowing out it becomes. I definitely like it, but it’s not my favourite so I think I would just use up the rest of the sample I have and that would be it. With Tom Ford Black Orchid; I was a bit disappointed. It’s true to it’s description in terms of notes, and it’s definitely different, for my personal taste though I think I will pass. I just didn’t like the dark chocolate cocoa, it threw it off for me. Anyone the same? Onto YSL Black Opium; I found this one to be bright, fun, bubbly and a nice fragrance to wear on any occasion, it is a tad strong at first but it softens down nicely and is a good perfume, so yes, I would buy a bottle of this. Going onto Prada Candy; I love it! Again like Black Opium, this one starts out a little strong but mellows out and subdues down to a nice, pretty feminine scent. I love the white musk and caramel in this a lot! I would definitely buy a bottle of this one. With John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; I feel like this one is a unisex fragrance and although I don’t typically like woody, bold scents that much.. this one grows well on me and has become a favourite. It starts off with a lime and coriander and turns into plum and pepper. I love the vetiver in it, I think I would use the rest of this sample and I’m still on the fence whether I’d buy a bottle or not, but I did like it, so maybe? Last but not least, definitely not least.. is Guerlain Mon; the answer is a big YES!, I thoroughly love this! It’s luxury, sexy, sensual, feminine and fun! I immediately love the vanilla and musk, and the rose that rounds it out. Absolutely in love with it! I could wear this one everywhere! I’ve already added it to my ‘buy’ list. That concludes this month’s ‘Sampling The Scents’, I hope you have enjoyed reading more about these particular fragrances and I hope you look forward to next month’s instalment. Have a great week ahead! xo