Scent Split for My Valentine's Day Gift to Myself!

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a new scent? Honestly, though I do love flowers, fragrance has become my new favorite floral bouquet. Scent Split is one of my two favorite places at the moment to try samples, and when I find something I love, I buy the bigger bottle. No money wasted is always my favorite gift to myself. I ordered 7 scent splits for women, and one for men (my oldest two boys have also taken an interest in my new love of niche and designer perfumes and fragrances).

For Women

Amouage, Interlude Woman: The last Amouage I tried, was a huge hit for me. I really just loved it so much (Sunshine Woman) and I heard good things about this one. Interlude Woman, however, is not for me. There is something 'dirty' in it, that is a bit off-putting to me. Top notes are Marigold, Ginger, Grapefruit and Bergamot; middle notes are Incense, Walnut, Immortelle, Kiwi, Honey, Opoponax, Coffee, Sandalwood, Rose, Orange Blossom and Jasmine; base notes are Leather, Benzoin, Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Oakmoss, Vanilla and Musk.

by Kilian, Rolling in Love: Again, there are two by Kilian fragrances I have that I love, but I have tried some that I do not like, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one. It's almost really nice (the floral notes that drift in are so good). There's something in the initial spray though, that has a bit of a weeds or a not pleasant smell to it (maybe it's the almond milk?). It does get better after dry down (less of that 'off' smell). I wouldn't buy it, but I don't hate it. Notes: ambrette seeds, almond milk, iris, and musk.

House of Oud, Dates of Delight: This is my first experience with the House of Oud. It's nice. It is spicy and does smell like dates (and cinnamon) to me. Very well blended. I think it is a fragrance I wouldn't reach for a lot, but it'd still be REALLY nice to own for when I did feel like wearing it. I like that it is unusual. My sample spray didn't last long on my skin. I will try it again to see if it does prior to deciding whether or not to purchase. This sample does leave me very interested in the House of Oud. Top notes are Dates and Peony; middle notes are Cinnamon, Caramel, Tonka Bean and Coumarin; base notes are Honey, Sugar, Vanilla, Benzoin and Labdanum.

A Lab on Fire, Messy Sexy Just Rolled out of Bed: It is nice, very soft (not loud or brash and no loud projection). I am not sure it is unique enough to buy, but it is pleasant and I'd absolutely wear it and enjoy it if I owned it. Dry down is a bit baby powdery. Note: The 2nd time I wore it the dry down was delicious vanilla. Top: Peach Blossom and Bergamot; Mid: Heliotrope and Turkish Rose; Base: Toffee, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk, Cashmere Wood, Amber and Sandalwood.

Le Labo: Another 13: It smells like Creed Aventus with a lighter projection to me (also reminds me of 11 11 from Lake & Skye). I like the Creed better, but I still like this (and it sells for a much lower price). I'd wear it. Ambroxan, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Moss, Woody Ambery Notes.

Nishane, Ani: This is a rich, indulgent vanilla. It smells pretty much the same from opening to dry down, but that's okay. Listed as unisex. I can see that... I can see a woman wearing it, but I think it's perfect for a man. Cozy, sweet and a little spicy/def. vanilla. Top Notes: Ginger, Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Green Notes; middle notes are Black Currant, Cardamom and Turkish Rose; base notes are Vanilla, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Cedar, Patchouli, Ambergris and Musk.

Parfums De Marly, Meliora: So Good! I heard it is fruity, musky, green. To me it smells fresh, light and happy. I just love it. Perfectly blended. High quality. Not like anything I've smelled before. This is three out of four scents from PDM that I just love. If I keep trying them, my whole dresser is going to be full of PDM!! That's not a bad thing. Top notes are Black Currant, Red Berries and Cassis; middle notes are Rose, Ylang-Ylang and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Vanilla and Musk.

For Men

Creed, Viking: I think Viking ALSO smells like Creed Aventus with a little bit of a refined barber shop type of twist. I like it a lot. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Creed knows how to make a fantastic fragrance! My oldest son fell in love with this sample and now has a full-sized bottle in his growing fragrance collection. He enjoys the scent and says it lasts all day. Pink Pepper, Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian Lemon; middle notes are Pink Pepper, Spicy Mint and Bulgarian Rose; base notes are Sandalwood, Lavender, Haitian Vetiver and Indian Patchouli.

Scent Split has been a favorite of mine since I first tried them (I have a permanent fragrance tab if you are interested in reading about scents I am trying). They have a very large quantity of scent splits to try, they ship fast (in containers that do not spill), prices are amazing, and customer service is top-notch. I can easily recommend them if you are looking to try before you buy.