Microperfumes Shipment #3

MicroPerfumes is one of the companies I talk about where I buy sample vials of various designer and niche fragrances so I can try before I buy. Here is my latest shipment and my initial takes on the fragrances, for those who might be interested.

1. Bottega Veneta by Bottega Veneta. I didn't care for  it on initial spray (maybe because of the leather?) but it's growing on me. It's better as it starts to dry some. In fact, I think it's safe to say I do like this one in the mid-notes time frame where it has a slight lemony smell to me. I do not, however, love the dry down which is a little off-putting. That being said, I do keep intentionally smelling it. Maybe I will fall in love with it the next time I try to wear it. A leathery floral chypre, marries the olfactory language of the Venetian countryside—fresh meadows, mown hay, flowers, earth, and wood—with the gentle richness of leather in a creation crafted with the meticulousness of a master artisan.

Update: This scent is really growing on me. It has a light cedary smell that appeals, which is crazy because I'm not usually into the wood scents for women. Dry down is no longer off-putting, hence I have learned that first impressions are just that...first impressions.  It seems common to me that I have to try a fragrance out more than once or twice to really see how I feel about it. I'd wear this if I had a full-sized bottle. It's different than anything in my collection.

2. Creed: Love in White. The first Creed fragrance I've smelled that I'm not crazy for... Not an unpleasant opening but not standout amazing. I do like the orange peel that finds its way through. When this dries down though, I don't like it at all. Top note is Orange Peel; middle notes are Rice, Magnolia, Narcissus, Italian Jasmine, Iris and Bulgarian Rose; base notes are Ambergris, Sandalwood and Vanille.

3. Creed: Spring Flower. Creed is so good at making perfume. This one is juicy fruity but still a pretty, and absolutely high quality floral. I like it. Top notes are Apple, Melon and Peach; middle notes are Jasmine and Rose; base notes are Musk and Ambergris. Flirtatious fruity/fresh top notes intrigue the senses, softening into delicate florals and sensual musk.

4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Baccarat Rouge 540. It smells good. I can see how it is unisex. It doesn't lean feminine or masculine but would be amazing for either. Someone said Burberry 'Her' is a dupe, but to me it's not a dupe. I can see the similarities in a slight way. This is much better to me. It's not typical, which is good. I like it quite a bit but don't absolutely love it, and it's weird to say, but I don't like it at all for me. My oldest son, however, does not care how pricey this one is, and it is pricey, he is headed off to buy it. For him, like so so so many people are saying online, it was love at first sniff. Top notes are Saffron and Jasmine; middle notes are Amberwood and Ambergris; base notes are Fir Resin and Cedar.

Update: I heard Ariana Grande Cloud smells a lot like this fragrance. I purchased the body spray and had my oldest son blind smell. He said, 'wow, that smells like Baccarat Rouge 540, I'm taking that home.' And he did. :)  Now he has the expensive version and the cheap-o one, and they do smell very similar. The MFK lasts forever and the AG does not.

5. Marc Jacobs: Decadence. Darker notes. Probably more sensual than I would want for office wear. I opened this sample from Microperfumes and IMMEDIATELY went to the store to purchase a bottle. I have never done that before. I was so excited because I really liked it, but I got the wrong one (be careful because the flankers have a similar name and the boxes look very similar too...I did not like the flanker at all).  The plum notes in here are so interesting, and I love everything about this fragrance. I cannot wait to get a bottle of my own. Top Notes: Italian plum, Iris and Saffron. Heart: Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine Sambac and Orris. Drydown: liquid amber, vetiver, and papyrus woods

Update: I did find a reasonably priced bottle and did make the purchase. A family member had a birthday so I gifted the unopened bottle to her. Now I miss it and it's discontinued and sold out everywhere. 😭

6. Tom Ford: Noir Pour Femme. I was so surprised. It doesn't smell like any Tom Ford I have smelled before, it's much lighter. I honestly love the heavier fragrances more. Noir Pour Femme is pleasant though, & reminds me of one of my aunties. I'll have to ask her if she wears this... It somehow reminds me of a baby product too, but it's not powdery. I like the dry down better than the opening. I don't see myself every buying a full-sized bottle. Tom Ford seems to be hit or miss for me (but when it hits, it really hits). Bitter Orange Oil, Rose Absolute, Amber

7. Tom Ford: Velvet Orchid. I LOVE Black Orchid so I wanted to try this Velvet Orchid. It's lighter and a little more floral. I smell the honey (and a clean diaper smell?). Not unpleasant, just not fabulous like the Black Orchid. I won't buy this one. Top notes are Rum, Honey, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot; middle notes are Black Orchid, Orchid, Jasmine, Heliotrope, Hyacinth, Narcissus, Rose Oil, Orange Blossom and Magnolia; base notes are Vanilla, Myrrh, Suede, Sandalwood, Peru Balsam and Labdanum.