Every once in awhile I am sharply reminded that not everyone around me loves fragrance, such as is the case today when I gushed to my sister-in-law about my new Kilian perfume. "Never heard of it," she said. "Never heard of what?" I asked, still not 'getting it' that she had never heard of the house of Kilian... and then I realized, and I laughed. I have become so immersed in this land of perfume that it seemed unfathomable for a moment that someone hadn't heard of Kilian. Hearing or reading the name mentioned nearly every single day in perfume chats, research, or online, the name has become a part of my everyday vocabulary (and with good reason). But I do realize I am floating around on a scent cloud these days. So, if you are one of those people who has not yet heard of Kilian, let me introduce you to one of the most elegant luxury perfume lines in the world: Kilian.
This is not my first purchase of Kilian, but it is tied in my top favored spot (with its OG counterpart: Love Don't be Shy) and I like them both so much I would never be able to pick a favorite between the two. Love Don't be Shy Extreme was only on the market for a limited time (though rumor has it that it may be returning at some point), so imagine my excitement when I came across it online at Sephora. It was in my cart faster than you can say, 'luxurious self-care' and on my doorstep a few days later. Today I saw it online at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom too, so it's not off of the market, even though you can't find it at the moment on the Kilian website (being as it is a limited edition).
Similar to the original LDBS, LDBS Extreme Eau de Parfum settles in with a very sweet scent that envelopes you in a fragrant bubble of bliss. It is not as sweet as the original (but it is still very sweet), and the juice is a different color (yellow vs. pinky/salmon). Like I noted (no pun intended), I love them both though, and hope to always have each of them in my collection. The key notes here are Neroli, Orange Blossom, Rose and Marshmallow. It is very well blended, as all Kilian's are, and it's the marshmallow that does it for me. I'm a sucker for a sweet, sugary marshmallow scent, but only if it's done right (and it rarely is). Kilian's got it though...this is the best marshmallow perfume I have ever had the privilege to wear, and I've tried quite a few of them from different perfume houses.
Presentation is everything with items from Kilian. The white and gold bottle is heavy. It looks and feels luxurious. The lacquered white sides have intricate engravings on them. It's the kind of bottle you want to keep, long after the fragrance is gone. When you open the book-style box, you'll find this beautiful bottle nestled very carefully into a molded opening where it stays safe during shipping or storing. This bottle is too pretty to keep tucked away though. I've got mine on a tray, on a dresser so I can see it every time I walk by. The room its in is dark and cool (which is how I've been told you're supposed to store your perfume). I put on just a couple of sprays and they last well throughout most of the work day, with a good projection the first couple of hours. A fainter scent trail is left behind later in the day. It's still delicious though, even when a few hours pass and it is left sitting very close to the skin.
Love Don't be Shy Extreme is a little pricey, but it is also worth every cent. Kilian is one of the perfume houses I have come to respect most. They have so many high quality, gorgeous scents. The Narcotics line seems to be my favorite, and that is where this one is categorized. Admittedly though, it's also the category from Kilian of which I am most familiar.
The five categories are The Cellars, The Fresh, The Liquors, The Narcotics, and The Smokes. I have tried scents from every category except The Fresh, though there is one from that section that is on my to-try-soon list.
I'm so very happy that this fragrance landed on my doorstep this weekend. What a great way it's given me, to start my work week tomorrow. If you haven't tried Kilian, I'm a fan of the old saying, 'there's no time like the present.' Get your nose on these fragrances sooner rather than later, and if you love a nice sweet scent, with just a touch of freshness to it, be sure to try the Love Don't be Shy Extreme. It is a gourmand lovers dream.
I am probably like your sister in law. I struggle with scents - so just avoid them :) But that said my husband has bought be a few that I do wear now and then.
ReplyDeleteDon't be Shy is so lovely, I don't have the real thing but I have a copycat version of it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could smell it... but I like the design of the bottle.
ReplyDeletewow pretty fancy look perfume.Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Kilian either, although I don't know that much about perfume. I'm a fan of citrus/ fruity scents and fresh ones x
ReplyDeleteI used to wear Giorgio Beverly Hills, but quit many years ago. Worked with someone that had issues with perfume and then when I retired I never went back to wearing it. I so loved it. It's good to have a perfume that you can't smell, but everyone else can.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week, my friend. ♥
oh nice!!! I would love to get this for my wife, she loves fresh scents. Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like the packaging, it easily catches attention which is good because impression is the first step in getting customers.
ReplyDeleteOoh this sounds lovely, I'd love to try The Smokes!
ReplyDeleteThis perfume looks so luxe, it has the air of a fine wine! I totally agree with your mentality, the time for luxury lovely things is now!
ReplyDeleteHah, I would be like your sister-in-law. I am very sensitive to fragrances so don't wear them. But I do love how pretty the bottles are!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Kilian either because I don't wear a lot of fragrance anymore. I need to expand my scent choices. I will check this brand out.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very nice and elegant fragrance. It would make an amazing gift!
ReplyDeleteThat one has luxury written all over it.
ReplyDeleteThe packaging is so pretty! I'll have to check out this fragrance.
ReplyDeletethe packaging looks very attractive and stylish! I would sure enjoy holding it in my hands
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of it either, but maybe it's because I am from Belgium
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome it last for a day. That's how you know if it's really good or no. Great review!
ReplyDeleteFransic - https://www.querianson.com
This sounds rather lovely
ReplyDeleteNow I am intrigued with this perfume. The bottle is quite similar to Chanel Allure. I'll check on this!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this scent before - but love to try new cosmetics. Sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThis bottle looks really lovely!! I would keep it on my dresser.
ReplyDeleteJust by looking at its packaging, you will know that this smells really good. Actually, i don't know much about perfumes too so you might have the same reaction when i say i never heard of the brand either haha..
ReplyDeleteI love the packaging of this perfume.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan or perfumes and this one sounds like I would love it. I need to add this to my collection.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time learning about this perfume and glad I came over this post. Might give this a shot!
ReplyDeleteWell, you've got me sold. I love me sweet marshmallowy scents. Gonna have to order this asap!
ReplyDeleteI have actually smelt this and can confirm that it is a lovely scent!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like something I WOULD LOVE. Can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking for a new perfume, I will give this one a try
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting! I am not much into perfumes as I can't wear it due to work, but I love trying it on!
ReplyDeleteDon't know the brand, but the mix of scents sounds great
ReplyDeleteLooks so fancy! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI would love to get this for my wife to try out, it seems amazing...Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeletethe packaging looks absolutely splendid. I surely enjoy it a lot. I will definitely give it a try if see it offline
ReplyDeleteI wish it could smell it. With your recommendation I am sure this sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice name for this perfume. I love the shape of the bottle.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt loves wearing perfumes. In fact she collects them. I will share this to her.
ReplyDeleteMy friend is the ulitmate perfume queen. She can tell what fragrance people have on. I'll have to show this one to her. She's been looking for a new perfume to buy for her new job.
ReplyDeleteI have used the same scent for a very long time. I mean for over 20 years because I love it so much and get so many compliments. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely perfume. I love the bottle. It looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've not heard of House of Kilian before but now I would love to know more about them, it sounds like they offer some really unique fragrances and something to really enjoy wearing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great perfume! I have been in the market for a new one I will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteThese are really nice perfumes. I would love to try to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for a new fragrance and this is one I have not heard of or tried and I would love to! Thank you for sharing this lovely sounding fragrance ;)
ReplyDeleteNice choice. I would love to get this for myself wife. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI agree, presentation is everything, looks so nice.
ReplyDeleteThinking about surprising my wife with this perfume
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