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  • BRAND DISCOVERY REVIEW: Henry Rose

    I had only ever tried Dave before by this brand, so I was ecstatic to FINALLY get my hands on them all. The anticipation had been building for quite some time, as I had heard countless rave reviews from friends and online communities about the entire range of products offered by this brand. It felt like a significant milestone to finally have the opportunity to explore the full lineup, rather than just the singular experience I had with Dave. So without further ado... Jake's House Eau de Parfum Notes: Neroli, Watery Notes, Musk, Honey I really liked this one. It offers a captivating blend of clean and musky opening notes, creating an intriguing contrast. The refreshing initial impression hints at complexity. This unisex scent embodies summertime, evoking sun-drenched afternoons and balmy evenings. It balances clean, citrusy notes with underlying sultriness, making it more than just a simple summer scent. The interplay between bright elements and warm, musky undertones creates a fragrance that is both refreshing and alluring, capturing carefree summer days and sultry nights.   Sheep's Clothing Eau de Parfum Top: Pink Pepper, Rose Middle: Turkish Rose, African Orange Flower, Orris Base: Musk, Ambrette, Amberwood This fragrance is delicate and feminine, ideal for those who prefer soft, subtle scents. It opens with a comforting papery vibe, complemented by clean, powdery orris and a hint of musk, creating a sophisticated and approachable balance. Perfect for feeling fresh and clean, like after a warm shower.  It  invites compliments without demanding attention, making it a valuable addition to any collection. For a scent embodying freshness, femininity, and elegance, this is an excellent choice.   Menace Eau de Parfum Top: Lime, Mastic, Tangerine Middle: Marine Notes, Cypress Base: Musk, Virginia Cedar, Patchouli This has masculinity written all over it, but not in a bad way; rather, it embodies a confident and refined essence. It opens with a very sharp woodiness which immediately establishes a strong and grounding presence. As the scent evolves, it seamlessly shifts into a vibrant lime citrus note that invigorates the senses, adding a zesty brightness to the composition. Overall, this fragrance captures the essence of modern masculinity, embodying strength and vitality while remaining refreshingly uplifting.   Fog Eau de Parfum Notes: Vetiver, Musk This scent was strikingly unapparent, almost like plain air.    This concept might resonate with minimalists or those who appreciate subtlety, raising questions about whether it's the aroma or the emotional response that defines a fragrance. Ultimately, this scent's essence may lie in its ability to evoke calmness and tranquility, posing the question: does a fragrance have to be bold to be remembered? Do any of us?   Smyth Eau de Parfum Top: Green Apple, Sorbet, Watery Notes, Melon, Pineapple Middle: Star Jasmine, Apricot, White Tea Base: Musk, Iso E Super White Woods, Sandalwood This one   is subtle yet bursting with fruity goodness, captivating the senses with a delightful hint of fruit. It’s a delightful indulgence for anyone seeking a touch of fruity elegance!     Char Eau de Parfum Top: Tonka Bean, Labdanum, African Ginger Middle: Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, African Orange Flower Base: Haitian Vetiver This fragrance captures a delightful sweetness and distinctly feminine floral. It opens with vibrant floral elements, creating an uplifting bouquet. Thankfully for me, the patchouli is subtle, allowing other notes to shine, resulting in a balanced, light, and airy experience. A standout feature is the tonka bean, unusually prominent at the top of the fragrance profile, adding unexpected depth and creaminess. This blend feels refreshing and indulgent and is a captivating exploration of femininity and floral elegance, leaving a lasting impression.   Dark is Night Eau de Parfum Notes: Patchouli, Vanilla  Okay, this is Into the Night from Bath and Body Works only elegant and refined. Nothing more and nothing less. And don't ask me how, it just is. . Queens and Monsters Eau de Parfum Top: Petitgrain, Violet Leaf Middle: Jasmine, Freesia Base: Sandalwood, Vanilla Bean, Ambroxan, Patchouli  This has a fresh, clean laundry feeling for sure. Despite not capturing all the intricate notes, it delivers a pleasant and refreshingly clean scent, like fabric softener and crisp cotton sheets dried in the open air. Although I usually DESPISE Violet Leaf this fragrance's composition and balance overshadowed that thankfully.   Windows Down Eau de Parfum Top: Earl Grey Tea, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Neroli Middle: Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac, Broom Base: Musk, White Musk, Oakmoss, Guaiac Wood  This is an ULTRA citrus scent that bursts with vibrancy. The top note lineup includes a medley of zesty notes, each contributing to an aromatic profile that is wildly citrusy. However, while this is refreshing, it leans towards being a touch too zesty for my preference. That said, I can certainly appreciate the allure it holds for those who have a passion for citrusy fragrances. For enthusiasts of citrus scents this scent could be a delightful find, particularly if you are seeking a fragrance that transcends the typical youthful, playful citrus perfumes and goes into more of a refined and elegant category. Torn Eau de Parfum Top: Freesia, Lily of the Valley Middle: Jasmine, Violet, Rose Base: Vanilla Bean, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Praline, Musk  This just smelled like something I've known my whole life. It is homey and comforting in a way that is just as fleeting as nostalgia itself. This fragrance gives all of the comfort of the things we know, but fades into background music just like all of the things we don't tend to. Beautifully done. Flora Carnivora Eau de Parfum Top: Neroli, African Orange Flower Middle: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose Base: Musk, Haitian Vetiver, Texas Cedar, Amber  This is musky, floral, sweet, and simple. Surprisingly, I genuinely like it, even though it's not something I would typically choose. Dave Eau de Parfum Top: Neroli, Pink Pepper, Tangerine Middle: Almond Blossom, Lavender Extract, Orange Base: Chantilly Cream, Vanilla Bean, Tonka Bean, Cocoa Shell  Oh Dave. How I love thee. This remarkable fragrance has been a staple in my collection since its initial release, and I can confidently say it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The allure of this scent is simply too strong to resist. It embodies the essence of what a perfect vanilla fragrance should be, making it a versatile choice that can be worn in any season. The beauty of this fragrance lies in its complexity; it is rich and indulgent when you want it to be yet, it also possesses a freshness that makes it light and airy, ideal for those warmer days. This is not just any vanilla; it is an abnormal vanilla fragrance that stands out in a crowded marketplace filled with ordinary interpretations of it. In a world where trends come and go, this fragrance remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring appeal of a beautifully crafted vanilla that is anything but ordinary.

  • BRAND DISCOVERY REVIEW: House of Cosmo

    I recently got the opportunity to embark on a new scent experience from House of Cosmos!  I had never tried any of these scents previously so this was an exciting experience for me where I had no idea what to expect!  I received their Discovery Set, including 7 different 2ML samples and I am incredibly appreciative for the chance to do what I love the most – smell some perfumes!  So let’s get right to it.  New Eden Parfum Top: Ozone, Bergamot, Nectarine, Grapefruit Middle: Cassis, Lily of the Valley, Iso E Super Base: Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ambroxan, Oakmoss  When I first sprayed this, it was very strongly ozonic, fruity and heavy on the ambroxan all at once.  It was a little much for me initially.  As it dried down though, that harshness toned way way down and more of that bergamot zest mixing with nectarine sweetness shone through, and a light yet sharp floral DNA was swimming beneath the surface.  I would say this is a hit as far as an ozonic/fresh floral is concerned and was ultimately by #3 favorite of the bunch.    Crimson Aura Parfum Top: Black Cherry, Red Wine, Olibanum SFE Middle: Vanilla Plantifolia, Tonka Bean, Rum SFE, Tobacco, Cedar Base: Oakwood SFE, Guaiacwood, Labdanum, Ambrox Super, Oud, Sandalwood  When I first sprayed this, I was VERY pleased.  Immediate tonka bean and blackcherry with a rich dryness from the wine note that is equally balanced in sweetness from the vanilla plantifolia.  As I let this dry down however, I was saddened by the strength of the labdanum note in here.  I would’ve really like for the opening to be what the wear consisted of, but I think that the labdanum and oud banded together just a bit too loyally in the base and stole the spotlight.  I really love the use of a wine note in this fragrance though, as it is a note I have trouble with at times, so any fragrance that can make me enjoy it deserves much respect.    Nova Parfum Top: Starburst Candy, Melon, Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper Middle: Tahitian Monoi, Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Rum SFE Base: Vanilla Plantifolia, Virginia Cedar, Ambrox Super, Oud, Sandalwood  My first thought when spraying this was “That is STRIKINGLY strong”.  I was getting a very interesting combination that I could not put my finger on.  It had that same flashy and off-balanced feeling that solar notes give while also similarly being intriguing and enjoyable.  It was sweet, but not too sweet and it was fruity, but not too fruity and yet so very strong.  I couldn’t quite figure out what I was smelling, and I wasn’t sure I even needed to.  As it began to dry down, a cleanliness came out and kind of straightened up any loose ends from the other notes and tied it all together in a beautiful woody, fruity white floral.  This is my #2 pick of the litter for me and I would definitely recommend this fragrance to any experienced perfume lover but would give a word of caution to a niche-newb.   Lunar Minerale Parfum T op: Wet Stone, Juniper Berry, Bergamot Middle: Salt, Lavender, Green Cardamom, Violet Leaf, Rosewater Base: Clearwood, Ambroxan, Atlas Cedar, Virginia Cedar  Holy moly there are some strong purple florals in there!  Not in a bad way, but purple florals are not my thing.  Purple floral and the wet stone were beast mode from first spray on.  Although it did soften up a little in the dry down, it became much more masculine-leaning in the dry-down as well.  I would recommend for a male fragrance but do not think I would recommend this to a woman.   Polaris Parfum Top: Stardust, Ginger, Bergamot, Grapefruit Middle: Cardamom, Geranium, Rose, Cedar, Sage Base: Haitian Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Suede, Ambroxan   This is freshly spicy and aromatic fragrance – and smells just like cologne.  This is the most masculine-leaning of the bunch for sure.  I never knew what stardust smelled like, and I’m not sure I know now, but the bergamot, sage, vetiver and suede take over entirely in this fragrance.  Again, I would not recommend that a woman get this particular one – if she wants to smell feminine that is.  Wonderful longevity and projection though.   Galaxia Parfum Top: Pink Pepper, Brown Sugar, Espresso Middle: Cacao, Coconut Milk, Toffee, Freesia Base: Driftwood, White Musk, Marshmallow This is the sweetie-pie of the group!  I wondered if there would be one, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got a sweet and creamy opening.  This smelled a little nutty, but definitely creamy and cozy and just plain yummy.  The brown sugar note and coconut milk combination are a dream and I like the addition of freesia to give it just a little intrigue.  If you are a gourmand lover, you will LOVE this.  As it dried down, it did become just a bit syrupy on my skin, but I have noticed that my skin tends to just do that with some fragrances so don’t worry Galaxia, it’s not you – it’s me.   Element Delta Parfum Top: Menthol, Coconut, Bergamot, Lemon Middle: Cacao, Lavender, Tobacco Leaf, Heliotrope, Iso E Super Base: Cedar, Musk, Ambergris, Vanilla, Patchouli, Sandalwood   And now for the main event – Element Delta. This is one of the most unique fragrances I think I have ever smelled.  It was the kind of opening you hope for as a perfume lover.  It was complex, it was ethereal and you could tell you were not just in for perfume wear but an experience.  This had such a light and airy sweetness to it but was also able to keep a very deep core DNA throughout. I could smell the coconut mixing with the menthol and that splash of citrus made this absolutely amazing. In the dry down, some thickness from the cacao and tobacco began to round out the fragrance, but the use of heliotrope and Iso E Super held the reigns to keep it from going down a darker path.  This fragrance is woody, sweet, vanillic, creamy, lavender and tobacco all at once which before smelling this would’ve sounded so strange to me but this one is their masterpiece. 10/10 and I would recommend ANYONE to give this a try. At least once.

  • What's to Come: March 2026

    February did not disappoint with the releases that were expected but it DID surprise us with some that we didn't quite know were coming! Here is a brief list with the notable mentions that kept themselves hidden until their release! Sacred Sands (All Saints) - woody and balsamic with a milky iris and patchouli base Naked Woods (All Saints) - fresh and spicy with notes of pepper, apple leaf and powdery orris Eqocentrique (Coreterno)- a woody citrus starring yuzu and heliotrope on a musky vanilla base Contre-Jour (Frederic Malle) - a sandalwood rose Sugar Coated (CLEAN) - ambery musk blanketed with white florals, pistachio and sugar Royal Soul (Roberto Cavalli) - pepper, rose and patchouli Koala Joey (Zoologist) - an aromatic musk Chamelion Tropical Blooms (Zoologist)  - a woody, tropical white floral And now onto the goodies to come! March is coming at us with some BANGER FRAGRANCES as the what-notters would say! We've got some popular designers, some niche and some indie entering the chat so let's get into it!

  • Trying New Scent-Siblings!

    In the start of 2026, two notable designer houses came out with a "cluster" of fragrances meant to all be part of a set. Dior came out with the new Addict Glow line releases and Marc Jacobs came out with the Murakami releases. I made a point to try them all so you don't have to (unless you want to). See my findings below!

  • Something for Everyone

    Fragrance is more than just a scent; it’s an expression of personality, mood, and style. With the fragrance market constantly evolving, new releases can be overwhelming. In this post, we will explore some of the hottest new fragrances that have captured attention this season. From floral notes to woody undertones, we’ll provide honest reviews to help you find your next signature scent.

  • What's to Come: January 2026

    Get ready to sniff out the latest perfume concoctions hitting the shelves in January 2026! Your nose will thank you!

  • Scent Note Master Class: Understanding Scent Notes

    Perfume is more than just a pleasant fragrance; it is an art form that combines science, creativity, and emotion. The world of perfumery is rich with complexity, and at its core lies the concept of scent notes . Understanding these notes is essential for anyone looking to craft the perfect perfume or simply appreciate the nuances of their favorite scents. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of scent notes, how they interact, and tips for creating your own fragrance through scent layering.

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