First Thoughts on Creed's Carmina

Earlier tonight, I attended my first perfume launch party. Invited by Owen, Creed’s local rep, I sampled Carmina. I interpret this as a smoky (incense), woody, mideastern (saffron) fragrance.

Listed notes are:

• Top: Black Cherry, Saffron, Pink Pepper

• Middle: Rose de Mai, Violet, Cashmere Wood and Peony

• Base: Frankincense, Myrrh, Amber, Musk

Projection is strong. I easily picked up wafts of the fragrance as soon as I entered the room.

And I agree, Carmina is dark, rich, sensual and bold. Definitely something I’d pick for a date night fragrance. As I smell my sweater now, I can almost taste the black cherry note which I think makes this a slightly flirty fragrance. Not youthful, I see this for a more mature, sophisticated person.

It feels like a high quality fragrance. But here’s the real test.

In a moment, I’m going to pick up my daughter. Her blunt honesty counters slick marketing campaigns.

Update: My daughter commented on the perfume as soon as she got in the car. 8 out of 10 she says.

Now for the real question. Is it worth the asking price of $300 for a 35ml and $445 for 75ml.

Your thoughts? Are there good but less expensive alternatives to consider?

Ormonde Woman by Ormonde Jayne

Smells a little green, fresh, soft clean. But it’s actually easier for me to tell you how it makes me feel.

Ormonde Woman is calming, elegant and unique. It’s a comfort scent. I turn to this when I feel anxious or depressed yet still need to get stuff done. It’s calming yet energetic enough to help you jump start the day. I find it also promotes a peaceful feeling when I’m lounging at home. Because it’s soft, it’s also a nice office scent.

I’m wearing Ormonde Woman today, the last day of a short vacation. I hoped for a hot, sunny, beach day. Instead, I got an overcast, cool, rainy day. When I woke up, my anxious thoughts returned to the busy work week ahead. I chose this as my scent of the day. It evoked a sense of serenity. I relaxed.

As I write this review now, I’m really enjoying the heavy rain (inspiration for photo) as I begin small tasks in preparation for work.

In a couple of weeks, ready or not, the summer weather I love will be gone. Mother Nature will usher Fall in. Ormonde Woman makes the transition nicely. In my opinion, this fragrance is good for any season. You can easily make this your everyday, signature scent.

I’ve tried several samples of this and plan to buy the 400 ml bottle soon. I like the way it makes me feel. It’s a high quality fragrance I want in my collection.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Cherie, the YouTuber at TheTopNote for introducing me to one of her favorite houses. Thanks, Cherie!

Perfume Notes

Cardamom, Coriander and Grass Oil
Black Hemlock, Violet and Jasmine Absolute
Vetiver, Cedar Wood, Amber and Sandalwood

Perfumer per Fragrantica is Geza Schoen well-known for his popular Escentric Molocules brand.

Retail Price: $225 for 120ml

Summer Scent for a Crowded Event

It’s finally here.

Long days. Sun. Summer makes me happy.

I’m always looking for a fragrance to reflect that mood. No expert, I explore and learn as I go.

However, I do know this. This fragrance is going in my bag this summer:

Un Jardin Sur le Nil by Hermes

When I go to summer music festivals, they’re hot and crowded. I park the car and often walk a mile to get to the destination. By the time I get there, I’m sweaty and so is everybody else.

Un Jardin sur le Nil by Hermes is my go-to-scent for this scenario.

Hermes lists the fragrance notes as: Green mango Lotus Calamus Sycamore Wood

With a couple of spritz (don’t overspray), I instantly feel energized and refreshed.

I always get compliments when I wear this. Totally unisex.

Try it.

Click the link above to get an inexpensive sample.

( PS: I may receive small commission but you know I’m honest and talk about perfume anyway. Thought I’d use my passion to help support my kid in college. Thanks for buying samples with my link.)

Winter Scents

Winter is hard in the Midwest. Day after day, there is no sun. No wonder we feel depressed this time of year.

This is when I turn to perfume.

Perfume is a friend. After a hot shower at night, comfort scents tuck me in and leave me warm, cozy and cared for.

In the office, a relaxing skin scent keeps me company. Like a secret companion, it nudges me during the day saying I’m still here.

Perfume brings me joy. Maybe that’s why I love to explore niche perfumes from around the world.

Mid-January, I ordered 25 samples of highly-acclaimed niche fragrances. Since I’m always asked for recommendations, I’ll share the ones I like best in the next couple of posts.

First up, Monyette Paris Eau de Parfum Spray.

Monyette Paris Monyette Paris Eau de Parfum Spray

This wasn’t on my radar but I read Oprah wears it and it sparked my curiosity. It was an instant love for me. As I smell it right now, it gives me a jolt of happiness. Really!

Fragrantica lists the notes in this perfume as: white floral, vanilla, lactonic, floral (again), powdery, fresh, green.

To my nose— It’s not too floral. Not super sweet. It’s a pleasant musk. A comforting skin scent that warms me and brightens my mood.

And I was thrilled to see it’s affordable. 50 ml is $70.00

What are you wearing? Tell me something I should try!