Well, as we wait for the new Le Labo L.A. scent to land (later this month?), I’ve got nothing big showing up, so I just reached into the sample grabbag to find some things that might be interesting.
Farmacia SS Annunziata Cara – This line has been getting some comments thrown around, but I don’t think I’ve seen a review of any of them yet. Notes of Amber, caramel, almond, talcum, vanilla. Is there any combination of notes more likely to give me a bellyache? No, no, there is not, in theory or in reality. Fans of the big powdery gourmand need to belly up to this scent and inhale your fill. I will pass. It’s like a caramel covered in baby powder, and I don’t mean that in a good way. Wait! It’s play-do, I swear!!!
Farmacia SS Annunziata Regina – Let’s assume Cara’s freshly powdered baby butt was an anomaly and try another one. Notes of Rose, chamomile, rice, honey, ylang ylang, iris. At least this list of notes doesn’t make my stomach lurch like the deck chairs on the Titanic. It feels a little old fashioned in the best way, I suspect that’s the chamomile, which always feels vintagey to me. The rose isn’t huge in it, nor is the iris. It has a really homey vibe with the honey, rice and chamomile that’s just, well, cozy. This one works for me much, much better.
Farmacia SS Annunziata Ybris – Notes of amaretto, lime, grape seed, tea, oakmoss, benzoin, iris. Oh, dear God, no, just no. That open, yikes! It feels like one of those parties we had in high school where we filled up a trashcan with Kool-aid and Everclear. I’d like to say it got better, but not by much. Too limey, like my nose has been rubbed in it and is still burning.
Those of you that have tried this line, any others that are must tries? I’m totally grooving on the Regina, so there must be others with a happier ending like that one.
Lubin Nuit de Longchamp – Notes of Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Orange Blossom, Nutmeg, Cardamom, ylang ylang, Turkish Rose, Dades jasmine, Iris of Florence, Mysore Sandalwood, Broom absolute, Patchouli, Haitian Vetiver, Tolu and Peruvian Balsam, labdanum, oak moss. This is pretty interesting. It seems like just your more old-fashioned floral circa 1934, but it’s got enough darkness and earthiness in the base to give it some life. It’s an interesting perfume that those of you who are fond of the darker vintage perfumes should find something or much to like in it. Does anyone know how true this is to the original? I’m assuming there are some variations in materials, not sure if notes have changed.
Was ist das?
Ow, I felt a little queasy just flashing back on the trashcan full of punch and Everclear … although I still think I’d enjoy that more than these Farmacia scents.
I love it when you mow thru stuff to let us know what we should and shouldn’t try.:x
I bought the Luckyscent Farmacia SS Annunziata sample pack when it was offered and so far Regina is the only one I like enough to wear. I enjoy the dry down on Regina.
Another poster whose name I cannot remember likened Cara to Pink Sugar. I decided I might as well give my sample of Cara to my 9 year old daughter.
Now the Lubin, that one I definitely want to sample. I love the old fashioned florals. Thanks Patty!
Doh! Dough?
I have to admit, this is a note I really like in L’Heure Bleu, though it doesn’t always approach me that way there. As a comparison…I know L’H B emphasizes floral notes; this Cara seems to be much more gourmand…could that be where it goes wrong, hanging onto caramel & vanilla? Just trying to put my sniffer through imaginary paces over here…. (You do like L’Heure Bleu, right? You were a changeling on that one?)
Ah, chamomile. I never appreciated Peter Rabbit’s mother’s tea so much until I sniffed some roman chamomile essential oil.
Thanks for the peek at Farmacia.
Shelley, I tried L’Heure Bleu for the first time yesterday at Bloomies. Instant love! It smelled great on me all day. I didn’t notice the playdo accord until I came home and read a review comment on NST. Deep into the dry down it was noticable, not so much in the opening for me. Or maybe I just missed it. Pure parfum worthy! 😡