Lately, it’s all I can do to keep my laptop from melting, between the heat and the constant use, but the one thing I have on ice right now are those Humiecki and Graef samples I’ve been meaning to review. I still haven’t had the opportunity to give them more than a cursory sniff, and I really want to do them justice.
While I hear the east coast of the US is definitely getting walloped with the heat (would you people prefer MORE snow?), it’s pretty steamy here as well. I’ve got a limited rotation of scents in use that, at this point, I’m barely tolerating. They are Dior’s Escale à Portofino, Hermessence Rose Ikebana, and Prada Infusion d’Iris. There are worse trios out there (The Jonas Brothers, anyone?), so considering the climate, I don’t think I’m doing too badly.
The surprising element to all three of my choices is that they’re hanging around pretty impressively. In the past, all three never ceased to amaze me with their lack of tenacity, but now, they hang on for dear life. Here I sit, almost 9 hours after blasting myself with Infusion, and I’m still rockin’ it. Same with Rose and Escale of late; what gives? I could make a fried egg for dinner using the grease on my face – that’s to be expected, but these three hanging around? Never woulda thought it was possible. I’m almost tempted to re-test Brin de Reglisse, since the last time I tried it, it was gone in 60 seconds.
I hate to cut things short today, but work is calling. Actually, “work” is a pleasant euphemism for my pain-in-the-ass colleague who tortures me all day long via Yahoo Messenger. A copy writer’s work is never done, as I am quickly learning. But, really, it’s a labour of love. Don’t let all my kvetching fool you.
Disclosure: That is Lily, my cat, and those are my bottles.
Lily looks adorbs; every inch the lady. Is she a torbie? Can’t quite tell from the picture.
Funnily enough, I don’t get along with any of your hot weather picks, but I do see how they would work as a summery trio in *principle*. :)
I’ve been breaking out the dirty and eccentric ‘fumes lately after a few months (gasp) of waning interest in scent altogether. I guess wearing MdB, Amaranthine and Tribute Attar on consecutive 30C+ days is proof positive that I’m back in the game, no?
What a cute cat!
If you had the same problem as I did with those perfumes that did not stay on, my mother always taught me to apply perfume once you step out of the shower (while the body is still a bit moist). That way the perfume stays on for longer!
Nava,
your cat looks especially cute and your fragrances are fine (I love the Prada and find the Hermes is a good rendition of rose for me to wear). May they cool you off in the heat and alleviate some of the office environment irritation :d
Oh, Lily is gorgeous! Mind if I steal a quick cuddle with her?
NP
Lily is a lovely little angel *.* Such a delight! YES, we would prefer cooler weather to the heat, any time of year. I wish we could fast-forward to October. Portofino, hmmmm….
I discovered Mechant Loup last weekend– a wonderful person in SF had 4 small L’Artisans at a fund raiser sale. Mechant is now half empty. Of course, it’s sort of cool here in the Bay Area. It might not seem so perfect in bitter heat, but it really lifted my spirits all week to spritz on the honey, toasted hazelnut, star anise and something sort of fresh that is Mechant Loup. It was aspirational for me– I needed a little bracing up, and it was a strong, confident sort of fragrance to wear during a challenging week. Today is hot though, so I am back to Niki–Niki Niki and more Niki . . .:)>-
Lily is adorable! My cat Clara is also a brown tabby with white paws. I’m not sure I would trust her to pose with my perfume bottles unless she was in an especially mellow mood — normally she likes to check if gravity is still working by pushing things off the edge. (To be fair, she’s never harmed a perfume bottle.)
I’m loving Escale a Portofino this summer. I admire Rose Ikebana but not enough to splurge so far. And I’m afraid I’m among those who can barely smell most of the Prada Infusion series…
Lily is a babe. Love this post – especially the part about ‘frying an egg using ‘the grease on your face.’ That made me LOL.
Thanks Josephine. I was going to say it’s hot enough to fry ants with a magnifying glass, but that’s cruel and something I haven’t done since I was a kid. The grease, unfortunately, is something that’s stayed with me.
Love all three – on steamy summer days I also love Jardin Sur Le Nil. Bracing and dry when almost everything else is intolerable.
Dang! Forgot about that one. Finished the bottle I had last year. Outta sight, outta mind. 🙁
But the Jonas Brothers are cuuuuuute!
What?
I AGREE:
Yeah, they’re cute, but I’m old! :d
Huh, I should retry Rose then. The other two do indeed hang around forever, in a very nice way. I love that nutty twist in Escale.
Sorry you missed the earthquake! 😉 But you had your own…
Yes, almonds and orange blossom really do it for me too.
Musette mentioned Pamplemousse Rose and I remember trying it in the Hermes store last year. It was nice, but Rose Ikebana has more personality, I think.
Our earthquake was bigger than yours. :d
Def more personality but sometimes, in the scorching heat, a little ‘less’ personality is a good thing! ;)
xo >-)
wait. what just happened? where did I go?
>-)
I’m in hot as HELL Jersey and can only wear EL PC Tuberose Gardenia lately. I’ve tried a few other things and nope, can’t do it. The TG is fresh, cooling, and hangs around just long enough. Even as I drip in sweat, the sweat smells niiiiiice! :-)
Beautiful pic!
Yes, Jersey can be hot as hell! And if you’re gonna sweat, I’m all for smelling good while you schvitz!
“Even as I drip in sweat, the sweat smells niiiiiice!” That’s so funny – and just perfect! =d>
So I’ve been on a skank-fest here in the roaring DC heat (wait, mebbe it was the minor earthquake, not the heat that was roaring this morning), but I’ve had the exact opposite reaction: the jus has been burning off of me at unprecedented rates. If you have to ask yourself “Am I even wearing perfume?” 3 hours after spritzing Jicky or Arabie, you know it’s bad. I decided to trot Manoumalia out today after the hate it got on Wednesday, and 4 hours later it’s barely floral with a hint of the musky/ambery base.
That’s one thing I NEVER do in the heat is pull out the skank. I almost wore some Serge Rahat about a week ago, but thought better of it. That’s the closest I get!
BTW, you DC’ers didn’t feel the temblor we got up here a few weeks ago. I still get freaky when I think about it!
hah, Rose Ikebana! I just gave my 14 year old goddaughter a selection of samples to choose her first perfume from, a RI sample slipped in, and of course she that was the one she preferred… I guess I’ll combine birthday and christmas presents for her this year
She has good taste! Although Pamplemousse Rose is a bit less costly. Maybe you can get her to try that?
Oooh! I think PR is a perfect 14yr old girl scent!
xo >-)
“…would you people prefer MORE snow?”
YES!!!
Remember: You never have to shovel heat!
I agree with Fernando – want more snow NOW!!!! But that would probably only make it more humid. :-<
I wouldn’t know if the Prada lasts or not, since I cannot smell it. We are having some of the most gorgeous weather imaginable (for July in the Midwest, which can be sheer torture). Last night I slept under a light blanket! And wore my beloved Femme (contemp) which, in heavier heat, would bring up my lunch. Midday it seems to really heat up, so I’ve been sticking with citrus scents or really heavy white florals – today I’m thinking it’s Pamplemousse Rose. That is my version of a perfect summer scent, though it is in heavy contention for Most Fleeting. Definitely a decant, slipped into the ol’ handbag.
stay cool. Blotting papers and a touch of translucent rice powder (or plain ol’ cornstarch swept on with a fluffy brush, then swept off) will help keep the oil in check.
xoxoxo >-)
Hey! I’m baaaaaack!
>-)
and I lied. It’s not PRose – I’m wearing vetiver oil in my hair and am going to do Jacomo Silences – I’m blaming it on Elena! LOL!
xo >-)
Way ahead of you. But as you know I’m spending most of my time indoors contemplating heavy machinery! :d
I personally love Infusion d’Iris though sometimes I find it too sweet for the hottest of weather. There are definitely worse trios!
Absolutely! IdI is not sweet at all on me. Isn’t that funny…
What a pretty kitty!
Thanks!
Lily is so adorable!
Yep, we have the same skin (that’s probably going to need some serious N/T with all the stretching from here to there). EaP and esp. IdI last forever on me. Great choices for the heat!
Thanks Dusan.
You go first with the N/T and let me know how it turns out. I’m too chickensh*t to attempt any of that! :d
I am so jealous that the Portofino lasts on you. I get maybe 2-3 hours and that’s it. Quite enjoyable while it lasts, however. Try as I might, I get nothing from Infusion d’Pris. Meaning there is nothing there no matter how close to the skin I get or how many times I try. So guess I’m also jealous that you can smell it.
Lily was so accommodating, letting you photograph her with your bottles–sweet girl!
Yeah, she’s a trooper!
I was surprised to see on NST that Prada is releasing a EDT version of IdI. Talk about smelling like nothing!
Gorgeous cat! Thanks for the discussion on these perfumes. I’m going to try to sneak out this weekend and give them a try. I’m sure that the weather here in the DC area will hold on long enough to give them the heat test!
In my short-lived residence in the DC area, I think I can say with all confidence, I think you’ll have plenty of hot days left to give them a try!