Hi there Posse! Sorry I didn’t get this Paris Perfume Shopping post done earlier but life got in the way. TBH I packed up these fragrances from the dining room table when we had guests. I did it in such a rush I completely forgot where the the box was. Even what the box looked like. As is ALWAYS the way, the minute I stopped looking was the one I found them in. PHEW!

Most perfumistas dream is to visit Paris at least once in their lives. Searching out the enormous amount of perfume houses, department stores, boutiques and fragrant experiences. This year was particularly special because there were about 15 perfumistas from all over the world who came together for a long weekend. Our crew was Anna-Maria, Scott and myself all sharing an Air BnB in the Chattels les Halles district for three glorious weeks and the rest of the gang flew or trained in to hang for a couple of nights. You can go back and read about our Osmotheque and Serge Lutens experiences.

Holiday 2018: Paris Perfume Shopping

Paris Perfume Shopping haul. L-R: Guerlain Shalimar Tea, Splash Forte refills by IUNX, 1947 (Dahlia) by Eric Buterbaugh Florals, Kasbah by 19-69, Serge Lutens Chene, Chypre Rouge and La Myrrhe.

Guerlain

Guerlain was the brand that I made most visits to. Before arriving in Paris I already had two things on my hitlist, Le Plus Beau Jour de Ma Vie (The Best Day Of My Life). My longterm love for Guerlain and the long, overly dramatic, ridiculous name made it the forerunner for my Wedding Fragrance in July (Winter in Oz). My Shalimar tea had run dry late last year and I wanted a replacement for it, also, while in Galleries Lafayette I tried and then craved Royal Extrait.

Sadly, when I went to visit 68 Champs Elysees with Francesca nobody would serve us. We were waved at and asked to wait by 4 or 5 SAs but no one turned up to order from for about 30 minutes and I got the shits and left. Telling the perfectly gorgeous, everlasting Francoise on the way out that I wanted to shop but no one would help. It was a let down.

Then I went to the new (and freaking spectacular) Place Vendome store but while they were the loveliest SAs ever and charmed the wallet right outta my pocket they didn’t have Le Plus Beau Jour de Ma Vie on tap to make a coloured bell jar and Royal Extrait wasn’t there either. BUMMED!

Shalimar Teas were such a draw I went back to 68 Champs Elysees and shopped. Being a contrary and spoiled person I decided not to buy the other bottles, bit bummed about that now but c’est la vie.

IUNX

IUNX is a store that has a reputation for asshole SAs. I’m not really sure what they’re playing at but I’ve seen two staff members lie to the clients with my own eyes. Still, it is a Paris Perfume Shopping experience. I needed refill for my Splash Forte because no one has ever done a sheer woodsy cinnamon and incense like it. Splash Forte is bloody genius and gets quite a bit of wear around here.

Anna-Maria and I wander in together and the SA smiles at us. It was like walking into an alternate universe. I make my purchase and then we start chatting to the girl. She mentions how nice it is to hear our Aussie accents because she lived in Sydney for a while in Parramatta. O M G! We start talking and she used to work with a couple of Anna-Maria’s cousins here. It was so great, we chatterers and laughed away about 30 minutes. It was so extraordinary that I bought Anna-maria a travel bottle of her favourite perfume from the line to memorialise the moment, Eau Blanche I think.

WikiCommons

Le Bon Marche

Le Bon Marche in the Saint Germaine district was a department store Scott, another Aussie mate Michael and I visited. If you ever go to Paris it is a MUST SEE. Galleries Lafayette and Printemps are the biggest, Le Bon Marche is the most refined. Shoppers are scarce and mostly they are well to do Parisians just quietly going about their day.

Eric Buterbaugh is a house I’ve been watching. Apollo Hyacinth is unbelievably beautiful. If it came in a spritz the bottle would already grace my collection. 1947 (Dahlia) is a freakish floral that smells more like a Korean chrysanthemum tea. Yes, there are florals up top but below is this totally funky wheatgerm and wood. Yes, I bought it. Seriously, it is excellent. I’m wearing it right now.

On the way out I was saying Au Revoir, Merci and gave a little wave. As my hand came down I collected a Memo candle and it smashed into a dozen pieces on the tiles. MORTIFIED! Seriously wished the ground could have opened up and swallowed me. AAARGGHHHH! Even now, thinking of it. The sales assistant was lovely about it. Michael and Scott were laughing hysterically and I couldn’t help but join in. The laugh of mortification.

Liquide Perfume Bar

Liquide Perfume Bar at 9 Rue de Normandie in the 3rd Arrondissement is wonderful. David who helps curate frag lines like Frapin, Byredo, Ella K and 19-68 owns it. We met while he was in Sydney with Frapan. I wanted to see his store and say hi. It is freaking cool, we were looked after by Clara the Press Officer and felt very special. David came down on his motor bike and then took us out for vegan drinks. Vegan drinks are DELICIOUS!

I was undecided between two scents from 19-69. Kasbah won out because I could see myself reaching for it more often. I wish that I’d purchased both. Rainbow Bar spoke to me also with its green and spicy sea air feel.

Oriza L Legrand

Oriza L Legrand at 18 rue Saint-Augustin in the 2nd Arrondissement is a Paris Perfume Shopping must see also. A resurrected house featuring recreations done with modern materials and new fragrances. The guys have created a shop front with old world charm. I love their scents too. This visit Scott was the read shopper, buying Reve d’Ossian. I purchased some soaps (which are gorgeous). If you spend over €100 worldwide shipping is FREE! So we had ours sent.

Where would YOU want to see and sniff most in Paris?
Portia xx

PS: I’m away and off the grid for a couple of nights with my mate Anna-Maria. When I get back on Saturday I will respond to your messages, please come back then and check so we can converse. Thanks. XXX