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.
Patty
