Quotes

Godspeed, APJ

via Welcome Back APJ

It seems so recent that we were rejoicing in the return of a beloved blog and fragrance lovers’ community, Australian Perfume Junkies, after the site was hacked. Now, sadly, its founder Portia has decided to end the blog at the end of this month. It has clearly taken a LOT of time to manage, although along the way Portia has shared many fun outings that readers vicariously enjoyed, and even a wedding to longtime partner Jin. I especially loved the Saturday Questions, and everyone’s updates on “thunking”, and earning “enabler pins”!

APJ was one of the first online perfumista communities I found when I went down this rabbit hole; thanks to Portia and friends, it was always a  kind and welcoming one. I will miss APJ, but I hope to keep seeing some of its regulars online, here and on other blogs I enjoy like Now Smell This, Bois de Jasmin, and Undina’s Looking Glass (I read and enjoy several others too, but these are the ones where I’ve found the most conversations with repeat commenters).

Thank you, Portia, for hosting those conversations and sharing your encounters in life and fragrance. Thanks for pleasant memories. I wish you and Jin the very best, and good health and happiness! I hope you might occasionally post an update on your doings and still drop by other blogs once in a while. Stop by here any time! Au revoir.

Lily of the Valley — The Perfumer’s Craft

In northern climates, the scent of Lily of the Valley is a harbinger of spring after the winter snow has melted. The lovely aroma from the small, white flowers has been sought after since the early days of perfumery. And yet, no essential oil of this flower is available, which is interesting considering the abundance […]

I’m re-blogging this excellent post about the chemistry of muguet fragrances, from the blog The Perfumer’s Craft:  Lily of the Valley — The Perfumer’s Craft

An inclusive fragrance for all genders — Now Smell This

According to Eris’ complaint, which was filed in a New York federal court late last week, since 2017, it has been using the trademark-protected “MX” mark on a “high quality” fragrance created by its founder Barbara Herman and “master perfumer” Antoine Lie. Advertised as “an inclusive fragrance for all genders,” the “MX.” name – pronounced…

via An inclusive fragrance for all genders — Now Smell This

Barbara Herman, founder of Eris Parfums, and her company have sued Urban Outfitters for trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin, and copyright infringement, based in part on alleged copying of the distinctive “Mx” mark on one of Eris’ fragrances, Mx., and promotional copy from Eris’ website. More details are here: Urban Outfitters Slapped With Lawsuit Over Gender-Free Fragrance.

I hope this small, independent perfumer gets a fair hearing in court.

MY BOOK ARRIVED IN THE POST TODAY AND I MUST ADMIT I AM RATHER PLEASED — The Black Narcissus

Our friend Neil at The Black Narcissus is a published author!! Publication date for “Perfume: In Search of Your Signature Scent” in the UK is March 21; April 2 in the US. You can pre-order RIGHT NOW at Amazon.co.uk or at Amazon.com.

via MY BOOK ARRIVED IN THE POST TODAY AND I MUST ADMIT I AM RATHER PLEASED — The Black Narcissus

From the Amazon.co.uk website:

A beautifully made scent can encapsulate a particular feeling, transport you to a very specific time in life with clarity, or remind you of a special loved one or friend. And just like wearing your favourite outfit or shoes, your favourite perfume can make you feel invincible. The question is, how do you find such a creation? With the number of new releases steadily In Perfume, Neil Chapman guides readers through a world that can at times seem overwhelming. Fragrances of every variety are listed ‘note by note’ in clearly divided categories that will steer you in the direction of a perfume you not only like, but love and cherish as ‘your’ smell. Chapters are divided into popular base notes (vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood, jasmine, patchouli), heart notes (lavender, rosemary, black pepper, geranium, juniper) and top notes (bergamot, citrus, basil), and the book features over 200 scents, from department store classics to more boutique fragrances. If a scent intrigues, go out and try it. The further you go on this journey, the more you will be amazed by how many beautiful creations do exist if you take the time to look.

Congratulations, Neil! All your readers are so proud of you! Can’t wait to read a whole book of your thoughts on perfume.

Update: Neil has posted photos of the actual book at The Black Narcissus, now that his parents have seen it first. It is gorgeous! And there will be at least one book event this spring in London, so keep checking his blog for details!

The Candies 2018: The Best and Worst Perfumes of the Year — The Candy Perfume Boy

So here we are, on the very last day of 2018! This year has been an odd one – the world feels as if it is collapsing in on itself and for that reason, it has been quite stressful. Personally and professionally it has been turbulent – lots of great ups and some downs too. […]

via The Candies 2018: The Best and Worst Perfumes of the Year — The Candy Perfume Boy

No roundup of “Best of 2018” blog lists would be complete without The Candy Perfume Boy, so here he is and here is his list!

Scentbird’s 2018 Most Popular Perfumes — Scentbird Perfume and Cologne Blog

Now that 2019 is almost here, it’s the perfect time to give you a recap of our top best-selling perfumes this year. Here are the ten fragrances that our scent tribe has been adding to their queues: Bright Crystal by Versace Average Rating 4.5 out of 5 Bright Crystal is a refreshing and sensual fragrance that combines…

via Scentbird’s 2018 Most Popular Perfumes — Scentbird Perfume and Cologne Blog

For a different kind of list, here is Scentbird’s list of its top ten bestsellers among fragrances in 2018, regardless of when they debuted. It’s interesting to see what is selling well!

My Top 10 Fragrances of 2018, dedicated to Vero Kern — Grain de musc

Her big, boisterous laugh. Her even bigger heart. Her dauntless style. The free spirit that only comes with the second spring of age… We’ve lost Vero Kern. I’ve lost a friend. In one of our last conversations, an interview for the exhibition catalogue of « Nez à Nez » at the mudac in Lausanne, she told me:…

via My Top 10 Fragrances of 2018, dedicated to Vero Kern — Grain de musc

I thought it was lovely that Grain de Musc dedicated its “Best of 2018” to the late Vero Kern. I never got the chance to meet her, but I know that her passing has been a big loss to the fragrance community, and especially to several bloggers who knew her.

Yearly Review – My Favorite Fragrances of 2018 — Chemist in the Bottle

It was 110 posts ago (this one being 111) when we were welcoming 2018 with our arms wide open but it really feels as if the year started just a few days ago. While indeed 12 months have passed in a blink of an eye. Today many of us feel tired of current year and […]

via Yearly Review – My Favorite Fragrances of 2018 — Chemist in the Bottle

Chemist in the Bottle always has great choices and insights! Here are his “Best of 2018.”

Colognoisseur Best of 2018: Part 1- Overview — Colognoisseur

2018 was a year in which the perfume companies more firmly tuned their fragrances towards a younger generation. I tried 701 new perfume releases this past year. If there was one dominant trend it was towards transparent styles; especially in the mainstream sector. It also meant simpler constructs using three to five ingredients. The difficulty…

via Colognoisseur Best of 2018: Part 1- Overview — Colognoisseur

The first of several Colognoisseur posts on the fragrances of 2018; I was happy that he praised Cartier’s Carat, which I am also enjoying.

Best of 2018 : 12 Perfumes To Bring into The New Year — Bois de Jasmin

Every year when I sit down to summarize the best of the launches, I look at perfumes I’ve reviewed and check my notes for whether I’ve changed my mind about the ratings. Although one could complain about too many launches, too much sameness in the market, too little creativity, the truth is that some fragrances…

via Best of 2018 : 12 Perfumes To Bring into The New Year — Bois de Jasmin

Another favorite blog and lovely fragrance community!