Saturday Question: What Are Your Two Go-To Scents?

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

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Portia

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Hello Fellow Fumies,

I have had an idea. Well, actually I’m copying an idea from Olfactoria’s Travels. Once a week there used to be a Question. Everyone would chime in with an answer, chat with other responders and it would be a generally fun events each week. Taking sides never meant taking offence and everyone kept it respectful and light.

I’d like to carry on that tradition, maybe you’ll see it on the weekend or chime in through the week. Hopefully you will come back and see if anyone has responded to your comment and you can reply to them.

If we get over 150 responses I will draw a $20 Surrender To Chance Gift Card. Every comment will get a place in the draw, so if you comment purposefully on your own or another comment you’ll have a chance, random.org will draw the winner on Friday and the winner will be announced in next Saturdays question.

Last Weeks Winner: Sadly we only made it to 113 comments. I did try and bump it along by replying and replying again. Fingers crossed for this week. 

Saturday Question:

What Are Your Two Go-To Scents?

OK, so let’s get the playing field clear this week so your head doesn’t explode. We are talking currently. What are the two fragrances that you grab and spritz right now when making a clearly defined scent decision is either too brain consuming or more worry than it’s worth. The days where you just need to smell good, no questions asked, and probably will only notice what you’re wearing a few times throughout the day in between business.

Usually a Go-To will also not hijack your train of thought while you’re in a meeting or art gallery. It needs to be nice and smell good but not dominate the conversation or thought process. Maybe you wear it to the movies or dinner so it doesn’t cloud the sensual pleasures of letting yourself go completely to the moment.

Remember, we are talking about right now. What do you reach for instinctively, with no questions asked.

My answer:
Lately my two most spritzed when on the go have been

Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka FragranticaFragrantica

Lolita Lempicka EdP

It’s so easy to wear. A gentle fun fizz to begin. Sweet liquorice and violet in the heart and a softly sweet vanilla woodsy base. Projection is moderate, the story is very nice but not overwhelming and I can focus on other things while wearing it. Yet, should I take a moment to sniff myself I smell lovely, comfortable and yummy.

Fragrantica

Parfum d’Empire Equistrius

I know, this is a funny choice for a Go-To. What happened was I fell madly in love with this fragrance. Obsessed. Went through two 5ml decants quite quickly. It just seemed to fit me so perfectly. Anyway, I saw it selling on a friends Sale Doc overseas and purchased it but it took weeks to get here and I completely forgot my purchase. At the same time I also saw it on another friends Sale Doc and thinking I hadn’t bought it yet I grabbed that too. While both of those arrived yet another Sale Doc had it from a mate that was selling hers for an unbelievably low price, so you know what I did right? So having such largess and loving it to bits I will often multi sprite as I leave the house. It’s still beautiful to me, I love its iris plus the works attitude and it stays relatively back seat till I consciously sniff.

So my question to you is

What Are Your Two Go-To Scents?

183 thoughts on “Saturday Question: What Are Your Two Go-To Scents?”

  1. Hi Portia,

    Great question! If we go by most worn right now I think Olfactive Studio Chambre Noire and Chanel Bois de Iles. Both so easy to wear and enjoyable without being demanding.

    Lil Xx

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    • Woo Hoo Azsa,
      I love that Fat Electrician is your current go-to. Isn’t it great? That zing of electricity and tinny oiliness all over a vetiver base, I love it too.
      Portia xx

      Like

  3. Dior Pure Poison and Guerlain Mitsouko right at the moment and just loving them botb from start to finish. I’d have to say though the quite often I will get a good whiff of Mitsouko and it does distract me a bit.

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    • HA! Yes, Mitsouko can be very distracting. It’s worth it though. If you could see my horde, hoard really, of Mitsouko it would pre curl your lashes for you.
      What a stunner of a Go-To.
      Portia xx

      Like

  4. Right now, the two go-to scents are Blasted Bloom, by Penhaligon’s, and Lily, from Lili Bermuda. Until recently, Penhaligon’s Ostara had pride of place. However, like Picasso, I’m about to enter my “rose period”, as they are blooming everywhere now and I am becoming besotted with their fragrance again, as I do every year at this time!

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    • Hey Old Herbaceous,
      I quite liked Blasted Bloom when it came out. The name is bloody sensational. Do you love telling people what you’re wearing?
      Portia xx

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    • Heya Jac,
      Guerlain Vetiver, so softly casual yet utterly formal. I wish it lasted longer on me but sadly it disappears wishing the hour nowadays.
      Portia xx

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  6. Hi Portia
    Always love reading about your scents – always sound so exotic.

    My go to scents are L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake and of course Chanel No 19.

    Exx

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    • Hey Ersilia,
      L’Eau d’Issey is fabulous. I love it’s rakish joi de vivre. My last long term partner wore the mens one and I wear it sometimes in memory of lost love.
      CHANEL No 19? You are a cool cat.
      Portia xx

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    • WOW Sharon,
      You love your heavy hitters! What stunning choices for easy ear go=to scents. Colour me impressed.
      What on earth do you wear to make a statement?
      Portia xx

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    • Hey Carla,
      That Heliotrope was so beautiful, wasn’t it. You’re not the first person to say it fared badly through reformulation.
      Portia xx

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      • Hi Portia, yes this is such an amazing vintage perfume. Maybe that’s the reason why I never tried the reformulated version after all the bad reviews I’ve read.

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  9. My two are pretty white-bread: 10 Corso Como and AG Eau du Sud. The former always smells great, and its spiciness goes with all moods, all seasons, all weather. The latter because for several years, before I really fell down the perfume rabbit-hole, it was pretty much the only thing I could wear that didn’t make me feel queasy, but now when I wear it, it’s an instant mood-lifter, and who can’t use that these days?

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    • Francesca! Eau de Sud is fabulous. I can so imagine you swanning in cloaked in its velvet folds. How lavish.
      Do you wear any of the other Goutals?
      Portia xx

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      • Hi Portia ❤️
        I have Mandragore, Petite Chérie, La Violette, and Muguet, which last I have been told is, or is being, discontinued. Of those, Mandragore is my favorite, but I do wear all the others when the mood strikes, even if that might be only once a year. I just bought a backup bottle of EdS, just in case, even though I’d just opened a new bottle.

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        • Mandragore is lovely, I have the Pourpe also. Don’t know why but it seems to get more wear here than the original.
          Portia xx

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    • Aha Mariann,
      That Bulgari Au the Bleu was special and I love EdM too. Great choices for easy wearing.
      Do you have others from the Au the collection?
      Portia xx

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  11. The weather is flip-flopping a lot here in Texas from cool to warm. So as of late, it has been Eau de Rochas Homme and Yatagan.

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    • Hey Troy! LOVE Caron. That freaky Eau de Rochas home bottle makes me laugh every time. What were they thinking?
      Portia xx

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    • Yes! Whatever it’s supposed to be. The “ice” sculpture on back seen through the front of the bottle looks like an alien head wearing a wig.

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      • ARGGGGHHHH! Wrong bottle. Yes, that one’s kooky too but I was thinking of the pink Rochas Man buttplug.
        Portia xx

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    • Hey Anastasia,
      These are two frags not in my collection. I have tried the fun pumpkin spice that is Like This and I think Tilda is a forgotten genius. It’s a perfect scent for her, don’t you think?
      Portia xx

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      • I may deluding myself, but (and I’m very grateful, because I can’t stand the stuff) I don’t get the intense pumpkin many others do from Like This. It’s a fall favorite for me, and I also adore La Swinton.

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      • I am not sure I smell exactly pumpkin note in Like This but this is definitely one of the coziest and at the same time intelligent scents I’ve ever tried. Absolutely genius just like Tilda ❤

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  13. Mona d’Orio Musc and Villoresi Tient de Niege. Well tolerated and received in crowds or public situations, when you don’t need the stink eye from movie goers or restaurant companions

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    • Lucy,
      You are the coolest kid in town. What sensational choices. Actually I really like MdO for low key beauty, she had a knack. Do you wear any of her others too?
      Portia xx

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    • Yum,
      Lovely choices Camilla. Do you ever try the new flankers for J’Adore? I see them but haven’t had a sniff yet.
      Portia xx

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  15. Mitzah and Mugler Oriental Express are my current top two as it’s still cool here. Next month I hope it will be more summery. 🙂

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    • Hi JackieB,
      Very nice choices. I got a Lime Green Bee Bottle of Cuir Beluga. It’s so outrageous. I feel it’s naughty to use it.
      Portia xx

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        • Yes, got the bottle in Paris. Only the Rue de Saint Honore and Champs Ulysses stores have the coloured bee bottles.
          You may have to rent your husband out but not sell him. It’s worth it.
          Portia xx

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  17. My current go-tos are Kismet by Lubin and Kismet by Lubin. Just came out a few months ago and haven’t seen a lot about it in the blogosphere yet. It’s not a light or easy fragrance but I spray it at least twice a day and if others don’t like it they don’t need to stand close to me. Haven’t liked something this much since original Magie Noire.

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    • Hey Alison,
      Magie Noire is heavenly. How lucky you are to find something as beautiful for you.
      Portia xx

      Like

  18. My present (it changes) go-tos are Puredistance Antonia and vero.profumo Mito Voile d’Extrait. I am lucky, I had tiny decants – had to dream and save for a long time, and eventually got a FB of Antonia and 3/5 of Mito in a split, with the magnificent bottle of course, and they lived up to my every dream. When I wear them I smell fabulous, IMHO, but I also feel that I can be the person I want to be. They enchant me, but they also embolden me.

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    • Hi there Empliau,
      Vero Kern is amazing. I have Rubj EdP and Kiki extrait. She sure knows how to create sensual pleasure.
      I also have Antonia. It’s another luxurious beauty.
      YUM!
      Portia xxx

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    • Another vote for CHANEL No 19 Hajusuuri,
      Wonderful. i love it too. Yes, it wears perfectly in all seasons.
      Is it your favourite CHANEL?
      Portia xx

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      • If I had to pick one and only one perfume to be in my possession at all times, it is modern Chanel No. 19 EDP.

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        • WOW! That is a big call. Having said that I could live my life wearing only No 19 too if it ever came to that.
          Portia xxx

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  20. For many decades Origins ginger essence has been my main go to. Also Eau de Dior energizing and Guerlain SDV.

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    • Ceil,
      You are the first person I’ve chatted with that even knows those Eau de Dior energising. How freaky was that bottle. Talk about ribbed for your pleasure!! The award for most like a sex toy bottle EVER!
      Portia xx

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      • lol! yes! “fun” bottle! 🙂 It’s a great fragrance though! I’m surprised they never rereleased it. Perhaps it had real lemon verbena oil in it, and there is no real substitute for that.

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        • Maybe it wasn’t a huge seller after a while. I rarely see them for sale and that says limited run to me.
          Portia xx

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      • I have a bottle of Eau de Dior Energising that has lurked at the back of my “summer” cabinet. I had never looked at the bottle that way before, but now you’ve planted an indelible image in my mind. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to spray it again!

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  21. Hmm. Good question, Portia. My true go-tos as you describe above are both rose; Roses de Chloe and The Body Shop’s now-discontinued Atlas Mountain Rose. Easy to wear, comfortable and comforting, non-invasive but I’m still able to sniff them when I want to.
    I love the Saturday question idea, thank you for starting it up.

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    • Hey Sue,
      Glad you like the Saturday question.
      I’ve never smelled either of your faves sadly but I do love roses.
      Portia xx

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    • HA! Anna-Maria, when did you ever play by the rules.
      That Florabotanica bottle is so fabulous. I almost bought the fragrance just for it.
      I love that you stole back the Opium Pour Homme from the ingrates you gave it too. Children, why would you?
      Portia xx

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      • The Florabotanica bottle is beautiful but the perfume on me felt like someone stabbed me in the eye, angled it up to get the my brain and twisted. I ended up getting a most empty tester bottle from a Nordstrom SA (I don’t think she was allowed to do that) and a got 2 minis. At least someone appreciates the juice!

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        • HA HA HA HA HA Hajusuuri, YOU are hilarious.
          Poor thing. Terrible when perfume attacks.
          Are the mini bottles as cute as the full size one?
          Portia xx

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  23. Great question, and I love reading everyone’s answers. My grab and sprays are No 19, always, while the 2nd one fluctuates. Lately it’s been Hermes eau de Merveilles, but only because my Ambre Fetiche is all gone!

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    • Hey Moira,
      You are our third CHANEL No 19 vote. It’s in the lead by a nose.
      How sad that your Ambre Fetiche is gone, will you repurchase?
      Portia xx

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  24. Probably No 19 and AG Heure Exquise. I work at a school and I never worry with these two. But just a teeny squirt has to do.

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    • Hi ClaudiaS,
      How do they hold up with teeny spritz mode? Can you still smell them through the day or do you respritz?
      Portia xx

      Like

  25. For me, it would be Swiss Army Mystique Forest and Pure White Linen By Estée Lauder. Mystique Forest is so fitting for when I am doing my weekend long runs, and it is fresh yet exotic for the open air. Pure White Linen has been an old time favourite that often draws compliments. BTW, I love Lolita Lempicka too and am ever so tempted to try the other variations with the Lolita name on them.

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    • Hiya Hage,
      Yeah, there are SO MANY flankers to the original. I’ve never bothered but probably should. I liked the idea of Sweet recently with the cherry flavour. It sounded fun.
      Portia xx

      Like

      • I have a weakness for any fragrance that describes as cherry, raspberry, strawberry or black current. I just love that particular family of fruit in a perfume note, but when it comes to eating any of those 4 fruit above, it is a no no for me. Most times they are too sour for me!

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  26. Hi Portia, I am enjoying the Saturday questions. Having go-to scents is great because I do not need to think at all. My two at the moment are Dior Bois d’Argent and NVC Ashoka. Totally depends on the weather here – is it a warm or cool day. Wishibg you a great weekend. Sandra xoxo

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    • SANDRA! Great to see you. What a stunning pair of go-tos.Ashoka is so yummy with its fig to woods storyline. I love to wear it too.
      You know I have Bois d’Argent here, I should get it out.
      Is Sean wearing fragrance yet?
      Portia xx

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  27. My hot weather go-tos this year have been Cuir d’Ange and TM Cologne. Everyone has such good choices, loved reading the comments 🙂

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    • Hey Nemo,
      It’s great being reminded of so many classics today. I’m running to and from the closet and opening lids, trying to work out which one to wear today. It’s like a reminder explosion.
      LOVE your choices. Cuir d’Ange will always remind me of being on some form of transport with Tara from A Bottled Rose and her leaning in and asking what it was that I was wearing because it smelled so good. Every time I spritz it’s a warm fuzzy memory moment, like she’s in the room with me.
      Portia xx

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  28. Hi Portia! Since I tend to be a creature of habit, I tend to reach for the same safe-and-sure bets when not testing scents. Like Lil (Hi Lil!😘) I reach For Bois de Iles, either the edt or the extrait, or TF’s flanker from a few years ago Fleur Di Portofino the perfect spring fragrance. Anything and everything is applied on top of the Chanel 5 body oil, my latest obsession, almost thru bottle #2 since Dec.!!! Xoxo

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    • Hi Robert *blows kisses*. So you are another who loves the Bois des Iles parfum…clearly I need to check it out soon.

      Like

    • Hey Robert,
      That CHANEL No 5 Body Oil sold out in Australia in days. I was DEVO. I’ve learned to live with my grief. It sounds so ridiculously beautiful, I bet you wear it like a luminous cloak.
      You know I fell madly in love with Bois des Iles and bought the EdT and extrait, then a friend gave me some of the vintage extrait, O M F G. The world changed its axis.
      Portia xx

      Like

      • I heard that the Bois des Iles EDP is rounder and has more backbone — all in a good way. I have so far only smelled the EDP on a tester strip and I can say that it smelled very similar to the EDT, only a little heavier.

        Like

  29. Currently on vacation in England and Infusion Iris Absolue and Elixer des Merveilles are the winners, although since evertyings a decant guess everything is technically grab&go…(Claudia, your work choices are identical to mine!)

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    • Hi there AnnieA,
      How fun is it having a small selection of favourites on holiday. it makes the choosing so much easier for the day.
      Portia xx

      Like

  30. This question really made me think. I realized that my go-tos of the moment are very different from each other. They are Patchouli Nobile by Nobile 1942 and AG Songes. Today it’s dreary and chilly and supposed to rain all afternoon and night so Patchouli Nobile it is.

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    • Hey Maya,
      I’ve never tried Patchouli Nobile by Nobile 1942. How is it? I do love patchouli.
      Songes on the other hand I do love. What a fragrance, so perfectly named. How could something so rich and luxurious come from anywhere but a dream.
      Portia xx

      Like

      • I completely agree on Songes! As for Patchouli Nobile, it’s a favorite. It is not a raw barnyard patchouli. This one is all about patchouli with sandalwood, oak-moss, and amber in the base. There’s a subtle sweetness that may come from the gaiac wood. It has warmth but I easily wear it all year. It’s also my most complimented fragrance. BTW They recently changed the bottle it comes in. I prefer the older one, but the perfume has definitely not been reformulated.

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        • Thanks Maya,
          Great heads up on the lack of reformulation too.
          It sounds really beautiful.
          Portia xx

          Like

  31. Loved reading everyone’s questions!
    Hmm mine would be Atelier cologne’s Vetiver Fatal. It’s a yummy delicious vetiver. I am almost finished on my small bottle and will repurchase the 100 soon. I even spritz some on my nephew as I’m touching up his hair and tucking in hair for school, thinking how wonderful he is going to smell at school hehe.
    The other would be Diptque 34 or Byredo Bal d’Afrique (another one with vetiver, can you tell I love vetiver yet?)
    I love them both and are the scents I often spritz when I don’t have time to really think about what to wear because I know i will live no matter what mood I’m in.
    Chanel no.5 is a comforting scent for me too but I only ever wear it at home or to bed because the aldehydes are so soothing to put me to sleep.

    I have a sample of lotita lempicka somewhere in my sample boxes. Will give it a try! 🙂

    Like

    • Wow so many grammar errors! Lol! It’s 5:30am on a Sunday and I have not had my morning coffee yet 😂

      Like

    • Hey Latai,
      Diptque 34 is a wonderful scent. The others I have tried in passing but already the vetivers seem locked in stone around here.
      We haven’t seen you for ages. HAVE TO RECTIFY IT SOON.
      Maybe next weekend a pizza or Chinese night?
      Portia xx

      Like

      • Yes!! Been way too long! This weekend sounds great, lets lock it in! You pick which night and let me know. I’ll bring drinks and dessert- Something delicious and home-baked 😉 xx

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  32. This is hard to pick 2, but I will. My most frequent go to spritzes without thinking and to keep me humming without distraction are;
    1. Carthusia Via Camarelle – a perfect fresh, spicy, out of the shower and long lasting fragrance that gives me calm serene balance.
    2. Atelier’s Trefle Pur – it is like the above, but is a bit more green. I wear these both constantly

    Former winner – D&G Light Blue – I have used up 3 bottles of this one. In the above two I spray directly on skin, with Light Blue I air spray it and it lands on my hair.

    I have several runners up, but when I can’t make up my mind, or just want something I don’t have to think about at all, those are the main ones. I live in Los Angeles – which is mostly a warm climate, so they are a perfect match, and are office friendly.

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    • Hey Barbara,
      I only recently purchased Trefle Pur. It’s been on the list for a VERY long time and I saw it on someones sale doc. BAM! Proud owner. I’m going to get it out this week, wear it and think of you.
      Like Kate I’ve spent very little time with any of the Carthusian range. thanks for the reminder.
      Portia xx

      Like

      • Oh you will love Trefle Pur, it is a staple! Carthusia has so many delightful creations, and it is so very Italian, love Via Camarelle and Mediterraneo and so many others. A wonderful house!

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  33. Portia, you are a bad influence on me! In a wonderfully wicked way, of course. I had to go and buy the Lolita edp because of your posts. But I decided upin the edt instead. It is calming and much kinder to me after an hour.

    As for go-to choices, mine have shifted dubstantially iver the years. Used to be Coco and Eternity in my late teens. Then Safari and some more Safari! In my late 20s I fell head over heels for Feminite du Bois and a little known Body Shop offering called …Of a Woman. A milky, floral. So sweet.

    After my boys were born, I went back to Safari and included Tresor. Safari stayed on my list til about 2012, which is when my last pre reform bottle ran out. I had Pleasures along side it til 2 years ago.

    Now?! Ha! A very different story! Enter the niche buys I have. I currently reach for Sylvaine Delacourte’s Helicriss or Shay & Blue’s Suffolk Lavender. Both are herbally plant based.

    If I owned full bottles, it would be Le Jardin Retrouve’s Cuir de Russie and Goldfield and Banks’ White Sandalwood.

    Like

    • Kate, I think you put me on to the Sylvaine Delacourte musk sample pack, and thank you so much! They are so beautiful, and such wonderful packaging and fast postage. Several of those will be go-tos for the cooler weather.

      Like

      • I am thrilled you enjoy Sylvaine’s work. I would never have bothered buying them based on the website alone. It took a bit of reading about them for me to swallow my better judgement and buy the samples. I found them SO weak when I first tried them. I decided to apply with a heavier hand and I’m glad I did. I got to see what others were saying.

        I actually think they’d have made a great side line for Guerlain. A pretty ballerina style slant. Oh well. Our gain.

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    • Hey Kate,
      At least the one my writing made you buy was a cheapie! PHEW!! Yes, the EdT is very nice of Lolita Lempicka.
      COCO! In your teens! Wow! You were precocious. What a beautiful fragrance it is too. I have a little vintage hoard here. YUMMY.
      Tresor is another favourite of mine. I keep buying decants because I always think that I will get over it but it never seems to happen.
      Your go=tos sound lovely. Because Ainslie did the big pieces on those Sylvaine Delacourte frags I never did bother to smell them. Clearly I’m missing out.
      Portia xx

      Like

      • Sigh. Tresor seems to be that forlorn beauty in the corner; overlooked by all. I promise myself not another bottle after I finish one, but you know…

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  34. Vero Profumo Mito edp and Parfums de Nicolai l’Eau Chic (which I’ve run out of, so until I get another one, maybe Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine).

    Like

    • Hey Christy,
      Mito EdP! Yum. I will write to Vero tonight and tell her a couple of people have added Mito as their go-to. She will be over the moon to read it.
      Don’t you hate its when the bottle is empty of a grand favourite?
      Portia xx

      Like

      • Lucky you and Val, with a hotline to the divine V. I yearn to try the extraits, because I prefer dabbing to spraying. I am only held in check from LuckyScent by the wild horses (all right, wild horses don’t usually restrain, but you get the idea) by having overspent for the last couple months. Austerity program ahoy! but you can tell her I absolutely adore Mito.

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        • I may have overstated the case Empliau,
          Vero and I are friendly but I still message her on FaceBook like almost everyone else.
          I will tell you though that on top of being an extraordinary perfumer she is a really fun dinner companion and so elegant.
          Portia xx

          Like

  35. SL five oclock au gingembre & fille en anguis – I actually only noticed when I was moving my perfumes today that I’ve used up about half and a third of the bottles respectively! They’re both very comfortable, snuggly scents to my nose and they wear well with the soft sweaters and cups of tea that I’m rarely seen without…

    Slightly off topic but I did also just just buy a decant of L’Artisan Tea For Two after seeing it mentioned on this blog, I’ve nearly used the whole decant up. I’ll certainly buy a full size!

    Like

    • Hey Shannon,
      OMG!! They are easily my two most worn Serge Lutens too. SNAP!!
      I also gift Fille en Aiguilles because it’s so easy to love it.

      Tea for Two: OMG! We are definitely scent twins. Glad to know it.
      YAY! Found a firm frag friend.
      Portia xx

      Like

    • I love SL five oclock au gingembre, you smell great!! I always wonder why I don’t hear about more people wearing it 🙂

      Like

      • Hey Nemo,
        I think it’s one of the Lutens that everyone clicks with early on and then has it in their collection for regular wearing.
        You watch how many more people talk about it now it’s been taken out of the export range and will only be available in bell jars.
        Portia xx

        Like

  36. The last 2 or 3 weeks my go-to scents have been the Grapefrut-Rhubarb edt from L’Occitaine and Chamade edp.The former because I feel a need to use it before it turns and the latter because some scents simply seem to fit only for a short period during the year.

    Seen in a longer perspective AA Pamlelune is a real go-to scent (I must have used more than 400 ml by now).

    Very interesting to read the other answers here!

    Like

    • Hi there Ingeborg,
      Chamade EdP!! YUM! What a sensationally beautiful Guerlain to have as your go-to. Such a classy choice.
      Portia xx

      Like

  37. Hermes Caleche through the warmer months – its classy citrus and soft dry down lifts my elegance feel, through winter Givenchy III for its warm aldehydic longevity – in my thinking a cousin to the original Miss Dior but a bit more austere.

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    • Hey there Bernadette,
      I love those two too. Yes the oakmoss in Givenchy III makes the bases seem similar for me too. Loads of fragrance from that era ends up smelling same on me because I tend to pick up oakmoss above all else.
      Portia x

      Like

  38. Chanel 1932 and JHaG Lady Vengeance are my go-tos right now – both lovely, both very wearable. But I think my new bottle of Jo Malone Star Magnolia will also serve that function!

    Like

    • Hey MaggieCat,
      Great to se you.
      I really liked 1932 and bet it is a PERFECT go-to. My only problem was a longevity one, how is it for you?
      Portia xx

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  39. I’m glad to see the Saturday question and reading everyone’s responses. Chanel 19 has been a staple since I was a teenager in the 70s and it feels the most like “me” but it’s not an automatic go to, I save her power for when I need extra strength or confidence or something. Bottega Veneta is my go to year round, so smooth and pleasant but not boring. Right now Shalimar edc is the other go to, the cologne has that happy extra lemon, feels like spring 🙂
    Enjoyed your story of the Equestrius acquisitions, that’s such a great scent.

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    • A lovely perfumista recently shared a decant of vintage Shalimar EdC with me. Such a lovely fragrance. It’s a fabulous gateway to the world of Shalimar.

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      • One of my dreams would be to come across the classic watch bottle of Shalimar EDC. “Come across” meaning not having to spend hundreds of dollars.

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        • HA! They are still out there Lindaloo. I came across a 16oz one for around $100. It was the ultimate score.
          Portia xx

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    • Hey Rosarita313,
      YAY! I’m so happy that you’re loving the Saturday question.
      Three of my faves. You may know that Bottega Veneta is Jin’s ultimate go-to also. I loved it even before he got his hands on it but now it’s engrained in my psyche as his.
      Wearing Equistrius right now.
      Portia xx

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      • I could have picked Bottega Veneta, but I have a bit pf a chip on my shoulder about it
        Fell for it hard when I sprayed from a manufacturer’s sample and immediately bought a full bottle. I was disappointed. It just didn’t have the same intensity. A blogger, whose name I can’t remember, had the same experience. I even tried to use it by spraying a single spot until wet. Didn’t help. But, in fairness the lightness of the bottled version does make it more generally wearable.

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  40. These days I am re-discovering my love for Dior Homme and recently got original version of DK Chaos. I think Chaos is one of my most favorite names among the perfumes.

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    • Chaos is one I’m very keen to try. Just reading about it on Fragrantica has me curious. I stumbled upon it while trying to find another. Enjoy!

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    • Hey Fazal,
      I have the re-release of Chaos in the black cylinder. What a fabulous scent. I bet the vintage is unbelievable.
      Portia xx

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      • Kate, Chaos is heavy on coriander so it is a note you have to like to enjoy Chaos. I do feel Chaos is polarizing, either you are in awe or you think it is strange and it is def. something that will fail even if introduced today. Portia, I have not tried re-release but Fragrantica reviews say it is pretty close, any difference may be that the original is a little stronger. In my opinion, most of the value of the original does not come as much from the composition as it does from the unique bottle that was designed by Donna Karan’s husband.

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  41. Most recent go-tos have been L’air de Ríen and Taklamakan, but Chanel CdR is probably my number one no-brainer.

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    • Hey MikasMinion,
      Cuir de Russie is so wearable. It’s funny but I always forget I have it. When I feel like leather it’s usually Trussardi Donna or Hermès Cuir d’Ange that I reach for lately. MUST remember to grab it out again.
      Thanks,
      BTW How do you find L’air de Ríen? That’s the Miller Harris isn’t it?
      Portia xx

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  42. As of six weeks ago when I overcame my ‘I don’t like green perfumes’ prejudice – how foolish I was! – and bought a bottle of Chanel No. 19, my go-to has been nonstop 19. I WOULD SWIM IN THIS STUFF WHY DID NO-ONE TELL ME! Ahem. Other than that I always grab Byredo Gypsy Water when I want to smell good but not drive co-workers insane (either with irritation or desire …), or in winter Miller et Bertaux’s Eau Trouvé.

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    • HA HA HA HA! Malmaison, we DID tell you but you were ignoring us. CHANEL No 19 is the bomb.
      Portia xx

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  43. I’ve been wearing Dior’s Hypnotic Poison and Atelier’s Vanilla Insensee. These are both fairly new purchases, making the decision to buy them after receiving some samples a few weeks ago. Both give me that cosy feeling and sit close to the skin, perfect for wearing in the office.

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    • Oh, yes, to Vanilla Insensee. I have a sample that I wear when I want something comfortable and easy to wear, but still very interesting.

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      • Thirding? Vanilla insensee. My favourite of the original releases. The fact that it comes in small bottles also makes it attractive.

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    • They sound like excellent picks Samantha, It’s so exciting having new fragrances in full bottles in the collection. I get it too, you make them your go-to because of the joy they bring.
      Portia xx

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  44. Hi Portia,
    hope you and Jin are well and already planing your next trip to Europe, hehe.
    Equistrius is a very good choice, for me it is chocolate coverd iris, I have to add it to my collection one day.

    At the moment my two go-to-scents are Angélique Noire and Misia Edt (even though the Edp is prettier, the Edt is easier to wear).
    But today I am in Norne from Slumberhouse and feel like a wood gnome what is good because I am off to an Improvisation theater workshop…

    Have a nice Sunday!

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    • Hey there Anka,
      We are in the preliminary stages of organising a BIG Europe train journey for next year.
      SO interesting that you find the Misia EdP prettier. I like it but the EdT seems to be so much more about the make-up vibe. I really like the EdT more and am so glad I have a big bottle that will last 6 lifetimes.
      I hope your Improvisation theatre workshop went well, didn’t you find Norne distracting?
      Portia xx

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      • Cool, we are looking forward to meet you again!!!

        The workshop was great and yes, Norne did distract me, it’s better to play without any fragrance, it makes it easier to switch into different personalities.

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        • Fingers crossed we get a Berlin visit in again Anne.
          How’s your beau Thomas?
          Do you ever go back to ParfumSalon?
          Portia xx

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  45. Hmmmmm. Impossible question of course.
    Chanel N°5 parfum. Kiki Extrait. I mean it’s not written in stone is it? 😍

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  46. These past few weeks, it’s been Bois des Iles and L’Orpheline. Both initially chosen for the kind reassurances they offer, and the quiet flashes of beauty. And then just BdI for the past week, as it was all I had in my bag.

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    • Hey there Crikey,
      I only really know Bois des Iles of your choices but what a perfectly beautiful signature scent for the last few weeks. YUMMY!
      Portia xx

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  47. Great question, wonderful comments! I must visit a perfume counter this week for a spritz of No. 19 edp.

    After recent rainfall here, the grass has turned green, and the lawn is covered with a purple-blue carpet of fallen jacaranda blossoms. I adore their color and softly sweet scent.

    That’s the reason my current go-to’s are Apres L’Ondee and L’Heure Bleue. Both are deliciously comforting and gently perfect for this time of year.

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    • I really need a bottle of L’Heure Bleue in my life! Same as you, a really need to try No. 19 again, it seems to be a winner on here

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    • Hey Tiffanie,
      I LOVE Jacarandas. Here in Sydney, on our North Shore, every child born was given a Jacaranda tree so they are EVERYWHERE! In the season if you fly into Sydney it looks like whole swathes of the suburbs are lilac/blue. It’s heavenly.
      Excellent choices for fragrant blueness too.
      Portia xx

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  48. Yike this is tough. With 550 full bottles and thousands of samples, decants minis, what do I go back to over and over? I think my go tos would be Perfumers Workshop Tea Rose and maybe Raghba.

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    • Hey Gina,
      Interesting that with all your niche and designer bottles these are the two you crave. I love that. Do you ever layer them?
      Portia xx

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  49. These comments are wonderful (so many still to smell). My current two are Black Lavender by N-Cigale – cardamom, pepper, whiskey – and the sparkling bergamot of Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique. Just this weekend I moved from Sydney to Melbourne, so it will be interesting to see how being out of the heat and humidity changes my preferences. I’ll just have to try all my samples again!

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    • Hey Kim,
      Good luck in Melbourne. There are huge amounts ofd sydney expats there now.
      I love the city and would live there in a heartbeat.
      Portia xx

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  50. At the moment, I’d say L’Artisan Safran Troublant and Comme des Garcons Blackpepper, but at times one of my go-to scents has been Equistrius–I love iris and it’s probably my favorite iris scent.

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    • Hi there Janice,
      I really liked CdG Blackpepper, there’s 10ml of it around here somewhere. I need to fish it out.
      Yeah, Equistrius is YUMMY! Wearing it now.
      Portia xx

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  51. Love reading these answers, I’m writing a must try list. For me right now it’s Coromandel EDP and Shalimar Cologne EDT.

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    • Hey there RuthF,
      Lovely to see you.
      Yeah, part of what I love about the question idea is how many fabulous old frag friends I’m reminded of.
      So many new ones to try too.
      Coromandel is beautiful, every incarnation has something special about it. The Shalimar Cologne was very nice too.
      Portia xx

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  52. Great question Portia. I haven’t read everyone’s answers yet because I don’t want to influence mine.

    Now that the cold weather is here, i have put away all the summery stuff, and there are a lot of favourites there. If i really don’t want to think about it, right now I would probably end up grabbing Bentley for Men or ELdO’s Tom of Finland.

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  53. Andy Tauer’s Amber Flush body oil. Warm and comforting with a slightly soft projection. Bombay Bling for that initial hit of mango! YUM

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    • Oh yes ElizabethC,
      I don’t know the Tauer but Bombay Bling is superb. What a fragrance. Jin wears it to perfection.
      Portia xx

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  54. Great but difficult question (you’re hurting my last living brain cell!) Wonderful answers and comments. For me right now with the weather cool but heading into spring it’s vintage Rive Gauche or The Different Company’s ADJATAY with Madame Rochas always being a no-brainer whatever the weather.

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    • Hey Laura! Adjatay is fabulous, isn’t it? I am nearing the end of a second 5ml decant and thinking a bottle is in my future.
      Portia xx

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    • I have fond memories of Rive Gauche. The packaging was so of its time. We could do with more scents packaged in aluminum to protect their contents.

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  55. my favourites in the late autumn fogs in melbourne have been wild bluebell by jo malone and en passant by frederic malle.i have been surprsied at how great these are in the autumn air.

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  56. Trying to help get 150 replies so someone can win. ☺
    My two:
    Dior’s Escale a Portifino. I love a classic cologne structure and this one has some sweetness from the almond blossom which, for me, makes it wearable year round.
    The second one is Shalimar. ( Not trying to curry favour here even if I am known as Vindaloo 😃) I fell for it about 5 years ago and mostly use the lotion. A dab or two on neck or wrists lasts a long time. I have just a small older version of the EDP and will comtinue to look for older versions in any strength.
    I also have the shower gel and have to agree with a comment years ago on some blog that it makes you feel “dirtier” than when you went in. 😅

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    • YAY! Lindaloo, that’s the spirit.
      HA! About the Shalimar Shower gel, it’s beautiful isn’t it? I use it to make bubble baths.
      Dior’s Escale a Portifino is another fave of mine. Those bottles are so beautiful. Perfect cologne that lasts.
      Portia xx

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