Library Collection Opus IX by Pierre Negrin and Nathalie Lorson for Amouage 2015

November 27, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 4 Comments

Don’t forget to enter this weeks GIVEAWAY COMPETITION!.<<JUMP

Post by Portia

Hi Crew,

You know how you love some brands, always try them even though the notes don’t really look like they’re going to suit you or if their last few releases were lovely but not quite you? I like to try everything Amouage release because, well, Dia, Gold, Lyric, Interlude and Ubar. Sometimes I worry that the Library Collection are a bit too high brow for me but…

Library Collection Opus IX by Amouage 2015

Library Collection Opus IX by Pierre Negrin and Nathalie Lorson

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica Gives these featured accords:
Top: Camellia, jasmine, black pepper
Heart: Guaiac wood, leather, beeswax
Base: Vetiver, ambergris, civet

Christopher Chong has based this scent on the story of star crossed lovers in La Traviata, based on La Dame Aux Camélias by Alexander Dumas. Particularly with the lead role played by Maria Callas in Lisbon 1958. Poor Maria Callas, seduced from keeping her voice pristine by becoming one of the most popular party girls of the ultra rich tycoons and entertainment industry of her time. From Wikipedia: The press exulted in publicizing Callas’s allegedly temperamental behavior… rivalry with Renata Tebaldi and her love affair with … Aristotle Onassis. …her artistic achievements were such that Leonard Bernstein called her “the Bible of opera” and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her: “Nearly thirty years after her death, she’s still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music’s best-selling vocalists.”

“Lady Loch” Photo Stolen Ashwood Nurseries

Mum loved camellias, our house was surrounded by both the japonica and sasanqua varieties and it meant the garden had flowers right through winter because different camellias flower at different times. We would pick the perfect newly opened flowers in the early morning by twisting the flower off the bush and Mum had a few shallow crystal bowls that we would float them in all around the house. We had about 20 different flowers and I loved them all, but I don’t remember them having any scent, except the wet green sharp smell of cutting their branches when we pruned the hedges.

Photo Stolen Wallpapers

So, Opux IX? How does it smell for me? Green, woods and peppery and really clearly fragrant, it takes a while for the excitement of the open to recede and then a velvet smooth jasmine steals in: jasmine, smoke and honey that is animalic and a little breathy. Fresh breath though, clean mouth, maybe after drinking a big glass of cold water. We use the Enjo wood wax on our dining table and Opus IX has a similar luxurious balmy smell as the feeling 2 days after waxing the table feels. From arms length though Opus IX is pure jasmine with amber-ish overtones.

I do not get a heart of cacophony as other reviewers have, Opus IX melts into my skin and throws me sweetly honeyed woods and resins with soft rises as other notes come and go: the dry, salt and oily facets of vetiver, animalics that are inextricably linked with the honey in a healthy smelling purr: no poo, sweat, urine or hair in particular. A wash of warmth, those first sexy moments as you undress someone and you smell them, their laundry, their fragrance and their desire all at once for the very first time, intoxicating.

Photo Stolen Flickr

I’m not the only fan of Opus IX, both TinaG and Scott have tried in on their skin with similar gasps of pure fumie pleasure. This is a winner.

Further reading: Colognoisseur and Non Blonde. You want the full story? Alembicated Genie
Libertine Parfumerie has $418/100ml
Surrender To Chance has samples starting at $4/.5ml

Do you have a fragrance house that is ALWAYS on your try list? Which one and why?
Portia xx

Grandawood Oudh Oils, Brisbane, Australia

November 25, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 5 Comments

Post by Portia

Hi there Oudh Aficionados,

A new company has come to Australia, Grandawood. They own over 400 hectares of agarwood plantation and an oil manufacturing plant in Vietnam and boast a state of the art quality control process. I think we are seeing the beginning of an influx of (hopefully) affordable Oudh Oil in our times.

I am no expert on Oudh and wanted to get a few more knowledgeable noses onto the products before I wrote to you about them. There are too many charlatans in the world. So a couple of the best noses I know came by to have a sniff. Michael Borg, TinaG and Scott dropped in and I unveiled the latest in what you may think is a saturated market. We were sent 3 samples to try but only 2 of them will be coming into Australia, let’s meet them.

Grandawood Oudh Oils, Brisbane, Australia

Photo Stolen Grandawood

Evergreen Good Grade Agarwood Oil (Oud) 100% Pure Grade A+ (Oudh #1)

Oudh #1 was a lovely simple oud that was fecal, animal and medicinal in open, it quietened to a lovely barnyard skin scent within the hour and stayed fragrant for about 5-6 hours. Oudh #1 smelled as if it had melted into my skin and each of our bodies gave it a slightly different scent hue. On my skin it was a little sweeter and more vanilla smelling than on the others. We all liked its soft and mellow golden haze.

A wonderful oudh even if you’re going to work. By the time you get there Oudh #1 is a beautiful, gentle oudh that has melded with your skin and though you are fragrant, even slightly barnyard, it’s a welcoming and engaging aroma. Beautiful.

Grandawood is currently having an Oudh #1 introductory offer of $68/1.5ml (reduced from $204)

Photo Stolen Grandawood

Grandawood Superior Agarwood oil (Oudh Floral)

Oudh Floral was the winner of the day, it was fun, unusual, interesting and had the best longevity. It was a hit and I think Grandawood will be getting orders from the guys who were also extremely pleased. Oudh Floral will be a hit we decided and it could even make a good gateway oudh for someone new to it as a note. There seems to be a deep vein of animalic honey running through Oudh Floral and the bouquet has some lovely indolic white flowers. It’s skanky but very pretty skank.

We liked the way that Grandawood had slipped in some extra interest to the oudh and made it pop even more. A unanimous success from the 4 person testing panel.

Grandawood has $80/1.5ml

Oud #2 was the least well received, it had all the plastic, burnt hair and pooh smells and even the most hardcore didn’t love it. It will be coming to Australia at a later date and if you want to be engulfed in oudh then keep your eyes peeled.

Grandawood have created a 15% discount code for APJ readers and the code is: portia

Grandawood also sells Agarwood beads, chips, incense and tea-leaves.

Though I am no expert the oils seemed to be the real deal to us. It would be wonderful to read your feedback if you decide to try them.

Portia xxx

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream by Etude House

November 23, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 21 Comments

Post by Azar

Hello APJ,

I know that we already have our very own beauty editor here at APJ – AF Beauty – who does a fantastic job of keeping us updated on skin care and make-up. Nevertheless I just had to comment on a few skin care samples that Portia sent my way a few months ago.

Korean skin care is all the rage lately. Ever since Soo Ae, the famous Korean actress, started her own line several years ago I have wanted to give Korean beauty products a try. Unfortunately what I could find locally was limited and quite expensive. Within the last year (or has it been longer?) the products from the Korean skin care company Etude House have been made available to US buyers through the Etude House website and on Amazon. Portia’s samples of Etude House products, picked up on a recent visit to Korea, have turned me into a Korean skincare junkie.

After seeing some recent photos of myself I knew that something had to change! Short of surgery there isn’t too much a woman of my age can do about sagging skin, but I really think that the first of Portia’s samples I tried actually helped to give my skin a smoothing lift.

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream by Etude House

Etude House Moistfull Super Collagen Cream, containing 63% hydrolyzed collagen from seaweed, is a light weight cream with a gel-like consistency that glides onto the skin leaving a moist finish, brightening the complexion, smoothing the look of lines and wrinkles and giving the appearance of a slight lift to drooping skin and to that dreaded dewlap. The effect was immediately noticeable after a single application. I quickly used up the two samples from Portia and ordered this product and several other Etude House items on Amazon. The Super Collagen cream continues to impress. There is also a non-super version of this cream. The formula is a little different. I definitely prefer the Super version. I also find that the Etude House Moistful Super Collagen Eye Concentrate relieves under-eye puffiness and the Pearl Aura Brightening Essence revives dull looking skin.

I don’t imagine I will totally abandon my old favorites by Orlane and Paula’s Choice. They seem to work to minimize enlarged pores and reduce wrinkles. However, the Etude House products are at least as effective for a slightly lower price than Paula’s Choice and are considerably less expensive than anything by Orlane that isn’t past the pull date.

I won’t include any more “before and after” photos here today as I am not equipped to do selfies. You will just have to take my word for it – I think that these products might actually work!

Have you tried the Korean skin care lines? Do you have a favorite brand that you use regularly? Despite my love of these products I often find myself wondering if using any kind of skincare is just a big waste of time and money. What do you think?

Azar xx

My Beauty Fallbacks: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

November 22, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 16 Comments

Post by AF Beauty

Testing makeup and skincare products can be exciting and amazing, especially when you find a wow product or something unexpected – that’s always a total buzz. However, testing can also be a buzzkill, sadly. At something-something age – I do have a fairly good idea of what my skin needs and likes and if something I’m testing is not as wow as I hoped, I have my fallbacks where I can trust that I’ll get my skin back to an even playing field before starting on the next test.

My Beauty Fallbacks: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

Now, I’ll be honest, this oil is totally scathed by Paula’s Choice review. They say this is as “good for for dehydrated skin as massaging it with sandpaper!“. Interestingly, the comments on the site (only two) are positive – neither written by me! – but I would add my endorsement to their opinions.
I’ve used this on and off for about 5 years now having seen it recommended in another beauty column. The whole oil will help with dehydration thing is a bit of a mind bend, but for my skin it works.

This is how I use it: First is simply as a step in my usual routine. I would normally wash my face using the nanna flannel technique with whatever cleanser is on the go at the time. I wipe my face with the flannel till clean but don’t then reach for the towel. My face isn’t sopping wet, it’s more damp than dripping. I reach for the oil, drop a few drops in my hand – usually between 2 and 5 depending on how my skin is – warm the oil in my hands and then pretty much apply as if it were a moisturiser, pressing a little in here and there in spots which I feel need some extra TLC. Clarins have a whole little video on how to apply which is far more tender and serene than my description – you can see that in the link in one of the pictures of the product. Once oil is applied I then go for serum or moisturiser as usual – I wouldn’t use it before applying make up.

I do occasionally also use this as a treatment of itself – especially on a weekend where I am feeling the need to pamper. Either I’ll wash my face in the usual way – or if I’m feeling posh, I’ll wash then apply a fancy spray water to my face to moisten and ready for further application. I’m currently using the Avène Thermal Spring Water. I then take the oil in the same way as before and apply. If I’m applying as more of a treatment, I’ll do this, wait about 30 mins, then reapply again – spray with the water and reapply the oil. You could then apply a mask of your choice over this as well. Overall I notice with even just a week’s application my skin hydration improves – I think quite significantly. I really notice the plumpness is restored to my skin and I have fewer dry lines.

David Jones online or in store Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil $52
Priceline has Avène Thermal Spring Water $9.99/50ml

There are a number of Clarins oils for various skin conditions, have you used any of them? How did you get on? Are you a fan or do you side with Paula?

V. Intense by Aurelien Guichard for Robert Piguet 2014

November 20, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 20 Comments

Post by Portia

Hiya APJ,

This little baby was released in 2014 with little or no fanfare, I didn’t even know about it. The crew at Libertine thought it so good, especially now that it’s available in Australia, that a few of you should get to try it! So Paige and Nick gave me a bottle to wear and share. WOO HOO!

I speak often of my mate Nick from Libertine Parfumerie. Please, even if you don’t enter today’s competition, go and have a look at the amazing fragrant beauties that Libertine Parfumerie has for sale, you will be astounded. Nick will be sending out deliveries in Australia till the 21st December!!! How good is that? Using couriers in the last few days.

V. Intense by Robert Piguet 2014

V. Intense by Aurelien Guichard

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords in one line:
Saffron, roses, plum, incense, sandalwood

Plum! a sweetened berry-ised plum but plum none-the-less. A sexy, lightly fizzing plum that is flanked by a sparkling, fruity rose and underpinned by the smooth waxy feel of saffron creating a modern and fun take on the old Visa. Here Visa’s fruit punch, creamy ylang and patchouli are recreated in a way that I think would be a perfect gateway fragrance for newbies and younger perfumistas hoping to make a jump from wearing department store fruit-chouli.

Is it intense? Past the first 20 minutes not really. The fizziness smooths out beautifully into a softly sweet and resinous fragrance, more nuanced than the regular department store fare but definitely taking its cues from them. More like an expensive confectionary than cake-ish sweet. I could imagine the boys who like their fragrances a bit sweet would enjoy V Intense too, anyone who wears 1 Million, Aventus or Casmir will find a certain happy familiarity when they spritz V Intense. Without being totally innocuous Piguet have straddled the general public/niche line very nicely here, V Intense is wearable and interesting fragrance.

The base is warm and cosy, a vanilla/resin/musk with faintest traces of fruit and incense/smoke. It wafts under the radar for hours & hours.

Further reading: Fragrance Daily
Libertine Parfumerie has V Intense online now $299/100ml

Want to try it? See below,
Portia xxx

Photo Stolen AllSteele

V Intense GIVEAWAY

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have 3 winners who will receive:
1 x 10ml V Intense decant by Robert Piguet
a couple of extras
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged. Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me (portia underscore turbo @ yahoo dot com dot au) so I know.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Please tell us Robert Piguet fragrance story or why you’d like to try V Intense

Extra Chance?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie V Intense by Robert Piguet #GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-4pA @Giveaway @LibertineParfum @RPParfums #Perfume

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 23rd November 2015 10pm Australian EST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winner will be chosen by random.org
The winner will have till Thursday 26th November 2015 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Good Girl Gone Bad from by Kilian 2012

November 19, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 11 Comments

Post by Greg Young

What does a man have to do to please his beloved? He selflessly enters a competition for a girly white floral, knowing that is his lady love’s favourite style. Lady luck smiles on him (thanks APJ & Libertine Parfumerie), but sadly lady wife does not; Good Girl Gone Bad is Bad in my Good Girl’s opinion.

Good Girl Gone Bad from by Kilian 2012

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Jasmine, osmanthus, may rose
Heart: Indian tuberose, narcissus
Base: Amber, cedar

Well of course, I wore it myself; as you do.

I chose a sunny Spring Saturday to try it; a couple of spritzes to the wrist that wafted jasmine around me, slip on some Italian jeans, my Cucinelli polo, and some Common Projects sneakers and I feel like a millionaire. Ten minutes later, and my effervescent mood has soured a bit. My Good Girl Gone Bad has run away on me, faithless hussy that she is. I worked it out soon enough; I’d smothered my arms in sunscreen prior to going outside, and killed it. A couple of more spritzes does the trick. I go out shopping in the Melbourne sun, wandering around my local for a coffee then down to Chadstone for a bit of retail therapy.

Photo Stolen Flickr

The whole time, I am sneaking sniffs at my wrist. (I always feel very self-conscious doing that; it seems something only women have license to do). This is a seriously good floral, with excellent lasting power. It’s heady and creamy like the smell of a Hawaiian night. It’s not a ravening monster like my HdP Tubereuse 3. This one is more refined and less animalic.

It’s now almost 9 hours since I applied it, and it’s still going strong. It remains all florals on me still, and is yet to get to the amber and cedar drydown, so I think it has plenty of development yet to go. Best of all, my wife actually likes this when I wear it, even if she won’t wear it herself!

My preference is for fragrances that are civilised enough to wear in a professional office environment, and last the full working day, and this one fits the bill. I have little hesitation in recommending Good Girl Gone Bad to guys who are OK with wearing florals, particularly in the coming sunny weather.

Photo Stolen Wikipedia

Further reading: AustralianPerfumeJunkies and EauMG
Available in Australia exclusively in store at Harrold’s Sydney & Melbourne
LuckyScent has $160/50ml
Surrender To Chance has samples starting at $4/.5ml

Thanks to Portia and Nick at Libertine Parfumerie for the opportunity to discover something that I might never have picked up and tried of my own accord.

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas from Under $20

November 17, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 7 Comments

Post by Ainslie Walker

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas from Under $20

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $25

For smoky vanilla lovers: Encens Feve Tonka perfumed soap $16.95

For the woody citrus lovers: Tilleul Cedrat perfumed soap $16.95

For the bearded hipsters and dandy gentlemen in your life, give them an aromatic moustache to sniff at: Penhaligon’s Bayolea Moustache Wax $19

For bathing beauties, both man and woman: Gascoigne & King Luxury Unmilled soaps come in aniseed, myrtle and charcoal (my favorite), tangerine, geranium and lemongrass, patchouli and poppyseed. They are beautifully packaged and handmade in Sydney, making them unique Aussie gifts! $25

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $35

For fragrant bathers of any age, even Grandma: Fragonard Shower Gel’s in Fleur de Vanille, Soleil, Freesia, Rose de Mai $28

For the gourmet foodies you know, make their dinner table decorating dreams complete: Cire Truden Madeleine Tapered candles come in Black, Aqua, Grey, Rose and Stone. Are dripless and smokeless and will be beautiful and classic even adorning your festive table $29

Flower of the moment is Lily of the Valley and Fragonard Muget Soap Gift Box of 4 is super cute. I just love the illustration on the box. Perfect for any age group now that this flower has been revived! $32

For the artists, creatives, art collectors, perfume lovers and just about anyone I can HIGHLY recommend Just Gil’s – Original Perfume Art Starting from $35. Just Gil is a talented, perfume-loving artist based in Sweden and you can follow her on instagram: @Just.Gil to see what she is producing. She also does warm and friendly, easy to watch fragrance reviews on YouTube: Just Gil
Her artworks are original and addictive (I have 2 already!!) and make the perfect original gift for anyone who is sentimental about a fragrance through to all you fragrance obsessives! She will do bespoke commissions of your favorite bottles too! *Postage –is a maximum of $18 for an any amount of pictures to be sent anywhere in the world, so team up with your buddies and order at the same time to share this cost. Be sure to order soon so yours arrive in time for Christmas!!

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $40

For work colleagues/secret Santa’s/neighbors and people you may not know too well, for example, The Fragonard Body Lotion’s are easy to gift in Soleil, Freesia, Rose de Mai, Fleur d’Oranger $34.95

A no sweat stocking filler is Penhaligon’s Deodorant’s in Bayolea (citrus aromatic), Quercus (chypre), Sartorial (fougere) or Blenheim Bouquet (citrus aromatic). $39

Who doesn’t like roses, Italy and a little bit of history?! The beautiful 250ml Santa Maria Novella Rosewater is a real treat with many uses and comes packaged with historic, iconic Santa Maria Novella labeling. $40 from Peony and Franque in Melbourne.

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

Creed’s Aventus Soap is a win for the men at only $49. No better choice than a sexy soap for Grandpa!!

Atelier Cologne Layering Duo (Ltd Edition) is handy for a hot Australasian summer, 2 travel sized spray bottles ready for a sophisticated freshen-up-respritz and layering experience. Orange Sanguine is zesty, juicy orange and geranium. Vanille Insensée takes sweet notes of vanilla, jasmine and lime and fuse with oakmoss, woods and coriander spice. Worn together to create a unique fragrance. From teen ages and up. Can be unpackaged into 2 separate stocking filler gifts for siblings. Available in Sephora Stores. $49

Frédéric Malle Editions de Parfums 10mls I had no idea these started so affordably!! A “gateway” sized bite into this drop dead gorgeous collection of quality fragrances by the very best noses in the world. From $50

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $60

A new release to Mecca from Korres is ‘Velvet Orris, Violet, White Pepper EDT’ it packs a punch and is built to last! For lovers of sweet, strong, fruity, powdery florals. (Think Flowerbomb to Coco Mademoiselle wearers) AND IT’S NATURAL!! $56

Award winning niche brand Costume National’s 10ml Rollerballs: So Nude, Homme, Scent Intense, Cyber Garden are $59 each from Libertine and Sephora and are a fantastic introduction to quality niche and make great gifts for teens and upwards! Packaging makes them a great gift for the discerning traveller!

BY ROSIE JANE James Fragrance Oil 5ml roll on is a delightful sweet unisex fig, gardenia and amber rollerball perfume. It’s creamy white floral notes edge on coconut and says summer to me. For all the sexy beach babes you know. Light, earthy and romantic. Perfect size for in the handbag. $60.00

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $80

(Malin + Goetz) votive set of 3 candles – 3 x 67g In dark rum, tobacco and vetiver, the scented trio will make gifts for any sophisticated, house-proud males in your lives. $66

Where are you staying this Christmas? Give your hosts or even newly wedded couples unique ambient home scent as a thank you: L’Artisan’s Amber sachets. GORGEOUS! $79

Alahine by Jean-François Latty for Teo Cabanel 2007

November 16, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 7 Comments

Post by Portia

I blame The Muse In Wooden Shoes. I find it hard to believe that I found that post in 2009, maybe I stumbled across it more recently but I fail to see how. Anyway, when I first read this piece about a fragrance conjuring such a fabulous memory I added a place card in my brain with Alahine on it. A rich floral amber? Sign me up. Then I completely forgot about Alahine for years. After getting a sample in a bunch that someone sent me it was back on the radar, I had a couple of decants and then last year I finally bit the bullet and bought 50ml……

Alahine by Teo Cabanel 2007

Alahine by Jean-François Latty

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured acciords:
Top: Bergamot, ylang-ylang
Heart: Jasmine, orange blossom, pepper, Moroccan rose
Base: Iris, cistus, patchouli, benjoin, vanilla, sandalwood, musk

Sweet citrus, languid white flowers giving fruity and green aspects and patchouli, my nose tells me tobacco but it must be the resins and patchouli dancing closely, there are also some chocolate references. Alahine seems to be a white floral for people who love orientals. Dryer and less spicy than the heavy hitting orientals Alahine is warmer and less overbearing than the big white florals. A middle ground.

Photo Stolen WikiMedia

Who wears Alahine? So if you want to smell like the feeling of being cuddled up on the couch, dozing yet aware that everything is OK. Not perfect but calmly, quietly, comfortably OK. Alahine feels like learning that good enough is. The gentle release when you finally understand that perfection is a goal but good enough (not second best, they are vastly different) will be good enough.

The base is beautiful and warm, vanilla/patchouli/resins all combine perfectly with the sandalwood and the lingering lush, near tropical bouquet to be delightfully creamy and lightly caramelled, only the merest dry hint of pepper gives the whole fragrance a lift, keeping it out of gourmand territory. Then it’s float and calmly settle all the way to lightly vanilla and gone.

Photo Stolen Pixabay

Further reading: Australian Perfume Junkies and Olfactoria’s Travels
Teo Cabanel has €65/solid, €115/50ml & €155/100ml
LuckyScent has $130/50ml
Posh Peasant has samples starting at $4/ml

What fragrance took you years to finally pull the trigger on?
Portia xxx

Joy vintage parfum GIVEAWAY WINNER

November 16, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 3 Comments

Post by Portia

JOY! So well named. One of my great fragrant loves and surprisingly easy to wear. Can’t wait to see who wins,

Portia xx

Joy vintage parfum GIVEAWAY WINNER

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Tuberose, rose, ylang-ylang, aldehydes, peach, green notes
Heart: Jasmine, iris root, Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley, orchid
Base: Musk, sandalwood, civet

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have 1 winner who will receive:
1 x Joy vintage parfum sample
a couple of extras
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Sunday 15th November 2015 10pm Australian EST
Winner was chosen by random.org

Photo Stolen amberinblunderland

Francesca Belanger

The winner will have till Thursday 19th November 2015 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Joy vintage parfum by Jean Patou 1929

November 13, 2015 / australianperfumejunkiescom / 28 Comments

Post by Portia

Recently I found on the eBay a Joy parfum black snuff bottle, still sealed with string and baudruche (animal intestine seal then, onion skin now) intact and was lucky enough that no one else saw it, well there were two other bids and they were small. I got my perfect vintage sealed beauty for about the cost for 2 people to eat a mid sized meal at McDonalds, including shipping. Oh happy day.

Joy vintage parfum by Jean Patou 1929

Joy vintage parfum by Henri Alméras

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

Thick, heavy, oily and sparkly fruity floral with a susurrus of freshly cut greenery. A minute in and suddenly there is air, the fragrance breathes and as it does fresh sliced over ripe peach stands above the white flowers before being engulfed by them. The rose is ever present and waltzes through bolstering and linking the fragrance, giving it a richness, working with peach and greenery to create an almost photo realistic rose and then it’s all gone into the heady melange that makes Joy so fabulous, and joyous.

Photo Stolen DeviantArt

Once I’m past this point Joy becomes itself only, parsing it and cutting it into pieces feels like a very undignified way to treat such a fragrance. What I do now and for the rest of the ride is float on it, drift with one of perfumeries most enduring and seamless creations. The heart of Joy is a mesmerising dream of sumptuous rooms, rich parties, long pearl necklaces, hand finished tailored suits, granite entryways and stainless steel. If ever a fragrance felt like something a protagonist in a novel would wear Joy feels like a perfect fit for Ayn Rand’s lead character in Atlas Shrugged, Dagny Taggart.

Photo Stolen Wikipedia

Further reading: Now Smell This and Non Blonde
Fragrance Shop has EdT $35/25ml
Surrender To Chance has samples of the parfum starting at $7/.25ml

Want to try it? See below.
Portia xx

Photo Stolen AllSteele

Joy vintage parfum GIVEAWAY

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have 1 winner who will receive:
1 x Joy vintage parfum sample
a couple of extras
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Please tell us your Joy story or why you’d like to try the parfum

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 15th November 2015 10pm Australian EST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winner will be chosen by random.org
The winner will have till Thursday 19th November 2015 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.