Taking a chance in building my Autumn/ Winter aromatic wardrobe… I’ll let you all know if it’s a fake or real. So far, SHIEN hasn’t let me down. Also, I don’t gatekeep! https://onelink.shein.com/46/5xsh6wzwbvgg?shc=2_RXo5ErNMQl1

So I wanted to call something out. Fragrance samples have either disappeared or gotten stupidly expensive. I have seen 2 ml samples selling for more than $10, which is absurd for most fragrances. When the Nordstrom Anniversary sale happened (and yes, I went for my free gift cards) I saw something was back that was awesome and helped fight this shift. Nordstrom now has free empty sample containers for fragrances and creams. They are in the women's fragrance section normally (or you can ask for one in the men's). You can fill them yourself or ask an associate to do it. I grabbed Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot, Bvlgari Man Rain Essence, and some Rénergie Lift cream. I am already a Nordstrom fan, so finding this made me very happy. It lets you wear something a few times before committing to a bottle, which is how sampling should work. However, it means less buying at Jomashop and Macys, as if I sample it at Nordstrom... I need to ethically pick it up there. If I like and buy it. Now they just need to start carrying The Harmonist.

And NO I don’t mean like I bought one, I have yet to get to be able to afford that bro! This is the first Clive Christian that I’ve sampled on myself today. I’ve smelled Blonde Amber and absolutely adore it, but my friend today who really likes Rock Rose on people, sprayed it on me today. Needless to say, I’m quite impressed. Contrary to what I originally thought, which I expected rose 🌹 or labdanum this one is a nice, herbal, fougere. A blend of spices and herbs such as nutmeg, saffron, lavender, and pepper, blended with citrus, florals, and an ambery, sweet base. While this isn’t a traditional one I’d like, my friend really really likes this one on me, so honestly this is one I’d be willing to try more and grow on. It’s opulent, wealthy smelling, and classy without smelling dated. I’ll be trying blonde amber next, although it’s much trickier to find a time to wear this one in the high heat.

Part of the Fleurs Bohèmes collection, Madurai was released in 2022 and created by perfumer Gaël Montero. When I first saw the notes, I was sure I would dislike this one. Like all their scents this was built on a memory. This one around time in the sacred city of Madurai in South India. There are a few stories behind the name, the most interesting for me is the legend of Lord Shiva and nectar falling from his hair! The fragrance seems to take a go at bottling the jasmine garlands, temple sandalwood, warm spice and sun‑ripened fruit found there. What makes this stand out is the three distinct white florals layered together, plus turmeric and marigold, notes I've never encountered paired like this. It’s a bold, unusual combination that could easily turn messy or harsh, so how well does it actually work? It opens bright and clean. Lemon and bergamot give a lively, fresh start, but the curcuma is what adds warm, golden, faintly earthy‑spicy with zero harshness or medicinal edge. Clary Sage brings a cool green lift, while the peach surprisingly adds soft, nectar‑like sweetness. Then the heart blooms: two jasmines plus tuberose, marigold adding that subtle, sunny, slightly herbaceous depth most people miss. Yes, it’s a lot of white floral power—but it works. Unlike that funk you get from cheap jasmine bombs. The tumeric and sage keep it grounded, the peach softens the edges, and the tagete stops it from feeling like every other generic jasmine scent. As it settles, Sandalwood Album, delivers rich, creamy warmth, and the suede accord wraps everything in a soft, velvety finish that feels surprisingly luxurious. Performance is solid but not a beast. On skin I get 5 to 6 hours with a refined sillage. It projects nicely early on then settles close, which is where the sandalwood and suede really shine. In high heat the white florals can turn a little heady, so it’s best in spring, autumn or evenings. This surprised me, I keep going for a sniff off my wrist, always a good sign. Its beautifully made, genuinely unique, and smells like nothing else in my collection. That said, it’s pricey, and if you’re sensitive to white florals it will test you. Montero didn’t play it safe here—and that’s exactly why it’s worth having if you appreciate proper craftsmanship over safe, crowd‑pleasing syrup.

Dropped off by UPS last night. I loved the tester in the store and traded with a friend who didn’t enjoy it as much. Got to wear it today, and I think it might be my favorite of the JPG line. I have Le Male Le Parfum coming later this week, though (I needed a sample that begins with J for my alphabet review series) so I maybe that will change. But this is mature, floral, slightly sweet and lasts a good long time on my skin. I saw it gets panned by the hype machine but I am really enjoying it so far.