Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Summer European-Exclusives Giveaway!

I'm soaking up what sunshine I can gather and what laissez-faire I can fathom so that I'm fortified for the adventures of the looming rentrée.The lapping of the waves on the shore, the faint hint of watermelon with salty nuances smelled in the background, the driftwood on the beach, the changing moods of the summery clouds passing over the mountains afar, shading and lighting the distance into an undulating bosom... The fried calamari over the squid with spinach and the joy of artisan-made gelato in flavors such as "bacio" (i.e. kiss). Leaping unto the risen sun high in the sky seizing what's there of the day, backpedaling into the night listening to the crickets monotonous song...That's life, my friend.

But I have not forgotten about readers wanting their little piece of excitement. Therefore a giveaway, a fun one hopefully, as it involves surprise European-only perfume samples from my drawers (which are set to overflowing, ssssst).


Enter a comment saying what you'd like to read more of on these pages -come the time to be back and jolly- and I will pick a random winner. Draw is open till Sunday 26th midnight. Draw is now closed, thanks for participating!
Prize will be sent in a few days after the winner is announced early next week.

78 comments:

  1. I really like the vintage posts, especially ones that discuss how to date bottles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Elena, I`d love posts that teach us more about perfumes, especially how to describe them, as sometimes I smell a beautiful perfume and all I can say is this: Beautiful. I wish I could express myself more about what I`m savoring! Thanks for asking our opinion :-)
    -kal

    ReplyDelete
  3. Miss Heliotrope01:29

    Gosh - the articles on here I find myself reading & re-reading are the ones about perfume genres, their composition, history, current lives, and which perfumes belong where, so I would always love more of them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like to read about all natural perfumes and the notes of perfume .
    thanks , intl.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the reviews the most

    ReplyDelete
  6. i enjoy all the articles! if i had to choose a category to request more of, i think it would be the history of various perfumes and ingredients.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love all your posts but I think my favorites are the historicals! I learn so much from them!

    xoA

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your posts & celebrities and perfume (hard to find thoughtful discussion of that at many blogs) and also the intersection of fashion + perfume. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love reviews, and your articles on notes. Thanks for your great blog and for the draw!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd love to read more about natural perfumery and ancient perfumery.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the lighthearted post you did on how to seduce with perfume and would love to see more like it in the future!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Masha05:04

    I'd love to read more about perfume-culture links and relations, or smells-in-culture/society stories, both in modern world and history.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous05:48

    I bookmark the posts with the descriptions of vintage scents and the differences in bottles and their timelines. Those reviews are wonderful resources!
    TaffyJ

    ReplyDelete
  14. As someone brand new to perfumes, I love your explanations of the descriptive terms and what various things smell like when extracted for use in perfumes. I've found that many scents are counter-intuitive. Basil doesn't smell like basil, iris doesn't smell much like fresh iris, and orange blossom only smells briefly like a fresh orange blossom but the descriptions and reviews from experienced folks make a beginner think they are getting scents that smell like the descriptive terms. I still get surprised at times but I can often at least find an explanation on your blog or another.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sointu06:37

    Hi, I'd like to read more about perfume-makers (maybe more interviews?).

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love your posts. Sometimes they could be harsh but fair enough.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stephan08:57

    I'd like to see "more of the same". That is, more of your talent to set your fragrant themes into a context, by sharing your knowledge about relevant cultural, historical, artistic and at times scientific aspects. You present us a kaleidoscopic image of what elevates the human spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love to read the reviews of perfume that are coming out as it lets me know what will hit my shores .... or , sadly - what we will miss out on! Yeah - I like to feel sorry for myself too! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  19. I always enjoy your articles on specific perfume notes, accords or genres, so would love to see more of those, either new or updated.

    Enjoy your holiday by the way - sounds lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would like to read comparisons between original and reformulated perfumes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi!

    I love the way you write about perfume, and I'd like to learn more about notes and vintage perfumes.

    Have fun! Those fried calamari sounded so good!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I enjoy all your posts. I haven't checked to see if your site has one, but a glossary of terms and how to pronounce them would be nice. For example, I know what a chore is and know that Mitsuoko counts as one, but don't know how to properly say chypre.

    ReplyDelete
  23. iPhone autocorrected chypre to chore!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Merlin10:15

    Hi: I enjoy your articles on perfume terms like powdery soapy etc, and especially your many examples. But maybe what I would like a few more of is the less scholarly lighter entries!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm with Il Graham on this - posts that describe how to date bottles are becoming a real necessity these days. :)
    I hope you're enjoying yourself I'm back from my vacation and I'm depressed because the weather is still gorgeously hot and just made for sun and sea.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous10:43

    The summer scenery in Meditterenean region is magnificent and refreshing indeed.Keep going the fine work !

    ReplyDelete
  27. Irene10:56

    I love reading all types of posts on your blog but the ones I love most are articles on perfume notes and perfume terms, they are really helpful in learning how to discern and articulate what I sense when I smell a perfume. And of course the reviews and perfumed theme series are invaluable!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I enjoy reading reviews as much as descriptions of raw materials. I would like more of both! Also still waiting for that article on fixation (it has become a fixation of mine) :P

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous11:05

    I like reviews. I would like to read some more reviews of mainstream and designer fragrances that are GOOD, new gems or hidden gems, maby sometimes undervalued. It gives me (us?) hope when good perfumes are being released for the wider market, not just niche (not that niche would automatically be good either), doesn't it?!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello from beautiful Greece! What i would like to see is more of what inspires each perfumer to make a perfume and to what audience they address it to.
    Also about all the reformulations because i hate it when the sales person lies about that; and they always do.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am with Graham and Ines on the vintage perfume and how to date the bottles. I'm glad you're enjoying your holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Cheryl11:56

    It's difficult to narrow the choice down to one area... I especially enjoy reading about vintage greats and the people who brought them to life.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love posts on raw materials, especially synthetics. It is always interesting to learn that a particular material plays a substantial role in a classic fragrance. Thanks got all the great posts (and giveaways)!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love the descriptions of the world around you. I want more of those! The raw scents you experience in your life, in your part of the world, help build an image for me. Love your articles. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  35. DRTVrMoi13:34

    I find every post educational and entertaining. Since my latest interest is organic, I'd love to read more about natural perfumes.

    Enjoy your summer sojourn.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love all your posts, no matter what subject you are reviewing. Your generosity is always appreciated

    ReplyDelete
  37. PeachOrDaisy(karen)14:00

    I love everything you write! But I am quite fond of the vintage posts.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous14:04

    I always love the posts on the big scents of the '80s (Coco, Poison, Opium, Giorgio) because they're pure nostalgia for me. And Coco remains my signature, after nearly 30 years.

    Enjoy the rest of your summer!

    Marsi

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love the reviews and the back story of how the perfume came to be.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous14:25

    Keep doing what you do, it is brilliant!!!!! I agree with what Michael said.

    I would be interested in your personal fragrance wardrobe, and how you wear perfume.

    I love the interviews that you have had, as well as the history of perfumes you present that you share with us. I love it all.

    I am not as eager for you to review any more than you do (unless you want to do more reviews), because you don't seem to love reviews as much as you love talking about other aspects of perfume, and because so many other blogs offer them. You do do great reviews, but you bring so many other interesting things to the table, that others don't bring.

    I am new to the perfume blogging world, and I have not even made it through your whole site yet, Believe me, your blog is rich. You and a few other of my favorite bloggers, stimulate my brain, and tie fragrance into other aspects of life.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh, I think your writting is wonderful and you cover so many aspects- love your posts and style
    would love to read more perfume history and, if possible, more interviews about personal preferences
    many thanks for the draw and yes,"that's life, my friens"- this is so true- enjoy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your blog is one of my favorites, but I especially like the posts you do providing the differences between different formulations/flankers of a specific perfume. I would love to see more of those. You can't imagine how much time I spend debating whether to buy an EDT or EDP of a specific fragrance.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous16:33

    My favorite posts are your descriptions of perfume notes, and families of notes. They have really helped me learn how to describe what I'm smelling, and to better understand perfume reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm already enjoying your reviews and discussions of perfume notes. I would like to see more interviews with the perfumer (or someone who can discuss the vision of the perfumer) and recommendations for near-replacements when a perfume stops production (such as Paco Rabanne's Calandre.) Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I enjoy all of your posts, but I think that the ones I've read the most times are the ones that are incredibly informative about the history and development of my favorites. I've probably re-read the Chanel Cuir de Russie posts 25 times (no joke!). And I'd love to see more pictures of the bottles included, since they've changed over time, or comparisons with different years and batches and how you can tell them apart. I just bought a vintage edc, for example, that has "Russia Leather" on the bottle and box. It'd be cool to see that in the series.

    But truly, I enjoy them all.

    Hope you are enjoying the vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  46. MariaA17:29

    Love love your blog! It is detailed and analytical and scientific at the same time! I'd like if it is possible to read more about the perfume compositions materials - natural or artificial etc!! Gifta are always welcome, thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. After reading everyone's posts, what could I possibly add? I just love your blog and look forward to every article, but maybe for me, a vintage collector, I agree with some others that time lines and especially bottle designs over the years of some vintage perfumes would be a great help to me. Either way, your site is chock full of incredible amounts of perfume information that is not available elsewhere and keeps me reading for hours! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I would love to see more of your perfume reviews.You have a unique ability to describe what you smell and I think you are very fair and unbiased

    ReplyDelete
  49. I pretty much like everything about your blog, but I do agree a bit with several of those who commented above: I would love to see more vintage-oriented posts! Many thanks for the giveaway! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Elena! i follow the reviews of yours, and this is what i like the most. Please keep on! Thanks, Radmila

    ReplyDelete
  51. As others have said, I would definitely like to read more historical-based posts as well!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi El, I especially like your posts about notes with comparisons and historical material, such a great amalgamation of information and opinion. That said, posts about Vintage Scentsabilities are alwaupys most welcome, as are your musings about cultural approaches to the senses. I always steer away from anything involving mainstream perfume since the marketing machines get too much AirPlay already and I don't like to clutter mine up! Your blog is a great contribution to the online perfume world and I appreciate it's heterogeneity! Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  53. Dear Elena:

    So happy you're having a relaxing time. I'd love to see more on raw materials and natural perfumes, of course.

    xoxo
    Anya

    ReplyDelete
  54. I enjoy your PERFUMED THEME SERIES. I LOVE musks! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Barbara23:19

    I really enjoy the stories of how a particular fragrance came to be!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the reviews! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I just love your blog, especially your "Perfume Notes" and related topics like cleaning products and suntan lotions. I would love to read more of what you have to say about natural perfumes, though. Enjoy your "vacances"; it sounds so European!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I just love your blog, especially your "Perfume Notes" and related topics like cleaning products and suntan lotions. I would love to read more of what you have to say about natural perfumes, though. Enjoy your "vacances"; it sounds so European!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Anonymous06:48

    Hi Elena!

    I would love to read about perfumes throughout History and their unique stories with renown historical figures (I will never forget your interview for Greek Vogue last year, where you mentioned Josephine's revenge on Napoleon's walls). Keep up the great job you do!
    Kisses xxx

    ReplyDelete
  60. solocha08:51

    I'd like to read more about different personalities of people in relation to perfume and their relationship wit fragrance - in daily life, choices, emotions, etc. - both general observation articles and specific people's (older celebrities,etc.
    Also articles on perfume bottles (not necessarly vintage), packaging...

    ReplyDelete
  61. solanace10:04

    That's so kind to your readers, Elena! Thank's for sharing your summer, and for asking for our opinion! Perfume news are ok, but I'm thrilled when you write these long, amazingly researched articles, be them about perfume notes (the coca cola one was amazing!) or perfume reviews. And I must mention the interviews, they are always a treat!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love to read more reviews!

    quinieleong@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I enjoy reading all posts, but am particularly fond of the reviews ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  64. classflirt16:48

    i certainly came to this blog for the reviews but have since enjoyed so many other articles. i always enjoy the pieces on which frags are suited to which weather/ time of year, etc. i like the top 10 lists, i LOVE posts where a variety of bloggers all write about a particular subject and we are led to follow the thread through all of the articles. fun...

    ReplyDelete
  65. ... I like most the articles about raw materials (very logical for a beginner like me!). Lots of Love to all your readers, from a hot greek corner, full of medterranean scents!!! // louizkoul@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Anonymous20:17

    You have given us all so much it seems greedy of me to ask for more. But, you asked, so I will answer:)
    I love this post about sunscreen. Your vetiver series is, I think, my all time favorite. I love your knowlege of Guerlain. Did you ever consdier speaking about what is at your drug store? In Canada we got a lot of USA products, but I thought in Europe you would have more local artisans. Like Caudalie in France, and Korres in Greece.

    Enjoy your vacation!
    Sincerely,
    Carole MacLeod

    ReplyDelete
  67. More vintage studies and history for me, thanks. Also love articles on specific notes and raw materials. Thanks for the draw.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Andrea M06:42

    I enjoy reading everything here, but would like to see your suggestions (and reader suggestions) for layering fragrances in unusual ways. This could include a lotion from one brand with perfume from another, and even hair product with scent that "plays well with others". (Who wants to shell out $300 for perfume and have people only notice the chemical-smelling hairspray you spritzed?!). Thank you for submitting me into the draw!

    ReplyDelete
  69. brie16:57

    i love the articles on specific notes and all the perfumes that contain them. Would love to see more future articles on indie lines as you have done so beautifully with SSS- I loved reading all of your reviews on one of my all time favorite lines!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Not sure whether you should change the balance very much... I love the more scholarly stuff, of course, and your wit and erudition - which make this blog so important- shine there. Genealogies especially. But then lighter stuff is important too. So, really, just more in general!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love to read more on the twin peaks- smell alikes and comparisons between perfumes. I think that by understanding the differences between similar perfumes, I gain a better sense of all perfumes.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I'd like to see more perfume giveaways. Thanks.

    2dogs5catscrew@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anonymous01:51

    I like your reviews and am definitely looking forward to the ones on the Ramon Monegal line, but I most enjoy your articles on notes, accords and historical perfumery and scent in the wider world. My favourite post of the last few months was Olea Sancta -- fascinating.

    -- Lindaloo

    ReplyDelete
  74. I really enjoy the way you write your reviews - with certain smells bringing up memories or associations with characters in films. It's really inspiring to see how you interpret certain combinations of ingredients. I also like to understand where a perfume fits within a certain genre of perfumes, or within a perfume's house's other offerings.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I would love to read about
    vintage perfums
    Anna

    ksurty@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. As much as I adore reading reviews about niche, hard to find or perfumistas cult classics, I also enjoyu review big hit/ classic perfumeS such as J'adore, Poison, Obsession, Angel, etc. I think that even if I'm not a fan of some of these, there's a reason why they became classics and that makes then very interesting to review
    You already do this, I just would love to see even more of these type of reviews
    I also adore the seasonal scent picks, keep them coming!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I reaaly love your blog. I would love to see even more vintage posts-history, how to know when your bottle is made etc. I also like to read information post- for example I would like to see a post "how to make a decant?" From ABC: how to open a bottle and so on. =)

    Thanks for the draw! Hugs! =)

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm an avid reader of this blog but do not post because I really do not feel that I have anything to contribute. Even though I'm just beginning to identifiy notes in perfumes, I've always been an avid perfume wearer.
    All I can really say here is to keep doing what you are doing. I love reading the historical aspects of perfume, as well as, your reviews and your takes on scent categories. This blog makes me feel smarter.

    ReplyDelete

Type your comment in the box, choose the Profile option you prefer from the drop down menu, below text box (Anonymous is fine too!) and hit Publish.
And you're set!

This Month's Popular Posts on Perfume Shrine