Saturday, April 28, 2012

Win Aftelier perfumes: Giveaway of Sepia and Secret Garden

Here at the Shrine I have long tried to provide readers with the chance to try out expensive or rare samples on the cheap (actually for free! I pay for shipping, you don't pay for anything), knowing just how difficult it is to come across a precious vintage or how costly it is to obtain a precious, all naturals perfume. Sharing this passion for trying new things is perhaps the best satisfaction of them all. In that regard, I hope that several people have derived pleasure from the draws & giveaways hosted here and today is just another chance for one!

Up for grabs for one lucky winner are two small but substantial atomisers of Aftelier's latest Sepia perfume (review coming up shortly!) and Aftelier Secret Garden perfume. These all naturals perfumes are highly regarded and the sampling provides a chance of trying out before investing.
Enter a comment to be eligible for the draw. Draw is open internationally and expires on May 1st midnight.
And I'm leaving you with some soothing Renaissance music to savour on a Saturday morning.

119 comments:

  1. What a lovely prize! I'm been so keen to try Sepia since reading about it being inspired by a dusty, abandoned town, but it's sadly very tricky to come across where I live.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, great! It would be nice to smell them :)

    Juraj

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12:36

    Would love to try, even the samples are expensive. Thank you.

    Miki

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, please. I would love to smell either of these. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous13:21

    Ooh Secret Garden! I'm in!

    Thank you!

    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  6. I, too, would love to try this. The selection of fragrances in my town is minimal.

    ReplyDelete
  7. d3m0lici0n14:14

    Awesome draw, I'd to win because I never tried any Aftelier creation, many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'd be happy to try anything Mandy conjures up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would be so glad to be able to try these- following ( reading about) Mandy quite a bit of time
    many thanks for the opportunity

    ReplyDelete
  10. cheesegan15:44

    Thanks for your blog, it is one of my favorites and I have learned so much about perfume from it. I would love to try the Aftelier samples. They sound wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  11. MariaA16:06

    I have been wanting to try Mandy Aftel's creations for some time. I think she makes wonderful perfumes.
    Thank you for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous16:12

    Thank you for this draw. I've been reading about these two perfumes a lot and would like to enter. They sound fascinating.

    Kay

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nicole H.16:13

    Ohhhh, I am so curious about these. Would love to try them, thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  14. It would be nice to smell these perfumes, I'm really excited.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love to try these, so far I've never tried a all naturals perfume.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous16:42

    Smelling rare-to-find perfumes is as exciting and exhilarating as listening to rarely performed lute or theorbo suites live! Thank you for the chance to experience the former!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fernando16:54

    In general I've found all-natural perfumes hard to relate to... But Aftel seems like the best one out there, so perhaps one of these will do the trick.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for the giveaway! I've really been wanting to try an all-natural perfume! I'm a hobby perfumer, and I started out with all-naturals, but I've never had the chance to smell anyone's work!

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mandy's creations are so inspired and conjure such vivid images. The letter exchange that led to the creation of both secret garden and sepia were very interesting and gave a superb insight into the minds of perfumers. I would love to try them!
    Yash

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous17:40

    WOWIE! What an excellent give away.
    I have a sample of Sepia already but would LOVE to try Secret Garden.
    Portia xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the Aftelier stuff, wish I could afford more! Sepia reads just so delicous ...

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous18:19

    Put me in the drawing please.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh, gosh, I've been dying to try Secret Garden. Please enter me, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've read so much about Aftelier perfumes but never got round to even sampling them because they just cost so much! Thanks for hosting this draw! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Heather19:40

    I would love to try Sepia, I've been reading so much about it. Thanks for the draw, how generous!

    ReplyDelete
  26. A very generous draw! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Mimi Gardenia20:21

    Thank you for the draw Elena. I would love to be in it.

    Mimi G

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for having the giveaway, I'd love to try these :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. thank you for the giveaway, elena. would love to try these two, especially secret garden.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nita22:59

    I would love to try these- especially "Secret Garden!" Thank you for having this draw-
    Nita

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'd certainly be interested in trying these. Thanks for offering these sorts of draws, always interesting. M

    ReplyDelete
  32. annemariec00:52

    Lovely, many thanks, they both sound wonderful. Thanks for the lovely music too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you! I would love try these, especially Sepia.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oooh exciting! I've never tried Aftelier, but I've always wanted to...

    ReplyDelete
  35. I copied lute tableture from a London museum in the early '70s. I have been thinking of looking up a Renaissance song about Amarylis, my xyz used to sing to me. Sepia is sacred. I always see Rembrants sketches of his family in the candle light. I actually 'smell' now, after a course of tetracycline, but I have been out watching Dock Dogs, so I wear no scent outdoors. I understand they are coming to London for the first time. I find it totally joyous, both handlers, and dogs and audience.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Miss Heliotrope03:34

    The Secret Garden is one of my most precious books - it seems exotic (I am Australian) & lush in a way gardens here are rarely, and introduced me to plants and flowers that I had never heard of before.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'd love to try these! :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. They sound wonderful! I'd also like to be in the draw. Thank you : )

    ReplyDelete
  39. Judith DM04:03

    Having visited several historic Ghost Towns in California, Bodie State Park in particular, I am intrigued by Sepia. Bodie is a place where time stands still, except in our imaginations! The colors not unlike the great photography of West,Edward S. Curtis, and the variety of faded rusts and browns. It would be a joy to sample,or read more reviews. Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  40. You're so generous! I would love to smell these; the only Aftelier I've had the opportunity to sniff is Cepes & Tuberose, which is awesome, and I would love to experience some of her others.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous05:30

    I followed the letters between Mandy and Laurie Erickson about the development of Sepia and am intrigued by how it will convey that lost world of the ghost town. But it is Secret Garden that truly draws me -- with that rare batch of old civet and the castoreum. I love your description of "...the paws of furry animals trailing amongst the falling leaves of an unattended garden..."

    Thank you for this generous draw opportunity. Oh, and for the lovely lute music too.

    -- Lindaloo

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh my! I'm very curious to try the Aftelier line. Do enter me - thanks as always for your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
  43. What a lovely draw for great perfume. Please enter me.
    Amy Orvin
    2dogs5catscrew@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous07:20

    I've read about both of these evocative scents and would love to try! Thanks for the draw.
    TaffyJ

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for the lovely lute music. Please enter me in the draw; I'm always interested in new scents and I haven't tried these yet.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous09:47

    Wow, what a lovely way to try something by Aftelier! Thank you so much for the draw!

    Fragrant greetings!

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  47. Please count me in! these sound like great fragrances, I would love a chance to sniff. The lute sounds great too!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you, I appreciate the chance to try these two perfumes.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jennifer Haile10:14

    I've always wanted to try something from Aftelier! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Judi Blackmur10:33

    Chocolate, wood and smoke are my current favourites. Just bought Miller Harris La Fumee which is a great smoky scent. Would love to try one of the Aftelier scents -this is a new fragrance house for me and looks very intriguing. Judi Blackmur

    ReplyDelete
  51. solanace10:40

    I've never tried an aftelier, perfume, but reading the blogs Mandy Aftel has come across as a true artist and a really nice person. Thank's for the draw, Elena!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am now entering a comment. The comment is about to be submitted. I will now type the two words (captcha). Just came back to let you know that two words were "ividial ctrua". I am a Monty Python fan. Hope I win.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hello Elena, thanks for sharing your samples, I have read and loved Mandy Aftel's book on creating perfumes and would absolutely love to be able to smell her creations. Thank you for the chance to win them, Emilia

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you for the drawing! I've been curious about the Aftel line for a while.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ursula13:43

    I have been curious about this line for a while. Please enter me in the draw. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Cheryl15:06

    I so enjoyed Mandy's book, and appreciate the opportunity to be in the draw. Sepia sounds wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Would LOVE to try either of these, the reviews on Sepia in particular have me intrigued!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Maria16:09

    I'm still to be convinced by natural perfumery but I'm very very curious to try them.

    ReplyDelete
  59. What a fantastic draw! Thank you, and it would be nice to smell these fragrances!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love the concept of a perfume modeled after a dusty, abandoned town. Your draws are always so much fun. Thank you!!!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  61. Felicia H20:37

    Oh what a great opportunity! I have been looking forward to trying these two exquisite fragrances. Yes, please enter me in the giveaway and thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Anonymous20:42

    What a wonderful give-away. Please enter me, I love Mandy's perfumes, she is such an inspiration. Secret Garden is my favorite of all her fragrances. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this. Janelc

    ReplyDelete
  63. Oooh! I would love to be considered! I just sampled Secret Garden last week at the recommendation of a friend. I am amazed, entranced, and in love!

    ReplyDelete
  64. class flirt21:33

    goodness, yes please!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Eva H.21:59

    Oh yes, please!
    Count me in!!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Awesome draw. I've been wanting to sample Aftelier for some time now. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks so much for the giveaway. I would love to win these! I'm currently in love with Aftelier Honey Blossom.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anonymous23:06

    Strange coincidence that you should make this generous Aftelier draw offer whilst I'm enjoying "Essence & Alchemy" by Mandy Aftel!

    It would be great to be included in the draw - thanks for the opportunity.

    Cheerio, Anna in Edinburgh

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hope I will be the lucky one to smell those beautiful scents.
    Thank you for giving us all a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  70. So nice that this give-away is open internationally.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Barbara01:36

    I would love to try the two perfumes up for draw. Please enter me in this wonderful giveaway ! Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I've longed to try the Afelier line but not available where I am and have not jumped the gun to order on line AND they are pricey. So this is a wonderful give away for one to win. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I would also love a chance to win these Aftelier samples! I really enjoyed reading the correspondences between Mandy and Laurie.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Would love the chance to try these, they both sound so interesting. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Anonymous06:14

    Thank you, Elena, for your generosity, and willingness to share such precious and treasured perfumes from Mandy Aftel. Please enter me in the draw (although I never win anything, I do appreciate the offering) ~danoji~

    ReplyDelete
  76. amazing giveaway! i have tried for quite some time to get my hands on aftelier perfumes without luck so far! who knows, maybe this is my time. anyway, whoever wins it they should be thankful for such generosity.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Stephan09:12

    Thanks for the opportunity. I've never tried any of Aftelier's fragrances.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Secret Garden sounds lovely, my fingers are crossed and thank you for this giveaway! :)

    kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. these both sound superb, but I'm particularly drawn to Sepia. Here's hoping some might be winging it's way across to me soon,
    cheers Elz

    ReplyDelete
  80. You are always so kind and generous with your readers. It is greatly appreciated for all that you do and for all your great reviews. Add me to the draw

    ReplyDelete
  81. Maureen15:44

    I've never tried and of Aftelier's fragrances. I would love to try thiese..your reviews are amazing! Thanks for the draw...fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Anonymous17:11

    I've never tried any of the Aftelier fragrances, but would love to. I have read so many enthusiastic reviews of them in the perfume blogs. Thanks for entering me in the drawing!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would like to enter too :)

    ReplyDelete
  84. Anonymous18:32

    Hi, both sound great and interesting, i'd really like to try them! tania m

    ReplyDelete
  85. I would love to be entered in the draw. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  86. How nice Elena! I really appreciate this lovely giveaway of my Sepia & Secret Garden (just don’t enter my name in the drawing...).
    xo Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  87. Thank you for a chance to win these.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Wow I would love to get my hands on one of Mandy's perfumes! Alas, my student pocket is not mercyfull

    ReplyDelete
  89. I would love to try something Mandy made!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Ooh, Secret Garden - my favourite childhood book and my favourite flowers. Couldn't be more perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I would love to try them. What a treat! I am a huge fan of Mandy's!

    ReplyDelete
  92. I have yet to sample an Aftelier fragrance, but both of these sound very intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Joaquim22:31

    I need to smell Sepia, sounds incredible!
    Thanks for the draw

    ReplyDelete
  94. Oh, how lovely. There's a ghost mining town not far from here, which I'll be visiting soon, hopefully I'll catch a glimpse of one of the many ghosts reputed to haunt it.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  95. hmm didnt see my comment so will try again! would love to give Secret Garden to a friend of mine who loves flower smells and is just getting into natural perfumes....gardenias are her favorite. :)

    ReplyDelete
  96. Dawn22:50

    Would love to win anything from Mandy. I recall that I actually spoke with her the morning she was having her photo taken for her Vanity Fair article. She was very kind!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Anonymous22:53

    Ohhh... it would be like Christmas morning for the eager nose child, wanting to smell a rose, child!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Holly F.22:58

    Thank you for your generosity! I would love the chance to try this. xo

    ReplyDelete
  99. I am besotted with Aftelier's fragrances and bath oils, etc- couldn't live without Resurrection- and I'd love to try Sepia!

    ReplyDelete
  100. This is the most lovely giveaway! Thank you. I would love to try either perfume!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Sounds UTTERLY DIVINE!! How wonderful!

    Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  102. Oooooh, I've been longing to try one of Mandy's creations, let alone TWO! Sepia especially has got me intrigued...so fingers crossed! Whichever way it goes...I still enjoyed the musical interlude. Thank you very much! :D

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'd love to try either.

    I spent a shift in the James Beard House kitchen with the crew of Chicago's fabulous restaurant, Sepia. The chefs, cooks, and bartender have become true friends. What could be better than adding an Aftelier aroma to warm memories?

    When I was a child, an Englishwoman who lived upstairs asked permission to paint my portrait. In her childhood, she had known Frances Hodgson Burnett, and she told me stories about the author of Secret Garden from years before I was born. The tales were magical, as are all of Mandy Aftel's scents.

    Thank you for running this, and for adding beauty to the world.

    ReplyDelete
  104. DRTVrMoi00:30

    I have Mandy's Prive and adore it. Reviews of Secret Garden & Sepia indicate Mandy has added more jewels to her crown. Thank you for the draw offering.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I would love to try Aftel's perfumes! What a wonderful opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Jennifer02:42

    I'd love to try ! Please enter me in the draw .
    Jennifer
    bookwyrmsmith at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. Selina02:43

    Thank you for the give-away! Secret Garden, in particular, sounds lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Sucaro03:40

    Sepia sounds a little intimidating, but I would try either!

    ReplyDelete
  109. cociolph04:43

    Two summers ago, I visited a well-known ghost town in western Canada, where I found several time-scoured buildings related to a long-defunct mine. There was also a graveyard with headstones that bore the names of recently deceased people - or were they ghosts also?

    To comment is human; to sample, divine.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I will love to smell Sepia, it sounds like a perfect scent to warm up our winter chill.

    ReplyDelete
  111. linnea Wiedeman05:53

    i would love to try sepia i have read some of the wonderful reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Keeping my fingers crossed! I love Mandy's perfume and I love the book The Secret Garden.

    Thanks for the generosity!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Thank you for this fantastic draw! It would be very nice to try this fragrances! :)

    ReplyDelete
  114. ultraviolet09:56

    great way to celebrate spring ! thank you

    ReplyDelete
  115. I'd love to try them!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Victoria J.23:23

    It would be a delight to wear these vintage scents. They sound captivating. Thank you for spreading the wealth!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Here's hoping that you meant midnight my time, and not your time (crossing my fingers). I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest series of Letters to a Fellow Perfumer on Nathan Branch, and would love to try these.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Anonymous13:09

    Sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity!Louiza K.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Linnea Wiedeman17:06

    do we know who won the wonderful giveaway?

    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