are DS&Durga fragrances worth the hype?

[@serraapple]

Tom: I'm new to this. Also Tom: Describes every scent with the most passionate detail anyone has ever heard.

[@hautemesstom]

Omg thanks! Haha I just feel like what I’m saying doesn’t make sense because I don’t have the “right” words to get my point across!

[@emmafoley8987]

I've been trying to resist Steamed Rainbow for so long and as soon as they mentioned the Lakeshore trail, my willpower evaporated.

[@susanswanson5487]

I completely agree with you when you’re talking about the ds&durga fragrances not going there! I got a sample of the pistachio perfume expecting to be absolutely hit over the head but it just didn’t deliver. I don’t know why I had the impression it would take me where I wanted to go as far as a gourmand scent, but it doesn’t and I am sad!

[@hautemesstom]

Right! I feel like people talk about how extreme their fragrances are but they’re quite dainty aren’t they?!

[@susanswanson5487]

@@hautemesstom Yes, and I think it's unfortunate because as you also mentioned their branding really seems to suggest otherwise and THAT is what I want. Just a let down.

[@jayejoseph]

I’m such a ho for DSD. And I was literally sitting on that part of the Lakefeont trail at Lake Michigan yesterday morning and it had rained the night before and the Steamed Rainbow comparison is so perfect! Your descriptions are fantastic and I love the editing to get the vibe across. You are quickly becoming my favorite fragrance reviewer. I don’t think there’s anything you’re doing wrong with DSD, I think (from my very limited fragrance experience) that some houses just don’t vibe with us. If DSD will let you use that credit toward a candle you might like Concrete After Lightning. Though sometimes I feel like the throw isn’t strong enough. Diesel 85 is another candle of their’s I love and it has a good throw. A couple of houses I think you might find interesting: Zoologist (specifically Squid and Seahorse for the aquatic aspect) and Kerosene. Next time you’re in Chicago, check out Merz Apothecary. They have so much fantastic stuff and they aren’t stuffy at all.

[@hautemesstom]

Thanks for the recs! I’ll have to see what the rules are for the code but a candle could be a good option! And I usually make it to Chicago about once a year so next time I’m out there I’ll make sure to go to Merz! ♥️

[@doodlz92895]

Chiming in to add that you might really like the Big Sur After rain candle/lotion! (Which incidentally to my nose smells a lot like Salted Muse by Orebella if you’ve tried that)

[@rachelrezko4229]

Mers Apothecary is a fabulous spot for interesting fragrances! I also want to recommend that spot.

[@AndrayaK119]

The way you describe these fragrances is absolutely fantastic. I tend to avoid perfume content just because I don't "get" the notes people describe usually. You created such a strong visual/olfactory imagining that I don't think other creators do effectively. This was great! Thank you! Also would be very interested in petrichor hefty fragrances 👀 that's right up my alley

[@hautemesstom]

Yeah I get what you mean. It’s really hard to understand what something smells like in a visual and audio medium! I chose to describe them the way I do because I feel like that makes way more sense to me!!

[@alexdeforge4497]

I love how wild these descriptions are and that this makes way more sense to me than just naming top notes and mid notes and bottom notes. Also I never wear fragrances but I watched this entire video enrapt!

[@hautemesstom]

You’re the best! ♥️

[@rosaotterstetter7282]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone describe the scents in such a beautiful way🎇! As someone who doesn't wear any perfume (sensitive and can get a headache), you actually make me want to explore more now. Thank you for this review!

[@seedylee]

you're good at describing what you feel from what you smell. some perfume channels i follow, their reviews are "i like it, it smells good" and no MEAT to the review, it doesn't help me if you "like it", I WANNA KNOW IF IT REMINDS YOU OF A FRESH BASKETBALL

[@hautemesstom]

Thank you!!

[@pinkertonh]

Your descriptions are so intelligent and based! I’ve smelled Radio Bombay and Cowboy Grass on my partner~ both of them were unique but I also felt like something was…. missing? A base note? A bridge or something to tie it all together? Staying power? I’m really looking forward to more fragrance content from you!

[@hautemesstom]

Oh thank you Rebecca!!! I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling this way based on our experience and some other commenters this feels like most people’s experience! I got so many recs so I’m excited to explore so much more!!

[@Highlyhazel]

Yesterday by Room 1015 is one of my favorites it definitely has a presence. Their whole line really “goes there” in a beautiful & almost punk kind of way.

[@hautemesstom]

Oooooh!

[@katf6077]

Love that you describe vibe + include the frag notes!

[@katf6077]

Some possible petrichor scents: Le Labo Baie 19 and you might be into a couple of the Hermes Le Jardin scents - they can get mineral-y or soil-y yet floral. For something really crisp, but more like a skin scent and not a scent wallop: Language of Glaciers by Imaginary Authors.

[@alexandriatran761]

I’ve never felt so parasocial with a content creator but I love fragrance and talk about it the way you do. Big fan of DS and Durga and hope you try more!! I think I like them almost because they always hold back a little and feel very reserved. I’m a shyer fragrance wearer. Your talk of liking aquatics makes me wish you tried Rose Atlantic and Debaser. And if you’re into funky Cowboy Grass always sets such an interesting mood. I’m so curious about Cowgirl Grass but it’s a Neiman Marcus exclusive so I haven’t smelled it.

[@hautemesstom]

There’s so much in the world of fragrance to explore and considering these four didn’t work out for me I’m going to take a break from trying more scents from them.

[@krie6336]

Ooo Tom you have to try some of the Commodity scents. I think the Moss+ scent would be up your alley, very moss petrichor with wood leans very masc. The Xtra Milk fragrance from DedCool is a skin scent like IDKW but imo better and lasts longer.

[@hautemesstom]

I’ve tried Milk from commodity and I think I’ve tried milk from dedcool as well. A friend sent me some samples of things they thought I’d like. I didn’t try Moss+ tho!

[@lilbit1535]

That was truly the best description of fragrances! A list of the 'notes' doesn't mean a whole lot to me (other than the basic cupcake scent LOL!) but your description of freshly opened plastic toy put my brain in exactly that happy place :) Thanks for a another amazing video!!

[@hautemesstom]

Awe thank you!!!

[@nenjaboots]

Can’t wait to hear what you think of Steamed Rainbow because I have been so curious! Also, 2.30 in, and your editing is already delivering.

[@hautemesstom]

Thanks!!!

[@danieller.r.m.1853]

Always love your beauty content, but the fragrance content is so fun! Looking forward to more in the future 🤍

[@hautemesstom]

Thank you!!

[@ericaohmg95]

Longevity is the most important thing I look for in fragrance right now. Esp “summery” fragrances… like I’m sweating it off…? Recently, I’ve come to realize that I like aquatic notes! 💕

[@hautemesstom]

Yeah I may switch to body sprays for the daytime for that reason too!

[@alexandriatran761]

I love Rose Atlantic but it does sort of wear off after 4 hours

[@DreamElement10]

I so appreciate the “I bought a sampler pack, got the discount code but it wasn’t worth it to use it”! I came to the same conclusion with Ds and Durga 💔 right now I am going a bit nuts over a maison crivelli sample and considering the full EDP sample kit. They are so original. Not sure if they have watery scents though like you are looking for.

[@hautemesstom]

Ooh I’ll have to check that house out! Thanks!!

[@seedylee]

costco has maison crivelli iris rn, i think they might have another one but i'm not sure

[@christinehottinger5791]

FYI The pattern that sunlight makes through leaves is often called "dappled."

[@hautemesstom]

Thank you! I knew I learned that there was a real word for it I learned in an art class!

[@dr.w.makeup5499]

I tried a sample pack recently and had similar feelings to you. I was expecting unique, unexpected scents but I was underwhelmed. Most of them smelled like mass market perfumes I’ve already smelled. The ones I did like lasted (no exaggeration) 15 minutes on me, so that’s not just you. I’ll literally spray 4-5 spritzes on me before work and it’s gone before I get out the door. I know body chemistry interacts with fragrance so maybe this is a personal problem.

[@hautemesstom]

Clearly not since it happened to both of us! It also seems like a lot of other commenters had longevity issues with their fragrances which is such a bummer.

[@bethmartinez3959]

Omg do more fragrance videos. These descriptions!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Love your fragrance descriptions.

[@hautemesstom]

Thank you!!

[@logyn5587]

My favorite fragrance from DS & Durga is Debaser and it’s a very heavy fragrance (but not an overall favorite fragrance.) My fav from Tom Ford is Velvet Orchid (but I also like Alien from Mugler), and Salt is my favorite from Ellis Brooklyn. I actually bought MJ’s Perfect after you talked about it and it’s one of my favorites I have. My fav of all time is Kilian’s Rolling in Love.

[@hautemesstom]

I’m glad you enjoy Perfect!!! Debaser was actually on my short list. I don’t remember why I ultimately didn’t add it to my samples but it was considered!!

[@TigerLilyBlossom1]

I tried steamed rainbow. I liked it but I have a less expensive scent that I love for summer (light blue) and just didn’t think it was worth it to have that sorta damp scent😂. I wonder if you would like imaginary authors ‘the soft lawn’ with notes of linden, oak moss, and ‘fresh tennis balls’. No I haven’t tried it. I now wish I had gotten a sample of it. I just picked up a few decants from scent split some from imaginary authors and a few other houses. I really wanted to sample the ‘language of glaciers’. Fingers crossed!😂😂😂

[@TigerLilyBlossom1]

Darn so far my samples smell like disappointment to me 😢😂 not for me

[@SandraRoldan13]

I came here to also recommend trying Imaginary Authors.

[@thejulietocean]

Not sure if it’s just me but imaginary authors has zero lasting power. They’re gone in an hour on my skin and I’ve tried most of their scents

[@mina-ala]

I don't think I'd like these scents based on the notes, but I love your descriptions of them! My last perfume sample collection I tried was from Versatile... some delicious scents but they didn't last on me. But I'm on the quest for a cola, cotton candy, and popcorn scent 😂😂😂

[@hautemesstom]

I’ve not tried them but it sounds like Snif could be a brand to checkout for you!!!

[@sea_g0at]

your descriptions sound like when a dish has all the flavors right and you’re like WHAT’S missing and then you add a bit of salt and you’re like. there it is. and it brings all the flavors together and competes the dish.

[@hautemesstom]

That’s exactly it!!

[@anadanaya]

Tom, if you want fragrances with "hunf" I recommend the Gouse of Amouage (majority are very long lasting and project well). Any perfume created by Quentin Bisch is also log lasting (Beast mode) kind of fragrance. I do not know many aquatic fragrances created by him but you might find others that you may like.

[@hautemesstom]

Thanks for the recs! I’ll look into it!

[@cocoline5692]

DS & Durga are an interesting house to me because they offer a vibe or an experience with their scents, but for the price range, the only one I've closed my eyes for as I swiped my card was their Debaser perfume, which to me is the best fig scent ever! 😌 Everything else I'm just content to sniff when I'm in store.

[@kristinakaymcgowan]

I love their scents, but I also get almost no wear time. It’s really disappointing and definitely the reason I’ve only bought a roller ball size.

[@alexandriatran761]

Can’t believe you didn’t get Debaser because it’s their most popular after I Don’t Know What. It’s my fave and an amazing summer scent. The fig and coconut are so yummy but like skin at the same time.

[@hautemesstom]

I picked the scents I thought I would enjoy the most! Fig isn’t a note that I keep my eyes peeled for.

[@rhochnerful]

Love this…and the descriptions! I got a sample of their Cowgirl Grass (different from CowBOY Grass). Really love it and it seems to last. Went ahead and bought the full bottle - soooo nice for summer. You might like that one?

[@hautemesstom]

I think I’m good on trying other scents from them right now! There’s so much to explore and I don’t wanna get stuck on one brand!

[@seedylee]

fresh basketball is great.

[@loosh_a]

I wonder if the new limited frag would be your style as it specifically is meant to capture that marine/aquatic vibe you said you liked

[@seedylee]

Angelica Nyquist has some petrichor recommendations, i forget what they are

[@TigerLilyBlossom1]

They need extrait versions of these scents

[@Suusje0101]

If you’re looking for truly unique, special, gorgeous and out of the box scents….step into the world of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. Where you can smell like Dorian Gray, Snake Oil, Drops of Melting Snow and Apple Vulva’s. The owners are also political activists and continuously fight for human rights.

[@hautemesstom]

I’ll check them out thank you!

[@SandraRoldan13]

I think you'd definitely enjoy some of their scents! And many of them last a really long time because they are perfume oils!

[@hideflen6078]

I think you may have sold me on a couple of these…

[@maureyberdoy428]

I don’t want a fragrance with no last!