Katie's Perfume Collection Part 1: Perfume Review / Fragrance Review

[@SONICE69]

MUST SEE KZbin content! Thus lady set the standard in such a magnificent way..........

[@caliinthevalley24681]

SONICE69 agreed. No one else can compare. Years later I still come back and rewatch her videos to get my fume talk fix. Wish she came back.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

missduck9 - I didn't appreciate the preposition until you pointed it out. "Passage from Hell" sounds more hopeful than "Passage to Hell", which is what I'd assumed it meant.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Love your enthusiasm! The secret to accurately describing a smell is to really pay attention to it. You can build up your descriptive abilities by comparing a fragrance to everyday smells you're already familiar with: toothpaste, your dog's tummy, the smell of dirt after the rain. These can turn up in perfumes as eucalyptus, musk & patchouli.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Thanks for your observation. I am indeed working on introducing different formats for that very reason. I'm glad you're watching and reading KP Smells.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

You're absolutely right - it starts to get a bit toxic when you smell too many perfumes at once. I did have to open all the windows after I shot these videos!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Thanks, I love that soft green color, too. You'll find Coromandel in Chanel boutiques and select duty free Chanel boutiques. I saw it at Heathrow.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

The scent collects in the little "cave" of the cap, and gets trapped there. It's a quick way to get a feel for the scent in the air. I find I can't really smell it from the nozzle at all. Of course, the best way to smell it is to try it on the skin, but you start to run out of room after 10!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@LVdancerbabe Yes, Coromandel is alive and kicking and part of the Les Exclusives line, available only at Chanel boutiques and selected fancy-pants dept stores and duty frees.

[@daiser720]

Katie, I swear I keep watching your videos because you're soo funny! But i love u for the fragrance reviews too.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

So pleased you're enjoying my ramblings!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I have a specially-made cupboard for all of my perfumes in a cooler part of my home, so they're stored away from heat and light. I don't keep them in their boxes, because I like to be able to see them all and access them quickly.

[@brianbarrtt]

Hi Katie! I just watched this again, and I realized that I seem to have bought a few of the perfumes you reviewed and coincidentally have in your collection: Shalimar, Lovely, Black, Kouros, Coromandel, and most recently, Jasmin Noir. It could be a testament to your influential powers, or my gullibility. Or both. Thanks for helping me smell amazing! (I wore Jasmin Noir today and I wanted people to get closer to smell the gloriousness wafting from my skin)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Gaubizi Yep, Sandalo only comes in an EdC, but it doesn't seem like a "watered down" scent to me, even though it's soft and hovers close to the skin. There isn't really any sillage to speak of, but the longevity is respectable. I notice it on me and my clothes all day long when I wear it. Shaal Nur is more noticeable when you wear it than Sandalo - there's a certain sharpness that asserts itself. That also lasts pretty well.

[@brianbarrtt]

Yay! 12 minutes of Katie! I have Bvlgari Black and YSL Kouros, a purchase sparked by your reviews! Though at the moment, I'm in the mood for Florals. I have Lovely by SJP, but I want something even more floral. I can't wait to see all five videos!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Thanks 84m84! I had trouble articulating my issue with it. I think it's really more of a pencil lead smell rather than ink, but either way, it's something odd that doesn't sit right with me.

[@bluesmnky]

You are knowledgeable of your different fragrances,but your personality is simply the best!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@dangledog The red bottle is Stoned by Solange Azagury Partridge. Coming up in a future episode...

[@ShesInLosAngeles]

Oh yes! I've been hoping you would do a collection video. I found a lovely antique mirrored vanity tray which sits on my dresser and holds my perfumes. I fear that I will now become a collector :)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

To answer your question, I've just sprayed each on the back of my hands, and I would describe Passage d'Enfer as crisp, bright, incense, with an aldehyde-like sharpness to the lily. It's a bit loud and "there". Messe de Minuit is completely different: a spicy orange opening that leads into a warm, almost scalpy-smelling myrrh and incense. MdM is simultaneously more subtle and complex than PdE. It also smells more physical than spiritual.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@ki0k0 They're both from Solange Azagury Partridge - the red is "Stoned" and the star is "Cosmic"

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@JimeHime I saw that, too! Sadly, Bulgari Jasmin Noir fell off after I finished shooting, and the nozzle broke. *weeping*

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Good question, Eric. Violet is typically given a more feminine treatment, but there are some great ones on the masculine tip that incorporate spices and woods. Try these: Frédéric Malle Dans Tes Bras (violet & musk - chk out my video review) Serge Lutens Bois de Violette (violet & cedarwood) Ulrich Lang Anvers (the violet is more blended in with other interesting notes, including: honey, tobacco, herbs)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

It does, especially if exposed to light and heat. Some mine are 10 years old, and they still seem okay. But most of them are a year or 2 old. I clearly have more than I'll ever be able to finish.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@MsCherryKitten Thanks for checking in! Y'know, with all the crazy manipulation they can do in the lab these days with perfume ingredients, they can take all the dirt out of pathchouli and just leave it smelling a bit fruity and slight woody. Tom Ford White Patchouli is a good example of that, as is Dior Miss Dior Chérie. Fun facts!

[@SONICE69]

Fantastic selection... I was proud of myself because even as a guy, I picked out several of your scents for my sisters, nieces and fiance in the past........ Some CLASSICS in your collection....!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@lockito123 Anais Anais is a light, dry, spring-y floral scent that's a bit of a modern classic - and because perfumes are generally pretty sweet these days, AA stands out because it's more dry. I'd recommend trying D&G 18 La Lune, another pale floral with a sandalwood base.

[@meneaitomania]

The Jean Desprez website is offering a gift box of Bal a Versailles Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Parfum (5 ml each) for $29.95 plus shipping. The Parfum retails for $300/ounce, and the other miniatures retail for up to $29.95. This offer is available exclusively at the Jean Desprez website while supplies last. This is original Bal a Versailles direct from the manufacturer.

[@amourlaureli]

I loveed the fast forwarded counting, very funny! Your collection is beautiful!

[@eezepeeze]

Ok, I have already watched this three times! It's such an informative video. Can't wait for #2!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

The bottles are gorgeous, aren't they? They're among my newest perfumes, and I'm still getting to know them. Both Stoned and Cosmic are created by Lyn Harris of Miller Harris, and both harken back to some classy perfume masterworks. Stoned is a feminine, powdery oriental that has a hint of cotton candy, but it's also quite sheer, interestingly. Cosmic is also powdery, but also has a citrus lift to it. They both smell like new readings on vintage favorites.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@bigjohnstud75 Thanks for your tribute - so glad you're getting a kick out of KP Smells! About a quarter of my reviews are men's fragrances, upped to a third if you include the unisex reviews. Click on "Playlists" on the front page to get to the breakdown. I shall endeavor to include more male scents. Thanks for watching!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@iamcasihart Thanks for chiming in! I've been answering this question on my other collection vids, so thanks for covering it here.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I do try to pack in the info in my perfume reviews. This video was more about sharing my personal collection.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@crazykurs10 Jubilation XXV is an absolute banquet of a fragrance. It also features rich fruit and date notes, along with oud wood, which makes everything deeper and more complex.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Well, I actually was discussing the men's version, Jubilation XXV, but you do make a good point - I neglected to specify "Roman numeral XXV"! So yeah, husb's wearing the men's version. I do enjoy Tea for Two. I actually only enjoy Kiehl's Musk in the shower gel version. And yes, the CdG Incenses are gorgeous. You'll see me discussing my Avignon in an upcoming collection vid.

[@misctime]

your videos make my day that much sweeter~honest! can't wait for part 2-3-4-5 etc. ;) in the meantime, i'm anxious to 'smell' chanel coromandel. take care.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@chemkat2011 I think you might like D&G 18 La Lune, a soft floral with a sandalwood base that features rose, but doesn't put it right out there. Also try one of the Stella Sheers by Stella McCartney, but know that while lighter than the original Stella, the rose will be pretty apparent (though not heavy).

[@knics33]

ahhh yess!!! Great video Katie :) You are so awesome at describing notes/scents/chracteristics/etc. Thanks for posting~

[@leeyah87]

Thank you for posting this, Katie! I had so much fun watching it! One is not enough though - I want more! LOL! I'll try my best to be patient :op

[@iamcasihart]

In my "collection," I have around 36 full bottles, at least 15 mini bottles and/or roll on size and at least 50 sample sprays/large decants, (the latter of which I shamelessly request directly from the fragrance house or the counter @ any dept. store). So, in my opinion, you most certainly do NOT have a "problem." This is a passion & a true joy. Fantastic vid! I am a new subscriber.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@SonniesOriginals Incense is made from the resinous sap from different kinds of trees, shrubs and wood. The smells are different depending on the origin. In its raw form, incense is burnt for its beautifully fragrant smoke. The origin of the word "perfume" is the Latin "per fume", meaning "through smoke." Incense was really the first perfume, as the ancients used to stand over burning incense to allow the smoke to perfume their robes. Incense in modern scents lends a woodsy, smoky, piney aroma.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

It always depends on the fragrance, but I've had some of mine for 10 years of more, and they're fine. What can happen is the top notes can become corrupted on fragrances that are decades old. But to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to use up your smells sooner rather than later, so you can really enjoy them while you still like them. Tastes change all the time.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@dancingram79 You could store perfumes in a refrigerator if your home is too warm, but a cool shelf away from light should do the trick. Ideally, fragrances should be stored at a consistent temperature, and if your bathroom gets heated up with showers/baths, it might not be ideal. But the main thing is to use up and enjoy your perfume, so then you don't have to worry too much about how you store it!

[@sphexes]

The Bulgari Jasmine Noir bottle had the look of Grace Jones shoulders, donned in a gold Zhenshchiny shlyapu.

[@Tatiannamania]

I just LOVE you! You have the best collection on youtube and the best taste in perfume!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@ohsewdizzy I wonder if you'd like Agent Provocateur or Estée Lauder Cinnabar? Also look out for Donna Karan Black Cashmere (easy to find online).

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I tend to pick up Play-Doh in Dior Hypnotic Poison.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

stephbunny, my oldest perfume is my Ultima II Sheer Scent, and I think I've had it for 15 years! Gasp. If it's changed, I wouldn't know, because it's discontinued. I have other perfumes that are ten years old, but the seem okay. Perfumes all have different shelf lives, depending on the ingredients and of course, how they're stored. They're really meant to be used and loved, as opposed to hoarded, so you and I need to start wearing more perfume. Which after a certain point is impossible!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Yes! And making this vid made me appreciate my collection all over again.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@XLiq Haha - thanks! Bois des Iles is my next fave of Chanel's Les Exclusifs, too. Actually, my husband isn't that interested in wearing fragrance - he just wears something from my collection if he's ever in the mood to get fancy with smells. He loves Amouage Jubilation XXV and Bulgari Black, so I ended up giving mine to him. Oh wait, he does have a few of his own "man scents": Tom Ford For Him Extreme and Dior Eau Sauvage. But his favorite smell for himself is Claus Porto Deco soap.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Thanks for the support group, Elizabeth!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@MewSumomo1 How about Givenchy Organza Indecence? Also check out Yves Saint Laurent Belle D'Opium and Laura Mercier Minuit Enchante.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@MissSunnyful Right, right. It's a hobby! (Mutters to self, "It's a hobby. It's a hobby.") Yes, it could be worse. It could be...lipstick. My other "hobby"! Glad you're watching.

[@Hogwartian]

this was nice to see :) it's also nice to see that you work just as well without a script!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

So far, so good with mine, but perfumes do have a limited shelf life. Some last longer than others. I've got to start wearing perfumes in my sleep to use them all up!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Pochacco1971 There are a few new additions, but there won't be another installment for a while...

[@kokolaroo]

Fantastic video Katie!! Learned a lot! ...even though I subscribe to the idea that perfume can personify someone even more than clothing. I confess I am a total novice when it comes to understanding it as an art. I guess I just picked with my gut....I love that I can turn to you to teach me the finer points....dig a little deeper so to speak.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I think the oldest perfume in my collection is SheerScent by Ultima II from the early 90s. Still smells okay, but I'm sure it doesn't have all the punch and nuances it once did. The same goes for my other older perfumes - I can still wear them and smell nice, but when I smell new testers of them in the shops, I can tell that my older bottles have lost some of the original vibrancy.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I used to have Eau Trois by Diptyque - an amazing burning incense smell. I never see it around anymore. I wonder if it's discontinued?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I'm an equal opportunity fragrance wearer - if I like it, I wear it, whether it's marketed to men or women. You find that on the whole, mainstream women's fragrances are made with better quality ingredients & are more daring & complex. But there are some beautiful men's scents that I love wearing, like Tom Ford For Men Extreme. (I didn't put that in my collection vid, cuz I officially gave it to husband to wear.) I enjoy those incense & leather notes that don't often show up in ladies' perfume

[@larsonwendy24]

I've had your intro/outro music stuck in my head all week! Great song choice~

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Welcome aboard! I don't know offhand about vintage prices - check eBay to see what they're going for.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

A more accurate way to put it would be to compare L'eau Ambrée to Miller Harris Fleur Oriental or Kenzo Flower Oriental. All of those resemble Shalimar, but without Shalimar's distinctive crème brûlée aspect.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@tuliorba So glad the vids bear repeat views. The collection vids were shot on a Panasonic BVX 100.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Mystarr8 I'm just a sucker for sensory stimulation - I didn't start off automatically loving the complex, dense stuff, but once I started tuning into all the possibilities of perfume compositions, I just started craving more more more!

[@SparrowLight1]

Thank you so much for your fun and informative videos and blog! You introduced me to Bvlgari Black, which I (eep!) purchased without having smelled it. It is my favorite fragrance of all time! Sooner or later I'm going to have to buy another bottle... :)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@mialovesmusic I sprayed on my Chinatown samp a few hours ago to answer your question. It has elements of other perfumes I've smelled, but nothing close enough to qualify as a dupe. I'm reminded of Dior Hypnotic Poison (nutty/plummy/salty sweetness) and Dior Miss Dior Chérie (candy strawberry/patchouli chypre), but Chinatown is sheerer than Hypnotic Poison and less overwhelmingly candyish than Miss Dior Chérie.

[@eezepeeze]

Yay! I have been dying to see your collection...I knew you'd have some great stuff. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see more :-)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@domperrier My teeney .9 oz bottle of BaV parfum cost about $50, so amount-wise, that's good. The variables are how old it is and how well it's been stored since the last owner had it. But that's only if you're concerned about actually wearing it. If it's just for the bottle, then you don't have to worry about the smell!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@nadaboom I recommend have a small collection of perfumes that you truly love and use all the time. My collection's gotten out of control because I'm a perfume critic, and I'll never be able to enjoy them all. Some perfume will turn after a few years, but most will keep a long time if you store out of heat/light. Basically, fragrance should be enjoyed, so use up what you have, then buy something different the next time.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I don't really know my way around body sprays, but I like the idea of focusing on affordable perfumes.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@marthithella Yeah, most of them are indie brands available from niche perfume shops and counters.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@DragonflySparrow There are so many wonderful perfumes in the Etro line! I don't remember the carnation one, though - I'll go track it down.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I've gotta check out Pour Homme. Thanks for the heads up.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

"Vivid" is the perfect word! I'm going to borrow that from you. To keep your beloved perfumes at their best, store away from heat and light. I keep mine on shelves in a dark hallway closet. Some people store theirs in the refrigerator or in little mini-bar-sized wine refrigerators.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I probably should've, but then again, I did just get 12 new bottles in the last couple of months. I did a bit of binge shopping on my recent trip to London.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Oh good! There's plenty more on the way.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Bulgari Black smells like Harajuku Lover Baby? Hmmm. I don't smell a similarity, but I guess they are both a bit powdery...

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@A7laQ6ri I think my fave By Kilian is Liaisons Dangereuses. But I also love Back to Black. I'll hold off on a collection update till I have enough new ones to talk about. Good idea, though!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@PureBloodBella Thanks for the support...and the tip!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@KnightsofEmerald When I had a smaller collection (for years, there were 5 or less in my collection), I was able to use them within a year or 2. But in last 2 years, my collection has exploded! So many shelf-lives will be pushed. But my older ones still smell good!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Bronwynswish Oh yes, yoga tames the squirrels running around in my head. Thanks so much for watching!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

R203, generally "parfum", "eau de parfum" and "eau de toilette" refer to the concentration of perfume oil, with parfum having the most and EDT and cologne the least. But in addition to the variation on intensity, there can also be a different in actual composition. For instance, Chanel No. 5 EDP is a completely different perfume to the EDT. Same with Chanel Cristalle EDP/EDT.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@amandasamonsterhaha Jessica McClintock is a white floral featuring lily of the valley. It has a lot of fans, but some people find it gets a little sour on the skin after a while. Another white floral featuring lily of the valley is the newest Guerlain, Idylle. I think that one's really pretty and feminine, and the musk base makes it sensual.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

You are so very welcome. I'm not a fan of the Clean line. They all smell artificial and give me a headache. I think the idea of them is more appealing than perhaps the execution? But that's just me...

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@acechadwick Some niche things you might like : Parfumerie Generale L'Oiseau Nuit (order samps from the LesSenteurs site) Maison Francis Kurkdkian Cologne pour le Soir (available from Space NK) Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille; Feminite du Bois (available from both Space NK & Les Senteurs)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@bigjohnstud75 Here are some wonderful fragrances that were all born in the 70s. Depending on your emotional associations with them, some may be easier to wear than others: Hermès Équipage, Clinique Aromatics Elixir, Chanel No. 19, Perfumer's Workshop Tea Rose, Dior Diorella, Aramis 900, Jovan Musk for Men, Chanel Cristalle edt, Geoffrey Beene Grey Flannel, YSL Opium, Cacherel Anaïs Anaïs, Azzaro pour Homme, L'Artisan Parfumeur L'Eau d'Ambre and Mûre et Musc, Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@mimzywhimzy Hahaha...you are so very welcome! My clever husband suggested building a special cabinet in a cooler part of our home, and it's sort of a "wine cellar" for perfume. The cabinet built into a dead space under a hall closet. To protect your precious perfume babies, you must shield them from heat and light. Chandler Burr says he keeps his in the refrigerator. And some people I know buy a winer cooler refrigerator for their bottles.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@theBlackQ YSL Cinema is a pretty, softly sweet mimosa floral. Sometimes, louder, stronger perfumes are hard to carry off in the heat.

[@mayankparekh8565]

there is no other thn katie in the frag community. she is the class. comeback katie, your fans are still waiting for you. still. yes....

[@bealecheeks]

I'm with you on the huge collection. I don't have 70+ but I do have a lot... and I love them ALL!

[@girlythingsbye]

Love your witty reviews, and thanks to your impressive collection, I'm officially breaking my perfume diet. I herefore lift my personal ban on fragrance purchases, as it's apparent that I'm not out of control, and in fact, need to get more! lol

[@BellamyBlue]

You have such a talent for describing scents...When you review one that I own, I find myself shouting "Yes, yes, that's it!" at the screen. lol

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@CarefreeGirlieThat's the orange-smelling one, right?

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@vintageortacky Hi there! Haven't done any of those yet. I should do an overview of those D&G Anthology ones - good thinkin'!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

That whole scent-free thing would be so hard for me. And it's hard to know how it could be enforced, because so many personal products (shampoo, laundry detergent, hair products, etc) have built-in fragrance. You could still have a prominent smell just from using scented dryer sheets! I'd probably cope by wearing a "quiet" version of a scent like an oil or a solid perfume. One that didn't have a lot of throw.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@jhheart307 Glad my frothing is getting you fired up. Nose-wise, it's all about being aware of all smells in your surroundings, and revisiting fragrances over and over till you start to recognize and memorize notes. Practice makes perfect!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@vanniextragedy Is that Cacheral Amor Amor? I haven't smelled that in a while, and can't remember it..must re-experience it at some point....

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@bigjohnstud75 It's more than okay - if you're fascinated by fragrance, then you'll be happy to explore and wear what you love, no matter what decade it's from. A bonus is that a lot of older fragrances can be found online and at drugstores at great price points. (The drag is that some formerly fantastic scents have lost their mojo through reforumulation: Lancôme Magie Noire comes to mind.) My recommendations are in the next box....

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

@foxforcegirl All my perfumes are in a cupboard in the coolest part of my home - the front hallway. I've got about 5 of my high rotation faves in a cupboard in my bathroom - kind of a no-no, since bathroom temps can heat up and that's not great for fragrances. The key is to store your bottles away from heat and sunlight.