This is probably going to sound weird, but because we’re friends, I’m just going to say it… I’m getting set in my ways, you know? I’m not as adventurous as I used to be, and it’s kinda scaring me a little.
I mean, I think it’s a natural part of getting older, and a lot has happened over the past few years. I turned 40, got pregnant (and that took a while), had the baby, got thrown into motherhood, and maybe all of that weakened my adventurous resolve. Now I get intimidated by big changes more often.
On a trivial level, I really haven’t changed my hair in years…whereas before that, I would seriously, like, change it every five seconds! I was always growing it out, chopping it off or coloring it, but I haven’t done much with it in a long time.
I think it’s a reflection of where I’m at in life… I haven’t been able to handle too many little changes on top of the big ones.
But I think it’s getting better… I’m starting to want to try new things again.
I’m taking baby steps, though, like with perfume. 🙂
I’ve basically been wearing Byredo Gypsy Water and CLEAN Vevlet Flora for two or three years. Sure, I’ve dabbled with other scents here and there, but nine out of 10 times (OK, 10 out of 10), when I’ve gone out and wanted to wear perfume, I’ve picked one of those two.
Then, about a month ago, I was about to spritz some perfume before going out to dinner with a friend, and I thought, “Why am I wearing these two scents over and over when there’s a whole wide world of perfumes out there to explore?”
That was my long-winded way of saying that I’ve been trying new perfumes again, and I’m excited about it.
CLEAN Reserve Sel Santal and CLEAN Reserve Citron Fig
CLEAN Reserve makes one of the two scents I’ve been wearing for these two years. They have something of a unisex vibe, so their scents (and the bottles) aren’t overly frilly, but they aren’t super masculine, either. I think they really do smell clean.
Both Sel Santal and Citron Fig have forward-facing citrus notes, but they aren’t sharp, you know what I mean? Like, how sometimes you’ll be opening an orange and the peel will smell almost sour? These don’t have those sharp citrus notes.
I like that I put either one on in the morning and smell them all day long.
CLEAN Reserve Citron Fig official fragrance notes
Fig, Ginger, Lemon Oil, Cardamom, Mandarin, Mint, Copaiba, Sandalwood, Cedar Wood, Musk.Unofficial fragrance notes
Snuggling with your little one on a lazy Sunday with the windows open. You’re the big spoon, and she’s the little spoon. As you breathe in the scent of your baby’s hair, you catch a whiff of clean sheets, and of flowers from the orange tree outside.
CLEAN Reserve Sel Santal official fragrance notes
Mandarin Leaves, Bergamot, Nutmeg Tonic, Iris, Salted Fig, Violet, Hazelnut Cream, Sandalwood, Decadent Amber, Styrax, Rose Musk.Unofficial fragrance notes
An Italian adventure in Positano on a moped with a handsome stranger (a game of Truth or Dare was involved).
Both Sel Santal and Citron Fig are available now at Sephora for $95 for a 3.4-oz. bottle.
Atelier Cologne Sud Magnolia
I received Atelier Cologne Sud Magnolia as a gift some years ago and wore it once. At the time I was like, “I dunno if this is me,” because it has that citrus sharpness I was talking about.
Well, I tried it again a few days ago, and this time, wow! It’s actually really, really lovely. I wish I would have realized it sooner, because I probably would’ve finished the bottle by now!
After that sharp citrus note mellows out, though (I think it’s the pomelo), it opens and gets warmer, transforming into a beautifully cozy white floral.
Official fragrance notes
Bitter Sevillian Orange, Pomelo from Florida, Blackcurrant, Magnolia from Louisiana, Bulgarian Rose Absolue, Indian Saffron Flower, Atlas Cedarwood from Morocco, Sandalwood, Musk.Unofficial fragrance notes
A hot, lazy day spent lounging on the porch with close friends sipping fizzy lemonade (which may or may not be spiked). As the afternoon turns to night, the aroma of magnolia trees hangs heavy in the air, and your head starts to spin. You feel happy and loved, without a single burden.
Available now exclusively at Sephora, $25 for a 0.24-oz. travel-sized bottle, $85 for the 1-oz. bottle shown above, and $130 for a 3.3-oz. bottle.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I really like Atelier Cologne intense stuff like Silver Iris or Carmine Santal. Their Vanille Insensee is a huge favorite of mine too. First full bottle I’ve tried in a while. I put their more intense ones between Jo Malone and TF Private Blend. Speaking on Jo Malone, I really need wood sage and sea salt! The vanille Insensee is like a big hug from a cashmere sweater, vanilla, sea salt, and a hint of woods. Not sweet but not bitter or savory either. It layers amazing with just about anything that needs softening.
I’m not a perfume person but I love the packaging (and peonies, which are non-existent on the Island!).
Also, there is nothing wrong with having preferences for a lower-key life. Not every moment or day or week, even, must be fast-paced, adventurous, full of new and exciting. If one has her priorities right and lives according to her values, whether the life she leads is jet-setter or hermit, one is not better/worse than the other. I think it is not necessary to have such a high level of excitement all the time, because it can get exhausting. And if it’s something we all need more of, it’s rest. True rest (mentally, emotionally, physically). Take cue from Mr. Tabs. 😉 Plus you have so much going on in life in your roles as mom and makeup maven. No need to add more if it’s stressful, uncomfortable, or unnecessary. Have a great weekend!
Hey Karen, I know this is off topic on this post, but you NEED to get the lancome matte shakers, I have beige vintage and Pink Power. They’re by far my favorite liquid lipsticks, and just great shades. I needed to share the love (beige vintage and my first hourglass vanish stick just came in the mail, i’m pretty sure i”ll love that too).
Oooh, I’ve heard good things about them! I will swatch ’em next time I’m at the counter. Thanks Breyerchic!
Hi Karen! I haven’t tried any of these yet, but I love the way you described them =) I used to prefer super citrusy scents, but as I get older, things change…Now I really love a fruity floral that doesn’t have much citrus! But I really need to go to a counter and check out something new. Also, after having a baby? I cannot take strong scents anymore! I’m so sensitive to them, whereas before I’d love layering so that it would last all day lol. Ok, I’m rambling now thanks to this margarita, probably! Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
Haven’t tried these before but you make them sound so interesting, so I’ll make sure I have a sniff! I’ve being faithful to the same perfume ten years now more or less and even if I deviate here and there, a habit is a habit!
I’ve been a fan of CLEAN (original) since my early college days. I like Rain from their Reserve line. I also have a sample of the Orange Sanguine from Atelier and love it. Will have to drop into a Sephora and smell the rest.
Branching out lately too with perfume, been trying to have small adventures more, not just full on breaking the comfort zone lol In love with Jo Malone Wood, Sage&Sea Salt, Blackberry&Bay&Pomegranate Noir. Omg they smell amazing..I’ve been mixing with my usual clean, fresh scents like Philosophy Grace’s. Samples&rollerball are great way to try out…Sephora sale I got Atelier Vanille&Sanguine&Vanille& Maison Replica Beachwalk (what was I waiting for to try lol) Clean Reserve and Pacifica lilac are others I want try.
Karen, a sidenote, thanks so much for recommending Mac Prunella, it is so pretty on hazel eyes, I wouldn’t have thought a purple on me ?