For the second run of Speed Smelling we’re going to take a look at perfume samples from magazine inserts. In France many magazines contain fragrance advertisements with small pockets of the scent that you tear back and wipe on skin. I presume that this is how a number of people test perfumes, so why not give this a go.  When worn on skin the formula is similar to a light gel and after trialling this method I do think it’s a good way to test a scent before buying.

I’ll write my first impressions, these won’t be worn five times or more as I usually do for a review. Plus this is a five minute and under read and with everyone’s short attention spans these days, this should be a plus. The first Speed Smelling is here.  Here we go.

J’Adore Lumiére EDT : Dior : Francois Demachy : 2016 : Notes : Top : Blood orange, lemon :  Middle : Magnolia, Damask rose, neroli : Base : Vanilla, sandalwood

A light floral and quite pretty, although a little sharp perhaps. J’Adore Lumiére comes across as softer  than the original (a current best seller in France).

Reminiscence L’Acqua : Reminiscence : Matthieu Nardin : 2016 : Notes : Top : Bergamot, calone : Middle : Lilac, ylang – ylang, jasmine, rose, sand lily accord  : Sea salt, narcissus : Base : Tonka, ambroxan, patchouli, white musk 

At first sniff smells very familiar to the original REM except it is noticeably sweeter with a touch of vanilla. The vanilla gradually fades but this flanker has really good staying power. I have to say I prefer the original – one of my favourite summer beach scents.

L’Elixir Flower : Kenzo : Alberto Morillas : 2015 : Notes : Top : Mandarin orange, raspberry : Middle : Bulgarian rose, orange blossom : Base : Praline, Bourbon vanilla, powdery notes

I’ll be honest and say I haven’t smelt many Kenzo perfumes.  Jungle L’ Elephant is a stand out in the collection for me though even if many find it way too pumped up. L’Elixir Flower is very strong, with an uncomfortable level of floral, sugary sweetness. There is a touch of powder that I notice more at the beginning than at the end. Not for me.

Narciso Eau de Parfum Poudrée : Aurelien Guichard : 2016 : Top : Bulgarian rose, jasmine, orange blossom : Middle : Musk :  Base : Vetiver, cedar, coumarin, patchouli

When searching for the notes on Fragrantica for this perfume I was rather surprised to see just how many fragrances are housed in the Narciso stable. Far more than I imagined. I have liked but not loved everything I’ve smelt in the range as I’ve always found them a tad tame. Saying that, Narciso Poudrée is rather scrummy. It’s powdery and delicately floral with a classy edge. The Narciso scents tend to be easy wearing and this is no exception. The pale pink colour in the bottle is also a perfect fit for the ambience of this perfume.

Eau de Néroli Doré : Hermes :  Nose : Jean – Claude Ellena : 2016 : Notes : Top : Bitter orange : Middle : Neroli : Base : Saffron

This smells great on first sniff. A gorgeous citrus that is not too bright nor too muted.  If I was to choose between these five perfumes  this would be my pick. It’s bright at first but has a dusty facet too. Plus there’s enough nuance here to make it interesting for a light perfume.

PS : the winner for longevity was L’Elixir Flower and the loser was Eau de Neroli Doré.

Notes : Images : Megan In Sainte Maxime except for Narciso : Marie France : Kenzo : legattolifestyle.com : Dior : Sephora 

Disclaimer : All magazines purchased by Megan In Sainte Maxime and opinions my own.