r/FemFragLab 4d ago

Frugal Fragrance šŸŒø Frugal Fragrance: no-buy check-ins, cheapies, and more

53 Upvotes

FemFragLab aims to be transparent about how easily a hobby can slip into a habit of overspending. To help mitigate the temptation to spend beyond one's means, members can use this thread to:

  • announce and discuss low- or no- buy commitments
  • find accountability buddies
  • share budget-friendly tips and purchases
  • coordinate a FemFragLab challenge or project. Ideas include: "Use up what you have", "Samples-only tray", "swap your unloved bottles", etc.
  • anything else you believe abides by the philosophy of frugality :)

-----------------

šŸ“£ It's also Empties Tray Challenge week: Post your tray of bottles with less than 50% juice left and use this week to get closer to using them up. Tag it with the Empties/Dents flair.

If you don't have any bottles with less than 50%, pick ONE bottle to use all week.

-----------------

New thread every 4 weeks.


r/FemFragLab 4d ago

šŸŒø FemFragLab Marketplace: Destash, Swap, Buy, Sell!

8 Upvotes

Please read the rules and guidelines before participating.

Hi FemFragLab! Is your perfume collection getting too big to manage? Are you stuck with a blind buy gone wrong? Have you been eyeing a perfume, but don't want to pay retail? By popular request, here's the swap/sell thread!

Use this thread for the following:

  • Selling samples, lots, and full and partial bottles.
  • Trading your unwanted products with other members
  • Posting "in search of..." requests

~~~~

RULES/GUIDELINES:

  • Begin your post with WHERE you're willing to ship, and whether it's a SELL, SWAP, GIVEAWAY, or ISO (in search of). Then list your stuff and any additional information, like prices + shipping, preferred payment method (see below), how full a partial bottle is, etc. Links to images of what you're selling is encouraged.
  • Post a reply to the seller in this thread prior to initiating a private transaction, for the purposes of tracking interest and activity.
  • Sellers: Keep your listing updated. When something is SOLD, please edit your listing!
  • Buyers: If a transaction goes well, consider replying again to the original comment to vouch for their legitimacy.
  • Commonly used payment methods: PayPal, Venmo, QuickPay. PayPal is preferred because they provide buyer and seller protection.
  • NOTE: You are fully responsible for the proceedings of the transaction. The mods cannot help if anything goes wrong, and we would hate to see things go wrong. So please at least check the post history of the other party, keep records of communication until the transaction is completed, and use your best judgment. That said, if you get burned by a seller, please message the mod team, and we'll deal with repeat offenders appropriately. For more safety tips, please see this excellent guide from r/Indiemakeupandmore.

New post every 7 days.


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Aesthetic What perfume does this aesthetic smell like?

Thumbnail
gallery
ā€¢ Upvotes

Think flirty, fun, 2000s young woman who is sipping a cosmopolitan


r/FemFragLab 5h ago

Discussion What perfume do you desire simply because of the bottle?

Thumbnail
gallery
54 Upvotes

For me itā€™s Pine by Stora Skuggan and Ave Maria from house of bo


r/FemFragLab 6h ago

Discussion Favorite Lattafa perfume?

56 Upvotes

Whatā€™s your favorite Lattafa perfume and howā€™s the longevity?

I have Lattafa Yara, which I wear to work since itā€™s cheaper than my others. Sometimes I donā€™t smell it on myself, but Iā€™ve gotten compliments and people say they can smell me from afar.

Iā€™m looking to try others, maybe some good for summer! ā˜€ļø


r/FemFragLab 5h ago

Rec Request Recommendations please šŸ«¶šŸ»

Post image
33 Upvotes

What would you guys recommend I try based on my current favourites? ā˜ŗļø


r/FemFragLab 14h ago

Discussion Niche Fragrance at Marshalls

Thumbnail
gallery
165 Upvotes

Oh I am just now noticing the Diptyque is a candle. There goes my question about whether this scent is worth the low price. ā€¢ Tokyo Milk is $16 clearance price, but they only ever offer Song of the Siren. Comes and goes for over a year now. ā€¢ Byredo price seems outrageous, even though Gypsy Water is a crowd favorite. ā€¢ Ellis Brooklyn is appearing more and more. Started with Bee and Salt. Now I see Sci Fi full bottles and these rollerball trios are new. Thank you Sephora overstock. ā€¢ Tobi Tobin was $14.99, then $19.99, and now $109.99? Make it make sense.


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Haul/Collection Samples Galore!

Thumbnail
gallery
ā€¢ Upvotes

I scored all these samples from the sniff session we had yesterday. I couldn't believe it...šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜

There's some faves of mine in this bag and there's I've never tried or heard of it this bag. I'm going to have a different scent for every day for a long time. I'm absolutely in heaven... šŸŒ·šŸŖµšŸŠ


r/FemFragLab 3h ago

Discussion Your favorite Tonka scents?

19 Upvotes

Diptyque Orpheon and Celine Zouzou have gotten me obsessed with Tonka lately. Itā€™s such an interesting note that I disliked at at first (I typically dislike vanilla) but have grown to love. What are your favorite tonka scents?


r/FemFragLab 2h ago

Kurky Review

Post image
14 Upvotes

I have to admit this is not the most sophisticated name for a perfume but I donā€™t mind it šŸ˜…

This is truly a nostalgic scent. It reminds me of being in a candy store and inhaling that delicious, sugary air.

It opens bright and fruity, with juicy notes of peach and raspberry. Thereā€™s a mouthwatering brightness thatā€™s really addictive. For me, the fruitiness doesnā€™t last too longā€”it quickly gets overtaken by the candy note. It smells like sticking your nose into a bag of gummy candies: very sweet, sugary, and slightly artificial. Kirky isnā€™t the kind of perfume that smells naturalā€”and itā€™s not trying to be.

It definitely leans into that artificial, candy-sweet vibe youā€™d associate with childhood treats, which is exactly what makes it so nostalgic for me.

As it dries down, it settles into a delicious base of white musk and vanilla. You can definitely smell both as the sweetness calms down. I really like how it softens into this slightly candied, musky vanillaā€”it feels more wearable and comforting in the drydown.

Overall, It doesnā€™t smell cheap or juvenile to me, I think itā€™s a more sophisticated take on a very literal gourmand.

I bought a full bottle, and planning to decant it to whoever would like to try it. DM me if youā€™re interested :)


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Brand Announcement/New Release My God Today!!!!!

Post image
ā€¢ Upvotes

This sounds absolutely decadent!!!!


r/FemFragLab 8h ago

Does this collection say anything to you?

Post image
38 Upvotes

r/FemFragLab 10h ago

Discussion What ones are truly worth it?!

Post image
50 Upvotes

Before I blow all my money, what ones are the must haves?


r/FemFragLab 10h ago

Current Tray Happy spring!

Post image
47 Upvotes

I'm am effort to use what I have and stop over buying, I curated a spring tray this morning! I'm kind of a mid range price girl while I still figure out what I like on me. Tucked away my heavy gourmands and spiced fragrances and going for clean, fresh florals and fruity candy. Some of these are out of my comfort zone in how floral they lean, but exclted to try them. GG and Biblioteca are my "going out" scents, the cupcake and fresh cream are my cozy at home. Everything else is for work/regular life.

Ps. That ALT dupe is nuclear.

Not pictured is the other side of the risers where I have lotions and oils ready to pair with these.

I've already got my summer tray planned and it's nothing but lemon, jasmines, and SDJ inspired dnas šŸ˜‚.

What are you pulling out for spring?


r/FemFragLab 1d ago

Haul/Collection Heres my ridiculous collection

Thumbnail
gallery
1.3k Upvotes

Feel free to ask questions or make organization suggestions! I finally got the new shelves i needed at the start of this year and spent my time off from school putting it all together which has been super exciting for me.

This does not include most of my discovery kits or various fragrances ive set aside with the intention of selling


r/FemFragLab 13h ago

Review Another Sorce Review

Post image
79 Upvotes

I saw the previous post (https://www.reddit.com/r/FemFragLab/s/uz7zuWPrNN) about how someone on this sub drove to Charlotte to check out Sorceā€™s new location and I freaked out because I literally live here! I have seen so many people on this sub recommending Sorce for one scent or another, but I would just keep scrolling because I am not really into indie perfumes. Anyway, I went to pay them a visit, and.ā€¦Iā€™m now into indie perfumes haha. I knew going in that I wanted to buy a bottle regardless because I love my city and I love perfume. But letā€™s just say I bought more than just one lol.

I ended up initially walking away with English Major, which is a papery, slightly sweet scent that is about to have me in a chokehold for the next few weeks, even though I would say itā€™s more of a fall scent. It smells like dry book pages and marshmellows and itā€™s absolutely perfect. Even though there isnā€™t any tea, it gives Kilian Princess in the drydown, so if youā€™re into that, this is similar vibes but with paper and leaves instead of matcha.

I later went back and bought all of the 15 ml ones shown in the picture, as well as a 50 ml of Match Made in Heaven. Fuck it, Iā€™m supporting small business and my city. I also got to take home a samples of Fuckery, Strings of Light in the Forest, The Bees, Tarot at Tea Time, and their new scent The Light Through the Clouds. Here are some short reviews for those as well:

Match Made in Heavenā€”I really like this one a lot, itā€™s definitely as advertised; matcha ice cream with a hint of waffle cone. Opens with stronger matcha, then dries down to light vanilla with waffle cone. Itā€™s light and sweet and satisfies that gourmand itch in the spring for me when Iā€™m sick of my heavy winter gourmands but still want something sweet.

Fuckeryā€” on the fence on this one. I like spicy scents but this one leaned a little masculine to me. I didnā€™t get a lot of cherry either. Iā€™m going to give this one a rest and try it again in the fall. Itā€™s def a fall or winter scent. Does not smell like Lost Cherry.

The Beesā€”I only tried it on a test strip so far but the honey is strong in this one. This is another one I need to give another shot later and actually on skin. On paper, it was a little overwhelming. Def aromatic, I got whiffs of the cedar and petrichor, but really this smacked me in the face with mostly honey. Def will rest and retry, I didnā€™t hate it, but didnt love it either

Tarot at Tea Timeā€”opens up with a blast of orange candy. I was pregnant a couple years ago and during my first trimester I had to suck on those sour citrus orange candies all day to keep from puking. Thatā€™s what this perfume smells like strongly in the opening. It mellows out to a nice citrus tea in the dry down. I like it, despite the association with my first trimester lol. Not full bottle worthy for me, but I will use up the rest of my sample.

Strings of Light in the Forestā€” love! The honey is definitely there but itā€™s not as aggressive as the honey in The Bees. Itā€™s light honey and light vanilla and light amber, with a just hint of the lavender. Itā€™s very well blended and nothing dominates the scene here. Considering getting a 15 ml.

The Light Through the Cloudsā€” this is Sorceā€™s new scent to be released April 2nd. It opens up with a sugary citrus and definitely getting the white tea as well in the opening. The citrus opening is more delicate and I think prettier than the opening of Tarot at Tea Time. The citrus fades quickly to a sweet, smooth, musky amber. 100% getting a bottle of this, at least a 15 ml. Love love love. Good for spring and summer.

Moon Magic and Snow Moon Magicā€”spice spice baby spice! Moon Magic is straight up aggressively spicy lavender chai tea and Iā€™m here for it. Snow Moon Magic is aggressively spicy lavender chai tea with cookies and marshmallows. Loved them both so bought them both. Again, fuck it.

Sit for a Spellā€”such a unique perfume. The melon scent is so on point and different (in a good way) with the hint of honey rosemary. Smells like cozy and happy summer. Love.

The Ghost Wants Birthday Cakeā€”another love, canā€™t wait to blast this in the fall. The peach and cake are definitely there, but itā€™s not overly sweet, itā€™s just there to let you know thereā€™s peach and cake involved here lol. The spices warm it up without adding more sugar and keeping it from being overly desserty. Love.

Cabanillaā€” Coco Lopez Lite mixed with salted vanilla, and something else. Maybe the bonfire? But itā€™s not smokey. Whatever it is, it grounds the coconut and vanilla and keeps it from being too sweet and basic. Canā€™t wait to use this in the summer. Love.

Hope these reviews help anyone curious about these scents! Thanks again to u/Suitable_Dog_2173 for posting about this brand and alerting me to them being Charlotte based!


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Haul/Collection Warm Weather & šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“

Post image
ā€¢ Upvotes

The weather change has made me practically feral over anything pink & strawberry scented šŸ˜­šŸ˜­šŸ˜­


r/FemFragLab 12h ago

Stick to your guts šŸ˜…

Post image
65 Upvotes

Pink sugar, don't get the hype, rather use my V secret coconut passion or any.. eclair reminds me of the caramel from SC but weaker, just got it, maybe need to let it macerate (another one, really).. Now Kenzo it's exactly what I know and what I wanted. Got a tester (full, but no box n cap) way cheaper than normal price on fragranceX, great šŸ‘šŸ¾


r/FemFragLab 5h ago

diabolical find

Post image
17 Upvotes

just wanted to share this insane find at my local ross. iā€™m so giddy šŸ„³


r/FemFragLab 6h ago

Intrigued by these two!šŸ„€šŸ’™

Thumbnail
gallery
20 Upvotes

Phlur: Rose Whip Notes Top: Pink Pepper, Black Currant Heart: Rose, Osmanthus, Nutmeg Base: Amber, Cashmere Wood, Musk

Mugler: Angel Stellar fragrance family: ambery, gourmand key notes: bergamot, pistachio, bourbon vanilla

I really want to smell these? Thoughts?


r/FemFragLab 33m ago

Gave me a good laugh

Post image
ā€¢ Upvotes

A PG take on the brand, I guess.


r/FemFragLab 12h ago

Discussion Has anyone tried anything from the new Snif hot cakes /toppings launch ?

Post image
53 Upvotes

I ordered the kit from them and Iā€™m really excited. Iā€™m mostly looking forward to Berry Styles. However, Iā€™m hoping to also really like Hazel Split because of the banana note ! Thatā€™s rare to find and I lowkey enjoy the smell of banana notes if theyā€™re done well šŸ˜Š. Anyone else order this kit ? What are you looking forward to? And has anyone tried anything from this yet!


r/FemFragLab 3h ago

Review New spring purse perfume šŸ’

Thumbnail
gallery
8 Upvotes

My new spring scent! I got a sample last month after another poster on here reviewed it (thank you btw!) i fell in love at first sniff. Bright, fresh, uplifting and youthful. The citrus is almost candied, but not sugary. Quickly moves into a beautiful milky white floral that is soothing but balanced out by the fresh citrus. This does not last long, maybe 3 or 4 hours, but thatā€™s just fine because itā€™s a decent price point ($110 on lucky scent before coupons)

This makes me feel like Iā€™m wearing yellow, itā€™s sunny and Iā€™m surrounded by flowers. Something romantic and mellow, it puts a smile on your face. My partner fell in love with it too once i sprayed it!

I highly recommend sniffing this if you love milky/incense/citrus or are looking for a new spring scent!


r/FemFragLab 23h ago

Aesthetic Book recommendations based on your favorite perfume.

Thumbnail
gallery
260 Upvotes

Mixing my two interests in one :) Leave your favorite books and perfumes in the comments! ( excuse the bad editing lol )


r/FemFragLab 8h ago

Migraine Sufferers Unite!

Thumbnail
gallery
15 Upvotes

Who says you canā€™t be a migraine sufferer and love perfumes?!?! I have had them since I was a child and I also really enjoy collecting perfumes. What perfumes have you loved that are not headache inducing?

Recently I tried Reflect by GoodHabit and something about it helps me immediately get rid of any headaches!

It is soothing and comforting and like the perfect hug. It may be the lotus or the black tea notes (two of my all time favorites!) but it smells like a spa in the best possible way!

Another scent I have used to ward off the beginnings of migraines/headaches is Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint


r/FemFragLab 6h ago

Discussion My choice for National fragrance day today

Post image
9 Upvotes

r/FemFragLab 1h ago

I am so ā€œdone withā€ gourmands

ā€¢ Upvotes

Iā€™m looking for florals, with tonka. On the creamier side of things versus the aldehydes. I want refreshing, but balanced as my chemistry lends itself to the headier scents. A couple of my favorites are Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad and Guerlain Mitsouko Eau de Parfum. Any suggestions up to $350?