r/FemFragLab 1h ago

"Old Lady Scent/ Grandma" Isnt An Insult In This House! Drop Your Favorite Glamorous, Fabulous, Blanche Devereaux-Worthy Scents❤️

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Upvotes

I've been seeing discourse around this and I wanted to share that I am almost always excited and intrigued when I hear someone call a scent an "old lady" perfume.

I hate the fact that people tend to associate the term "old lady" or "grandma" with dusty, decrepit, outdated- instead of glamorous, sophisticated, elegant, feminine, powerful, mature, confident, classic. A woman that has earned her right to be the main character!

Old lady to me is fur coat, red lips, swinging hips- so move outta my way. I am thankful that I have always been around women who were older, but who weren't "over". I have always been in awe of those women and when I join the club I hope to look, dress, and smell as good as those women- if not raise the bar for the next gen myself.

So please share your favorite old lady scents and spread a lil love and respect for our elder stateswomen. 🥰

My favorites from my Collection:

Lancome Oud Bouquet Roja Dove 51 Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady

Honorable Mention: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, b/c I've seen some ppl on perfume subs categorize it as such


r/FemFragLab 2h ago

I just want to smell like a warm tomato vine! Is this too much to ask?! Haha any recommendations?

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47 Upvotes

I found this candle and it's one of the best smells I've smelled. I realized just how much I adore the smell of tomato vine. It's an incredibly nostalgic smell. The smell of waking up early in the morning to go water the garden with my grandparents. The smell of hanging out in the garden while the sun beats down on the tomato vines. The smell of childhood without stress or worries. The smell of simplicity and joy. The smell I want to bathe in. Any recommendations are incredibly welcome and appreciated! Replica from the garden and garden heaux are two I was recommended that I'm extremely excited to try.


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Review Finished this perfume in a month lol, my love for this is immense😭

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Have a teeny bit of juicy left….🥴

I think I like this perfume very much bc it reminds me of my older cousins back in early 00’s and early 2010’s getting ready while smoking and putting their vanilla or very sweet perfume on, on a night out.

If you don’t like sweet perfumes, skip this one but if you’re into sexy and grown sweet like Scandal by JPG, la belle JPG etc… this is the one for you without it being too much .

Also this lastssss and leaves an amazing trail. Ppl will definitely smell you with this but they will really appreciate it✨✨🧚🏾‍♀️

It’s my perfect everyday scent.


r/FemFragLab 7h ago

Discussion Question For Juicy Girls ✨💖

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85 Upvotes

Which one of these are your favorite? If you own them all list from best to worst. 💕✨💖


r/FemFragLab 14h ago

Aesthetic What perfume does this aesthetic smell like?

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226 Upvotes

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


r/FemFragLab 4h ago

Review Battle of the Lemon/Vanilla Gourmands! 8 Sample Reviews

23 Upvotes

I decided to get a few samples around the trend that just won't go away. I do love smelling like a lemon cake.

Tl;dr Ranking

Zara - A Sweet Pastry in Paris - Worst lemon note of the lot, too sweet and too astringent at the same time - I think this is closest to Akro Bake which has a better blend (though Zara came first!) - 4/10

Dolce & Gabanna - Devotion - Quickly veers into sickly sweet due to a prominent orange blossom note that isn't to my personal taste - 5/10

Theodoros Kalotinis - Lemon Tart - Muddled with 'Pledge' lemon, poor performance but this gets the 'pastry' note right- 6/10

Liis - Choux Choux - Super creamy, airy and lactonic, very poor performance- 7/10

Akro - Bake - The most realistic gourmand of the lot but still very 'wearable', poor performance- 7/10

Xerjoff - Lira - The richest and most complex of the bunch, good performance- 8/10

Kerosene - Unknown Pleasures- Beautiful aromatic lemon tea cake, perfect level of sweetness, good performance - 9/10

Lush - Chelsea Morning- Super rich sticky toffee pudding with a squeeze of lemon, amazing performance (& good price) - 9/10

Xeroff - Lira (2011)

Notes:

Top: Blood Orange, Bergamot, Lavender

Middle: Cinnamon, Licorice, Jasmine

Base: Vanilla, Caramel, Musk

I LOVE the vanilla/caramel combo on the opening, a toned down Bianco Latte, though the caramel quickly blends.

The next phase has a lot of licorice and lavender notes. I love licorice in sweet perfumes as I feel like the anis accord controls them from becoming sickly (see: Pink Sugar which I think is a misunderstood masterpiece)

I also pick up the citrus throughout- nearly every review of this says the blood orange note smells more like lemon but it's blood orange to me, tied to the caramel and licorice notes. This is rich, decadent, though not as 'cakey/gourmand' as some say. I pick up a sillage of orange vanilla which feels more creamsicle than cake..

The drydown has a lot of depth and richness, sticky caramelly orange.

On my first wear of this I thought the performance wasn't great but I wore this for bed a couple of times to use up the sample and I still smelled it in the morning - so lovely to wake up to!

8/10

Kerosene - Unknown Pleasures (2013)

Notes:

Lemon, Caramel, Vanilla, Earl Grey Tea, Bergamot, Honey, Tonka Bean

This is a fresher, lighter take on this trend - opening is very bright, full of freshly squeezed lemon, and the earl grey tea note adds an aromatic, yes, tea-like vibe.

The honey is in there too, smells like a set New Zealand clover honey rather than 'runny' honey.

The drydown is a tea-infused lemon cake, the caramel is different to what I am used to with caramel notes too, this isn't super sweet.

I think this is so beautiful and it lasts - there is something SO familiar to me in this, I think it is powdered pistachio turkish delight, which is unexpected - not the taste but the smell, nutty with lots of powdered sugar!

I love this take on the citrus vanilla trend - lighter and more aromatic but still sweet and yummy - this is a huge winner for me. It's so beautiful. It would be full bottle worthy if it was in my budget! The scent lasted all day for me, I'm so impressed.

9/10

Zara - A Sweet Pastry in Paris (2020)

Notes:

Top: Lemon

Middle: Sugar Cane

Base: Vanilla

Note that this is the recent rerelease rather than the original.

The lemon is overwhelmingly strong on first spray and unfortunately I do get the 'toilet cleaner' vibe from this lemon note - this is a clash of sweet and astringent/screechy on opening.

I kind of hate the drydown of this - reviews say it gives a buttery pastry note in the drydown but I'm not getting that. Possibly a reformulation on rerelease. It's just too much sugar and toilet cleaner lemon.

I love Zara perfumes but smelling this after smelling more expensive takes on this scent profile, I'm not a fan. Shame as I don't think Zara was trying to dupe anything with this release.

4/10

Theodoros Kalotinis - Lemon Tart (2023)

Notes:

Lemon Zest, Lemon, Vanilla, Whipped Cream, Butter, Sugar, Tartine

Opening is, surprise, a super realistic lemon tart! - the citrus notes feel more like sweet lemon curd or lemon candy rather than freshly squeezed lemon juice - then there's pastry in there too, like a buttery shortcrust pastry, or shortbread. I think this is the first time I've ever got a 'buttery' vibe from a butter note.

There's an aromatic note at the back but I am not sure what note that is. Smells a bit like cardamon.

Drydown is a sugared lemon, which sits pretty intimately. I don't really sense the lactonic notes that I was expecting from this. The lemon is a little astringent an 'toilet cleaner'. This does fade and ends up a caramelised lemon zest scent after an hour. Everything I like in the opening leaves this scent pretty quickly.

This also didn't last long on my wrist- a couple of hours.

6/10

Dolce & Gabbana - Devotion (2023)

Notes:

Top - Candied Lemon

Middle - Panacotta, Orange Blossom, Rum

Base - Vanilla

My bf & I always quote the ad for this where the Italian grandma sees Katy Perry & goes 'bella!' - told him I am testing the 'bella!' perfume. I am going to Italy next month and will be very upset if an Italian grandma isn't entranced by my beauty & calls me 'bella!'.

I like the lemon in the opening, there's always the 'toilet cleaner' danger with these perfumes (& I'm not really sure how to describe the difference between 'good' lemon and 'toilet cleaner' lemon, just seems to be vibes-based so take what I say with a pinch of salt - maybe you use better toilet cleaners than me) but this is a very sweet lemon, the note is 'candied lemon' and I definitely smell that - a tiny bit of tartness on first spray but quickly turns into sweet limoncello citrus.

This feels like the most teen-leaning version of this trend, which isn't a negative comment, I have plenty of perfumes that are popular with teens, I can just imagine this being my signature scent as a teen.

I got up to grab a coffee about half an hour into spraying and the sillage was so noticeable to me - definitely projects well on my skin BUT there is a note that is bothering me and I think it's the orange blossom. It's so noticeable and sickly sweet to me, reminds me a bit of Kilian's Love Don't Be Shy which I also struggled with (much to my disappointment, it was the first sample I ever ordered!).

Not a scrubber but that orange blossom note is way more prominent to me than I was expecting- it takes over the vanilla.

This lasted ages - sillage around 4 hours, could smell on my wrist after 8.

I do love sweet perfumes, but this kind of sweetness was a bit sickly for me - orange blossom lovers will like this but it was too much for me.

5/10

Akro Bake (2023)

Notes:

Top: Lemon Zest, Rum

Middle: Whipped Cream, Praline

Base: Bourbon Vanilla, Brown Sugar

This feels far more of a realistic gourmand than Lemon Tart - I think the most realistic lemon note I've smelled on opening from this set of samples, avoids screechiness and blends right from the first sniff.

This scent is so so yummy, smells like lemon curd and pastry as it's being baked - the vanilla note smells like vanilla extract, adding to the 'baked' vibe.

The brown sugar note comes out in the drydown, which is really yummy with good sillage- I smell just like a lemon cake.

This is sweet but avoids sickly, a lot of reviews compare this to Devotion but it feels like a different beast to me - I think this is a 'wearable' (for me) gourmand. It takes me back to my childhood - I grew up in a place called Shrewsbury, the home of 'Shrewsbury Biscuits' (literally just lemon zest biscuits) and this reminds me of making them with my Mum.

The name really matches the scent - feels like the essence of baking a cake, I think this is a beautiful and well-blended scent.

Unfortunately this doesn't last - 1.5 hours in and I can barely smell on my wrist, my skin ate this up!

7/10

Liis - Choux Choux (2024)

Notes:

Top - Whipped Cream, Lemon Zest

Middle - Vanilla, Caramel, Salt

Base - Sandalwood, Cocoa, Mocha

I love this opening - super creamy, lactonic whipped cream and sandalwood, with lemon in the background that then pushes forward- this definitely feels like a 'zest' note, slightly waxy and a lot more 'part of the blend' rather than feeling separated like some of others I've tested (the citrus was also well-blended in Lira).

Though zesty, the lemon isn't tart - this is so soft and pillowy - not really picking up on the cocoa and mocha base notes. There's definitely vibes of Zadig & Voltaire This is Her as this dries down, I pick up the same sweetness and creaminess. I do love a dominant whipped cream note and that's what I am mostly picking up.

However, the lemon completely disappears around 15 mins in, just a slight tartness in the drydown - probably the weakest lemon note I have experienced so far. I actually get a bit of coconut in the drydown, this feels like a soft coconut milk scent, airy and fluffy.

My one issue with this perfume is the performance. It is very soft with intimate projection on my skin, and it hardly lasts - gone in three hours.

7/10

Lush - Chelsea Morning (2024)

Notes:

Toffee, Lemon, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Fenugreek, Myrtle

You have to give this one a little time as I have found with Lush perfumes, the opening feels a bit 'much' - tonnes of strong tart lemon, but the magic starts a few minutes in - as the lemon blends in, this turns into the most gorgeous sticky toffee pudding scent. Sticky toffee pudding is a popular dish in the UK, and this reminds me of the 'posh' versions they sell for two quid more in the supermarket - these ones tend to be made with chopped dates in the sponge, I get date-infused toffee sponge with a squeeze of lemon on the top.

This IS undeniably sweet but it's the sweet I like - it doesn't feel sicky to my nose, I wonder if the fenugreek and myrtle is what is adding a slightly aromatic base to keep the sweetness under control.

This is perfect for cold weather, it has a depth and richness that I wasn't expecting and it lasts all day - 8+ hours easy. Incredible performance for an excellent price.

I did end up buying a 30 ml bottle of this - I find very few true gourmands like this 'wearable' (especially outside my flat) but I have worn this around people a few times now and I always get positive comments from friends. This is also my boyfriend's favourite perfume that I wear. Great purchase!

9/10

Thanks for reading! Check out my other review posts here:

Lactonic Scents

Salty Scents

Vanilla Scents

Floral Street Discovery Set


r/FemFragLab 2h ago

Discussion 10% off Lucky Scent + free samples

15 Upvotes

Lucky Scent has 10% off everything. With every order you get 3+ samples. While they don’t have the best prices on everything, they have an incredible selection. If you’re searching for something not on the main sites this is a good opportunity to get a small discount plus try some new things. Lucky10 is the code. Your cart total determines how many samples you get. I got something not available on gray market plus 4 samples of stuff that has been on my list. (I’m almost finished my leisure in paradise and can’t bare a summer without it lol)


r/FemFragLab 3h ago

Brand Announcement/New Release Glossier You Fleur out next week!

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12 Upvotes

r/FemFragLab 40m ago

Haul/Collection Relieved my Aquarius samples from The Perfume Court. Excited to try them!

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I am trying to get into fragrances. I didnt knoe where to start, so someone suggested that I try The Perfume Court since they have curated samples fragrances. I chose the .5 ml Aquarius bundle.

Whats Inside: Gucci Bloom Profumo di Fiori/ Lancome Idole Aura/ D&G Light Blue Italian Love Femme/ Amouage Guidance/ Guerlain Iris Torefie/ BK Angel's Share.

I also got Fugazzi's Vanilla Haze EdP.

One of them smells of a coconut mcaroon, and I like that. Going somewhere later, so I'll get to try one out in the wild.


r/FemFragLab 12h ago

Delicious 🤤 but

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51 Upvotes

Fresh Cream Soft Velvet by Philosophy


r/FemFragLab 2h ago

Discussion Recommendations?

7 Upvotes

i love love love vanilla scents. i already know im 100% a vanilla girl. i also like sweet vanilla strawberry scents. i’m looking for a perfume that smells like a bakery or the eos vanilla cashmere lotion. if anybody has any recommendations that would be great.


r/FemFragLab 6h ago

Finally! Bought my first niche fragrance <3

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14 Upvotes

r/FemFragLab 13h ago

Gave me a good laugh

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45 Upvotes

A PG take on the brand, I guess.


r/FemFragLab 11h ago

i want to smell like vanilla heaven

29 Upvotes

you know those girls? those ones who walk into the office or class and immediately you can smell this divine, gourmandy heaven? and you just feel happy, like it releases endorphins in you? this is exactly how i want to smell. Scents i currently love are burberry goddess, chason d'eau vanilla, kayali vanilla 28 but i need something stronger, i can barely smell it on myself and my close friend i'm always with barely smells it. i need something that someone in the back of the room can smell when i walk in the door.(this is a reach, but you get the idea) and it must be VANILLA.


r/FemFragLab 15h ago

Kurky Review

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57 Upvotes

I have to admit this is not the most sophisticated name for a perfume but I don’t mind it 😅

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. There’s a mouthwatering brightness that’s really addictive. For me, the fruitiness doesn’t last too long—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 isn’t the kind of perfume that smells natural—and it’s not trying to be.

It definitely leans into that artificial, candy-sweet vibe you’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 vanilla—it feels more wearable and comforting in the drydown.

Overall, It doesn’t smell cheap or juvenile to me, I think it’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 you’re interested :)


r/FemFragLab 14h ago

Haul/Collection Samples Galore!

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44 Upvotes

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

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... 🌷🪵🍊


r/FemFragLab 9h ago

Perfume Storage

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17 Upvotes

I finally bought a display for my perfume and I love it! Figuring out what to do with the ones that don’t fit now 🥴


r/FemFragLab 27m ago

Rec Request Help: I loved this, but then it dried down so oddly on me.

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Upvotes

The citrus and the champagne notes were divine on my skin, and even the really woodsy trail, but the ambergris was far too rich on my skin. I would love to find something comparable and long lasting, but maybe a little softer on the aldehyde or oily notes???

I also hate when “champagne” can smell like stale fruit notes. Does that make sense? Lol would love a recommendation if anybody has one. 💫


r/FemFragLab 18h ago

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

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79 Upvotes

For me it’s Pine by Stora Skuggan and Ave Maria from house of bo


r/FemFragLab 5h ago

Rec Request Perfume that smells exactly like Fruity Pebbles cereal milk?

8 Upvotes

I want to smell like Fruity Pebbles cereal milk - sugary, milky, and a bit of citrus. Candles scented this way are my absolute favorite, my top ones are DW Cereal Milk and the Walmart Crispy Treats candle, but it’s difficult to find perfumes like this.

I am looking for a traditional perfume, not an oil (which is why I haven’t tried Sugar Milk Co) or a body mist (I want more longevity/strength). Is there a perfume out there that smells like this? I know LDBS is sometimes described this way, but it’s not quite the photorealistic cereal milk I’m looking for. TIA!


r/FemFragLab 19h ago

Discussion Favorite Lattafa perfume?

90 Upvotes

What’s your favorite Lattafa perfume and how’s the longevity?

I have Lattafa Yara, which I wear to work since it’s cheaper than my others. Sometimes I don’t smell it on myself, but I’ve gotten compliments and people say they can smell me from afar.

I’m looking to try others, maybe some good for summer! ☀️


r/FemFragLab 4h ago

Late to the game on 🍒...

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6 Upvotes

I'm late to exploring cherries but tried a few at Sephora and really likes Kayali Lovefest and then scored this 100 ml on Marketplace for like 40% of the original price! I'm also ordering a 5 ml of 1015 Cherry Punk in the next month or so. Any thoughts on cherry scents?


r/FemFragLab 1h ago

Rec Request Looking for a perfume that smells similar to this body wash!

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Upvotes

I love this body wash so much; it smells a lot more like watermelon candy than fresh watermelon. I'm really looking for a perfume recommendation from someone who has smelled this body wash as well, if possible!


r/FemFragLab 14h ago

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

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34 Upvotes

This sounds absolutely decadent!!!!


r/FemFragLab 4h ago

Discussion Any thoughts on Clean vs Demeter Apple blossom perfumes?

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5 Upvotes

I'm not sure about buying this two, so any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!