My newest discovery: fragrance samples for purchase, direct from Le Labo online, samples are $5 each for 1.5 ml (0.05 fl oz). I really like their economical creative packaging. Each vial comes packed in a cardboard sleeve/tube with a lab sticker. Even better is the fact that each vial comes with a spritzer for easy application. I love that shipping was included in the price (or rather that I was not charged extra).
More fragrance lines and stores should offer samples for purchase or even a sampler set like this (like Bond No.9 and Lucky Scent). Fragrance testing takes quite a bit of time for me so samples are an economical way to try something to decide if I want to splurge on a full-sized bottle. I have yet to test all these for an extended period of time. I sprayed each on a little card to sniff. My first impressions are these are very green and earthy. These are all very different from what I’m used to. I’m not sure whether or not these types of scents will grow on me. I doubt I will be purchasing a full size anytime soon as I just splurged on L’Artisan yet again for the Barneys Beauty Event. Still these vials are a nice way for me to take my time and play for an extended period of time. Even if I end up not loving any of these, I think it’s time saved from driving over 2 hours to the nearest Le Labo location or money saved from buying a full bottle that I don’t absolutely love 100%.
I’m new to Le Labo but I’ve read all sorts of good things. I’ve been most drawn to Neroli 36 so far, it’s a beautiful and simple, fresh and uplifting – it smells beachy to me. The initial smell is a bit off, but I like the dry down. The others seem a bit raw to my nose. Santal 33 smells intriguing but I much prefer Tom Ford’s Santal Blush instead.
Of course while researching this line, I’m most intrigued by some of the city exclusives. I missed out on their online availability offerings last November. Hopefully Le Labo will make them available for sale again this year sometime as it will not be possible for me to travel to each city to smell each scent.
Have you tried Le Labo? Loves? I feel that I’m still more drawn to L’Artisan and Jo Malone for now but I am excited to try these in the next few weeks or so.
All photos by me.
