Spotlight On – My Signature Scent Search

Is it just me, or has 2023 been killing it with the perfume launches! It seems like every week, there is a new perfume launch that tempts both my wallet and my nose. And as someone who is perpetually on the hunt for their signature scent, this makes me very happy. Today, I wanted to shine a spotlight on a few of my more recent perfume purchases. Because there have been a few that I’ve really wanted to try (and a few that you’ve wanted me to talk about). And I’m going to give y’all the good, the bad, and the smelly! Let’s get into it!

ARIANA GRANDE MOD BLUSH EDP – $59.99 for 30ml
NOTES – Top: Passionfruit, Raspberry, Pink Pepper, Bergamot. Middle: Rose, Pear, Magnolia. Base: Musk, Dreamwood, Ambroxan, Sandalwood.
Well, this took long enough to come Down Under! As soon as I saw that the Mod range had dropped at Chemist Warehouse, I knew I had to try them. The OG Mod sold out super quickly. So, I grabbed Mod Blush instead. And I have to say, I do like this one. But I do have a few quibbles.

Packaging wise, it’s one of the more unique bottles that I’ve seen (my husband thought it was a vibrator). But the perfume itself is sweet and inoffensive. I won’t go so far as to say it’s a dupe for Kayali’s Eden. But it’s pretty close, in my opinion. It has that same red juiciness to it. And they do share more than a couple of similar notes. The big let downs with this one though is the scent throw and the overall wear time. I do feel like I have to put a lot on to notice it on me. And even if I do, it’s basically gone after 2-3 hours. Overall, a lovely perfume. I just wish it lasted longer. And maybe for that reason, I do reckon it’s a little overpriced.

ELLIS BROOKLYN FLORIST EDP – $53.00 for 10ml
NOTES – Top: Bergamot, Pear, Lily Of The Valley, Lemon. Middle: Gardenia, Tuberose, Honeysuckle, Jasmine Sambac. Base: Ambroxan, Virginia Cedar, Australian Sandalwood.
Listen, y’all. When I saw the notes on this one, it was a no brainer. I knew that I wanted to at least try it (which is why I went for the 10ml). And I’m so glad that I did because this is absolutely beautiful! Upon first spritz, that Gardenia note smacked me right in the face. I also quickly picked up on the zesty freshness from the sweet Lemon. As it dries down, I do get that woodsy note creeping in. But that Gardenia note is definitely the most prolific for me. Which suits me down to the ground, I love a Gardenia note. If you’re not a fan of white florals, definitely give this a pass. This won’t be for you at all. But, for me personally, I do plan on buying the 50ml when I run out.

KAYALI YUM PISTACHIO GELATO 33 – $143.00 for 50ml
NOTES – Top: Pistachio, Bergamot, Ice Cream, Hazelnut, Rum, Cardamon. Middle: Lily Of The Valley, Peony, Pear, Jasmine, Geranium, White Peach, Raspberry. Base: Whipped Cream, Marshmallow, Cotton Candy, Turkish Delight, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Cedar, Cacao.
Oh boy, this has been a divisive one! Kayali long ago earned my blind buy trust. But this is one that I strongly recommend you try first. Because I know way too many people who immediately didn’t like this.

As for me, I genuinely love it. It has shot right to the top of my Kayali list and I’ve been more or less unable to stop wearing it since I got it. And I think the reason why I love it is that it doesn’t necessarily evoke the smell of pistachio gelato. But more the idea of walking into a gelateria and getting that sweet, creamy smell in the air. It’s much lighter and more powdery than I expected. Especially upon first spritz. But it settles into something truly indulgent. Honestly, I don’t really get much out of the floral notes in this. It is those candy and creamy notes that I get more than anything else. But I also have a giant sweet tooth. If you aren’t here for the sweetness and really want to be smacked in the face by a pistachio, DS & Durga has just launched a fragrance that will suit you perfectly. But for me, this is bellissima!

And that is a wrap on the newest additions to my perfume collection! What was your last perfume purchase? And have I tempted you with any of these? Let me know in the comments.

Cheers and love
Emily xo