Reviewed by
Mary
Perfume is one of the most personal of beauty items, and finding a signature scent, or even knowing what you like, can be a challenge.
Secret Scent Box sends out three little bottles of perfume every month, along with cards with scent notes, which are invaluable for identifying your scent preferences. Each one is a spray, and there is enough to last the whole month, very useful for trying your scents in different places and situations. They’re also very handy for popping in your bag when out and about!
Armaf – Futura La Femme
This scent is described as fruity, but while there is an initial hit of fruit, I find the florals really come to the fore here very fast in the dry down. The rose and peony really shine, and the overall floral scent is lovely and rounded. The vanilla and musk base add some warmth with the freshness, and a little bit of edge, giving it a pleasingly elegant overall atmosphere.
Lancome – Idole Nectar
This was new just last year, and rose is definitely the emphasis. It is very feminine, being heavy on the florals. I don’t get much of the popcorn, though the caramel and vanilla notes that develop give it a depth of sweetness that lasts very nicely. I think it’s definitely a spring/summer scent, and possibly the slightly younger end of the market, but for all that it’s very appealing.
Gres – Cabotine
This perfume has been around a long time, though it was recently reformulated. According to the scent notes the top notes are very fruity. However I didn’t really get much fruit at all, instead my nose went straight to the florals. It also smells quite green and fresh, and it feels like rather a retro scent as well, with that powdery thing I remember from childhood. It’s a very interesting and complex scent, and I suspect it would smell very different of different people.
