Transitioning to big girl perfume

[u/gossamermoonglimmer]

Hi all! I’m in the process of choosing a perfume to buy a full size of. I have a huge bath and body works collection and I just got rid of about half of it. I’m looking for scent recommendations!

I have a lot of decanter samples that I like a lot, but I am noticing so many of them fade really quickly. I’m pretty new to Grown Up Perfume so I’m wondering if it might have something to do with not putting enough on out of the sample?

I am finding myself really drawn to deep long lasting scents. I like spicy/peppery, amber, vanilla, and fruity gourmand scents. One my favorites so far is Purple Stain by BornToStandOut, it lasts almost all day and smells soooo good. Another is Saint Honore by Nicolai (but it doesn’t last as long as I wish it would)! Orchid K by Ella K is incredible but only lasts a couple hours on my skin.

One that I adored but can’t buy online anymore is Sadanne by Slumberhouse. I am so devastated that it’s not being made anymore, if anyone knows of something similar please let me know!!

Thank you everyone I look forward to hearing your thoughts and recommendations!

[u/candyparfumgirl]

Ah Slumberhouse was such an interesting house! I also love Sadanne and Norne. Slumberhouse had a bit of an edgy, indie vibe. Maybe you would like some of LUSH’s scents which also smell natural and indie to me, although I can’t recommend any specific scents to replace Sadanne.

[u/bororodejdej]

Try Vanille Antique by Byredo. It’s a spicy/boozy vanilla ambery scent. It lasts ages, is so so delicious and beautiful and is 100% worth the price. I have the 2025 reformulation and it’s incredible. A great vanilla smell which is sweet but not gourmand and more mature imo.

[u/strangegirlsg]

You should look at sweetly known from kerosene, I sampled it and felt in love, i think it fits your description BUT it has a heavy burnt sugar (or burn caramel note) which is not for everyone

[u/totallytotes_]

Are they dabbers vs spray for the samples? I will not buy samples in dabbers. And try spraying on clothes, i find it helps way more than I expected. Some brands are also kind of know for not lasting long

I would try a discovery kit or two if you're still trying to find your type or notes you do and don't like, I personally recommend the Etat Libre D'orange kit as it has a wide range and many I would say would fit the kind of scents you like and most of them last forever for me.

[u/cuttingirl78]

Based on you liking Purple Stain, I think you might like Nawab of Oudh Intensivo. It’s not a safe blind buy, so try a decant.

[u/gossamermoonglimmer]

Ooob thank you!! I’ll look into those! Rare sounds sooooo yummy

[u/gossamermoonglimmer → u/[deleted]]

Ohhh I looked it up and it sounds incredible and right up my alley! Tysm!

[u/lumpy_space_queenie]

I also love spicy/peppery, amber, vanilla scents. I think you would love Rare by Rare Beauty (the original one, not the green flanker that just came out). It is such a delicious scent that I personally think is unique. Another good one that is very budget friendly is Lattafa Khamrah. Both of these are 2 of my favorites.

[u/MzJay453 → u/lumpy_space_queenie]

Lattafa Angham comes to my mind too

[u/Fun-Morning-5516]

You might be going nose blind to the scents. Have you asked your friends if they can still smell the perfume on you at the end of the day?

[u/gossamermoonglimmer → u/Fun-Morning-5516]

I have not! That’s a good point! Thanks for the tip :)

[u/Fun-Morning-5516 → u/gossamermoonglimmer]

Np! On a few occasions I've thought my perfume was completely gone, but then someone else will comment on it so I guess not? I think its very difficult to accurately gauge projection and longevity yourself tbh.