[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] It strikes me that now is a good time to invest in a fragrance discovery set – with socialising off the cards for a while, it may clear the decks for a bit of mind space to focus on yourself. I know many of us will continue to work and I’m lucky that I can work from home quite easily so I’m basing my thoughts on the last lock down where I did find I had a bit more space. Discovery kits have become hugely popular – there’s nothing more disappointing than going off a fragrance five minutes after you fell in love with it in the shop or discovering that a quick spritz is nice but it’s not something you can live with all day, day after day. Although I always think they should be cheaper than they invariably are – after all, a big proportion of those who buy a discover set go on to buy a full size so they work very well as a marketing tool for brands – it makes sense to take time over what is a big decision and outlay, ultimately.
Inside the set, you get six 2ml spray vials containing the brand’s EDP offering. Malin + Goetz is a unisex brand so this is definitely a box to share with a friend or significant other if you want to. Full sizes are £75.
Each box contains Bergamot, which is a citrussy uplift with a bit of wet-leaf earthiness, Leather, which is pretty much as it sounds and I find sweetens somewhat on the skin, and Cannabis which is smoky-spicy with herbacious notes. It’s one of their best sellers and I have to admin that I don’t love it. Moving on… Dark Rum, which I find both smooth and punchy, is kind of like the last after-dinner sip, rich and relaxing while Stem is all about garden scents and while it has a floral element, it’s more raw pruning than fulsome blooms. Finally, Vetiver which I don’t think needs much explanation other than to say I find it leans more to traditionally masculine – each to their own of course and vetiver notes divide the fragrance community in preference and opinion! I really think this is a fun discovery set because none of the fragrances are bland – they’ve all got a personality and they all transform to a greater or lesser degree in the wearing. I like Dark Rum for about five minutes, and yet I could wear Stem all day. SpaceNK has it HERE for £22 if you have points or are starting your shopping – they still seem to have stock of their Beauty Gift GWP. Non-affiliate link is HERE.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
14 comments
This made me smile. I’m right with you on this. I’m an avid sampler and yes, it’s been a lockdown/Covid restrictions pleasure. I’ve done it for many years but it has been particularly pleasant these last months. It’s great fun to sample with friends, but it really is a lovely thing to do on your own, taking time to try fragrances on paper and skin, to wear test them, to take notes, and it doesn’t even really matter if you get a right ponker! It’s a calm, lovely thing to do! Thanks for the heads up on the Malin and Goetz set.
So welcome – it brings the fun back I think – like a new box of chocolates you’ve never had before… except without the guilt!
I am a fan of Malin and Goetz or as I call them goats. Skincare and even own a few of their rollerball oil versions of their fragrances. Great way to try their perfumes.
I love Goats!
I recently discovered that many niche brands provide sampler packs – and if you love something and buy it full-size, they deduct the sampler pack price from the order! To name a few, Teo Cabanel, Rook Perfumes, L’Orchestre, Sana Jardin… This is a nice touch and more brands should be doing this. I wasn’t much into perfume but these last months something’s got into me as well so I can definitely love it if more mainstream brands embrace this practice.
I’m looking out for more – I know The Perfume Shop has some but always think they’re a bit too niche.. your comment has made me think otherwise so I’ll do something on those x
Just bought Fredrick Malle discovery set, being eyeing it for ages. Now done! Your an enabler Jane, that”s my excuse anyway.
haha.. sorry (not sorry) :-))))
Brilliant timing….Im about to order this, as Ive long wanted to try the Cannabis scent, and the others sound great too.
I’ve been at the sampling like you all too, Floris most recently. It’s a most exciting little pastime, a shot of indulgence.
you’re right!
See also these sets:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/fragrance/g29512858/best-perfume-gift-sets/
Thanks Cal.
The Perfume Society do discovery sets and they also do their own curated boxes of mixed samples. I think that everyone in this lovely discussion would enjoy checking them out.
Yes! I grabbed two boxes from them recently – great variety, they totally know what they’re doing 🙂