Now Smell This celebrates its fifth birthday today. It figures that today of all days, the blog went down in the wee morning hours, and so this post is much later than I thought it would be. Now that we’re back, a slice of virtual cake for everyone, and I hope you’ll forgive us while we indulge in a little navel-gazing.
In early 2005, I was an avid — ok, obsessive — perfume fan. At that time, if you wanted to keep track of all the sorts of things that a perfumista wants to keep track of — what new perfumes were coming out? who might be having a great sale? — you had your work cut out for you. You could read all the magazines, you could slog through all the posts on the various forums, and you could check out Women’s Wear Daily on Friday. There was one French website that kept a simple list of upcoming perfumes, and that was helpful, but by and large there was no one place, online or off, that collected and organized all the news.
In the meantime, I was also discovering blogs, and in February 2005 I started looking around for a perfume blog. I couldn’t find one that was active, and that was that: I figured that as long as I was wasting so many hours collecting information, I might as well do something with it. I spent a few days setting up a blog (I wish I’d kept a screen shot so I could show you how ugly — and how pink! — it was), and on Tuesday, February 8 I made my first post: New fragrances from Dior, Comme des Garcons, The Different Company. I followed that with some shopping news, and a particularly feeble review of Une Fleur de Chanel.
Today, Now Smell This is very much the sort of site I was looking for and couldn’t find. We probably don’t collect and organize quite all the news, but I like to flatter myself that we come reasonably close. We’ve published over 6,200 articles, received close to 140,000 comments, and we have over 1 million page views a month. Most important of all, we have the kindest, most helpful readers anywhere, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who take the time to comment, and especially those of you who go out of your way to welcome newcomers and help them find what they’re looking for.
The perfume universe has expanded dramatically since I started blogging, and the simple fact is that I could no longer keep up if I did not have such wonderful contributors. I asked each of them to write a few words, and to select five of their own articles that they especially like. It is emblematic of the way things work around here that I didn’t find the time to come up with a list of my own.
Angela
It’s hard to believe I’ve been writing for Now Smell This for almost four years. It has been richly rewarding: I’ve met terrific people, and I’ve learned so much about perfume — although I’m still resolutely an amateur. I’m not sure the five posts I’ve chosen are my favorites, but each of them means something to me.
Searching for the Holy Grail was my first article for Now Smell This. It posted in May 2006, and I flinch when I read it now. I long to clean up the writing. Also, the article flaunts one of my primary rules about blogging — it violates the “who cares?” rule. Really, who cares what perfume my mother wore?
Changing Tastes also stomps all over the “who cares” rule, but I think it does so in service to a greater message: be yourself. It’s a message I’ve been late to learn (“who cares?”) but one perfume helps teach.
Perfume and the Lavish Hand reflects a philosophy of life I cherish, best described by Auntie Mame when she said, “Life’s a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
The Leather Sisters is a story featuring some of my favorite leather-based fragrances. I’ve written a fair number of articles for magazines and loved it, but it never crossed my mind to write fiction. This article spurred me to try my hand at a mystery novel featuring a perfume-loving vintage clothing store owner. It was fun! Now I’m looking for an agent. Thanks, Leather Sisters!
Becoming a Perfumista rippled further in the internet perfume world than I thought it would. Most of these posts I crank out the day before they’re due, sometimes dreaming them up on that morning’s walk with my dog. It’s so rewarding when I hit on common experience.
Jessica
I was a regular on MakeupAlley’s Fragrance Board in early 2005, so I should have known what Robin was up to, but I first learned about Now Smell This from Manolo’s Shoe Blog (part of my daily breakfast web-reading in those days). “Perfume blogging!’’ he had effusively posted. I immediately clicked over to Now Smell This and, well, I’m still here! In choosing five of my own past articles, I’ve followed my favorite topics: rose scents; good-smelling options for everyday toiletries; small, independent companies with high-quality products; and mainstream fragrances that, although they might easily be dismissed as “generic,” actually say something interesting about recent trends in perfumery.
A Ring of Roses: Scented Body Products
Top Ten Fragrances Spring 2008
A Handful of Hand Creams: A Round-Up for Winter 2008
Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods
Kevin
I remember my “first time” at Now Smell This, way back in 2005. A Google search for “orange blossom perfumes” led me to Robin’s article: Orange blossom fragrances: a few Italians. Ever since, I’ve been a daily visitor to the blog, even checking in when I’m on vacation. I can’t believe I’ve been writing for NST for four years come May (and, knock wood, will write my 200th article sometime this spring). It’s impossible for me to separate Now Smell This the blog, from Now Smell This the woman, since I’ve been chatting with Robin for ages, and I know how much hard (and endless) work goes into keeping Now Smell This up to date and running smoothly. Apart from creating a sensational perfume blog, Robin is a kind, generous and patient person. Robin, I hope you have the energy/endurance for five more years of blogging!
It feels a bit strange to highlight five favorite articles I’ve written, but here goes:
Ofrenda: The Dream Eau de Parfum by Parfumerie Imaginaire
The End is Here: A Scented Dialogue – Monsieur Balmain, Old & New
Hermès Bel Ami fragrance review
Guerlain Jicky fragrance review
Serge Lutens Serge Noir fragrance review
Marcello
Hello to all my dear friends at NST! This joyful milestone is, I’m afraid, also a sad departure for me. A new degree and a demanding job prevented me from writing about perfume books in recent times, and unfortunately that situation won’t be changing anytime soon. So with a heavy heart I take this opportunity to bow out, and thank everyone at NST for the wonderful experience we shared over the past years. My passion for perfumes hasn’t diminished one bit, so I promise to drop by in the comments section as often as I can!
My best wishes and greetings to the NST team, and to all you readers out there!
Here’s a brief trip down memory lane, with five book reviews that illustrate the beauty of perfume as an art, a craft, a social marker, a symbol, and an object of science and philosophy…
If There Ever Was… a book of extinct and impossible smells by Robert Blackson: A potpourri of smells still wafts from the pages of this book… living art!
Le Parfum by Jean-Claude Ellena: Thumbs up to the perfume blogosphere from JCE himself…
The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell by Luca Turin: Perfume is fun, and so is science. Luca Turin in great form.
Perfume: Joy, Obsession, Scandal, Sin by Richard Stamelman: Clever title for an even better book.
The Smell Culture Reader edited by Jim Drobnick: A great collection of thoughtful articles on the social dimension of smell.
Update: adding Erin’s contribution…
Erin
When I started contributing lists to Now Smell This in October 2007, I had some occasions in mind to write about: perfumes to wear to work, on a first date, for New Year’s Eve, etc. If I have ended up writing more about categories of perfume and the people who wear them, it is because I have become so interested in the bright, engaged and welcoming personalities that make up this diverse community of fragrance fanatics. I have never regretted my change in focus. I’ve enjoyed reading and re-reading the comment sections to all my posts, but those below are five of my favorite “conversations”:
5 Perfumes for: Women who Want to Borrow
5 Perfumes for: Gourmand Deniers
5 Perfumes for: a Fright Night
231 Comments
Read more about commenting at Now Smell This.
Wow! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I’ll need to check back to figure out when I discovered NST, placed my first “Fragrant Fripperies” (later TPC) order, and became… a perfumaniac. However, NST was probably my “gateway drug” (I mean that lovingly) and is still one of my top two internet sites, even as my blogsurfing has dwindled. I love all the other blogs that I’ve been introduced to via this one, and otherwise, but I really love the little “community” here…. even as I probably comment far more than I should.
Here’s to many, MANY more successfull (and hopefully reduced-stress) years in this endeavor, to Robin, Kevin, Angela, Jessica, Erin, Marcello, and everyone! Thank you so much!
Gateway drug is right! Thank you so much to all of you here. I would probably have the money to buy a house by now if I hadn’t discovered this site. But then I wouldn’t smell as good, and the thought that could ever happen saddens me. The house can wait.
Thanks to you both! We’re happy to be anybody’s gateway drug
Happy Birthday NST! I was not among the privileged readers in 2005 (I was slogging away in law school-wearing the same fragrance every day)- but I have so enjoyed reading as often as I can for 2 years. (Angela- I love the Leather Sisters! And Kevin, I was glad to see you picked your Serge Noir review- it still makes me laugh just thinking about it!)
I really loved reading the lists of favorite articles — they did pick the best! Glad I ran out of time though. The one bad thing about keeping a blog this long is that your old writing never goes away, LOL…
Happy Birthday, NST! I first discovered this amazing blog when I googled gardenia fragrances and found “Gardenia fragrances ~ a few more to consider.” At the time (2005-6?), I was just beginning to wonder about the perfume world, and soliflores were what I was after.
Thanks to this blog, my explorations have taken me so much further afield (and deeper into my bank account…). Thank you all so much! Wonderful writing, perceptive reviews, and lots of humor.
It’s fun to hear what specific articles brought people here, thanks!
Happy Birthday! What a fabulous blog you’ve created Robin- it feels like a real community. Wish I’d been around since the beginning, but I’ve only been reading for a couple of years now. Still so glad that I discovered it when I did. Serge Noire is one of my favorite ever reviews so I was glad to see that Kevin listed it as one of his faves. Angela’s Leather Sisters is also a favorite. You all have done wonderful work on this site. Kudos!
You were better off waiting — we got much better later on
Happy Birthday NST!
I stumbled upon Kevin’s review of Jicky sometime in October/November of 2008 and posted my first comment on the 4th qtr ‘08 Damage So Far poll. You’re the one that started my journey in tripling my collection (previously amassed over the period of 2 decades) in less than a year and growing my knowledge exponentially. Since then I’ve discovered many other wonderful blogs, but NST is where I start my round each day.
Thanks Robin, and the entire team (as well as the usual cast of participating characters) for enriching my scented life!
What a great post to start on — I love Kevin’s review of Jicky!
Happy Birthday!
Like janjan I discovered NST while I was looking for reviews on specific fragrances. I’m a newly minted perfumista and will 3rd the gateway drug description! The articles and comments here have shown me that there’s more to sniff and discover than I ever dreamed possible.
Thanks Thanna!
Live long and prosper, NST.
Robin, you’re a pioneer in blog excellence.
Thanks Quarry!
Happy Birthday, NST!
I remember I was looking for reviews of Jardin Sur le Nil (my favorite at the time) and google search took me to NST. After that I had to read most of the reviews on the site – took me about a month!
Thank you for the wonderful work you’ve done, Robin.
Oh, and I do hate that review! I’ll repeat what I said above: the worst thing about blogging is having to read your own writing. Old posts should expire after 12 months, LOL…
Really?! I remember being impressed and fascinated. Now of course I’ll have to go and re-read it.
LOL…no, please don’t!
Robin, if you want to say hello to your pink-blog-of-the-past, here is what The Wayback Machine captured from March 26, 2005:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050326085700/http://nowsmellthis.blogharbor.com/
And this is the design in 2007:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070611054754/http://nowsmellthis.blogharbor.com/
I do love the wayback machine. It’s as entertaining as looking at vintage copies of magazines or newspapers sometimes. (I’m sure Robin would cringe… but I think screen captures of those old designs should be in an archive somewhere! My inner librarian/information manager coming out.)
Yeah, but that doesn’t really have the design…the banner and the page format are missing/not accurate. The background color is correct though!
Robin and NST Team: THANK YOU, sincerely, for your efforts, your commitment, your time, and your talents as writers and reviewers. I’m a M – F, five days a week reader of NST (yep, it’s a habit), and I enjoy the articles, the reviews, and the conversations/comments, Please keep up the good work!
We’re going to keep slogging on
Dear Robin and team,
Wishing you a very happy birthday ! Do keep up the good work !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It’s been a little over a year since I stumbled across NST while looking for reviews on Hermes 24 Faubourg and Hiris—which at the time seemed like exotic creatures to my department-store-disenchanted nose….I was STUNNED….people carrying on about PERFUMES???? Hallelujah! My People, I have found you! I was thrilled even though I was a raw beginner and knew almost nothing……well, I still know almost nothing, but I’m happy as all get out to stop in everyday and enjoy the posts , the community and add my two cents now and then. I’m grateful for all of you: writers/contributors and commenters ! Thanks mainly to this blog: my perfume collection is a source of constant delight; my house is a little dustier, but I smell fantastic!
LOL at “my house is a little dustier” — yeah, so is mine.
I too found NST by accident while looking up a fragrance. I’ve been a perfumista for years but didn’t realize there was so many other people interested in fragrance. Thank you so much for giving us this venue.
Happy Birthday NST, may you live a long and healthy life!!!
Thanks Filomena!
*stands and applauds*
*pops champagne and pours lavishly for NST crowd*
*hands out generous slices of chocolate fudge cake*
*lays a bouquet of lilies of the valley at Robin’s feet*
Robin, you know very well that I hold you responsible for my perfume obsession and that I am forever grateful to you for that. Bravo, bravo, bravo to everyone for their hard work, and for their generosity and joy.
Oh good, you made a nicer cake than I did
Happy Birthday! I came across this site last May while looking online for ideas for a new perfume. Look at me now – a drawer full of perfume, boxes full of decants and little padded envelopes constantly hitting my mailbox. It’s been great and it’s all thanks to you!
Those little padded envelopes are the best part
Happy birthday!
Like I don’t know how many perfume freaks, I can credit Now Smell This with getting me into perfume. I made one casual purchase that probably never would have been repeated, and wanted to know… something, I think whether it was a children’s perfume, because it was so fruity-sweet.
I Googled, expecting to get maybe a two-line Amazon review, landed on Now Smell This, that was that. Two or three years, fifty-odd bottles, and many hundreds of sniffs later, there’s no end in sight. You’ve led me to, and guided me through, a whole lot of enjoyment. Thank you very much.
Oh, what was that original perfume?
I’m pretty sure it was Fresh Lemon Sugar.
It might have been Hesperides, but I remember it being candy-sweet, and that describes Lemon Sugar.
Congratulations on this milestone and thank you all at NST, esp Robin, for all you do to maintain this lovely & incredibly informative place! I’ve learned so much from all of you. I found NST thru a mention in an article in Allure magazine about niche perfumery. I had no idea such fragrances existed, let alone people who gathered online to discuss them. So much pleasure has been added to my life by finding the NST community! *tosses rose petals*
We love rose petals, thanks
Happy Birthday Now Smell This. You sure do smell wonderful!
Why thank you, and so do you!
All honor the wonderful and capable blog mistress, the witty and adventurous blog staff and the affable and generous community *blows kisses all around*!
Why thank you
Happy Birthday, NST! Big thanks to all the contributors and to Robin for starting. I discovered NST 2, maybe even 3 years ago now and it’s still my favourite perfume blog and the first place I go to for all things fragrance-related
Thanks Abyss!
Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks
Happy Birthday, NST! LastTrainHome and I go back a long way.
This is the only perfume blog I read. I dropped all the others long ago: too much bad, sloppy writing and/or purple prose; too many inaccuracies… Robin and her crew know what they’re on about and express themselves beautifully. Cheers!
Thanks Bela, that’s kind
Happy Birthday Nst! And Congratulations Robin, Kevin, Jessica, Angela and Marcello! I’m glad that you guys exist and that you share so much passion and knowlege about this poetical form of art. I can say that this blog contributed a lot to my growth as a fragrance lover. Here was the place were I read my first niche reviews, where I discovered a lot of brands, a lot of new launches, fun and flawless articles. I hope that you guys have energy to continue doing one of the best blogs available on the net!
Seriously, there have been times that I’ve started to feel burned out, and it is all the nice readers that keep me going. People would probably be very surprised to hear how few comments I’ve had to delete over the course of 5 years — everyone here is so well-behaved, esp. in comparison to some other online venues.
A big Happy Birthday to NST. You are still the best!
Big hugs!
Hugs to you R!
Wow, happy birthday (and many moooore), and congratulations! I think I may have first stumbled on NST in late 2005 — at the very latest by 2006 — and my nervous state this morning as I frantically hit the “refresh” button 50 times is testimony to how much I have come to love this place…
LOL —I know! was that scary this morning or what!
I was in a panic— where’s NST? WHERE’S NST? Why cant’ I get to NST? :-O
LOL…really, doesn’t it figure that that was today? And here’s the kicker…my son’s built in bookcases collapsed last night at 4 am (I’m afraid we have rather a lot of books) and made an unreal noise. I thought the roof had caved in. So I slept later than usual, and woke up to see we’d been down since 1 am. Ugh.
Oh, I can relate (re. spooky noises in the night): my bathroom has been in a state of disrepair for several years now (I just can’t face having workmen in my home; the disruption, etc.) and every so often a tile crashes to the floor – usually in the middle of the night (well, better that than on my head while I’m washing, although I know it *will* happen in the very near future). As you can imagine, if/when I have the bathroom redone, I won’t have it retiled from floor to ceiling the way it is now (it was like that when I moved in). Much too dangerous.
Oh my!! That would make me more insane than having workmen in the house.
Clearly, your house is cleaner than mine. There is nothing more traumatic than having ANYONE in my house (including me, lol).
Doesn’t that kind of disaster ALWAYS happen in the middle of the night? One time I was house-sitting, and the tenants’ jam-packed kitchen cabinets decided to fall down at about 2 a.m. — I thought the end of the world was upon us. And our tree this past Christmas fell down with a big ker-smash one night at about 3 a.m. Who knew inanimate objects could tell time? Hope your son wasn’t too freaked out…
yep always in the middle of the night! My Dad’s painting fell off the easel on two separate occasions! Oil on panel hitting a hard floor is loud!
He was freaked, but maybe less so than we were since we didn’t know he was ok. He sleeps in a loft bed, and my first thought (when I realized the roof was still intact) was that the loft had collapsed with him on it. Ack.
Happy birthday to a genius blog and some of the hardest-working and most generous bloggers around.
Thanks Ari!
An NST virtual birthday party – I LOVE IT!
Happy Birthday! And congratulations to you, Robin and all your contributors for making a truly terrific blog that has become such an important resource for perfumistas & perfumistos everywhere! NST really is the first site that pops up in almost any fragrance-review google search and that’s outstanding! I’m sure that is how so many of us found this idyllic space. And it is.
I discovered NST in December 2008 while I was looking for reviews for fragrances that, come to think of it, have not actually been reviewed here. But I quickly became distracted in my search for those fragrances by all the wonderful perfume talk here. Between NST and TPC my perfume curiosity exploded into a full-blown affliction. And it was fever from which I (and my bank account) actually needed a break last summer. And so I stopped reading regularly and visited only once in a while until I caught the bug again this winter. I’m happy to say that I won’t be disappearing again anytime soon because well, I’m just a happier person when I’m reading your blog, chit-chatting with all the fabulous people here, and of course sniffing widely.
Long-live NST!
Thanks so much! I do think it’s good to go on a buying moratorium every so often, and there are times when I would definitely take a break from sniffing new releases if I could.
happy, happy day!
i thank my lucky stars for the day that i found this blog. i await anxiously every day and scour each new posting and all the comments that follow.
i have an excel sheet that i have created for all the perfumes that i want (have! must!) to try. when i receive a new fragrance, i run to the site to see if there is a review and see if i can pick out all the subtle – and sometimes NOT so subtle – notes that have been mentioned.
oooooohhhh….i’m just so happy to have found you!! you’re like my ipod (whom i’ve named my best friend!) that i suppose i lived without before having. but now that you are in my life, i feel so enriched!!
Oh, how nice — I feel just like that about my iPod!
Happy Birthday! I can’t believe that it’s been five years, time flies when you’re having fun! Thank you for a great read and for the wealth of information I find here every day.
Time does fly! I can’t believe I’ve managed 5 years.
I think that I stumble on NST a few years ago when trying to look up information about the ‘fumes in the Sephora sampler. I got my info and promptly forgot about the blog. Another year passed and it was Sephora scent sampler time again – I ordered it and went looking for more information about individual scents again and found NST again. This time, it stuck and this is my number one daily stop on the internet (okay, I stop by multiple times a day on most days).
I went from an occasional perfume buyer to a confirmed junkie in no time flat, met some wonderful fellow frag fans, and met my number-one-enabler Daisy – who has become a great friend and someone that I can relate to on many things, not just fragrance.
So – thanks Robin, Kevin, Angela, Jessica, and Marcello – you have enriched my life immeasurably and brought new appreciation for a wonderful art form to my life. And I smell a lot better, too!
Ha…you tried to escape but we snared you in the end!
Happy Birthday NST! After discovering the joys of perfume, I needed a blog to supply my new obsession and NST was like a gift from fragrance heaven. With Info, reviews etc I was a novice perfumista within a few months of reading the blog. I love this site with all my Angel-scented heart, another 100 years to NST!
That’s nice, thanks DannyAngel!
A big happy birthday to Now Smell This! What a wonderful site, full of information to check a perfumista’s boxes. I start my day with you and enjoy every minute.
An extra big thank you to Robin for being such a kind, generous and gracious host.
Wishing you many more healthy years of writing and blogging
So happy to hear how many people start their day here
Oh Happy Happy Birthday! So happy you decided to start a blog those years ago. It has blossomed into an invaluable source for fragrance information and knowledge. Many thanks to you Robin and your wonderful staff of writers. Can’t forgot about all the great friends I’ve made here as well. AND THE ENABLERS!!!! HA!
oh sorry…it was difficult to read your comment over the glare from your own big, shiny enablers pin……
touche!
LOL…yes, this is the last place to go if you want to be talked out of buying!
Well…that depends on what you’re planning to buy.
Happy anniversary, Robin. NST is still the first stop on my favorites list.
Thanks L!
Happy birthday to NST and its wonderful crew. And thanks. Thanks, thanks, thanks… times a million.
Aw, thank you!
I forgot to mention how NST has changed my language use! FB’s , Holy Grails, dreck, scrubbers, sniffies, sniff-worthy, FB-worthy…all the abbreviations….J and I were talking about perfume the other evening, our conversation laced with house abbreviations and perfume-adjectives…after a bit the CEO looked over and said “what the heck are you two talking about!?”
Oh—and Kevin’s Serge Noire review is probably my favorite piece ever….and yes , SlopPot-pourri *is* a technical term (at least at my house.)
Hahahaha…. I often have the term “SlopPot-pourri” come to mind, and it always makes me chuckle. But the truth is, I have really learned to enjoy Serge Noire. Which proves that NST really IS effective!
Really, I should add SlopPotpourri to the glossary
And Funky Donkey as a measure of strong musk!
Funkey Donkey! One of the best phrases used here ever.
Happy Now Smell This birthday!
I came across NST after deciding I wanted a new perfume, I don’t remember what I searched… probably something like ‘perfume reviews’ I ended up here and read the whole blog back to the beginning. And I ended up with way more than one new perfume!
Thanks Bunny!
Happy Birthday!
And “till we meet again” to Marcello!
I will have to come back and read all the articles after work, but I wanted to say congratulations, and thank all of you for the hard work and dedication.
I think I am close to my 2-year mark of reading this blog – when did that NYT article come out? That’s the day. I have always loved scent and collected to certain degree, but I felt quite alone in my enthusiasm. Now I not only have people to chat to online and share with, but actual new friends! Pretty cool.
The NYT has been kind to us over the years, so not sure which article it was, but either way glad you found us!
Very Happy Birthday NST! I have learned soooo much from reading NST and check in daily.
Here’s wishing you many happy informative years to come!
Cheers!
I had a heck of a time getting onto your site today – so glad it’s back up and running!
I had a heck of a time too…luckily all settled down now!
Happy happy birthday NST! I can’t recall how I stumbled on to this wonderful site about a year and a half ago, but I am so glad I did! The reviews are great and all the commenters are so helpful and entertaining.
Thanks Odonata!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Throws Confetti!!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Happy Birthday NST! So happy you’re here, I enjoy starting my day with you!! Wishing you a beautifully fragrant day and many more years to come!
Thanks, we love confetti!!
Happy Birthday, NST, and many thanks to Robin, the insightful and talented writers, and wonderful commenters here. You have all filled my days with beauty, humor, and intelligence.
Where was I in 2005? Probably stopping by the department store, sniffing the latest perfume to hit the market and wondering why I rarely found anything I liked. One day in early 2007 it suddenly occurred to me that there were probably people on the internet who reviewed perfume, and perhaps I could find something I liked that way. So I googled “perfume review” and found NST. I have since found a few things I enjoy. And then a few more. And now here I am in 2010 where those few things fill a cabinet.
Isn’t it wonderful how there are people doing *everything* on the internet? Hard to remember life pre-Google.
YAAAAAY!!! 5 years!
Like many of those who love and follow your blog everyday, Robin, I can tell you that NST changed my life and I really can’t imagine not having it to read and reread. Not only it has changed my way of thinking fragrance, but also my way of thinking blogs and sharing informations. Ok stop, this is really entering the “who cares” territory, but I just wanted to thank you. Really, thank you!
LOL…Angie’s “Who Cares” test this morning did make me stop and think. This article doesn’t even pass!!
Happy Birthday, NST!
Like many others who commented, I first found you guys when I was looking for a review of a particular perfume. And when I found you. . . Remember the scene in The Wizard of Oz, where it switches from black-and-white to color? That was stumbling on a group of people who actually knew something about perfume, and could be relied on to say what they thought about it. Thanks, Robin and everyone!
Oh, how nice, thanks!
Happy birthday NST, and a big thank you to you and all your contributors. I’ve been an almost daily reader for about a year now, I stumbled upon the site while perfume shopping, and it went straight to my favourites folder. As I live in a bit of a black hole perfume shopping-wise, this blog has opened up a whole new world of information to me. Though I’m still very much a novice perfumista, I now have a much better idea of what I’m looking for, as I now can recognise some notes I like, and, more importantly, don’t like – I’m looking at you, lavender. I’m now the proud owner of a full dresser drawer (my underwear had to move house) bathroom cabinet, and daughter’s bathroom cabinet (she’s overseas at the moment) of gorgeous smellies. And that’s excluding the little vials that lie in pockets and handbags, and the door pockets in the car. No matter where I am, there’s always an emergency bottle if I need a quick hit of scent. Quite a few of these were purchased unsniffed, after reading through the reviews and comments here, and I’ve truly found some beauties. The only downside to all this is the dreaded credit card meltdown – but hey, I could be spending my money on something far less worthy, like PRACTICAL stuff, only then I wouldn’t smell nearly so good. So please keep up the good work – we need you!
Vials everywhere — that’s perfect! Thanks.
Left a comment on Twitter, but as well do it here too.
Congrats, happy birthday and may you continue for the next five years!
It’s been empowering to all the writers and the perfume enthusiasts that perfume blogging has been acknowledged and valued through the passage of these 5 years. And NST has contributed to that.
Thanks E!
Oh, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NST!!! You are the swellest and the smelliest (in a good way, of course!). This is my favorite blog, hands down. Missed Erin in the lineup – perhaps she is not a current contributor? I’ve enjoyed her articles.
I think I discovered this blog almost exactly two years ago. My Daphne odora shrub was in bloom and I was searching for a perfume with that wonderful smell. I don’t know which article I landed on in that search, but one of the first articles I remember was this one: http://tinyurl.com/perfumista-tip-notes
And that was just one of so many wonderful articles. Thanks!!!
Erin was just late — I added her contribution just a few minutes ago.
Did you ever find a perfect daphne scent?
Great – I’m glad Erin’s still part of the team. No, I never found a perfect Daphne. I did buy Napa Valley Cielo, which has that note along with fig, grape leaves, and honey. I enjoy it!
Like Daisy, I stumbled upon NST not even knowing that such a place or group of people existed. I never knew there were other people who cared about fragrance like others care about wines, or books or vintage cars. The past year or so has been a great and valued adventure for me as I follow the articles and occasionally post a comment. Even though I don’t really know what the heck I’m talking about, I’m always made to feel welcome by Robin and the other NSTers. I work full-time, have two great kids, a dog and a wonderful hubby. I have a rich life – but, well, I don’t get out much these days
Having a place to come and hear from other like-minded scent hounds is a wonderful thing. Thank you, Robin and Happy Birthday!
Thanks! And you never need worry, because we don’t know what we’re talking about either
Happy 5th Bday and many MANY more!
Love you all–I finally have this virtual place where people don’t tell me: “…. but you have sooo many already, do you really need to buy this one?”
oh! oh! how about this one ” that perfume cabinet is packed full, you’ll have to stop buying new stuff. ” Hahahahahha! No one here would ever, EVER say such a thing to me!!
No. We’d all just say “hey, let me help you make room for that…”
Or, share our favorite hiding places where the SO never thinks to look.
well, it’s a relief to know I’m not the only one who has “hiding places”
LOL!! So true.
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I have been reading for about a year and a half (at the start of my perfume obsession) and have learned so much. Wishing you continued success for the next five years and beyond!
Thanks Skrzypce!
Happy birthday, NST. Really thank you for your posts that always inspire me.
Thanks Barb!
Happy Birthday!!
A celebration well earned…and love well deserved. All of you do such a great job here, and I don’t thank you enough for what you do. So glad to see Kevin’s Jicky review as part of the retro round-up; that was the one I immediately thought of (in my mind, it is Kevin/piano/in the room) when I thought of posts that more than informed me, but haunted me. That happened right around the time I started falling down the rabbit hole…and he, and all of you, were a big part of this strange wonderful trip.
Congratulations…and…to the future!
That really was a wonderful post, glad to see it get so many mentions.
Robin, you have a lot to be proud of, you’re a pioneer who figured out the perfumistas needs, and you filled them, simple as that. You were one of the first supporters of natural perfumery back when we upstarts were under fire on the Internet, and we’ll always be grateful for your even handed policy of posting the news about us. I’m a little fearful to go back and read the interview you conducted with me in September ‘05. Things have changed so much, so much. Thanks again, and don’t ever forget who turned you on to TPR
Warmly,
Anya
Thanks Anya, that’s very kind! Except for the TPR.
Happy Birthday NST! 1000 thank yous (and 1000 Jean Patou) for all that you have taught me over the last several years. Robin, you set such a welcoming and friendly tone that we are all better “commenters” as a result. Thanks to the entire NST team for wonderful insightful writing. It’s such a treat to visit & read. <3
Hear, hear!
Thanks GuerlainGirl!
Happy birthday NST !! This is my second post but I been lurking around since 2006, I was looking for a perfume reviews blog online and I found yours first it was a monthly visit then it became a weekly visit, and now it is a daily visit. Even if I’m away I use my cell phone to check your blog and with this I implore you to make a mobile version
Your blog became an addiction as much as my addiction to perfumes! I wish you never consider putting an end to this wonderful addiction
It is horrid that we don’t have a mobile version yet! It is on my to do list, but sadly my to do list is VERY long.
Happy birthday NST! It almost feels like a surprise party after the horrible PANIC this morning when I couldn’t log on. What an appropriate day for a reminder of how important this place is to me. The best information, and a really great community.
Aw, that’s sweet! Thanks Jirish.
Happy Birthday, NST! I believe I found my way to this blog during a 2006 Serge Lutens obsession … but I did not start posting here until about a year ago, I think. This blog is a comforting, welcoming place with fabulous writers all around! Thank you, Robin and everyone!
Thanks Jill!
Congratulations on 5 wonderful years! If it’s been a busy day, I can’t stand to head to bed without checking in here first so here I am. My first visit was from a search on some scent (long forgotten) and I was intrigued to discover there were so many other fragrances beyond department stores. I’ve learned a lot, spent a lot, and laughed a lot. Thank you, all of you!
Thanks Tiara!
Happy birthday, NST!!
I have been reading regularly for at least a year, and I have found the reviews insipirational (they’ve made me buy a few fragrances). I’ve checked the blog even when traveling to distant places
And, yes, the community is very generous with tips and information.
Thanks Sneaky Pie!
Happy B-day!!
Here’s one of my favorite movie scenes to add to the festivities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9jgEqBNa3g
Hugs,
Trish
Wow, it’s been many moons since I saw that! Thanks.
I love Now Smell This, and I’m so grateful that it exists.
Robin, your talented contributers, and your funny/intelligent/charming regular commenters have become an essential part of my daily ritual. If I woke up one day and you weren’t here anymore, I’d be devastated. Wealthier, but devastated : )
Thanks again!!!
LOL…but yes, wealthier!
Happy Birthday, NST! You’re definitely home base for my perfumania and absolutely a daily ritual. Thanks for the ongoing inspiration!
Thanks Gilty!
Late to the virtual party, it’s been a hectic day of snowy commutes and middle school band concerts. Happy birthday, and thank you so much, NST! I came across the site about 2 years ago now, trying to find a store nearby that carried the Hermes Jardins so I wouldn’t have to go back to the mall to decide which “one” I needed. I ended up in one of Robin’s figgy reviews, and was instantly hooked. This was the first fragrance blog I found, and though I’ll occasionally look for information from another, it is the only one I read with any regularity at all.
I love the way each contributor seems to have a special niche and bring his or her own flavor/personality to the blog. Kevin’s humor keeps me laughing; Angela’s beautifully evocative writing makes the world seem richer, though our tastes couldn’t be much more different; Erin’s lists are a great starting point for exploring various topics (and nearly always come with a great story or two); and Robin’s always-informative, balanced reviews are a solid foundation for any perfume lover. So happy birthday to our hard-working, kind and gracious hostess, and to those who help her make this the best fragrance blog out there.
LOL…but did we help you figure out which Jardin to buy?
Thanks
No…you showed me there was more out there than what could be found at Macy’s and Sephora, so I grabbed a mini of Sur le Nil and kept looking for my HG (and acquired 300+ samples and a bunch of splits along the way).
Oh, not to mention the discovery of the discount sites!
I have some good luck rings from Egypt that are incribed “hana wi attar” – happiness and perfume. (Not surprising, given that they’ve been anointing each other with perfumed oils and burning incense for several millennia!) Huge congratulations, thanks and best wishes of even more happiness and perfume to all at NST!!!
Thanks Nozknoz!
What a great site this is! I have been reading about 3-4 years, but was too shy to comment until you moved to this new web software. It is truly a highlight of my day to visit NST, and I really miss it if I can’t get to a computer. Please keep up the great work and thank you to all NST participants.
So glad you decided to join in! Thanks.
Happy Birthday NST!
Way to go!!!
Thanks Ayala!
Who woulda thunk it? Half a decade at it, and y’all are just getting better and better. Love Robin and her gang to pieces, although I do hold the sensitive and soulful (and highly persuasive) Angela personally responsible for my slight (!) “issue” with vintage fragrance collecting and consequent shambles of a bank balance, Kevin for my drooling over the keyboard and nearly causing a short circuit (Kevin, your writing never fails to make me laugh/cry/commiserate/lemming) and Robin (THAT Robin, the real McCoy) for keeping me as sensibly-inclined as a perfumista Stage 4/5 can be under the circumstances. You have saved me money, helped me spend it wisely, informed me, enlightened me, gently corrected me, and challenged me in all the most delightful ways.
I have a feeling NST will just keeping getting better and better. How could it NOT? Here’s to making it to a 2-digit birthday — and beyond.
I second the 2-digit birthday thing!!
Thanks Robin! I take that as Angie is the one who owes you a check, LOL…
Happy Birthday – a fabulous site. Love it and I read it daily.
Thanks Mitsouko!
Happy Happy Birthday Now Smell This!
You are my daily fix: whatever happens in real life, I know I can drop here and find interesting reads, a warm, helpful and often kowledgable community of perfume amateurs, just like me, forever searching the fragrant HG… and very tolerant with my spelling errors!
When I was younger, no internet and no perfume blogs around, I would collect perfume articles, because I just enjoyed so much to hear someone talk about perfume, as much as (and maybe more than) I enjoyed wearing it. It might seem stupid (voir very naif), but as my passion for literature brought me to 17th-19th century France, I thought perfume was a way to connect with what I imagined was the feeling of that period, decadent luxury, awful smells and awesome ones, precious bottles, ugliness and beauty, roughness and refinement.
Just to say Thank you, Robin!
Your blog is the place to go!
And Kevin, that Jicky review is one of my favorite NST reviews, I love it, and every now and then I follow the link and read it again. And hey, you made me discover the papier d’armenie and SMN carta d’armenia stuff. So thank you so much!!!
P.S. I stumbled here in 2007 I think, googling for L’AP Ananas Fizz.
I will pay homage and go read that review again!
Oh no, go read Jicky instead!
Happy birthday!
Your blog was my starting point into the world of perfume and is still a reference site for all the questions I might have. You do excellent work!
Thanks Ines!
Happy birthday! And thank you all for this site that has made my life BETTER! I found NST while googling Jardin sur le Nil after I bought it I think in October 08, I had finally found a perfume that somehow spoke to me. I had a vague suspicion that there had to be “real” perfume somewhere out there, something different from the bland department store fragrances, and oh my there was! I am forever grateful to you who keep this blog running and to all you commenters all over the world for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Thanks Helle! And a great fragrance to start with
Oh poo – of all times to be late to the party!
Warm happy birthday wishes to my favorite blog! I have to say, I really did have a mini panic attack yesterday morning when NST was down. I even had to email a couple of perfumista buddies about it to warn them of the ‘disaster’. 
I stumbled across NST a couple of years ago, and this has become my favorite online hangout due to the many good reasons already given by the wonderful folks here. Oh & I appreciate the list of favorite articles – reading articles I’ve missed will provide some real enjoyment for me while being snowed in yet again! Thank you Robin & everyone here for a truly entertaining and gratifying diversion. XOXO
I had a big panic attack myself! Thanks RusticDove.
Late to the party but…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
I stumbled upon this blog a year and a half ago while looking for UJSLN’s notes and in a space of two weeks (thanks to your reviews Robin)I had bought Black Cashmere,Hinoki and Theorema and have to say that some of them are still high in my of favourites scents (B.C is not agreeing with me anymore sigh..).
Thanks to you as well I discovered Ormonde Woman and so I am always forever indebted to you (love that perfume)and for that
I wish I could send your way a bottle of vintage Diorissimo , but as my budget is tiny ;here is a virtual one instead(sorry).
I love this blog,the polite ,not snob,intelligent and very funny contributors and commenters and I’m happy to be a part of it,
thanks again,Lorena.
Lorena, I will happily accept a virtual bottle of Diorissimo — thanks!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I am an old habituée and I LOVE your blog, Robin!
Thanks to you and all the team for such a lovely work!
Cheers!
Thanks Norma!
Just chiming in to say Happy Birthday and offer my thank-yous for all the great work you and your contributors do on this fantastic blog. And I can’t forget the intelligent, funny and insightful posters (I’m not including me LOL) who add so much as well!
The great thing for me about this site is it allows me to sort out what I might like to try regardless of whether the review is favourable or otherwise – I always get a good sense of what a fragrance is like based on the incredibly descriptive and well written reviews.
So here’s to another 5 maybe 10 maybe ok what the heck maybe 100 years!
Cheers!
Another 5, yes. 100 might be more than we can pull off
Happy Birthday! I don’t remember when I first came upon NST, but I was immediately captivated by the excellent quality of the writing and the warm and welcoming tone of the comments … it’s now my first destination of the day when I log on (at work … don’t tell anyone!) When I first started reading, I barely knew Dior from garage door – I have learned so much, and expanded my horizons hugely! Robin, Angela, Jessica, Kevin, Erin, Marcello – you are all such gifted writers, it’s a joy to read your words every day. I hope for many more birthdays! And now I am going to go re-read Kevin’s review of M. Balmain, the funniest thing I have ever read. Thank you all so much!
I love Kevin’s Balmain conversation too
Happy Birthday! hope for many many more successful years to come!
Thanks Prism!
Congratulations! You remain my favourite perfume blog of all, after three or four years of faithful reading. Thank you for writing!
Thanks Pimpinett!
Congratulations, Robin, as well as to your fine team of writers! I’m a faithful, grateful reader of your blog, if not an avid commenter. Here’s wishing you many more years of comprehensive reporting and great writing!
Thanks Suzanne!
Happy Birthday, Robin! I’m actually quite shocked to realise it’s only five years – it feels as if NST has been a vital part of my life for ever. I think I must have stumbled on the site almost as soon as it started, and just assumed it had been around for ages. I remember the utter joy of learning that I wasn’t the only person in the world who was fascinated by perfume. There are LOADS of us! I’ve always loved NST for its level-headedness and warmth, and that’s just got better as the years have gone by. Thanks for my daily fix!
Yes, isn’t it nice how many of us there are? And growing all the time.
Happy B-Day – and MANY more!!! The best thing about this blog is the laughter and fragranced friendship, followed by the snarky `Hmmmph!` issued by my perfume-hateful mother when I showed this blog to her as PROOF that yt was NOT alone in her love of perfumes!
Hey, my mother feels about the same as your mother.
Oh dear, Angela, I thought I was only at Stage Two, but I think I’ve rushed headlong onto Stage Three. There could be trouble ahead. . .
Congratulations to you and all your great reviewers! You’re my favorite blog, and the one I check first every day.
Thanks Fleurdelys!
Happy Birthday, NST!
Thank you, Robin and the team for this blog so much!
I’m not posting a lot, but I read you everyday, and it’s a great read.
I think I found you in 2006 or 2007, and since then NST is my favorite Internet site. Love you love you love you!
That’s sweet, thanks Lenika!
Happy Birthday NST! And many thanks to Angela and all the writers who make my days brighter. I love this site – it’s a must-read for me every day. What a pleasure it is to get to know people who share my passion!
Thanks Maggiecat!
Happy Bithday NST! I stumbled here by accident, my mother gifted my 16 year old son Shalimar for Christmas in 2007, (he requested the blue bottle, cool water?) I thought she got confused and bought the wrong one, but then she told him my dad always wore this one on special occasions, anyway to make a story short I googled men frags. to see if the Shalimar was for a man or woman and found this treasure NST of wonderful reviews and smart perfume lovers.. I read and somtimes comment and I always feel welcomed. Don’t ever stop reviewing the new and the old as well.. Good work.
What a funny story! What ever happened to the bottle of Shalimar?
He wore it, and I bought him his next, and next bottle!!!
Wonderful!
Happy Birthday NST! I’ve only started reading a few months ago, but love your site and plan to keep reading as long as you’re posting. Cheers!
Thanks Jenny!
Happy Birthday, NST!
Your blog was my route into this hobby – that and the Osmoz directory – exactly two years ago. Thanks so much for plugging the gap in the market for a comprehensive perfume resource! It has been invaluable, and a lot of fun. I have also made some great friends through the site, some of whom I have met in person – the others I hope to one day…!
Thanks Flittersniffer!
Happy Birthday! I am a newly-obsessed perfumista and this site has been invaluable to me for info. Thank you!
So glad, thanks Astra!
I found NST through a pamphlet that I received from The Fragrance Foundation when I took their on-line course. NST remains my favourite to this day. I wonder, Robin, if you realize that this is the number one perfume blog on the planet? You and your talented writers give us such joy. Thank you for maintaining this wondrous site that is all class. It is my go-to, even on vacation!
Congratulations on this milestone!
I would like to take this opportunity to mention Angela’s article that sticks out in my mind: it’s the one on phantom fragrances, the one’s we think we smell when no apparent odor is present and the ones we sense in our dreams. I guess it struck a chord because I’ve experienced it.
I apologize for the use of an unnecessary apostrophe in the word “ones”.
Celestia, cool — and how was that course? I’ve never talked to anyone who has taken it.
Robin: I will write you personally (as my time permits) with the details.
Celestia
Happy Birthday NST! Thank you for the great reviews, the very helpful information and the nice communication!
Thanks Parfumliefhebber!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
All my deepest gratitude for keeping this blog alive and beeing truly a role model for me. (I have not escaped of my pink and ugly design, but hey, it’s the content. My blog will turn 5 years in august… )
And you really give us great content, a great athomsphere to discuss and to share interest and knowledge. THANK YOU!
(I also improved my english here:-)
Thank you also in the name of all my friends who are happy to learn fro me what I have learned from you – perfume is more then scent.
I like your site design! Trust me, mine was horrid.
I’m late, but happy birthday to this blog, which I love, yes, because it’s such a comprehensive labor-of-love central station for all things perfumed, but also for sentimental reasons. See, I found Luca Turin’s blog in 2005 via a link right here.
Love that, Tania!
Pretty sure that’s the only marriage we’ve brought about. Will add that to our list of accomplishments!
Hello All!
I think I joined in 2006. Almost sure about this.
Anyway, I cannot say nothing more than what I say usually…which is THANK YOU ALL!!! for sharing, for writing great articles, for the love you pour into this.
I’ve been on the internet since october 1995, and what I’ve learnt to recognize in an healthy online community is that if you see on a site or chatroom people that are from VERY diverse backgrounds but that keep coming back in an environment of respect and tolerance, then you have a winner… And for me NST is one of those rara avis…
I’ll raise my cup tonite and toast to you all, and specially to Robin.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks Kaos.Geo! We really have been lucky — so few unpleasant people have ever come here to waste time. I’m sort of shocked at how few comments I’ve had to remove in 5 years.
Congratulations and Thank You! so much for giving us NST. It can be so intimidating for newcomers to start posting here, but you make everyone welcome and provide encouragement to all.
The blog is my daily obsession (humming the Cheer’s theme).
Thanks Antje! I wish it was less intimidating, but we do our best.
Congratulations! Thanks for being largely unbiased, nigh encyclopedic and generally delightful.
The blog is grand – woohoo!!
We’re trying, thanks!
Congratulations!! As I try and decide which of my many newly acquired scents to wear each day I have to say thank you!! I love perfume, always have and am so happy to have come across this blog. What a pleasure it is to read the reviews and comments!
Thanks Wicket1!
Congratulations and thank you for providing such a helpful, well-written and insightful blog. I used to wear perfume rarely but found a scent I liked in 2008 that reawakened my interest. I wanted to learn more, which led me to this blog, which led me to discovering many other scents and lines I would never have encountered otherwise (hello, Ormonde Jayne and LAP).
All of you regular contributors write with such polish and style, and the other commenters on here are so helpful. Here’s to five more years–and beyond!
Thanks ZenArcade! Always happy to introduce people to Ormonde Jayne
I happened on NST when I googled Chanel Cristalle. I wanted a cheap deal on it and read your very humorous review. It may have been your preference for Roger Moore ( over Sean Connery) it may have been the light slightly ironic tone, all I know was that I was hooked. Bought my Cristalle ( edt of course) at a local shop and started to read. The irony of it is that I have spent so much money on perfume in the past year and a half, whereas I initially discovered the sight aiming to save some.
Many congratulations on all this work, and please keep Nowsmellthis afloat!
Thanks Austenfan! Glad we’re all keeping Cristalle in production.
Belated birthday wishes, I found NST when I Googled Nahema. The writers are amusing and enlightening and my perfume collection has blossomed ( love my florals). Thanks and do carry on the good work.
Thanks Sunsetsong!
Congratulations NST! and THANKS for all you have made us know about fragrances and more!
Best wishes from Argentina
Thanks Perfumelover!