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Ava Luxe - Favourite scent, and why? (Along with other questions!)

post #1 of 40
2/19/08 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
Well, i've seen more Ava Luxe creations in more women's wardrobes, so I thought this would be the best place to ask these questions.

I've located Ava Luxe's website, but am a bit confused, on Etsy she only has a couple of fragrances for sale. Have the older ones been discontinued? If so, does anyone know where they might be available? Or if the creator herself only makes things when contacted? As I saw some things that were 'reserved' to certain people.

Apart from those questions, what's your favourite Ava Luxe scent, and why?
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post #2 of 40
2/19/08 at 12:14pm
Serena used to sell all of her scents on ava-luxe.com, but she closed the site several months ago. I believe she basically said she just needed a break. She puts a few things up on etsy from time to time, but if you want something specific, email her through etsy and she will make it for you. She'll then put it up on the site and say "reserved for ____". She is planning to reopen the original ava-luxe.com, with fewer scent choices, but she recently had a technical delay. Over on MUA, we're all waiting with bated breath...

I have so many favorites: Olibanum (divine incense) Palisander (a dead ringer for Tam Dao), Egyptian Musk among them. Her scents are well-blended, sophisticated and very wearable. No headshop nightmares. Plus, they are a bargain compared to mass market releases.
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post #3 of 40
2/19/08 at 12:31pm
The only Ava-Luxe I've sampled is her Gardenia Musk, which I find understated and absolutely lovely!
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post #4 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:00pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks sarahn, she has so many scents that sound divine, and they're so affordable and unique, i'm really drawn in I've been wanting to try loads of scents:

Cafe Noir
Loukhoum
Biba
Firewood
Milk
Dark Chypre
Fumari
Golden Amber
Incense Musk
Madame X
Kretek
Opoponax
Sweet Amber Wood
Vamp
Shisha
Rasa

As you can see, it's a long list, and i'm not sure if I should ask Serena for samples (I'm willing to pay) as she might not have the fragrances made xD, I think i'll request a couple of those, and see how it goes
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post #5 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:33pm
Golden Amber and Rasa are two of my faves as well. I would email her your list and ask which ones will still be available on the new site when its relaunched. Then ask for samples of those. That way if you like them, you'll still be able to get them! Nothing worse than having a favorite get discontinued...
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post #6 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:35pm
I have tried quite a few Ava Luxe's. Her frags and packaging are very chic for the price. Madame X and Love's True Bluish Light are in my wardrobe. Love, love, love. I am hoping for samples of Midnight Violet(never sniffed but on a violet kick) and Kama (I'm remembering it a lot like MKK) in my next order! I think she does the best vanilla musk on the planet, but LTBL is just a smidge over the edge to a sexy comfort scent.
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post #7 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:36pm
Love's True Blueish Light - I go through bottles of this stuff because I love to wear it at bedtime nearly every night. "Dreamy" is the best way I can describe it.
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post #8 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the replys guys, i've just sent out an e-mail, i'll let you know how it goes !
I've recently got this dirty scent thing appeal, so i'm hoping Kama will be available. Just tried some Bandit EDP (Robert Piguet, yes, off topic :P) and damn, it's good!
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post #9 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:42pm
  • tdi
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My favorites are Loves True Bluish Light, Ambre Tibet, Golden Amber and No. 23. There are so many I have not tried yet though.
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post #10 of 40
2/19/08 at 1:47pm
I have only tried Love's True Bluish Light and Film Noir (thanks tdi). Love LTBL so much! Sent a message to Serena to order a bottle of the stuff and now I'm just waiting for it to arrive So excited!
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post #11 of 40
2/19/08 at 2:13pm
My absolute favourite is Milk; it's divine. I also own bottles of Madame X and Heart of Glass. Other favourites include: Film Noir, Rasa X, Ambra Tibet, Ingenue, Camisole, Sunday Girl (though she turned on me last time I wore her), and the list goes on.

I don't think Serena is too keen to do samples anymore, though maybe I'm wrong about that. In any case, I have a number of samples that I'd be happy to send on to you (Cafe Noir, Firewood, Dark Chypre, Fumari, Shisha, Madame X and Milk.) PM me your addy if you're interested.
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post #12 of 40
2/19/08 at 2:22pm
Thread Starter 
Oh my god, thankyou Pellen!!!!!!!!!!!

You have no idea about how happy you've made me
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post #13 of 40
2/20/08 at 1:36am
My absolute favourites that I wouldn't be without: Gardenia Musk, Love's True Bluish Light, Madame X, Rasa, Madeline
I also have Cafe Noir which is a great scent but I really have to be in exactly the right mood for it. It can be worn just as well by a man as a woman.
I also recommend Tuberose Diabolique.
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post #14 of 40
2/20/08 at 2:03am
Thread Starter 
Hmm, i've been wanting to try some Tuberuse scents, I was going to start with sampling the Tuberose scent that's xclusive to Le Labo NY, ill give the ava luxe a shot too
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post #15 of 40
2/20/08 at 7:35am
Just love love love the Madame X. I have two bottles of parfum (one as backup). It's my comfort, go to scent.
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post #16 of 40
2/20/08 at 7:56am
Film Noir and Midnight Violet are IMO two of Ava Luxe's finest creations.
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post #17 of 40
2/20/08 at 8:13am
I have already big bottles edp of Cafe Noir,Midnight Violet and Moss.
Which other do you suggest for man?
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post #18 of 40
2/20/08 at 8:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by giannis View Post

I have already big bottles edp of Cafe Noir,Midnight Violet and Moss.
Which other do you suggest for man?

Many of the woods are beautiful, Palisander and Johri are two I own that I would recommend men to try. Also the sandalwood musk, Nude Musk is superb, IMO

Some of my favorites are Midnight Violet, Queen Bess, LTBL, Rasa, Madonna Lily and Nude Musk.
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post #19 of 40
2/20/08 at 8:38am
Thank you for your suggestion!
Just thinked that only the Kama,from the musk range, is recommended for men.
Palisander pyramide sounds good.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zibeline View Post

Many of the woods are beautiful, Palisander and Johri are two I own that I would recommend men to try. Also the sandalwood musk, Nude Musk is superb, IMO

Some of my favorites are Midnight Violet, Queen Bess, LTBL, Rasa, Madonna Lily and Nude Musk.
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post #20 of 40
2/20/08 at 8:52am
I own and love Midnight Violet and L'sTBL, but would still like to get a bottle of Gardenia Musk, another favorite.
I agree, Serenas creations are sophisticated and divine. Really beautiful scents without trying too hard. I love them!
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post #21 of 40
2/20/08 at 8:38pm
Madame x, Loves True Bluish, Roses & Incense Noir are my faves and I have full bottles. I think I have tried half of her scents before she went offline - and there was only about 4 or 5 that I disliked. Serena is amazing.
I know she is going to be doing 5ml deluxe samples - but email her your 'wish list' and she will let you know what she is making or has in stock. I currently have ordered about 20 5ml deluxe samples.

For anyone who is still procastinating about trying Ava - Madame X, LTBL, Rasa and Midnight Violet are my picks to try first. You get a real scale of what Serena is capable of.

IMHO, Wild Black Fig, Biba & Patchouli Leaves can be worn easily by men. Incense Noir starts out as tar rubbed on your pulse points - but my God! it is divine after 15/20mins. Imagine Midnight Violet but 'burnt'.

Ava Luxe are second to none for original scents with terrific quality. The price does not reflect how wonderful these frags are. (I know, I'm gushing )
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post #22 of 40
2/20/08 at 11:06pm
Her new one, Hong Kong Garden, is amazing. The description is up on her etsy shop when it's in stock - woody, iris-based, but rose, grass and cassis pop in there too.

I'm wearing Incense Rose today, and can't stop smelling my wrists. Want to try layering it with Loukhoum.
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post #23 of 40
2/21/08 at 2:58am
Giannis, Palisander is more than good; I bought backup of this.
If you adore rosewood, you will swoon.
I have too many to list, and there are few that I dislike.
I have a cache of backup bottles of:
Madame X
Midnight Violet
Ambra Tibet
Kretek

Her incenses are amazing- Zibs and I heartily agree on the woods, for which she has a great love !

I have a sneaking suspicion Vivek might like Royal Parvati- which is truly heartbreaking in
its authenticity, with sandalwoods and exotics aplenty.

I have many of her florals, including Roses, Frangipani, Orange Flowers, Gardenia Musk.
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post #24 of 40
2/21/08 at 3:32am
Thank you for your suggestion!

Palisander and Patchouli leaves will be my next purchases.

Giannis
Quote:
Originally Posted by chayaruchama View Post

Giannis, Palisander is more than good; I bought backup of this.
If you adore rosewood, you will swoon.
I have too many to list, and there are few that I dislike.
I have a cache of backup bottles of:
Madame X
Midnight Violet
Ambra Tibet
Kretek

Her incenses are amazing- Zibs and I heartily agree on the woods, for which she has a great love !

I have a sneaking suspicion Vivek might like Royal Parvati- which is truly heartbreaking in
its authenticity, with sandalwoods and exotics aplenty.

I have many of her florals, including Roses, Frangipani, Orange Flowers, Gardenia Musk.
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post #25 of 40
2/21/08 at 7:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey eyed View Post

Her new one, Hong Kong Garden, is amazing. The description is up on her etsy shop when it's in stock - woody, iris-based, but rose, grass and cassis pop in there too.

I'm wearing Incense Rose today, and can't stop smelling my wrists. Want to try layering it with Loukhoum.


Tell us more about the Hong Kong Garden! I've been looking at that one for a while now!
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post #26 of 40
2/21/08 at 8:23am
Okay then....

The first blast of HKG on me is teak, with a buttery orris root on it. (I also have her Teakwood, and I suspect they share some elements.) After the dryness of the teak gives way a little, you get the grass, rose and cassis coming through. There is some woodiness still underneath - sandalwood, I think? So most of the time I have it on, I get sandalwood/iris, with pops of green and floral above it. The pops change from time to time, which feels like magic.

Here's her description: This fragrance is based around the ethereal Iris flower. The root of the iris known as orris root has a sweet , earthy and somewhat powdery aroma which is very distinctive. The opening notes sing with brilliant fresh verdant hues of cassis, citrus , green grass, and a hint of metallic aldehyde which give it an unusual twist. The top notes give way to heart notes of iris, rose, white violet and musk. The base notes are where the fragrance is most pronounced with deep vetiver, powdery sandalwood, orris, ebony and mosses.
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post #27 of 40
2/21/08 at 9:23am
Thread Starter 
dewey eyed, that sounds fantastic! Is it too powdery though?

And chayaruchama i'll check out royal parvati by Ava Luxe
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post #28 of 40
2/21/08 at 10:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey eyed View Post


Here's her description: This fragrance is based around the ethereal Iris flower. The root of the iris known as orris root has a sweet , earthy and somewhat powdery aroma which is very distinctive. The opening notes sing with brilliant fresh verdant hues of cassis, citrus , green grass, and a hint of metallic aldehyde which give it an unusual twist. The top notes give way to heart notes of iris, rose, white violet and musk. The base notes are where the fragrance is most pronounced with deep vetiver, powdery sandalwood, orris, ebony and mosses.

Sounds like Iris Poudre! Has anyone tried both?!
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post #29 of 40
2/21/08 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lookingglass View Post

Sounds like Iris Poudre! Has anyone tried both?!

This is what I am thinking, except I do better with ALs than FMs.
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post #30 of 40
2/21/08 at 10:22am
I don't get too much powder. I also don't get aldehyde, unless that's the teaky dryness I'm getting in the beginning.

I have to say this is the best thing I've tried in a while.
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post #31 of 40
2/21/08 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 
Ahh, Serena is fantastic, I can see why so many people love her She just sent me a really friendly e-mail back, saying she doesn't do samples, but because i've never smelt an ava luxe scent before (Which I havent) she can sell me some samples ! I'm going to order a couple after a bit more research into them
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post #32 of 40
2/21/08 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivek View Post

Ahh, Serena is fantastic, I can see why so many people love her She just sent me a really friendly e-mail back, saying she doesn't do samples, but because i've never smelt an ava luxe scent before (Which I havent) she can sell me some samples ! I'm going to order a couple after a bit more research into them

That is very sweet. Yes, that is her style exactly. What did you order?
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post #33 of 40
2/21/08 at 2:45pm
Thread Starter 
Well, Pellen is sending me some samples, so i'm going to see what I receive from her first, and then i'll be buying 3-4 of the ones I haven't received off Pellen. I'll probably also buy a bottle or two from the samples that Pellen sends me, simply because of the price, at $26, they'd make fantastic gifts too
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post #34 of 40
2/21/08 at 7:56pm
My LTBL arrived today $26 may sound cheap but for us Aussies after conversion to local currency and postage the total cost was just over AUD50 for a 30mL bottle.
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post #35 of 40
2/22/08 at 8:01pm
Sadly I feel like I really missed out here.
I've only had a chance to try a few of AL creations
and have fallen in love with each and every one of them.
Ambre Tibet, No. 23, Loukhoum, Milk, Shisha, and LTBL.
I'm so curious about
Madame X, Midnight Violet, Moksha, Kama, Tuberose Diabolique
since I read about them so frequently on Basenotes.
I too will just have to see about contacting her and
arringing for a few purchases. Hopefully her site goes up soon .
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post #36 of 40
2/22/08 at 9:24pm
Agent P, she has a shop on etsy.com (http://avaluxe.etsy.com) where you can purchase her fragrances. What she has available changes from time to time, so it's always worth peeking. She has Madame X, Moksha and Kama up right now, along with some others.
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post #37 of 40
3/4/08 at 10:11am
Thread Starter 
Just got the sexyest set of samples off the fantastic Pellen! <3

Tried Milk on one wrist, Shisha on the other. Shisha is fantastic, totally cool and hot. I'd wear it anywhere.

I'm liking Milk too, not as much as Shisha due to the sweetness, but it's one of those scents you wear when you know no one's going to be smelling you (as it's quite feminine imo for a guy!) But, i'd blates wear it to sleep in
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post #38 of 40
3/18/08 at 10:03pm
I've tried quite a few, too. I love Queen Bess for a spicy cinnamon kick. I also really like Pearl Musk. I used to wear Creative Scentualization Perfect Veil almost exclusively 4-5 years ago and Pearl Musk is almost identical to it and much cheaper.
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post #39 of 40
3/19/08 at 6:12am
I've never tried an Ava Luxe fragrance, but I REALLY like the sound of LTBL and Milk! I'm tempted to order, but like Jillsy has said earlier in this thread... with currency conversion and international postage that $26 bottle isn't nearly so cheap anymore!!

If I did make an order, then I'm starting to think that maybe if I ordered several different scents it'd be more worthwhile. That way I'm getting more perfumes, and for only + $1 on the postage for each one.

Ah, so many fragrant desires, so little expendable cash....
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post #40 of 40
3/19/08 at 7:52am
Looky, looky !
It's LISA !!!

Wow, what a hot pic, baby....
[I ordered a bottle of QB, it makes me think of you !]
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Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Female Fragrance Discussion › Ava Luxe - Favourite scent, and why? (Along with other questions!)