Stella by Stella McCartney

It smells sparkling, with strong, bubbly, and acidic roses and peonies. It wakes you up; it’s a potent floral. I remember smelling it for the first time at Sephora with a friend; I was very shy back then, so I asked her what she was wearing because we loved it so much. It’s a scent that turns heads. The sales associate gave me a sample, and I added it to my wishlist for years. On a trip to England, the flight attendants were selling it tax-free, and I regretted every day I didn’t buy it. When I returned, I didn’t hesitate for a second and bought it, even though it was expensive for me. Since then, I’ve never regretted it. I’ve never smelled anything like this: potent, with lasting sillage, a dark floral, acidic, and sparkling.

It brings back memories of 90s doll packaging. The smell of opening cardboard boxes and plastic with toys. I love that little detail.

Nice for everyday wear, it’s fresh, clean, with soft and sparkling roses, very cheerful. I detect a hint of patchouli even though it’s not listed among the notes.

It’s like carrying a bouquet of beautiful flowers for hours, and it’s a pity that roses aren’t my favorite floral note because they stand out so much on me. That’s why I decided to gift it to my mom. It has a moderate trail and excellent longevity.

Stella McCartney, January 2016. I still have almost a full bottle left that I absolutely love. I’ve used it frequently, but it’s no longer available in Spain; I’ve only seen it at some airports. I think it’s a distribution issue… I don’t know. Anyway, it has few ingredients but smells divine and lasts quite a while on my skin. The rose mixed with amber really stands out. One of the best scents in rose perfumes. I’ve received many compliments when I wear it. I hope to see it again soon; if not, I’ll have to make the rest last a long time because it’s become one of my favorites. Moderate trail, leaning heavy, and moderate to heavy longevity. There is now a 2014 reedition I haven’t tried (besides these components, it also has woody notes). I hope it’s just as fantastic. Cheers.

The notes listed here are exactly what I can smell in this fragrance, especially the rose. I like that it’s such a simple perfume. I apply it and, all of a sudden, there are all the notes: rose, mandarin, peony, and amber (at least on my skin, they appear in that order of intensity). It doesn’t change suddenly, it doesn’t seem synthetic… This is what I call a straightforward and direct perfume. I recommend Stella to anyone who likes fresh florals.

It’s one of my best purchases, it’s the classic scent of white roses. Very fresh and a bit citrusy, but very pleasant; it smells clean and floral, very feminine.