The whole point of my Fifty Two Shades of Shay series is for you to get to know me better. Sometimes, by getting to know me, I might have a useful tip or a great pair of wedges to show you. Today, it’s all about the way this mama smells. And I smell pretty darn good!
I don’t know when I became obsessed with scents but it’s an absolute obsession. My mom isn’t a scent person. She has probably 15 bottles of random perfume at her house that she uses…but for me, I adore scents and I wear them depending on the season…they’re important to me. I love, love, love bath gel, lotions, body sprays and perfumes. Today’s post is all about my good scents ;).
(As a side note, I was not in any way paid by Bath and Body Works for what I’m about to say about their products…but if they’d like to send me a thank you note a bunch of free lotion, I’d be happy to supply my address!)
From March through August, I use this fabulous lotion and shower gel…
Bath and Body Work’s Lemon Vanilla scent is my go-to spring and summer lotion/shower gel. Every year, they say it’s seasonal and won’t ever be back…and every year, it comes back. In January, they always bring it back as part of their big 75% off sale and so I stock up. I keep it in my gym bag and my bathroom. It’s a scent that will just make you happy. I use the shower gel and lotion but since I shower at night, in the morning when I wake up, I feel like I need a great perfume that compliments the Lemon but has a sophisticated and lovely scent…so, that’s when I spritz on my favorite spring/summer perfume…
I only wear two perfumes and Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb is one of them. I wear it every day during the spring and summer and it always smells light and fresh. I love it. I love perfume because it can define you. A person can be remembered by their cologne/perfume…and trust me, I’d love for you to remember me by this one!
After the warm months of summer, I am practically giddy over my fall scents. And when I say giddy, I mean, I refresh my Bath and Body Works webpage over and over again, hound the people in store and scour my inbox for emails about their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin scent.
I’m not lying…two weeks ago, I called Andrew during the middle of the day and said, “This has been the best day ever!”, and he said, “What? Did they get your pumpkin lotion in?”. And they had. And that’s why it was the best day. And that’s why he’s a good husband…because he knows stuff like that.
The first time I bought this stuff was my freshman year of college 13 years ago…and I stock up and hoard this stuff like some kind of animal preparing for winter. I swear the weather in Texas cools off a good 30 degrees just by me wearing this (at least in my head it does).
Right now, you should go buy yourself some. It’s amazing how a little bottle of lotion can perk you up and make your day just a little brighter. My mom always told me that she appreciated the fact that something as simple as lotion or a candle could make me so happy. I’m a firm believer in that it’s the little things in life that give us the greatest joy. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin equals joy.
Find it all right here!
And what perfume do I pair with my fall and winter scents? My absolute favorite perfume in the world…it makes me smile every morning when I put it on…
I have no words. It’s wonderful. It’s my favorite. I will never not wear it. I love it. Do you get how passionate I am here people?
But…I’m not done. I’m saving the very best for last. Yes, I love the Lemon Vanilla in the spring and summer and yes, the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin makes me cozy and warm…but what scent is my absolute favorite, I’ve blogged about it for years, I’ve named a bundt cake after it, I once bought an entire case of it…it is my favorite and I still have 8 bottles left from last year to take me until this November when they bring it back…
Vanilla Bean Noel.
Let’s just pause and pay our respects to the best smell ever created.
I’m obsessed with this stuff to a level you just don’t understand. I keep a bottle in my purse 365 days a year. I wear it daily from November through the first warm day of spring, but I always have it with me in case I need a little extra something happy. It’s the best.
Just you wait until this November when it hits the stores and online…you will see it and think of me. They should just go ahead and get rid of the reindeer and put my face right on the bottle.
So now I want to know…what scents make you happy? What do you wear? Scents are so important! We recall memories from a scent, we think of people we’ve lost and loved from scents. Scents can be very powerful. What’s your scent? I would love to know!
Next week, we move from one vice to another in my life…it’s Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Coffee. Enough said?
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Today on the foodie blog, a quick and easy breakfast casserole that we like to eat for dinner!
Have a great day!
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Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Your enthusiasm for lotion, candles, and perfumes knows no bounds. Some might think you're a little bit crazy….. but you smell DIVINE. I love your passion! 🙂
Tricia says
My heart belongs to Vanilla Bean. This is why we're blog friends. Can't. Get. Enough. However, Victoria's Secret "Love Spell" is another favorite. As for perfume, Gucci pink is at the top of my list. What is your favorite scent on Andrew?
Tara G. says
Pregnancy brought my sense of smell to the extreme sensitivity level and it never went away. Lavender is my nemesis. But vanilla, pumpkin, and apple don't bother me as long as I'm not wearing them- love them in candles. These scents have been around for a while, but they work for me- Red by Giorgio and RL Romance- one is heavier for fall/winter, the other lighter, but the base notes share some common ingredients.
flower de lis says
I think my first ever "real" perfume was Burberry Brit and it is still my absolute favorite!!! Just got a new bottle for my birthday!! And ditto on the great smelling candle or lotion making you giddy!!! Agreed!!!
MC says
I spent ten years working as a sales associate for Bath & Body Works, so I obviously LOVE their stuff. My all-time favorite, I think, is Twilight Woods. It's the one I still reach for most often. I also always loved Black Raspberry Vanilla and Coconut Lime Verbena, although those are now retired classics, so they are not as available as their once were.
Aubrey says
Like you, I wear seasonal scent. Fall and winter is Molton Brown's Heavenly Gingerlily (http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/fragrance/heavenly-gingerlily/heavenly-gingerlily-eau-fra-icircche/LB089/). Kate just calls it "mum's smell." 🙂
I'm looking for a new summer scent but I keep dragging my feet becuase the weather is PRACTICALLY THE SAME YEAR ROUND here in England! If you moved here too you could wear your Burberry Brit year round like the actual Brits do. 🙂
Carmen says
Your enthusiasm is contagious! 🙂 I love Chanel Chance for summer, and Estee Lauder Youth Dew for winter. Chanel Allure is lovely, too!
Jennifer Cannon says
Listen, I have a serious love for sweet cinnamon oumpkin too! the other day…. I ran OUT of the body wash, (my last bottle) Such a horribe feeling!! I immediatley got out of the shower went to Bath and Body works with wet hair (which is so not like me!) To purchase some more! Not to mention… I walked out of there with 3 new 3 wick FALL candles! It made my day.
I also love love love Viva La Juicy ( Juicy Couture) , Kate Spades "Twirl", and chanel!
Everyones indivual scents is such a great way to share their personality! I understnd your love for smelling great! 🙂
Much love girl!
Jennifer
Amy Lynn says
I am obsessed with scents too…probably just as obsessed as you but in a slightly different way…I love to try out new lotions and body washes, so I literally have a large sized Tupperware bin full of them. I love Victoria's Secret love spell for body wash and lotion. My perfume…..I am obsessed with. Everyone I have ever come in contact with tells me how great I smell when I'm wearing it….. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. It is AMAZING all year round.
Kelly Jo says
I love scents! I have worn the same one for 10 years! Might have to change it up though! Does Andrew wear Spicebomb? That's a good one for guys!
Julie C. says
I love your excitement for scents!! I'm the same way!! I as well LOVE Vanilla Bean. As for my perfumes, I used to only wear either Clinique Happy or Clinique Happy Heart. BUT this summer I have discovered (thanks to you) Pink Sugar. I absolutely LOVE it!!! It makes me happy!! It is the perfect summer scent!!!
Traci says
I love Burberry Brit, Vanilla Bean Noel, and the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. I think I'm going to have to try the other scents you mentioned. We seem to have a similar scent palat.
Paula says
I look fotward to all things pumpkin! Cookies, pie, bread, candles, lotions…. 🙂
Paula says
Oh, and and the all important Pumpkin creamer and Latte! I must not forget those! 😉
Heather says
LOVE Warm Vanilla Sugar from BBW!!! My go-to scent when I can decide! I also LOVE Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin too! The scent that takes me back to high school is Lucky You-LOVE!!!
Laci Murray says
I love the Sensual Amber scent by Bath and Body Works!! I also love the fall scents in the candles!
The Schauble Family says
After living in Germany for six years, Bath and Body Works is one of my favorite stores. We only received limited scents at our Base Exchange, so it nice to walk into a full store now. I have supplied all my bathrooms and sinks with their soaps and lotions. I love the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. Now living in Florida, it makes me like fall is coming. I love reading your blog daily. Have a blessed day! Your family is in my prayers as your progress on your adoption journey.
Suzie says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Flowerbomb. Funny story. I was in a perfume store at Epcot last fall and I was wearing Flowerbomb. As we were walking away, I had a woman run up behind me and ask me what scent I was wearing. She said her husband had smelled me as I walked by him in the store and told her "That's the smell. I love it."
I would recommend that you try scents by Jo Malone. You can "Mix and Match" them to create your own signature fragrance!
alliboo8 says
I've never really been a scent wearer but lately I've have felt the need??? ha! I've been wearing Victoria's Secret 'Sun Kissed' and I LOVE it!
My co-worker wears NOEL and I always tell her how good she smells. Like you she hoards the stuff so she was sweet enough to share one of her bottle with me. It really does make you smile when you wear it!
I'll have to check out your other suggestions for fall.
Shawnee says
My absolute favorite Bath & Body scent is Brown Sugar and Fig…..LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!
Anonymous says
I am a lotion/perfume hoarder to the point that this year I seriously had to stop buying and use up my stash! Fall favorites: Victoria Secret Vanilla Lace lotion, Paloma Picasso perfume (it's old but my body chemistry mixes well with it, tons of compliments when i wear it). And my new favorite is Pink Sugar! Seriously could wear this throughout the year. And my 10yr old son says i smell like candy!
Maria
Brooke says
Vanilla Bean Noel is my love language! Just a whiff of it can take me straight to Christmas with the best memories and warm fuzzy feelings:) Also Victoria Secrets Love Spell is Ah-maze-ING! And Pink Chiffon at BBW is a great one also. Loved this post!!
Jaren says
You're too funny! I'll definitely have to check those out! You are an excellent seller! Was that your major?? LOL! My favorite favorite perfume is Pleasures, and my hubby always keeps it stocked for me. My second favorite is D&G Light Blue. They are both light springy scents!
Anonymous says
I am currently obessed with See by Chloe perfume.
http://www.sephora.com/seebychloe-P377778
trust me, it is life changing.
V @ X-tremely V says
I have been obsessed with the Vanilla Noel and Sweet Pumpkin scents for years and that is all I wear in the Fall & Winter months as well! During the spring and summer months I switch to the Apple, Strawberry, and Cucumber scents 🙂 I am a B&BW girl all the way!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
ooh I am right there with you!
I love bath & Body works, I love their white citrus, its so refreshing! and I just tried their honey apple crisp the soap is yummy!!
now, above all I am a perfume girl, I wear it to bed, not kiddin, a little on before bed, makes you smell good and relax!
my fav's are
Roberto Cavali, jimmy choo, and my all time fav, and it's not even expensive, is PAul Smith women. It's not easy to get in the states, but I am going home to ( Yorkshire, England) next month.. time to stock up :)! for a light smell, I like chanel chance.
i'm gonna check out burberry brit!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
I don't wear perfume often, but when I do it's usually D&G Cool Blue. Mostly I wear Baby Magic lotion…I'm obsessed with that smell! And now I'm craving Christmas Morning, bc we always have that egg casserole!! xo
Amie says
I love me some Bath and Body Works anything really BUT my favorite right now is the Paris Amour 🙂
Darcy says
I love Vanilla Bean Noel too – it's such an addictive scent and makes me so happy. And my favorite perfume right now is 'Viva la Juicy – La Fleur'.
Alice says
I don't wear perfume. Weird, huh? But I love me some Bath & Body Works body wash and lotion. I like Twilight Woods, Sunrise, Coconut Lime, and anything really!! I am ordering some of that pumpkin one right now!!
aprilparrish says
I love BB&W!!! My all time favorite is the aromatherapy Sleep- lavender vanilla! I love the shower gel, lotion & spray. Oh they also have a pillow mist that is wonderful.
Melanie Lien says
"They should just go ahead and get rid of the reindeer and put my face right on the bottle." Haha yes!!! I am going to buy some this November and give it a gander in honor of that statement. Viva La Juicy is my go to spring/summer scent. It reminds me of our honeymoon in Mexico everytime! I am in the market for a new fall/winter scent.
Melanie Lien says
Ohhh but while we are on scents and things! Shay! This is the most amazing thing I have ever smelled in my entire life. I walked into a candle shop in Seaside, FL that was burning this. It has been burning non stop at my house (or a cousin of it, same brand different scent) since!! Tangerine Teakwood by Illume
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/home-gift-tangerine-teakwood-retro-tin-candle/22177242
Susan says
I love Jo Malone and love that someone else pointed out that you can "Mix and Match" them! The sales associates at the counters/stores are amazing and send you away with lots of samples to mix & match. I bought the Pomegranate Noir perfume last year and they sent me away with tons of samples of lotions and perfumes in other scents that coordinate with the Pomegranate Noir. After having fun with the samples this past year (seriously almost all year…they're big samples!), I decided the Lime Basil was my favorite match for the Pomegranate Noir so I just recently got that lotion to wear with my perfume.
Have you ever tried room sprays? I love White Jasmine by Zara Home.
And for hand soaps, love the ones by Mrs. Meyer's!! Basil, Lavender, and Lemon are my favorites.
I'm surprised to see how many people still love Bath & Body Works. I used it as a teenager, but decided the scents wear off almost immediately so they weren't really worth the price. Do you find that to be true?
Kubin's says
Brighton Laugh!! Wear it all the time. Now I've became obsessed with Bomb Shell by Victoria Secrets!!!
Kim Kauffman says
I hate to admit this but I use NO scents whatsoever – no good smelling body wash, perfume, etc. Actually I do have some, I just never use them. I do love candles and I've been craving a good pumpkin smell lately so I might have to run to Bath and Body Works. I might have to try out some new body wash or something too! I do have a small sample of Coach Poppy perfume that I really like. Hmmm, might have to go put a little on!
Nikki @ Living Life with Lupus says
I love Ralph Lauren "Romance" and have worn it religiously for years, but this winter I'm going to give Vanilla Bean Noel a try! 🙂
Amanda Garcia says
Shay! I'm sure you know – but today Bath and Body Works is doing buy 3 get 2 free online!
Now THAT's the very best day! 🙂
Amber Crawford Walker says
In the summer I go between Victoria's Secret's Endless Love and Pure Seduction. In the winter it's Victoria's Secret's Amber Romance (smells just like BBW's Sensual Amber). My husbands favorite smell on me and something I keep stocked at all times is BBW's Moonlight Path. He took a small bottle of the lotion with him on deployments when he was in the USMC so he'd always have my smell 🙂 Rarely do I wear perfume (I'm a body spray girl) but when I do wear it I love Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely.
Kelly says
I am huge on scents, too! Instead of seasons, I base my perfume on color!
If I am wearing browns, tans, orange, or pink I usually wear Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle.
If I am wearing blacks or dark colors, I wear Coco Chanel.
I also have Vera Wang that I like to wear when I get dressed up!
laurenulrich says
Shay, you are so great! I am still trying to figure out what 'my scents' are, and I SO wish I could smell all of the ones you mentioned through my computer screen. I guess I'll just have to make a trip to the mall 😉
Judy says
I have never done this before — but you made that Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin sound so wonderful — I went right to the website and ordered 5 bottles! I want to share this with friends. B&BW should so send you samples!
pwmurf says
I do t wear perfume…too strong for m, but my signature scent is philosophy amazing grace. I've used the shower gel and lotion for years and I'm told all the time how yummy I smell! I only wish I could smell it on myself more, lol…LOVE it!
Rachel Embery says
Unfortunately I can't wear perfume, instant headache… But my summer lotion love is anything coconut! Body butter has a yummy one. For fall/winter it's anything vanilla or pumpkin:-)
Katriel-Maria Berbert says
I love Forever Sunshine by B&B but it's been discontinued and I'm on my last bottle…maybe I'll get lucky like you and it'll show up randomly at one of their semiannual sales!
Audrey Mayo says
You really should try bath and body works "secret wonderland". It's the best scent ever!!!
Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says
I've been wanting to try Flowerbomb and Burberry Brit for a while, so I'll have to get some! I LOVE the Pink Sugar you blogged about a while back, and I get so many compliments on it. I'm also a big fan of the Pumpkin and Vanilla Bean Noel scents at B&BW. Breaking out my seasonal lotions means the start of my favorite time of year!!
Anonymous says
Oh Shay!! Vanilla Bean Noel and Lemon Vanilla are 2 of my Bath and Body Works absolute FAVES!!!
But- there is a whole ONLINE world of bath and body stuff that smells just as good if not better… with BETTER product – lotions that are more emollient, hold scent better, last longer! You can get matching scents in shampoos, conditioners, scrubs, body sprays, perfumes, lotions and creams, etc!
Check out http://cocoapink.net/ – many people say that their VBN version is waaay better than BBW's (if that's even believeable). And check out their blends Boo Boo Lemon Noel, Midnight Hag, Ivory Eyelet, Cake Monster… to name a few 🙂 They have tons of dupes of other non-BBW perfumes, in case you wanted a matching Flowerbomb shampoo, for example!
You're welcome for your new obsession. Not afil, just a big fan!
Tiffany
Hayley Nelson says
Vanilla bean Noel and lemon vanilla are both on amazon year round!!
Hayley Nelson says
Vanilla bean Noel and lemon vanilla are on amazon year round!
Kacey Medeiros says
After I read this post yesterday I got up, went to the mall, walked into Bath & Body Works, and walked out with 6 candles and 3 hand lotions. I may have a slight addiction to the Fall scents, but they make me so happy!!
p.s. the Pumpkin Apple is DIVINE!
jen says
I thought the candle post was my favorite…now I might be changing my mind! 😉 I am definitely going to try the lemon and pick up some VBN this November/January! I like their Sensual Amber a lot for fall/winter. I love a simple drugstore perfume called Jovan Musk. My mom wore it and I still love it! I get so many great tips from you…and you're right, a yummy lotion, candle etc just makes your day…life better! 🙂
kristinwithani says
I'm a scent person too. Love them. I have pretty much every philosophy scent and choose based on my mood but friends tell me I have a favorite and they love it.
For Bath and Body Works, I have faves there too but my all time favorite was in the early 90's called Spiced Vanilla. It is amazing. Truly amazing. I wish they'd bring it back. I write them every single year. Of all their vanillas and pumpkins, nothing has ever come close. I'll keep looking… went today and stocked up on the fall 3-wick candles. YUM!
Carroll says
I love hearing about all these fabulous scents! Now I must run to B&BW for the sweet cinnamon pumpkin!! 🙂
Glo says
I too am obsessed with the Vanilla Bean Noel. I wear it year round and so I buy a case of it every year to get me through the next year. I looooove it…..I have been wearing it since BBW first opened in 1990! Told you I am obsessed!
Maureen McCarthy says
I was in Bath & Body Works today and I remembered your love for Vanilla Bean Noel. OH MY GOD. It's perfect. I needed a new winter/holiday scent and this is divine. Thank you for my new addiction!
Danielle says
So, I got some vanilla bean noel and it truly is the best scent in the world. I had my friend's mom bring it from the States! Now, I am ordering some and sending them to my mother in law, so I can get them when I come home this summer. I am slightly obsessed which has made living in Bangkok so very difficult, since they don't sell it here! Also, I LOVE the circle E candles I got also from my friend's mother on her last trip over here. She lugged two of the big ones in her suitcase! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
Danielle says
So, I got some vanilla bean noel and it truly is the best scent in the world. I had my friend's mom bring it from the States! Now, I am ordering some and sending them to my mother in law, so I can get them when I come home this summer. I am slightly obsessed which has made living in Bangkok so very difficult, since they don't sell it here! Also, I LOVE the circle E candles I got also from my friend's mother on her last trip over here. She lugged two of the big ones in her suitcase! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
Samantha J says
Hi Shay! I hope you'll still get this comment even though it's way past the time you originally posted this. Anyway, I'm dying to try that summer vanilla scent but haven't seen it yet at Bath&Body. Do you know if it's going to be available this year, or when it usually gets stocked? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hey Samantha! Bath and Body Works discontinued the lemon vanilla scent this year! I was so sad! However, Victoria's Secret has a GREAT ONE! You will love it!
Samantha J says
Thanks! I will definitely try the Victoria's Secret one. Love your blogs!
Beth says
OMG love this post. I know it is old but I'm just now reading this series.
I am a HUGE scent person. And you had me at LEMON VANILLA. Which I love and stockpile, just like you. Get so many compliments when I wear it. Can't wait to be able to wear it again. While I might wear it on a random day in winter, I do try to wait until weather gets warmer. Which brings me to my absolute favorite spring scent, which is DISCONTINUED (BAH) Spring Fever Body Souffle by Origins. Won't someone pick it up? I mention it because a close cousin is White Citrus by Bath and Body Works. So that is a close second to Lemon Vanilla for me.
I also love Mac Turquatic in the spring/summer. And Calyx which was discontinued but is now carried by Clinique and at Ulta. It smells funny at first in the bottle but let it wear on your skin for a while – very distinctive.
Moving towards fall, my fave BBW is probably Cherry Blossom? I have not tried the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin but I will look out for it. Fragrance wise my fave fall classic is the original Vera Wang. I also love Gucci Premiere and Live in Love by Oscar de la Renta which I got a sample of in my Birchbox. I'm also trying to decide which wears better on me, Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum. Hard to tell yet.
I buy a lot of rollerballs bc I try so many fragrances that I can't use the whole bottle before it turns!
naturallylisa08 says
Bath and Body Works Lemon Vanilla!!!! Where are you my love!!!! LOL…if anyone has any recommendations on how you can still purchase I would love to know! (Other than ebay where people are trying to mark it up 1000%)
Anonymous says
Shay, when reading thru your comments I noticed that you said B&BW has discontinued the Lemon Vanilla scent, but there was something comparable at VS now. Since they are having their semi annual sale I thought I would stock up, but can't find the item. Please help! : )
Mix and Match Mama says
VS has a Lemon Sugar scent that is divine! However, it's seasonal and might be out of stock right now. It's Lemon Sugar…check online! Have a great day!
Anonymous says
Great, thx!!! If it's called, Lemon Escape: Lemon Sugar Coconut, then I found it! Even better, it's in stock online and on sale!!
Leiah says
Hi Shay! I love Burberry Brit and just ran out of my bottle of eau de toilette and I was wondering – have you tried the parfum version? I am trying to decide which one would be better to get this time around, if the parfum is 'better' than eau de toilette. Any help would be great! Thanks!
Lauren Truman says
I'm re-reading your Shades of Shay posts and I have to share with you the best scent in the world… Juicy Couture "Viva la Juicy" .. STRANGERS stop me and ask what I'm wearing … It's fabulous and you deserve to know about it! Ps- HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Allison F says
Ok so I wound up here tonight after clicking on your past shades of shay link from today's post. I have to share the greatest winter perfume ever – I don't know if you've heard of it. Brit used to be my fave, well I still have it and love it. But have you smelled Burberry Red? It's discontinued but you can still order it off Amazon (and I do!). Trust me. Trust. Me. It's like a secret weapon. Try it! 😉
Cici says
Cici
May I please have a suggestion for a Bath & Body Works' lotion to wear with Dolce & Gabana's Light Blue? Thank you.
Cheers!