13 Awful-Smelling Fragrances
From Lancome to Avon, these women's perfumes left Total Beauty readers itching, gagging and more
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- 2 of 14
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No. 13: Clinique Aromatics Elixir, $42.50
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5*
Why: While this is "a classic 'Old Lady in a Bottle' scent," some readers say the fragrance is "something even my grandmother would have snubbed." The "thick, rich" smell reminded one reader of "cats, mothballs and fruitcakes" and caused sneezes and headaches for several others. The "overpowering" scent made one reader "sick to [her] stomach," and another reader went so far as to claim that "even touching the bottle sticks the fragrance to your fingers in such a way that you'll smell that sickeningly thick aroma all day!" Buyers beware: this is "definitely a love or hate scent."
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
Rate this story|Avg member rating: 9
Products Mentioned in This Story
Caswell-Massey Gifts of the Sea Sea Spray Body Mist
Average Member Rating: 4.9
Aveda Pure-Fume Essence
Average Member Rating: 6.7
Lush Go Green
Average Member Rating: 6.4
Harajuku Lovers Lil Angel Eau de Toilette Spray
Average Member Rating: 6.6
Elizabeth Arden White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor Parfum
Average Member Rating: 5.6
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Parisienne Eau de Parfum
Average Member Rating: 6.5
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too?
Thank goodness I don't own any of these but if they smell so bad, how come companies still keep making them? haha
by yeny_flores_tijern Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 08:11PM Report as inappropriate
I completely agree with White Diamonds being on here, but I definitely think that Chanel No. 5 should've been on this list too. I don't understand how people can rave about it when it smells so old lady-ish too.
by LMarie27 Monday, February 6, 2012 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate
I'm pleased to see that none of my favorites are on this list! And some that I've tested but hated are listed...
by tallredamanda Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 06:49AM Report as inappropriate
Good to know which ones to stay away from!
by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:41PM Report as inappropriate
The "old lady" critique seems ageist and sexist. "Heavy" would be a better general descriptor, and citing the top and base notes responsible would actually be helpful. Tossing off "old lady" is both unhelpful and offensive.
by krycekov Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 04:09PM Report as inappropriate
'Well some of these are too pricey to begin with.
by grass Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 11:34PM Report as inappropriate
