fragrancegirl.blog ✿

okay so confession time: i've been wearing the same perfume since college. you know the one—everyone has it, it costs way too much, and honestly? i wasn't even sure i liked it anymore. it just felt... safe?

but then tiktok did its thing (as it does) and i stumbled across someone talking about demeter fragrance library. at first i was skeptical because the concept sounded kind of bizarre—they make perfumes that smell like everyday things. and i don't mean "vanilla" or "rose." i mean like... grass. fresh laundry. thunderstorm. DIRT.

i know what you're thinking because i thought it too: "who wants to smell like dirt?" but hear me out.

the rabbit hole begins

i ended up on their website at like 2am (as one does) and i was honestly mesmerized. they have HUNDREDS of scents. not just your typical florals and musks but things like "snow," "paperback," "gin & tonic," and yes, "thunderstorm." each one has this little description that makes you actually want to smell it, even the weird ones.

the price point? chef's kiss. we're talking $20-40 for most bottles. compare that to the $100+ i was dropping on department store perfumes that smelled like every other girl at brunch.

my first order (aka going all in)

i ordered four scents because i have zero self-control and they were having a sale:

total damage? around $80 with shipping. for FOUR perfumes. i would've paid that for one bottle of my old standby.

the unboxing (and my honest reactions)

they arrived in like a week, super simple packaging, nothing fancy. which honestly i appreciated—i'm paying for the perfume not a luxe box i'll throw away.

thunderstorm: this is the one that made me a believer. it actually smells like rain. like that specific smell right before a storm hits when the air gets heavy and you can smell the earth and ozone. it's clean, fresh, kind of green? i can't explain it but it's GOOD. i've been wearing it on casual days and i've gotten so many "you smell amazing what is that?" comments. when i tell people it's "thunderstorm" they think i'm joking.

gin & tonic: okay this one is FUN. it's crisp and a little boozy (in the best way) with that juniper scent but also citrusy and refreshing. it's my going-out scent now. makes me feel like i'm already having a good time. fair warning: it's not for everyone. my mom smelled it and was confused. my friends? obsessed.

honeysuckle: this is probably the most "normal" of the bunch but it's beautiful. sweet without being cloying, floral without being grandmother-y. it smells like actual honeysuckle flowers not some chemical approximation. i wear this to work because it's professional but still interesting.

clean skin: this one surprised me the most. it's so simple but SO good. it literally smells like you just got out of the shower—that clean warm slightly powdery skin scent. i layer it under other perfumes or wear it alone on days when i want to smell like "me but better."

the mixing thing (game changer)

here's where it gets really cool: demeter actually encourages you to mix scents to create your own signature fragrance. they have this whole system on their website about which scents blend well together.

i've been experimenting and my current favorite combo is clean skin + thunderstorm. it smells like fresh laundry dried outside on a rainy day if that makes sense? it's cozy and clean and unique and i'm lowkey obsessed.

sometimes i'll do honeysuckle + clean skin for something more feminine but still understated.

the honest truth: longevity

okay real talk because i'm not going to sit here and pretend these are perfect: the longevity isn't as good as designer perfumes. these are colognes not eau de parfums so they're lighter and don't last as long on the skin.

most of mine last about 3-4 hours before i need to reapply. which honestly? i don't mind. i got the little 1oz bottles specifically so i can throw them in my bag and refresh throughout the day. plus at these prices i don't feel guilty about spraying liberally.

if you want something that lasts 8+ hours these might not be for you. but if you like changing your scent throughout the day or layering different fragrances the lighter formula is actually perfect.

why i think you should try them

here's the thing: we spend so much money on perfumes that all kind of smell the same. how many "warm vanilla" or "fresh floral" scents do we really need? demeter gives you options that actually feel personal and unique.

when someone asks what perfume i'm wearing and i say "thunderstorm" it's a conversation starter. when i tell them i mixed it with "clean skin" they want to know more. it's made wearing fragrance fun again instead of just... routine.

plus the price point means you can actually try multiple scents without breaking the bank. i'm already eyeing "paperback" (for all my book girlie friends) "snow" (because i'm curious) and "salt air" (beach vibes in a bottle?).

final thoughts

is demeter for everyone? probably not. if you love rich heavy long-lasting perfumes you might be disappointed. if you're very traditional with fragrance some of their scents might seem too weird.

but if you're tired of smelling like everyone else, if you want something unique and affordable, if you like the idea of mixing your own signature scent, or if you just want to smell like a thunderstorm for fun? demeter is absolutely worth trying.

i genuinely haven't reached for my expensive designer perfume in weeks. i've been rotating through my demeter collection and loving every minute of it.

10/10 would recommend. now if you'll excuse me i have about 47 more scents to add to my cart.

disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. if you click through and make a purchase, i may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. i only recommend products i genuinely love and think you'll enjoy too! ♡