Stardust & Stems: A Perfume Review

It doesn't happen often, but occasionally I do succumb to Instagram ads.  I try to never impulse buy, but rather to save the item, think about it, then research to see if it's legit, then think some more before finally buying.  The whole process can take a week to several months.  When I saw this ad for Stardust & Stems perfume, I definitely save it and got to thinking.  I waited two weeks before buying and I'm excited to share the results with you since the gift giving season is right around the corner and perfume, though very personal, does make a great gift.  *I am not in any way affiliated with any of these companies and clicking my links doesn't earn me any money or brownie points with them.*

Since I've entered my late 30s and early 40s, I have realized that the body spray I've been using since high school just doesn't really work for me anymore.  I still love the scent, black raspberries, but I need something that has a little more staying power.  To that end, I've been on the search for a signature scent.  Two Decembers ago I found this White Peach and Peony perfume at a TJ Maxx and purchased it. It's floral and fruity and I like it, but it may be a little too youthful for me.

The search went on and back in May '25 I purchased La Vie Est Belle L'Elixir during a Mother's Day sale from Lancome which promised a blackberry scent.  It delivered.  It is a lovely fragrance, but so rich I find it overpowering.

My next attempt was simply using vanilla essential oil.  It was my favorite of all, but I don't like the feel of oil on my skin, particularly in summer, so I didn't dilute it with a carrier oil and within a few months I developed an allergy.  So that was out.  I decided to try Vanilla Fields instead to get that natural vanilla smell without the awful rash.  It is a lovely scent, but still not quite what I was looking for, so the search continued.

As mush as I love the look of the cottage witch ad, I was more intrigued by the Roseberry Briar, Lilac, and London Fog.  Those are the three I purchased, and yes they did give me a promo code for signing up, so I saved 15% off my first order.

All of these lovely scents arrived within two weeks and were wrapped very nicely complete with testing strips.  Unfortunately, none of these scents are really my cup of tea.  They are pleasant and unusual, and seem perfect for a younger person, (I'm sure that's their key demographic) but nothing is quite harmonious with my vibe.  Perfume is a very personal thing and these just don't work for me.  I took a risk, ordering a scent from the internet, but I don't regret trying something new.  I'm sure if given enough time I could find a scent I loved, but for now my daughter loved and immediately took them all, and the search continues for me.