Laurence Dumont Tendre Madeleine first came to me as a sample from none other than Daisy, that mysterious perfume fairy. The first time I applied it, the universal Howe-house reaction was “Blech! Too sweet!” And I kept saying that… every time I put it on.

First by itself, then layering it with other scents… it goes great over Fifi Chachnil (I discovered by accident today), Traverse du Bosphore, Shalimar (any version), and I plan to keep trying it with other perfumes. Tendre Madeleine is unapologetically gourmand; it adds an instant layer of comfort to whatever lies beneath.

My mom asked me what I wanted for christmas, so I figured, “Hey, I’ll never justify buying it for myself…” and asked for a bottle of it. She sent me an email this afternoon telling me that the shop she ordered it from was out of the 50mL bottle, so they’re sending the 100mL for the 50mL price ($35). When I told the hubby he asked, “What in the world are you going to do with all that?”

That’s what I’m wondering.

I’m not even sure there’s room in my cabinet for another 100mL of anything! Now, 50mL of that new Serge Lutens that smells like buttered toast…