Found this Maja España perfume at my aunt’s place last Sunday while helping her clean out old stuff. Totally forgot she used to wear this back in the 90s. The bottle looked dusty but still kinda fancy with all those golden details. Snapped a quick pic before cracking it open.
First spray disaster
Spritzed it right onto my wrist like I always do with testers. Big mistake. Felt like walking face-first into a funeral home bouquet – overwhelming white flowers mixed with something that smelled like wet church pews. My husband walked in coughing and asked if I’d “disturbed grandma’s ghost again.” Lasted three whole hours before calming down.
Giving it another shot
Tried it again yesterday morning. Sprayed farther away this time so it wouldn’t drown me. Weird how it changes:
- First 10 mins: Still that punch of flowers but now with lemon peel? Felt like someone tossed citrus at a rose bush
- After coffee break: The woody part kicked in. Like sniffing mahogany furniture while standing in a damp forest. Sorta nice actually
- By lunchtime: Just skin smell with tiny vanilla traces. Kept sniffing my wrist like a weirdo
The accidental test
Went grocery shopping wearing it. Store clerk complimented the scent – then proceeded to ask if they still sold this at Kohl’s. Made me realize:
- Old-school perfumes linger FOREVER on fabrics. Can still smell it on yesterday’s sweater
- Would work better in winter. Summer humidity turns it into flower soup
- Might layer it with vanilla body oil next time to cut the church vibe
Verdict? Reminds me of those fancy embroidered tablecloths nobody uses anymore. Pretty but not practical. Bottle’s now sitting beside my thrifted vase – looks cute as decor.
