*SAMPLE SALE* Scent-ury 21

With all this traipsing around in snow and slush, New Yorkers are in desperate need of some nice r&r. Whether it's a warm bubbly bath or simply kicking back in your pajamas, the trinity of a glass of chardonnay, soothing music, and an aromatic candle is a great home remedy to cure any and all of your winter blues. And to offer scent seekers a nice discount, parfumeur parisien Diptyque returned to the sample sale scene today. As many of you already know, the connoisseurs of fragrance found a new home at Century 21 (in this case, Scent-ury 21) to host their annual sale. Though I was able to get some early words from fellow Mizhattanites who attended yesterday's preview (many thanks to everyone who wrote in!), I had to check it out for myself so I got up early and headed to the new up-and-coming sample sale venue: C21.

The air was saturated with deliciously spellbinding scents which wafted into my nose as I stepped upstairs onto the second floor sale space. I immediately picked out notes of berry, citrus, floral, and other exotic herbs & spices. Aside from my olfactory observances, I noticed the C21 space was quite small. Because of this snug setting, only 30 or so shoppers were allowed to be inside which made the wait outside extra long and exhausting. But on a happy note, once shoppers actually make it inside, they were allowed to buy up to 30 items--up from yesterday's strict 15 item limit.

Now, let's talk about the goods.

Starting with the standard bougies parfumée, I found: Santal, Pomander, Cedre, Coriandre, Tubéreuse, Feu de Bois, Ambre, Thé, Cyprès, Feuille de Lavande, Ciel, Pin, Verveine, Menthe Verte, Chevrefeuille, Cannelle, Mimosa, and Mimosa. Prices for standard candles were $35.

Mini candles were priced $17 and were available in Vetyvyr, Ciel, Verveine, and Tubéreuse.

Holiday candles were in abundance and stacked up high on multi-level shelves which took up a whole side of the sale space. Standard sizes were $35, minis were $17, 3 candle votives were $45, 5 candle votives were $40, and 10 candle votives were $70. I was able to find lots of the company's 2014 trio holiday scents of Épice, Résine, and Hiver.

Finally, the sample sale included merchandise from their 34 Fragrance and Home Collections. I spotted a healthy volume of $50 EDTs (Eau de Toilettes), $25 solide perfumes, $15 soaps, and $75 hourglasses. In addition, there were various accessories such as $10 candle stands and $20 wick trimmers. Furthermore, in the center of the space, there were two shelves of skincare and bodycare products. Prices for these items as well as the full list can be found at the end of this article.

This year's Diptyque sample sale is set to end on Friday but don't be surprised if they close early like last year when the inventory completely sold out. And speaking of inventory, I was told there will be no restocking. This means that most, if not all, standard size candles will be gone by this evening (if not sooner). And finally, to those who woke up early and braved the long line to attend today's opening, make sure to reward yourself with that nice bubble bath tonight. You deserve it!!

Price list:

Candles

Standard $35

Mini $17

Colored $48

Holiday candles

Standard $35

Mini $17

3 Candle votive $45

5 Candle votive $40

10 Candle votive $70

Candle set $75

Colognes/Travel

Cologne 200ml $68

Cologne 100ml $49

Cologne roll on $25

Solide perfumes $25

Travel refill sprays $30

34 Collection Fragrance

EDT $50

RDT $73

Solide perfume $25

Eau particular $68

Limited edition $88

Limited edition solide perfume $30

34 Collection Home

Soap $15

Oval $25

Hourglass $75

Hourglass refill $25

Skincare

Face balm $32

Face lotion $27

Face moist $36

Face powder $29

Face scrub $32

Accessories

Photophore $75

Wick trimmer $20

Snuffer $20

Lid $10

Candle stand $10

Candle holder with twist $40