Today I finally got around to testing those Jaclyn Smith perfumes everyone keeps asking about. Grabbed all the bottles I could find online and planned to figure out which smells best, straight from the bottle and on actual skin.
Setting Up My Scent Test
First, I laid out the three most popular ones on my dresser: Jaclyn Smith Classic, California, and that Now and Forever one. Heard some folks love one but hate another, so no guessing – gotta test properly. Lit a vanilla candle to clear the air first (wife’s trick, works wonders). Made sure my coffee mug was far away too – didn’t want my nose picking up wrong stuff.
Sniffing Straight From The Bottle
Popped open Classic first. Immediate punch of flowers – like sticking your face in a bouquet at the grocery store, but… classier? Jasmine and rose mostly, but kinda sharp at first. Then tried California. Whew! Bright citrus slap – oranges and lemons jumping out. Felt sunny just sniffing it. Now and Forever was softer. Powdery, creamy vanilla with a hint of peach? Like fancy baby powder or something.
Skin Testing – Where It Gets Real
Slapped each on different spots: Classic on left wrist, California on right, Now and Forever on elbow. Sat down with my notebook. Here’s how it went down:
- 10 Minutes Later: Classic got warmer on skin, less sharp. The flowers mellowed out, kinda cozy actually. California dried down – still citrusy but with a clean soapy vibe. Now and Forever? Baby powder got stronger, super soft.
- Hour In: Classic turned into this creamy floral scent – like expensive lotion. Big surprise! California lost some zing, smelled fresh like laundry outside. Now and Forever? Just… sweet powder. Felt safe, maybe a little boring.
- 3 Hours Later: Classic still hanging on strong, smooth and put-together. California faded a LOT, just a faint clean smell left. Now and Forever? Vanilla powder bomb. Wouldn’t offend anyone at a PTA meeting.
My Personal Verdict & Why It Matters
Classic shocked me. Hated that sharp opening, but holy cow – it transformed into this elegant, warm skin scent that lasted all afternoon. Felt like grown-up luxury. California was fun and energetic, perfect if you want a quick mood boost – but gone before lunch. Now and Forever smelled exactly like my Aunt Carol. Pleasant. Inoffensive. Fine, but kinda disappeared into the background.
Bottom line? Stuff smells different on everyone, period. My skin ate California and hugged Classic. If you want cozy and sophisticated, try Classic. Want sunshine in a bottle? Grab California for summer errands. Need something soft and easy? Now and Forever fits the bill. Me? I’m totally keeping Classic. Smelled like the kind of perfume that gets you compliments without trying too hard. Worth the sharp first sniff!
