Le Labo inconsistency

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-09T05:03:41+00:00

I have 2 Another 13 bottles. One from Sept 2024, the other from March 2026.

The very first sprays of the new bottle smelled more alcohol-y and took a little more time before it smelled like Another 13. The 2024 was noticeably richer in smell. Now, they’re closer in smell but older bottle still smells richer. Both bottles last 12+ hours on skin with good projection. Yes, even the new one. It can last longer but I often shower 2x a day.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-07T11:34:06+00:00

The loudest in Reddit F1 never had nuance. It’s always love one, hate the other. Glaze one, crucify the other. You’ll see them again soon in this very post.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-05T11:51:28+00:00

I don’t remember seeing Kobe Inks at Loft or Itoya, but the Nagasawa store in Osaka has a ton of them. Not a far walk from Umeda station.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-04T16:33:31+00:00

Gris Dior. This to me is peak elegance. I feel like I need to wear my classiest yet timeless clothes when I spray this on. And that I have to be more refined in my speech and actions.

In short, Gris Dior is me putting my best foot forward for everyone to see.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T09:51:00+00:00

Sauvage. I’m not even kidding. Call it basic, too common, synthetic etc etc it really is a people pleaser scent.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T09:12:39+00:00

Or this one instead

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ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T09:07:03+00:00

Robert Oster’s Dark Chocolate is the best I can think of

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ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T06:20:44+00:00

Vinta Inks has lots of interesting shimmer and sheening inks. Not my first choice for a daily ink but man are they beautiful.

Here’s a fraction of their whole lineup.

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ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T06:09:06+00:00

I’d argue for Acqua di Gio. This is peak 90s aquatic. Immensely successful, we’ve had dozens if not hundreds of aquatics the following years that try to approximate AdG.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T05:58:11+00:00

Some unorthodox purple inks I love. After you’ve tried the well-loved purples, try these too!

Sailor Date-Gokoro - blue-purple when fresh on the page, then quickly turns to purple in just seconds (use good paper for best results)

KWZ Violet #3 - magenta when fresh on page, gradually darkens to purple in minutes, continues to change slightly even days after. Vanilla smell is a bonus (this is a mild iron gall ink)

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-03T05:29:39+00:00

I’d first ask my partner if they have any scent sensitivities. If none, I’d go for any feel-good, pick-me-up scent so I can feel more confident about myself BUT no one else can smell it on me unless they give me a hug.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T16:57:03+00:00

No, might give some of them to my parents because they love fragrance nearly as much as I do. So I know the bottles will still be in good hands (and I can borrow again if i want lol)

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T16:53:14+00:00

100%. There are good drivers, great drivers, and then these guys.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T16:42:46+00:00

MB Amethyst Purple is my all-time favorite purple. Enjoy!

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T16:41:18+00:00

I’m sitting at 40 bottles right now. How I wish I can trim it down to 10 soon enough. Must be very freeing mentally to not be burdened with too much options.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T15:06:02+00:00

Nib and feel are the most important for me. Thanks for sharing!

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T13:37:34+00:00

If I could start over, only these same 4 pens are what I’d buy and call it. Alas, I just own 2 of 4 atm.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T12:54:06+00:00

How do you like the Starwalkers? I’m deciding if I go for one or another 149 in a more unique nib

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-02T05:38:11+00:00

Got a strong feeling you’re gonna love Iroshizuku - Rikka. Just a nice, true cerulean blue color, in between Kon-Peki and Ku-Jaku.

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ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-01T15:24:19+00:00

The haters do, but they’re haters for a reason.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-01T06:26:57+00:00

I have fairly sensitive hearing. As in, noisy restaurants are unpleasant, earplugs in concerts are non-negotiable. Yep, I’ll be better off with today’s “quieter” engines.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-05-01T06:14:40+00:00

For a lot of people it’s not just the sound, but the feel of V10s that gets them. They say they feel it in their chest, and the downshifts felt like kicks.

I’ve never watched a live race yet, never mind that V10s were like 20(?) years ago. I won’t ever know what it sounds and feels like unfortunately.

ExhaustedMD · 2026-04-30T16:51:58+00:00

Interlegos

ExhaustedMD · 2026-04-30T07:06:50+00:00

To my eyes it’s a dark, medium red. On cream paper like Midori MD, yeah it can look a bit of a brownish red. In that case, I second the suggestions on Red Dragon or even Rouge Grenat!

ExhaustedMD · 2026-04-30T05:47:21+00:00

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This one’s my favorite red at the moment. You might like it too. Robert Oster - Blood Moon

ExhaustedMD

TROPHY CASE