May-Lize Stuart is a Netherlands-based fragrance content creator whose love for scent began in childhood. Her favorite moment each morning was watching her parents spray their perfumes before heading off to work. Their love for fragrance was contagious, and as she grew older, it became one of the few things she felt truly passionate about. She was encouraged by her best friend to share her love of fragrance on TikTok. What began as a private passion soon became a public one, growing into something she never could have imagined.
TikTok: Smelllikestuart
Instagram: Smelllikestuart
From the very beginning of my love for fragrances, I’ve always been drawn to fruity scents. I’m a 26 year old girl from the Caribbean, where it’s common for people to have large backyards filled with fruit trees of all sorts. Whether it’s mango, coconut, or guava, there’s almost always something growing nearby. Naturally, these fruity scents feel deeply nostalgic to me, they instantly remind me of home.
My favorite fragrance from the House of Sarah Baker is Pastel Rumors. But before there was Pastel Rumors, there was Peach’s Revenge. It’s a beautiful, unique and striking blend of peach, guava, cardamom and vanilla. I don’t know what impressed more, the fact that a gourmand could smell so elegant and grounded or that it contained one of the most realistic guava notes i’ve ever smelled.
My dad really loves guavas, and as a child, anytime I spotted some in his car, i would break in to it when he was sleeping and grab some. I’d break a super ripe guava in half, and instantly I’d be met with the most delicious, sweet, sun ripened aroma.Although guava isn’t listed in the notes, that scent is, to me, identical to the opening of Pastel Rumors. That nostalgic scent is paired with the warmth of ripe peach, a touch of cardamom, and a delicious base of vanilla custard. There’s also a hint of ginger, along with a rich, buttery caramel.
The composition also features notes like cereal, milk, and musk. Although I can’t distinctly pick them out, I’m sure they play a role somehow and are equally responsible for how beautifully the fragrance comes together. This blend is beyond perfect and special because everything is so well balanced. There isn't a note that I feel like is too present or a note that I feel like i’m not getting enough of. Everything sits exactly where it should.
To conclude, Pastel Rumors is a gem in my collection. It’s a fruity gourmand, yes, but not in a bright, summery way. Instead, it’s deep, warm, mildly spicy, and very unique. It doesn’t smell like spending a day out frolicking in a flower field, it smells like sitting and watching a beautiful sunset, where the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink with little hints of purple.
My first Sarah Baker fragrance was Peach’s Revenge, and I see Pastel Rumors as its flirtier, sweeter, less dark little sister. They share similarities yes, but Pastel Rumors has a lightness and creaminess that I just can’t get enough of and never will.
