Bargain Fragrances: Still by Jennifer Lopez (2003)

by: Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison

This is another in a series of bargain fragrance reviews, scents that may be found online or at discount stores for US $25 or less.

Summary: Jennifer Lopez's second fragrance launch was 2003's dewy floral, citrus, sake and tea-themed Still. With a surprisingly peppery edge and moderate lasting power, it's still a delight to wear and now more affordable than ever!

Perfumer: Michel Girard

Try this if you like: Jasmine or Earl Grey teas; shower-fresh aromas; freesia or honeysuckle;  wet gardens; green apple. 

Reminds me of: Fragrances like Estee Lauder Modern Muse, SJP Lovely, a much lighter version of Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret, Soprani's Just Free for Men, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea and Honeysuckle, Ineke's Balmy Days and Sundays, Marc Jacobs Blush.

Pros & Cons: There is absolutely nothing groundbreaking or original about Still, and yet it is somehow utterly addictive; this is one that goes into the "your skin but better" or "comfort scent" categories. As such, its lack of complexity may lead some to deem the scent too simple and uninteresting. 

While the fragrance is undoubtedly floral, this is not truly a white floral in the traditional sense as the citrus, apple, tea and pepper dial the petals way down. And while Earl Grey tea can sometimes come across as high-pitched, the sake note sweetens and smoothes out the citrus. Due to moderate sillage and longevity (wears more like an EDC than an EDP), this one is the perfect hot weather skin scent. 

The minimalist bottle with its diamond ring of promise, adorning the sprayer doesn't offer much to look at; it photogrpahs better than it looks in person.

Image from JenniferLopezBeauty.com

Notes: “Sake notes, mandarine, earl grey, freesia, honeysuckle, orange flower,sandalwood, amber, orris.” JenniferLopezBeauty.com

Designer’s Description: "Still Jennifer Lopez is the scent of a woman. A scent that captures the way a woman feels when she has discovered herself. Sheer and sexy. Real and True. Serene and sensual." JenniferLopezBeauty.com

Number of times tested: 10 times over the last 1 month.

Number of sprays applied for this review: 2 sprays to the back of my hand from a 100ml bottle I purchased online (ca. 2015).

Fragrance strength: Eau de Parfum

Development: (Linear / Average / Complex): Though it starts out airy, Still sweetens as it develops thanks to its ambery basenotes. I can easily detect sake, bergamot, earl grey tea,  and peppered edges in the topnotes with the apple and florals immediately underneath though the composition is well-blended and rather one-dimensional. As the scent relaxes, the citrus and pepper fades. I never really detect the sandalwood or iris. Overall, I would say the tea and florals dominate, creating an effect much like the steam from a hot cup of jasmine oolong.

Longevity: (Short / Average / Long-lasting) Still lasts about 3-4 hours on my skin; this one could be applied lavishly to maximize longevity.

Sillage: (A Little / Average / A Lot) No one ever smells this one on me; either my skin just absorbs it or Still's nature is subtle. Wear this one for yourself; likely office safe.

Note about the packaging: An elliptical, faceted, transparent, smokey glass bottle with solitaire stone adorning the silver sprayer and matching elliptical cap, all housed in a simple, beige paper box.

Where can I buy it? A 100ml EDP spray is as low as $18 USD at discount sites.

The Bottom Line: As a guy into niche at the time Still launched, I largely ignored Jennifer Lopez's first scents. The first fragrance of hers I remember really experiencing was Live and I enjoyed its fruity sweetness. When her first and only men's scent launched, Deseo, I wasn't all that impressed and since then I've pretty much had no experience with anything else from the line. Having recently decided that I am liberated enough to wear honeysuckle and freesia aromas with abandon, I've been exploring the florals and after reading GREAT reviews from Fragranticans, and spying a lightly used 100ml bottle of Still on Ebay for $12 USD, I figured, "How bad coudl it be?" Not only isn't it bad, but I'm addicted. Sake is a perfume note that I should theoretically love as I'm a fan of all things Japan (my home throughout the last decade). However, in practice, I generally dislike sake-themed scents. In Still, the note is only barely perceivable and the sweet, sometimes cloying edges of sake are gently muted by the other notes. And as a lover of tea scents, it's a pleasure to find something that is neither a rubber tire, nor a chai bomb. I love the peppery Earl Grey here in harmony with the florals. Being a fan of floral musks like Narciso and Premier Jour, Still hits the spot but in a much subtler fashion. No, it is not quite as full-bodied nor as rich as the scents above, and does feel like it could be an Elizabeth Arden Tea flanker, but for the price and the accords it offers, I can spray lavishly and never feel guilty.

I'd love to read your thoughts about Still or any of the other Jennifer Lopez scents! Which one is your favorite? What does Still remind you of? In which direction would you like to see Jennifer Lopez fragrances head next?