All Time Favorite Perfumes : Top 5 Fragrances To Cherish

What are your top 5 all time favorite perfumes? The kind that you would take on a desert island with you or the ones that you would be happy to wear for years to come?

I know, I know, I am being very cruel by limiting the choice to only 5. As I was trying to answer this question for myself, I found that it was not an easy one. However, the moment I thought about 5 fragrances that would keep my interest for a long time without me getting bored with them, I immediately thought of these choices:

Chanel Cuir de Russie
Guerlain Après l’Ondée
Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower
Caron Tabac Blond
Christian Dior Diorella

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164 Comments

  • Anne: Chanel No 19 EDT
    Chanel No 5 parfum
    Guerlain L’Heure Bleue
    Vinatge Miss Dior
    and …
    Sonoma Scent Studio’s Femme Jolie

    Femme Jolie is more a treasure than ever since it was discontinued last year. I bought a back up bottle! March 26, 2011 at 4:18am Reply

  • Zazie: Guerlain Shalimar
    Guerlain Mitsouko
    Chanel 5 extrait
    A tuberose: Carnal Flower or Beyond love
    A jasmine: a la nuit or love and tears

    A top ten would have bene easier! I hate leaving out Attrape-coeur or some favorite woody-incensy scents. I suspect that being in spring has something to do with my last two choices! March 26, 2011 at 5:45am Reply

  • rosarita: Chanel 19 edt
    Chanel Coco
    Chanel Coromandel
    Shalimar extrait
    Donna Karan Black Cashmere

    Of course, it would be hot on a desert island, and I would most likely be longing for a lighter scent. I think my loves are more *stranded in a mountain cabin in a blizzard* types. 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 6:27am Reply

  • capillary: Chanel Bois des Iles
    Frederic Malle Le Parfum de Therese
    Guerlain L’Heure Bleue
    Guerlain Mitsouko
    PdN Le Temps d’une Fete

    Oh, I don’t know. The list will change from day to day, but I think these ones are intricate enough to keep me interested – a very good way of thinking about the question! March 26, 2011 at 6:58am Reply

  • Ann C: This is a tough question. I don’t think my collection is complete; I’m always hoping to find new loves. The favorites of my collection so far are:

    Chanel 31 Rue Cambon
    Shalimar Ode a la Vanille
    Prada l’eau Ambree
    PdN Le Temps d’une Fete
    Guerlain Apres l’Ondee

    I look forward to seeing the lists that everyone comes up with today!

    Ann C. March 26, 2011 at 7:35am Reply

  • Irina: Chanel Cuir de Russie
    Chanel Beige
    Diorissimo
    Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia
    Comme des Garcons Zagorsk March 26, 2011 at 8:26am Reply

  • Alexandra: No 1: L’ Ombre Dans L’Eau- Diptyque
    No 2: Bois de Violette- Serge Lutens
    No 3: Petite Cherie- Annick Goutal
    No 4: Drole de Rose- L’Artisan
    No 5: Eau de Charlotte- Annick Goutal

    Then I could cry about leaving behind my Loukhoum- Keiko Mecheri, my Bois Farine- L’Artisan, Heure Exquise- Annick Goutal, and Passage d’Enfer- L’Artisan… to the point that if I think about it more carefully (because I have replied spontaneously), the list would be totally different… (even now, I m already sorry for the latter perfumes, so much, that this feeling makes me love them more!!)

    PS. most probably, I would risk paying overweight luggage! March 26, 2011 at 8:28am Reply

  • Pklagrange: L’Artisan D’Zing
    Amouage Lyric
    Lutens Bas de Soie
    Chanel Bois des Isles
    Amouage Opus IV (this one surprised me!) March 26, 2011 at 8:47am Reply

  • pam: Okay, here goes:

    Shalimar – Guerlain
    L’Heure Bleue – Guerlain
    Mitsouko – Guerlain
    Private Collection – Estee Lauder
    Diorissimo – Dior

    The last two I don’t have FB’s of at present, but they bring back the memories and since I’m gonna be on a desert island . . . March 26, 2011 at 8:55am Reply

  • mischa: Musc Mona di Orio
    Feminite du Bois Shiseido
    Shalimar Guerlain
    Fleur de Figuier Molinard
    Tonka Imperiale Guerlain March 26, 2011 at 9:15am Reply

  • Isabeau: Angelique Noir – Guerlain
    Mon Parfum – Micallef
    Coromandel – Chanel
    Quand vient la pluie -guerlain
    Molecule 01 – Escentric Molecules March 26, 2011 at 9:20am Reply

  • Olfactoria: Frapin 1697
    Amouage Memoir Woman
    Puredistance I
    Guerlain Shalimar Extrait
    Guerlain L’Heure Bleue

    very hard to do, some things must always be left behind! 😉 March 26, 2011 at 5:33am Reply

  • Suzy Q: No. 5 Eau Premiere–Chanel
    Nuit de Tubereuse–L’Artisan Parfumeur
    Coromandel–Chanel
    Musc Ravageur–Frederic Malle
    Cruel Gardenia–Guerlain March 26, 2011 at 9:36am Reply

  • gautami: Diorella
    Timbuktu
    Carnal Flower
    Tabac Blond
    L’ombre dans L’eau March 26, 2011 at 9:54am Reply

  • juliannelondon: Vol de Nuit – Guerlain
    Sycomore – Chanel
    Bigarade Concentree – Frederic Malle
    Bois des Isles – Chanel
    Poivre – Caron

    This covers all seasons. x March 26, 2011 at 10:43am Reply

  • MaryAnn Hardy: I am tempted to copy ALL the lists and then try to sample every scent! Ordinarily just reading the names, lists and comments are enough to make me swoon with pleasure. But I have a comment to make about health. I’m in my third day of mega-antibiotics for a case of pneumonia and every breath is difficult. I’ve discovered that the only scents that appeal to me are very, very simple ones, such as essential oils, and in my case: cedar, black pepper, rose geranium.

    Even being this ill (“Take me NOW Lord; I’m ready!”– ha ha) I still crave scents, but I’m loathe to take even a little sniff of the absolute love of my life, my cherished vintage Miss Dior. Makes me asthmatic just considering it!

    This leads me to wonder how the perfume houses approach the matter of health in the population of consumers. But perhaps the creators just create and leave the sales up to the marketing folks. March 26, 2011 at 11:19am Reply

  • Nikki: this is fun!

    here we go

    SHALIMAR EXTRAIT
    O DE LANCOME, A HUGE BOTTLE
    FIRST DE VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS
    PANTHERE DE CARTIER
    JICKY March 26, 2011 at 11:26am Reply

  • Cymbaline: Fortunately I was thinking about desert island choices a couple of days ago, so my list was ready!

    Guerlain Mitsouko
    L’Heure Bleue
    Chamade
    Dior Diorissimo
    Andy Tauer L’Air du Desert Marocain March 26, 2011 at 11:34am Reply

  • Kat: I’d put Mona di Orio’s Musc in my top three!

    My top five –
    Guerlain’s Sous le Vent
    Mona di Orio’s Musc
    Shiseido White Rose
    Profumum’s Dulcis in Fundo
    Sinfonia di Note’s Fleur de Santal March 26, 2011 at 11:44am Reply

  • Kat: MaryAnn, get well soon! My soothing comfort scent is Dulcis in Fundo, would send you some if I could 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 11:47am Reply

  • Gitcheegumee: Well,since there’s little greenery on desert islands( I suppose) ,green scents and florals would be refreshing and welcome.

    Vintage Balmain Vent Vert
    Vintage Miss Dior(or Intimate)
    Coty L’Origan
    Patou Joy
    Caron Bellodgia March 26, 2011 at 11:51am Reply

  • Cymbaline: I must of been kidding myself when I said my list was ready!
    I absolutely LOVE PureDistance 1 and Vero Kern’s Kiki extrait. Maybe I’d swap out Mitsouko and Chamade for these two just to mix the list up a little more(big Guerlain fan here) : ) March 26, 2011 at 11:52am Reply

  • Gitcheegumee: Also, these five fragrances could be layered to create any number of new scents! March 26, 2011 at 11:53am Reply

  • Elizabeth: Only five! I would combine my high- and low-end favorites:

    Caron Bellodgia
    Hermes Un Jardin en Mediterranee
    Miss Dior Cherie (yeah, I know, I know, but I inexplicably love it!)
    Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom
    Yves Rocher So Elixir

    And then I would hide a decant of Yves Rocher Pur Desir de Pivoine in my shoe. 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 12:23pm Reply

  • Stephen: omg only 5?! okay, here we go

    Frederic Malle Carnal Flower
    Armani Prive Bois d’Encens
    Bvlgari Black
    By Killian Straight to Heaven
    Chanel Sycomore

    Phew.. that was hard =) March 26, 2011 at 12:32pm Reply

  • Safran: Hard to choose indeed! I would really need to pick at least 5 for the cold season and 5 for spring/summer.
    So, as of today, it would be

    Biche dans l’Absinthe – Gobin Daudé
    Le Rivage des Syrtes – Parfums MDCI
    Carnal Flower – Frédéric Malle
    Traversée du Bosphore – L’Artisan
    Homage – Amouage March 26, 2011 at 12:41pm Reply

  • *jen: rosarita said…
    “I think my loves are more *stranded in a mountain cabin in a blizzard* types. :)”

    Me, too. 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 9:24am Reply

  • Ines: Guerlain Shalimar
    AMouage Lyric
    Balmain Vent vert (vtg)
    Honore des Pres Vamp a NY
    Frapin Caravelle Epicee

    Sorry for not writing them with original accents (I hate looking for them on the keyboard). 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 9:46am Reply

  • Sofia: I am going on an island tour and I am taking Fracas with me! March 26, 2011 at 2:45pm Reply

  • mals86: (Ines, you HAVE accent keys on your keyboard?? Wish I did. Well, I do have a tilde mark, but how often are perfume names in Spanish? I can only add diacriticals in a word processing program, not when posting comments on a blog…)

    This is so difficult.

    Le Temps d’une Fete
    Vintage Emeraude
    Carnal Flower
    Alahine
    Parfum Sacre

    I really can’t get the list down to five, I just can’t…

    No. 19 (preferably vintage edt, but I’ll take modern edp)
    No. 5 parfum, vintage
    Iris Poudre
    Mary Greenwell Plum
    L’Arte di Gucci

    Sigh of relief. Okay. I could live with those choices. Of course, I would still be longing for my Black Orchid Voile de Fleur, my Tabac Aurea, my Champagne de Bois, my Silences, my Rose d’Ete, my Ines de la Fressange, my Lyric Woman…

    … I know, I know – that’s seventeen. Not five. March 26, 2011 at 10:56am Reply

  • Samarkand: A torture to answer. Let’s say, in the disorder :

    Mitsouko (vintage)
    Le Parfum de Thérèse
    Gold Amouage
    Chanel No 19 (extrait and vintage)
    Cuir de Russie March 26, 2011 at 3:08pm Reply

  • Samarkand: Oh, I forgot Vol de Nuit (extrait) – near Mitsouko… March 26, 2011 at 3:09pm Reply

  • maggiecat: Oh dear…I’d need to make sure I have all of my favortie notes with me….

    Chanel No. 5 Eau premiere
    Chanel Eau de Cologne
    Jo Malone Jasmine and Honeysuckle
    Jicky
    Something vanilla….Eau Duelle,perhaps? Or Insensee?

    Too hard to think about on a warm, sunny Saturday! March 26, 2011 at 3:14pm Reply

  • bojana: I hope the desert island has real spring flowers

    Lalibela by Memo
    Diva by Emanuel Ungaro
    Calandre by Paco Rabanne
    Tam Dao by Dyptique
    Geranium pour Monsieur by Editions Frederic Malle March 26, 2011 at 3:17pm Reply

  • sharyl: Amouage Lyric Woman
    Le Labo Iris 39
    Estee Lauder Tuberors Gardenia
    Chanel Coromandel
    L’Artisan Nuit de Tubereuse March 26, 2011 at 4:25pm Reply

  • Elisa: I feel inept to answer this question because there are still so many perfumes I haven’t smelled! Especially vintage ones. If I had to pick based on the perfumes I’m familiar with now …

    1. I’d need a tuberose: probably Beyond Love.
    2. I’d need a patchouli-heavy gourmand. Why not go with the one that started this genre, Angel? I rarely wear it now, but I’d be on a desert island, right? And it would last forever.
    3. I’d need a labdanum-heavy oriental: I love what Laurie Erickson does with labdanum, so maybe Tabac Aurea.
    4. I’d need a rose: This would be very hard to choose, but my current favorite is Rossy de Palma.
    5. And finally, because it just feels so me, Donna Karan Gold.

    But this list feels incomplete because there’s nothing by Andy Tauer or Maurice Roucel … and I would deeply miss the memories tied to White Linen and Egoiste. March 26, 2011 at 12:36pm Reply

  • Austenfan: 1) My oldest love; Paris, YSL. In it’s old formulation.
    2) Aromatics Elixir, Clinique
    3) Mitsouko, Guerlain
    4) Le Parfum de Thérèse, Editions de Parfums
    5) Heure Exquise, Goutal

    But Dzing!, Cristalle, Shalimar, Sacrebleu, Songes, Pour un Homme, New York, Vamp à New York and Invasion Barbare are seriously affronted that they are not included! March 26, 2011 at 5:35pm Reply

  • aotearoa: I think I could do a Desert Island for a year right now in my busy life. Especially if I could take:

    L’air du Desert Marocain – Andy Tauer
    Tribute Attar – Amouage
    Vintage Joy Parfum – Jean Patou
    Bois et Fruits – Serge Lutens
    Iris Pallida – L’Artisan March 26, 2011 at 5:42pm Reply

  • sweetlife: Impossible! But here is a quick list of five representatives:

    Donna Karan–Black Cashmere
    Eau d’Italie–Paestum Rose
    Different Company–Osmanthus
    Serge Lutens–A La Nuit
    Guerlain–Vintage Mitsouko Parfum

    Feminite du Bois, Carnal Flower, Cuir de Russie, Scandal, Jasmine et Cigarette, Coco in parfum, No 19 in parfum, and half a dozen others are screaming and pushing to get on board… March 26, 2011 at 1:47pm Reply

  • Marina: Farnesiana
    Futur
    Chanel No 22
    Vanille Incensee
    White Aoud March 26, 2011 at 1:55pm Reply

  • dee: MEMOIR! yay 🙂 March 26, 2011 at 2:13pm Reply

  • dee: Top five, without thinking about it and giving myself time to second guess:

    Memoir Woman
    Shalimar extrait
    Safran Troublant
    Puredistance Antonia
    Champagne de Bois March 26, 2011 at 2:16pm Reply

  • Elizabeth: Guerlain Shalimar
    Annick Goutal Heure Exquise
    Vintage Balmain Jolie Madame
    Large bottle of aged Patchouli oil
    Floris Edwardian Bouquet March 26, 2011 at 7:00pm Reply

  • marion: Oh wah,,,makes me feel panicky….

    My top three are old Mits, L Heure Bleue, and Tubereuse Criminelle.

    It gets really hard after that…
    Iris Silver Mist, Diorissimo, old Figji, Shalimar, Saffran Troublant, Nuit de Tubereuse, La Myrrhe…nah, I’m cheating, stop!! March 26, 2011 at 8:04pm Reply

  • marion: Oh drat, I forgot the masterpieces Rubj and Onda… March 26, 2011 at 8:13pm Reply

  • Acrossbee: Tough decision, but I think for continued interest, I pick the following:
    Caron Or et Noir
    Caron Nuit de Noel
    Guerlain Apres l’Ondee
    Etro Messe de Minuit
    Parfums 06130 Feuille de Reglisse March 26, 2011 at 8:19pm Reply

  • moongrrl: Patricia de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete
    Dior Diorella
    Miller Harris L’Air de Rien
    Chanel No 5 parfum
    Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan March 26, 2011 at 9:26pm Reply

  • Hannah: none of my favorites are classics…
    Bulgari Black
    Alexander McQueen Kingdom
    Donna Karan Black Cashmere
    Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman
    Comme des Garcons March 26, 2011 at 9:32pm Reply

  • Uella: Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois
    Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle
    Serge Lutens Bas de Soie
    Guerlain Apres l’Ondee
    Caron Poivre (vintage) March 26, 2011 at 10:56pm Reply

  • Dionne: Iris Silver Mist
    Black Cashmere
    Parfum Sacre
    Apres l’Ondee
    Ormonde Woman March 26, 2011 at 11:12pm Reply

  • linda: Homage
    Cristalle
    Chergui
    En Passant
    Apres l’Ondee

    Oh wait, those bottles were only half full! Here’s the other half: OJ Frangipani, Amouage Ubar, Orange Sanguine, Songes and L’Artisan’s Fleur de Oranger. 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:46am Reply

  • Kim: Chanel No 5
    Chanel No 19
    Chanel 31 Rue Cambon
    Guerlain Shalimar
    tie between Chanel No 22 and Guerlain Mitsouko, if forced to pick would just give up and take neither!!
    all preferably extrait and vintage (except 31 Rue Cambon)
    I actually find the shorter list of 5 much easier than 10 or 15!
    And interesting how many of us, despite our exposure to soooo many perfumes, still pick at least one Chanel or Guerlain – definitely speaks to the staying power of both houses 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:49am Reply

  • Joan: This is hard and painful. But…here goes:

    Amouage Gold
    Patchouli 24 Le Labo
    Chanel Cuir de Russie (like everyone else!)
    Joy
    Vanilia March 26, 2011 at 10:14pm Reply

  • anatole: Let’s say:
    Lanvin Scandal, my cherished vintage extrait
    Tauer L’air du désert marocian
    Lutens Iris Silver mist (I know I can’t have Iris Gris)
    Patou Que sais-je? (or Vacance if only I could find it)
    Malle Portrait of a lady. March 27, 2011 at 4:52am Reply

  • Ingelinda: Guerlain Après L’ondé
    Serge Lutens Bois de Violette
    Fréderic Malle En Passant
    Mona di Orio Amyitis
    Patricia de Nicolai Odalisque March 27, 2011 at 7:19am Reply

  • Astrid: Wow, great question. I just can’t get past my love affair with the ’80s, so I’ve stockpiled the cream of that crop. I always sniff at department stores, though & can safely say I can’t imagine I’ll be buying anything from that realm any time soon. It all smells like plastic & artificial wood any more:

    Fendi Fendi
    JL Scherrer
    Magie Noire
    Paloma
    La Perla original

    p.s. Diorella & Coco didn’t make the cut because they’ve been altered to where they need to be voted off the island fast. Recent vintage Coco especially makes my lungs sore. March 27, 2011 at 7:29am Reply

  • Violaine: diorissimo 1.0
    opium 1.0
    aphrodite, fabergé
    imogen Rose, Lush
    terre d’hermes March 27, 2011 at 11:08am Reply

  • RMF325: Guerlain: Shalimar, Vol de Nuit and l’Heure Bleue
    Hermès: Eau de Merveilles
    Chanel: No. 19

    Very, very hard list to make! March 27, 2011 at 11:40am Reply

  • capillary: You should write a review! I’d love to read it. March 27, 2011 at 1:17pm Reply

  • LadyShine: I have posted my favourites three times now, and they still don’t show up. Guess I should save as a text file so don’t have to recreate.

    Joy – Jean de Patou
    Must de Cartier
    Tea Rose – Parfumers Workshop
    Perry Ellis for Women (original)
    Diorissimmo March 27, 2011 at 1:39pm Reply

  • LadyShine: Blips are blips! 🙂 Thanks. I LOVE this blog. March 27, 2011 at 1:54pm Reply

  • Ann C: Same here. I love having Apres L’Ondee in my collection, but I only wear it a few times a year. March 27, 2011 at 3:49pm Reply

  • OperaFan: Oh Dee, isn’t Antonia just lovely? It has such a quite elegance about it… March 27, 2011 at 4:34pm Reply

  • OperaFan: When the house is on fire, there’s really no time to think and instinct takes over… I’m standing in front of my perfume curio so here goes:
    1. Apres L’Ondee
    2. Joy
    3. Coco
    4. Nina (1987)
    5. Jicky March 27, 2011 at 4:43pm Reply

  • Victoria: Ah, No 19 and L’Heure Bleue, my other loves. I just have a particular nostalgic connection with Apres L’Ondee, but truth be told, I would be happy with anything classical from Guerlain! March 27, 2011 at 1:01pm Reply

  • Victoria: It is hard! As I am reading these lists, I am reminded of so many other fantastic fragrances. March 27, 2011 at 1:02pm Reply

  • Victoria: If I had to swap lists, I would be happy with yours too! And I completely agree on Attrape-Coeur. March 27, 2011 at 1:03pm Reply

  • Victoria: Those are my favorite kinds too! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:03pm Reply

  • Victoria: Le Temps d’une Fete is gorgeous. Your comment reminded me that I have been neglecting it as of late, so I just went and put some on. March 27, 2011 at 1:04pm Reply

  • Victoria: Oh, another Le Temps d’une Fete fan! Isn’t it beautiful? March 27, 2011 at 1:05pm Reply

  • Victoria: These are all in my top favorites too! March 27, 2011 at 1:06pm Reply

  • Victoria: >>most probably, I would risk paying overweight luggage!

    You and me both! 🙂
    I also replied spontaneously, which to me seemed the best way to answer this question. I did not try to consider how important some fragrance was vis-a-vis another, but just what would make me feel great and keep me interested for a long time. March 27, 2011 at 1:07pm Reply

  • Victoria: Ok, I definitely need to try Opus! March 27, 2011 at 1:07pm Reply

  • Victoria: Private Collection is one of the most beautiful Lauders and one of the best green chypres. Simply splendid! March 27, 2011 at 1:08pm Reply

  • Victoria: I am happy to see Tonka Imperiale on your list. I have been enjoyed it tremendously. March 27, 2011 at 1:08pm Reply

  • Victoria: Sinfonia di Note’s Fleur de Santal sounds very good. I am not familiar with it. March 27, 2011 at 1:09pm Reply

  • Victoria: Quand vient la pluie is one of my recent Guerlain favorites, an interesting interpretation of L’Heure Bleue. March 27, 2011 at 1:09pm Reply

  • Victoria: That’s where many of my favorites are stranded! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:10pm Reply

  • Victoria: Nuit de Tubereuse is a popular choice, and I can see why–a very unusual take on tuberose. March 27, 2011 at 1:11pm Reply

  • Victoria: Ines, I try to include them in posts, but in comments, I usually do not bother. Most of the time I reply from my blackberry, which does not have the option anyway. No worries! March 27, 2011 at 1:11pm Reply

  • Victoria: Oh, we share 3 out of 5 favorites! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:12pm Reply

  • Victoria: Fantastic, diverse and versatile list! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:12pm Reply

  • Geordan: In no particular order (too many factors play into how I’m feeling at the moment):

    1). FM Carnal Flower
    2). FM Musc Ravageur
    3). Xerjoff Richwood (if I was forced to go monogamous, this one might be it)
    4). Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanilla
    5). Toss-up between Dyptique Philosykos and Bois d’Naufrage (everyone should have a fig in their wardrobe, the first is daywear for me, the latter nightwear).

    Special mention: MKK. Okay, I know. More cheating. March 27, 2011 at 5:16pm Reply

  • Victoria: I definitely will! Now that this lovely fragrance from PdN and I are reunited after such a long hiatus, I want to share my appreciation for it. It is perfect for today's bright spring day! Thank you again for reminding me of it. 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 1:51pm Reply

  • Victoria: Oh, I am sorry to hear about this typepad blip! I see them now. Thank you for sharing! March 27, 2011 at 1:52pm Reply

  • Victoria: Thank you! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 3:10pm Reply

  • Therebelgardener.blogspot.com: 1) Dans Tes Bras (éditions de parfums Fréédric Malle)
    2) Après L’Ondée (Guerlain)
    3) N°19 (Chanel), in eau de parfum or extract
    4) L’Air du Temps (Nia Ricci), vintage
    5) Habanita (Molinard)

    It’s really horrible when you have to choose ! March 27, 2011 at 3:42pm Reply

  • sweetlife: And oh my god, Vol de Nuit!

    You know, making lists like this really highlights for me the split between perfumes I swoon for and can’t imagine living without, and the workhorses I rely on day in and day out to give me comfort and joy. Less overlap than one might think. March 27, 2011 at 4:48pm Reply

  • Victoria: I completely understand! Making any list is hard for me, because the moment I start thinking about it longer, I can think of dozens of other choices! Still, it is so much fun to read these lists. March 27, 2011 at 5:53pm Reply

  • Victoria: MaryAnn, I wish you a very speedy recovery! When I suffer from any respiratory ailment, I try to avoid scents as much as possible. They tend to irritate too much.

    Once again, get better soon! March 27, 2011 at 5:55pm Reply

  • Victoria: So nice to see First being mentioned! It is such a fragrance jewel. March 27, 2011 at 6:11pm Reply

  • Victoria: A nice, diverse list! Those choices would sure keep you interested for years to come! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 6:12pm Reply

  • Victoria: I agree about layering. I can see Bellodgia being layered with Joy to amplify the spicy floral accord. March 27, 2011 at 6:12pm Reply

  • Victoria: A big Guerlain fan here too! I was tempted to put Shalimar, Mitsouko, L’Heure Bleue, Chamade and Apres L’Ondee on my list! 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 6:35pm Reply

  • Victoria: I was revisiting Miss Dior Cherie this weekend, it is a nicely made fragrance. That fruity-strawberry note amplified by the toasty popcorn is just so delicious. March 27, 2011 at 6:37pm Reply

  • Victoria: Straight to Heaven is fantastic! March 27, 2011 at 6:38pm Reply

  • Dionne: Anne, Femme Jolie just barely missed the cut for my top five as well. So glad I got it while I could. March 27, 2011 at 11:21pm Reply

  • Kat: Soft creamy dreamy sandalwood with some good tenacity 🙂 March 27, 2011 at 11:44pm Reply

  • MJ: Lauren, Ralph Lauren (Wore for years would not wear today, however)
    Paloma Picasso, (Loved it. Still love it)
    Paris (original only)
    Infusion d’Iris (Everyday comfort)
    Narcisso Rodriquez for Her (hated it for years, now love it) March 28, 2011 at 12:57am Reply

  • Loledinburgh5: Hi!
    This is tough but there we go:
    Ormonde Woman
    Timbuktu
    Theorema
    Vetiver Tonka
    De Bachmakov
    Thank you for this post,I love your blog. March 28, 2011 at 8:21am Reply

  • karin: OK, here goes! In no particular order:

    Attrape Coeur (hands down #1)
    Rive Gauche (vintage)
    Kilian Love and Tears
    Angel
    Eau de Sisley 3 March 28, 2011 at 9:16am Reply

  • sunsetsong: Infusion D’Iris EDP – so wearable every day and all year round
    No 5 EDP – or extrait? Hmmm
    Apres L’Ondee – so beautiful
    OJ Osmanthus – happiness in a bottle
    Shamilar Ode a La Vanille

    Special mentions to NR for Her and SSS Rose Musc – hard not to cheat here. March 28, 2011 at 10:08am Reply

  • ines: Mals, there are several diacritics in Croatian so keyboards here come equipped with more choices than just those letters in Croatian (but I’m always lazy looking for them as I don’t know where is which one). 🙂 March 28, 2011 at 7:34am Reply

  • Mimi: What an interesting question, one that obviously strikes a chord with many perfume lovers. I like the way OperaFan frames the question.
    Mine are:

    Molinard de Molinard
    Heure Exquise
    Calandre
    Nahema
    Knowing.

    What agony: The list is so incomplete. Taking OperaFan’s the house being on fire idea, I realize I would be in danger of burning up myself (of course, having time to select my top perfumes assumes the cat is out safely).

    Your question got me to imagining a Noah’s Ark for perfume. What two of each category would I pick? March 28, 2011 at 11:37am Reply

  • columbine: i don’t have a top five, only a top 2, i could of course easily give 5, but only 2 would not fluctuate over time on that list and these are Mitsouko and Tubéreuse criminelle. am actually pleased to see that Mitsouko features on a lot of your lists, it shows how exceptionnal that perfume is… March 28, 2011 at 2:06pm Reply

  • Victoria: Infusion d’Iris is one of my little black dress fragrances, so wearable and versatile! March 28, 2011 at 10:25am Reply

  • Victoria: All of these mentions of Attrape Coeur really made me crave it today! March 28, 2011 at 10:25am Reply

  • Victoria: Thank you! 🙂
    It is such a pleasure to see Theorema on your list, one of the best spicy-woody fragrances. Too bad that it is discontinued. March 28, 2011 at 10:26am Reply

  • Victoria: I did not care for NR for Her at first either, but it really grew on me. Now, it is definitely one of my favorites. March 28, 2011 at 10:27am Reply

  • Victoria: I am adding Bois d’Naufrage to my to-sample list! 🙂 March 28, 2011 at 10:28am Reply

  • Victoria: Classics win out every time for me when I have to make these lists. I just love the feelings they convey, the complexity. March 28, 2011 at 10:29am Reply

  • Victoria: The vintage L’Air du Temps is gorgeous! March 28, 2011 at 10:29am Reply

  • Grusheczka: Hmmm….
    FM Carnal Flower
    SL Chergui
    L’Artisan Dzing
    FM Musc Ravageur
    Frapin

    But that would probably change slightly if you asked me again in one hour 🙂 5 is just not enough…

    PS. I love your blog. You cover a greater variety than most other blogs out there, including mainstream fragrances that many wouldn’t even touch, and I respect that. Plus given your expertise in the field I feel like we’re getting a little “extra” in your blog. Thank you. March 28, 2011 at 10:38am Reply

  • Victoria: If I were forced to swap my list for another, I would go with yours! We have similar tastes! March 28, 2011 at 10:44am Reply

  • Victoria: Thank you very much, I do try to cover a wider spectrum of fragrances, mostly because my own tastes are so eclectic and I like to explore. It makes for some really fun discoveries. 🙂

    You’ve reminded me that I really need to revisit Frapin. I tried some of their fragrances, but I really need to resample this line. March 28, 2011 at 10:47am Reply

  • Carla: Everyone must be thinking of spring – Le Temps d’Une Fete is the perfect spring perfume. March 28, 2011 at 4:04pm Reply

  • Victoria: I really miss Biche dans l’Absinthe and other Gobin Daudé fragrances. There are few discontinued fragrances I truly mourn, but these are among them. March 28, 2011 at 12:23pm Reply

  • Victoria: Elisa, I love the logical way you went about it. This collection would surely keep you happy for many years to come! March 28, 2011 at 12:24pm Reply

  • Victoria: Alyssa, I noticed the exact same thing! They are not identical in my case either. March 28, 2011 at 12:25pm Reply

  • Victoria: Such a diverse list, I love it! March 28, 2011 at 12:25pm Reply

  • Victoria: I’ve tried it just recently, and I agree, it is so elegant and sophisticated! March 28, 2011 at 12:26pm Reply

  • Victoria: Fracas is so complex, one can wear it for years and still find something new in it. March 28, 2011 at 12:27pm Reply

  • Victoria: I agree, it is hard to pick just 5! March 28, 2011 at 12:38pm Reply

  • Victoria: Another list I would happily swap for my own. 🙂 March 28, 2011 at 12:39pm Reply

  • Victoria: Great question! Considering that there are so many fragrance families, I think that we would make the Ark sink. 🙂
    Seriously though, I think that if I had to pick my favorite families, it would have to be woody, oriental and florals. Most of my favorites are in those groups. March 28, 2011 at 12:40pm Reply

  • Victoria: I love asking these questions, because invariably I learn of new lines. Lalibela by Memo is now on my to-sample list. March 28, 2011 at 12:41pm Reply

  • Victoria: Lyric Woman is such a beautiful rose-incense composition, very distinctive. March 28, 2011 at 12:42pm Reply

  • Victoria: We do share many favorites, which is why your inclusion of Vamp à New York made me order a sample of it. I am also delighted to see Sacrebleu being mentioned, as it is such a beautiful perfume. March 28, 2011 at 12:46pm Reply

  • Victoria: I feel exactly the same way, a year away from everything would be wonderful! 🙂 March 28, 2011 at 12:49pm Reply

  • Victoria: Aged patchouli oil has such a rich, chocolate ganache scent. March 28, 2011 at 12:51pm Reply

  • Victoria: I can see why–those are such fantastic fragrances. I would have difficulty picking just one of them. March 28, 2011 at 12:56pm Reply

  • Victoria: Nice to see so many Caron fragrances. Or et Noir is one of their best and one of their most underrated. March 28, 2011 at 1:01pm Reply

  • Victoria: Another Le Temps d’une Fete fan! I am enjoying this fragrance very much, and it is nice to see it getting mentioned. March 28, 2011 at 1:26pm Reply

  • Victoria: Bulgari Black can be considered a classic, and so is Black Cashmere. They are fantastic fragrances! I also love all of your choices. March 28, 2011 at 1:46pm Reply

  • Victoria: Cuir de Russie is amazing, one of my favorite Chanels (although No 19 is a close rival.) March 28, 2011 at 1:47pm Reply

  • Victoria: I recently smelled the new version of Poivre and was very disappointed. Nothing like it used to be! March 28, 2011 at 1:47pm Reply

  • Victoria: Now, I need to revisit OJ Woman! March 28, 2011 at 1:48pm Reply

  • Victoria: Clever! 🙂 Lovely choices! March 28, 2011 at 1:48pm Reply

  • Victoria: I agree with you on Chanel/Guerlain point. It really shows how deeply respected these classics are. March 28, 2011 at 1:49pm Reply

  • Victoria: Vacance would make my own top 5 list, if only I had more than a tiny bottle. March 28, 2011 at 1:49pm Reply

  • Victoria: Odalisque is such a beautiful white floral, very alluring. March 28, 2011 at 1:50pm Reply

  • Victoria: 80s was a great decade for fragrances! March 28, 2011 at 1:50pm Reply

  • Victoria: I recently smelled Imogen Rose and found it lovely. March 28, 2011 at 1:51pm Reply

  • Victoria: I agree, it is really amazing to see some of these classics show up again and again on people's lists. Tubereuse Criminelle is another outstanding fragrance, definitely worth a Lutens classic label. March 28, 2011 at 2:08pm Reply

  • Nora: What a hard question…

    -Diorissimo
    -Estée Lauder: Beautiful
    -Keiko M.- Peau de Peche
    -Bvlgari-Femme
    -Guerlain-Champs Elysées March 28, 2011 at 6:10pm Reply

  • Victoria: I agree! It is perfect for these warm, sunny days (or for those of us who yearn for them!) March 28, 2011 at 4:05pm Reply

  • Victoria: It is great to see such a nice range in all of these comments. I am so enjoying reading everyone's responses!
    I have always had a soft spot for Champs Elysées. I went through a couple of bottles of it in college. March 28, 2011 at 6:34pm Reply

  • Mimi: I think you are right, we would definitely sink the Ark, all those sub-categories. My favorites are also florals, woods and orientals.

    This was a great, fun question. I love reading others’ lists and the whys. March 29, 2011 at 1:20pm Reply

  • OperaFan: Thanks Mimi (your name is a great – and among my favorites – operatic role, by the way)!
    I had to aim for variety among my choices, but really didn’t spend too much time thinking about it for the reason I cited. The truth is that I would have been happy with a number of combinations.
    a:) March 29, 2011 at 7:51pm Reply

  • Sariah: I brought decants of the following on a long trip:

    Shalimar Light
    31 Rue Cambon
    Chergui
    Vrai Blonde
    Attrape Coeur
    Carnal Flower

    Ya, it’s 6. March 30, 2011 at 12:47pm Reply

  • Carla: It must be spring. There are so many mentions of Le Temps d’Une Fete!
    I might take Jubilation 25, Bois de Violette, Sarrasins, Bulgari Black…and, Loulou for fun. Oops, there are no classics there. Maybe Mitsouko instead of Jubilation? Or Bandit instead of Black? March 30, 2011 at 3:14pm Reply

  • Victoria: Great choices and quite diverse too! I can see how one can have a lot of fun with these and not be bored at all. March 30, 2011 at 3:58pm Reply

  • Victoria: You are right, spring is in the air! 🙂 March 30, 2011 at 3:58pm Reply

  • Delfina: At the moment my top five is:
    Malle Le parfum de Thérèse
    Chanel Coromandel
    Guerlain Attrape-coeur
    Malle Musc ravageur
    Vero Profumo Kiki April 22, 2011 at 4:58am Reply

  • Adrienne Wilson: My daily perfume choice depends on what I’m wearing, how I’m feeling, and the weather. I haven’t left the house in 42 years without perfume on – rather like cleaning the teeth and wearing knickers, just always do it!!
    Dior’s ‘Diorissimo’
    Rochas ‘Femme’
    Jacomo ‘Silences’
    Guerlain ‘Nahema’
    Caron ‘Bellodgia’
    And I’d have to smuggle in my back pocket a small flacon of Estee Lauder’s ‘Private Collection’, and Lagerfeld’s ‘Sun, Moon and Star’s’. I lovely bit of froth at the end.
    Lagerfield ‘Sun, Moon and Stars’ April 22, 2011 at 11:07am Reply

  • Olga Bodnar Talyn: Fracas
    Mitsouko
    Diorissimo
    Annick Goutal’s Tubereuse
    Balenciaga’ Quadrille

    where can I find a bottle of Quadrille April 22, 2011 at 12:13pm Reply

  • Victoria: Need to try Kiki. I love these polls, because they always inspire me to try something new. April 22, 2011 at 10:12am Reply

  • Debbie: 1. Tom Ford Amber Absolute
    2. Dune – Christian Dior
    3. Nahema – Guerlain
    4. Cinema – YSL
    5. Songes – Annick Goutal

    Not all are absolute favourites but if I’m only allowed five, I need some variation in genre. April 22, 2011 at 3:59pm Reply

  • Lucy: Impossible but for now I will say:

    Carnal Flower
    Aftelier Wildflower
    Un Matin d’Orage
    Querelle
    Voleur de Roses April 23, 2011 at 7:53am Reply

  • Lucy: If I had one more I would say Chergui. April 23, 2011 at 7:55am Reply

  • Melancholybaby: A very, very difficult choice, and one, I admit, that might continually change with seasons, new finds, etc, etc…but right now, today, my top 5 would have to be

    Diva – Ungaro
    31 rue Cambon – Chanel
    Y by Yves Saint Laurent
    Paloma Picasso
    Diorella (Dior) April 25, 2011 at 5:14pm Reply

  • Mrs Bok: Hi!

    I’m looking for a new fragrance and your blog is terrific!

    I’ve got:
    Kai
    SL Fleur d’orange
    Hermes un jardin sur Le nil
    Jo Malone vanilla & anise
    EL tuberose gardenia…

    …but I don’t truly love any of them! Have never fallen in love with a perfume. I’m still searching! Thanks. May 2, 2011 at 8:49am Reply

  • Mwende: Beautiful
    Poeme
    Elle
    Lady Million
    Loulou November 2, 2011 at 2:26am Reply

  • Akki: Without thinking…

    No 5 ————— Chanel
    Light Blue ——– D&G
    Cool Waters —– Davidoff
    Shalimar ———- Guerlain
    Apres l’ondee—- Guerlain August 20, 2012 at 12:51pm Reply

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