Recommend Me a Perfume : February Quests

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” is here today.  It’s a cold February day here in Brussels, and all I want is something warm and comforting.

How does it work: Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer.

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue“reply” link under their comment.

brussels-winter-4

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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284 Comments

  • rosarita: I am interested to know everyone’s favorite Amouage fragrances. Through swapping and sheer luck, I have some Lyric Woman, Interlude Woman and Opus IV from the Library collection and I love all three, but samples/decants are expensive and some experienced opinions would be very helpful. Thanks! February 15, 2013 at 7:39am Reply

    • Jenna: Lyric Woman is my favourite. Whenever I wear it, I feel like a femme fatale, lol. I just can’t help thinking that it’s overpriced at £190. February 15, 2013 at 8:30am Reply

    • yin: i quite enjoy amouage gold woman and lyric woman, and jubilation xxv on my male friend. however, i find amouage perfumes in general to be a bit overpowering to wear, though i think they’re excellently made.

      as a side-note, if you live in europe escentual.com is offering an amouage sample pack of 2ml each of the 11 women’s scents for 32 pounds (about 40 euros), and if you choose to buy an amouage after testing you can get 32 pounds off your purchase (i am not affiliated). i think that’s quite a nice price considering the cost of samples from other websites. February 15, 2013 at 9:16am Reply

      • Annikky: Thank you for the tip, Yin! I ordererd both the Amouage set (the line is available here, but no samples) and the ELdO one. I planned to order the latter from the company web site, but the delivery charge to Estonia was, for some reason, 49 euros! I am much happier with the 3 pounds at escentual. Thanks again. February 16, 2013 at 7:03am Reply

    • Lucas: I like Opus II, great spiced lavender/fougere. February 15, 2013 at 9:31am Reply

    • Lynley: My favourites- my holy trinity of Amouage- are Lyric, Epic and Memoir. These are followed closely by Jubilation 25 and Opus 1. I find all of these to be on the richer, more ‘incensey’ side of the Amouage scale, which I prefer more than their floral scents. Not that I don’t like them, I haven’t really met an Amouage I dislike, it’s just that these ones are more me. But I do like Interlude woman (the above being female versions) and kind of like Ciel for it’s daytime freshness, but to me it’s not Amouage-y enough to spend that much on.. February 15, 2013 at 9:48am Reply

    • Phyllis Iervello: I own full bottles of (in order of preference:
      Lyric Woman
      Jubiliation 25 (Women’s)
      Opus I February 15, 2013 at 10:50am Reply

      • Phyllis Iervello: Oops, I forgot my original bottle bought years ago when it first came out in the beautiful Crystal Bottle–now it’s called Gold but then it was just Amouage. February 15, 2013 at 10:52am Reply

      • Pamela R Porter: I love this.! January 10, 2020 at 3:15am Reply

    • Austenfan: Amouage Gold.
      I haven’t sampled a whole lot of them though. February 15, 2013 at 11:24am Reply

    • Alityke: My favourite is Ubar very closely followed by Lyric Woman February 15, 2013 at 11:47am Reply

    • rosarita: Something came up this morning and I haven’t been able to check back till now. Thank you all so much for your responses! February 15, 2013 at 2:22pm Reply

    • mough: I’m an Amouage freak. I have several full bottles of:

      Beloved, my favorite, hands down
      Opus III lovely, mimosa and violet and spice
      Gold MAN, like really, really classy baby powder
      Lyric Woman
      Homage Attar
      Memoir Woman
      Dia Woman

      They are big, but so am I, so I wear them almost exclusively. Not crazy about Honor, Inerlude, Ciel. Not worth the money imho. But the others are certainly worth sampling. Love hearing from another Amouage fan! Beloved Man is coming out this month, so I am QUITE excited! February 15, 2013 at 4:27pm Reply

    • solanace: Hi Rosarita,

      I love Amouage too, and since I teach for a living, I undertstand well what you mean. A while ago, I got a discovery set, .5 ml each sample, at surrender to chance. Best sample set ever, I had so much fun, they are all rich and good. My favorites are Gold (perfection in a bottle), Epic and Jubilation 25. I also love Dia Man, which is kind of under the radar. It has a delicious refreshing bit of vetiver in the opening, and soon changes to something rich and insensey. Heck, I can’t even begin to describe it, wish Victoria would review it 🙂 Dia Man reminds me of the elegant mood of old style perfumes such as the black Armani or Magie Noire. But I think it is even better than both, richer, fuller, better lasting, with more twists, made of better ingredients, which pretty much sums up why I love these guys. February 16, 2013 at 3:32am Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Rosarita, My favorite by far is the Tribute Attar. It’s ridiculously expensive, but smells divine. If I had to pick other from the line? I have to say that I like the men’s fragrances more than the women’s. Most recently, I found Interlude Man to be pretty great. February 16, 2013 at 3:27pm Reply

  • Martyn: My mother was a lifelong lover of fine fragrances, and when she died several years ago I discovered a big collection of perfume miniatures scattered in various drawers and cupboards. Most of these had been opened, and most were almost empty. But she also had several nearly full bottles of EDP and EDT, which probably date back at least 12 to 15 years. I hate the thought that they are languishing unseen and unsmelt, so I want to research the idea of decanting them into glass sample bottles and giving them away. I think that would make a fitting legacy. The fragrances are mainly by Guerlain (Jicky, L’Heure Bleue and Vol de Nuit come to mind), with one or two other names (Joy, Byzance) too. They’ve been packed in the dark in a cool store, so will not have deteriorated. I’d probably make a very small charge to cover the cost of the bottle and the shipping, but I’ve no wish to profit by the exercise. I’m aware that there’s a thriving splits and decants community online, but I’m not part of it, so that route isn’t really one I want to take. Would any of Victoria’s readers be interested? If so, follow the link in my name (above) and send me a message. We can work out the details if sufficient people get in touch. February 15, 2013 at 8:52am Reply

    • Patricia: Martyn, that is such a nice idea. I would definitely be interested in any of the Guerlains. Kind regards, Patricia February 15, 2013 at 9:07am Reply

    • Isabeau: Martyn I have tried to follow your link and send you an email but I could not find it 🙁
      But how generous of you to share these great fragrances with us!! February 15, 2013 at 9:07am Reply

      • Martyn: Hello Isabeau – I’m sorry you couldn’t make the link work. Please email me on m.v.oliver [at] btinternet.com, substituting @ at the appropriate place. Thanks. February 18, 2013 at 6:48am Reply

    • Dr. Nini: Hello, I also just tried “Oliver’s Twists”, but cannot find your contact details either…
      I am also interested in your mom’s precious collection… sounds like a true treasure box…
      S February 15, 2013 at 9:11am Reply

      • Martyn: Hello Dr N – I’m sorry you couldn’t make the link work. Please email me on m.v.oliver [at] btinternet.com, substituting @ at the appropriate place. Thanks. February 18, 2013 at 6:49am Reply

    • Victoria: Martyn, you may want to add where you’re based! February 15, 2013 at 9:14am Reply

      • Martyn: Victoria’s right of course. There’s a click-through link at Oliver’s Twists which takes a visitor through to an “About” page (http://martynoliver.wordpress.com/about), but it’s not obvious. My apologies. I’m based in the UK. I had initially thought to ship only to others in the UK, but as long as people aren’t put off by the cost of overseas postage I don’t see why I shouldn’t send abroad too. Me email address is m.v.oliver at btinternet.com, substituting @ in the usual place. February 15, 2013 at 9:22am Reply

        • Bela: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Martyn, but from 14 January it’s become illegal to post perfume abroad from the UK. All packages are scanned and get destroyed if found to contain perfume. And senders can be prosecuted. I know, it’s preposterous (I’m in the UK too), but… February 16, 2013 at 11:00am Reply

          • Martyn: Hi Bela – Thanks for letting me know. I’ve checked their website, and of course you’re right. However, the relevant paragraph has the words “certain perfumes”, so I have a query in with the Royal Mail now to ask them to define which perfumes are “certain” and which not. Keeping my fingers crossed. February 18, 2013 at 6:51am Reply

            • Bela: Hi, Martyn, I’m afraid what’s on their website are the ‘old’ rules. The new ones, which post office employees have been asked to implement, say ‘all perfumes and aftershaves’. They now give you the third degree and show you a card stating the new, stringent rules. February 18, 2013 at 5:12pm Reply

    • Jan Last: Lovely idea. And I would love to be included. I was also unable to message you.
      Another thought…perhaps you could take a few artsy pictures of those bottles, we all love seeing each other’s scents. February 15, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

    • Ilene Primack: How thoughtful and generous of you! I have long wished to sample The Guerlains and any other chypres you might discover. My mother wore Femme by Rochas and the memories of that original fragrance take me back to such happy times. I am more than happy to reimburse you for any expense in shipping to the US.
      All good things,
      Ilene February 15, 2013 at 11:58am Reply

    • Gretchen: I would be interested in the Guerlains, too! February 15, 2013 at 8:58pm Reply

  • mirianv: Two things:

    One for me. I LOVE the sample of Francis Kurkdjian’s APOM i received, but I just cannot justify the price right. Is there a slightly cheaper alternative. $90-$140. I do love it so much.

    For my boyfriend: He used up an entire bottle of YSL La Nuit de L’homme and loved it, but not the staying power. Is there a very similar mens fragrance that can stay long that a few hours? same price range $90-$140 February 15, 2013 at 9:15am Reply

    • Lynley: I am absolutely NO help at all 😉 as the same thing happened to me with APOM and I just had to save up a bit longer to get it 🙂 Seville a l’aube is a much richer, warmer orange blossom- more golden orangey yellow to APOM’s light lemon yellow I think. I maybe should have waited to try the Houbigant before I bought it but I couldn’t deny it was love 😉 still haven’t tried the Houbigant.. February 15, 2013 at 9:55am Reply

      • mirianv: Hehe I have seville a l’aube already!! I have a massive sample of houbigant but I’m not quite sold on it. Maybe I should just save up for APOM 🙁 February 15, 2013 at 11:52am Reply

      • ramone: I’m wearing today seville a l’aube and since I bought it 2 weeks ago, i can’t stop using it. It’s adictive! I had to choose between this one and APOM and i think that artisan is more warmer and these days in romania you need such a warm embrase. I’ m looking also for houbigant samples. February 16, 2013 at 8:18am Reply

    • george: I only smelled Apom pour femme very shortly (and didn’t journey very far in to the fragrance) and it reminded me of L’Heure Bleue, and I seem to remember a lot of people had commented on the similarity on fragrantica. (Ironically I have also read somewhere that FK hates L’Heure Bleue, so go figure!). If I was looking for a cheaper alternative to to Apom I would start by going through the variations of L’H Bleue by Guerlain, including Insolence, but also the P d Nicolai. Not being fully acquainted with APOM I can’t directly put a finger on an alternative, but those are general area in which it might worth be making a search. February 15, 2013 at 9:59am Reply

    • nikki: I completely understand you, I feel the same about APOM. I haven’t had a perfume that enchanted me as much as this one in decades. I buy my APOM on e-bay now and negotiate with the seller…so I pay less for the bottle itself and don’t pay taxes and shipping which makes a big difference. There was one APOM sold for $80 last week! $125 is the usual range. February 15, 2013 at 10:02am Reply

      • Phyllis Iervello: APOM is my favorite FK fragrance and I own a full bottle. I also own a full bottle of Lumiere Nuit Pour Femme. February 15, 2013 at 10:58am Reply

        • nikki: Lumiere Noire is great, too. Much cooler, more like the original Scherrer. I am trying Amyris now. February 15, 2013 at 11:13am Reply

    • monkeytoe: For the YSL La Nuit de L’homme you might try Gueralin habit Rouge, One Million by Paco Rabanne or maybe even Lolita Lempicka Masculin. None of those are an exact match but they are all rich masculines. February 15, 2013 at 12:06pm Reply

    • minette: try jean-paul gaultier’s fleur du male. it strikes me as very similar to APOM. i love his lumiere noire, cologne du soir (and absolu), and oud, but cannot wear APOM. and while i have fleur de male, i find i don’t wear it – for the same reason i don’t like APOM on my skin. go figure. February 15, 2013 at 2:41pm Reply

      • minette: oh, and he happens to be the nose for fleur du male. February 15, 2013 at 2:42pm Reply

  • yin: this is not a request for perfume recs, per se, but i am wondering where people go to for their perfume splits and decants. i know there was once a scent split wiki, but when i visited the site said it had been taken down. the basenotes forum has a scents split board, but it seems very heavily skewed toward male fragrances. your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thank you! February 15, 2013 at 9:19am Reply

    • Lynley: Yin, for decants and samples I use both The Perfumed Court and Surrender to Chance, and samples from Luckyscent also. The Perfume Posse are wonderful enough to host a monthly Perfumed Fairy Godmother to help with those elusive searches for that One perfume, and they are also the gracious hosts of Swapmania, held every few months. I’m not affiliated I just think they provide a great service for us crazy perfume addicts 😉 February 15, 2013 at 10:03am Reply

      • yin: thanks, lynley! i’ve heard of surrender to chance, although i find their prices a little high, but these sites all seem to have a great selection. February 15, 2013 at 1:41pm Reply

    • Stephie: I am fond of “Surrender To Chance”, “Aus Liebe zum Duft” (also in English), Essenza Nobile, the perfumed court and “sündhaft”. Best, Stephie February 15, 2013 at 10:08am Reply

      • yin: thank you stephie! i really appreciate these europe-based sites! February 15, 2013 at 1:43pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Believe it or not, you can find groups of like-minded people on Facebook. Facebook Fragrance Friends is one example. You’ll have to find a Facebook friend who is already in the group to add you to it, but it’s definitely worth it to join that or another group where people are splitting at cost, not for profit. So ask around on Facebook to see if any of your FB friends who love perfume can help you with this. (The two groups I belong to require that a recommendation to add a person should only be for someone you actually know.) February 15, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

      • yin: thanks for the suggestion nina! i’m not sure i have any fumehead friends since i got into perfume fairly recently, but i will ask about! February 15, 2013 at 1:45pm Reply

        • Christy C: I can add you to Facebook Fragrance Friends if you give me the link to your FB page or let me know how to find you on FB.

          There’s a good perfume splits group on google groups called “Scent Splits.” https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/scent-splits I’ve participated in several splits at both places. February 15, 2013 at 5:09pm Reply

          • Cheryl G.: Oh.
            My.
            Gawd.

            How did I not know about this Facebook Fragrance Friends thing?
            Please, please hook me up.
            https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.m.guzman.

            Thank you Christy C.! February 15, 2013 at 7:10pm Reply

            • Christy C: Just sent you a FB message. FFF is a lovely community! February 15, 2013 at 7:36pm Reply

              • Cheryl G.: I’m on it!

                Thank you again. February 15, 2013 at 8:32pm Reply

              • Margaret: Would someone invite me to the Facebook group? Would love to join. I’m also on Google Plus–any kind soul willing to invite me?

                I’m here: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.dailey.35

                Thank you! March 2, 2013 at 9:38pm Reply

                • Christy C: I’d be happy to! I’ll send you a FB friend request and once you accept it I can add you to the group. 🙂 March 3, 2013 at 8:25am Reply

          • Dênis Pagani: I’m helping a friend find a substitute for her loved Gió by Giorgio Armani (the one from 1992, not Acqua di Gio) and for her old days signature scent, Eau Folle by Guy Laroche. Any help will be appreciated! February 25, 2013 at 5:19pm Reply

        • Nina Z: I am SO happy that you got connected up! February 16, 2013 at 8:58pm Reply

          • Nina Z: I am not in Facebook Fragrance Friends, by the way, but I know a number of people who are. February 16, 2013 at 9:00pm Reply

    • Daisy: There is also something called the Crystal Flacon that I am signed up for but have never used. I think that a lot of the same people who host splits on basenotes are on there too. Anyone out there have an experience with this forum?

      http://flacon.ambaric.net/index.php February 16, 2013 at 3:32pm Reply

    • nastja: I use mostly Posh Peasant for decants and samples both. They occasionally get some really lovely vintage stuff like Nina Ricci or vintage Guerlain’s. I’m in the US, so not sure about their shipments internationally. February 17, 2013 at 2:18pm Reply

  • nikki: Victoria, gorgeous photo, like a Rembrandt painiting. The low skies in the Netherlands, Norhern Germany and Belgium have been an inspiration to many painters…why not wear SL’s Five o’clock au Gingembre today to warm you up?

    I am looking for another great Ellena creation, I love his VCA First, Bulgari’s Eau du The Vert, L’Artisan Parfumeur L’Eau d”Ambre and I am looking for another outstanding creation of his. Any suggestions? February 15, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Nikki! I couldn’t resist snapping this photo.

      How about Sisley’s Eau de Campagne or Hermes Amazone? February 15, 2013 at 9:39am Reply

      • nikki: Yes, Eau de Campagne is nice, thank you. I didn’t know he created Amazone, Victoria! I sometimes wonder about these creations as I smelled some of FK creations before he had his own maison and I am not impressed, however, all of his own line are great. Maybe it really depends on not only parfumeur but also client. February 15, 2013 at 10:06am Reply

    • Elisa: Hi! Not an Ellena, but if you like First, I recommend White Linen — they are from the same time period (about) and in a similar style. February 15, 2013 at 10:01am Reply

    • monkeytoe: Balenciaga Rumba and Rochas globe are two other early JCE creations worth sniffing. February 15, 2013 at 12:08pm Reply

      • nikki: Thank you, I tried Rumba, but haven’t tried Globe yet. February 15, 2013 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Safran: How about the new Hermes scent, Jour d’Hermes? It is a wonderful, fresh, and a bit abstract white flower scent, with and interesting chalky undertone. To me it has a bit of everything, classic, modern and timeless – wearable anytime of the day or year.

      Good luck
      Safran February 15, 2013 at 6:07pm Reply

      • nikki: Thank you, I will try that! February 15, 2013 at 7:36pm Reply

  • Lucas: Do you know any interesting perfume with chamomile that are worth exploring? I would like to learn a little bit more about this note in perfumery. February 15, 2013 at 9:30am Reply

    • Jillie: Hi, Lucas! This probably is what you are wanting, but I know that there is a little chamomile in Clinique Aromatics Elixir, although your nose has to be good to sniff it out with all the other ingredients in there! I know it is a bit unloved by a lot of people, but I have always enjoyed its deep chypre patchouliness and rich rosiness. When really fresh, it smells quite green, and I think that’s when the chamomile is probably most noticeable. It darkens and mellows with age, and becomes sweeter. February 15, 2013 at 9:42am Reply

      • Jillie: Oh, dratted fingers, I meant to say that this is NOT what you were wanting! Why is it one can only see mistakes once the comment appears, and not while typing?! February 15, 2013 at 9:43am Reply

        • Lucas: No problem. I tried AR some time ago but it wasn’t my fairytale.
          I’m wishing for something light (as always) February 15, 2013 at 9:54am Reply

      • monkeytoe: Bulgari Petits et Mamans and Fahrenheit both have a prominent chamomile note. February 15, 2013 at 12:11pm Reply

    • Lynley: Hi Lucas, your question had me wondering as I don’t recall ever coming across chamomile as a prominent note in perfumery. I love the smell of chamomile so curious, I did a search for chamomile on Basenotes and quite a lot of threads came up, mentioning lots of perfumes I’ve never heard of! The most obviously chamomile I saw was Demeter Chamomile Tea, which I’ve not tried as I personally am not sure I like the kind of frags Demeter makes (I’d rather drink a gin and tonic than just smell like it 🙂 ) but they usually are light and maybe, just maybe, it might be the right kind? February 15, 2013 at 10:17am Reply

    • Asali: Lucas, if you can come across the Dc’ed Guerlain Aroma Allegoria Apaisant, that one has camomile and linden as prominent notes. February 17, 2013 at 7:40am Reply

  • Jillie: That really is a beautiful photo. It is so atomospheric that I can feel the chill coming off the snowy roofs. Like you, I am feeling cold any way today and I was thinking of putting on some Chopard Casmir; it’s not something that I can wear much, as it is so sweet, but I think today I need coddling and the big hit of vanilla is nearly as good as snuggling under a blanket, isn’t it? February 15, 2013 at 9:32am Reply

    • Victoria: You’re really my fragrance twin, Jillie. I feel exactly the same way about Casmir, and today I was contemplating wearing it. It’s sunny, but very cold.

      Another warm and comforting contender is Parfums de Nicolai SacreBleu. It’s also too sweet for most days, but today it would be perfect. February 15, 2013 at 9:35am Reply

      • Jillie: Your comment has made me so happy, as you have such good taste and are so knowledgeable! February 15, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

        • Robin Hudson: On a cold day I enjoy wearing the budget
          fragrance `Lou Lou’ by Cacherel. It reminds
          me of warm gingerbread. It received a
          5 star rating in Luca Turin’s Perfumes The
          A-Z guide. (Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez) February 15, 2013 at 9:26pm Reply

      • Stephie: It is also a day for Estée Lauder PC Amber Ylang-Ylang mia Bella… Stephie February 15, 2013 at 9:44am Reply

      • mysterious_scent: I also like Parfums de Nicolai SacreBleu. It’s perfect for a cold day February 15, 2013 at 9:54am Reply

        • solanace: I love Sacrebleu too. Patricia de Nicolai is great, I’m glad she makes the small bottles, because it is impossible to choose one from her line. February 16, 2013 at 3:47am Reply

      • Mel: i can only envy the ragged winter skies of benelux – the chronic sun and balmy temps of SoCal can induce complacency and almost oblivion. I love it but I miss real weather! In solidarity w/ the view from your window and your mood today I think I’ll douse myself in Bois de Paradis by Parfums Delrae. And I’ll close my curtains adn pretend! February 15, 2013 at 12:09pm Reply

        • Victoria: My husband used to work in SoCal, and he says the same thing. While it’s nice to have such nice weather all the time, at some point you long for a change. All in all, I’m getting used to the weather here. And it’s sure is changeable. The other day we had hail, rain, snow and sunshine, pretty much all at once! February 15, 2013 at 1:55pm Reply

          • nikki: I second the sentiment! Changing skies and weather are great, here in S. Arizona it is pretty much the same all the time, too! Boring. I prefer the “mackerel skies” of Chicago, do you remember those, Victoria? February 15, 2013 at 2:06pm Reply

    • maja: I will probably move to the Alps during this year. My first thought was: Yey, I will wear my orientals and heavy fumes all the time! 🙂 February 16, 2013 at 1:13pm Reply

  • Jillie: Oh, and I have just ordered some vanilla tea, so I must be craving vanilla right now! February 15, 2013 at 9:33am Reply

    • Lucas: I’ve been wanting some vanilla too lately, got some Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee to see how it is. February 15, 2013 at 9:38am Reply

      • Jillie: Yum. February 15, 2013 at 9:44am Reply

  • mysterious_scent: It’s sunny today, the first sunny day after a long, wet and cold January. It feels like Spring. Spring is always my favourite season. Spring indicates new beginning, new hope and new possibilities. I am forever looking for a perfect Spring fragrance. Ideally, it’s green and tender, like baby grass just sticking out of damp soil. It is a mix of spring flowers, such as cherry blossom, tulip, hyacinth, Dutch iris and roses. It’s innocent and romantic, yet gradually gaining complexity. It may be a little bit cold at start, but it’s warm within.

    My current favourite Spring fragrances are LAP La Chasse aux Papillons and MDCI Un Coeur en Mai. Another LAP fragrance, Mimosa Pour Moi is often considered quite spring-like but sadly, mimosa doesn’t get along with me. February 15, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

    • Victoria: You might like Lutens’s Bas de Soie, which is a crisp hyacinth fragrance. It has many fans.

      Also, Goutal’s Eau de Camille is a green floral, just lovely.

      Parfums de Nicolai has several that have this delicate, spring-like quality–Odalisque, Weekend a Deauville, Temps d’Une Fete. February 15, 2013 at 11:49am Reply

      • mysterious_scent: Thank you Victoria. Definitely will seek out SL Bas de Soie and PdN Odalisque

        How could I forget PdN Weekend at Deauville? I have been thinking of getting a full bottle.

        Goutal’s Eau de Camille is too bitter to my nose. Also PdN Temps d’Une Fete is somehow very sharp . February 17, 2013 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Green, iris, and roses brings to mind Chanel No 19 and Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, both of which contain galbanum, iris and rose. Chanel No 19 is cooler and crisper in tone. Heure Exquise is warmer and softer. Both beautiful! February 15, 2013 at 4:33pm Reply

      • mysterious_scent: Thank you Nina. Heure Exquise and Chanel No. 19 are both my favorites. I own full bottles of both 🙂 They are great Iris scents. I wear NO. 19 all year around. Heure Exquise is not quite a Spring fragrance to me – it’s more a winter scent, I guess it’s because of the animalic aspect. February 17, 2013 at 2:51pm Reply

    • Poodle: Try Fleur No.1 by 1000 Flowers. I think it smells very springlike. It’s got the green notes, the damp earth, and the spring flowers. No one ever seems to mention it but I think it deserves a sniff. February 15, 2013 at 8:05pm Reply

      • mysterious_scent: I never tried anything by 1000 Flowers. I like the name! Will check it out! Thank you! February 17, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

    • Elizabeth T.: 28 La Pausa always reminds me of spring. It’s a beautiful soft iris, slightly green and tender as you’re requesting! February 15, 2013 at 8:54pm Reply

      • mysterious_scent: Hi Elizabeth, thank you for the rec. I only briefly tried 28 La Pausa in store, along with other Chanel Exclusif scents. My attention of that day was taken over by Coromandel, so probably didn’t give much chance to 28 La Pausa. Will definitely test it again! February 17, 2013 at 2:55pm Reply

      • Chelsey: I love La Pausa but it disappears so quickly on my skin. I have tro respray so many times thoughout the day 🙁 February 20, 2013 at 3:59pm Reply

  • Stephie: I am looking for a scent that is either like my beloved “fils de dieu”, i.e., creamy and fresh at the same time, perfect for the office, but with an extra punch, something — dare I say it — distinctly feminine?
    And/or a fragrance that is like Beige (Les Exclusifs), but not quite so sweet — Ciel d’Opale is pretty close, but also too sweet and not as “golden” as Beige…
    Finally — sorry, I had these questions penned up for a while — I am looking for a fragrance that builds on the theme of L’instant magique? Yes I know it is considered a very bad choice of parfume (as one Blogger wrote: “just open the drier and inhale what comes out after drying your clothes with one of these scented drier tissues”), however, I would love love love to have something to layer it with and completes it. Or, maybe one of your guys knowsomething that is complex and tells a story, is Guerlain-like yet follows the tune of L’Instant Magique or Magic… Many thanks, Stephie February 15, 2013 at 9:43am Reply

    • Elisa: For creamy + fresh: Have you tried Calvin Klein Truth? February 15, 2013 at 10:04am Reply

      • Stephie: Oh, one of it’s creators is THE Thierry Wasser… Who knew?! Dear Elisa, I have not tried it yet — normally I don’t like CK, however, I will ask for it in my favorite Parfuemery on Monday. One lives to learn… Thank you very much, Elisa! February 15, 2013 at 10:17am Reply

        • Elisa: You’re welcome! It’s not much like other CK scents — it has a grassy opening and a soft, subtle drydown. If you can’t find it anywhere, send me an email at elisagabbert at gmail.com and I’ll send you sample from my bottle. February 15, 2013 at 10:23am Reply

          • Stephie: Your are so very kind! Thank you again. It DOES sound lovely. I love a very harsh green opening, like “Grand Amour” or “Chamade” that then changes course and turn soft and subtle. That is why I love ETAT’s fils de dieu: first the lemon hits you, but then a simphony of coconut cream, rice and herbs for support indulge one’s nose…
            I am pretty sure that I will be able to get a tiny sample of TRUTH next week, but if not I am grateful for your generous offer. THX, Stephie February 15, 2013 at 10:35am Reply

          • Elena: I wore the heck out of Truth about ten years ago. It was, as I remember, all about the opening for me. This may seem odd, but I think Chanel 19 might be a much stronger and sophisticated alternative to Truth? I haven’t smelled Truth in so long it’s hard to say, but I’m inclined to recommend no. 19 to everyone anyway. They certainly don’t smell alike in any way, but it might appeal to you. February 15, 2013 at 11:23am Reply

            • Stephie: The famous Number 19. Well I only sniffed it once and it slapped me right in the face i.e. bit me in the nose– not as much as Silences, however, I was a bit surprised. And walked away — BIG mistake obviously, since I really like (only own little sample) Chanel # Poudré… So, thank you dear Elena — I am going to get a sample of 19 as well and wait for it to develop — and tell me it’s story, even without the Iranian galbanum oil. Thank you for your inspiration. February 15, 2013 at 12:52pm Reply

    • nastja: I think of Parfum d’Empire Azemour les Orangers as analogous to Fils de Dieu in that citrusy and green opening with already a sweet, spciy, woody undertone that carries throughout. Love both this time of year when I’m craving spring, but not anything too floral. February 17, 2013 at 2:21pm Reply

      • Stephie: THANK YOU — this was a hard question … I very much appreciate your rec. February 25, 2013 at 7:02am Reply

  • Pamela: I love the smell of jasmine but the ones I have are fairly overwhelming after a short time, and they do last. Some of the Bvlgaris in the Jardin line have a cute sweet jasmine but I’m hard put to smell it out of the pile of other smells. I’m trying to find an airy jasmine that doesn’t do to my nose what holding A big red filter over my eyes would do; color the world red. (I’m a super smeller-which sounds great but isn’t so much). I tried Malle’s Therese but found it to be overwhelming. I love violet, orris, leathers, incense, musks, (I find Luten’s violette wonderful) Well actually I love a lot of different things as long as they are well done. (Honestly, don’t we all?) thanks everyone! February 15, 2013 at 10:21am Reply

    • Pamela: The image of jasmine lace just popped into my mind for the feel of what I’m looking for. February 15, 2013 at 10:28am Reply

      • Kristina: Pamela, we are scent twins, the notes you mentioned are among my favourite ones! Have you tried the new Chanel 1932? It’s not a soliflore but is has an airy and sparkling jasmine plus orris! I guess you love Bottega Veneta (no jasmine but violet / leather)? Just saying because I am happily wearing it today. February 15, 2013 at 10:45am Reply

        • Pamela: Ooooh, sounds wonderful, I haven’t tried it yet. February 15, 2013 at 3:52pm Reply

        • Pamela: Funny, I think you are right about being Scent Twins. I’ve been full bottle flirting with the Bottega Veneta. I think I’m going to have to form a relationship. February 15, 2013 at 7:59pm Reply

        • Chelsey: I cannot wait to try the new Chanel 1932!! I am on my favorite SA’s list for a sample when it arrives at Nordstrom. February 20, 2013 at 4:03pm Reply

    • Stephie: I know it sounds crazy, but this is actually tame in a beautiful way: Jasmin and cigarette by Etat libre d’orange (no funny aftertaste on my skin). Just gentle but true Jasmin all the way. Smooth yet green.
      Also, of course, FIRST by Van Cleef and Apels — it smells like a tamer version of For Therese, however, it might still be too full on for you… (I often find Therese also overwhelming 😉
      Stephie February 15, 2013 at 10:41am Reply

      • Annikky: I am actually wearing Jasmine et Cigarette right now 🙂 I have been loving it since I got the sample and no, I don’t find it overwhelmng, although to me it is not quite “airy” either. Of lighter jasmines, I have enjoyed L’Occitane’s jasmine flanker to The Vert. Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita is nice and light and definitely worth a sniff, as are all her scents. And I don’t recall it that well, but maybe Jasminora? February 15, 2013 at 11:19am Reply

        • Karen: Another vote here for Jasmin et Cigarettes – after a month eking out my sample I have just taken the full bottle plunge! There is also Jo Malone Honeysuckle Jasmine which is a nice light summer perfume, but sadly has no staying power on me. February 15, 2013 at 3:43pm Reply

        • carole macleod: Jasmin et Cigarette has been on my radar for quite awile. I have, and like Creed Jasmin, and I also have T’awaf, which is my favorite-delicate jasmine intertwined with opopanox, connected with rose. It’s just sublime, it’s so beautiful. February 16, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

      • Pamela: I think I may have had a sample and gave it away thinking it would be a sort of ash scent. Who ever has it could I borrow it back? I didn’t expect the multiple accolades. February 15, 2013 at 8:02pm Reply

    • Asali: Have you tried MDCI promesse de l’aube, a wonderful soft and non-indolic jasmin. February 15, 2013 at 11:09am Reply

      • Pamela: These are amazing suggestions, I’m really glad I asked because I would not even have known where to look! February 15, 2013 at 8:04pm Reply

    • Austenfan: I am quite fond of Aqua Allegoria Jasminora for a light and airy ( and clean) jasmine. Goutal’s Le Jasmin is a fairly light jasmine as well. Another wonderful, but unfortunately discontinued one is La Haie Fleurie (du Hameau) by L’Artisan Parfumeur. Thé pour un Eté ( another Artisan) might do. February 15, 2013 at 11:38am Reply

      • Victoria: I recently tried Goutal’s Le Jasmin again, and I agree with you, it’s a perfect light jasmine fragrance. February 15, 2013 at 11:45am Reply

      • Pamela: Love both of these recommendations, head-slap on the Goutal :0 February 15, 2013 at 8:06pm Reply

    • Kristina: Pamela, how sweet is the Lutens? I love the notes but am afraid that this will be too sweet for me – as are most of the Lutens scents. February 15, 2013 at 11:45am Reply

      • Pamela: I have the Bois de Violette and strangely I’ve concentrated so much on the coolness of the fragrance that I completely ignor the sweetness. Ther is a candy note but as it dries down the violet and orris-like notes come out to play with the woods. I just put some on and the sweet really does go fast.. This is one of my all-time favorites. Oh, also the camphor-like feeling/smell fades as well. February 15, 2013 at 8:15pm Reply

    • Bernadette: Have you tried Lauder’s PC jasmine-tuberose? I find it airy and light yet long lasting. February 15, 2013 at 1:28pm Reply

      • Pamela: I pay so little attention to Lauder do to grandmotherly essence – my bad obviously. February 15, 2013 at 8:17pm Reply

    • Karen: Another vote here for Jasmin et Cigarettes – after a month eking out my sample I have just taken the full bottle plunge! There is also Jo Malone Honeysuckle Jasmine which is a nice light summer perfume, but sadly has no staying power on me. February 15, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

    • Nina Z: By Killian Love and Tears is a lighter jasmine you might like. February 15, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

      • Pamela: Hey! I actually have a sample of this I never tried! :@ February 15, 2013 at 8:20pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Hahaha! Go try it and tell us what you think! February 16, 2013 at 9:03pm Reply

    • Lynley: have you tried Estee Lauder Jasmine White Moss? It’s a light airy clean jasmine February 15, 2013 at 5:49pm Reply

    • Daisy: If you’re looking for a jasmine fragrance, have you tried Love and Tears by Kilian? It’s a very clean jasmine and far from what I would call overwhelming. February 16, 2013 at 3:45pm Reply

  • AndreaR: My husband and I will be traveling to France later this year and I want to bring a new fragrance home to our daughter. She has worn L’Eau d’Issey forever and it might be time for her to try something new. I would like to send her small decants to sample for the next few months and wonder what suggestions are out there. February 15, 2013 at 10:57am Reply

    • shaney: Since you’ll be in France, you might consider Annick Goutal Ninfel Mio, another bright fragrance that smells of lemon and fig… February 15, 2013 at 11:36am Reply

      • shaney: *Ninfeo* that is 🙂 February 15, 2013 at 11:41am Reply

    • Austenfan: I was thinking of Goutal as well. And Parfums de Nicolaï.
      Goutal: Un Matin d’Orage, Le Chèvrefeuille, Ninfeo Mio, Petite Chérie, Le Mimosa and Le Jasmin
      Parfums de Nicolaï: L’Eau Mixte, Weekend à Deauville, Eau d’Eté and Balle de Match.
      Diptyque: Jardin Clos, Do Son, Olène and maybe Eau Rose and Ofrésia. February 15, 2013 at 11:46am Reply

  • Arin17: One of mt first perfume loves was the original j’adore, which left the most beautiful abstract floral trail and didn’t smell too young, or insipid to me at all. The reforumulation just doesn’t do it for me, and I’m sure I’m not the only one out there who mourns its loss!

    Would you recommend me your best original j’adore replacement? 🙂 February 15, 2013 at 11:01am Reply

    • Kristina: Didn’t Victoria recall the original J’adore when testing the new Jour d’Hermès? You might want to check her review. February 15, 2013 at 11:06am Reply

      • Arin17: Thanks Kristina! I think a sample is in order. Have you tried it as well? February 15, 2013 at 11:32am Reply

        • Kristina: I went to the stores today because I read smewhere that the launch would be on February 15th but it hadn’t arrived yet. Maybe tomorrow – I can’t wait! February 15, 2013 at 11:34am Reply

      • Victoria: I did! Jour d’Hermes is fruitier and more transparent and it doesn’t smell exactly like J’Adore, but it has a similar radiant floral character that made me love J’Adore. February 15, 2013 at 11:41am Reply

  • shaney: Hello! I have just received the most wonderful decant of Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman, and I am obsessed with the wet forest scent that maintains the woody character throughout all phases of the fragrance. Can anyone recommend a perfume that is similar? I have tried Tom Ford Bois Marocain, and I love that as well. Thanks so much for your suggestions in advance! February 15, 2013 at 11:28am Reply

    • Kristina: Oh, I love Ormonde Woman! Have you tried Lutens’ Filles an Aiguilles? It is certainly less subtle that the OJ but has a great woody character (pine!) with some great incense along. February 15, 2013 at 11:37am Reply

      • shaney: Thank you Kristina….Filles an Aiguilles is yet another new love/obsession of mine, but I was hoping to go in the other direction, $$ wise 🙂

        I know, though, impossible for such gorgeous fragrances with beautiful and exotic ingredients! February 15, 2013 at 11:43am Reply

    • Annikky: First, try OJ Man – very similar to Woman, but more junipery-peppery in the beginning. And then SSS Forest Walk – it is different, but you definitely get the forest all the way. I love them all, including OJ Woman. February 15, 2013 at 11:44am Reply

      • Victoria: I second both of these recommendations! Those would be my own suggestions to you, Shaney. And Fille en Aiguilles too. February 15, 2013 at 11:45am Reply

      • Elisa: Seconding Forest Walk! Also, if you like the combination of cardamom and incense, YSL Nu. And Wazamba is a fun, fruity, piney incense. February 15, 2013 at 11:56am Reply

      • shaney: Thank you so much for all of your suggestions…I really appreciate it, and I am super-excited to try all! February 15, 2013 at 12:13pm Reply

    • Poodle: How about Sonoma Scent Studio Winter Woods? I love Filles an Aiguilles and I think Winter Woods has some similarities. February 15, 2013 at 8:12pm Reply

    • mysterious_scent: I own Ormonde Jayne and absolutely love it. I’ve heard that Ava Luxe No.23 is similar so I placed an order – it’s on the way! February 17, 2013 at 5:46pm Reply

  • Austenfan: Has anyone ever tried both Amouage Gold in EDP and in extrait? I would love to know the difference. I am saving up for a bottle but the extrait is “nowhere to be sniffed”.
    Does anyone know whether you can try the extrait at Place Vendôme in Belgium? February 15, 2013 at 11:29am Reply

    • Victoria: I haven’t, but I’m curious myself. I don’t remember if Place Vendome had a tester of the parfum, but you can contact them via their website to find out:
      http://www.placevendome.be/nl/homenl.html

      If I go there anytime soon, I will be sure to check. February 15, 2013 at 11:51am Reply

      • Austenfan: Thank you!
        I am hesitant between the two. My best bet is that particular place. I want to visit their shop anyway as I want to try the Exclusifs and lots of other stuff as well. I know I won’t be comfortable doing lots of sniffing without buying anything and Gold has been on my wishlist for a long time, so I might just as well get it there. February 15, 2013 at 11:58am Reply

        • Pamela: Wait… Amouage has an exclusif line? That seems like overkill. But, I love Gold and the attar as well. February 15, 2013 at 8:31pm Reply

          • Austenfan: No, not to my knowledge. I meant the Chanels Exclusifs. I haven’t tried a single one of those. Very difficult to get hold of where I live. February 16, 2013 at 1:52pm Reply

  • Mel: I recently fell in love with Andy Tauer’s Orange Star! The bright insouciance of the clementine and mandarins eventually mellowing out to a warm happy drydown. Anybody know a kindred scent? February 15, 2013 at 12:16pm Reply

    • Lucas: Maybe Mandarine by L’Artisan Parfumeur, or Seville a l’Aube (little less) February 15, 2013 at 4:00pm Reply

      • Mel: I didn’t know there was a L’artisan Mandarine! Thanks for telling me! I love L’artisan. obviously, I need to cut a swath through the Barney’s fragrance department! February 15, 2013 at 10:40pm Reply

        • Az: There was a Mandarine by l’ap. a 2007 ltd ed, i think, if its the same one lucasai was talking abt. Not sure if it ever got reissued. Lovely juicy orange, but a tad fleeting for the price.

          Have you tried hermes orange vert? Sparkling orange top notes and dry woody drydown. Try the concentrate version if you like the woody drydown. I prefer the original myself. February 17, 2013 at 5:49pm Reply

  • E. Lime: Here is a question that is meant to (hopefully) be fun, since I like perfumes and I like puzzles, and maybe you do too. I have a very small collection of scents that are no-fail for me, and which I have FB of: Coco, Rossy de Palma, Dzing, and La Chasse aux Papillons. If you were to look at those four bottles as a puzzle, and to give me an out-of-left-field suggestion that completes that puzzle for you, what would it be? I’ve found a lot of great suggestions here about perfumes that are similar to what I like, but I thought I’d throw caution to the wind and say: what is NOT like my favorites, yet might still appeal greatly to me? The only hard and fast rule I seem to come up against is that I cannot tolerate large amounts of powder. February 15, 2013 at 12:34pm Reply

    • Sylvia: Hey E. Lime!,
      Coco, La Chasse and rose scents in general are a no fail for me too…. so I’ll hazard a few suggestions ,though I’m a rank newbie here. Have you tried Eau Des Merveilles Perfume by Hermes , or Prada ‘Infusion d’Iris – Absolue’ Eau de Parfum. They aren’t roses, or powerhouses but they are beautiful and no fail for me. I had to wear them both a few times and let them work all the way through but wow!, they just work no matter what the weather so far! And they can both be found pretty easily ( Sephora sells both) and they aren’t outrageously pricey. Happy smelling! February 15, 2013 at 12:44pm Reply

    • Cybele: interesting question: Le Parfum de Therese February 15, 2013 at 3:42pm Reply

      • E. Lime: i loved the melon note in that one, which was a surprise to me! unfortunately, it just felt like a perfume that was too much for me. i felt like i needed to be half a foot taller to wear it! February 15, 2013 at 8:30pm Reply

        • Pamela: I think I’d go for CC’s Beige, Noire ( Luten’s ), the sparkling goodness that is Cantori. (Yes, the jeweler). I feel like the last is completely overlooked, or…known to few. February 15, 2013 at 8:40pm Reply

          • Bela: Do you mean Serge Noire? There is no Lutens called Noire. February 16, 2013 at 12:51pm Reply

        • carole macleod: ok-if you like Therese, but felt she was wearing you, why not try Diorella? I love it-starts with the snap of lemons, and the wood of the tree they are hanging on, sigues into melon, and beautiful jasmin. It is different enough from your beautiful collection, so you would not have repeats, but similar enough that it might make sense as a collection. February 16, 2013 at 11:24am Reply

          • carole macleod: Oh, and I just bought the La Chaisse body oil-it’s a really wonderful product. It moisturizes well, and is true to the original scent. It’s fabulous! It’s impossible to be unhappy wearing it. February 16, 2013 at 11:42am Reply

          • E. Lime: i will definitely try diorella! citrus and woods and jasmine sound very appealing together… February 16, 2013 at 4:40pm Reply

    • Karen: Awesome question, E. Lime! Since Dzing, Rossy and La Chasse are three of my all-time favorites (haven’t tried Coco in a while but now I’m thinking I should) I’m guessing we may have very similar tastes. So I’ll offer up Cuir de Lancôme which doesn’t seem to have much in common with those three, other than it is also a never-fail perfume for me – lovely, buttery suede with a touch of white floral – and given how close our preferences are, you may like it too! February 15, 2013 at 4:01pm Reply

      • E. Lime: i’ve been meaning to try cuir de lancome, but stopped searching for it after finding bottega veneta and kelly caleche not quite to my liking. but if our tastes are similar and you love it, i will renew my pursuit. thanks for the suggestion! February 15, 2013 at 8:33pm Reply

        • Austenfan: Cuir is easier to like than Kelly and different enough to Bottega to warrant a try. It’s closer to Dzing! but by no means identical.

          Black by Bvlgari perhaps? February 17, 2013 at 8:05am Reply

    • Daisy: Hi E. Lime, If you like ELdO Rossy de Palma, have you tried their Rien? That might be a nice one to check out. February 16, 2013 at 3:47pm Reply

      • E. Lime: I have not tried Rien, so I will look into it. Thank you! February 16, 2013 at 11:25pm Reply

      • AnnieA: Also, maybe their Nombril Immense, ans seconding Cuir de Lancome… February 21, 2013 at 2:44pm Reply

  • cookie queen: Lutens’ La Myhrre. Beautiful. February 15, 2013 at 12:51pm Reply

    • cookie queen: Myrrhe. Typo. February 15, 2013 at 1:15pm Reply

  • Carolina: I love this feature! I’d like to first thank Elisa, Annikky, and dibi who gave me sniff-suggestions a few months ago when I wrote about Lumiere Blanche turning weird on my skin. I’ve tried most of them, with keen interest. I particularly liked Trayee, but balked at the price… 🙁

    Today I’m wondering what people do with their empty perfume bottles. Hoard? Repurpose? Discard? I only have one empty but I don’t know what to do with it! February 15, 2013 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Annikky: Carolina, you are most welcome! And I definitely share your pain when it comes to the price of Trayee. As I really like Mohur and Bombay Bling as well, I am thinking maybe the discovery set (3×10 ml, I think) is the way to go… February 15, 2013 at 2:23pm Reply

    • Pamela: Hoard, absolutely. February 15, 2013 at 8:41pm Reply

  • Sylvia: Hey all ( waving) !, Can someone help me fnd a “spring scent”? As I shared with E. Lime above, I LOVE La Chasse Aux P.- it was perfect! And I love rose scents and flower scents. I like cozy scents…I love Prada Infusion D’Iris Absolue, and Eau Des Merveilles ( Hermes). I just tried Velvet Rose (SSS- Thank you for the samples Heather!) and it was lovely but it was just a rose…needed something with it.
    I liked Jo Malone Orange Blossom but it disappeared in nothing flat. I didn’t like SL Fleur D’oranger ( musty – sweaty on me), or DSH Fleur Oranger ( it was to baroque on me- very perfumey.) I tried all of the rose and flower scents in Macy and Dillards and Sephora here…. Stella was the only one that was ok…it was more complicated than Velvet Rose and I liked it but somehow thats not what I’m looking for.
    Love the spicey note in the top of L’air Du Temps! ( Nina Ricci) but the dry down smells too perfumy to me now.
    I loved Chamade!( It isn’t sold here..)
    Hated Prada Candy, Elixer Eau des Merveilles and I didn’t like the big ( on me) sour note ( green pachouli?) in Coco Mademoseille or Jour Ensoleille (SSS). And I don’t like powdery.

    Any suggestions fellow perfume lovers? Thanks you sweet ladies! February 15, 2013 at 1:03pm Reply

    • Mel: Lys Mediteranee by Frederic Malle. Expensive but worth every centime! I would also suggest Amoureuse by Parfums Delrae. Glorious and sings spring. February 15, 2013 at 1:16pm Reply

      • Christy C: Lys Mediterranee is to die for! I got about 7 compliments on it when I was waiting in the school lobby to pick my girls up the other day. February 15, 2013 at 5:20pm Reply

    • E. Lime: Thanks for your suggestions above–I’ll try to return the favor (I’m not much for the Prada Iris, but I have yet to try the Hermes and will do so soon). I also happen to love rose as a note, so I have a couple suggestions here: Diptyque Eau Rose is quite beautiful and spring-like, though I’m not sure I would call it cozy. Les Parfums de Rosine has a great variety of rose scents to explore, with lots of different textures and moods. For spring, you might like Un Zest de Rose, which is citrussy, or Rose D’Ete, which is fruity but not oppressively so. And for something totally unrelated (my out-of-left-field!) that is just a beautiful spring scent, I would suggest Frederic Malle’s En Passant. It is a gorgeous clear lilac scent that reminds me of amethyst and sunshine. February 15, 2013 at 1:29pm Reply

      • Mel: I notice you like Rossy de Palma. Me too! I also LOVE Andy Tauer’s Rose Chypre. It’s so ravishing it’ll make your eyes roll back in your head. February 15, 2013 at 1:42pm Reply

      • Pamela: My newest purchase and winner of a spot in my ‘go to’ fragrances is Attar of Rose by Keiko Macheri (sp?). I found it to be utterly amazing with little wisps of wood and musk. I though it would be heavy or simply not sit right on me like the rest of the line. Wrong, wrong. It flashes several roses brightly then the rose settles with the woods and musk and it sort of snuggles into my skin. February 15, 2013 at 8:50pm Reply

    • nikki: The spicy note is Carnation in L’Air du Temps, try Estee Lauder’s Spellbound in Eau de Parfum. February 15, 2013 at 2:10pm Reply

    • Annikky: I haven’t tried it, but a light floral with a dose of rose sounds like the new Chanel 1932. I am a fan of the Exclusifs, so I believe it is worth sniffing in any case. February 15, 2013 at 2:19pm Reply

    • Ruth: A couple of suggestions, which I like a lovely fresh tea rose, quite similar to Stella, so if Stella didn’t quite hit the spot, I’d say Paul Smith Rose is definitely worth trying. My other suggestion is Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage – gardenias after the rain – flowers, wet leaves, damp earth and all February 15, 2013 at 3:30pm Reply

    • mysterious_scent: Hi Sylvia, we both are looking for Spring scent (see my question above).

      I absolutely love Chamade and La Chasse Aux Pappilion

      I am currently loving my MDCI Un Coeur en Mai. It’s so Spring like February 17, 2013 at 5:49pm Reply

  • TheSnailsPajamas: Any recs for a freesia soliflore, predominantely freesia scent (besides Ofresia) or something similar to Chanetecaille Wisteria? Tia February 15, 2013 at 1:48pm Reply

    • Annikky: You have probably tried it already, but I know many people get a lot of freesia from Chanel Beige. I admit that to my nose it is so well blended that I cannot really distinguish many individual notes. February 15, 2013 at 2:08pm Reply

    • nikki: Maybe Antonia’s Flowers? February 15, 2013 at 2:09pm Reply

    • Lizziemarian: Hi, a little late to the game but I just wanted to add that Amouage Reflection Woman was mostly freesia on my skin. Lizzie February 15, 2013 at 8:54pm Reply

  • Anne Sheffield: I love this feature! Ok, so I am looking for something for spring too. I have been wearing in the past Infusion d iris, but I am bored of it. It is missing something, and I don t know what. I think I am looking for something green, floral, and woody, or woody, floral, green, or floral green woody…. Hehehe…. I am looking for something not too strong, but distinctive and elegant. Not too sweet and definitely no mimosa in it. Gosh I sound so confused… Probably because I am… But have you any idea? I used to love Dyptique ” ombre dans l eau” too, but it just last about 3 mins on me….. Any suggestions? Thank you lovely people. February 15, 2013 at 2:42pm Reply

    • Annikky: I might be totally off the mark, but I’d say Chanel No 19 and several of the exclusives (La Pausa, Bel Respiro, Sycomore, maybe also Rue Cambon) seem like a possible direction. February 15, 2013 at 3:15pm Reply

    • Ruth: Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage – wet gardenia flowers, leaves and damp earth. Lovely green floral. You could also try Diptyque’s Philosykos or L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Premier Figuier/Premier Figuier Extreme – fig scents that are definitely green and woody, with a touch of coconutty floral February 15, 2013 at 3:33pm Reply

    • Nina Z: How about Vetiver pour Elle by Guerlain, if you can find any? Grassy and floral. Definitely elegant and distinctive. Also second Chanel No 19. There is amazing body cream in that scent–you could use that to boost the fragrance. The Diptyque now comes in EDP as well as EDT, so maybe that would last longer on you. February 15, 2013 at 4:44pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Some of my “green” suggestions:

      Jacomo: Silences
      Goutal: Heure Exquise ( EDP)
      Parfums de Nicolaï: Odalisque, Le Temps d’une Fête, Weekend à Deauville
      Ormonde Jayne: Ormonde Woman
      Parfums Delrae: Début February 15, 2013 at 4:57pm Reply

      • solanace: I was thinking about PdN Le Temps d’Une fete. February 16, 2013 at 10:31am Reply

      • Daisy: For something green, I would add Guerlain Angelique noire to the list. February 16, 2013 at 3:49pm Reply

    • Cybele: second Vetiver pour Elle
      Cristalle EDT
      Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé vert
      Comme des Garcons 3 February 15, 2013 at 5:11pm Reply

    • Pamela: How about Dior Diorissimo? Beautiful, transparent, green with lovely and fun Lily-of-the-Valley. Also I love Terre de Hermes when I’m outdoors as well as Fresh Cannabis Santal.

      Sel d’vetiver is another one as well as Azure by EL. it’s just kind of beachy fun. February 15, 2013 at 9:02pm Reply

    • moni: Green and very grand is Vero Profumos new
      MITO…now available at a new London perfumery in Spitalfields! An absolute must
      have for me…available in extrait and EDP. February 20, 2013 at 9:56am Reply

  • Nicki: Hi there, am new to this website, excited to have found it as I LOVE perfume. I wonder if any of you can help- I’m looking for a new fragrance to wear at a wedding in lake Garda in August – I am on my way to losing 4 stone and am imagining my dress and perfume already to keep me motivated!! I’m thinking a fresh, orange blossomy type smell that will last. I currently wear all sorts depending on my mood from jo malone pear and freesia to vanille noir – Ellie Saab is very popular around me at the moment but I want something different. Thanks for all your help.xx February 16, 2013 at 5:46am Reply

    • Victoria: Nicki, congrats! Beautiful things are the best motivators. 🙂 If you want a longlasting orange blossom, I recommend trying L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons, especially the Extreme version. But either one is a beautiful, effervescent orange blossom layered with other white floral notes. Another beloved orange blossom here is Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger. It’s sultrier, richer. These are the so-called niche brands. If you want something easier to find, I really like Armani Code for her. It is on the sweet side, but worth trying if you like orange blossom notes. February 16, 2013 at 6:02am Reply

      • Nicki: Thank you Victoria – I’ve written those down and will get sniffing when i’m next in London

        Its wonderful to receive so many suggestions and help.

        Will let you all know what I have chosen! February 17, 2013 at 3:01pm Reply

    • Cybele: APOM pour femme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, notes are orange blossom, ylang-ylang and cedar wood.
      I think Jour d’Hermes would be pretty too. February 16, 2013 at 8:31am Reply

      • Nicki: Cybele, thank you too – will seek that one out. February 17, 2013 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Daisy: What a wonderful wedding location! For a wonderful orange blossom fragrance that really lasts, have you tried JPG Fleur du male? It’s marketed for men, but it really is unisex. February 16, 2013 at 3:51pm Reply

      • Nicki: Daisy – that sounds wonderful – thank you – perhaps I can persuade my husband to fork out for this one as its for men too!!! February 17, 2013 at 3:05pm Reply

        • Daisy: Hi Nicki, I hear it has been discontinued, but for the meanwhile, you can still get it for very, very reasonable prices! Go for it! February 18, 2013 at 6:57pm Reply

  • CM: I am looking for a jasmine / tropical scent that is not too indolic. No tuberose! It just doesn’t seem to work for me (yet). I tried TDC Nuit de Jasmine and liked it, but not enough flowers. It seemed more amber than floral. February 16, 2013 at 9:30am Reply

    • Victoria: Check just up the thread! Someone else was asking for a light jasmine fragrance and you will find some suggestions there. February 16, 2013 at 5:22pm Reply

  • CK: Hello, I got great advice here before, so I am back with another question. I recently fell in love with Kenzo Jungle l’Elephant. It is warm, spicy and cozy and makes me happy. Unfortunately my husband finds it too sweet. I would really appreciate any recommendations for something like Jungle but less sweet. Thank you! February 16, 2013 at 10:27am Reply

    • carole macleod: What about the Roberto Cavalli fragrances? they are warm and deep, but not sweet. Very Italian, very opulent. February 16, 2013 at 11:44am Reply

    • george: Jungle Elephant is within a huge subset of fragrances, so when looking for something similar but not exactly the same, there’s lot you can try.

      They would be Dolce Vita by Dior, Coco by Chanel, the foliowing by Serge Lutens- Bois et Fruits, Bois et Vanille, Bois de Violette, Bois et musc, and Feminite du Bois.

      You then have the other eighties orientals on which Coco and the others were antecedent- Opium and Cinnabar.

      I don’t like Jungle l’elephant either, and not all of the above less sweet, but they are to my nose more palatable, and it might not exactly be the sweetness that your husband does not like. Coco, for example, is very sweet, but I love it whereas I don’t love l’elephant.

      But if you have no luck with these, but you want something similarly warm and cosy, Bois des Iles by Chanel and Santal Majuscule are good bets, as are other Sandalwood fragrances. February 16, 2013 at 11:58am Reply

    • Cybele: Donna Karan Chaos
      Comme des Garcons original and white February 16, 2013 at 12:07pm Reply

    • maja: Jungle Elephant is so unique, I would stick to it no matter what. Maybe underapplying it would work, although it may be impossible 🙂 I find Hypnotic Poison very, very cozy in these cold days, too. February 16, 2013 at 1:53pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I, too, am wondering if “sweet” is really the problem. It’s a super STRONG fragrance, for sure. And has a synthetic quality. So maybe something softer or more subtle. There’s a fragrance by Annayake called Matsuri that is very similar but not so strong. You can find Matsuri in Europe and in the USA on ebay. Most of these fragrances that we’re suggesting have, like Coco, a plum note–do you think that’s what you love? Or is it the spicy side–the cardamom? I’m going to go way out on a limb here and suggest Indochine, which is actually sweeter but is more subtle and has a beautiful cardamom note. February 16, 2013 at 9:13pm Reply

    • CK: Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions!!! February 18, 2013 at 2:01pm Reply

  • Mabel: Hello Ladies…

    I own a small selection that includes Lolita Lampicka, L’artisan vanille absolument, Theirry Mugler’s Angel, Killians A Taste of Heaven, Artelier;s Vanille Incensee, Victoria Secrets Angel, Bulgari Black and Il Bacio by Borghesa… very eclectic but yes, I love love love vanilla … all kinds. (on my wish list already is commes kyoto and jaslimar And poison original and hypnotic). Right now, I am looking to add 2 very specific scents to my perfume wardrobe. I would like a white rose scent, and a violet scent… I am very limited in funds and my perfume addiction is beginning to draw blank stares from my husband.. So the most inexpensive one wins 😀 Feel free to suggest if you see a gaping hole of something I may be missing February 16, 2013 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Annikky: Sonoma Scent Studio has two beautiful and very affordable violets – Voile de Violette and Wood Violet, the latter is a personal favourite. February 16, 2013 at 5:04pm Reply

    • Ann-Sofie: These will generate approving looks from your husband:
      1. A true rose chypre: Agent Provocateur LÓriginal
      2. Violet supreme (my favourite): Insolence Eau de parfum, Guerlain. It is wonderful, but be sure to try the EDP which is so much better than the EDT. February 17, 2013 at 5:36am Reply

  • Claire: Spring cleaning and a few perfume-related questions: I need to dispose of some perfumes.. a sacrilege I know, but it has to be done. Any idea how to do it appropriately? Also, how long can I keep a bottle of perfume? I have one circa 1994 that I will never let go. What can I do to prolong/preserve the shelve-life? Any suggestions/ideas are most greatly appreciated. February 17, 2013 at 12:55am Reply

  • Eva: Hello,
    I was wondering could I please get some suggestions on what cologne to buy my boyfriend! He is 20 years old and I wanted to get him a cologne that will smell sexy, mysterious, seductive yet elegant. Not something too strong though because he is a very active person; a musician in fact. Thanks February 17, 2013 at 1:31am Reply

    • E. Lime: I am really partial to Spicebomb on men; the tea and smoke and leather seems very sexy to me, and different than many of the other offerings on the market. I also don’t find it too much of a “bomb” if it’s applied reasonably. Bvlgari Black is also a very different and seductive kind of cologne: rubbery vanilla that is mysterious enough to make you go back for many sniffs… February 17, 2013 at 10:30am Reply

      • Eva: Thanks and also what do you think of the Guerlain for men? A friend told me about it! February 18, 2013 at 1:23am Reply

        • AnnieA: Guerlain L’Instant Pour Homme is wonderful. It is for men rather than boys, but I’d love for all men to at least try it once… February 21, 2013 at 2:49pm Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Eva, Have you tried Dior Eau Sauvage? Or Fahrenheit? Even reformulated, they are both great on men. Women too 🙂 February 18, 2013 at 7:00pm Reply

  • Alex: Hi all, need somthing floral for my wife she loves Beautiful and Pure White linen and pleasure intense. Any recommendations for something high quality floral which includes jasmin, roses or peony? Cheers! February 17, 2013 at 2:53am Reply

    • Cybele: try J’Adore L’Absolu by Dior February 17, 2013 at 11:16am Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Alex, How about the new Jour d’Hermès? It’s like a big green, dewy bouquet. Quite lovely. So much so that I just relax and enjoy it instead of thinking about it too much. February 18, 2013 at 7:04pm Reply

  • annmariec: I agree on the SSS recommendation. A classic and very inexpensive violet soliflore is Yardley’s April Violets. Rather old fashioned now, but lovely. Violets after the rain. It seems to be back on the market after a bit if a pause.

    Yardley also does a rose fragrance too, I think, as does Crabtree & Evelyn. And Jo Malone has a respected rose fragrance, tho’ that would be upping the price a bit. Less old fashioned that the other two I mention. Good luck! I know what it’s like when money is tight. February 17, 2013 at 3:00am Reply

  • Ada: Hi everyone!

    I wondered if you gals and guys could help me, I’ve been in a rose kick lately and I’ve been sniffing everything rose. Unfortunately I’m currently visiting a country that doesn’ sell niche fragrances and my favourite roses come from the niche side. Do you know any good roses from the designer side (except Stella and Paris by Ysl, I already have those) that aren’t watery and sheer? Much appreciated 🙂 February 17, 2013 at 3:51am Reply

    • mysterious_scent: What type of rose scent you are looking for?
      A few non-nich roses come to my mind, all in the fresh/realistic vibe:
      1. Woods of Windsor True Rose, fresh and realistic rose, inexpensive as well
      2. Paul Smith Rose
      3. Rose Fraiche Yves Rocher
      2 and 3 are quite similar February 18, 2013 at 5:11am Reply

    • Rose D: As you can probably guess from my username, I am a rose fan too!
      Some of my favourite designer roses are:

      Chanel Coco: Lately, I am obsessed with Coco Noir, Coco Mademoiselle always gets compliments and is available everywhere; but nothing tops the original 80s formula.

      Dior Midnight Poison: the rose here is not as rounded as I would like; but their interpretation of “dark” is interesting coming from a designer brand.

      YSL Baby Doll: I am personally fond of this one; but, being a fruity floral, it might be a bit disappointing after smelling Paris.

      Bvlgari Rose Essentielle: this is the most complimented of all my roses!

      Lancome Tresor: In my opinion, this is the best modern rose created for the prestige market and there is a Lancome counter on almost every beauty shop around the world. February 18, 2013 at 3:58pm Reply

  • DrNini: I am looking for a (longer-lasting) alternative or dupe to Après L’Ondée. I love this fragrance, but it just does not last on me at all sadly. February 17, 2013 at 6:21am Reply

    • Ann-Sofie: I have the same problem – Après L’Ondée vanishes within 30 minutes on me. Guerlain Insolence EDP is remarkably similar but much more tenacious. The red berries of Insolence will not be found in A L’O, but otherwise the stronger sister, with an almost spooky family resemblance. February 17, 2013 at 10:42am Reply

      • Daisy: To this I would add the sadly discontinued Iris Ganache, which lasts all day. If you can get your hands on one of the last bottles (I nailed the last of two at Saks NYC), it is worth it! February 18, 2013 at 7:06pm Reply

    • nastja: I can’t seem to get Clinique Aromatics Elixir off my skin at least 24 hours, and my skin isn’t good at holding scents (too dry I guess). It has that violet wet garden smell, though heavier, I believe, on patchouli and sandalwood at drydown. February 17, 2013 at 2:37pm Reply

    • DrNini: Thank you so much Nastie, Daisy and Ann-Sofie. I have already tested Insolence and loved loved loved it… Next stop: Aromatics Elixir… xxx February 25, 2013 at 4:24am Reply

  • nastja: So I’ve been really interested in vintage/classic scents (classic chypres and florals, elegant and nuanced, anything my grandmother would have worn to a date, basically:)) lately, but am saddened to see so many have been reformulated. Can anyone suggest fragrances that either have not been drastically reformulated or have not been totally ruined in the transformation? Or else, new fragrances that have that classic Nina Ricci L’Air du Temps/Guerlain L’Heure Bleue/Dioressence beauty? thank you! February 17, 2013 at 2:35pm Reply

    • Austenfan: You may want to give the Divine line a try. A small niche perfumery in France. February 17, 2013 at 4:34pm Reply

      • Annikky: Agree. I have just tried Divine Eau de Parfum and it seems exactly the thing you are looking for. Also, SSS Nostalgie is, for me, in this category (check out the review on Now Smell This). February 18, 2013 at 9:30am Reply

    • Cybele: I suggest you to try Une Fleur de Cassie by Frederick Malle February 17, 2013 at 6:26pm Reply

      • nastja: Thanks, all! I love the idea of “world-weary” perfume, as per the Now Smell This Nostalgie review! All of this promises to have that sophistication/melancholy wilted violet aspect. February 18, 2013 at 10:37am Reply

        • Rachel: Sorry to be a dissenting voice, but after reading that review I ordered a bottle of Nostalgie and was disappointed. It smelled harsh and aldehydic. I should have ordered a sample first. I Iike aldehydes but this was a total scrubber. If I find my bottle, I would be happy to send it your way. February 18, 2013 at 10:45am Reply

          • nastja: Thanks, Rachel! and if you do, and really want to go through the trouble, let me know if I can send anything your way. I am living entirely off samples (a rule for the moment!) but would be happy to put something together of those. The only real bottle I have is Le Labo Rose 31 which is also super-aldehydic and really cuminy, though the drydown is nice. February 20, 2013 at 11:51am Reply

    • AnnieA: ELdO’s Rien smells like it’s straight from the 50’s, and lasts for ages… February 21, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

  • Lauren: Gorgeous photo! I have noticed that the sky has yellow tones when in winter when it is COLD out. So I associate a yellow sky with frigid air.

    Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb. Made for men, but I LOVE it. I find many men’s fragrances comforting as they make me feel safe. And the spices are definitely warm. February 18, 2013 at 9:51am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you! Yes, it does seem to hold true here. The colder it is, the yellow the sky tends to be. It’s especially beautiful when the clouds are steely gray, but the backdrop is this murky yellow. February 18, 2013 at 12:05pm Reply

  • Lucy: I would appreciate suggestions for a first green or chypre fragrance. My perfume “history” is as follows: Allure was my first true scent–I wore it exclusively until about seven years ago, and I’ve worn it sparingly if at all over the past two to three years. At present, I’m most comfortable in Oscar, Chanel No. 5 (EDP and Eau Premiere formulations), and Coco. Occasionally, I’ll wear Paris and Beautiful. In warmer weather, I enjoy Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia.

    If possible, I’d like to confine myself to fragrances in the mainstream market. Thanks in advance for any recommendations. February 18, 2013 at 7:06pm Reply

    • Victoria: I recommend that you explore Hermes cologne trio (available at Sephora). There are green and chypre varieties in it and it’s beautifully done.

      If you would like something more feminine, how about Chanel No 19 Poudree or No 19 EDT? February 25, 2013 at 6:10am Reply

      • Lucy: Thank you, Victoria. I’m considering a decant of No. 19 EDT at the moment, and I’ll also try the No. 19 Poudree. Your blog reviews of both fragrances have intrigued me for a long time. I keep going back to them, and that fact, along with your recommendation here, makes my choice fairly easy. BdJ has long been one of my favorite blogs–your writing is lovely, and it’s provided me with many hours of enjoyment. February 25, 2013 at 12:54pm Reply

        • Victoria: Thank you very much, Lucy!

          Another idea for you to try is Hermes Kelly Caleche. It’s green and it’s a chypre (and another perfume found at Sephora). Or Cartier Eau de Cartier. It’s a peppery woody scent, with a crunchy green violet leaf note. Maybe, start with those and Chanels and then let us know how you like them. February 25, 2013 at 3:23pm Reply

  • Ann: I am looking for a fragrance that I would describe as smooth, mellow and fresh. Not necessarily floral, definitely not green tea or fruity.

    A scent that captivates but does not overwhelm. February 18, 2013 at 8:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: Can you please tell us what you’ve tried and enjoyed (or disliked) so far? Just to give a point of reference. February 25, 2013 at 6:11am Reply

      • Ann: I liked Geminesse when it was out (in the 70’s), Diorissimo in the 80’s, various Jo Malone and L’Artisan’s Mimosa pour Moi in the 90’s and 2000s. I now where many florals (SMN’s Honeysuckle, L’eau d’Hiver (Malle), Floris- LOV, etc.) but am in the mood for something more daring.

        Also- How does one get invited to the Facebook group? I would love to join. I am at https://www.facebook.com/ann.onusko

        Thank you! March 3, 2013 at 2:48pm Reply

        • Victoria: Ann, ask Christy C about the FB. She can add you. March 3, 2013 at 4:45pm Reply

        • Christy C: Hi Ann! Let me know how to find you on Facebook, and I will friend you and then add you to the group (you can unfriend me afterward if you want). March 3, 2013 at 9:08pm Reply

  • beth: My first fragrance was/is Cristalle, and my favorite is Chanel # 19. I just purchased a bottle of vintage edp Samsara from ebay and really love it. It was a fragrance I was drawn to as a 24 year old but never bought, probably because I was just too young to understand it. I really want to try Bois des Iles and I have a half ounce bottle of Timbuktu soon to arrive from Sephora. I know the same guy created Cristalle and #19…and Pour Monsieur, so I would definitely like to try that…..what from a design house other than Chanel might I like? February 20, 2013 at 2:10am Reply

    • AnnieA: If the new Cristalle breaks your heart as much as it does mine, you might want to try Private Collection Jasmine White Moss… February 21, 2013 at 2:52pm Reply

      • beth: I will try that! I just spritzed my little mini bottle of Timbuktu on. It keeps evolving. I am definitely buying my next bottle of Cristalle on ebay. February 21, 2013 at 7:57pm Reply

    • Anne: If you like # 19, you will probably also like Balmain’s Ivoire. Although they are different from each other, they both share some common green notes to my nose. Ivoire is easily available online at a reasonale price. Most of the other Balmain offerings also have prominent green notes. February 24, 2013 at 7:58pm Reply

      • beth: Fantastic! – Thank you Anne. I will check Balmain Ivoire. From what I have said- do you think (vintage) Jicky would be something up my alley? February 25, 2013 at 8:00am Reply

        • Anne: I am only acquainted with “vintage” Jicky – I think you would like it. However, I understand that the new formulation is not a hit with long-time wearers of the scent. As a totally un-scientific observation, it seems that those who try the new version without knowing the old seem to frequently really like it. I’d say it is worth trying a sample! February 26, 2013 at 1:20pm Reply

  • Jo: I love Serge Lutens Bois de Violtte in all its stages, but I would like something that preserves that wonderful green violet leaf opening. Any sugesstions? February 20, 2013 at 2:12pm Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Balenciaga Paris? February 25, 2013 at 6:09am Reply

      • Jo: I haven’t – I am going to order some decants in the next couple of weeks, and will put it at the top of the list! And thanks so much for the suggestion! February 26, 2013 at 1:01pm Reply

  • ddadam: I would love to get a recommendation for a male fragrance that has a fresh lasting opening of citrusses, but continues in the oriental direction. I love florals, and i fragrance that gives me a lot of joy and i absolutely adore is Acqua di Parma Colonia for its citrus, rose, lavender and rosemary. But than again i miss the oriental part, for instance the presence of frankincense. I like the opening of Reflection man, but it soon becomes a thick, white, annoying something, especially on fabric, which i can’t tolerate. Then the Amouage silver man i find it a bit old fashioned musk, and Ciel a bit heavy on the synthetics. I love the natural impression of Colonia, and bearing this in mind I have not succeeded to find the one frangrance that gives me the cooling Jasmin, Lavender, Rosemary, Rose (perhaps mint) in a modern oriental interpretation. February 22, 2013 at 5:10am Reply

    • Victoria: What about Tom Ford Noir? Or is it not citrusy-fresh enough? February 25, 2013 at 6:12am Reply

  • Ariadne: I am interested in hearing about how to store and organize all my mini’s and samples in a way I can remember and reference them all. Right now my collection is hoard of lovely but unrecognizable ( to me) glass vials. I do not recall 99% of the scents by name and have to try each one anew to find the perfume I need to match the day/mood/outfit. February 24, 2013 at 4:27pm Reply

    • Victoria: Labeling them is essential! I’m the worst person to give an organization advice, since my storage principle is “a creative chaos,” but you should at least label them. Buy small jewelry ziplock bags that have a field on which you can write the name of the perfume. If you’re ambitious, put a date when you’ve acquired it too. This way, you will be able to reference your sample easier and even compare “vintages.” February 25, 2013 at 6:05am Reply

  • Vika Mitrichenko: my favorite perfume is chanel n 19 and caleshe by hermes. now i would like to buy something from chanel exclusives. which one do you think i should try?
    thank you) February 25, 2013 at 12:44pm Reply

    • Victoria: La Pausa, definitely! Also, Bel Respiro for something green and 31 Rue Cambon for something mossy (since Caleche has that mossy-iris note too). February 25, 2013 at 12:52pm Reply

  • Vika Mitrichenko: thank you very much Victoria! it is such pleasure to read your articles. February 25, 2013 at 1:48pm Reply

    • Victoria: You’re welcome, and thank you in turn. 🙂 February 25, 2013 at 3:25pm Reply

  • Miriam: Hello,

    It will soon be my birthday and I want to buy myself a perfume that will last for a long time. A signature scent, as I am turning into a lady.I want something special, so I will spend money on it but not that expensive or womanly or sultry because I feel that doesn’t reflect my personality.
    I only really know the scents my mother has worn in the past. I like all the ones she wore but they are mature. I like Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique, and Flower by Kenzo. My mother recommends Rive Gauche and Chanel No.5.

    I want something sophisticated, young and unique.

    Thank you for your time.
    Miriam March 4, 2013 at 10:28am Reply

  • Lisa H: Would appreciate suggestions (niche perfumes) if possible. Im desperate for a signature scent but always end up to flowery or to masculine with the soapy smells. Im wanting this time to be directed to a serious Parfum Expert!

    Some of the scents I respond to are basil, tangerine, lime, daisy, pink pepper, black pepper, Jasmine, Sandalwood,Black Current, Vanilla and Tobbacco and I want modern/edgy!

    I am willing to try other bases, scents, etc so Im not locked in on the above, i just like their smells independently. I cant wait to hear your recommendations!!! This new scent is going to be a part of another demarkation line in my life and Im excited to hear your suggestions! March 27, 2013 at 4:32am Reply

  • Ines Hourani: Hello perfume community!
    My body chemistry has changed over the past 5 years, I’m nearing 50 and I can’t seem to find a scent; they ‘turn’ on me after the initial spritz. The last one I tried and had somewhat success is – Eau Demoiselle De Givenchy Perfume by Givenchy, Eau Mega Perfume by Viktor & Rolf & SO ELIXIR Eau De Parfum by Ives Roche. Lastly for my birthday – Dioressence by DIOR (which is not the same as the original)

    I use to be able to wear – Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior, Angel by Thiery Mugler, Emporio Armani Diamonds Perfume by Giorgio Armani.
    My ‘retro’ favs are Patchouli by Coty, White Musk or Musk by Jovan.

    I’ve been looking into attars? or making my own with essential oils? I’ve recently found Arabian Oud and they have a store listed in Lebanon in which I have family – what would you recommend from them? June 14, 2013 at 1:42pm Reply

    • Josephine: Ines, I know exactly what you mean … I am in my 60s, and none of my old favorites smell wonderful on me anymore. Sometimes they have been reformulated, and smell completely different from what I remember (this includes Rive Gauche and Ma Griffe); sometimes I think my body chemistry has changed (Chanel no. 5 no longer smells good on me); and sometimes I think my olfactory sense has changed (for example, l’heure bleu doesn’t smell as marvelous to me as it used to). Currently I am liking Stella (warm, rose scent) and Estée Lauder Private Collection (tuberose and gardenia). Strong one- or two – note flower scents seem to work. I’m sure you’re aware that older skin is much much drier … We produce less skin oil and fewer pheromones, and that impacts our perfume. (and, yes, I know pheromones are not a smell, they are a completely different system, but pheromones impact our hypothalamus and our emotional response.) Try a simple, strong flower scent … Even just some rose water or lavender water, and see if you enjoy that. June 17, 2013 at 9:49pm Reply

      • Ines Hourani: Thank you! Simple one or two note, there is wisdom in that. June 18, 2013 at 9:44am Reply

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