Recommend Me a Perfume : March Daydreams

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” is here today. I’m already craving spring, but we still have snow on the ground and my favorite warm fragrances are in heavy rotation.

How does it work:

1. 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.

2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

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

cakemimosa-march

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

Subscribe

161 Comments

  • Karen: Hello, I’m just can’t quite find a spring scent which I like! I like so many smells in the bottle/on the blotter but skin seem to turn alot of things. I’m looking for a day and an evening perfume; day needs to be fresh/elegant/feminine and evening needs to be sexy and magnetic 🙂
    I’m quite liking le labo bergamote, lutens fleur citron, keiko paradise flowers, miller Harris rien, untitled and molecule 01.
    Evening I’m still wearing my beloved coco and also like Michael kors and narcotic Venus. I do like coco madamoselle too but it becomes cloying after a while. Any ideas would be appreciated 🙂 xx March 15, 2013 at 7:21am Reply

    • nikki: I really like Francis Kurkdijan’s Eau du Matin, it has lemon on top of a cedar base and is very fresh. I have been using Pour un Homme by Caron, a beautiful lavender/vanilla perfume lately as it gets warmer here. Another beautiful spring perfume is Miss Arpels, a fragrance created by Ellena, very light with some fruity notes, but still elegant. Lovely bottle as well! March 15, 2013 at 9:11am Reply

    • rosarita: Since you like Chanel (I’m a fan of Coco too) there are some Les Exclusifs that may be appealing: 31 Rue Cambon for daytime elegance and Coromandel for nighttime sexiness. March 15, 2013 at 9:14am Reply

      • rosarita: Oops, just saw you said spring! Parfums de Nicolai Me Temps d’un Fete for day- beautiful green floral, and maybe Carnal Flower for night- lush tuberose (Frederic Malle) March 15, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

      • ralu: I LOVE Coromandel. It’s my favorite right now. You may also want to try Angel although it’s different from the perfumes you like. I used to hate angel but it has grown on me. Dabbing it instead of spraying it works for me. March 15, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

      • Jenna: I need to try 31 Rue Cambon. Chanels scare me with their elegance for some reason. March 16, 2013 at 5:15am Reply

    • Figuier: Jo Malone tends to get short shrift with perfumistas but her Wild Fig & Cassis is great, & sits on the boundary between fresh daytime/rich evening scent. It didn’t work on me, but L’Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube has a gorgeous honeyed orange blossom-nectar feel, is elegant and feminine yet alluring. Chanel Cristalle edt and edp are wonderful for spring days; but can’t think of anything specifically suited to spring nights. March 15, 2013 at 9:27am Reply

    • BlinkyTheFish: For the night scent, definitely Francis Kurkdjian Cologne pour le Soir or the Absolue version (although I find the Cologne version is plenty strong enough for me). March 15, 2013 at 9:40am Reply

      • nikki: Those are great perfumes! March 15, 2013 at 9:56am Reply

    • solanace: For day: AG Eau d’Hadrien
      L’Artisan Thé pour un été

      For night: Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme March 15, 2013 at 9:43am Reply

      • Jenna: I can’t wait to try Rose Anonyme. This thread is dangerous! I came to give some recommendations and I ended up filling out my own sample order. LOL! March 16, 2013 at 5:18am Reply

    • Liz K: How about Andy Tauer’s Loretta and SSS Jour Ensolielle. March 15, 2013 at 10:34am Reply

    • Sarah: Hi Karen,

      It sounds like you like a bit of ‘dirt’ in your fragrance :). You could try Gucci Rush (Victoria’s got a great review on here that describes it perfectly) for springtime day or evening and Eternity for day time wear? For some reason I’m also enjoying Calvin Klein’s Beauty as well at the moment, it’s florally and almost bland but there’s something about it that makes my nose go frequently to my wrist after I’ve tried it on. March 15, 2013 at 11:36am Reply

    • Lucas: May I suggest Dior New Look 1947 as a day perfume March 15, 2013 at 11:53am Reply

    • Alityke: Hi Karen
      If you aren’t already familiar with the Ormonde Jayne scents I strongly recommend Tiare for your daytime spring scent. It is sparkling, green with some citrus in the opening. It has the same slightly chewy texture as Paco Rabanne’s Metal.

      For evening I suggest Ormonde Jayne Ta’if, a romantic rose in the arabian style but with a greenness to it making it perfect for a cool spring evening. March 15, 2013 at 11:58am Reply

    • Karen: Wow, thank you all so much! Now to flex that credit card 😉 my poor husband is at his wits end with my obsession! Xx March 15, 2013 at 12:41pm Reply

    • Annie: Karen, did you give Coco Noir a good try? I thought I hated it at first, felt let down and betrayed by all we had hoped for from a Noir Coco.
      After re-reading Victoria’s review I mailed away for a good sized decant to give it a fair try. Now I’m hooked and find it very wearable.
      Hope this helps. March 15, 2013 at 6:59pm Reply

      • Aussiegirl: Same here! I expected something completely different and my first impression was disappointing. But smelling it again I liked it and bought a full bottle. March 17, 2013 at 6:03am Reply

    • Aussiegirl: We have very similar tastes. I hated Coco Noir at first but it then grew on me. Now I own a bottle. I’m really liking Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue and Hermes Iris Ukyoe. They smell springy to me. March 17, 2013 at 6:02am Reply

    • Cybele: try Jour d’Hermes March 17, 2013 at 10:37am Reply

  • ralu: Victoria and Suzanna, I was wondering if you’ll review the new L’wren Scott perfume sold at Barneys. 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 9:09am Reply

    • Victoria: I will ask Suzanna. Neither one of us is near Barneys! 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 9:57am Reply

  • Figuier: I love the smell of narcissus – Annette Neuffer’s Narcissus Poeticus is the only kind I have, and my small sample has turned. Any suggestions for another rich yet spring-like narcissus scent? March 15, 2013 at 9:21am Reply

    • nikki: Yes, First by Van Cleef and Arpels has a strong narcissus note! March 15, 2013 at 9:55am Reply

    • Victoria: We were just talking about it in Andy’s paperwhite thread. I would recommend Kelly Caleche by Hermes, Tom Ford Ombre de Hyacinthe (it’s so spring like to me). They are not exactly the smell of narcissus–there are other things going on, but they do have the spring like freshness. March 15, 2013 at 9:57am Reply

    • Tara: Figuier, Have you tried Patricia de Nicolai’s Temp d’ Une Fete? It’s all about spring with a great narcissus note. March 15, 2013 at 10:28am Reply

      • solanace: I love it! March 15, 2013 at 5:40pm Reply

    • Karen: How about the old chloe narcisse?? Very affordable and summery. Xx March 15, 2013 at 1:03pm Reply

    • figuier: Thanks for the suggestions folks – and I’ll go and look at the paperwhite article comments. I have indeed tried Le Temps d’Une Fete, and I love it, but for me, weirdly, it’s more of a dandelion scent! First is great, although I don’t know it well and never noticed the narcissus – must try again. March 15, 2013 at 1:55pm Reply

  • @19coco76: I noticed that during my life,I become obsessed by a perfume,I feel connected to it,I just don’t like any other scent.This happened several times during my 36 years old life.I wear it most of the times,I change for a while(like a day or two every once in a while) but that smell put a spell on me for som time,once it was a couple of years. Some of those perfumes includes: Paris by YSL,MissDior Cherie,MissDior the classic,Poison,Chanel5,Aire by Loewe,Diorissimo,Diorella,Dioressence,PrivatCollection by EsteeLauder,InLoveAgain by YSL. If you have same weird thing,please share us som of yours March 15, 2013 at 9:46am Reply

    • Cristina: Yes, I have the same thing. I keep going back to some of my beloved perfumes such as Romance by Ralph Lauren (I tend to buy it again always in Spring). I also like Eternity by Kalvin Klein, Coco by Chanel, and more recently Angel and Alien from Thiery Mugler. I am very sad that in my country I can not find a lot of perfumes that I read in this amazing blog and it just makes me go crazy with envy …I do find some of them when I travel or on holidays but it is not the same thing. I would love to live in a place where I could find ALL the perfumes in the world. Victoria could be the Queen of that magic place. I would vote for her. And me…her humble servant and apprentice… March 15, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

      • Victoria: 🙂 I would love something like a perfume tea house where all of us could meet to smell perfume and drink tea. I suppose we already do it virtually, but it would be so much fun to do so in person. March 16, 2013 at 8:30pm Reply

        • Aussiegirl: This would be a dream!
          I’ve been reading your blog for a year and I finally decided to delurk. Your writing is gorgeous and your blog is beautiful. Thank you for what must be many hours of hard work! March 17, 2013 at 6:05am Reply

          • Victoria: We can dream, right? 🙂 Thank you so much for your nice words! I’m very happy that you’re enjoying it here. March 17, 2013 at 10:33am Reply

        • Daisy: I’m so there! Can it be at one of those Japanese cafes that has live bunnies? 🙂 March 22, 2013 at 3:28pm Reply

    • nastja: Yes! I have all these samples stashed away that I want to keep wearing but currently all I can wear is Clinique Aromatics Elixir and Guerlain Mitsouko and feel guilty about all that research and money I’ve invested in the other stuff, but I feel like I’ve worn the wrong skin every time I put anything else on. Plus all my clothes are saturated with those 2 perfumes, so even if I manage anything else, I still smell like these 2 favorites… I understand exactly what you mean about the depth of the connection. It’s like feeling right in your skin. March 16, 2013 at 11:11am Reply

    • Christi F: I have the same tendency toward serial monogamy when it comes to perfume. Starting in about 7th grade I wore Shalimar, Poison, Loulou, Victoria (Victoria’s Secret’s first perfume discontinued after one year, it was gorgeous), Tresor, Calyx, Elysium (Clarins, discontinued), Jo Malone French Lime Blossom, Lubin Idole, JM Blackberry and Bay. Looking back, I see no rhyme or reason to the perfumes I loved, which makes it incredibly difficult to try to predict what I will like from list of fragrance notes. March 18, 2013 at 11:53pm Reply

  • Liz K: Not really a recommendation request but I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction in regards to Indian attars or perfumes. My brother in law will be in New Delhi this summer and asked what I wanted him to bring back. My first thought, of course, was perfume but I have no idea what to ask for. I should note that this is a man who believes that the world should be unscented so telling him to get whatever smells good to him would be an exercise in futility. Anyone have info or experience with traditional attars or other perfumery that might be available in New Delhi? Is there a specific place or district that he should visit? I can not adequately express my ignorance on this subject. Am I wasting my time. Also, I have no idea of the prices involved. Any help would be much appreciated, even links to helpful articles. March 15, 2013 at 9:57am Reply

    • BlinkyTheFish: Not any help on where to go, but it would be good if you gave him a list of what scents/notes you really like, what you would be open to trying, and then your budget. I think a good – what do they call them, attarwallas? could work with that easily. March 15, 2013 at 10:00am Reply

    • Victoria: He should visit Chandni chowk, the old market area. There is a whole section devoted to attars and oils. Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place is also recommended. But traditional attars are a dying art, and they are very expensive. For this reason, most of what passes for real attar might be adulterated. Plus, traditional attars are the co-distillations of various ingredients and sandalwood, and sandalwood is currently endangered. However, I still recommend him to explore, because it’s a fascinating area. If he avoids anything fruity and asks for specific things, at least you will get something closer to what you want. Gulab attar (rose attar) is one of the most popular ones. Another interesting attar to ask for is mitti attar, which is clay distilled with sandalwood. It smells so unusual and earthy. I also love kesar attar, saffron attar, which I use to add a touch of saffron to my rose fragrances.

      Oh, he should avoid going on Friday, since many of the shops might be closed. March 15, 2013 at 10:12am Reply

      • mridula: Yes, visit chandni chowk and look for a street named Dariba Kalan and a perfume house named Gulab Singh Johri Mal. His mitti attar is wonderful. But many people say the best mitti attar is made in Jodhpur in Rajasthan. I wish I could help with a specific place there. March 15, 2013 at 1:18pm Reply

  • lori: I am trying to build a perfume wardrobe. The one perfume that i have that I absolutely adore is Bottega Veneta Eau Legere, but it is very light and sheer. I also really like Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, EL Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia and Stella McCartney. Two perfumes that really turned me off that I did not like at all were Narcisso Rodriguez For Her and Poison. I liked the smell of Badgley Mischka but also found it to be a little loud or heavy for me…so I use just a small dose of it. Can you identify any pattern to what I do and don’t like and recommend a signature fragrance…not too light, not too heavy…versatile…beautiful smelling??? Thanks 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 10:04am Reply

    • nikki: You seem to have a nose that can differentiate between good and well, not so good! Poison is a great perfume on the right person though there are few whose skin chemistry seems to be able to transform it into something uniquely beautiful.
      You may want to try Amazone by Hermes, Frederic Malle’s Iris Poudre, Guerlain’s Jardin de Bagatelle and Cartier’s So Pretty to start with…
      While having a signature perfume sounds like a lovely idea, in reality it usually is the perfume that one has the most emotional relationship with..ever tried some good vanilla perfumes, i.e. Shalimar or Laura Mercier’s Vanille or Maison de la Vanille? March 15, 2013 at 10:14am Reply

      • D: I think of BVLGARI The Vert (or The Vert Extreme) as the modern godfather of sheer but complicated scents. In addition, it can be acquired at the local mall or cosmetic shops for a reasonable sum. Itis a very good office scent. March 15, 2013 at 11:37am Reply

      • lori: I am not big on vanilla. The story with poison is that a coworker of mine wore it every day and I adored it on her, so I bought it. It smelled entirely different on me ie awful so I ended up giving the whole bottle away. Same thing for Narcisso Rodriguez…hated it on me. Both perfumes, however, were rated and reviewed very well. March 15, 2013 at 12:19pm Reply

    • Tara: Hi lori, the only pattern I can see is that you tend to like rather sheer, sophisticated scents, sometimes with a zesty fruit note.

      From this (bearing in mind you want something with a bit more “oomph”) I’d recommend exploring –

      Neela Vermeire Creations’ Bombay Bling! – great mango note, sophisticated yet fun.

      Ormonde Jayne’s Frangipani – creamy tropical flowers with a great lime note.

      Acqua di Parma’s Iris Nobile – features a creamy gardenia not dissimilar to Tuberose Gardenia.

      Chanel’s 31 Rue Cambon – because it reminds me a little of the original Bottega Veneta.

      L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Seville a L’Aube – zesty start then luscious orange blossom. A perfume that could be a great signature scent. March 15, 2013 at 10:45am Reply

      • lori: Thank you. I will look into these 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 12:23pm Reply

      • Aussiegirl: Agreed on Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile (I haven’t tried some of the others, but they sound great). March 17, 2013 at 6:07am Reply

    • Liz K: How about adding a sheer incense to your collection? To me, CdG Kyoto is very light and wearable and might add something different to your collection. In fact, all of the CdG incense series that I have tried feel like watercolor versions of incense and are very wearable. March 15, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

      • lori: Thank you for the suggestion! March 15, 2013 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Claire: Hi Lori,

      We have some of the same perfumes that we like. Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil is one of my favorite Spring/Summer, so is Tuberose Gardenia. I think perhaps the common theme is light, airy fragrance with notes of citrus, perhaps green floral.

      Have you tried some of the orange blossom fragrances such as one from Jo Malone? Victoria has a great article on orange blossom somewhere in this blog (if you type into the search box) Another orange blossom note that I love is Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger. March 15, 2013 at 2:46pm Reply

      • lori: I just saw Jo Malone’s yesterday and got the sample to try! I will definitely look at the other, too! Thank you! March 15, 2013 at 11:28pm Reply

    • Cybele: I recommend you Osmanthe Yunnan Hermessence by Hermes. March 17, 2013 at 10:43am Reply

      • lori: Haven’t seen this, but will look at it. Thank you for the recommendation! March 19, 2013 at 10:06am Reply

  • Thai: Greetings! I adore Rochas Femme, Mitsouko, Coco, Madame Rochas, Balmain de Balmain, Silences, Moschino Couture!, Balmain Ambregris and Eau de Merveilles. So yeah, obviously, I like chypre, green, spicy, and salty notes.

    I am looking for something that is long lasting, with good sillage, and pleasing.. That is, it not only makes me feel good smelling it, but others can enjoy as well. What I have in mind is Coco mademoiselle but I just enjoy catching one or two whiffs, I can’t bear Cmd for a long time. March 15, 2013 at 11:06am Reply

    • Kathy: Do give Carner Barcelona’s D-600 a try, I think it fits the bill 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 11:13am Reply

    • Annikky: I have been wearing Vero Profumo Mito this week (sample stash arrival!) and for the green and chypre part of your request this could work well. Assessments of sillage vary – Victoria said it was moderate, some others say it’s strong, I personally have no idea :). It isn’t wimpy, for sure.

      In any case, it’s something worth sampling, especially for spring. March 15, 2013 at 11:27am Reply

    • Lucas: I echo for D600. I bought it for my birthday in February and I’m so in love with it! March 15, 2013 at 11:51am Reply

    • shaney: What about James Heeley Sel Marin? I’ve never tried it, honestly, but it’s been recommended to me before for a salty-woody-aquatic, and it’s on my list to sample! March 15, 2013 at 1:48pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Thai! I didn’t read this blog for a whjle, too sad because of the death of my cat. Perfume was not on my mind. Now I see your question and I can say to you: try Scherrer! Victoria recommended this to me when I was looking for a dark green chypre. It seems to be reformulated, but it is still gorgeous.
        I think you could also love Sous le Vent, Guerlain. March 17, 2013 at 7:47am Reply

        • Victoria: So sorry to hear about your kitty passing away. Pets really become members of our households, so I know how hard this can be. Wish you lots of comforting things right now. March 17, 2013 at 7:52am Reply

        • Thai: Thank you very much gorgeous ladies. And Cornelia I am so sorry to hear about your cat passing away. I adore and love cats, to know that another such a beautiful creature leaves the world is really sad. March 19, 2013 at 6:50pm Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Thai, Have you tried Etat Libre d’Orange’s Rien? It is gorgeous, elegant, and has a beautiful vintage feel while still be fresh and modern. Last forever and has terrific sillage.

      I would also recommend Sonoma Scent Studio’s Jour ensoleillé for another chypre.

      As for salty, have you tried Hermès L’Eau des merveilles? March 22, 2013 at 3:32pm Reply

  • Lucas: Despite the snow storms that we have here in Poland I have hope that spring is drawing near and I would like to hear your ideas of some good quality aldehydes of moderate power.
    Also, I’m in need for a good citrus chypre or pure citrus. Parfum d’Empire Iskander hits the bill the best for me and I’m thinking about buying it on a month or two if I don’t find anything better. March 15, 2013 at 11:49am Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Azemour? March 15, 2013 at 2:02pm Reply

      • Lucas: Yes I did, I like it but it’s sometimes too sweet for me and it turns flat in th heat. March 15, 2013 at 2:34pm Reply

    • Rachel: YSL Rive Gauche is my fave aldehydic perfume of all! March 15, 2013 at 6:04pm Reply

    • Jenna: I’m now testing Miller Harris Citron Citron. If you like lots of citrus, it’s very nice. March 16, 2013 at 5:19am Reply

    • Elisa: Monsieur Balmain and Eau Dynamisante are very nice citrus chypres, and affordable. March 17, 2013 at 5:30pm Reply

  • shaney: Hello! I am NOT a summer/heat person, so I always dread the return of spring because it means the heat oppression I feel is around the corner! I am hoping to lesson my pain with a few fabulous perfumes 🙂 I need a way to include some woody fragrances that are appropriate for summer…woody and woody orientals are my favorites! For winter, I like such perfumes such as Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman, Tom Ford Bois Morocain, Donna Karan Essence Labdanum, Balmain Ambre Gris, and Chanel Coromandel. For spring/summer fragrances, I think that some woody perfumes that I have in my wardrobe will also work at night in the warm temps, such as Diptyque Tam Dao and Dior Dune. I also have Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien, which others have likened to Pine Sol, but I actually quite like it 🙂 I like the idea of driftwood and sand notes, and I always love earthiness involved in my fragrances. Please help with some suggestions for summer woody fragrances! Thanks so much! March 15, 2013 at 12:48pm Reply

    • Annikky: VC&A Bois d’Iris! Driftwood and iris, light and refined. In fact, too light for me, but I am known for scaring the scents away. It is a lovely fragrance, I hope you have a chance to try it. March 15, 2013 at 1:34pm Reply

      • Victoria: (No worries, I’ve moved your comment to the right place!)

        I also would add The Different Company Bois d’Iris. March 15, 2013 at 1:35pm Reply

    • shaney: Wow….both of these sound amazing, thank you! And Victoria, at one time, you recommended a driftwood scent to me, and I searched the last few Recommend Me a Perfume posts, but I couldn’t find it. I could swear it was a Michael Kors…does that ring any bells? March 15, 2013 at 1:44pm Reply

      • Victoria: Yes, that’s the one!

        Hope that you will like some of these recommendations. 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 2:01pm Reply

    • E. Lime: L’Artisan Timbuktu is quite a beautiful airy wood. I haven’t tried their new Caligna, but it also sounds nicely summery and woody. March 15, 2013 at 2:23pm Reply

      • Victoria: Caligna turned out to be quite masculine and watery (doesn’t fit their marketing description at all to me). But Timbuktu is my choice too. I also love Dzonghkha (which I never remember how to spell properly!) It’s a woody iris, with soft incense notes. March 16, 2013 at 8:32pm Reply

    • shaney: Thank you all for such wonderful suggestions as per usual! March 18, 2013 at 12:11am Reply

    • Daisy: It might be in a more feminine direction than what you are looking for in a spring/summer woody fragrance, but what about SJP Lovely? March 22, 2013 at 3:35pm Reply

  • sunnlitt: Does anyone have any ideas for a green tropical scent?
    On my trip to Hawaii, I went for a walk first thing every morning, and the scents were divine….intoxicating, but green. There were some floral notes, but it was more about the leaves.
    I have coconut/vanilla tropical, and fruity tropical, but I am looking for anything that reflects a tropical sensibility, but from a green perspective…
    Thanks so much for any and all help. March 15, 2013 at 4:43pm Reply

    • Rachel: I like Kai oil. It smells green and jasmine-y. March 15, 2013 at 6:43pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I was just in Hawaii, and almost every day I wore a dab of Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle, which is a green tuberose scent. It’s actually too much for me in Northern California, but I took it with me to Hawaii on a hunch and it was perfect there. Actually most of the time I just had some of the body butter on (which I have a nice sample of). I even slept it in! Check it out! March 15, 2013 at 7:52pm Reply

      • Nina Z: Also, Doson by Diptyque is another green tuberose (lighter than Carnal Flower). March 15, 2013 at 7:53pm Reply

    • Lucas: Maison Parfumeur et Gantier BAHIANA smells like a tropical coctail. It smells of citrus and coconut. March 16, 2013 at 3:15am Reply

    • Rowanhill: Goutal’s Ninfeo Mio with its tomato leaf and fig notes might fit the bill. March 16, 2013 at 6:56am Reply

  • Lynn Morgan: I just tried the new Agent Provocateur for this first time. It’s called “Petal Noir” and it’s a lovely, fresh floral, not at all cloying, with just a touch of sandalwood to cut all the sweetness- orange blossoms, etc. It surprised me because the O.G Agent Provocateur is heavy and dark, and edges upon skanky…. not that I don’t love it, but I pick my company carefully when I wear it; it’s not a scent for a job interview, unless you’re looking for work at a shady massage parlor. Anyway, Petal Noir is pretty without being precious- so many light florals are so aggressively girlish they can go a little bit “Baby Jane”n grown women. So, I think Petal Noir is my new Spring scent (it’s exclusively at Nordstrom’s now) and I recommend it to any of us dark and mysterious chicks who wnat to lighten up for Spring. Hermes “Jardin Sur la Nile” is a watery floral with a touch of exoticism, and I love the gardenia scent of the original Marc Jacobs: it’s gardenia, but not as heavy as Gardenia Passion. Tocca’s “Cleopatra” is also surprisingly light and neroli-scented and very pretty. March 15, 2013 at 5:28pm Reply

    • Lynn Morgan: I forgot- BVLGARI “The Blanc” (white tea) is gorgeous, sheer, subtle and refreshing and great for warm weather and all the guys in my brother’s office thought it smelled fantastic. March 15, 2013 at 6:08pm Reply

    • Squirrely: I was really impressed with Petale Noir as well. I kept nodding my head as I read through your post – we have the same taste in sheered out florals (but it’s still so hard for me to “lighten up” my scents for spring/summer). March 16, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

  • Brie B.: I’m a big oriental lover; amber, vanilla, woods, spices, the whole bit! Some of my favorites are Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, Parfums d’Empire Ambre Russe, Tauer L’Air du Desert Marocain, Tom Ford Noir de Noir/Black Orchid, Blvgari Omnia, Guerlain Shalimar and Chanel Coromandel to name a few. My problem is, about 90% of my fragrance wardrobe seems to coincide with the cooler months and possibly the spring months rather than summer. Any suggestions for a sultry oriental that won’t be too heavy in hotter weather? I should say that I’m generally not a fan of white florals or squeaky clean/green fragrances. For instance, I really hated Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise and Tauer Carrillon pour une Ange. Thanks in advance! March 15, 2013 at 5:38pm Reply

    • rosarita: We share the same taste! I like Prada l’Eau Ambree; to me it’s a true summer oriental. Not heavy but still has some of the rich notes I love. Dior Dune is a salty, rosy oriental that is also nice in summer. March 15, 2013 at 6:33pm Reply

    • Nina Z: The softest oriental I know is Oriental Lounge by The Different Company, which is a very sheer, soft amber. Tolu by Ormonde Jayne has a kind of herbal twist to it that might make it work well in warm weather. Today I just tried Bois 1920 Sutra Ylang, which is also a subtle amber, so that might work for you. But also try Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale, which is a somewhat sheer spicy vanilla. Another idea is Frederic Malle Noire Epices, which is an oriental that is based on orange instead of vanilla, so that might work better in the heat. March 15, 2013 at 7:46pm Reply

    • Jenna: Brie, we share many favourites and not so favourites. Beyond Paradise turned into dishwasher liquid on me. Try L’Artisan Parfumer L’Eau d’Ambre. I also loved Shalimar Eau Legere. March 16, 2013 at 5:11am Reply

    • Cristine: Have you tried Tauer Pentachords “Auburn?” I think it’s a soft and lovely oriental for warm weather. I expected not to like it based on reviews, but I find it so comforting and well made. Perhaps you would like it, too! March 18, 2013 at 10:41am Reply

      • Brie B: Thank you ladies for your lovely suggestions! I’ve added the perfumes you’ve all mentioned to my list of perfume samples to order next month. March 21, 2013 at 12:32pm Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Brie B., I would suggest Arquiste’s Anima Dulcis for the summer months! I would never have thought it, but it was recommended to me to try in the heat too. March 22, 2013 at 3:38pm Reply

  • Rachel: What are everyone’s favorite patchoulis? I would like to try more. I recently tried L’Artisan Patchouli Patch and I think I’m finally liking patchouli, hurray! March 15, 2013 at 6:01pm Reply

    • rosarita: My favorites include Coromandel, the original Prada, Montale Patchouli Leaves and Les Nereides Patchouli Antique. The last two are really rich and heavy; they smell great in cold weather, at least they do to me. March 15, 2013 at 6:37pm Reply

      • Rachel: Thank you very much! I only smelled Prada out of them, but it was before I liked patch. 🙂 March 15, 2013 at 6:45pm Reply

    • Brie B.: Another vote for Coromandel! March 15, 2013 at 7:04pm Reply

      • Jenna: And another! March 16, 2013 at 5:12am Reply

        • Daisy: Me too! Go Coromandel! March 22, 2013 at 3:38pm Reply

    • Jenna: The nicest patchouli I have is Etro Patchouli. It is really rich, nutty, not too earthy or musty. March 16, 2013 at 5:14am Reply

      • Jenna: too speedy fingers… it’s Patchouly, with a y. March 16, 2013 at 5:14am Reply

    • AnnieA: ELdO’s Nombril Immense is really nice… March 16, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

    • E. Lime: L’Artisan’s Voleur de Roses and ELDO’s Rossy de Palma are beautiful rose and patchouli scents (if you like rose, too!). March 16, 2013 at 2:09pm Reply

    • Sarah: Patchouli Eau de Parfum by M. Micallef March 17, 2013 at 6:49am Reply

  • mtmama23: My favorite of all time is Nantucket Briar by Crabtree and Evelyn. I never get over it. It still makes me swoon after a decade of wearing it. It suits my skin and my temperament w/ its non-cloying, powdery ,aldehydic, spicy scent. My friend knew I’d been in the room because she smelled it in the air.
    Mom wears Chanel no. 5-I think the aldehydes are comforting to me.
    Love White linen on my clothing in the summer, though it doesn’t blend w/ my skin. Nothing sweet or fruity. I spray Moonlight Path from Bath and Body on the sheets to put me to sleep at night.
    You recommended the Ulda and Penhaligon’s Violetta and they work.
    What I’d give to have your nose and perfume knowledge! March 15, 2013 at 6:01pm Reply

    • mtmama23: I forgot to ask my question! What do the fragrances I mentioned have in common and what do you recommend for me? Oh- please add Diane (DVF) to the list of my fragrances.
      Thank you so much! March 15, 2013 at 6:06pm Reply

      • Victoria: You definitely seem to like aldehydic scents, so you might enjoy testing more from Chanel’s classical range like No 22, Bois des Iles. Hermes Caleche and its variations are also worth trying! March 16, 2013 at 6:30pm Reply

    • Rachel: I love Moonlight Path too and I use the full product range. I’m not the hugest fan of no 5, I wear no 5 Premiere. If you like aldehydes, also try YSL Rive Gauche. March 15, 2013 at 6:48pm Reply

    • Elisa: You might like Van Cleef & Arpels First — dry aldehydic floral similar to White Linen but with different florals, more jasmine. March 17, 2013 at 5:33pm Reply

      • Elisa: Oh! and L’Ame Soeur is a lovely aldehydic floral with an ambery drydown, sort of like Chanel NO. 5 but more my style. March 17, 2013 at 5:34pm Reply

  • M.n: Hello,
    I am in search of my very own first perfume. I am twenty one, and I want to get a really really good perfume that suits me that I can wear for the rest of my life, or for a long time that suits me. I really enjoy Kenzo Flower but I want something more Kenzo unique Elphant.I like to travel and consider myself very unique for a number of other reasons such as my heritage and etc etc I do like the sound of jungle but I’m still a bit weary of it being too spicy. I personally love spice but wonder how others may take it.

    When I spoke to my mum about it she suggested Rive Gachu and Chanel No.5 and I myself really liked Jean Paul Gaulitier Classique that she would wear.They are all great but I don’t know if I am woman enough to wear them.

    As you can tell I am very much all over the place in my taste. I appreciate quality above all things. Right now I live in a very small town and ordering samples will be a bit expensive so I don’t want to sample too many.

    I look forward to hearing from you! I understand this is a supper tall order!

    Thanks!!! 🙂 March 16, 2013 at 12:19am Reply

    • Nina Z: My advice would be to buy the Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant because you love it, and then to wear modest amounts (it is VERY strong) when you are around others. I honestly don’t think you should worry about others liking or not liking the spices. I think it is over application of perfume that bothers people, not the specific smell of it. March 16, 2013 at 12:37pm Reply

      • Victoria: I agree! You can always moderate how much you apply. March 16, 2013 at 6:27pm Reply

    • Sarah: Don’t worry what others think! If you like it, wear it for yourself. If it’s too strong, apply less. March 17, 2013 at 6:49am Reply

    • Daisy: Hi M.n., Have you tried Etat Libre d’Orange’s Fils de Dieu? That is another one that feels “jungle-y” to me and might be a good way to ease into even spicier fragrances. March 22, 2013 at 3:41pm Reply

  • nastja: Hi all, please forgive this non sequitur, but I was hoping someone could help me identify a perfume bottle I inherited from my mom’s collection. She doesn’t know what it is either and doesn’t have the box anymore. The bottle is semi-circular, the lid also, so the whole completes a circle. The lid is golden and the logo of the house is a red circle with what looks like 2 or 3 letters in cursive script. I can’t tell what the letters are and looked through all sorts of labels and couldn’t match it. It’s definitely a powdery floral oriental, super animalic, rosy orange in the opening, growing more powdery and musky toward dry down, almost bitter and lily of the valley-like in the heart. Any ideas what this could be? It’s from the 80’s… Thank you!! March 16, 2013 at 11:29am Reply

    • Victoria: Can you take a photo and send it to me? I could post it here. March 16, 2013 at 6:26pm Reply

      • george: Is it possible to know what the letters are/might be? March 17, 2013 at 6:44am Reply

    • Sarah: I have a friend who collects perfume bottles, and I can ask her. She even helped me date an old bottle of Shalimar. Is it possible to have a pic? March 17, 2013 at 6:48am Reply

  • Aussiegirl: Hello, fragrant community! I read and noted all of your recommendations for the past few months and I finally decided to post my own request. I feel like I’m stuck with a few perfumes that smell similar. I love everything with iris and I wear Coco Noir and Daisy, but I would love to try different things like woods or orientals. What kind of woody perfumes should I try?

    My favourites now are Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue and Hermes Iris Ukyoe. March 17, 2013 at 6:11am Reply

    • Lyng: Have you tried any of Serge Lutens’ many woody scents? Feminité du Bois (plum, spices, and cedar) is a must smell and Santal Majuscule (sandalwood and rose) is really wearable. Another favourite is Parfums Delrae’s Bois de Paradis (rose, fig, and woods), I’m addicted to it. March 17, 2013 at 7:50am Reply

    • Victoria: Based on your favorites, I think that you could try scents with cedarwood. It’s a soft wood, with a mellow, clean fragrance. Lyng’s suggestions would be exactly what I would recommend myself. I also like Poivre Samarcande by Hermessence and L’Artisan Navegar. For another good option, try Estee Lauder Sensuous, it’s based on Feminite du Bois. March 17, 2013 at 7:54am Reply

      • Kirstyn: Hi! Victoria, you do such a lovely job, hopefully you can help me. I am 23, and a public high school teacher. Therein lies my difficulty in choosing a perfume, I want to find a signature scent, but it can’t be too sexy or overpowering for the classroom. Another dilemma is that I’m a young professional, and many perfumes I smell seem too old or too young for me. Perfumes that I liked in college were Marc Jacob’s Daisy and Chloe’s EDP, both of which are pretty young scents. I love classic movies like Casablanca, drinking tea, wearing winged eyeliner, and wearing cigarette pants and flats. I want to break out, and find something that can represent me at my current stage of life. Some of my favorite notes are apricot, grapefruit, rose, jasmine, violet, pepper, bergamot, sandalwood, vanilla. April 21, 2013 at 6:44pm Reply

  • Sandra: Hello All! I would like some suggestions to recommend a replacement for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. I have had that in my fragrance wardrobe forever. Some of my favorites are No 19 and Beige also, all Chanel. One aspect of Coco Mademoiselle that I love is the beautiful fragrance wake that it creates when you walk down the street and its sexy. However, here in NYC, I smell it too often! I am open, please let me know what you think! Thank you. March 17, 2013 at 8:26am Reply

    • Victoria: You might want to try Prada Eau de Parfum. It’s similar to Coco Mademoiselle in character, and it’s really well-done. March 17, 2013 at 10:32am Reply

    • Elisa: Not really all that similar to CM, but both L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube and By Kilian Sweet Redemption are gourmand-ish orange blossoms with GREAT sillage! (That sexy wake you’re talking about) March 17, 2013 at 5:37pm Reply

      • Sandra: Thanks so much. Prada has a bit too much amber for me. I will try the Killian and L’artisan! March 18, 2013 at 11:07am Reply

  • sully1019: Hello,

    I am getting married in June in New England and I am looking for a special perfume for the big day. I have been scouring perfume blogs looking for possible candidates, but struggling to find something that speaks to me.

    I currently wear Highland Lilac, which my fiance loves and smells like spring. I love it and would like to find something similar – yet different and unique.

    I am gravitating towards bright, green, realistic florals (like the Highland Lilac) that dry down to be a bit calmer version of their former opening act. I want to smell like fresh cut flowers – not potpourri.

    I found that I cannot wear jasmine, rose, iris or tuberose successfully when they are very deep in the heart of the perfume. These florals tend to turn too powdery or sometimes smell burned! (Ineke Poet’s Jasmine for example – gorgeous on paper, disgusting on me. Others that failed: Prada D’Iris, Cartier Baiser Vole, Lutens Sa Majeste La Rose, Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia).

    I also tried the DSH bridal collection with mixed results – the Wedding Bouquet fragrance was the best on me – but died about an hour later. What I liked about this one is that it started out smelling sweet, almost fruity, and then turned into a gorgeous gardenia.

    I appreciate some silage, but don’t feel comfortable being a stink bomb at my wedding, especially in June heat.

    I am currently playing with L’Artisan Chasse (pretty, but maybe a bit medicinal?) and L’Artisan Viollete Vert – very nice, but unremarkable.

    Thanks!
    Sarah March 19, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations, Sarah! What a fun quest! I think that you might enjoy Frederic Malle En Passant, which is a sheer lilac, fresh and crisp, with a radiant but not noisy sillage. Hermes Jour d’Hermes is another luminous floral that wouldn’t be too sweet or powdery. March 19, 2013 at 11:32am Reply

      • sully1019: Thank you for your quick response! I have been reading your blog daily for over a month and I have to say that it is by far my favorite perfume blog (really, blog in general). You are an excellent writer and I am amazed at the specificity of your nose! How do you distinguish the notes in the reviewed fragrances so well?

        Regarding En Passant…it’s on the list, though I’m not excited to wear yet another Lilac fragrance. Any other florals that might wear similarly to Lilac, but aren’t? I chose to sample Violette Verte with that idea in mind and it works very well, but isn’t exciting. A friend smelled Chasse on me today and said, “Oh, that’s comforting – like hugging my mom.” Nice, but not the endorsement I was hoping for in a wedding frag!

        Thanks again! March 19, 2013 at 1:53pm Reply

        • Victoria: Thank you for your nice words! The more you smell, the easier it becomes to recognize scents. It’s like a fascinating puzzle. One moment you don’t see anything but a blur, and then suddenly you see pieces of a rose, sandalwood, musk.

          I completely understand that you would like to go for something different. My own strategy was to select a fragrance I loved and wore even before the wedding, which was Frederic Malle Carnal Flower. If you pick something new, I recommend giving it a thorough testing to make sure that the perfume wears perfectly. One tip is to wear a perfume when you exercise. If it still smells good on warm, overheated skin and you still enjoy it, then it will feel right in most circumstances.

          As for other specific recommendations, Violette Verte doesn’t seem right to me either. It’s too pale and limpid, even if very pretty. What about something like Serge Lutens Bois de Violette or Tom Ford Violet Blonde? Those blend violet with woods and the effect is glamorous, but elegant and understated.

          Also, I recommend explore Ormonde Jayne fragrances like Frangipani, Champaca, Tiare. March 19, 2013 at 6:49pm Reply

    • Daisy: Hi Sarah! Congratulations! It seems like you already have some terrific suggestions. To them, I might add one for Annick Goutal’s Eau de Camille. It’s fresh and green and might fit what you are looking for. March 22, 2013 at 3:45pm Reply

  • sully1019: It’s funny that you recommend working out with a perfume on…I did just that with the Chasse sample and it really opened up to display the long sought-after linden flower in all its glory, which was exciting.

    I will try the recommendations you provided, including the Ormonde line and the new Hermes.

    Regarding Bois de Violette…I got a sample of that too and tried it twice, but it seems so deep to me. I think I smelled anise or licorice in it? I was wondering how it smelled on others. T

    I am really new to sampling perfumes, so I’m not sure I can appreciate serious, heavy fragrances at this point. I honestly think I wore heavier perfume in junior high school than I do today! LOL! March 20, 2013 at 9:26am Reply

  • Jenn: I wonder – did you have any plans to review Bulgari’s Mon Jasmin Noir EDP and Hermès’s Un Jardin En Méditerranée? March 27, 2013 at 3:08am Reply

  • Imogen: Hi, I love spicy and amber orientals, rochas femme being my favourite, and I also love Dior Dune, EL Youth Dew and Chanel Allure Sensuelle. I’m thinking of branching out from orientals to another family. I’d love something cheap to mid range with complexity but not the obvious sexiness of orientals. I tend to dislike fruity florals. My favourite notes are all kinds of roses, patchouli, lilies, iris, leather and amber. I’m auburn haired,22 and my skin takes powdery notes very well. April 1, 2013 at 8:19am Reply

  • becky: Hi Victoria, thank you so much for the recommendations. (sorry for the new thread, but I can’t find my original post.)

    Of the 6 white florals you recommended a couple weeks ago, I found two in my city. Jour d’hermes is my favorite, and Jo Malone white jasmine and mint is my second. And at the same time I tried about 10 other samples with no luck. You are 2 for 2 with your recommendations:)

    I still want to find and try the others that you recommended. What is the best way to find authentic samples on line? Is it possible?
    List: odalisque, l’artisan la chasse aux papillons, serge lumens unit de cellophane, Cartier de lune

    Thanks again! I’m enjoying my new hobby:)
    becky April 9, 2013 at 8:48pm Reply

    • Victoria: So happy to hear that the quest at least yielded something! 🙂 As for others, you can order samples from Aedes or Luckyscent. Cartier de Lune might require a trip to the mall, but if you have Jour d’Hermes, you might have already found your radiant floral bouquet. I wouldn’t try too hard to look for it. April 10, 2013 at 8:30am Reply

  • RenChick: Hi Victoria! I am fairly new to commenting in the perfume blog world, but I have lurked for a while. (This is actually my first post!) I love your blog, for both your reviews and your quality of writing. There have been more than one sample that I have gotten simply off the strength of your review.

    Normally I shy away from most perfumes containing iris notes, since I somewhat dislike the powdery quality that usually accompanies it. A key exception is Lolita Lempicka Lolita and the flankers she releases on the original. Yesterday I had the pleasure of smelling a deep purple iris in full bloom. The gorgeous root beer-like scent I smelled has re-engaged my interest in finding the iris notes I like, that are close to the beautiful, green and root beer quality, without a powdery dry-down. Can anyone recommend any fragrance like that to try? April 10, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you! I love the scent of iris blossoms, but it’s so rare to find it in perfume. The iris notes used in perfumery come from the iris roots, so they have the earthy, powdery quality you mention. But one fragrance that often makes me think of iris flowers is Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile. It’s lush, but gauzy, which is an unexpected combination. April 10, 2013 at 6:04pm Reply

      • RenChick: Thank you so much for the recommendation. I promptly went out to Surrender to Chance and picked up samples of both the EdT and the EdP strength of Iris Nobile…along with a mess of other samples! Ah, perfume addiction… Not the worse addiction to have by any means! April 10, 2013 at 9:58pm Reply

  • Kirstyn: Hi! Victoria, you do such a lovely job, and I was so excited to see that you do recommendations! I love classic movies like Casablanca, drinking tea, wearing winged eyeliner, and wearing cigarette pants and flats. I am also 23, and a public high school teacher. Therein lies my difficulty in choosing a perfume, I want to find a signature scent, but it can’t be too sexy or overpowering for the classroom. Another dilemma is that I’m a young professional, and many perfumes I smell seem too old or too young for me. Perfumes that I liked in college were Marc Jacob’s Daisy and Chloe’s EDP, both of which are pretty young scents. I want to break out, and find something that can represent me at my current stage of life. Some of my favorite notes are apricot, grapefruit, rose, jasmine, violet, pepper, bergamot, sandalwood, and vanilla. April 21, 2013 at 6:52pm Reply

    • Victoria: When I was reading your comment, I was thinking, “Oh, she should try something with a retro element!” If you like rose and fruity notes, what about something like Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit or even Jardin sur le Nil? Balenciaga Eau Rose is another contender. For something more plush and rich, I would name my own favorite, Tom Ford Violet Blonde. It’s a violet-iris fragrance from his Signature Collection (not the uber-expensive Private Blend), and it’s very interesting.

      When we have our next round of Recommend Me a Perfume next month, I hope that you join in and share what you’ve discovered and we will help you further. April 23, 2013 at 5:06am Reply

  • SharonMM: Hi,
    Wow what a great blog! I am learning so much, but also realizing how much I don’t know, lol. How do you become so knowledgeable about so many different perfumes? Do you ladies live at the perfume counter or what? If someone could recommend me a good source for samples that would be fantastic! I am dying to smell some of these things as I read, but something tells me that the scents I’m most curious about aren’t going to be found at my local Ulta store, lol.

    Anyhow, I thought I would start a new tradition and treat myself to a new perfume every season. I get bored easy so my current collection isn’t doing it for me anymore… In it I have: Coco madamoiselle, Miracle, Be Delicious, Gucci Flora EDP and eau Fraiche, Chance eau fraiche, Clarins Eau de Jardin, DKNY Pure Verbena, La Vie est Belle, and a blind buy I did that actually worked out pretty good for me, Un Jardin a Pari by Jean Couturier , which I found on eBay for cheap so I wouldn’t be losing much if I did hate it… But I don’t. It’s nice.

    As I’m writing these down I’m realizing that I kinda stick to what I know… Chanel worked out good, so I went for another Chanel. Same with Lancome. Same with Gucci. Same with DKNY. Estee Lauder I won’t do, altho I secretly spray my Moms pleasuresn when I go to visit. I laugh at myself for this snobbish little sentiment of mine,considering I’m SO unknowledgeable on this topic… But hey.. We all have to start somewhere. I might be naive, but I will NOT wear any estee lauder. Or anything made by a celebrity. Come to think of it, I’m done with perfume from the makeup counter period.

    What I would like, is something light, sweet, subtle, not too complex, but still genius. I like things that smell crisp and fresh. Maybe even kindof minty. I like flowers but I don’t want anything rosy or heavy or obvious, if that makes sense. I “think” I like aquatic smelling things… Something watery for summer would be nice.. I’d like to stay on the girlie end on the spectrum too, if possible. Seems like there’s a big trend towards unisexfragrance, but I don’t think it would work on me. I wear makeup and dresses almost everyday, and have a standing weekly appt at the salon. I think I would get lost in the androgynous free for all.

    So… What do you think?? Where should I start? Lol.

    TIA April 22, 2013 at 5:42pm Reply

    • Victoria: Sometimes, it feels like I do. 🙂

      If you would like some pointers on where to start exploring fragrances, there are a few article linked to in the right side bar under “Perfume 101.” Here is a compilation that many people found helpful:
      https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/09/perfume-journey-how-to-start-enjoying-and-exploring-fragrance.html

      If you wanted something different, why not explore fragrances from houses like Annick Goutal, L’Artisan or Serge Lutens. Depending on where you live, they might be a bit more challenging to find than Estee Lauder or other big brands, but Sephora, for instance, carries L’Artisan. For me, these so-called niche houses were a revelation. L’Artisan and Goutal have large collections, and it’s fun even just to smell through them. April 23, 2013 at 5:10am Reply

  • Vanessa: Hello!

    Victoria, I must start by telling you how much I love and appreciate your reviews. Reading them is akin to reading poetry and has brought me a lot of joy through the past few months. Thank you so much for all that you do!!!

    I am looking for a new signature scent as I am graduating college, moving to a different place (NYC), and looking for a fragrance as a way of symbolizing that change.

    In the past I have gone for soliflore “pretty” scents (I currently wear EL Tuberose Gardenia) and while I think it it to be a gorgeous fragrance, I want a change, and perhaps something that is more representative of ‘me’. I have tried many perfumes, many of them have been extremely beautiful, but I feel I have not yet found ‘the one’.

    I was talking to my best friend last night and she told me that a “pretty” scent, not even an “exquisite” scent would be right for me. Instead, she told me the best fit for me would be “melancholic, ethereal and otherworldly”..she said the ideal scent for me would leave a lasting trail, be bold (maybe smoky..like something from 1001 nights) yet airy and ethereal, and above all, be reminiscent of the moon. She said an exotic, strange flower might work..She also said that I was not like “velvet” but like “silk.” I was very pleasantly surprised by all of this because my friend is not necessarily a fragrance connoisseur but it sounds like she might be one in the making!

    Strangely enough, I had thought of this description before (even down to the reference of the moon) as the ideal scent for me but I feel as though I have never found this fragrance. The only fragrances that I feel might match this description based on what I’ve read online are Guerlain’s L’heure bleue and Apres l’Ondee–I had a chance to sample L’heure bleue over the weekend at Nordstrom and did not feel any particular attachment to it. I have never sampled Apres l’Ondee, but feel like it is too difficult to find in the USA to consider making it a signature.

    Does anybody have any ideas?

    Thanks again, Victoria, for your lovely work! April 23, 2013 at 8:51pm Reply

  • Shi: Hi Everyone!

    I’m a newbie in the world of perfumes but have grown a huge interest in them the last couple of years hence I stumbled onto this wonderful blog.

    I only have a handful of perfumes but these are the kind of scents I tend to gravitate towards: Burberry Beat, Chloe, Gucci Flora, and Stella by Stella McCartney. I have a bottle of Marc Jacobs Splash in Biscotti.

    I’m not sure what my pattern is n choosing a perfume based on the ones I have. I would love to expand my humble perfume wardrobe. Also happen to be looking for a new scent for spring for day and one for night. Would love to hear some suggestions!

    Thanks! May 4, 2013 at 1:06am Reply

  • Erin: I hope I’m asking for this rec in the right spot. But here goes–

    I am trying to purchase several fragrances for my mentor as a thank you gift. He is a critically-acclaimed and celebrated American poet. He grew up near the Atlantic ocean, is very elegant, has a notable sense of decorum and is personally fastidious. He’s also a sensual person, but not in a showy way. The only thing I know about his olfactory preferences is that cigarette smoke really bothers him. I’m wondering if you kind people here could give me some thoughts on what might suit him? I realize that choosing a scent is a very personal thing, but I know he’ll get a kick out of me choosing a few for him. One I am thinking of is Malle’s Musc Ravageur. But maybe too obvious? I’m hoping for something really special. Thank you for any help you can give. June 9, 2013 at 7:40pm Reply

    • Victoria: Do you have a budget in mind? You could always get him a sampler set like the one from Malle (excellent, but $$$$) or Atelier Cologne. June 9, 2013 at 11:41pm Reply

  • Milda: Hello!

    I really enjoy reading perfume reviews and find this topic really interesting. Although, when it comes to trying out perfumes on my own skin…I get a little scared.

    So far I have found only ONE fragrance that I really like on me. It’s DKNY Be Delicious EDT. I have tried many fragrances that shop assistents have suggested me, but usually it has ended with a headache… So I read about the notes of those perfumes (which I liked on paper, but not on my skin), and the one ingredient that was in all of them, was…musk.

    I don’t know if I have found the real reason for my fragrance-headaches, but if so – it’s a little sad because it looks like musk is in many of the perfumes…isn’t it?

    Maybe you can suggest something to a 20-year-young girl who likes fresh fragrances…something that reminds of spring and is optimistic and uplifting? 🙂

    Thank you in advance! 🙂 Have a nice day! June 21, 2013 at 9:05am Reply

    • Victoria: Milda, don’t worry! I very much doubt that the musk is the cause for your headaches, because it’s in every single perfume you use as well as laundry detergents, hair care products, fabric softeners, soaps, etc. But it sounds like the sales associates are steering you in the wrong direction. If you like Be Delicious, then you should try floral perfumes with green notes. For instance, Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio, Petite Cherie or better yet, Eau de Camille. Also, Jo Malone has a collection of light scents that are worth exploring. Be Delicious is an apple perfume, but it’s less fruity that it seems. In fact, it’s an apple made out of violet leaves. Try also Balenciaga Paris.

      Have you tried See by Chloe by the way? It might be another good option.

      Please update us on how your search goes, and the next time we run Perfume Recommendations, maybe you could post again and ask for more advice. June 21, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

      • Milda: Wow, thank you for the info…I didn’t know that musk was everywhere (and that apples are made from violet leaves…hehe). Well, I’m really sensitive (so far in a bad way) when things come to anything scent related, and i’m not too knowing in the fragrance note field, so this was kind of a blind guess. 🙂

        A big thanks for the suggestions, I will try these!

        And I have tried See by Chloe, yes. At first I really liked it, but after an hour or so something really disturbed me in the fragrance…also caused a headache. It puzzles me.

        Ok, will try your suggestions and share my experience in the next Perfume Recommendations! 🙂 June 21, 2013 at 12:01pm Reply

  • Melissa O’Toole: Hi Victoria and all!
    I came across your site while desperately trying to find a replacement for Gucci Envy which I have worn as my (only) perfume since it was released here in Australia. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for me? Tried Estee Lauder Private Collection but it went to talc on me. Think I will have to start building up my perfume collection 🙂 Thanks Melissa July 3, 2013 at 10:24pm Reply

  • Roberta: Dear Victoria,
    Would you recommend something similar to annick goutal petite chérie?
    Thanks for your help July 17, 2013 at 7:19am Reply

    • Victoria: Roberta, if you’re looking for a perfume that combines soft fruity notes and flowers, then try Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia, Dior J’Adore EDT. Have you tried Goutal’s Mimosa or Eau de Camille? The former has a great peach note, the latter is as romantic as Petite Cherie (without the fruity part though).
      Also See by Chloe is very good, Lancome O Oui, Bulgari Omnia Crystalline, Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Breeze, Burberry The Beat EDT version.

      Other options are Marc Jacobs Daisy So Fresh, Coach Poppy (and also check its flankers, some of them are nice). New Marc Jacobs Honey might be another idea. July 17, 2013 at 7:48am Reply

  • Katy: Hi everyone, I was wondering if you could help me find a perfume that smells like the very final stages of CK Obsession’s drydown. The green notes in it really put me off (I’ve never been a huge fan of oakmoss, though I can appreciate traces of it in an rich drydown). However, I absolutely LOVE the lingering traces of it on myself and others once it’s gone through all of its transformations and had plenty of skin heat. To wit: I’m looking for something with that ambery/powdery/balmy/incensey vanilla thing that Obsession does on the right person after the right span of time. Any thoughts?? Thank you so much! July 17, 2013 at 2:35pm Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried the new version of YSL Opium? It might be one option. Must de Cartier is another.

      You might also enjoy more heavily ambered perfumes like Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan or Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche. L’Artisan L’Eau d’Ambre is a lighter amber, and it stays amber from top to bottom. July 18, 2013 at 8:10am Reply

  • Sharon: Hi, I’d like some general advice! I live in Texas where summer is about six months out of the year, and in the humid (Eastern) part.

    My favorite scents are Shalimar, Opium and L’Air du Temps. My mother wore the first two and my grandmother wore the third. She smelled like powder only better.

    At the moment I have: Shalimar, Opium, O de Lancôme, Neiges by Lise Watier & Jessica McClintock. I think Opium is too heavy for summer and Shalimar might be as well.

    I like ylang ylang and frankincense as individual scents.

    Past likes:Ombre Rose, Chanel #22, L’Heure Bleu, Nuit de Noel.

    Not sure:Nocturnes de Caron, Calyx-gave me a headache but I liked it.

    Definite dislikes: Chanel 5, Chanel #19, Beautiful by Estee Lauder and other EL perfumes, Samsara by Guerlain, Patchouli.

    I think I don’t like modern, sharp scents. What can you tell me about the characteristics of what I like and don’t like??? Thank you!! July 27, 2013 at 12:37am Reply

What do you think?

Latest Comments

  • Aire in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: Aria is a mature, nice fruity chypre. Fiori is a gentle, soapy tuberose – old fashioned. I have it in parfum, edt, and edp. March 27, 2024 at 3:34pm

  • Aire in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: I know exactly your dilemma. Had a “debate” at a Alexis Hotel perfumery as they sold me a post- reformulation Amouage Woman Gold bottle, but had me sample the pre-reformulation… March 27, 2024 at 3:31pm

  • Aurora in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: I have tried Carat several times, I agree, perfect for spring. March 27, 2024 at 3:27pm

  • Angela in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: I’m wondering if someone can recommend some “modern” chypres. I’m looking for a perfume that is reminiscent of the style, but lacking most of the qualities that might be considered… March 27, 2024 at 1:31pm

Latest Tweets

Design by cre8d
© Copyright 2005-2024 Bois de Jasmin. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy