Top 10 Perfumes of Spring 2013

Is there any fragrance that says spring more than Diorissimo? That lovely study of lily of the valley is the essence of a new season.  But what of the chilly iris, the damp green of nascent shoots, the contagious zest of orange? All of these fragrances evoke spring-like freshness and rejuvenation for me. My favorite fragrances for this time of year draw me away from the incense and cedar and smoke of winter. There is nothing wrong with wearing these perfumes all year round, of course, but these days I crave scents that bring me outdoors to the enormous cartoon-like blooms of fantasy Florida.

spring flower

To some degree, many of my spring favorites have a sense of playfulness or fun, and several contain fruit. Let’s say that the perfect Diorissimo is my model of a classic spring scent, and here are ten more picks to enjoy:

Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme:  Stunning combination of oud and rose, with notes of incense and ginger. The darkness of the notes is presented as nearly ethereal, with lots of movement and light within.  The oud shows up early and is a game-changer for the rose, which melds into the oud as if part of the wood.

Bruno Acampora Jasmin:  The Acampora line has finally released their perfume oils in eau de parfum concentration, with Jasmin being my favorite. It’s not really jasmine but more a conflation of ylang-ylang, cyclamen, and jasmine, with the minty richness of ylang-ylang dominating.  A mild clove note adds a touch of sweet spice.  Quite different from Serge Lutens A la Nuit or Nasomatto Nuda.

Hilde Soliani Fraaagola Saalaaata:  I’d have been all over this one as a teenager, but that price! This one is pure silly fun and somewhat addictive when one’s nose is just tired of everything else.  Smells of salted strawberries and little else.  Can go right into summer as well.  Did I mention that the price was outrageous?

Ramon Monegal Entre Naranjos: This is a superb rendering of traditional citrus cologne.  The sparkling opening of orange pith and the crushed-leaves effect of neroli is breathtaking.  Soft and creamy orange blossom blooms within over a light woody-ambery base. It’s both refreshing and elegant and is something I have been wearing over and over as the weather warms up.

Etro Dianthus:  Dianthus moves carnation away from powder and into the woods, where it is paired with a bitter geranium and a  cedar note that smells vaguely of ripe cheese. The opening note is red pepper. It’s gorgeously creamy and orange-y in the center and slightly eccentric in the base.  This is a carnation for those who think they don’t like this spicy floral note.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Voleur de Roses:  Roses, plums, and rained-on dirt.  No other fragrance in my (admittedly extensive) wardrobe so perfectly captures the feeling of a clean spring rain.  A romantic, evocative perfume.

Serge Lutens Bois de Violette:  Violet turns out to have the beauty of strength when matched with cedar; it is an “opposites attract” scent of feminine beauty and rugged masculinity and ends up being absolutely unisex.

Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Fraîche Passiflore: There’s a lot of very ripe mango-like fruit here, of the pulpy canned variety, plus peaches, also canned.  I adore it.  It’s not the most sophisticated take on fruit, but it smells tropical and reminds me of spring breaks. I spray it on like cologne and don’t try to intellectualize it.

Annick Goutal Eau de Camille: Sweet, nectar-filled honeysuckle entwines itself around earthy ivy in this delicate scent meant to recreate a garden.  Charming!

Caron Farnesiana:  This is my favorite spring fragrance, hands down.  I wear the eau de parfum, which has a sweet and vaguely almond-like yellow mimosa note surrounded by a disarmingly rubbery green note and vanilla.  Like Diorissimo, Farnesiana is a classic that always surprises me by how fresh and new it smells, like nothing else out there.

And a bonus:  Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Fraîcheur Muskissime Extravagante.  This is MPG’s answer to L’Artisan Mûre et Musc and I like it better because of its sunnier nature and more amped-up red berries, cassie, and lemon.  People glaze over, though, when they ask for the name of the scent.  Just say it’s your little secret spring scent.

For other spring themed lists, please visit Grain de MuscNow Smell This, and Perfume Posse.

What perfumes  say spring to you? What are you going to wear once the weather gets warmer?

Photography by noahg via Flickr, some rights reserved.

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93 Comments

  • Masha7: I’ve been wearing two Laliques quite a lot this spring. The first is Fleur de Cristal, which has been compared to Diorissimo. I think they are similar, but Fleur wears a bit sweeter and softer on me. The second is Perles de Lalique, the pepper/rose/IsoE combo that works very well for cold snaps. Our weather has been back and fortth, so Fleur for warm days, Perles for the cold! April 5, 2013 at 7:23am Reply

    • Suzanna: I am very behind the times on those Laliques, so I will need to get some samples. Thanks for mentioning them-both sound great! April 5, 2013 at 11:26am Reply

  • Cornelia Blimber: Yes, spring is in the air, although the wind is stormy and icecold, in Amsterdam. I have Dianthus and love it, but more in the winter. In springtime one of my favorites remains J’Adore and J’Adore l’Absolu. Aqua Allegoria Lys Soleia and Flora Nymphea ; Flora together with Idylle Eau Sublime. And Diorella.
    In summertime I want my perfume to be as opulent as nature. Then I enjoy all my tuberoses, my First, Boucheron, Joy!
    Also Serge Lutens Datura Noir, and when it is hot, Douce.Amère. And Piver Poppeia. April 5, 2013 at 8:05am Reply

    • Suzanna: What a great list! I wish the original J’Adore would make a return.

      I want to try your Flora and Idylle combo. April 5, 2013 at 11:27am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: That would be great, J’Adore in full glow and beauty! Still, as it is, I like it very much. April 6, 2013 at 5:25am Reply

  • Jillie: Yes, I too adore Diorissimo, and it is always my favourite fragrance when we (finally) see spring! I remember when I first smelt it when I was very young, and was bowled over at just how “green” it was and couldn’t stop sniffing the person wearing it! When I smell lily of the valley I always say “Ah, Diorissimo”. April 5, 2013 at 8:55am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: I agree, it’s a wonderful perfume. For me it is a winterperfume, I associate it with the pure freshness of snow and the crisp winter air. April 5, 2013 at 9:16am Reply

    • Suzanna: It is the only LOTV that I like, and I agree that it is quite green. It always smells right to me. April 5, 2013 at 11:28am Reply

    • Susan: Over 40 years ago, Diorissimo was the perfume of a favourite aunt. She always smelled divine, and was an elegant lady. I was very disappointed in the fragrance’s reformulation, that I tried last year, but have recently purchased some vintage, which is as glorious and delicate I as remembered it to be.
      I also love Scherrer for spring, as well as Baghari and Joy. April 5, 2013 at 3:20pm Reply

  • Evie: Diorissimo was my favorite fragrance for spring until they changed the formula a few years ago. Now it smells so harsh. My mom used to wear it in the 60s and 70s.

    I wear Chant d’Aromes from Guerlain. April 5, 2013 at 9:10am Reply

    • Jillie: I wear Chant d’Aromes too! It’s very overlooked, and has of course been altered lately, but it is beautiful.

      I’ve heard that the latest reformulation of Diorissimo is a bit better than the previous ones, but I haven’t tried it. I’m lucky to have several older backup bottles, and will miss them when they’ve gone. April 5, 2013 at 11:15am Reply

    • Suzanna: I agree that Diorissimo has a harshness now and also seems more synthetic. I have been wearing the vintage and will continue to do so where I can find it.

      Chant d’Aromes is lovely and I haven’t worn it in years. Will have to re-up. April 5, 2013 at 11:31am Reply

  • Emma M: Great list Suzanna, and beautiful photo – can’t wait for some beautiful blossoms like that to arrive here. Voleur de Roses, Farnesiana and Bruno Acampora Jasmin have now gone on my ‘to try’ list

    This spring I’ve been wearing Lush’s Imogen Rose, Prada’s infusion d’Iris and Miller Harris La Pluie (though the latter is a year-round favourite) April 5, 2013 at 9:22am Reply

    • Suzanna: I’m curious about that Miller Harris, bec. of the name, and I need to stick my nose into a Lush store soon.

      Let me know what you think of what you try. April 5, 2013 at 11:31am Reply

      • Sarah: La Pluie is lovely! April 6, 2013 at 6:38am Reply

  • machula: My current favourite is Annick Goutal – Chevrefeuille. It is sprakly, fresh and green and always reminds me of sunshine and the colour yellow. April 5, 2013 at 9:42am Reply

    • Suzanna: We need more yellow fragrances! There are so few, aren’t there? Chevrefeuille is so lovely. April 5, 2013 at 11:32am Reply

  • solmarea.: Is there any reason I’ve been unable to find a wearable perfume in recent months? {Unsure if it’s current skin chemistry ~ emotions, or whether I feel less sensory resonance with scents, requiring time to reconnect.} Wondering if there are periods when others here experience similar. April 5, 2013 at 9:53am Reply

    • Jillie: Solmarea, I go through periods like that, and I have discovered several causes. Sometimes it’s to do with feeling down, or even depressed (as in after a bereavement), when the brain decides that you shouldn’t get pleasure out of perfume for a while. Or it can be as simple as sinus trouble, hay fever or medication for those and other problems. I have a bad thyroid, and always know when it’s misbehaving because it affects my enjoyment of fragrance. Other hormones also have a big role to play, and the pill or pregnancy can skew the way perfumes smell. Hope you find the answer and that you get back to your old self soon. April 5, 2013 at 11:24am Reply

    • Suzanna: I’ve gone through phases where I feel woozy when wearing perfume, or uncomfortable, or overwhelmed. At those times I wear either nothing or a mild lotion as a background scent, something simple like orange or lemon. April 5, 2013 at 11:33am Reply

      • minette: i went through this a few years ago – it was my thyroid, after too many dental x-rays. while i was in this period, i was able to enjoy the aveda chakra blends, attar bazaar and kuumba made oils, and only a handful of my “regular” perfumes. so i suggest trying some of those. the aveda scents are really great layered.

        hope you feel better soon! April 5, 2013 at 12:54pm Reply

  • ralu: I love wearing Nuit de Tubereuse in the spring/summer, Un Matin D’orage, and Pure Poison. Carnal Flower is for all seasons. I’m warming up to J’adore including the new J’adore D’or.
    I have to say that recently I’ve been disappointed by the niche brands. I can’t see what the fuss is all about in perfumes such as Seville a l’aube. to my nose it stincks. just my 2 cents. of course, the same line has nuit de tubereuse which i love. April 5, 2013 at 10:00am Reply

    • Suzanna: To each (nose) his or her own, and so it goes! We all perceive scent quite differently, for myriad reasons. Am glad you like Nuit de Tubereuse! April 5, 2013 at 11:36am Reply

  • The Blue Squid: What an elegantly phrased spring round up!  Nice one.   There will be no spring time  here for a while, but once September rocks around, I’m going to buy a gut-bustingly huge bottle of Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte.  And I’ll fire up the No 18 and Manoumalia, which I have on hand already in my secret storage cave. April 5, 2013 at 10:01am Reply

    • Suzanna: Blue Squid, I love Manoumalia. Lush fruit notes are always welcome in my world. Manoumalia reminds me of a butterfly garden here, where plates of ripe fruit are set out for the butterflies to eat.

      I’ve heard that that Eau d’Orange Verte is LE and will be replaced by something else, so you might want to check into its availability. April 5, 2013 at 11:38am Reply

    • Cybele: I like your choices! April 5, 2013 at 9:44pm Reply

  • Bettye: Frederic Malle’s En Passant is highly evocative of spring and early summer to me, recalling tumbles of lilacs bathed in gentle rain — sweet and lovely, wistful and even slightly melancholic. April 5, 2013 at 10:13am Reply

    • Anka: Sounds lovely, I have to try En Passant! Speaking of rain, my favorite spring fragrance is Apres l’ondee which I usually wear from March to June (sometimes during the rest of the year, too). I associate with it the beginning of something new. As if one could watch (and smell) iris and violet grow.
      At the moment I’m testing Ulrich Lang “Lightscape” which was launched last year. According to a friend it is supposed to smell a bit like a less powdery, unisex version of Apres l’ondee. Unfortunately on my skin it doesn’t…
      I would love to try SL Bois de Violette for spring but it seems to be unavailable in Germany. April 5, 2013 at 11:21am Reply

      • Suzanna: Oh, that’s too bad that BdV is not available in Germany. I wonder why?

        That is the only violet fragrance I really can wear successfully. I should get some!

        Apres l’Ondee is a favorite of many, myself included. It’s quite powdery with heliotrope on me, though. April 5, 2013 at 1:39pm Reply

      • Anka: Hmm, one shouldn’t overdo the comparison with Après L’Ondée! I tried Lightscape again a couple of weeks ago, emptied my decant within five days and am longing for a full bottle now.
        This delightful and versatile fragrance absolutely stands on its own. Perfect for the current heatwave (but I can imagine wearing it the whole year through). And what fascinates me is that you can really distinguihs violet leaf and violet through its different stages. In the beginning Lightscape is green and airy and then becomes more and more sophisticated. July 27, 2013 at 10:44am Reply

    • Suzanna: I have this one and when I wear it, I wonder why I don’t wear it more often! Lovely description you give it. April 5, 2013 at 11:39am Reply

  • Lucas: Ah! I’m very happy you mentioned Rose Anonyme by Atelier Cologne and Entre Naranjos from Ramon Monegal.
    Rose Anonyme is my favourite rose and I find it absolutely amazing, unusual and long lasting.
    Entre Naranjos is one of my newest discoveries.
    I would also add Parfum d’Empire Azemour and Iskander to favourite spring perfume.
    Maybe I should write a similar post for my readers? April 5, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

    • Suzanna: Yes, you should write one!

      Incidentally, it was your mention of Rose Anonyme that made me try, and then buy, it. Thanks! I think I will wear it today.

      Entre Naranjos is fabulous for men or women. Love the way the whole experience of orange and green is captured there.

      Let me know what you write! April 5, 2013 at 11:41am Reply

      • Lucas: Suzanna, I’ll submit my post next week 🙂 April 6, 2013 at 1:42pm Reply

  • Daisy: Salty strawberries?! I’m not a big red fruit in fragrance kind of gal, but that sounds awesome… and delicious… April 5, 2013 at 11:31am Reply

    • Suzanna: You should try a sample. It’s an awful lot of fun. April 5, 2013 at 11:59am Reply

  • rosarita: As always Suzanna, I enjoy your beautiful photographs and I’m with Emma M – can’t wait for blossoms to show up here. I’m so glad to see mention of Etro Dianthus! I think it’s a real underrated beauty. I’ve been wearing Un Jardin En Mediterranee, Philosykos and my beloved Chanel 19 lately. April 5, 2013 at 11:38am Reply

    • Suzanna: Thanks, I am glad you enjoy my photography. Spring is almost here, so more flower photography will come along soon.

      It’s nice to hear that you like Dianthus, too. April 5, 2013 at 11:42am Reply

  • Portia: I don’t know if it’s been pointed out yet but your links jump back to Best winter for all the mentioned blogs.
    Portia xx April 5, 2013 at 12:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: I updated the links once the spring blog posts went up, but if you don’t see the correct links, please try refreshing the webpage. Sometimes the changes take some time to register. April 5, 2013 at 1:26pm Reply

  • Barbara: I adore Atelier Cologne Trefle Pur. It smells like spring to me. April 5, 2013 at 12:03pm Reply

    • Suzanna: There’s one I need to try! April 5, 2013 at 1:37pm Reply

  • Lacrimae Rerum: I have been searching for samples (and bidding unsuccessfully on bottles) of vintage Paco Rabanne Metal parfum for a while now. I have memories of a revelation of voluptuous spring that I got from a sample, one grey, grey Midwestern late winter day back in the early ’80s. As I was a poor young student then there was no perfume in my budget, but I never forgot the sheer olfactory delight in that little vial. Hope (for spring in dead winter) in a (little, tiny) jar.

    Years went by; it disappeared from production. (The EdT available now just doesn’t do it for me.) But today the mail bought me a sample at last, and – alleluia – it is very much as I remember it. And I can’t stop smiling as I sniff my wrists – though it is not at all grey and grim but a bright and beautiful spring day here. This might not say “spring” to most people – perhaps it is too much of…something, too “eighties”, too, well, metallic. Maybe an Arctic dweller’s dream of spring in the sub-tropics, after excess consumption of vodka. But memory makes this *the* scent of spring (and hope-of-spring) for me. April 5, 2013 at 12:05pm Reply

    • Suzanna: So which is the formula that enchants you? I am all for “too Eighties” since I grew up in that era and still love the volume of those scents. Metal is one I’ve wanted to try. April 5, 2013 at 1:40pm Reply

      • Lacrimae Rerum: It’s the original parfum. (I should revisit the EdT, but I remember being disappointed. It wasn’t at all like the perfume to me.)

        Oddly, I didn’t care for any of the 80s behemoths then – I was the kid cadging and hoarding samples of Vol de Nuit and Mitsouko. (All wrong for a girl my age, but any unseemliness went unnoticed in the thunderheads of Opium, Giorgio, etc. expanding everywhere.) Yet there was nothing retro in it to my nose – definitely eighties, if a different kind of eighties.

        I think for most this would be a high summer, not a spring, scent. Hopefully I will still have a few drops left by then. April 5, 2013 at 2:51pm Reply

        • Sarah: Have you tried Calandre by Paco Rabanne? I love Metal and for me Calandre is similar. It also should be easier to find. April 6, 2013 at 6:35am Reply

        • Suzanna: Sounds fabulous! And I hope you can keep it in rotation. April 8, 2013 at 11:08am Reply

    • Susan: Another lovely Paco Rabanne that I used to wear was Calandre. Crisp and green. I believe it was discontinued. April 5, 2013 at 3:23pm Reply

      • Annikky: Hi, Susan. I just saw it on the shelf in Paris (in Sephora!), so it’s still available, although not widely. April 5, 2013 at 3:49pm Reply

        • Sarah: Oops, I posted without checking that Calandre was already recommended. April 6, 2013 at 6:36am Reply

      • Victoria: It’s still around in Europe (thankfully so, I should add!) But like Scherrer and other less prominent classics, it may not be distributed in the North America. April 5, 2013 at 5:42pm Reply

      • Suzanna: I have tried Calandre and do not recall it. I am woefully unaware of the Paco Rabanne scents in general. I do think I had a bottle of Calandre when I was a teenager. April 8, 2013 at 11:09am Reply

  • Cindy Coker: I have been wearing Lalique fragrances also. Today I’m wearing Fleur de Cristal with Lalique perfumed body cream with a Lalique candle burning. I guess it’s just a Lalique kind of day! April 5, 2013 at 12:12pm Reply

    • Suzanna: Sorry, Cindy, that it took so long to reply. I was at work all weekend and only now have checked the comments.

      Another for Lalique! I am definitely going to have to try that line, and since candles are also available, that’s double the reason! April 8, 2013 at 11:13am Reply

  • Victoria E.: I discovered Fracas this year. I believe this will always be in my fragrance wardrobe. I always enjoy your website Victoria and the comments from such lovely ladies.
    Victoria E. April 5, 2013 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Suzanna: Fracas has been in my closet since I was in my late teens and it is still front and center. There are times nothing else will do! April 5, 2013 at 1:41pm Reply

      • Victoria E.: Thank you for sharing. I have not seen Fracas in stores in our area so I was searching online and found it and then I was sent a sample from a large department store. I fell in love right away. I also have a sample of Mademoiselle Piguet and I love this fragrance also. That will be on my next purchase. Happiness to all. April 5, 2013 at 1:44pm Reply

  • Elena: L’Ombre dans L’eau, Chanel no. 19, and my smidge of CB Black March are my favorite spring scents. I don’t need a FB of Black March, but there’s something about it that makes me love these first cold spring days. April 5, 2013 at 1:12pm Reply

    • Suzanna: I love Black March. I had a couple of sample vials and used them up, then forgot about it. Need to find some more, pronto! April 5, 2013 at 1:42pm Reply

  • Terry Edwards Futrelle: I live in the southern US, so, we go from winter and straight into the warmth, very quickly. Today, I am wearing Sampaquita, Ormonde Jayne. Lovely, delicate fragrance with grass oil, freesia, muguet and a host of flowers. It works well for spring and summer…I always get so many beautiful ideas from all of you. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Spring is here! April 5, 2013 at 1:27pm Reply

    • Suzanna: Thanks for mentioning Ormonde Jayne. I tend to forget that lovely floral Sampaquita (I have a candle in that scent, though). It is perfect for Southern spring! April 5, 2013 at 1:42pm Reply

  • vanilleamere: I just bought Jour D’Hermes for this spring and I am delighted with it. April 5, 2013 at 3:14pm Reply

    • Suzanna: I tested this briefly when last out shopping and need to do so again–have heard good things! Will take your recommendation as further evidence that it must be sought out! April 6, 2013 at 9:25am Reply

  • Sandra: My warm weather scents are : Soir de lune, maison Francis Kirkdijian Amyris, bel respiro and dries van noten (though its warm smelling I will wear it all year round) April 5, 2013 at 6:34pm Reply

    • Suzanna: I’ve not yet tried that Dries scent, so thanks for the reminder! April 6, 2013 at 9:24am Reply

  • Emma: Once again I’m going to be the critical voice on perfume blogs, the Kathy Griffin and Joan Rivers perfumistas never had before me so here it goes: I don’t care about seasonal perfume favorites anymore, really, I mean it! Ok me too I confess, I’ve done the LOTV and lilac kinda stuff just because it’s a celebration of spring and as a good perfumista, I thought this was what you were supposed to do, have your vintage Diorissimo moment; been there done that but that’s no longer me.
    I realised I often find myself craving florals in winter and orientals in hot weather. I’ve been wearing Lutens La Fille de Berlin and De Profundis a lot lately along with my all time favorite Tubereuse Criminelle and Feminite du Bois/Bois de Violette, these to me are all year long perfumes, doesn’t matter what season or month, time of the day or night it is.

    Emma April 6, 2013 at 2:03am Reply

    • Suzanna: This is just meant to be a fun post, and certainly isn’t a directive. Of course one should always wear what makes one feel best regardless of season or of any other criterion. Perfume is, after all, wearable art, and subject to all the whim and fancy of art.

      There’s no such thing as a “good perfumista,” IMO. There are only people who enjoy perfume. April 6, 2013 at 9:22am Reply

      • Emma: Suzanna, I get it’s meant to be fun, I do, however I think it’s always good to have a critical voice in the midst, someone who thinks different. To some extent, this topic feels like a directive because we’ve had seasonal top 10 favorites going on for a few years now. I understand it a lot more when it comes to fashion, after all who is going to wear a Balenciaga coat in July?

        Emma April 6, 2013 at 11:16am Reply

        • Victoria: Emma, since I decide the content of BdJ, I’ll step in. I don’t think that you need to have a separate seasonal wardrobe and that you have to wear colognes in the summer and ambers in the winter. But we all create our own dreams, ambiance and fantasies with perfume, and that’s why I and others enjoy playing with scents and seasonality. Or I might wear the rich orientals (that ordinarily I would save for cooler months) during a hot summer day and discover something entirely new in them. But obviously, it’s ok to disagree and ignore the whole thing altogether. It’s just perfume, after all.

          As for fashion and seasonality–you should visit the Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, where some women sport fur coats in the summer! April 6, 2013 at 11:32am Reply

          • Johanob: Yes,let’s remember that this is a FUN topic,and a FUN site about pleasure and the beauty of a life well lived in general!!(1 last hot day in early Autumn South África,and I’m wearing the deep dark The Voice of reason…my “fur coat on the beach”,if u wish….;-) April 6, 2013 at 11:54am Reply

          • Emma: Victoria, I know you are your own person, you of all people don’t follow trends, I’m just questioning the fact that every perfume blogger out there right now is doing their top 10 spring favorites but considering how people who are not in the know as much as you and I, get so influenced and don’t think for themselves unless, I felt I had to say something. Years after years I see Farnesiana, Vacances and Apres l’Ondee discussed online as spring favorites. In the end it’s not a big deal, just my own observation. April 6, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

            • Suzanna: Emma, these are some of my (Suzanna) favorite fragrances, even if you feel they are redundant. This is my personal list and not meant to be a directive on what people should or should not wear. It seems clear from the comments that people do think for themselves, quite a lot actually! April 7, 2013 at 11:12am Reply

              • Emma: I only find it redundant because of the spring association because those are perfumes I respect a lot even if I don’t wear them anymore. Seasonal association in perfumery I don’t get it anymore, reason why I’m happy with Feminite du Bois all year round.

                On the other hand, to me the worst is to read a top 10 spring favorites of extremely unknown and obscure fragrances that is nothing more but advertisement to the niche perfume industry, specially coming from bloggers (I won’t name names) whom used to interject vintage and classics in their top 10 but who strangely no longer do that. It makes me wonder how independant bloggers are really and their ties with the industry. April 7, 2013 at 2:41pm Reply

  • Tessa_K: I personally love seasonal posts, because I love reading lists others make and I pick my perfume based on the weather. Today is very cold here in Berlin and I’m wearing Angel. April 6, 2013 at 5:24am Reply

    • Suzanna: Great choice! I’ve always found Angel to have both warm and cold properties. April 6, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

  • Sarah: Thanks for a lovely fresh list Suzanna. I enjoy Diorissimo very much but just recently I saw and tried Diorella for the first time. It has completely passed me by until now but oh my god, what a gorgeous, gorgeous perfume.

    That to me is the smell of spring (albeit a very chilly one which we’re having in England). I absolutely can’t wait to buy it and smell spring-like and unlike everyone else. A 2005 NY Times reviewer described Diorella as “smelling like a new fur coat that’s been rubbed with a very creamy mint toothpaste.” Perfect! April 6, 2013 at 6:38am Reply

    • Suzanna: That was a very famous review that I am sure many of us remember! I’m glad that you have found something new (to you) and exciting to wear for spring. Enjoy that wonderful choice! April 6, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

  • Jackie: The Spring has finally arrived in Manchester and for me in terms of fragrance that means one thing. …Pleasures. I haven’t yet found another fragrance that I love to wear more at this time of year. April 6, 2013 at 7:11am Reply

    • Suzanna: How wonderful to have a fragrance that says spring more than any other to you. Enjoy! April 7, 2013 at 11:08am Reply

  • Ninamar: Thanks for the interesting list: I’m glad you mentioned Dianthus, I too think it’s an underrated perfume and I simply love its delicacy. I’ll immediately go and check Rose Anonyme and Acampora Jasmin. I’m so happy spring is finally at the door I find myself wearing perfumes like Vanille Galante (Hermes) and Honey Blossom (Aftelier), perfumes that can actually make me smile with tenderness anytime I wear them, especially in those days when even if it’s rainy, you catch a glimpse of a warm sun just behind the cloud. Another favourite of mine for real sunny spring days (although strangely here in Rome we’re still waiting for those) is Annick Goutal Rose Splendide, a beautiful rose for a gorgeous day. April 6, 2013 at 9:44am Reply

    • Suzanna: I have the Goutal Rose Absolue and never tried the Splendide, but should.

      Vanille Galante is terrific, but very weak on me :–( so I am glad you can wear it! April 7, 2013 at 11:09am Reply

  • Eva S.: A favourite for spring is Etro Heliotrope.
    I also enjoy Balmain Vent Vert. April 6, 2013 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Cheryl: Wonderful choices. Heliotrope is a favorite scent of mine, as is Vent Vert. April 6, 2013 at 7:25pm Reply

    • Suzanna: I remember when the perfume community was all over Etro Heliotrope, and now it’s no longer discussed as much, so thanks for bringing it up. I agree that is ideal for spring! April 7, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

  • Cheryl: I’ve recently rediscovered an older bottle of Annick Goutal’s Eau du Ciel in my perfume stash, and have been enjoying it while I research other fragrances for summer. Something about the prettiness of linden just puts a smile on my face, particularly in the balmy, tender Eau du Ciel. April 6, 2013 at 7:31pm Reply

    • Suzanna: I adore linden, and Eau de Ciel is an overlooked gem in my opinion. April 7, 2013 at 11:07am Reply

  • Martha: I have not tried even one of the fragrances mentioned though the Atelier and the Etro blends look very appealing. In addition, I like the reviews of Farnesiana and Voleur de Roses. Looks like I have some sampling to do. April 7, 2013 at 9:47am Reply

    • Suzanna: There’s always sampling to do, Martha! Hope you enjoy what you find. April 7, 2013 at 11:07am Reply

  • slinkypanther: Just mail ordered Apres l’Ondee EDT from the Guerlain boutique in NYC. I have never tested this and purchased b/c of all the hype that this is a great one. Hope my expectations are met. April 7, 2013 at 3:18pm Reply

    • Suzanna: It’s just gorgeous, so let us know your thoughts. April 8, 2013 at 11:06am Reply

  • Nici: Victoria, thank you for a wonderful list! I have been a long time follower of your blog and as I was in the mood today for a movie I thought maybe you would have a suggestion for a good one either about perfume or along those lines…I know it may be a strange request but worth the try. I have seen ‘perfume’ and one called ‘a heavenly vintage’ about wine but perfume and wine can be very similar…they are both interesting stories. Thank you for sharing your fragrance journey…I enjoy it almost daily. April 10, 2013 at 1:47pm Reply

    • Victoria: Nici, this lovely article is by Suzanna, but both of us appreciate your nice words!

      When you mention the perfume related movies, I immediately think of the scene from The Women which features a fantastic perfume shop set. Or you could tell a look at this 4 part series from Self-Styled Siren:
      Part 1
      Part 2
      Part 3
      Part 4
      Bonus: What Perfume To Wear to the Movies April 10, 2013 at 2:34pm Reply

      • Nici: Thank you so much! April 10, 2013 at 2:58pm Reply

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