Recommend Me a Perfume : March

Today we have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations.

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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. And please let us know how your search goes and what you end up sampling.

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.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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352 Comments

  • Anne of Green Gables: I’ll be visiting Barcelona and Sevilla in a few weeks. I’d appreciate recommendations for good perfumeries and Spanish perfumes that are worth sniffing (or any other tips you want to offer). Also, if anyone has been to Museo del Perfume in Barcelona, I’d love to hear an opinion. I already know that it’s not like Osmotheque where you can actually smell perfumes. Was it still worth the visit? Thank you for your help in advance. March 14, 2014 at 7:40am Reply

    • Mary: Hi Anne,

      I went to the Museo del Perfume in Barcelona years ago, before I really became interested in perfumes- It’s in the Paseo de Gracia, so you’re bound to pass by and you can just drop in. Not sure it’s worth a detour, but a detour won’t be necessary. It’s in Perfumería Regia, where they have a nice line in niche and mainstream fragrances (Amouage, Atelier, Byredo, Nasomatto etc). Another good perfumery in BCN is JC Apotecari in the chic Sarriá neighbourhood. You can check out the websites of both before you leave. Oh, I’ve just remembered La Basilica Galeria Perfumeria.. I haven’t been yet, but it’s next to the cathedral and stocks Scent on Canvas and ELDO amomg others. It looks very interesting.

      As for Sevilla, it’s a fantastic city, but I can’t think of any great perfume stores. Sephora, Lush and L’Occitane are all together in calle Sierpes.

      Enjoy your trip! March 14, 2014 at 7:56am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Thank you so much for the detailed info, Mary. I’m also really looking forward to smelling orange blossoms in Sevilla. I just hope that they’ll still be there mid April. March 14, 2014 at 8:46am Reply

        • Mary: They smell lovely now. I live in Jerez, just an hour away from Seville, and every morning I go out, take a deep breath and fill my lungs with that beautiful scent in every street. I think you’ll still find some in April but it depends on the weather. March 14, 2014 at 9:04am Reply

          • Anne of Green Gables: Hmmmm… I envy you! Andalucia so magical. March 14, 2014 at 12:49pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: I’d definitely visit Ramon Monegal’s store in Barcelona! The only scent I know is Impossible Iris but the other creations get very good reviews. March 14, 2014 at 8:33am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Vielen Dank, rainboweyes. You’re such an iris lover! I’ve been testing more iris perfumes recently and I’m looking forward to testing 28 La Pausa tomorrow. 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 8:57am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Anne! I once had a sample of a spanish perfume, called Aire. Very spicy and uplifting. The brand was Loewe.
      Have a nice trip! March 14, 2014 at 8:34am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Thanks, Cornelia. There seem to be many variations of Loewe Aire but I guess you mean the original one. Did I understand it right? My landlady’s cat has been coming into my flat frequently. He is really adorable but there was a little accident this morning. He pooped in my bedroom!!! What a great way to start the day! 😉 March 14, 2014 at 9:05am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Yes, the original one, many years ago but worth remembering.
          So the cat was pooping in your room! Maybe he wanted to let you know that he wants there a nice cat’s box with appropriate cat’s litter, when he comes to visit you! March 14, 2014 at 9:40am Reply

          • Anne of Green Gables: The cat was making a strange noise (you could see his stomach moving as well) before he pooped and I thought that he ate something he shouldn’t and was going to throw up. I’ve never had a cat myself so I had no idea of what he wanted to say or what was going to happen. Oh, well… March 14, 2014 at 12:53pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: I had many cats, but never saw this. It is also strange that a cat poops outside his box–maybee you must warn your landlady. He could be sick. March 14, 2014 at 1:11pm Reply

              • Anne of Green Gables: Thanks, Cornelia. Your comment made me worried so I informed my landlady just in case. But she told me that he spent a normal day playing in the garden seems to be fine. I’m relieved! 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 3:10pm Reply

                • Cornelia Blimber: me too! March 14, 2014 at 4:42pm Reply

                  • Lynley: So is the cat it seems! 😉 March 15, 2014 at 5:16am Reply

    • Sylviane: Hi there ! Do you know the CARNER Barcelona line ? some of their perfumes are really worth discovering. I particularly like Tardes which was created by Daniela Andrier. You can check their website which provides the list of shops in Spain where you can find them. March 14, 2014 at 9:25am Reply

      • Lucas: Carner Barcelona is a great line! They’ll be releasing a new perfume at Esxence in Milan next week. March 14, 2014 at 10:45am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Hi, Sylviane. I’ve never tried the line so thank you for your suggestion. March 14, 2014 at 1:00pm Reply

    • Heather H: I heard Cherry Musk Eau de Parfum
      by Ramon Monegal is gorgeous. Have fun! March 14, 2014 at 9:33am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Thanks, Heather. Cherry Musk sounds delicious and it looks like I should try other Ramon Monegal perfumes. March 14, 2014 at 1:04pm Reply

    • Sara: Hi Anne!

      I’m Spanish and I think I can give you advices, so let’s go: first of all you should try of course all Ramon MOnegal range, but not only this one, Scent on Canvas or Oliver & Co are companies with an outstanding quality.
      As classic perfumes are concerned you should absolutely try Aire by Loewe (the Spanish best-seller for decades) and the rest of Loewe references, the whole range of Agua de Sevilla Perfumes (the main house is in Seville) and if you find it try also Abril by Vittorio e Lucchino. In case you like orange flower give a try to Nenuco Eau de Cologne for children (95% of Spanish babies are perfumed with Nenuco) but you should also try the whole range of Alvarez Gomez colognes (a company which dates from 1912).
      ¡Have a good trip!
      Regards
      Sara March 14, 2014 at 4:05pm Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: ¡Muchísimas gracias, Sara! These are really great suggestions and I noted everything down. Feliz fin de semana. 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 7:41pm Reply

    • Kayti: Hi Anne, the museum is very small but I enjoyed it so much during our visit (from the uk) 2 years ago. We went on a weekday morning & they kindly unlocked it for us; no other visitors joined us while we were there. As its at the back of a perfume shop, I of course stopped to chose something – my first bottle of Loewe Aire! Gorgeous for spring. (I’ve just returned from Valencia last week & brought back with me a huge second bottle :0) Whilst you’re in Barcelona there will be so much to see, but if you can fit in the (equally tiny) shoe museum it’s a little treat. Have a wonderful time – it’s such a stunning city. &….How ever long the queue is for the Sagrada Familia do stick in it – the interior will take your breath away every time you recall it. Beyond astonishing. March 15, 2014 at 5:12am Reply

      • Anne of Green Gables: Thank you very much, Kayti. Cornelia already suggested that I test Loewe Aire so I’m looking forward to testing it. Thank you for the tips on the shoe museum and Sagrada Familia. March 15, 2014 at 5:48am Reply

        • Mary: Just another suggestion – if you visit the Sagrada Familia, which you will, of course, book in advance. The web page is very manageable and you’ll avoid the endless queues. It’s definitely worth it. March 15, 2014 at 5:46pm Reply

          • Victoria: Yes, booking in advance is a must. Otherwise, you risk waiting in line for ages. The ticket online will cost more, though. March 16, 2014 at 10:45am Reply

            • Anne of Green Gables: If I can save time by paying a little more, I’m fine with that. I’ll be travelling with my parents so I don’t want to make them wait for ages. March 17, 2014 at 7:17am Reply

              • Victoria: As I recall, you will also have to decide which tower to go up. That’s definitely worth doing, because the view from the towers is breathtaking. When we saw the long line, we were glad that we bought tickets in advance (and this wasn’t even the high season!) March 17, 2014 at 7:22am Reply

                • Anne of Green Gables: It’s freaky! It’s as if you’re reading my mind ,V! 🙂 I was really surprised by the post today and I was actually wondering about the very question, which you answered here. OK, I’ll get the Basilica + Tower combi ticket then. March 17, 2014 at 7:42am Reply

                  • Victoria: 🙂 I scheduled today’s post a few weeks ago, and when I saw your question on Friday, I was smiling about the timing. March 17, 2014 at 8:17am Reply

          • Anne of Green Gables: Thanks, I’ll do that. 🙂 March 17, 2014 at 7:12am Reply

        • Rowanhill: The Loewe handbags are also very much worth looking into. 🙂
          And, albeit perhaps not that spectacular milestone in the perfume history, the Alfonso Dominguez’ Agua Fresca de Rosas is a pretty light flowery number perfect for spring days. March 17, 2014 at 12:04pm Reply

          • Anne of Green Gables: Thank you, Rowanhill! 🙂 March 18, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

  • Connie: What are your favorite spring florals? This is a hole in my fragrance wardrobe- I do like En Passant and would like 1932 if it had better performance. Maybe anything with lighter white florals, linden, mimosa, etc.? March 14, 2014 at 8:08am Reply

    • Safran: My spring favourites are
      Mimosa pour Moi by L’Artisan – fresh, happy and slightly green mimosa scent
      L’Amandiere by Heeley – a floral bouquet with almonds, jasmin and linden blossom
      Kiss me tender by Nicolai – hard to describe, but extremely lovely!
      Good luck
      Safran March 14, 2014 at 8:32am Reply

      • Connie: Mimosa pour moi doesn’t work for me, but the other two sound lovely-thanks for reminding me of them! March 15, 2014 at 2:18pm Reply

    • Safran: PS: Forgot to mention Jour d’Hermes, but only, because I wear it all year round. It’s white flowers, citrus notes and sunshine in a bottle! March 14, 2014 at 8:33am Reply

    • Sandra: If you like that Chanel line what about Beige? March 14, 2014 at 8:35am Reply

    • Anne of Green Gables: Hi Connie, how about La Chasse aux Papillons from L’Artisan Parfumeur? I also think Apre l’Ondee and Chant d’Aromes from Guerlain, Love Chloe and Jo Malone Orange Blossom are perfect for spring. March 14, 2014 at 8:41am Reply

      • Sandra: Also if you are at the Guerlain counter you can try Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Lys Soleia. It’s very affordable! It’s a nice spring/summer scent March 14, 2014 at 9:03am Reply

      • Gina Thompson: La Chasse aux Papillons is always in my spring rotation, but only then. I never get the urge for it during the other seasons. I also never wear it alone but layer it with Guerlain Herba Fresca. It sounds weird but always gets me compliments. Then people ask what I’m wearing and I have to say “L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons and Guerlain Acqua Allegoria Herba Fresca”, or “Uhhmm…”, lol. March 14, 2014 at 11:46am Reply

        • Gina Thompson: Oops, *Aqua March 14, 2014 at 11:50am Reply

        • Anne of Green Gables: That sounds like a really interesting layering combination and I’d love to try it. Thanks for the suggestion, Gina. March 14, 2014 at 1:06pm Reply

        • Sandra: Sound like a something new to try!!! March 14, 2014 at 4:59pm Reply

      • Ashley Anstaett: Oh, I second La Chasse aux Papillons! Such a lovely spring scent. If you need a cheap thrill, that you can spritz on abundantly without guilt, I often wear Gin & Rosewater from Margot Elena’s Tokyo Milk Line. March 14, 2014 at 12:23pm Reply

    • Lynne Marie: Connie,

      Have you tried Il Tuo Tulipano (red) by Hilde Soliani? It is fresh, floral, slightly green, but not too much, and to me just plain smells like springtime! March 14, 2014 at 9:09am Reply

      • Jan Last: Lynne Marie and Connie, I agree with the Hilde Soliani. It is a perfect spring tonic! March 14, 2014 at 10:41am Reply

    • Zazie: I like kai very much for spring!
      It’s a green light white floral, carefree yet elegant.
      You might also want to try Dyptique’s Do Son (a light and green tuberose) or By Kilian’s love and tears and sweet redemption – which are very wearable compositions respectively focused on jasmine and orange blossom. They last well and have an effortless elegance and playfulness to them. March 14, 2014 at 9:23am Reply

    • monkeytoe: Parfums D’Orsay Tilleul is a wonderful linden. March 14, 2014 at 9:28am Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: How lovely to find someone who loves Tilleul! I think it is gorgeous. March 14, 2014 at 10:35pm Reply

      • Annikky: I love it, too, but for me it’s more of a summer fragrance, as lindens blossom late in the North. March 17, 2014 at 10:16am Reply

    • Figuier: Roger & Gallet’s Fleur d’Osmanthus is a beautiful spring fragrance, floral and sunny in a very naturalistic way, although I don’t know how osmanthus-y it is (I’ve never smelled the real thing, but Victoria in her review described is a more like orange blossom). Also the lighter Chanel Exclusifs offer some great spring options. March 14, 2014 at 9:39am Reply

    • Cybele: My favourites for spring are
      Comme des Garcons 3
      Vetiver Pour Elle
      Cristalle EDT
      Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y March 14, 2014 at 9:40am Reply

    • Elisa: Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour is a lovely linden fragrance from DSH! March 14, 2014 at 10:45am Reply

    • Jennifer C: For linden, Kerosene Pretty Machine and Tauer Zeta are good ones. If you want to go natural, there is also Aftelier Honey Blossom, which is nice and surprisingly long-lasting for an all-natural scent. March 14, 2014 at 1:37pm Reply

  • Rose: Dear Victoria,

    Could you please recommend a nice Fragonard perfume? March 14, 2014 at 8:12am Reply

    • Anne: I have a soft spot for Fleur D oranger. It is in their eau de toilette range. For me It smells like clean linen drying in the provence sunshine. March 14, 2014 at 9:10am Reply

    • Austenfan: I wholeheartedly second the recommendation of their Fleur d’Oranger. It’s a lovely simple orange blossom. I also like their lavender and Rose de Maï.
      I did try some of their more expensive florals, and while I didn’t think they were bad, none of them made me want to buy them. March 14, 2014 at 10:21am Reply

    • Sajini: My everyday perfume for spring and summer is Fragonard Santal. It’s a beautiful lemony sandalwood. Smells like genuine Mysore sandalwood. March 14, 2014 at 11:12am Reply

    • Squirrely: I really like Capucine, especially for the office. It’s a sweet powdery rose. And I love Eau Fantasque, which I think is pure grapefruit fun. Great in summer and, kind of odd, but I also like to layer is with Geoffrey Beene Grey Flannel. March 14, 2014 at 1:31pm Reply

      • Sandra: Can you buy this in the states? March 14, 2014 at 5:06pm Reply

        • Squirrely: I don’t know, I bought both of mine in France. FWIW, I think there’s a robust, legit trade on eBay (perhaps purchases in France that didn’t go so well!). March 14, 2014 at 10:33pm Reply

        • Michele: Fragonard has a website to order from in the US. I have ordered from them and now they send me catalogues and samples every so often. My favorite scent by Fragonard is Soleil. I first smelled Soleil at a fragrance boutique near me, but sadly they went out of business. March 15, 2014 at 7:40am Reply

    • Connie: Emilie is a very nice rose-violet combo along the lines of Drole de Rose by L’Artisan and lipstick rose by FM. Encens Feve Tonka is on my list to try, it sounds great but I haven’t gotten to it- maybe you can beat me there. :p March 15, 2014 at 8:12am Reply

  • Cornelia Blimber: One of my favourite fragrances (and flowers) is sweet pea (lathyrus). I would like that in a perfume, as a dominant note, but never found it. Anybody else? March 14, 2014 at 8:33am Reply

    • Anne: I have never tried it, but I know that Bath and body works have a sweet pea scent.
      I sometime think SI LOLITA by lolita lempika smells like sweet pea. It s a lovely perfume. X March 14, 2014 at 9:14am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Anne! Bath and Body is not available in Amsterdam, but I will seek out Si Lolita. March 14, 2014 at 9:44am Reply

        • Ashley Anstaett: I haven’t smelled it, but I know that Fragonard’s “Flower of the Year” is Sweet Pea. They might have a nice take on it. I’m not sure if it’s available for distribution online or not though. March 14, 2014 at 11:44am Reply

        • Ashley Anstaett: It seems, after reading a few reviews though, that it might be more fruity than sweet pea-y. March 14, 2014 at 11:46am Reply

    • Lucas: Try Prada Candy L’Eau, it has a sweet pea March 14, 2014 at 10:45am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Ashley and Lucas!
        I love Candy, so I definetely will try Candy L’Eau. March 14, 2014 at 11:52am Reply

    • Di: I think Anthopologie had one created by Indeke a few years back. March 17, 2014 at 9:40am Reply

  • Sandra: Good Morning- I just wanted to thank everyone from the last recommend me a perfume that I finally found my wedding scent thanks to everyone’s recommendations. I picked Nahema since I think it will smell great in a outdoor garden ceremony in the heat of June in NYC. Also smells great on my skin.
    We are having a traditional ceremony with a few Hindu rituals, so Rose fits the occasion.
    The only other event I need to pick something will be my Mendhi party.
    Thanks again for everyone’s help – so in love with Nahema – and I feel like a different person when I wear it! March 14, 2014 at 8:41am Reply

    • Heather H: Nahema is beautiful, excellent choice! March 14, 2014 at 9:35am Reply

    • zephyr: Sandra, I wore Nahema when my husband and I were married just about thirty years ago. I had a tiny parfum bottle, probably paid what would seem like a ridiculously low price now. Our wedding was on a chilly May day in Chicago, that started out rainy but became sunny during the Mass. DH was active duty USN officer at the time, we had the swords arch and all – much different than what your wedding will be! But Nahema worked so well for that day and time in my life. I need to get more, even just a small sample – maybe for our 30th anniversary?! What you say is true – Nahema makes the wearer different, almost regal. Your wedding day is different and very special, a momentous occasion, and your perfume will match it. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and marriage! March 14, 2014 at 9:59am Reply

      • Sandra: Thank you so much for this beautiful image. I can picture in my mind the military style wedding and what a wonderful honor it must of been. I am glad Nahema worked for you for that day and in the rain as well. I am not sure how the weather will be, and in some cultures rain on your wedding day is considered good luck!
        When I first tried Nahema that was recommended during the blog I passed it off when I tried it. Then I revisited it-with nothing else on my skin and fell in love. Rarely do fragrances capture me in that way.

        One a side note: My father passed earlier this year and he was also in the Navy and had a military burial -the guns going off and the folding of the flag & solute was all very very touching. I am happy they still honor VFW’s and all military personnel in this way. March 14, 2014 at 11:36am Reply

        • zephyr: Sandra, I wasn’t upset about the rain on my wedding day at all – several people told me it was good luck! We do have a photo taken of my Dad (also gone now, like yours) holding a big golf umbrella over me as I gathered my voluminous dress up around my knees to make my way up the church steps. Good thing I didn’t have a long train.
          I’m sorry about your loss; your father won’t be at your wedding physically but will certainly be there in spirit! March 14, 2014 at 11:44pm Reply

        • Rowanhill: Raindrops on your wedding day will be tears not shed during the marriage, so if it rains, it will be for the best. 🙂 March 17, 2014 at 12:15pm Reply

          • zephyr: I like that explanation, Rowanhill! At least for my marriage, it’s holding true! March 18, 2014 at 9:36am Reply

  • Rose: I am looking for a gardenia perfume. Any recommendations? March 14, 2014 at 9:03am Reply

    • Zazie: Hi,

      here are a few that come to mind:
      estee lauder PC tuberose gardenia;
      Cartier’s new la panthère;
      Jovoy’s Gardez-moi;
      kai

      you might want to takje a look here:
      http://perfumeposse.com/2012/09/10/gardenia-perfumes-the-comprehensive-guide/ March 14, 2014 at 9:49am Reply

    • Rose: Thank you Zazie, can’t wait to try! March 14, 2014 at 9:54am Reply

    • Sandra: The problem with Gardenia scents is that they don’t smell exactly like the flowers you smell. With that being said:
      Have your tried LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL
      GARDÉNIA
      Not all stores that carry Chanel carry les exclusifs, but major department stores have them.
      Cruel Gardenia is one of the fragrances of Guerlain’s L’Art et La Matière collection. Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion & Tom Ford Velvet Gardenia also other scents that are “Gardenia” like March 14, 2014 at 10:00am Reply

    • Jan Last: My favorite gardenia is Isabey Gardenia. It is wonderfully wearable. Tom Ford’s Velvet Gardenia comes to mind as well. March 14, 2014 at 10:44am Reply

    • Austenfan: I second the recs of Lauders PC Tuberose Gardenia and Jovoy Gardez Moi.

      I would also recommend Marc Jacobs Woman, and Annick Goutal’s Un matin d’orage.
      According to connoisseurs the Tom Ford Gardenia, ( I think it was called Velvet G), was the closest to the real thing. It is discontinued. March 14, 2014 at 10:49am Reply

    • Bastet: I second the PC tuberose gardenia by EL – it is beautiful, smells like real gardenia to me, and lasts for a long time. One of my favorite spring/summer fragrances. March 14, 2014 at 10:51am Reply

      • Cybele: agree March 14, 2014 at 1:30pm Reply

        • missyl: Agree on the Estee Tuberose Gardenia! I didn’t like it the first time but I smelled it hours later on skin and clothes and was captured…so tried it again and am wearing it to my daughter’s wedding. It’s lovely, and the biggy~’it’s affordable! March 15, 2014 at 9:41am Reply

    • Sara: Hi!
      Give a try to Boutonniere No. 7 by Arquiste. March 14, 2014 at 4:10pm Reply

    • Fifi: Hello, Rose — I second Sandra’s suggestion of the Chanel Gardenia from the Les Exclusifs line. I normally do not like gardenia scents but I love this one. It really suggests gardenia in an elegant way without overwhelming you with that Honolulu-airport-shop vibe. I am saving my money for a full bottle!

      Cheers,
      Fifi March 14, 2014 at 5:52pm Reply

    • Connie: I haven’t found a really fantastic gardenia yet, but several good ones are Amouage Honour Woman and Jovoy’s Gardez Moi. March 15, 2014 at 8:20am Reply

    • Poodle: Hothouse Flower by Ineke and I also think Kai smells like gardenia. March 15, 2014 at 8:31am Reply

    • Nina Z: Cuir Gardenia by Mandy Aftel (Aftelier) has real gardenia in it (most other gardenia perfumes don’t). It is soft and gorgeous. Really fabulous. March 17, 2014 at 9:20am Reply

      • Suki: A remarkably true gardenia (and very inexpensive) is Yves Rocher Gardenia. It doesn’t have the glamour of some of the other mentions here, but it’s the truest gardenia I’ve sampled. Hope it’s still available – I bought my bottle in France some years ago. March 19, 2014 at 5:12pm Reply

    • Rose: Hi Everyone,

      I just wanted to thank you for your recommendations of gardenia perfumes. I don’t know if you care, but maybe somebody will find this useful if looking for a gardenia perfume.

      I tried Isabey Gardenia, Chanel gardenia,Parfums de Nicolai Juste Un Rêve,
      Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage, Arquiste Boutonniere no.7, Strange Invisible Perfumes Epic Gardenia, and Mark Jacobs Woman. It was such a hard choice. I loved them all except for Epic Gardenia and Isabey if you can believe it. The gorgeous gardenia I will choose for my perfume collection is Arquiste Boutonniere no.7-what a beauty! And to think I was not going to try this perfume. It’s unique, and it smells freaking gorgeous! I am in love! March 19, 2014 at 11:10pm Reply

      • Victoria: Thank you so much for letting us know, Rose! Arquiste’s gardenia is one of my favorites too. March 20, 2014 at 5:01am Reply

  • Figuier: This is just to say thank you so much to all of those who recommended perfumes for my DH last month. We ordered & tested a whole slew of them; ultimately a v different winner emerged, in which iris is present, but only just: Diptyque Volutes, which is amazing on him. It was great to have so many inspiring options – it encouraged me to keep presenting him with new suggestions & dragging him round the perfume counters until he found something that worked 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 9:42am Reply

    • Victoria: So happy to hear that something worked out! Volutes has a gorgeous sillage, so both of you can enjoy it. 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 11:22am Reply

  • Savita: Dear friends, I am look for a J’adore flanker that is closest to the original one but doesn’t have magnolia nor lily of the valley. These notes tend to give me a headache.

    Any suggestions? March 14, 2014 at 9:45am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Savita,

      Oh my, I adore magnolia and lily of the valley. I cannot help you but may I ask which flankers are you talking about? 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 10:17am Reply

      • Savita: Hello, Dior J’adore has several flankers….are you familiar with them? March 14, 2014 at 10:41am Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers! As spring has arrived, I long for lily of the valley scents. I got Diorissimo but if you could recommend me more of similar perfumes, I’d be grateful. I also love white florals, musk and rose scents so any great finding of that type is welcome too. My spring favourites are Diorissimo, Narciso Rodriguez EDT, L’Instant de Guerlain, Honour from Amouage. I’m also so excited as a perfume maker will hold an introductory training to perfume world in my city and I plan to go. March 14, 2014 at 10:15am Reply

    • Austenfan: In the lily of the valley department I would recommend:

      Goutal: Muguet
      Parfums de Nicolaï Odalisque
      Parfums Delrae: Début

      The first is a soliflore, the other two are green florals with a prominent LOTV note.

      As I’m not that familiar with either L’Instant, or NR for her or the Amouage, I find it hard to do any recs in the other categories you mention. March 14, 2014 at 10:35am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I heard good things about Lily by Stella McCartney (never smelled it myself).
        If you like L’Instant, you also might like Wanted by Helena Rubinstein. Not the Greatest Perfume of the world, but a nice, very wearable magnolia.
        There are many rose perfumes.In this time of the year, Tocade (Rochas) is nice (applied with a light hand).
        And the best musk is Clair de Musc by Serge Lutens!
        Btw, did you find Sicily? March 14, 2014 at 10:52am Reply

      • Alessandra: I’d also recommend Byredo’s Inflorescence as a muguet…. because it is a cramy yet light one. very interesting and perfect for spring March 14, 2014 at 11:43am Reply

    • Heather H: I would try Debut by Parfums DelRae for a LOTV, and I would also try Amoureuse by Parfums DelRae a gorgeous white floral.

      I am a rose lover, and I have smelled many rose perfumes. The best rose perfume I have ever smelled is Sonoma Scent Studio’s Velvet Rose. My husband has only complimented two of my perfumes, and I have a lot:) He has complimented velvet rose, calling it a gem. He has also complimented Le Labo’s Lyse-a gorgeous white floral. If you like must-try Sonoma Scent Studio’s Rose must-very lovely, and I just tried Van Cleef’s Rose velours a rose-violet perfume-lovely! March 14, 2014 at 10:37am Reply

      • Snowyowl: Heather, don’t know if you’re checking back, but how is le labo lys compared to carnal flower by chance? March 15, 2014 at 9:19pm Reply

        • Heather H: Okay-I think Carnal Flower is more romantic and special. I would wear this fragrance on special occasions(although you don’t have to-this is just me), romantic dinners, or weekend trips to the wine country, Santa Barbara. Le Labo’s Lys reminds me of hot Southern California days at the beach. It has a tinge of suntan lotion smell in it. Lys is a fragrance I would wear in the summer. This fragrance feels more me. I wear Lys everyday, and Carnal Flower for special occasions. I have a full bottle of Lys, and 5ml. of Carnal Flower-catch my drift. March 16, 2014 at 11:38am Reply

          • Snowyowl: Thanks, this is really helpful. I know exactly what you mean:) March 16, 2014 at 12:31pm Reply

    • Bastet: I don’t have any LOV suggestions, but two of my white flower favorites are Annick Goutal Songes and Piguet Fracas, and for musk I would recommend Serge Lutens Clair de Musc. I have so many rose favorites that I won’t even get started! March 14, 2014 at 11:01am Reply

    • Karin: Try Guerlain Idylle EDT! March 14, 2014 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Connie: Muguet by Guerlain and Muguet Blanc by VC&A are worth trying. March 15, 2014 at 8:25am Reply

    • Nina Z: Ubar from Amouage is a beautiful lily of the valley scent. March 17, 2014 at 9:21am Reply

  • Amy: One of my favorite smells is the smell of skunk at night when you’re driving through the countryside in summer with the windows down–that wild stripe of scent, layered over the warm green of fields and grass. Is there a perfume that smells like that? March 14, 2014 at 10:39am Reply

    • Elisa: I don’t have a recommendation but I love this question. March 14, 2014 at 11:13am Reply

    • George: Apparently the skunk’s scent is created by thioles, which contain sulphur molecules. The most common use of sulphur molecules in perfumery tend to be grapefruit, mango and blackcurrant, so look for perfumes that list those as notes. There is also a fragrance called sulphur by nu-be. I have no idea what it smells like (and no idea what a skunk smells like either) but it might be the place to start. It also contains a castoreum note, which comes from a beaver’s glands. For an anodyne interpretation of what you have described, maybe try Terre D’hermes. March 14, 2014 at 11:15am Reply

      • Sara: For a perfume containing grapefruit, mango and blackcurrant you should try “Fleurs d’ombre rose” by Jean Charles Brosseau.
        Regards! March 14, 2014 at 4:16pm Reply

      • George: I should add that I don’t think you are really going to find what you want because I don’t think that most perfumers would add the level or type of sulphurous type compounds that you would like: Guerlain pamplelune for example sits on the edge of what people will tolerate for sulphurous components and accordingly it tends to fall in to a love/hate category between those who love it and those who think it smells like garlic, but I doubt it is anywhere near the level of skunkiness you want, because the molecules used will be in relatively low concentrations and also larger and therefore less sulphur dominated than those in actual skunk spray. But hey, the above might still be worth a try. March 14, 2014 at 6:01pm Reply

    • Fifi: Hi, Amy —
      There is a perfumer, his shop (in New York I think) is called CB I Hate Perfume, and if you want a tailor-made scent he might make it for you. I learned about him from a documentary on the history of perfume. He makes single-note perfumes like “burning leaves” or compilations like “library” and he likes organic smells that most people want to cover up.

      Ciao!
      Fifi March 14, 2014 at 5:57pm Reply

      • George: that’s a great idea. I second emailing him with your idea: this is a perfume he might well make! March 15, 2014 at 3:36am Reply

    • Poodle: I don’t have a perfume recommendation but I think some marigolds have a similar skunky odor to them so maybe a perfume with a marigold note might be worth looking into. I wish I could find a perfume with the lasting power of skunk spray. My dog got sprayed and even after repeated baths he stunk every time he got wet for months after. March 14, 2014 at 8:52pm Reply

      • Katy McReynolds: There should be a club for people who like the smell of skunk, in small doses, mixed with a summer night and green growing things! I am not sure I have ever had the pleasure of smelling any fragrance that even comes close…. March 14, 2014 at 11:24pm Reply

    • Michael S: Being in the great state of Colorado, I can’t tell you how many times I have been driving and my husband or I will catch that scent. The question we always ask eachother is if it is a skunk or a cannabis grow house. The smells they put out can be so very similar. So I can’t point you to a skunk perfume, but have you explored the cannabis perfumes to see if any might have the smell you are looking for? There is one perfumer that jumps to mind, Alfredo Dupetit, that makes a cannabis perfume that is said to be dead on. March 14, 2014 at 11:08pm Reply

      • George: Indeed, “skunk” is a form of cannabis, but I never knew that it derived its name because it smells like spunk spray ’til now! March 15, 2014 at 5:47am Reply

    • Laurels: Phoenecia Perfumes Far NWest has what the perfumer describes as a skunk accord. I haven’t smelled it myself, and don’t plan to, as skunks are entrenched in my neighborhood and I’ve had enough of that smell for several lifetimes. Good luck to you, though! March 15, 2014 at 4:04am Reply

    • Connie: I sometimes get a little skunk in Musc Ravageur by FM. In a good way. March 15, 2014 at 8:28am Reply

    • Mos’ Beth: Amy, yes, there is such a perfume! It’s Far NWest, by Phoenicia Perfumes. It is meant to evoke just what you refer to: Fir trees, rubber tires and Skunk. The smell of a car trip in the forest with the windows down. It is a quite beautiful creation by the fascinating Seattle perfumer, David Falsberg. March 16, 2014 at 2:18am Reply

      • Fifi: Wow, you’re right! I just looked up Phoenicia Perfumes and am totally intrigued. March 16, 2014 at 4:38pm Reply

    • Theresa: Great question! I like to smell a whiff of skunk en passant too – up til now, I thought I was the only one who liked it! March 18, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

  • Lucas: Beautiful photography! Is that mimosa?

    Next Wednesday I’m going to Warsaw and the day after I’m flying to Milan! I will be participating in Esxence perfume fair! I’m so happy, thrilled and excited about it!
    I’m going to try all these new perfumes and meet perfumers and brand founders.

    I’m not taking any perfume with me since there will be plenty to try during those 4 days 🙂

    I could use a recommendation of a green notes perfume for spring March 14, 2014 at 10:41am Reply

    • Bastet: Have you tried Heure Exquise (SP?) by Annick Goutal? A beautiful green iris and my favorite green for spring (I also love Vent Vert but have heard that the current formulation is not so good). March 14, 2014 at 11:06am Reply

      • Lucas: Hi, yes, I tried Heure Exquise but I wish it lasted longer on me. March 14, 2014 at 11:11am Reply

    • Elisa: I’ve heard really good things about the new version of Silences but haven’t had the opportunity to try it yet. March 14, 2014 at 11:14am Reply

    • rainboweyes: Have you tried Profumi del Forte Frescoamaro? It’s a nice bitter-green scent… March 14, 2014 at 5:43pm Reply

      • Lucas: I’m not familiar with this one, need to check it out. March 15, 2014 at 6:46am Reply

    • Sheri: Lucas, you are so experienced in perfume world that I am sure you’re already more than familiar with these, but I cannot stop myself from recommending Chanel’s No. 19 (edt) and Cristalle (I prefer the edp) as the loveliest green scents in existence. Please forgive the lack of self-restraint. 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 10:04pm Reply

      • Lucas: I haven’t tried Cristalle but I’m familiar with No. 19, which is lovely too. March 15, 2014 at 6:47am Reply

      • Isis: Cristalle is fantastic! March 15, 2014 at 5:45pm Reply

    • Sheri: This is a somewhat unusual request for recommendations, but here goes. I am wondering what you all perceive as underrated gems … that haven’t been discontinued yet! I used to wear Jil Sander No. 4, and recently discovered Gucci’s 2002 scent (the brown juice in the heavy clear-glass flacon) – both out of production now. I would love to hear about other lovelies, but before they become so difficult to track down. Thoughts? March 14, 2014 at 10:16pm Reply

      • Isis: Gucci Rush!
        (I read somewhere that its discontinued, but this week I saw lenty on a shelf in a local shop… if anywone can tell me for sure if its still being produced, it would be a relief…) March 15, 2014 at 5:47pm Reply

        • Sheri: Isis, you and I seem to be very close to fragrance twins (based on a few of your prior posts here) so I’ll give Gucci Rush a try! It appears to be widely available, at least in the U.S. (fragrance net.com, Sephora …) 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 8:48pm Reply

  • Judy Ware: Has anyone tried Bottega Veneta Essence Aromatique? I’m thinking it might be nice for a Summer fragrance here in the unbearably hot Southern U.S. March 14, 2014 at 10:58am Reply

    • Julie: I did, but wasn’t impressed. I own the original, which I adore,
      and had high hopes for the aromatique. I found it too masculine, sharp and bitter. Wasn’t what I expected and dry down didn’t
      improve it in any way. Very sad 🙁 March 14, 2014 at 7:16pm Reply

    • Laurels: Have you tried the Bottega Veneta Eau Legère? It seemed both nice and light to me. March 15, 2014 at 4:06am Reply

      • missyl: Jumping in to second the lighter version. Just tried it on a trip through Miami and it was great. I”ve experienced that muggy weather and I think you might like it. March 15, 2014 at 9:48am Reply

      • Karen: I too adore BV Eau Legere! March 15, 2014 at 3:06pm Reply

  • Kate Mancini: What Freesia scents do you all wear and love? I’m looking for a good one – the best freesia available. Thanks everyone! March 14, 2014 at 11:00am Reply

    • Victoria: Antonia’s Flowers is mine. I haven’t found a better freesia yet. March 16, 2014 at 11:21am Reply

    • Heather H: Chanel Beige has freesia in it. I can’t tell you how beautiful this perfume is. It is a very romantic scent. I just bought Beige for spring. March 22, 2014 at 9:44am Reply

  • Alessandra: Dear everyone,

    a friend of mine needs to buy Patou’s Joy for her mum’s bday, because she is particularly attached to this perfume, it being the one her husband used to buy to her. I admit I can’t for the life of me remember what it smells like, because, believe it or not, I haven’t sniffed it many times, nor have I ever owned it. Thing is, as my friend got the EDP for her mum not long ago, she wanted to her her the extrait this time… and it turns out to be mentally expensive. Far above her budget. She will probably get her anyway, because of emotional reasons, but she was also wondering about some slightly cheaper alternatives that are in line with Joy’s spirit. I suggested her some classic Chanel extraits, which are cheaper and are in any case, precious… and told her that her mum could always remmeber said extrait as the one her *daughter* got for her…. but of course, if you could suggest any perfume or extrait that’s cheaper than that and is close to Joy in some ways, I would be very thankful!! The more info I manage to give to her, the better. Thanks very much in advance!! 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 11:20am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: If it is not discontinued, you could try J’Adore L’Absolu. It has a full bodied bouquet of jasmine and roses and tuberose, same idea as Joy (n.b. not the original J’Adore, but L’Absolu). March 14, 2014 at 12:00pm Reply

      • Alessandra: I think it is discontinued, actually…. but I’ll tell my friend to seek for that, too! Thanks! 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 1:46pm Reply

    • Lindsay: I’m no help. I would say (1) bite the bullet and get her the Joy. (It’s the fragrance of her memory, hard to compete with!) or… (2) instead of trying to find her a Joy-like fragrance/extrait from somewhere else, which though precious won’t have any immediate sentimental value, maybe try something different with pedigree from the same house she will by now think very fondly of? (Chaldee/Eau de Patou) March 14, 2014 at 6:58pm Reply

    • Elisa: Try Nostalgie from Sonoma Scent Studio! It has rose, jasmine and aldehydes on a long-lasting sandalwood base, very vintage in feel. March 14, 2014 at 7:24pm Reply

  • Snowyowl: Hello to all and thanks in advance as I have questions about the following fragrances which I’ve read about but have never tried. I’m looking for an oceany-beachy vibe (refreshing, okay with either dry or sweet) and would love any comments on the following which sound interesting:

    Heeley-Sel Martin
    Heeley- Coccobello
    Profumum- Acqua di Sale
    Keiko Mecheri- Isles Lointaines
    Keiko Mecheri- Paradise Lost
    Montale- Intense Tiare
    Guerlain- Cruel Gardenia (might not be beachy but I love all things Guerlain, just haven’t tried this one)

    Let me know if you have tried any of these, if any are unbelievably fantastic and/or just hype and not worth it. (btw..I already have Bronze Goddess, have tried bobbi brown, Nuxe oil, Kai, etc. I am looking for info on the above specifically, for something lighter, more refreshing and perhaps oceany than these- hope that helps and THANKS 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 11:24am Reply

    • Alessandra: I have tried Coccobello and it’s GREAT. If you want a coconut fragrance, that’s brilliant. It’s not oceanic but it is tropical beachy… March 14, 2014 at 11:41am Reply

      • Snowyowl: alessandra- thanks so much for your thoughts, tropical beachy is good too, especially if not overdone. from the description, coccobello is supposed to be somewhat ‘dryer’ rather than exclusively ‘sweet’ but will get a sample to see for myself. thanks for your feedback! March 14, 2014 at 11:55am Reply

        • Alessandra: Pleasure! 🙂

          Well, yes, it’s not cloyingly sweet, it stays very close to the skin the way a very sophisticated version of a coconut oil would… if I remember correctly… I do want a bottle of it for myself, this summer, although I must confess I have some other priorities 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 8:14pm Reply

    • Zazie: Hi Snowyowl!
      I am a fan of beachy secnts and Montale Intense Tiaré is my absolute favorite. But it does not seem the light and refreshing option you are looking for: it is coconutty -a lot! and has tons of white tropical flowers and the most amazing, long lasting, dark and sensual vanilla drydown. But. The coconut opening is a bit plastick-y. And the overall feeling is not light. It packs some sillage. I wear it in winter and early spring, when the temps are low and that deep sensual drydown warms me up.
      The two keiko M I hate. You’ll hate them too if your nose is very much distressed by cheap white musk. Mine can only cope with cheap coconut, lol! I think many people don’t smell those musks so acutely, so I advise you to sample them, only your nose can tell.
      Cruel Gardenia: I love all things Guerlain and hate CG, for the same reason as the KMs. White musk galore. I would give a try to Guerlain’s own Lys soleya instead…Good luck! March 14, 2014 at 11:47am Reply

      • Zazie: I was forgetting: Honore des Pres Love Coco is an all natural and very simple coconut scent.
        For more oomph you could try Vamp à NY from the same house: it’s beachy, not particularly fresh but being all natural it stays close to the skin. March 14, 2014 at 11:51am Reply

      • Snowyowl: zazie- thank you so much for your quick response! i love cococutty, too, so will try the montale for a different feel. I appreciate your feedback about the keiko and cruel gardenia and have never tried lys soleya but have been meaning to. i really appreciate this! March 14, 2014 at 11:53am Reply

        • Zazie: thank *you*! I would talk forever about tropical and exotic white floral perfumes!!! Someone stop me! 😉
          I don’t know if it is still the case, but a few years ago Montale was very obliging if you asked them for a sample. You could try!
          That’s how my relationship with Intense tiarè got started! March 14, 2014 at 12:03pm Reply

          • Bastet: Zazie, what do you think of AG Songes? Just curious since you love beachy white florals and Songes is a current favorite. March 14, 2014 at 12:21pm Reply

            • Zazie: I really love it – but because of the powder, the pinch of bitterness and the sweeter vanilla I don’t reach for it as much as I would like to.
              I should mention that it was one of the perfumes that brought me on the perfume blogs, because of its amazingly beautiful opening – and into the rabbit hole I fell… luckily! 😀 March 14, 2014 at 12:50pm Reply

    • Poodle: Sel Marin is beachy but in the beachy sense of the word, not so much the tropical sense. It doesn’t smell like tropical flowers. It’s salty, and there’s a bit of murkiness to it as well. March 14, 2014 at 9:00pm Reply

      • Snowyowl: Thanks, like in a bad way? Or in a exhilarating day at the ocean way, which I would be into.. March 15, 2014 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Sandra: For beachy I prefer eau des merveilles by Hermes. March 15, 2014 at 1:34pm Reply

      • Snowyowl: Good thought, thanks, I love this every time I have tested it, just never bought it. March 15, 2014 at 3:03pm Reply

  • Ashley Anstaett: I saw Elisa recommend Ma Plus Belle Histoire D’Amour as a linden fragrance, and it reminded me of my love for linden! Can anyone recommend me a good linden scent? The Soft Lawn by Imaginary Authors has a really lovely linden note, but there’s something else there that I didn’t quite care for and it’s been awhile since I smelled it, so I can’t pinpoint what it is. Any suggestions? March 14, 2014 at 12:26pm Reply

    • Anne of Green Gables: Hi Ashley, I haven’t tried it myself but I’ve heard that Aftelier Honey Blossom is a very good linden perfume. March 14, 2014 at 12:44pm Reply

      • Ashley Anstaett: Oh my word, Anne, thank you so much for this suggestion. I just looked at the notes (even though you completely had me at “Honey Blossom”) and it features so many things I love: Linden, Mimosa, Orange Blossom, and Benzoin. I am ordering a sample now! March 14, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

        • Anne of Green Gables: I hope that you’ll like it. It does sound really lovely and I might order a sample as well when I’m in the U.S. next time. I love the smell of Black Locust in spring and I can’t wait to smell it soon! March 14, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

    • Asali: Then you must try April Aromatics ‘Unter den Linden’ wonderful linden scent, there’s also Jo Malone French lime blossom, very nice too. March 14, 2014 at 3:35pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: My favourite linden scent is Tilleul by Parfums d’Orsay. Have you tried it yet? March 14, 2014 at 5:48pm Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Aha! Another Tilleul lover (see above). Maybe there are more of us than I thought… March 14, 2014 at 10:39pm Reply

      • Ashley Anstaett: I haven’t tried it, but I am going to! I am so excited for all of these suggestions. I have just added all of these to my list. So many wonderful things to try! March 16, 2014 at 4:36pm Reply

    • Connie: Zeta, nice and powerful. It really speaks of spring- so much that I can’t wear it myself because it reminds me of allergy season. 😉 March 15, 2014 at 8:32am Reply

      • missyl: I’m on a Linden quest too so Id love to hear if anyone has tried the Bond 9 Eau d Noho, or the Berlin Linden? I’ll grab a sample of the others reccommended here..Thanks and looking forward to any other recs! March 15, 2014 at 9:56am Reply

    • ChanteusedesIles: I just tried Fresh Sugar Lychee and was surprised by the lovely linden note, definitely worth a try, I’m planning to go back for a FB! March 16, 2014 at 4:35am Reply

  • Nancy A.: Many are mentioned by BdJ readers, but from recent sniffing around for spring/summer is Cartier’s Zeste de Soleil. Passion fruit, citrus — uplifiting, soft at first but mellows at the drydown. Chanel 19 (original) always a mainstay. March 14, 2014 at 12:34pm Reply

  • ceebee_eebee: What perfume would Effie Trinket from the Hunger Games wear?

    This is the question to led me down the rabbit hole of the perfume world and I *still* don’t have an answer. At first I thought she’d go for something big like Fracas or Paris but I’ve discovered that tuberose is all wrong. Then I thought maybe something more romantically rose like La Fille de Berlin but THAT doesn’t feel right either.

    Do we have any Hunger Games fans around here? This is KILLING me. March 14, 2014 at 12:45pm Reply

    • Mals86: I’d put Effie in Bond No. 9 Broadway Nite – it’s like YSL Paris (rose-violet) on aldehyde steroids, pretty but LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME. I’d agree, she’s not a tuberose girl. March 14, 2014 at 1:01pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Ooooh! I am going to run out and get a sniff of that. Thank you! March 14, 2014 at 1:50pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: I managed to find this at Saks today and gave myself a spritz. You were right! I can *definitely* see Effie wearing it. It’s a lot of fragrance and VERY ‘look at me’ but in a really good way. Sweet! March 16, 2014 at 12:23am Reply

    • Ashley Anstaett: Oh, what a fun question! I might pick Putain des Palaces by Etat Libre D’Orange or Daphne by Comme des Garcons. They’re both very much boudoir scents, powdery, like a lipstick, and Daphne has a tremendous sillage. Unabashedly feminine, traditional, but both with a fun futuristic twist. I think that they might suit Effie! Please, let me know what you think! March 14, 2014 at 1:25pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Putting those in my surrender basket immediately. I definitely think something powdery/lipsticky might work. Awesome! Thank you for the recs. 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 1:51pm Reply

    • Squirrely: What a fun question. I could totally see (smell?) her in something from Mugler. Alien would fit – it’s so screechy and synthetic to me. March 14, 2014 at 1:35pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Huh! I wouldn’t have thought to go that way but you’re right. Alien is super…something. It’s been ages since I smelled that. Gonna have to give it another go and see what I think. March 14, 2014 at 1:52pm Reply

      • Bastet: If you are planning to try Alien, I would go for the essence abslolue version – I don’t like the original but this one is very rich and creamy. March 14, 2014 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Judy Ware: Perhaps in Ms. Effie’s heart of hearts, she’d like to smell like Wazamba. This could lead to the unmasking of the REAL Ms. Effie. March 14, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: I just looked up a review of Wazamba and I am STILL loling. Good grief! I’m gonna have to get a sample just on principle. That sounds mental! 🙂 March 14, 2014 at 1:54pm Reply

    • Maren: What a great question. I love Effie! I don’t know if it fits, but Prada Candy immediately came to my mind. March 14, 2014 at 4:17pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: ::adds to the list::

        Thanks! I’ll give this one a sniff and see what it says to me. 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 12:16am Reply

    • George: Champs Elysee by Guerlain. March 15, 2014 at 1:56pm Reply

      • Snowyowl: Yes, or this! Which I own, I will admit and there are days for. But I could see effi sprit zing herself and thinking of being a Parisan woman with class.. March 15, 2014 at 3:11pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Another to add to the ‘must smell’ list. And I’m a sucker for Guerlain so this is gonna be a winner either way. Thanks! March 16, 2014 at 12:15am Reply

    • Snowyowl: I love this question! what about Guerlain Insolence? Purple, bright, cheesey, loud with dry down that lasts and fades away to something more refined?
      also Profumum Acqua e zucchero? so yummy sweet, bright pink candy deliciousness? Thta’s where my mind is taking me on this one… March 15, 2014 at 3:07pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Ooooo. Another Guerlain rec I haven’t smelled yet. The description has me intrigued! And I’ll put the other on my sample wish list. Thanks for the recs! March 16, 2014 at 12:17am Reply

    • Isis: Great question!!! I am not a hunger games fan, but I googled the pictures…. (does that count?). I see why aldehydes on steroids (or ANYTHING on steroids) would be a good fit, but just going on the colours and the outfit: how about TOm Ford Violet Blonde (maybe if she used a few spritzes too many)? ANd I like the idea of Insolence, but why not go for L’Heure Bleue? March 15, 2014 at 6:18pm Reply

      • ceebee_eebee: Hee! Yeah, it counts. Sadly (*very* sadly because of the reviews I’ve read) L’heure bleue goes straight up powdery on me, so it’s not something I’d pick for her (if I’m the one wearing it to channel her magnificence). But I’ll definitely give Violet Blonde a go! March 16, 2014 at 12:20am Reply

  • lisa: Hi, My two favorite fragrances are Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille (very hard to find at a reasonable price) and Still by Jennifer Lopez. I love the (real) honeysuckle notes and florals that are a tiny bit fruity. I would like to expand but most perfumes turn sickeningly sweet on me. I like to stick with fragrances that don’t smell manufactured, but a nice blend of natural scents. Can you recommend anything for me? Thanks. March 14, 2014 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Jennifer C: If you’re looking for all-natural, Providence Perfume Co. has one called Hindu Honeysuckle. I haven’t actually tried it myself, but I just thought I’d throw it out there. March 14, 2014 at 1:49pm Reply

    • AnnieA: Lisa, Demeter’s Honeysuckle is spot-on, and cheap, but last about 10 minutes. Maybe try the perfume oil version…? March 17, 2014 at 1:51pm Reply

    • Michael: How about the recently reissued Fleur du Matin by Miller Harris?

      Fleur du Matin is inspired by the dew and herby floral bouquet of an early morning walk on the island of Port Cros. During this fragrant journey, pine, marjoram, honeysuckle, jasmin and neroli are surrounded by galbanum, basil, grapefruit and lemon. March 18, 2014 at 9:05am Reply

  • SB: I’ll bite! I’m new to the world of fragrance but have been reading and smelling things over the past 6 months or so. I’d be interested in getting recommendations for things to check out.

    -I first got interested in perfume after wearing Narciso Rodriguez EDP samples for a few months.
    -A friend recommended I check out Carnal Flower and I’ve been sampling that and some other tuberose fragrances. I’ve worn CF some as well as Do Son (almost bought it–mostly because it’s more affordable than CF–but smelled it after not wearing it for awhile and it’s just too white floral-y!).
    -The sample I’m coming back to the most these days is Daphné by CDG. I have been thinking about buying a bottle.
    -I finally ordered a sample of Fracas EDP and like it well enough, but to me it just smells extremely peachy. I think it’s growing on me a bit, though. I am not getting the sexy indoles people always write about, though. Maybe it’s how I’m wearing it?
    -If anyone’s familiar with it, I’ve also tried on Nova Chakra a few times and like it a lot–it’s kind of a dirty bulgarian rose.

    I’ve been drawn to white florals/tuberose fragrances but as I smell more things, I’m definitely interested in broadening my horizons. I really like Daphné and I think it has some ambery notes that I’d be interested in following to other fragrances. And the thing that got me into this was NR EDP, which smells completely different from all of these things. Any suggestions?

    Thanks!! March 14, 2014 at 1:04pm Reply

    • Ashley Anstaett: SB, I love Daphne, it’s a wonderful perfume. I’d love a full bottle, but I have so many others I’m waiting for it will have to wait for the time being. However, if you like Daphne, you might like Putain des Palaces by Etat Libre D’Orange. It has a similar cosmetic scent and is pretty affordable as well. For Christmas, I got the Etat Libre D’Orange coffret, which has been a really fun way to try new scents, although it is just from one brand, so it may not be just what you’re looking for. It’s affordable, though, the bottles are a generous size, and the fragrances are very interesting! March 14, 2014 at 1:45pm Reply

  • Jaime: What a wonderful way to engage your blog community!

    I would love some suggestions on perfumes with sandalwood. I recently smelled Samsara and thought it was lovely. I also tested Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and enjoyed the sandalwood/vanilla blend.

    I’m new to perfumes, so I’d probably order decants to try, unless I can sniff out suggestions at mainstream places near me such as Sephora.

    Thanks in advance!
    Jaime March 14, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

    • Bastet: Two of my most favorite sandalwood perfumes are Esprit d’Oscar (sandalwood and tuberose, available online for a great price at the discounters) and Sonoma Scent Studio Champagne de Bois (you can order samples from the SSS website). March 14, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

      • jaime: Thank you for the suggestions & also on where to look for them. March 14, 2014 at 11:19pm Reply

    • Anne of Green Gables: Hi Jaime, I’d like to recommend Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche and Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule. March 14, 2014 at 3:23pm Reply

      • rainboweyes: Second Lumiere Blanche! March 14, 2014 at 5:19pm Reply

      • jaime: Adding them to my perfume journal! March 14, 2014 at 11:20pm Reply

    • Maren: Jaime, I really enjoy Serge Lutens Santal Blanc. It is a very creamy straight forward sandlewood and became my favorite of sandlewood perfumes I tried while exploring this note. March 14, 2014 at 4:15pm Reply

      • Maren: Oops excuse my spelling! Sandalwood i mean! March 14, 2014 at 4:21pm Reply

      • jaime: Ooh, I wonder if this one will smell like a sandalwood bracelet that I have. Will add to my list. Thanks! March 14, 2014 at 11:22pm Reply

    • Fifi: I second Bastet on the Sonoma Scent Studio, in fact, I would try several of their wonderful scents. They are very reasonably priced and you can buy travel-spray sizes. You get free samples, too!

      Warm aloha,
      Fifi March 14, 2014 at 6:00pm Reply

      • Elisa: I also love the sandalwood in SSS scents.

        And a vote for Santal Majuscule from Serge Lutens. March 14, 2014 at 7:28pm Reply

      • jaime: Thanks for recommending SSS — I’ve never heard of them! March 14, 2014 at 11:23pm Reply

    • Poodle: SSS Champagne de Bois is a good one and I’d say try 10 Corso Como as well. March 14, 2014 at 9:04pm Reply

      • jaime: Thank you! March 14, 2014 at 11:23pm Reply

    • Michael S: Kerosene’s Santalum Slivers is a very interesting sandalwood, loaded up with a lot of citrus up front but dries down to a pleasant sandalwood on my skin. You must love oranges to enjoy this one though. March 14, 2014 at 11:13pm Reply

      • Jaime: Thank you! March 15, 2014 at 12:06pm Reply

    • Connie: Bois des Ils by Chanel, Santals Mysore, Blanc, and Majuscule from Serge Lutens. March 15, 2014 at 8:35am Reply

      • Jaime: Thanks for the recs! March 15, 2014 at 12:07pm Reply

    • Sandra: Hello Jaime-
      I happen to love sandalwood. If you want something beautiful try to buy a vintage bottle of samsara on say ebay or amazon. Its a clear bottle with a red cap and black band. Its sandlewood bliss!!!
      Smells nothing like the one in the stores currently. But that is just my opinion.
      Tam Dao by Diptyque is also a good one.
      All the SL ones that were mentioned. Though Santal Blanc has moved to some exclusive line of SL so it may be a bit more expensive then the other other ones mentioned. March 15, 2014 at 1:43pm Reply

  • Lauren: Hey, bdj gang. I’m looking for a fragrance that reminds me of a garden in the rain. Something with a grass and earth and wild flowers. I’ve tried Guerlain Herba Fresca, but the mint choked my nose so that it was all I could smell. I tried Hermes Un Jardin Sur La Toit, but it’s an oddly sour scent. What else have y’all tried that reminds of you of a rainy garden? March 14, 2014 at 1:44pm Reply

    • Anne of Green Gables: It might be a cliche but Guerlain Apre l’Ondee if you haven’t tried it before! Frederic Malle En Passant also had a similar effect on me. March 14, 2014 at 3:30pm Reply

    • Zazie: Have you tried Ninfeo Mio? It has a green, herbal opening that reminds me of a field of grass, of that special shade of green that only spring can bestow. It then becomes figgy green, shadows are cast on the garden, and later you land on a plush vanilla base. No rain, though, but maybe you could like it!

      What about Malle’s Angeliques sous la pluie? I don’t remember the smell, but it is inspired by a bouquet of flowers under the rain… March 14, 2014 at 4:01pm Reply

    • Karen: This was my exact quest a few months ago for our New Zealand spring and I ended up with two new favorites. CB I Hate Perfume ‘To See A Flower’ is absolute wet garden, even to a very literal smell of rain-soaked earth (which I like a lot!). Actually, Demeter’s Wet Garden is a lot like this at a much cheaper price point – I think Christopher Brosius used to be the Demeter perfumer so that would make sense – but the dry down of To see A Flower is much better, green and floral and soft and very beautiful. I also really liked Byredo’s La Tulipe, which smells to me like a gorgeous bed of spring bulbs, with rain and a bit of rhubarb.

      Finally, En Passant and its fragrance of rain-soaked lilacs and fresh bread is one I return to with joy every spring. March 14, 2014 at 4:01pm Reply

    • Lauren: I have tried Apres l’Ondee, but I wasn’t in love with it. Angeliques is on my to-smell list, and I’ll add the others you’ve mentioned there as well. Thanks, ladies! March 14, 2014 at 4:47pm Reply

      • rainboweyes: I have one more to add – Friedemodin Jardin Mystique – a lovely green floral! March 14, 2014 at 5:25pm Reply

        • rainboweyes: Oh, and of course Hanbury by Maria Candida Gentile! March 14, 2014 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Cybele: maybe Dyptique L’Ombre Dans L’Eau March 14, 2014 at 5:49pm Reply

      • Lara: Definitely would second the L’Ombre, though you have to like rose. It’s a very damp, earthy rose, though, not a powdery / dainty one. March 19, 2014 at 8:05pm Reply

    • Poodle: 1000 Flowers Fleur no.1 reminds me of a wet garden. It smell like flowers, green leaves, and dirt to me. March 14, 2014 at 9:07pm Reply

    • Connie: Decou-vert by Laboratorio Olfattivo! March 15, 2014 at 8:37am Reply

  • donnakitt: Hi, I am looking for a tuberose that is somewhere between SL Tubereuse Criminelle and Frazer Parfum Rose & Tuberose. I own both and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. I love SL TC but only wear it when I’m alone because a tiny drop fills a room. Flip side is that Frazer lasts all of 10 minutes on me although the description is that it lasts all day. Has anyone tried Hiram Green’s Moon Bloom? If it has an earthy scent like Frazer’s, I’d probably love it. Any others that are natural but have some sillage? March 14, 2014 at 3:49pm Reply

  • donnakitt: Hi. I’m looking for a tuberose somewhere between SL Tubereuse Criminelle and Frazer Parfum Rose & Tuberose. I own both. I usually wear SL TC when I’m alone because a tiny drop fills the room. Flip side is that Frazer is gone after 10 minutes. Has anyone tried Hiram Green’s Moon Bloom? I hear wonderful things about it and if it leans more towards an earthy scent, I’d probably love it. Any other suggestions for natural tuberose? March 14, 2014 at 3:55pm Reply

    • Zazie: Hi donnakitt, I am not sure if I understood correctly: are you looking for a tuberose that smells “natural” or an all natural tuberose fragrance?
      In the first case, bruno Acampora Blu, Mona Di orio tubereuse are my favorites in the almost-soliflore cathegory… But I am not sure they are more quiet than TC, which I also cherish!
      I have not smelled it, but apparently annick Goutal’s tubereuse smells exactly like the natural essence extracted from the flower… March 14, 2014 at 6:49pm Reply

      • donnakitt: Zazie, thanks for your suggestions. Looking for a “natural” scent. I dug out my sample of MdO and would wear it occasionally as it’s a little smoky for frequent wear (it isn’t as strong as TC on me). Finding the right natural scent of tuberose that lasts is like Goldilocks and the three bears — nothing seems “just right”. All naturals fade quickly and I love Frazer but it doesn’t last. I have Bruno musc which I adore so I’m going to purchase a sample of tube & I’ll try Goutal, too. March 16, 2014 at 10:49am Reply

  • donnakitt: Sorry for the duplicates. Computer was acting funny… March 14, 2014 at 3:59pm Reply

  • Maren: Just found out my daughter will be having a baby girl in July. I’m thinking it would be fun to give my daughter a fragrance to celebrate this new phase of her life. What comes to mind when thinking of a perfume for a new mom of a little baby girl to wear? March 14, 2014 at 4:49pm Reply

    • Heather H: Hi Maren,

      You are such a nice sister. I have to say I just had a baby girl in August. Honestly, your sister’s hormones are raging right night, and she is highly sensitive to smells. I would probably choose something else to give her, not perfume. I remember smelling my favorite rose shampoo when I was pregnant and gagged at the smell. I can never wash my hair with this shampoo again. Not only is she highly sensitive to smell, the baby will be too. If she is breastfeeding, the newborn will not like the smell of perfume and will probably cry. My newborn cried when my sister came into the hospital with Broadway Night:) She needs to smell the breastmilk. Anyway If you are set on perfume I would give her Diorissimo. My baby girl loves this smell now that she is a little older and not a newborn anymore. March 14, 2014 at 5:25pm Reply

    • Heather H: I am sorry you are such a nice mom. I was thinking of my sister! March 14, 2014 at 5:26pm Reply

      • Maren: Diorissimo is a wonderful idea, and how nice your little one loves it. I’m wanting to give this as a celebration before the baby is born and to wear after, but I know what you mean about the hormones! It could really alter how it wears for her. Thanks! March 14, 2014 at 6:23pm Reply

    • Lindsay: You are going to be a lovely granny, what a nice thought, and congratulations! I would say Bvlgari’s Petits en Mamans because not only does the name say it all but the fragrance is safe for babies which is what a new mom may be quite concerned with. Not sure if you can still get it. Also I would suggest Petit Guerlain in the pink bottle, though I am not lucky enough to be close to somewhere where I can smell it, it just seems so appropriate and it’s Guerlain for heaven’s sake! If I got that bottle I’d be over the moon. March 14, 2014 at 5:44pm Reply

      • Maren: Oh my both great suggestions! Onto the list they go! March 14, 2014 at 6:24pm Reply

        • Maren: Oh and P.S. Thank on the congrats, she is my only and I want to do something special to remember this milestone for her. March 14, 2014 at 6:34pm Reply

          • Lindsay: Ps. I have an only (that is not yet two years old), and I think it’s the most wonderful idea! March 14, 2014 at 6:38pm Reply

    • Sofie: Hi Maren, what a lovely idea. I usually don’t comment on the blog, since I’m such a newbie, but being a young mum, this struck a chord. I agree on the perfume, it might be a bit much, but I second Diorissimo, light and it doesn’t last that long anyway. However, why not give her a high-quality shower gel and body cream with the scents she loves? I got the Bodyshop lavender one and it was the most lovely, wild, intense lavender I smelled. Sadly discontinued. But taking a shower, well, that was my only little ‘me’ moment in the day, during those first, crazy few months, and that wonderfull scent made it extra special. So much so, that I am now on a quest for that smell (lots of suggestions under the Jersey Extait article that I’m going to follow up on). Good luck! March 16, 2014 at 9:35pm Reply

      • Sofie: Oh, someone mentioned Bvlgari’s Petits et Mamans a bit up, I’ve seen it on their website last month, so it is out there, but I have no idea what it smells like.
        And… Congratulations, such a special time :-). March 16, 2014 at 9:40pm Reply

        • Maren: Sofie, great ideas! And I will explore the idea of a nice quality shower gel and body cream, because as you say, it may be the only time to fit in some personal time. I do vaguely remember those days. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and enjoy that little one! March 17, 2014 at 11:04pm Reply

  • rickyrebarco: Here’s a couple to try, Malle’s L’Eau d’Hiver with heliotrope- just gorgeous. It’s a Jean-Claude Ellena scent and it’s really pretty, but not much longevity except as a skin scent. I also love Goutal’s Chevrefeuille and the new Jo Malone Wisteria & Violet is nice and fresh and green as well. It gives that garden after a rain feeling. March 14, 2014 at 5:23pm Reply

    • Maren: Lovely ideas! I was actually thinking of L’Eau d’Hiver as a possibility. I’ll have to see what she thinks of the heliotrope though. I love it but she might not. I’m not familiar with the others so those will be fun to check out too. Thank you. March 14, 2014 at 6:30pm Reply

  • Ieln: WOW! So happy to have found this thread. This is exactly what I’ve been searching for for a very long time – but not able to decide because of so much info and not enough cash basically. I’m so tired of being accosted by The Bay perfume saleswomen who try to pin any perfume with a touch of jasmine in it to make a sale. I am usually finicky about nothing except perfume.

    I named my daughter Yasmin because of my obvious love. Jasmine is the most heavenly scent on earth. I’m looking for a perfume (not an eau de cologne, etc,.) that is similiar to the jasmine garland necklaces they’d sell on the streets from my youth. Jasmine is very popular there and most home garden’s contain jasmine plants in their landscape. You’d walk by and get a clear, pure whif every time. *sigh. My very first perfume given to me as a gift at age 13 was Dione Von Furstenberg’s “Tatiana”. Tried to buy it again on eBay but it didn’t seem the same. Now, it’s a little too innocent for me.

    I’d love for help on the following ideal wants please:

    -Low-mid priced

    -Sexy, nighttime scent that I’ll also use -lightly for day. (Again trying to save as a single student mom.)

    -Going for a very seductive, date-time scent that would drive my guy crazy. (Hey, I can ask, can’t I? 😉 )

    -I also like musk, woody notes like sandalwood and mahogany, teak, rosewood, gardenia, tuberose, (most of the white) flowers,) a touch of/some oriental spices, sweets and gourmand scents (again, not a lot, mostly like honey/beeswax)

    Thank you so much. I absolutely love this blog and am so appreciative of the information here that I devour. I hope more “interactive” threads like this also come about.

    March 14, 2014 at 6:51pm Reply

    • Ieln: Correction: “jasmine garland necklaces they’d sell on the streets from my youth in Cairo.” March 14, 2014 at 6:55pm Reply

    • Squirrely: Victoria did a wonderful roundup of jasmine perfumes last month, loads of delicious fragrances named:

      https://boisdejasmin.com/2014/02/best-jasmine-perfumes.html

      I will also suggest you try Lush’s Sikkim Girls – it’s heavy on the white flowers, including jasmine, has a lower price point, and men seem to like it. 😉

      Report back when you find something you like! March 15, 2014 at 7:29am Reply

      • Ieln: Thanks so much. I have a Lush right beside school and I’ll go tomorrow. I did try their Lush Jasmine Gorilla scent. It was nicer in the first few days only. After that, it seemed a little off. Hard to tell what that was. March 16, 2014 at 9:23pm Reply

    • nemo: I would recommend Joie Ensoleille from Sonoma Scent Studio for a white florals with an amazing woody base 🙂 I myself can’t pick out the jasmine specifically, but it might be worth a try! I have also heard very good things about Montale Jasmine Full. March 16, 2014 at 2:26pm Reply

      • Ieln: Thanks for the suggestions. I’m not sure where these are to be found in Toronto, but I’ll do a search now. Really appreciate it. By the way, what is the Montale fragrance like in your opinion? March 16, 2014 at 9:25pm Reply

        • Squirrely: You can order SSS samples from their website. Well priced and gorgeous scents. Jouer Ensoleille may or may not be what your after, but no matter what, it’s gorgeous and perfect for spring. March 17, 2014 at 8:56pm Reply

  • Julie: New love is Prada L’Eau Ambree but it doesn’t last! I’m not an amber fan, so this was an entry level amber and it worked! I love the citrus and rose notes with the patchouli/vanilla base.

    Anything similar that will last longer?

    Thanks! March 14, 2014 at 7:23pm Reply

    • Maren: I have a hard time with heavy amber scents, but really enjoy Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles and has good longevity for me. You might want to check out the other Hermes Merveilles versions too, (eau and elixir) but I liked this best. No rose in them though. March 15, 2014 at 7:32pm Reply

      • Julie: Thank you for the recommendation! I tried this in Sephora today and asked for a sample. It’s a bit more vanilla-y than I tend to like, but the citrus (even though there’s no citrus note listed) cuts it down a bit. So glad you brought this to my attention! March 16, 2014 at 1:36pm Reply

  • Rebecca: I’m new to perfumes, and I have two requests for suggestions (for now): a friend of mine has worn Roger et Gallet L’Homme for years, and he’s worried it might disappear. Any recommendations for something similar? For me, I’m looking for something that smells like the inside of a stringed instrument case: ebony and rosin. Thanks! March 14, 2014 at 8:45pm Reply

    • Victoria: Has he tried Azzaro Pour Homme? It reminds me of R&G but fresher. You can also look at your local department store and ask them for something spicy and ambery, with fresh notes. March 16, 2014 at 11:19am Reply

      • Rebecca: He hasn’t yet, so I’ll put that on the list. And thanks for the notes to ask for! That’s a bit tricky as a beginner. March 16, 2014 at 10:08pm Reply

  • Jessa: I would love some recommendations for perfumes to try out for the (FINALLY) upcoming warmer weather! I’m mostly a lover of rich, heavy orientals and ambers, but I’d like to find some options that I can wear in summer (I live in NY, so it gets hot and humid) without smothering everyone in proximity.

    My favorite perfumes are Shalimar, Aroma M Geisha Noire, Opus Oils Charlie #5, Puredistance M, and Bal a Versailles. I’m not too well-versed in florals but I’m coming around on some of the white florals like jasmine and tuberose, and I love orange blossom (huge fan of Vero Profumo Rubj so far, though I’ve only tested it once).

    I really dislike rose scents and have a lot of trouble with “soapy” notes, and I’m not crazy about aldehydes so far, though I have a few samples to test to learn more about those.

    I would really appreciate any suggestions you all have! Price point is not a significant factor at this point, since I mainly buy samples and decants. 🙂 Thanks, everyone! March 14, 2014 at 9:33pm Reply

    • Anne of Green Gables: Hi Jessa, have you tried Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu or L’Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube? March 15, 2014 at 5:41am Reply

      • Jessa: I’m not familiar with either of these; I’ll definitely check them out! Thank you! March 16, 2014 at 11:57am Reply

    • Connie: Eau de Mandarin Ambree by Hermes- it’s a fantastic ‘cologne’ (really has the strength of a perfume) with a wonderful ambery base. March 15, 2014 at 8:42am Reply

  • Michael S: So as is probably familiar to many of you, my tastes in perfumes typically far exceed my wallet’s contents! I am wondering if I could get some recommendations for some affordable Amber perfumes, one for winter and a lighter one for summer.

    The Ambers that I have found and love are Tom Ford’s Amber Absolute, By Kilian’s Amber Oud, La Via Del Profumo’s Mecca Balsam, and for lighter summer scents La Via Del Profumo’s Sharif and Lord Jester’s Ares.

    I enjoy the more resinous ambers, and enjoy a little spice to them as long as it doesn’t become too overwhelming like Amber Sultan was to me. I am turned off by the powdery ambers, which seem to be the ones I find at more affordable price points.

    Any suggestions or recommendations are very much appreciated!

    Thank you,
    Michael March 14, 2014 at 11:27pm Reply

    • Cybele: Histoires de Parfums Ambre 114 is nice and they used to offer small bottles. Try Eau des Baux by L’Occitane and also-although not a straight amber-you might like L’Instant Homme by Guerlain. March 15, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

    • D: Atlier Colgne’s Amber Nue. It’s available in travel minis, which should be more than sufficient to last several summers. March 16, 2014 at 11:51am Reply

    • noseknows: SSS Tabac Aurea reminds me of Mecca Balsam. Another amber I like is Ambra Nobile from Nobile 1942. Pd’E Cuir Ottoman is a wonderful ambery leather. These lines are relatively less expensive. I also think the Via del Profumo roller balls last a long time, which is an option for that line. You owe yourself at least one of his natural perfumes! March 19, 2014 at 8:25pm Reply

    • Michael S: Thank you for the wonderful recommendations! March 26, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

  • Karima: I have been enjoying a bath supplement claiming to contain patchouli and sandalwood. My search for a creamy (not woody or raspy) sandalwood, however, has not been very successful so far. Can anyone recommend a warm, enveloping scent containing these two notes? March 15, 2014 at 5:18am Reply

    • Squirrely: For a cheap (or cheap-ish) thrill, I recommend the Lotus Santal collection from Thymes. The have everything from body scrubs to perfume. I find the scent very creamy. March 15, 2014 at 7:35am Reply

    • Snowyowl: Check out bois 1920 Real patchouly. It is so much more than patchouly, in fact more amber, sandalwoody and deep, rich, loveliness that takes you to a satisfyingly comfortable earthy place that is like sitting in the forest with a cozy fire nearby. gorgeous! March 15, 2014 at 9:43pm Reply

    • Karima: Thank you! In the meantime, I sniffed the Bois 1920 on a blotter but took home a sample of Etro’s Sandalo instead, which was a mistake. Will return to give Real Patchouly a chance. Thymes will have to be a blind buy as there is no retailer in town.

      Does anyone remember The Body Shop’s Woody Sandalwood perfume oil? I am tempted to go ebay but not having smelled it back in the day, would prefer some expert opinions first! March 20, 2014 at 4:54am Reply

      • Victoria: I have never smelled Woody Sandalwood, but I had one TBS perfume oil which turned very quickly. After a month, it developed a rancid scent, and I had to throw it away. It was stored in a cool cabinet, away from light, just like my other perfumes, but I’m not sure what it deteriorated. March 20, 2014 at 7:11am Reply

  • Buka: I love this time of year: cherry blossoms start to bloom, daffodils and tulips are emerging, rosehip bushes come to life!…
    There is a flower I’ve been curious about- Phlox. Quite simple looking, with the most pleasant, delicate and tender scent to it!
    Could you recommend a perfume with a similar note to a smell of that flower?:-)
    And another perfume related question: would you characterize Serge Lutens Five O`Clock Au Gingembre as more feminine or muscular perfume?:-) March 15, 2014 at 11:14am Reply

    • Victoria: I wish I could, because phlox is one of my favorites too. But I can’t think of anything that has its delicate spicy floral scent. I will keep looking.

      Five O`Clock Au Gingembre seems unisex to me, but my husband thinks that it’s too sweet. So, I wear it happily myself. 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 11:17am Reply

      • Buka: Search to be continued then, hoping to result in happy find someday, but until then i will be enjoying the smell of this flower at the Botanical Gardens:-)
        I’ve been trying to get acquainted with Serge Lutens line lately, not sure why it took so long for me to do that;-)… March 17, 2014 at 8:37pm Reply

        • Victoria: 🙂 Hey, you have plenty of time to fall in love with Serge Lutens’s perfumes. The pleasure of discovery is the best part. March 18, 2014 at 12:40pm Reply

          • Buka: I’m totally agree:-)
            Thank You, Victoria! March 21, 2014 at 1:13pm Reply

  • Karen: I remember my great aunt wearing Yves St. Laurent Parfum Y but can’t find anything like it. Dreamed of wearing it when I grew up. Now when I smell daffodils I almost get that feeling. Does anyone know of something reminiscent? March 15, 2014 at 5:48pm Reply

    • Snowyowl: I don’t know of anything like it, but did you know you can still order Y on the yves website? March 15, 2014 at 9:47pm Reply

    • Courant: I just bought a bottle on FragX. The New Y lacks the arid quality of the original but is still great and I reach for it often March 18, 2014 at 2:00am Reply

      • karen: Thanks Courant & Snowyowl! Ordering! March 22, 2014 at 11:10am Reply

  • Isis: Hi! I just have a general question about a brand: I have been reading about perfume for a few years now, and I never new that Heeley actually exised until now, suddenly, everyone seems to be recommending their scents. Which made me wonder: is Heeley very new as a perfume brand? Have I just filtered them out? Are they a well-kept secret? Are they so small they stay mostly under the radar? How can I have missed it?? I noticed Victoria hasn’t reviewed any of their scents yet. March 15, 2014 at 5:55pm Reply

    • George: They’ve been around since at least 2008 because approx six fragrances were reviewed in the paperback edition of the guide, getting four stars across the board. I’ve always wanted to try the minty one (menthe fraiche), the salty one (sel marin) and the rosy one (hippie rose) but never got around to it, even though I frequent a shop where they are stocked. I, too, must have filtered them out. For some reason they don’t seem to have hit that sort of critical mass (either for the perfume or themselves as a brand) where they garner enough love to be raved about in the corners of the internet that I inhabit (though I remember a few mentions of hippie rose on here). It may simply be that the perfumes are nicely done and good quality but do not stand-out enough. They are fairly exclusively stocked too, I believe. I will be making an effort to check them out. Thanks for the push! March 15, 2014 at 6:47pm Reply

    • Foxbins: James Heeley is a self-taught perfumer and I think he is not well-known for a number of reasons. For one, his scents, although well done, are not really innovative, and two, they are quite expensive for being just “nice.” He doesn’t seem to employ a publicist, either, so his enterprise has stayed quite small. I like some of his scents but can’t justify their price tag. March 16, 2014 at 12:52am Reply

    • Hannah: I noticed them at the beginning of my interest in perfume (2007?) because I was looking at the incense fragrances on Luckyscent and I really to order a sample of Cardinal. According to Basenotes, it was released in 2006.
      I’ve still not tried Cardinal (I don’t like churchy incense like I assumed I would), but I’ve tried and liked Spirit of the Tiger, Ophelia, and Cuir Pleine Fleur.

      I think people have always talked about them quite a bit on nowsmellthis. March 16, 2014 at 6:39am Reply

    • Victoria: I didn’t like any of his scents that much, to be honest, especially for the price. I also find it strange that he claims to be a perfumer behind his collection, whereas he works with a lab in Grasse and his fragrances are done by professional noses. March 16, 2014 at 11:13am Reply

      • George: I was also a bit questioning of him being the actual perfumer behind his perfumes because his perfume range very much reads as that- as in “I’d like a rose one, a vetiver one, a citrus one and an incense one, oh and what have I forgot, oh yes a blah-de-blah one, please mr/s perfumer” March 16, 2014 at 11:41am Reply

      • Isis: THis is all very helpful!! My sample-buying-budget is limited, so I need to be selective… March 16, 2014 at 3:05pm Reply

      • Austenfan: That answers a question I had been asking myself. I always think it’s plain silly to pretend to do the actual composing when you do not. It’s hard to keep up that pretense. Besides, there are so many successful niche houses that openly attribute their fragrances to outside noses, that it doesn’t seem to be needed.

        That being said, I really like Cuir Pleine Fleur and their Iris (Iris de Nuit?). March 16, 2014 at 6:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: Yes, I also don’t get it,and he’s far from the only person doing this. If you work with good perfumers who offer you interesting work, this in itself could be a great thing to advertise. But as I’m sure that as the brand matures, this rhetoric will change. March 16, 2014 at 6:47pm Reply

  • Sara: Hello all perfume lovers! I’m a young woman living in the northern parts of Europe. My taste in perfume is green, aromatic and “airy”; I love everything that smells of fresh herbs, leaves, water, and subtle woods. I’ve always been living close to the sea and big forests, which I think might influence my taste.

    The perfumes that I use now are: Jardin en Méditerrannée by Hermes, Philosykos by Diptyque (also love L’ombre dans l’eau by the same house) and Mirto di Panarea by Aqua di Parma. I also have Feminitée du bois by SL, which I also love, but I don’t wear it as often as the others. I usually wear it at home, I find it to be a very warm, comforting scent.

    I’m looking for two different scents in the same category:

    1. One that is a bit more floral, since it’s spring and all. I’ve never liked heavy floral scents on myself (that is, I like the scent of real flowers, but not in perfume), so I still want it to fit into that “airy” feeling I tried to describe. I’m very new to florals, so that’s why I’m asking for help.

    2. One that has a bit of incense or a stronger woodsy accord in it. Something to bring an earthy touch to my otherwise airy taste, if you understand what I mean. I know there are wood accords in the perfumes I mentioned, but it’s mostly cedar, fig and cypress, which I consider to be “light woods”.

    Thank you for your time!

    Oh, and if somebody knows where to buy nice, reasonably priced block soap in NYC, please tell me. I’m going there on vacation soon. March 16, 2014 at 7:02am Reply

    • Cybele: For the first one try Jour d’Hermes (airy, sunny floral) and Comme des Garcons 3 (subtle, abstract floral), for the second one I recommend L’Artisan Timbuktu (airy, spacious, woody). Also, Preparation Parfumee by Andree Putman could be interesting for you with notes of driftwood, grey pepper, water lily and coriander leaves (according to Luckyscent). March 16, 2014 at 8:53am Reply

      • rainboweyes: Preparation Parfumée is a great recommendation but I’m afraid it’s discontinued 🙁
        I love that scent, too. March 16, 2014 at 4:58pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: I’m not a fan of heavy florals either (soliflores, in particular), although I like the natural smell of most real flowers. That’s the reason why I mostly wear iris (the scent is extracted from the root, not the flower), currently I have Hermés Hiris and Chanel 28 La Pausa in my spring rotation.
      I’ve discovered the young German-Swedish perfume line Friedemodin recently. It has four scents only but I found them all very elegant and balanced. My favourite from the line is Jardin Mystique (black currant, jasmine and lily of the valley).
      Another moderate floral for the spring is Parfums DelRae Mythique (iris, peony and jasmine). Also their newest creation called Wit sounds very interesting.
      For the spicy/woody part I would suggest Lumiere Blanche by Olfactive Studio, Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne and Untitled by Maison Martin Margiela. My top favourite spicy/smoky scent is Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha but it’s very special, I’m not sure if you’d like it.

      As for block soaps in NYC I probably won’t be very helpful as I’m based in Germany but I’ve bought some very nice handmade soaps from Northern Europe recently. The manufacturers – Flow Cosmetics and Aammumaa – come from Finland as far as I know. March 17, 2014 at 1:03pm Reply

    • Alouetta: I wonder if you might like To See a Flower by CB I Hate Perfume. It has both a light and very real flower, quite green, but also an earthiness. I don’t like florals much myself and appreciate your taste (I love both Jardin en Med. and Philosykos) but found To See a Flower quite charming. March 18, 2014 at 5:19pm Reply

      • Alouetta: Ha! Sorry, newbie response to the wrong person. My comment was directed at Sara. March 18, 2014 at 7:37pm Reply

        • Sara: Thank you Alouetta, I checked the notes and it sounds interesting. I’m new to CBIHP, do you know anything about the difference between the oil and the water perfume? March 19, 2014 at 7:43am Reply

          • Alouetta: I’m afraid I don’t but what I sniffed was the water perfume. It only lasted a few hours on my skin, so perhaps the oil would last longer? March 19, 2014 at 6:25pm Reply

  • Karen: Thanks Snowyowl! I thought it had been discontinued and never thought to check online ’til I came upon this website. Which is how I’ve come to be asking here. I appreciate your help. Karen March 16, 2014 at 1:32pm Reply

  • spe: Hope I’m not repeating anyone’s request! Please provide me the name(s) of your favorite myrrhe scent and why you enjoy it. Or even those you’d like to try, but haven’t had a chance to sniff yet. Thank you! March 16, 2014 at 4:22pm Reply

  • Hannah: Not a recommendation request, but a question…
    How can you check to see how much perfume is left in a CDG Incense series bottle? I’m trying to use Ouarzazate but I have no idea how much more I have to go. March 17, 2014 at 8:28am Reply

    • Victoria: I don’t think that you can, except for shaking the bottle and judging based on that. March 17, 2014 at 11:15am Reply

    • Austenfan: What you could do is tapping it and listening for a difference in sound. A full part of the bottle will reflect the sound differently from the empty part. Mind you, this isn’t easy.
      I occasionally do this, but having been trained as a doctor it is easier. It’s a trick you use to determine the kind of structure beneath the skin of the chest or abdomen. March 17, 2014 at 12:20pm Reply

  • Michael: This isn’t a perfume recommendation per se, but I found the following excerpts from an article about men’s fragrance in yesterday’s Sunday Times Style magazine quite interesting …

    SCENT OF A GENT
    [Looking for something complex and sophisticated? Katie Service reveals what and how you should be spritzing]

    http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/style/fashion/Beauty/article1385523.ece

    Thoughts/Opinions? March 17, 2014 at 9:05am Reply

    • Victoria: Michael, I replaced the text with the link due to the copyright concerns. Quoting a couple of lines is ok, but pasting in a whole article is probably not a good idea. It’s a fun article, though. March 17, 2014 at 11:42am Reply

      • Michael: My apologies Victoria. I wasn’t sure if the article was available for free on the Sunday Times website as I’m not a subscriber. I found it interesting that the author recommended using Chanel No 5 EDP to give some of the stronger fragrances a “lift”. Also, I have a soft spot for Bleu de Chanel, even if it is a tad predictable. March 18, 2014 at 8:55am Reply

        • Victoria: That’s a curious idea, and I’m interested in trying it just to see what happens. Like you, I don’t mind Bleu de Chanel. Not that innovative, but the quality is nice. March 18, 2014 at 12:33pm Reply

    • George: I read this article too but was not convinced by it AT ALL. But it is worth reading (and sharing), simply for it’s awfulness. March 17, 2014 at 12:48pm Reply

  • Alouetta: I don’t know if I’ve left this too late but I also have I would love someone to recommend a perfume for a wedding in autumn. Outdoors, late afternoon into evening. I don’t have a head for white florals (excepting jasmine) or fragrances that go heavy on the aldehydes, but apart from that I like most things. Any suggestions would be welcome! March 18, 2014 at 7:47am Reply

    • Jehane: What colour & fabric will you be wearing? Do you find that some perfumes can/can’t be worn with certain colours/fabrics? For me, for instance, Yves St Laurent _Nu_ goes with rougher textured and more tawny-family fabrics than Prada Infusion D’Iris, which seems to flow better with softer materials and cool, alternately deep/pale, colour combinations. (Not mentioning these as autumn wedding scents but these are the 2 FBS I exhausted over last 6 months). Do you already have an idea of your outfit? March 18, 2014 at 4:53pm Reply

      • Alouetta: I’m going multicolured! Mostly electric blue, but I have some old kimono silk in pinks that will form a wrap. The whole thing looks drapey with structure if that makes any sense. I hadn’t thought of how perfume works with clothing- you’ve opened my mind! March 18, 2014 at 5:09pm Reply

        • Jehane: Oh I am getting a ripe but not overly sweet peachy feeling from that vibrant description! Like the tingling, rich precision of Japanese nature art. But as a relative ‘newbie’ shall defer to the experts who can make positive recommendations. March 18, 2014 at 5:36pm Reply

          • Alouetta: Thanks Jehane. I’ll look into peach though it seems hard to find one that isn’t calorific! If anyone has leads, let me know. March 19, 2014 at 10:13pm Reply

      • noseknows: Your outfit sounds beautiful! Jehane’s description makes me think of FM Le Parfum de Therese – a fruity chypre related to Diorella. People often describe the fruit as melon, but it’s deeper than that.

        Some other good fall perfumes are BK Liaisons Dangereuses (rose plum), Caron Parfum Sacre (rose-amber-incense), SSS Tabac Aurea (amber), Guerlain Shalimar (seductive oriental), and Pd’E Cuir Ottoman (ambery leather). March 19, 2014 at 8:16pm Reply

        • Alouetta: Oh thanks! I’ll have a look at those. March 19, 2014 at 10:13pm Reply

  • Yvonne: I do hope i’m not too late in my request…i’m looking for a strong candied pecan nut scent. I used to layer a Brazilian nut Shea butter dry mist with Samsara and it was just heaven. Men, young and old were drawn to the scent and asked “what it was that smelled so good!” so they could buy it for their wives. The lotion has been discontinued but I’m still searching for a replacement that I can use or layer to get the same scent. Any suggestions? Thank you!! March 18, 2014 at 5:39pm Reply

    • Victoria: Did you try The Body Shop? They used have a nut scented body butter. Also, Bath & Body might have something nut scented too, but I don’t remember specific names of their products. March 18, 2014 at 5:49pm Reply

      • Yvonne: Hi Victoria! No, not yet but I will see if they have it? Do you know any perfumes that sound like a good merging of the two scents? A nutty delicious Samsara or close relative? March 18, 2014 at 6:47pm Reply

        • Victoria: Oh, I just thought of something! Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau is very nutty and it has lots of sandalwood, so I recommend trying it. March 18, 2014 at 6:59pm Reply

  • Yvonne: Ooooh, yes I will try that too!! Thank you!! March 18, 2014 at 7:09pm Reply

  • Sebastiaan: Hi All,

    In April my mother turns 60 and I want to buy her something special yet age-appropriate. She’s always been incredibly interested in perfume, hence my passion for fragrance. She currently mainly wears Chanel N19, Clinique Aromatic Elixir and Estee Lauder Knowing. What would be a good birthday gift? March 27, 2014 at 8:29am Reply

    • Victoria: What do you think of Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue (or even the regular Infusion d’Iris)? It’s iris, it’s elegant and distinctive, but it’s softer than some of her other perfumes, which might be a good way to mix things up. Or Cartier La Panthere for a different chypre (since she clearly seems to like mossy-woody perfumes) with a twist of gardenia. You can also treat her to the parfum version of the fragrances she wears, if she doesn’t have them already. No 19 parfum is one of the most spectacular fragrances. March 27, 2014 at 9:26am Reply

      • rachel: Hi! I am having the hardest time finding a new perfume that I love! THe only thing that really moves me is Shalimar body cream it is so divine. I just wear it to bed sometimes or out for a special night not everyday. I have so many perfumes but nothing that gives me the same cozy feel. I have a sample of Costes someone recommended it is good but meh..Can anyone help?? March 27, 2014 at 11:03am Reply

        • Victoria: Have you tried anything from Shalimar family, like Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, Diptyque Volutes EDP or Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu? Not sure what kind of budget you have or access to which lines, but please let us know more details and we’ll try with other ideas. March 27, 2014 at 1:15pm Reply

          • rachel: Thank you so much! Yes I have Musc Ravageur and wore it to Bermuda on a trip and loved it, but for some reason it smells kind of masculine now strangely I like it more in warm weather I am in CT. Volutes I tried on recently at Space NK and it had something sharp that I did not like. If I can find what I am looking for I will splurge it is the one indulgence that I feel is worth it I have 5 kids and feel really haggard lately. I will try Fils de Dieu. What I love about Shalimar is that creamy drydown that is a little smokey and not overly sweet but still feminine to wear everyday. I love your site, my first girl is Victoria!! March 27, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

            • Victoria: Thank you so much, Rachel! 🙂
              5 kids, lucky you! But I imagine that you must have your hands full, so a bit of indulgence and pampering is a must. Have you tried Shalimar parfum? If you’re only familiar with the EDT/EDP, it’s worth testing. It’s, of course, very expensive, but if you love Shalimar, it’s the best treat.

              For other ideas, I’d recommend Estee Launder Amber Yland Ylang, L de Lolita Lempicka (gorgeous, cozy drydown), Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles, Lalique Le Parfum, Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille, and Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka. Also, Guerlain Tonka Imperiale is like the drydown of Shalimar. March 27, 2014 at 3:47pm Reply

              • rachel: I had the parfum and your right it is amazing mine smashed to smithereens a few years ago, that will make a great bday present. So many other great options I have never tried thank you! I will start my hunt and let you know! Thanks for not letting me wait long !! March 27, 2014 at 6:07pm Reply

      • Sebastiaan: I agree. I love N19 on her, and she already has poudre. I think Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue could work quite well, as I remember her mentioning she liked Prada Infusion d’Iris. In regards to La Panthere, I tried it the other day, and I definitely think it could be suitable. I would love to hear what you think about it! March 27, 2014 at 12:33pm Reply

        • Victoria: It’s on my list to review! 🙂 March 27, 2014 at 1:17pm Reply

          • Sebastiaan: Looking forward to it! March 31, 2014 at 6:16am Reply

  • Gonzalo: What do you people think about Diptyque Eau De Toilette Philosykos? The reviews of the perfume are good, but I wanted to ask your opinions here. March 27, 2014 at 1:37pm Reply

    • Victoria: It’s a favorite around here. A light, green fig that’s perfect year round, but especially in the summer. March 27, 2014 at 1:48pm Reply

  • Ada: I’d love to have a perfume recommendation–I’ve been looking for about six months yet and haven’t found a new love!

    Perfumes I’ve owned and loved:
    -Leila Lou by Rosie Jane
    -Miss Dior Cherie
    -Miss Dior Cherie L’eau
    -Chloe by Chloe (I liked Chloe Rose edition too)
    -*****Stella Sheer by Stella McCartney (I loved this one when I first bought it, but then one day, about three months into wearing it, I all of a sudden felt nauseated and couldn’t stand it, washed it off right away. Haven’t worn it since–it now smells too strong to me. I like the scent but even one spray is overwhelming.)

    Perfumes I’ve owned and HATED:
    -24 Faubourg by Hermes (this is smells like old lady to me. I can’t smell any of the floral notes that it’s supposed to have)
    -Chanel No 5 (again, smells just like 24 Faubourg to me–old lady! Perhaps I’m just not “mature” enough to appreciate it? Maybe it’s an acquired taste, like whiskey??)
    -Gucci Flora L’eau (this smelled sugary sweet. I hate sweet. There was no floral in the Flora, at least not to my nose.)

    Personal tastes:
    Judging by my love of Chloe and Stella, I seem to like rose scents. I hate anything fruity/sugary/vanilla/amber/”warm” in general, but according to Fragrantica Miss Dior Cherie and Leila Lou both have fruity notes, and Miss Dior is supposed to be sugary also, so maybe I only like these scents when they’re mixed in with other notes. I prefer fresh/clean/green over warm/sexy/rich. I love the smell of fresh flowers, not the smell of sexy perfume flowers, if that makes sense.

    Thank you! March 30, 2014 at 4:47pm Reply

    • Ada: Forgot to mention that Coco Mademoiselle is also a favorite, and that I liked it because I thought it similar to my beloved Miss Dior Cherie March 30, 2014 at 8:03pm Reply

    • renee: Try Rose the One. I love the scent of roses. This one reached out and grabbed my nose and my wallet. It is soft and not old lady at all. I too do not like so very famous scents. To each her own I guess. Good luck. April 4, 2014 at 8:27pm Reply

  • John Jackson: Hi Victoria,

    Wanted to know if you would so kindly recommend a 5 star cologne for me. I’m a male in my forties. Mature yet young in heart and mind. I’m a contemporary painter/artist/photographer and very active. I’m unconventional and masculine. I think I like earthy scents but still want to smell fresh and clean. Is that a contradiction? The most important thing is that my girlfriend loves my scent. What scents, mens colognes, do women love most?

    Thank you,
    John April 1, 2014 at 2:59am Reply

  • renee: Hi I am new to this site. I recently thought “Why have I never smelled Hyacinth which is my most favorite flower, in a perfume. I also love lavendar and lily of the valley. Years ago I loved Elysian Fields. I wore White Shoulders all my teen life but found that as an adult it “turned” on me. My body chemistry changed. So anyway if anyone can recommend something containing the above please let me know. Wonderful site! April 4, 2014 at 8:24pm Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Chanel Cristalle Eau de Parfum? It has a beautiful hyacinth note. Also, Gucci Envy, Jacomo Silences. Tom Ford Ombre de Hyacinth is very good, but it’s far too expensive. April 5, 2014 at 10:36am Reply

  • Carmen Kaiser: I have used Diptyque perfumes for a long time now. I want to know what people here have to say about the brand and its product. April 5, 2014 at 6:40pm Reply

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