Recommend Me a Perfume : May 2016

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

purple lilacs

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 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, all rights reserved

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326 Comments

  • Surbhi: I would like to try scents with oak moss notes. So, I would like suggestions both new and vintage (just to know). I generally wear florals with wood / spicy notes. May 9, 2016 at 7:52am Reply

    • Vanie: If you’re in the US, have a look at the Soivhole lineup. A few of them have oakmoss and are beautifully done. More specifically, I tried Green Oakmoss recently. May 9, 2016 at 8:16am Reply

      • Surbhi: The description was interesting on their website. I am very curious to try this now. May 9, 2016 at 9:52pm Reply

    • Danaki: I would recommend 4160 Tuesday’s Lady Rose Lion. I only tried a sample of that but it is a good modern oakmoss reference. May 9, 2016 at 9:07am Reply

    • Mary: Hace you tried Chypre Mousse by Oriza Legrand.It’s the most beautiful oakmoss. Check out the reviews! May 9, 2016 at 9:08am Reply

      • rainboweyes: Second Chypre Mousse and would like to add Chypre Palatin by Parfums MDCI and Famagusta by Erik Kormann. May 9, 2016 at 3:29pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Surbhi: it may be stating the obvious but Mitsouko and Miss Dior are to me the quintessential chypres. Vintage Miss Dior is really affordable on eBay Mitsouko more expensive usually. May 9, 2016 at 9:11am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: I’d also suggest Jacomo Silences, plus it’s not expensive! May 9, 2016 at 12:47pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: I’ve recently tried Silences, and I really liked it. And as Tomate Farcie says, inexpensive and easy to find online! May 9, 2016 at 5:59pm Reply

    • Mia: Hi Surbhi, seconding all the suggestions and adding Hiram Green Shangri La for quite a subtle oakmoss. May 9, 2016 at 2:34pm Reply

    • Surbhi: Rookie mistake. Didn’t realize oak moss would fall under chypre. Thanks everyone for suggestions.. I will try to find all of these and try them. May 9, 2016 at 9:51pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Chanel No. 19 May 9, 2016 at 10:17pm Reply

    • Citruslily: For special occasions I love the woody/spicy Eau du Soir by Sisley EDP. It demands attention so I usually get by with a single spritz on my pulse and then dab it in my neck area. Very long lasting on me! It may be a bit heavy at first but within an hour it subsides into such an amazing composition that lasts for hours! May 10, 2016 at 12:30pm Reply

      • Esolanace: Seconding that. Nicely done! May 12, 2016 at 4:23am Reply

    • Bilanxa: Please try Scherrer by Scherrer, it’s a green smooth oak miss beauty! Get the vintage if you can. May 10, 2016 at 11:19pm Reply

      • Bilanxa: I meant Oakmoss, darn autocorrect ! May 10, 2016 at 11:20pm Reply

    • cristina: Knowing by Estée Lauder is one of my favourites. If you can get a vintage bottle it would be more pleasant. May 11, 2016 at 9:57am Reply

      • cristina: Knowing is a rose chypre. But i would also recommend L’eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake and Shiseido’s discontinued Feminite du Bois. May 11, 2016 at 10:03am Reply

    • Janine: I would suggest Gris Montaigne from Dior! Lovely Rose Jasmin Mix with oakmoss in the Base May 19, 2016 at 12:41pm Reply

      • Surbhi: The notes are very appealing to me. I will have to try this one. May 19, 2016 at 1:20pm Reply

  • Maria: Hi everyone! I’m looking for something interesting and spring-like to wear when it really gets hot. I started exploring perfume in the fall so everything I’ve fallen in love with since then seems a little heavy. My favorites are Tom Ford Fleur the Chine (I wear this every day, pretty much), Chanel Coromandel, Carnal Flower, Hermes L’ambre de merveilles, and I also love really realistic flowers (like Lutens A la nuit, but that one is too potent on me when I first spray it and then it disappears after an hour, ugh). Thank you! May 9, 2016 at 7:53am Reply

    • Surbhi: Carnal flower actually worked really when it was super hot and humid (to my surprise)

      Some of my other spring favorites are: La tulipe, Ostara, eau de magnolia, sa majeste la rose (this actually smells like blooming roses) May 9, 2016 at 7:57am Reply

      • Briony hey: I’d definitely second Ostara – it’s one of my favourite spring florals. Unfortunately it’s being discontinued already (something to do with its name apparently), so if you’d like to try it you can snap it up half price right now. The little rollerballs are £9 from Penhaligon stores. May 9, 2016 at 9:10am Reply

        • Gabriela: Where can I find Ostara half price? thanks! May 9, 2016 at 12:36pm Reply

          • Briony hey: The Penhaligon stores are selling it off right now. You’ll probably find it online too. Perfume Click had it when I last looked and, strangely, Tesco Direct. May 9, 2016 at 12:53pm Reply

            • Gabriela: Thanks! May 9, 2016 at 1:10pm Reply

          • Bilanxa: Word of advice: see if you can try before you buy. For me, the opening is gorgeous. The middle and dry down is some what dreary to me. May 10, 2016 at 11:23pm Reply

      • Tomate Farcie: I love Carnal Flower in the heat and also Annick Goutal Songes! May 9, 2016 at 1:04pm Reply

    • Danaki: I’m wearing Ostara, which works in hot weather seemingly. I generally avoid the Lutens in summer, as in my experience they go sour or stuffy on me.
      From your preferences, have you tried Eau de Merveilles? You’ll sense the similarity in the base but the salty vibe is delicious in summer.
      Eau de Magnolia and Angelique sous la Pluie are amazing Malle offers for summer, IMHO
      Good luck May 9, 2016 at 9:10am Reply

      • Aurora: Sorry Danaki, I hadn’t seen comment re Eau des Merveilles. May 9, 2016 at 9:38am Reply

    • Aurora: When it gets really hot I enjoy colognes the most (very good ones from Acqua di Parma and Dior L’Escale series and Eau Fraiche) and also, Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil (green mango) en Mediterranee (figgy citrus), Eau de Rochas, Jacomo Silences, Annick Goutal Le Mimosa, Eau d’Hadrien. Just an idea, since you like l’Ambre perhaps you could switch to l’Eau des Merveilles for the summer? May 9, 2016 at 9:32am Reply

      • Aurora: Oh and I was forgetting liquorice perfumes: Caron Eau de Reglisse is really refreshing and affordable. May 9, 2016 at 9:41am Reply

        • Danaki: No worries Aurora…and also Eau de Reglisse is gorgeous in the summer and one can buy the 15ml making it cheaper May 9, 2016 at 10:50am Reply

    • Cybele: try Jour d’Hermes, Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y, Ormond Jayne Frangipani May 10, 2016 at 9:30am Reply

    • Esolanace: Hermès Eau de Narcisse Bleu, Guerlain Chamade. May 12, 2016 at 4:31am Reply

  • Surbhi: Victoria,

    This is such a lovely pic. I am enjoying these flowers from the picture only this year .. so thank you ! May 9, 2016 at 7:53am Reply

  • Lily: This is a general question, and one I’ve tried to read through the archives/suggested posts for. Never really saw a direct answer.

    How do you gauge the sillage of a fragrance? How do you determine whether it’s one to apply lightly or more heavily? I have found most perfumes to have good longevity on my skin (by which I mean, I can still get hints of it at the end of a work day) but cannot tell if they are noticeable to anyone but me. In a way that is fine, bc I am wearing them for me, but I would like to know how you figure out if a perfume projects well. Do you just have to ask a friend “can you smell me now?”, or are there tests/experiments I can run by myself?

    Thanks! May 9, 2016 at 8:19am Reply

    • Aurora: Lily, I can only describe what I do: if I don’t have to bring my wrist close to my nose to smell it’s a high sillage scent, if I have to: low sillage. May 9, 2016 at 9:35am Reply

      • Lily: I had seen that tip, but none of my perfumes seem to be smellable further than 2 inches off my wrist, which made me think there must be some trick to this. How much do you spray and how long do you wait to sniff? Thanks! May 9, 2016 at 2:55pm Reply

        • Aurora: 2 for the neck and 1 for each wrist (also depending on the strength of sprayers). I let it dry for a few minutes then sniff. May 9, 2016 at 5:41pm Reply

    • AC: Hi Lily – I think Victoria recommended this method somewhere on this blog as a way to determine sillage: Spray the perfume on a blotter and leave it in a room; the degree to which you can smell the perfume from the blotter upon re-entering the room will give you an idea of its sillage. May 9, 2016 at 10:47am Reply

      • Elisa: That’s a good tip. Also, perfumes with more sillage tend to get more compliments. May 9, 2016 at 1:21pm Reply

      • Lily: Thanks! I will try this method. May 9, 2016 at 2:57pm Reply

      • Lora: I believe she said to wait approx. 15 minutes and then come back and check to see if you notice the scent in the room. So, low sillage if unnoticed.
        😀 May 9, 2016 at 4:52pm Reply

  • Aurora: This is to extend a heartfelt thank you to Megan, Michaela, Tati, Kayliz, Rainboweyes, Alicia, Michael and a special thank you to Hammamelis (and I hope I am not forgetting anyone) for taking the time of answering my query about violet perfumes in the last thread. This has expanded my horizons no end, and I’ve been sampling some of your recommendations ever since – I’m still doing so – and while Jolie Madame extrait remains a favorite I can see several bottles being added to my violette collection. May 9, 2016 at 8:22am Reply

    • kayliz: Aurora, that’s great to know! Funnily enough I thought about your violet quest the other day and was kicking myself for not mentioning Lipstick Rose and Misia. So here they are, just in case no one else mentioned them either:)
      Jolie Madame extrait sounds lush — is that vintage or are they still making it? May 9, 2016 at 6:34pm Reply

      • kayliz: Just seen you mention Misia below:) Despite the name, I find Lipstick Rose less rosy than Misia. May 9, 2016 at 6:48pm Reply

        • Aurora: Hello Kayliz: I’m was so grateful for the wonderful recommendations.
          Re Jolie Madame: It is still made but changed and not for the better; my extrait is vintage bought on eBay here in the UK and is in great condition, so keep your eyes open as it is not very expensive (I paid £25 for 15ml of extrait and the vintage EDT – cylinder bottle with a bow as opposed to the modern rectangular – is fairly reasonable). I fell for Misia (isn’t the rose note stunning) but I am still to try Lipstick Rose. May 10, 2016 at 5:58am Reply

          • kayliz: Belated but appreciative thanks for this answer! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for Jolie Madame. May 15, 2016 at 8:13pm Reply

      • Notturno7: Thanks for asking that question, Kayliz! I was wondering the same. I’d love to purchase a Jolie Madame perfume. Never tried it, just an current EDT and it felt too light, almost like a detergent scent😁 I wonder if they make a perfume anymore! May 9, 2016 at 7:41pm Reply

        • Petunia: Notturno7, I have found vintage minis of Jolie Madame on EBay, if you are willing to take the risk. Luckily, they aren’t too expensive and the scent is heavenly! May 9, 2016 at 11:41pm Reply

          • Notturno7: Petunia, thank you!! I will look for it. May 10, 2016 at 5:08am Reply

          • Aurora: Sorry Petunia, I hadn’t seen you had answered the query about Jolie Madame. Our experience seems to be the same. May 10, 2016 at 6:03am Reply

            • Petunia: Aurora, Silly you! The more the merrier! Excellent answer BTW. May 10, 2016 at 7:59pm Reply

        • Aurora: Notturno: hello, see my answer to Kayliz above I do hope you will be able to get some, vintage extrait seems to keep very well based on my bottle. Good luck! May 10, 2016 at 6:01am Reply

          • Notturno7: Thank you for that tip, Aurora!😊that is great to know! May 11, 2016 at 11:56pm Reply

          • Notturno7: I forgot to mention that I have and love Misia, too. Hope they make the extrait soon! May 11, 2016 at 11:58pm Reply

    • Michaela: I’m happy for you, Aurora! I love your idea about the violet journey. Enjoy your Jolie Madame Extrait, also. May 10, 2016 at 7:23am Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much Michaela. It’s great fun to explore the recommendation and, yes, I’m making the most of my vintage Jolie Madame extrait and EDT. May 10, 2016 at 7:56am Reply

  • Vanie: I’m going to Italy soon (Rome and Sicily, more specifically) and I would like to have some suggestions of either Italian brand or Italy-inspired fragrances. We have a lot of things we want to visit, so we won’t have much time for perfume shopping, but I’ll still keep my eyes open. I mostly like pretty florals (rose, magnolia, neroli, etc.), chypres, light honey notes, etc, but stay away from gourmands (too much vanilla, caramel, fruits, chocolate…) and big white florals. May 9, 2016 at 8:24am Reply

    • Kat: Nobile 1942 – it’s a brand that is hard to find outside Italy. Some of their scents sound very intriguing. They’ve got a Chypre that I would like to sample very much but so far had no luck getting my hands on.
      http://www.nobile1942.it/index.asp May 9, 2016 at 9:09am Reply

      • Lora: You can purchase samples from: Surrender to Chance!
        I purchased it a few months ago and it is beautiful! A little warmer and not as sharp/crisp as some chypres can be.
        Check it out! May 9, 2016 at 5:00pm Reply

        • Kat: Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately Pay Pal is not my pal 😉 But I live close to Italy and one day I’ll manage to get my hands on a sample. Your descriptions sounds just like I imagined it. May 9, 2016 at 5:55pm Reply

      • Mer: Yes! Anonimo Veneziano is a… big white oriental? If Vanie likes that sort of thing it is fantastic. It must have some vanilla in the amber somewhere, but I am very sensitive -in a bad way- to gourmand vanillas and I love it anyway (I do like amber a lot when it doesn’t go too gourmand). May 10, 2016 at 4:17am Reply

      • Vanie: Thanks! I don’t know this brand so I’ll have to explore. Some of their fragrances have great names! May 10, 2016 at 8:17am Reply

    • Briony hey: There’s Carthusia – a great brand to look for in Sicily. And there’s also Farmacia Santa Maria Novella which is so beautiful it’s a treat to look round even if you don’t end up buying anything. May 9, 2016 at 9:15am Reply

      • Vanie: Thanks for the recommendations. Do you have a favourite from each of these brands? May 10, 2016 at 8:14am Reply

      • Vanie: And I thought Santa Maria Novella was only in Florence. Good to know it’s in Rome as well! May 10, 2016 at 8:28am Reply

        • Briony hey: Sorry, you’re right. It was Venice I came across Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, not Rome. It looks like they do have a small shop in Rome but it’s not a lovely pretty one. Still, it’ll be worth a look if you’re passing. I don’t have any specific favourites from either of these brands, I just noticed them when I was there. I remember the sales assistant telling me Carthusia’s Numero Uno was meant to capture the scents of Sicily. May 10, 2016 at 9:16am Reply

    • Ingvill: Italian scents are the best. To favourite Parfumeurs:
      The work of Maria Candida Gentile.
      Any scent of hers, really. Currently wearing her Burlesque.
      And lovely Acqua Delle Langhe from La Morra. Would recommend the scents Sarmassa and Lirano in particular, but personally, I love them all.
      Enjoy Roma. May 9, 2016 at 10:58am Reply

      • Vanie: I’m sure I will enjoy it immensely!
        I have a sample of Hanbury which is beautiful.
        From first glance I like the style of Acqua Delle Langhe a lot. However, they don’t seem to have selling points in any of the cities I’ll visit. I’ll keep my eyes open though. May 10, 2016 at 8:58am Reply

    • Andrea Roelofs: Acqua di Parma and Etro are two brands worth exploring. Oh, and Eau d”Italie. May 9, 2016 at 11:40am Reply

      • Vanie: I was thinking of getting Acqua Nobile Magnolia, but the magnolia that stole my heart is Malle’s.
        Do you have any particular fragrances from Etro that you’d recommend me? The bottles look beautiful! May 10, 2016 at 9:03am Reply

        • Andrea Roelofs: The bottles are indeed beautiful. I just have a sample of Shaal Nur that calls to me every once in awhile. I would love to try Messe de Minuit one day. May 10, 2016 at 10:48am Reply

    • Gabriela: Visit Maria Candida Gentile, if you like roses try her new Rrose Selavy. And please give us your thoughts, I haven´t tried it yet! May 9, 2016 at 12:40pm Reply

      • Nina Z: I second this suggestion! Wonderful line. I especially love Sideris. May 9, 2016 at 2:11pm Reply

      • Vanie: I’ll make sure to comment if I do end up trying it. Thanks for the tip! May 10, 2016 at 9:06am Reply

    • Mia: For me your wishes remind me of Vero Profumo Mito! May 9, 2016 at 2:40pm Reply

      • Vanie: It’s true that the note sounds right up my alley! Which formulation do you prefer? May 10, 2016 at 9:10am Reply

        • Mia: Dear Vanie, I have the Voile d’extrait and love it. I have not tested the others but based on others’ reviews also the edp is lovely. The parfum is probably heavenly. Have a happy Italian journey! May 10, 2016 at 3:41pm Reply

          • Vanie: Thanks for the wishes! May 10, 2016 at 8:55pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: Oh, there are quite a few outstanding Italian brands – Laboratorio Olfattivo has very interesting scents (my favourites are Daimiris, Nirmal and Noblige), Profumi di Pantelleria (Maestrale and Passum are nice), Tiziana Terenzi, Gabriella Chieffo (I loved Lye), Eau d’Italie with many outstanding creations, Farmazia SS Annunziata, Masque Fragranze… May 9, 2016 at 4:08pm Reply

      • Vanie: Thanks for all the suggestions! I’ll check these out tonight. May 10, 2016 at 9:13am Reply

    • Neva: Try out Lorenzo Villoresi. It’s based in Florence but I suppose you can find his perfumes in every bigger Italian city. And enjoy your trip! May 9, 2016 at 5:30pm Reply

      • Vanie: Thanks!
        It seems like Florence is the place to sniff! 😉 May 10, 2016 at 9:14am Reply

    • SilverMoon: Hi Vanie, well, like rainboweyes says, there are many excellent Italian perfumes. Its worth remembering that it was an Italian, Catherine de Medici, who is credited with bringing the tradion of perfume to the French court of King Henry II who she married in the early 16th century.

      Some of the best have already been mentioned, and I would also reiterate the recommendation of Carthusia (from the island of Capri – especially love Aria de Capri and Fiori de Capri); SS Annunciata and Santa Maria Novella (both houses linked to old Florence pharmacies – Regina from the first and maybe Melegrano from the second are among the best, although SMN has a huge range); Acqua de Parma (from Parma, lots of nice colognes, Iris Nobile, etc). One new one to add to the list here is Profumum Roma (especially since you plan to be in Rome – which is one of my favourite cities). Their perfumes are often oil based, so last well. Don’t spray on clothes! 😀 Among the interesting ones I recommend you try are Arso (woody) and Dambrosia (sweet floral), of course there are many others depending on your taste. May 9, 2016 at 6:40pm Reply

      • Vanie: I didn’t know that about Catherine de Medici. Thanks for the info!
        And thank you for all these recommendations. They sound wonderful! May 10, 2016 at 10:27am Reply

    • susan: Vanie, an Italian niche house that I discovered recently is Giulietta Capuleti. I particularly love Soul Drops from the line. Also Bottega Veneta Knot is gorgeous. May 9, 2016 at 8:29pm Reply

      • Vanie: Soul Drops sounds great, but the price… Ouch! The rest of the line seems more reasonable especially with the exchange rate from Canadian $ to Euro. May 10, 2016 at 10:31am Reply

        • Susan: Yes, the cost of the 100ml Soul Drops in the special presentation box is really over the top, but I was able to purchase the 50 ml ‘travel’ bottle for around 155 Euro at Vanity in Barcelona. May 10, 2016 at 5:36pm Reply

          • Vanie: Oh that’s good! May 10, 2016 at 8:55pm Reply

    • Esolanace: Profumum, by all means. Their Ambra is my favorite amber ever, and they ate not too expensive. May 12, 2016 at 4:41am Reply

  • spe: Hello everyone,

    I’d like to explore the Lancome fragrances.

    Would you please describe what you like and dislike about: Climat, Sikkim, and Peut Etre (new formulations)?

    Also, do you like Red Door?

    I enjoy green florals like Vent Vert, Chanel 19, and Bel Respiro.

    Thank you! May 9, 2016 at 8:30am Reply

    • Sofie: Hi spe, I don’t really know about those fragrances. I’ve got a mini of Red Door. I work in aged care and it’s the perfume I see most on the vanity table of the ladies I work with. Hence the mini, I wanted to try it for myself 😊. I love the sillage on others, I really do, but it’s not something I like wearing personally. May 10, 2016 at 4:56am Reply

      • spe: Sofie your experience makes me laugh. Perhaps I need to stick to fragrances I already have! May 10, 2016 at 9:09am Reply

  • Sofie: Hi, I was wondering… Does anyone dream with smells? I don’t think I do and I’m curious to hear other experiences… May 9, 2016 at 9:11am Reply

    • Elisa: I can never smell or taste in my dreams. I assume this is because those senses are mostly shut down during deep sleep. May 9, 2016 at 1:22pm Reply

      • Sofie: Interesting though, because I do dream about feeling and touching. But not tasting, smelling and come to think of it hearing. If I do I’m sure it’s in a very abstract manner.
        Thanks for your take Elisa May 10, 2016 at 4:16am Reply

    • Aurora: I find this question really interesting. I think I don’t but not sure, I will pay more attention in future. May 9, 2016 at 2:52pm Reply

      • Sofie: Hi Aurora, don’t you think it’s quite remarkable that it is hard to remember how you dream? I mean, we do it every night.
        I read somewhere that scientists for a long time believed we dream in black and white (non fiction so I don’t know if the claim is true) and only added colour later in our recollections. It took me a very long time to realise I do dream in colour.
        Re the smelling, if I have read a lot of reviews before going to bed I might actuallyd dream about perfume and reviews, but it’s always visual… I think 😄… May 10, 2016 at 4:24am Reply

        • Aurora: Yes, when you think we spend time dreaming every night, and then it’s all forgotten. Thank you for raising a very thought provoking question. May 10, 2016 at 6:10am Reply

    • Notturno7: What a great question, Sofie! I have fun dreams and have had chocolate truffles and champagne in dreams.
      Even went to Chanel boutique in my dreams to buy a bag and remember touching that beautifully soft leather. But I don’t remember perfumes!! Will have to make up for that! 😊 Off I go to sleep with Chamade perfume on my wrist and we shall see….💜 May 10, 2016 at 5:20am Reply

      • Sofie: Sounds like you have really nice dreams Notturno ☺. Thanks for chiming in. Fragrant dreams 😉. May 10, 2016 at 8:41am Reply

        • Notturno7: Thanks, Sofie! I usually have pretty amazing dreams, like flying with friends to different planets or seeing dear ones that passed away and waking up in happy tears….. But this time, I didn’t remember anything 😊 the only thing was, my wrists still smelled soooo good from Chamade extrait!! Quite a jewel 💜 and it’s funny cause I didn’t realize how much others mentioned Chamade in this thread till after I posted that?! May 13, 2016 at 4:07am Reply

    • Michaela: Very interesting question!
      As far as I remember, my dreams are all visual, sometimes in colors. Nothing else. I wonder if smell, taste, sound or touch are possible in a dream. I just can’t remember. May 10, 2016 at 7:30am Reply

      • Sofie: Well, Notturno up here and me, both seem to remember touch in our dreams. Bot other than the visual, the other senses seem to be more abstract. Maybe a bit like watching a mute film? May 10, 2016 at 8:46am Reply

        • Michaela: A mute emotional film for my dreams, well said. May 10, 2016 at 8:59am Reply

          • spe: Predominantly mute, but sometimes words are exchanged. I do dream in color sometimes. Very interesting! May 12, 2016 at 1:39am Reply

    • Bilanxa: At least twice in my life I have experienced smell in my dreams! I have often composed songs in my dreams that I can barely remember upon awakening. In my awake life I have NO musical abilities…. May 10, 2016 at 11:30pm Reply

  • elizzile: Aerin Lauder has a line of delightful fragrances that I have only recently discovered. Mediterranean Honeysuckle is the most recent addition. Mediterranean Honeysuckle, Lilac Path and Waterlilly Sun are all descriptive of these fragrances as visual encounters. There is a conservative elegance that is most pleasing. May 9, 2016 at 9:31am Reply

    • DP: These are all nice. A coffret was offered as a gift with purchase recently. I was looking for a replacement for the EL Private Collection Jasmine White Moss which has been recently discontinued, and hoped that since Aerin was behind that perhaps one of her recent collection might be similar. That was not the case for me but there wasn’t one that I did not like. Beautiful full size bottles, too. May 9, 2016 at 10:32am Reply

      • elizzile: EL Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia has been a favorite of mine for several years. I recently discovered jasmine’s fragrant allure. I will now be looking for EL Jasmine White Moss. In fact, I just ordered Aerin’s Ekat Jasmine, without a prior sniff. May 9, 2016 at 10:46am Reply

      • PrincessTonk: Victoria and March (NST) have both compared EL Jasmine White Moss to Cristalle – not as a clear dupe, but creating a similar vibe. (If I misread, Victoria, forgive me!) May 9, 2016 at 12:15pm Reply

  • Kaja: Dear all. I really love le parfum de Therese (Frederic Malle). Unfortunately, this perfume has
    very low sillage and longevity on me.
    Do you know of any perfumes you would deem similar to le parfum de Therese, which I
    could try? Thank you for your help! May 9, 2016 at 9:57am Reply

    • Aurora: Vintage Diorella might be an answer Kaja, as like Le Parfum de Therese it was originally created by Edmond Roudnitska. I would say look for vintage as unfortunately, very recently I detected Dior had added cumin in the already only competent version of Diorella but perhaps you could smell modern as well just in case you find you don’t mind the cumin. May 10, 2016 at 8:42am Reply

    • Neva: I agree with Aurora. First, there’s nothing similar to the beautiful Le Parfum de Therese, but the one that comes closest to it is Diorella. I’ve tried the newest version and it’s rather good. It has the freshness and the flowers but not the orange note that I smell in LPDT. May 10, 2016 at 9:25am Reply

    • Cybele: Chanel 31, Rue Cambon and Cristalle EDP (but try also EDT) or a bit less feminine is L’Eau d’Hermes May 10, 2016 at 9:34am Reply

    • Kaja: Thank you for these suggestions! I have googled diorella and it seems to be a much loved perfume (both vintage and new). I will defintely get it. I already have 31 rue de Cambon and it is indeed a fragrance that I love. Must also smell l’eau d’Hermes. Kaja May 12, 2016 at 4:58am Reply

    • Tiffany: Try Amouage Jubilation 25. It is different from PdT but shares attributes of Diorella. Diorella is one of my favorite perfumes and I am always on the lookout for contemporary perfumes that are in any way like the Roudnitskas! I’ve also read that contemporary Dior Diorama has something in common with PdT, but have not tried it as it’s impossible to get samples of it. May 13, 2016 at 11:11am Reply

  • Peggy: This is a general perfume question: what is the rubber note in Chanel Misia? Does anyone else find it in the top notes? May 9, 2016 at 10:26am Reply

    • Aurora: Peggy: I have a very recent experience of Misia and in the top notes my nose gets violet a candied one, a little bit smoky and quite a lot of aldehydic powder too which perhaps registers as rubber to your nose. Then on my skin it’s all about the rose. I do get rubber in Shalimar, and love it but it’s probably not people’s favorite note in general. May 9, 2016 at 11:54am Reply

    • Jessicarus: Yes, I intermittently get a strong rubber note from the beginning of Misia. I love the rest of the perfume, but that one note makes it difficult for me to enjoy. I wish I knew what creates it– hopefully someone will. May 9, 2016 at 2:31pm Reply

  • Trudy: I love these posts and all the comments and recommendations. I am looking for a soft wearable spring/summer perfume. I tend to favor florals with the exception of rose (I love real roses but haven’t found a rose perfume that I like). I would like something fresh and beautiful that I can spray without thinking of over spraying. I tried Ostera and it’s nice but I didn’t love it. I tried Chantecaille Tiare and Petals but they both disappeared quickly (for the price I would want them to linger longer). I thought I would like the original Marc Jacobs gardenia…and it is lovely… but no. I liked Bond’s Chinatown, Tom Ford Fleur de Chine, and by Killian Love Surrender but they all are so expensive and don’t seem to last. I found by Killian has very little sillage but maybe that is because all I had was a very small sample and just couldn’t spray enough?) Does anyone have thoughts on Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil or Diqtyque Do San? Any suggestions would be appreciated. May 9, 2016 at 10:39am Reply

    • Cyndi: I have a bottle of Diptyque’s Do Son, and I thinks it lovely, particularly for the spring and summer months. It reminds me a little of EL’s Private Collection Tuberose and Gardenia. When I wear it I receive many compliments. May 9, 2016 at 10:57am Reply

      • Alicia: I have had the same experience with Do Son. It seems to me that the similarity with Lauder’s is the tuberose. Although I have both, Tuberose Gardenia is in my opinion a masterpiece. Do Son seems to me more casual and light, and so I wear it during daytime. A lovely fragrance. May 12, 2016 at 4:05am Reply

        • Notturno7: I love Tuberose Gardenia, especially in warm weather 😍. It is a masterpiece perfume! May 12, 2016 at 5:28am Reply

    • Ingvill: I’d like to recommend Jo Malone’s Freesia and English Pear. It’s simple and uncomplicated, soft and wearable. Lovely. May 9, 2016 at 11:09am Reply

    • Aurora: Big fan of sur le Nil, here, I have a bottle, and really rely on it in summer for its green mango, not sickly at all and what I suppose it the papyrus note; I find it both unusual and easy to wear, it lasts very well on my skin but doesn’t project too much. May 9, 2016 at 12:03pm Reply

    • Gabriela: Do San is lovely, I thimk you will like it. As for roses have you tried Frederic Malle Une Rose? May 9, 2016 at 12:43pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: I love Parfums DelRae Wit and Eau d’Italie Jardin du Poete May 9, 2016 at 12:51pm Reply

    • Danaki: I love Jour d’Hermes…it’s flankers are also equally interesting if white florals is what you’re looking for. May 9, 2016 at 12:59pm Reply

      • Andrea Roelofs: I second Jour dHermes. It is my “go to” fragrance in the spring and summer. I need to try the flankers. May 9, 2016 at 1:40pm Reply

    • Mia: Perhaps Frederic Malle En Passant, a lilac? May 9, 2016 at 2:44pm Reply

    • AC: Diptyque’s Olene to me is along the line of the Killian you mentioned. I recall that one lasting quite well with good sillage.

      I second the En Passant mention – a most lovely lilac. May 9, 2016 at 3:25pm Reply

    • Trudy: Thank you all for the wonderful recommendations and comments. Ive made a list and will be perfume shopping soon! May 9, 2016 at 4:07pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I love Un Jardin Sur le Nil! The other Hermes Jardin fragrances are lovely too and most work well in hot weather. If you like florals that don’t smell like everyone else’s but aren’t outrageously expensive, check out Lili Bermuda, http://www.lilibermuda.com. It is an independent perfumery and brand in Bermuda, and they ship to the U.S. I especially like Coral, Lily, Pink and Petals. May 9, 2016 at 5:36pm Reply

    • kayliz: Van Cleef and Arpels Gardenia Petale is beautifully soft. May 9, 2016 at 6:40pm Reply

      • MrsDalloway: I was going to recommend Gardenia Petale too. May 11, 2016 at 3:11am Reply

    • Lizbee: One of my very favorites for spring/summer is Sans un Mot by Jovoy Paris. It’s soft and beautiful and has wonderful sillage and longevity on me. May 9, 2016 at 8:48pm Reply

    • Jane: ~Definitely recommend Chasse au Papillons by L’Artisan Parfumeur. It doesn’t have a massive sillage and doesn’t last (on me) longer than 4 hours. Gorgeously floral and happy in a fresh and sparkly way. May 10, 2016 at 10:22am Reply

    • Surbhi: Are you looking for a rose perfume recommendation ? May 11, 2016 at 6:55pm Reply

      • Trudy: No, I have never really cared much for rose perfumes although I love actual roses 🙂 I’ve been looking for a soft easy summer fragrance. So many wonderful suggestions. So, I’ve been sampling. Currently wearing Chasse aux Papillons on one wrist and Do Son on the other. Both are just lovely. Thanks to all for the great comments and suggestions. May 11, 2016 at 7:28pm Reply

      • Trudy: I have to make an addition to my comment regarding rose perfumes: While shopping with the list of everyone’s recommendations (all so lovely), I sampled Parfums Del Rae Coupe de Foudre. Kind of fell in love with this one….and it is a rose! It is sparkling, sunny and…tender (?). Love it so much I’m going to buy a full bottle…I guess you just can know what may speak to your heart. May 13, 2016 at 1:38pm Reply

        • Trudy: Meant to say you just never know what might speak to your heart. So unexpected. May 13, 2016 at 1:40pm Reply

  • AC: Hi all! As the weather is warming up, I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions on spring/summer cologne type scents for someone who doesn’t love citrus?

    I’m slowly coming around to the note, and do like Mona di Orio’s Eau Absolue, Chanel’s Eau de Cologne from their exclusifs line, and Atelier’s Bois Blonds. I’ve tried but could not get into AG’s Eau d’Hadrien – something about it feels sharp and screechy to me… May 9, 2016 at 10:43am Reply

    • Surbhi: If price is not a consideration.. I suggest Creed’s zest mandarine p.. Its not citrusy at all yet very fresh for summer. May 9, 2016 at 11:01am Reply

    • irem: Hello AC, I feel the same way about Eau de Hadrian. There is something feeling like nails on chalkboard in it. Did you enjoy Chanel’s Eau de Cologne? If so, you might want to try Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino. It is definitely citrus, but nicely accented (though seriously overpriced). Another gem from Chanel is Cristalle of course. I’d suggest you try the Eau de Toilette for citrus + green flowers and oakmoss, and Eau de Parfum for a fruitier interpretation. Also great are the Hermes Colognes. The gentiane and narcisse ones, especially, are not heavy on citrus. Another favorite of mine is Clarins Eau Dynamisante. Huge bottle, very well priced to spray with abandon in Summer. There is also O de Lancome if you like more masculine scents. Good luck with your adventure! May 9, 2016 at 11:06am Reply

    • Lily: Chloe’s L’Eau de Chloe has become a current favorite for me, after trying enough citrus cologne type scents to despair of finding one. It is lemon-rose-clean patchouli, but I get very little rose on my skin. Just lemony soapy zest, and it stays zesty the whole wearing. Good longevity too, at least on me, for this type of frag. May 9, 2016 at 12:19pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Do you like vetiver? guerlain Vetiver, Prada Infusion de Vetiver, Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire May 9, 2016 at 12:59pm Reply

      • Surbhi: I Second Vetiver Extraordinaire. It dries down as a very lovely sandalwood (and good sandalwood) May 11, 2016 at 6:53pm Reply

    • Aurora: And if it is… Le Couvent des Minimes Eau des Missions if a light vanilla, very pleasant, no citrus but it is a cologne. Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit is very green and good in summer with no citrus, same with Jacomo Silences. Also do you like lavender? A good lavender is Penhaligon’s Lavandula, no citrus (there are also countless French lavender waters; more ‘perfumey’ but still light l’Artisan Parfumeur Oeillet Sauvage, but only if you like carnation, for Annick Goutal have you tried Le Mimosa and La Violette? They don’t have the citrus of Hadrien and are light enough for summer. May 9, 2016 at 1:03pm Reply

    • Alicia: I love Eau Perfumée au The Vert. Last summer I used a lot of Eau de Narcisse Bleu and Malle Eau de Magnolia.Burberry Brit Rhythm with a hint of lavender is charming. May 9, 2016 at 1:35pm Reply

    • AC: Thank you all for such great suggestions! So many things to try 😀 May 9, 2016 at 3:28pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I really like Lili Bermuda’s Coral for warm weather. It has a top note of clementine which adds the freshness of citrus without being too citrusy — it’s sweeter than lemon or bergamot, but not sugary. Here’s the list of notes:
      Top note: Clementine, Ginger, Black Pepper, Freesia;
      Heart note: Pink Rose, Muguet, Water Lily;
      Base note: White Musks, Vetiver. You can order it from their online store at http://www.lilibermuda.com. May 9, 2016 at 5:46pm Reply

    • Indigo: I heartily second the Eau Dynamisante suggestion – really just a fabulous summer chypre. You might also think about Guelain’s Aqua AllegoriaHerba Fresca for a fresh-cut grass scent. I also think that Après l’Ondée is a tonic in the summer with its anisic top note and delicate floral body. Or you could just embrace the heat and go for something killer like Carnal Flower… May 10, 2016 at 3:51pm Reply

    • MrsDalloway: Institut Tres Bien Cologne a l’Italienne is beautiful. I haven’t tried their Cologne a la Francaise but that’s meant to be closer to the Chanel. I also really like Whip and Eau Noble by Le Galion. May 11, 2016 at 3:15am Reply

    • Surbhi: Tom Ford’s grey orchid (its not in the exclusive collection) EDT and and EDP smell very different to me..one is much greener than other. I don’t remember which one though. May 11, 2016 at 6:51pm Reply

  • Elizabeth: After several false starts, I have learned to love Guerlain’s Vol du Nuit. Unfortunately, the EDT lasts about 5 minutes on me. The extract is out of my budget….. is there anything else like it with a bit more strength. I should add that there are many notes in Vol du Nuit that I do not normally like. Somehow Guerlain managed, even in current formulation to do something “dry” that I really love.
    Thank you in advance for any suggestions or insight. May 9, 2016 at 12:06pm Reply

    • irem: Hello Elizabeth, I have no suggestions but I do share your love for Vol de Nuit. I have been lusting after a bottle of the extract for over 10 years now. Right at this moment, I realized that if I had set a dime aside each day during this time, I would have had enough funds for a bottle. I will start today 🙂 May 9, 2016 at 2:16pm Reply

      • Sofie: Irem, what positivity! I love it! It’s so easy to get deflated by the prices of perfumes (I know I do anyway), but here you are turning it around. Some things are worths saving for. Thank you for this. May 10, 2016 at 5:06am Reply

    • Indigo: It seems as though several people are thinking about sillage and/or longevity on this month’s thread. I also love Vol de Nuit but have dismissed it due to its terrible longevity too. But I haven’t smelt anything else like it. So sorry, no helpful suggestions.
      Bottega Veneta is another one that is lovely but fleeting; I have drained a 30ml bottle in a month and will not be repurchasing. Bois des Iles is another favourite that sounds as though it is only strong enough in extrait format. And now that Feminité du Bois has been re-re formulated to be not just a skin scent but one without any body, I’m not sure where to turn…
      Are there other woody, mysterious scents with power left? Is the Merveilles range still good? I was thinking of going back to Hermes for my next bottle.mOr the cedar in Narciso? (It’s my birthday tomorrow and my wardrobe is looking a little bare…) May 10, 2016 at 3:45pm Reply

      • Michaela: Happy Birthday to you!
        I think the Merveilles line is still excellent. I don’t know the others. May 11, 2016 at 7:06am Reply

        • Indigo: Thank you Michaela! I had a pretty good day, managed to negotiate something important that will make life much easier for my team at work, so I’m feeling good. I’ll be visiting the Hermès counter this weekend, I think! May 11, 2016 at 4:33pm Reply

          • PrincessTonk: Happy birthday Indigo. L’ambre des Merveilles is my favorite of the line. As far as Vol de Nuit, I’m in love with it and I would just spray with abandon and use body cream if you feel it doesn’t last well. Nothing like it. Narciso is delicious too. I just like too many things… May 14, 2016 at 10:47pm Reply

      • Theresa: You ask for “woody, mysterious scents with power” — you could try anything by Andy Tauer – his scents have the wearing power of iron! I particularly recommend “L’air du desert marocain” but I also like Chypre Rose a lot. His explorer set is very affordable, and the 2 mL samples are powerful enough that they will last a loooong time. May 12, 2016 at 4:00pm Reply

        • Indigo: Thanks, Theresa. L’air du desert marocain was recommended to me before but when I got a sample it blew me away (not in a positive way). There was a very strong, and on me – sour – wood shavings top note which I could not cope with. I looked good but ultimately I found it too all-wood and masculine leaning. May 14, 2016 at 3:41pm Reply

      • CC: I have Marrakech by Aesop and very much recommend it. It’s not purely woodsy but overall it feels like you’ve just left a heady spice stall and carry spice powders in your hair and wood shavings in the soles of your leather mules. It was lovely reviewed by Luca Turin somewhere. I once dropped (and broke) a bottle at my work space and was only half-sad, as the days that followed were a pretty amazing scent cloud. Needless to say I had to replace it… May 16, 2016 at 11:36pm Reply

    • Kris: I just got Au Dela by San Francisco perfumer Bruno Fazzolari. It is not a duplicate for Vol de Nuit, which I adore, but it’s definitely in the same family–a powdery dry chypre that starts off green and dries down to warm oak mossy goodness. It’s an eau de parfum and I find it quite long-lasting, even on my dry scent-eating skin. It’s not cheap, but it’s not Vol de Nuit extrait either! May 11, 2016 at 10:34pm Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Elizabeth, I love Vol de Nuit, too.
      It’s hard to find the replacements for that one. Thinking of woodsy ones- I love Aromatic Elixir ( E. Lauder) and although I have a bottle, and know how it smells, I ended up stopping 2 unknown women and asking what they were wearing! And it was AE. May 13, 2016 at 3:40pm Reply

  • Ariel: Hi all, does anyone know a perfume with sea ​​buckthorn notes? It’s a berry that grows mostly in the nothern areas and my grandma used to collect it at our summer house. I would like to find a fragrance that contains it to remind me of my childhood. There is of course the weleda sea ​​buckthorn line, but their perfume (including the recent fragrance) does not smell (to me) as sea ​​buckthorn at all, but only as fresh agrumes. Thank you so much in advance for your help! May 9, 2016 at 12:10pm Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Ariel — Gosh, I’ve never heard of sea buckthorn before. You learn something new every day!

      Do you know about the “search by notes” feature on Fragrantica’s site? I’ve found it to be really useful, plugging in two or three smells I’m interested in, then seeing which perfumes get pulled up that have them. If no one else has sea buckthorn ideas, you might give that a try. Good luck. May 11, 2016 at 10:54am Reply

      • Ariel: Thanks a lot for the suggestion! I didn’t know about this feature on Fragrantica. I have just checked it and unfortunatly sea buckthorn is not listed among the notes.

        Sea buckthorn is not the sexiest berry 🙂 but it is supposed to have health benefits for the immune system (a part from having that distinctive smell whose hints I’m trying to find in a fragrance) May 11, 2016 at 11:09am Reply

        • PrincessTonk: I am wearing a face oil that is Seabuckthorn and it is patchouli like? I got it from Living Libations http://www.livinglibations.com/default/catalogsearch/advanced/result/?name=Seabuckthorn and they have lots of products containing that. Don’t think they have a perfume… May 14, 2016 at 10:33pm Reply

          • Ariel: Thanks a lot for the tip! I might try to get the essential oil (that will do for the fragrance, maybe if I mix it with a base? Have never tried this). To me it smells like agrumes with some oriental hint (patchouli sounds just right!), but at the same time the smell of the fresh berries is so distinctive that it’s not easy to put into words. May 15, 2016 at 5:54am Reply

  • Nat: Guys,
    Looking for a perfect apple scent (dkny and joop kind of don’t do it for me).

    Thank you May 9, 2016 at 12:58pm Reply

    • Aurora: One of my favourite scents for summer Cacharel Noa L’Eau has a distinctive apple note (along with blackcurrant) I suddenly remembered as I was recommended it to Monika. It is still available on line, as in stores I haven’t seen it since the launch in 2014. May 10, 2016 at 8:18am Reply

      • Aurora: Hello again Nat. I kept thinking about your apple query and went to my sampled notes: By Kilian Forbidden Games is another possible choice. It’s on the pricey side but you might be interested in sampling it, I liked it very much. May 12, 2016 at 7:48am Reply

    • Indigo: I get stewed apple in Kenzo’s Jungle l’éléphant and Portrait of a Lady. Both come with a heavy dose of spices, though. I haven’t tried, but have been intrigued to test Traversée du Bosphore. May 10, 2016 at 3:54pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Indigo: it seems we are! I’m sorry that you’ve had issues with longevity lately, it’s maddening when it happens with a perfume one would love otherwise.

      Re Hermes: I ownCaleche, I only have to apply once in the morning to enjoy the glorious spicy woodiness all day and there is also the Soie de Parfum that you can layer with. Elixir des Merveilles is even longer lasting. Happy Birthday, here’s hoping you get plenty of fragrant presents. May 11, 2016 at 7:44am Reply

      • Indigo: Thank you so much for these suggestions. I don’t think I’ve ever tried Calèche (something that I shall rectify as soon as I am able) and Elixir des Merveilles is a scent I have nearly purchased so many times.
        I don’t know if it’s naive, but I still have some vague “brand trust” with Hermès in the way I no longer do for Guerlain (who have been so re formulated) and Chanel (who can be patchy). May 11, 2016 at 4:37pm Reply

        • Aurora: Your welcome, Indigo. Yes, I agree I trust Hermes, they seem to curate their fragrance very well and they haven’t been ‘swallowed up’ by LVMH. So let’s keep in business and buy their fragrances. May 12, 2016 at 7:45am Reply

          • Aurora: You are welcome not ‘your’ sorry for the typo. May 12, 2016 at 7:56am Reply

    • limegreen: Yves Rocher has an apple fragrance (I think it’s called Apple Delight).
      I smell apple in Dolce Vita Light Blue, but it’s probably just me. May 11, 2016 at 11:43am Reply

    • Hamamelis: For apple you can try Un Jardin sur le Toit. May 14, 2016 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Tati: Hi Nat, One of my favorite summer perfumes — and it happens to have an apple note — is Aedes de Venusta’s Eau de Perfume. The other notes include rhubarb, tomato leaf, incense, and vetiver. It’s fresh and sour and lovely. Very unusual. May 14, 2016 at 11:54pm Reply

  • Malmaison: I grew up surrounded by a two-acre garden which my parents, both keen gardeners, planted with wonderful trees, flowers and shrubs of all kinds. My favourite tree was a Michelia Doltsopa which had the most beautiful, enormous waxy white flowers that smelt like what I used to think of as eggnog – a wonderfully spicy, vanilla-cinnamon, but fresh, scent. I’ve never smelt it anywhere else and the trees grow too big to plant in even my reasonably sized suburban garden.

    Recently I’ve been working my way through vanilla samples to try to recreate the Michelia fragrance. I’ve found some I love (like Eau des Missions) that still aren’t quite my perfect Michelia scent, some that are too smoky for the purposes of this quest, and some that are just too sweet or synthetic. I bought some La Maison des Vanilles and Lavanila samples but for me they fall into this last category, even though enjoyable. Atelier Vanille Insensée is one I keep trying, I always appreciate it at first but I find it too linear and start getting tired of it by the end of the day.

    I realize that chasing down a childhood memory is a very specific and probably futile quest – I’m basically just having fun wandering down a byway of fragrance! But I’d love to know if any BdJ readers had thoughts on the perfect spiced vanilla. May 9, 2016 at 3:09pm Reply

    • Aurora: What a wonderful memory and I’d love to smell those flowers, now, thank you for sharing. Yes, probably nothing will ever be quite ‘the smell’. This said, I really like Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise, do you know it? But it doesn’t have cinnamon, and enjoying Yves Rocher Voile d’Ambre I now want to know their Vanille Noire, it is supposed to be quite ‘natural’, have you tried it? At least it wouldn’t break the bank. but then I’m also a die hard fan of Vanille Sauvage de Madagascar with its lavender and vanilla from the line which disappointed you. Best of luck in your search. Will you report if you find the one? May 9, 2016 at 4:44pm Reply

      • Aurora: It occurs to me that Eau des Missions which you enjoyed is often compared to Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille, so perhaps it’s worth exploring… May 9, 2016 at 5:18pm Reply

      • Malmaison: Actually, rereading my comment I was unduly harsh about the La Maison des Vanilles line, which I did prefer to Lavanila.

        My favourite of the line is also Vanilla Sauvage de Madagascar, which has migrated to the repurposed shoebox of ‘frequently accessed decants’! And you are quite right, I must try the Guerlain. May 10, 2016 at 2:47am Reply

        • Aurora: Oh, so we’re scent twins for Sauvage de Madagascar. I recall Victoria writing that lavender and vanilla make a great combo. What I especially like about it is that it’s not too sweet. May 10, 2016 at 6:40am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I don’t know the exact scent of the Michelia tree, but from what you describe, you might like Carner Barcelona’s Palo Santo. It is really different and lovely. Here are the notes: Top notes: artemisia and rum; middle notes: milk, guaiac wood and tonka bean; base notes: vetiver, vanilla and sandalwood. I find that the strongest notes for me are the milk, vanilla and rum but the woody notes are also clear. May 10, 2016 at 7:36am Reply

      • Malmaison: That sounds absolutely up my street! What a great suggestion, I will hunt it out. I don’t know the line at all. Many thanks! May 10, 2016 at 4:12pm Reply

    • PrincessTonk: For some reason L’Artisan Vanilia popped into my head and while it is discontinued, you may be able to find it. Love that stuff. Also, try Un Bois Vanille by Serge. The “cinnamon” you are referencing might also be the nutmeg of egg nog! May 14, 2016 at 10:41pm Reply

      • Malmaison: I own and frequently wear Un Bois Vanille! For me, what I perceive as a coconut-licorice note almost overpowers the vanilla. So I love it, but in a different way.

        You are very right about the nutmeg aspect of the Michelia scent being a key to what I love about it. I’ve often looked for Vanilia, I would love to smell it one day!

        Thanks so much for your suggestions. May 15, 2016 at 2:26am Reply

    • Tati: Hi Malmaison, Your eggnog description brought to mind my favorite “simple” comfort vanilla, i Profumi di Firenze Vaniglia del Madagascar. It has a very milky feel to me. May 15, 2016 at 12:04am Reply

      • Malmaison: Milky and comfort sound perfect – I do love a vanilla comfort scent. I shall hunt samples down! May 15, 2016 at 2:27am Reply

        • Luanne Teall: I think Hanae Mori in the blue butterfly box is a milky vanilla, but I’m a newbie to perfume. May 25, 2016 at 4:46pm Reply

    • Liz: I wonder about Jane Ormonde’s Vanille d’Iris which is a very creamy iris with vanilla notes that seem to avoid the sickliest or more lingering aspect of vanilla that I don’t like. June 13, 2016 at 3:29pm Reply

  • Monika: Hi All! I’m looking for a summer perfume and would love to get your recommendations. I used to wear sweet florals such as Miss Dior, but lately they’ve been too much for me. Recently I bought a bootle of Issey Miyake Florale on a whim, but I got fed up with it very quickly. It seems almost like my preferences have changed and I no longer like floral perfumes. I’ve been exploring different scents and one I really like is Hermes’ Eau des Merveilles – the mix of citrus and warm amber is great. I would be grateful for your suggestions. Thanks in advance! May 9, 2016 at 4:51pm Reply

    • Aurora: Eau des Merveilles is great isn’t it. For non-floral summer perfumes how would you feel about some fruit?
      orange: Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte or its stronger version Concentre d’Orange Verte; blackcurrant: YSL In Love Again, Noa L’Eau one of my 10 top

      or woody/incensy: Serge Lutens l’Eau Froide one of the few Lutens to work in summer.

      Also, one of the scents I reached for, great in the heat last year, was Hermes Voyage, a soft spicy scent, no flowers and for a light amber with citrus Prada l’Eau Ambree May 10, 2016 at 7:31am Reply

      • Aurora: Also thinking of Tea fragrances for summer: L’Artisan Parfumeur Tea for Two
        Bulgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert, a classic, au The Rouge, nutty, (Blanc and Bleu wouldn’t suit maybe as they are more floral).
        Or fig scents like Un Jardin en Mediterranee, L’Artisan Premier Figuier, Diptyque Philosykos, Miller Harris Figue Amere
        Or a light sandalwood like Tam Dao. May 10, 2016 at 7:52am Reply

      • CC: I’m wearing Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte today and it’s like a portable summer holiday. May 16, 2016 at 11:39pm Reply

        • Aurora: You smell great! May 20, 2016 at 5:52am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I enjoy all the Jardin perfumes from Hermes, especially in warmer weather; you might like Un Jardin Apres La Mousson. It has listed notes of ginger, cardamom, coriander, pepper and vetiver; there is also a suggestion of melon. No flowers. May 10, 2016 at 7:44am Reply

  • Jen: Hello! – I, too, am looking for a new floral scent for spring to add to my perfume wardrobe. I am envisioning something well-blended rather than a soliflore. I prefer scents that are long-lasting and not too fleeting. I do not do well with anything too heavy on the white florals. For spring/summer I already own Nicolai’s Temps d’Une Fete, Frederic Malle’s En Passant), Marni, Diptyque Philosykos. In fall/winter I like to wear Sadanne, Arquiste Anima Dulce, Santal Majuscule, Elixir de Merveilles, Tea for Two. Any suggestions?? Thank you!!! May 9, 2016 at 5:05pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Hiram Green Moon Bloom, Parfums DelRae Wit May 9, 2016 at 10:12pm Reply

      • Jen: Thank you! Ordering samples…😊 May 9, 2016 at 11:57pm Reply

    • Patricia: Flowerhead by Byredo is a nice blended floral scent as is Jour d’Hermes, which also has a refreshing grapefruit opening. May 10, 2016 at 9:36am Reply

      • Jen: Thank you for the suggestions – I’m excited to try them! May 10, 2016 at 4:27pm Reply

    • Mia: Guerlain Chamade and Hitpram Green Shangri La – which I seem to offer to lots of categories, it is just wonderful liitolle spicy jasmin, according to my nose. Both are long lastina and do not fleet :). May 10, 2016 at 3:47pm Reply

      • Jen: Thank you! I love that these are long lasting! May 10, 2016 at 4:27pm Reply

      • Mia: Gosh, auto correcting – into Finnish :(. “Hiram Green”, “little spicy”, and “long lasting” it should be. May 10, 2016 at 7:50pm Reply

        • Jen: Gotta love auto-correct. It sure makes for some interesting conversations at times! May 12, 2016 at 12:00am Reply

          • Mia: It sure does :)! May 12, 2016 at 2:54pm Reply

      • Alicia: Second Chamade, so elegant! I’d like to suggest Annick Goutal, L’Heure Exquise. At least on my skin it lasts nearly 6 hours. Jacomo Silences is lovely, and long lasting. May 12, 2016 at 4:18am Reply

    • Surbhi: If you get a chance try ostara. May 11, 2016 at 6:47pm Reply

      • Jen: I really liked Ostara! Didn’t get a full bottle because I already own Temps d’une Fete (but otherwise I would have!) May 12, 2016 at 12:03am Reply

      • Alicia: I bought a full bottle of Ostara. Like it a lot. I like green fragrances. At the moment I am wearing Silences, green and pretty. Yesterday I received as a gift a small cofret of Tauer perfumes, after buying from him a full bottle of my beloved L’Air du Desert Marocain. Among the samples came one of Sotto la Luna, Gardenia. I don’t know what to say. It is an interesting roller coaster, but I don’t smell much gardenia. Not worth a full bottle for me. My favorite gardenia is Isobey’s, and then Lauder Tuberose Gardenia, although it is mostly tuberose. Annick Goutal Un matin d’orage is lovely, but doesn’t last. Marc Jacobs is also fine, and longer lasting. Haven’t tried Van Cleff and Arpels, but should. The search for the perfect, long lasting gardenia continues. Any suggestion? I miss Tom Ford’s, which was discontinued. Sadness…it was beautiful. May 13, 2016 at 9:23am Reply

  • Summer: I really love these recommendation threads, since I’ve found this blog last month I’ve spent hours devouring all your delicious fragrance descriptions and I’ve been buying samples on the auction site like a beggar at a banquet! It’s as if I’ve discovered I have a new limb, but it’s my nose. Since I’ve decided to curtail my alcohol intake in my late 30’s I’m happy to find I can re-purpose my wine-tasting nose to all these wonderful fragrances. An entire world has opened up to me, and I thank you Victoria. I have learned so much about enjoying the journey from first spritz to drydown to the sillage of a fragrance from all your glorious descriptions.
    Of all the recommendations in this blog, I find I really love the vintage Ivoire de Balmain as it reminds me so much of my favorite aldehyde elements of vintage Rive Gauche (takes me back to my chic grandmother’s vanity table when I was a girl) and was gratified to read here that one of the creators was the same Perfumier of both. The dry-down of Ivoire is rich, sweet, and warm on my skin. I am also wild about Ombre dans l’eau. The green opener is a stunner! It makes me wonder if I would still enjoy Perscriptives Calyx as much as I loved it 20 years ago as a teen. I picked up a large lot of the diptyque samplers and the green and citrus ones are just wonderful. I particularly enjoy Philosykos and Geranium.
    I wore Jo Malone Orange Blossom exclusively for the last 7 years, (graduating in my early 30’s from th 1990’s Fendi and Coco Chanel of my teens and 20’s) so I’ve tried other Orange Blossom recommendations from the blog here but found them much too floral-sweet. I think I’ve learned that I am actually attracted to the green/citrus notes in my preferred Jo M fragrance, and I enjoy the sweetness of the orange blossom floral notes only to the extent that it balances out the clean green bite and prevents it from turning to sourness. Lately, I’ve tried Balenciaga Rosabotanica and the green opening wowed me! I bought a bottle immediately. It’s a pretty intense fragrance and I love spraying some on when I’m feeling bold. Although the Miu Miu fragrance only receive so-so reviews here, I love the light, sweet floral soap scent, it is easy and clean on my skin and clothing. So: Thanks to you all, I love reading your recommends and look forward to trying more of these into infinity! May 9, 2016 at 5:28pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Summer. I enjoyed your descriptions of perfumes very much, and I hope the world of perfumes will go on giving you pleasure! May 10, 2016 at 6:55am Reply

    • Kris: I love orange blossom and neroli in all their forms (including Jo Malone). You didn’t ask, but for green orange blossoms I like Au Dela by Bruno Fazzolari, Mito by Vero Profumo, and Tarifa by Keiko Macheri. May 11, 2016 at 10:46pm Reply

    • Lynn LaMar: Summer. You are so very wise! I, also, adore Vintage Rive Gauche and am very satisfied and intrigued with Ivoire of late. The reformulation seems to have hit the nail on the head on my second go around. I knew when I couldn’t get it out of my mind that my whining was for naught… May 12, 2016 at 8:34pm Reply

      • Summer: Kris: Thanks for the recommendations, I will look those up this week with intrigue! I tried a different one, Diptyque Hesperides, yesterday and it’s more lemony but also delicious. I was so busy fawning I forgot to ask for your recommends. I happened upon a 100 ml bottle in a thrift store case this week of something new to me, it’s called Eau Aimable Botanical Cologne by a company called Le Couvent de Minimes Natural Skincare and it smells just like orange blossom flowers and is quite nice. I had tried the Serge Lutens Fleur d’Orange, it was so potent I became a little sensitive to it. This one is similar but not as strong and I really enjoy it. I look forward to layering it with other green scents to try out… Lynn and Aurora thank you for the feedback. I’m so happy to get reacquainted with vintage Rive Gauche. I only learned to identify that aldehyde opening scent from this blog. It used to make my nose wrinkle up when I was 7 years old, and it was the only note I noticed. After receiving some identification coaching from my readings here on bois de jasmin, I picked up a vintage Natural Spray on the auction site and it was an entirely wonderful perfume, and the scent took me back immediately, I can picture the room and the dressing table from 30 years ago, it is sort of bizarre how effective the sense of smell is on the memory. Now I spritz on the Rive Gauche and revel in it. And the Ivoire is a real treasure. Have an adventure in Russia and come back to tell us what fragrance worked its magic. May 15, 2016 at 12:46am Reply

  • kayliz: How about Chamade, Cristalle EdP, or Mito Voile d’Extrait?
    We share some major likes… now I’m off to google Sadanne:) May 9, 2016 at 6:46pm Reply

  • Lynn LaMar: I am going to Russia this December. I love woodsy, flowery, in your face big since I am a big beautiful goddess. Recommend me something that will make the older Russian gentlemen swoon over this fascinating creature! May 9, 2016 at 8:07pm Reply

    • PrincessTonk: Maybe Serge Lutens Bois de Violette or A La Nuit layered over a woody perfume. With Bois Vanille the gentleman may mistake you for a fluffy dessert but there are no flowers in there. May 10, 2016 at 1:02am Reply

      • PrincessTonk: The woodsy threw me off. You should just go for Amouage Gold and gather up the chips that show up in front of you. May 10, 2016 at 1:04am Reply

        • Lynn LaMar: Amouage Gold it is. Blessings, Princess. May 12, 2016 at 8:30pm Reply

          • PrincessTonk: *blushing* honestly – I feel like I won the lottery. So glad if it works for you. May 12, 2016 at 10:58pm Reply

    • Surbhi: Portrait of a lady maybe? May 11, 2016 at 6:46pm Reply

    • spe: Carnal Flower, Houbigant Fleur d’ Oranger, Tom Ford Noir et Noir. May 13, 2016 at 2:08am Reply

  • jenniemic: Hello! I’m slowly working my way around the world of perfume, exploring different scents and lines with time. It’s exciting too see how scents I’ve initially hated have become ones that, with time, I love.

    Currently I’m exploring lilac: I only have a vague sense of what I think an actual lilac flower would smell like. I am currently wearing a sample of Ex Nihilo Sweet Morphine, and I like the sharp, tangy sweet top notes, which I assume are lilac. I feel like it’s a scent that could veer towards too sugary sweet if not careful. Any suggestions for a lilac scent for spring/summer? One with good longevity that’s light in overall appearance with moderate silage? Thank you! May 10, 2016 at 2:15am Reply

    • Andrea: I seem to see Frederic Malle En Passant by Olivia Giacobetti fitting the bill or Vilhelm Parfumerie’s A Lilac a Day. The lilacs are blooming around here now and the former is my favourite lilac perfume, the latter is on my To Buy list. Best wishes! May 10, 2016 at 8:21am Reply

    • Patricia: You could try the new kid on the block, Desarmant by La Parfumerie Moderne. Elisa mentions it in her 10 Pastel Perfumes for Spring article: https://boisdejasmin.com/2016/04/10-pastel-perfumes-for-spring.html#more-23979 May 10, 2016 at 9:43am Reply

    • Malmaison: I definitely second En Passant, it’s one of my all-time favourites, I don’t think you could possibly go wrong with its fresh, rain-drenched lilacs.

      My grandmother had a small bottle of Rochester’s Highland Lilac, which I remember adoring, but alas they won’t ship to NZ and distribution is limited so I can’t vouch for what it’s like today. May 10, 2016 at 4:17pm Reply

    • Charlie: Third for En Passant, it’s light (fades fast) and pretty. Very easy to throw on in Spring.

      I also really enjoy Roja Dove’s Lilac Extrait, which is discontinued, but can still be found discounted online. It doesn’t have a lot of lasting power, but I find it has a fresher, “lilacs in the rain” feel than En Passant with its bread-y note. May 11, 2016 at 2:53pm Reply

  • Mer: I have a question!
    Which Jean-Louis Scherrer original do I buy? EDT or EDP?

    I got a sample of the EDT from First in Fragrance, I asked for the EDP (since Victoria preferred that concentration in her review, and so did others in the comments) buy they only carry samples of EDT so I had that one sent over.

    Thing is, I really love the EDT. Could it be that I would actually prefer the EDT for some reason? The bottles are not very expensive but I’m on a budget, I rarely buy a full bottle. Please help! 🙂

    If it is any use, my favourites are Miss Dior & Magie Noire, in vintage form I’m afraid; I’m thrilled I found something I like as much which is currently still available. May 10, 2016 at 4:42am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Mer: I’m not sure there is an EDP for Jean-Louis Scherrer, just EDT. I would say follow nose and if you see it at a good price go for it. Hope that helps you a little bit. May 10, 2016 at 2:43pm Reply

      • Mia: Thus (see below) seconding Aurora! May 10, 2016 at 4:01pm Reply

    • Mia: Hi Mer! There seems to be both edt and edp available. But if you know (meaning you have tested) the edt, go for it! Edts often have the best sillage which – depending on your preferences – would give you the most out of the scent. May 10, 2016 at 4:00pm Reply

      • Mer: Thanks both! I do have that type of dry, cold skin that swallows scents, so I need all the help I can get in the projection department 🙂 one more point in favour of the EDT then. May 10, 2016 at 4:06pm Reply

    • Safran: Hi Mer, the EdT and the EdP from the Original Scherrer are very different imo. So, if you love the EdT, don’t get the EdP without trying first. I prefer the EdP, it’s stronger and has quite a loud, unique character.
      Cheers
      Safran May 13, 2016 at 8:13am Reply

      • Mer: Thanks Safran. Wise words but… your description sounds great to me 😀 I’m on a last errand today to try and test the EDP… I always have trouble finding testers or samplers for these! Otherwise I guess I’ll have to get the EDT, which I’ll be happy enough with. May 13, 2016 at 8:41am Reply

  • JANE: My favorite perfume is Chamade but it’s gotten so expensive I don’t buy it anymore. Could you recommend a similar replacement? May 10, 2016 at 9:02am Reply

    • Aurora: Perhaps sample Silences as it is green, green, green and shares hyacinth with Chamade and is getting often mentioned lately as it is so good for a really affordable price. But what it will lack is the richness of the Chamade dry down (I’m testing them one against the other as I write.

      There is a 2nd one I was thinking about, Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, but I’m realizing that it may be outside of your budget, again sample it it has a similar feel to me minus the guerlinade though, the base is sandalwood.

      I wish for you plenty of Chamade on your birthday! May 10, 2016 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Nina Z: If you love Chamade, don’t give up on it! Maybe see if you can find some vintage version of it, maybe even in a tester bottle, which will be cheaper than a pretty bottle. If you’re patient, you’ll get a better quality perfume this way and cheaper. I just checked eBay for you, and saw a vintage tester bottle for $85.00!

      I myself have a gorgeous tester bottle of vintage PdT that I got for around $70.00 from a perfume shop that had old stock.

      Personally I don’t think there is anything out there that is much cheaper and will live up to Chamade. It’s so beautifully complex and intoxicating. It always smells Golden to me. May 10, 2016 at 5:09pm Reply

    • Mia: Hi JANE! I have to second Nina Z, Chamade is irreplaceable! Tom Ford Fleur de Chine has a bit similar type of vibe for me, but a) its even more expensive, b) discontinued, and c) its not Chamade!

      Good luck in getting some for reasonable price. At least Chamade’s longevity is superb! May 11, 2016 at 3:31pm Reply

  • Connie: I recently tried Tocca Stella which is so very nice. I am really enjoying this scent at this particular time of the year!
    The Description they give of Stella is:infused with the slightly sweet, never bitter, and always fresh scent of blood orange. With its origins coming from 17th Century Sicily, the blood orange is harmonious with Tocca’s philosophy of combining the best of old world traditions with modern influences.

    Notes:
    Bitter Orange, Blood Orange, Watery Accord, White Freesia, Wild Diamond Orchids, Spicy Lily, Sheer Musk, Sandalwood.
    Style:
    Sexy. Sensual. Impetuous. May 10, 2016 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you for sharing, Connie! May 10, 2016 at 5:27pm Reply

  • Amy: Hello, I am looking for a perfume that is similar to Tocca Giulietta. I love it, but it has zero staying power on me. The top notes are pink tulip, green apple, and ylang ylang. The heart is lily of the valley, iris, rose, lilac, and vanilla orchid. The bottom is musk, heliotrope, cedar, sandalwood, amber. I don’t know if I ever really even get to those bottom notes. I would love some suggestions! Thank you! May 10, 2016 at 3:00pm Reply

    • Danaki: I’m not sure what’s distinctive to you about the fragrance. In analysing it, if it is the heliotrope powderiness that you like, maybe try Love, Chloe? Or YSL Paris? These are the only rosy/powdery ones I can think of. Other powdery but not rose-y are Dahlia Noir (not dark at all)
      Another way of thinking about your fragrance is as a classic floral with iris. In that case, sorry to be prosaic, but have you thought about Chanel no.5 eau premiere?
      Houbigant Quelque fleurs is another option for a classic floral bouquet with (at least on me) decent staying power.

      Good luck. May 11, 2016 at 9:24am Reply

      • Surbhi: Houbigant Quelque fleurs also dries down powdery on me. May 11, 2016 at 6:42pm Reply

        • Danaki: True. I think it is the iris? May 12, 2016 at 8:34am Reply

          • Amy: Thank you for the suggestions. I’m sorry I was vague. I’m new to the world of perfume, and I’m not sure I know what I like about it! I do think I like the fresh apple I pick up. May 13, 2016 at 8:20pm Reply

            • Danaki: no need to apologize. this is fun. If apple rocks your boat, I think you might find pleasure in DKNY’s Be Delicious series. They are quite a few flankers but I would recommend you start with the original one based around a tart, juicy green apple.

              good luck. May 15, 2016 at 5:10am Reply

  • Sarah Blumenfeld: I don’t really know what to ask for but I’m looking for a fragrance. I live in the US.
    I’ll let you know what fragrances I like:
    Hermes Un Jardin Mediterranean
    Hermes Jour d’Hermes
    Bvlgari Pour Femme
    Chanel 22 (Lotion ONLY- not fragrance)

    I love the smell of Patchouli- is there a fragrance that I may like that is in line with some of my likes and includes Patchouli

    There is something too sweet in Hermes Sur le Nil for me if that helps
    I don’t like anything that smells artificial or too sweet. May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm Reply

    • Sarah Blumenfeld: ps- the Patchouli note is NOT a must-have.
      Thank you! May 10, 2016 at 10:00pm Reply

    • Danaki: what price point? as that might help narrow down things a little
      🙂 May 11, 2016 at 9:06am Reply

      • Sarah Blumenfeld: I’m open as long as I can try the expensive ones first! May 11, 2016 at 9:14am Reply

        • Danaki: yeah…this is hard, but what I’m thinking of is something like Jour d’hermes older sister, because you don’t like sweetness too much.

          how about Cartier La Panthere, the new one with the panther-like bottle?

          my favourite patchouli is Agent Provocateur edp (the original one), and another that feels adult is Narciso Rodriguez edt, but also try the edp May 11, 2016 at 12:03pm Reply

          • Aurora: And for a summer patchouli I would recommend Annick Goutal Eau du Sud or Clarins Eau Dynamisante (this one is very pleasant but has to be reapply during the day). Also Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Ginepro di Sardegna might suit as it somewhat like Un Jardin en Mediterranee and I’ll add some fig choices as it is present in UJEM: l’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier, Miller Harris Figue Amere, Diptyque Philosykos. May 12, 2016 at 5:58am Reply

            • Danaki: Great recommendations. I love the Aqua di Parma and I need to give Philosykos a proper sniff. May 12, 2016 at 8:33am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Jil Sander Sun May 11, 2016 at 1:17pm Reply

    • Indigo: I think you would like Bottega Veneta. It has a polished feel that is shared with the Hermès fragrances, as well as a cool citrus top note that many of your favourites share. It is bolstered by a nice patchouli with some very feminine (jasmine, iris) florals too. May 11, 2016 at 4:41pm Reply

    • PrincessTonk: Chanel Coromandel! Can entrance a patchouli hater into love. You can test Exclusifs at Saks if you live in NYC. May 13, 2016 at 12:00am Reply

      • PrincessTonk: And I agree with Bottega Veneta (but NOT Knot). May 13, 2016 at 12:02am Reply

        • Indigo: And I agree with Coromandel making a patchouli hater fall in love (it did it for me!) – glad we’re in synch, PrincessTonk. May 14, 2016 at 3:46pm Reply

      • PrincessTonk: And while you are sniffing at Coromandel, do not forget to try 31 Rue Cambon which actually may suit you better, without the patchouli. May 13, 2016 at 12:24am Reply

  • Kari: In the past couple months I have fallen head over heels in love with Etat Libre D’Orange “Like This”, Tilda Swinton’s fragrance. I can’t get enough.

    Are there other perfumes that are similar that I should try?

    Notes include:
    Ginger, pumpkin, tangerine, immortelle, neroli, rose, spices, vetiver, musk, heliotrope May 10, 2016 at 10:35pm Reply

    • Sylviane: Dear Kari,
      “Like this” is very unusual and difficult to dupe. You might however like “Seven veils” from Byredo. The notes are different but there is a carrot top note which gives it a sweet orangey smell somehow reminiscent of “Like this” May 11, 2016 at 10:40am Reply

      • Kari: Thank you! It is SO unusual. I don’t need a dupe, necessarily, because I love and plan to keep wearing it-more like “if you like this, consider trying that.” The carrot top note sounds alluring! I loved Jo Malone’s carrot and fennel limited edition perfume but like many JM fragrances, it had little lasting power. I’ll try to check it out; thanks! May 11, 2016 at 9:11pm Reply

    • Nina Z: It is a unique perfume, isn’t it? Perhaps you could say more about what you like about it? Or, mention some other perfumes that you also like?

      I’m going to take a wild guess and say Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens, which is a unusual herbal amber scent. If you can get your hands on any, you might like Fendi Theorema, a spicy amber. May 11, 2016 at 12:10pm Reply

      • Kari: Nina, it’s hard to capture what I love about it sufficiently. I love the ginger and orange and pumpkin. I tend to like spicy but sweet gourmands-not sugary. I love many Serge Lutens scents, but sadly Ambre Sultan was too heavy on patchouli for me so I passed on my 5 ml decant to my mom, who likes it a lot.

        My other loves include:
        Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant
        Serge Lutens 5 o’clock au gingembre, Jeux de peau, un Bois Vanille, Chergui (and several others, but those are my favorites)
        Etat Libre d’Orange Afternoon of a Faun and Fils de Dieu
        Lush Lord of Misrule, Yog Nog, smuggler’s soul, Rose Jam, frozen
        Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser, Yesterday Haze, Cape Heartache
        Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom, Nutmeg and Ginger
        Tauer Une Rose Chypree
        Lolita Lempicka May 11, 2016 at 9:20pm Reply

        • Mer: Hi Kari,

          I have not smelled Like This, but based on your other mentions and notes there, I’d recommend a couple of BPALs, these are oils if you don’t mind that.

          Shub-Niggurath (herbs, resins, three gingers, spices) there is a LOT of ginger in this one! very warm.

          Samhain (damp woods, fir needle, black patchouli, pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple, mullein) there is patchouli but not too much I think, warm and spiced, a bit like apple pie, the only gourmand I can tolerate (not my thing). This one is limited but comes back every autumn.

          They have quite a few spiced scents, and many gourmands of all types, you can search their site by note. May 12, 2016 at 5:20am Reply

          • Aurora: I second BPAL Mer, it’s such a good idea. May 12, 2016 at 6:44am Reply

        • Nina Z: Boy, you really do love those spices! Nothing is like Like This, but have you tried the Diptyque spicy scents: Eau Lente (my favorite–a spice bomb with opoponax) and L’Eau and L’Autre. One of those last two smells exactly like a pomander, but I can’t remember which one. Another idea is Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale, which is a spicy oriental/vanilla. Finally, I suggest you check out the perfumes of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz (DSH Perfumes). She has lots of interesting spicy perfumes. Recently I fell hard for her Fou d’Opium, the most gorgeous spicy oriental I’ve ever smelled. Bonus is that her perfumes come in tiny dram sized bottles so you can buy for a reasonable price. May 12, 2016 at 10:46am Reply

        • PrincessTonk: I say Serge Lutens Daim Blond has that cardamom smell up top that may enchant you and it may work when Like This may seem too “Fall/Winter” seasonally. May 13, 2016 at 12:06am Reply

    • George: You seem to like quirky and spicy scents.

      Accordingly- Rose 31, Absolue Pour le Soir, Body Kouros, Rochas Man, Kokorico, Youth Dew, Dries Van Noten, Noir Epices, Yohji Homme, Declarations, Korrigan, Mohur.

      Other recommendations would be with EDLO and SL, which seem to be your spiritual home- such as Rossi De Palma and Santal De Mysore (and Fils de Dieu would have been a recommendation based on your original post)

      I also second Seven Veils which I think is an excellent recommendation by Sylviane. May 13, 2016 at 5:50am Reply

  • Raquel: What perfume would be associated the Nile River? I was reading the review about Hermes Un jardin sur le Nil and it seems the fragrance doesn’t really evoke the place…just curious. Thank you. May 11, 2016 at 12:12pm Reply

    • Aurora: Raquel: What a great question, I would vote for l’Artisan Parfumeur Timbuktu. May 12, 2016 at 8:16am Reply

      • Raquel: Thank you Aurora for your suggestion! May 12, 2016 at 2:42pm Reply

    • Tati: Timbuktu is a great suggestion, and I would add l’Artisan’s Dzonkha, which shares many of the notes: spices, incense, and papyrus. May 15, 2016 at 3:20am Reply

      • Raquel: Thank you Tati! I never saw your suggestion till now! July 8, 2016 at 10:51am Reply

  • Barbara: Hello all,
    I will be traveling to Portugal (Porto and Lisbon) and Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) this summer, and my goal is to work in at least 2-3 visits to perfume houses.
    Could anyone make a recommendation on where to visit?
    To clarify, I really enjoy the historical perfume houses/ showrooms (a la Officina Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Fragonard Parfumerie in Eze). Bonus points for houses/ authors who have a lineage with royal families or historical figures!
    I am totally willing to make a day trip from these cities, too.
    Thanks so much in advance! May 11, 2016 at 5:36pm Reply

    • Mer: In Barcelona you can visit the Museu del Perfum: https://boisdejasmin.com/2014/03/the-barcelona-perfume-museum-museu-del-perfum.html

      And I’d say check out the great “Scent on Canvas” line based there. Available in a few shops listed in their website, or you can call them, they’re friendly.

      In Portugal do check out the excellent perfumed soap, soap everywhere! May 12, 2016 at 5:24am Reply

      • Barbara: Thank you! May 12, 2016 at 4:19pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: Carner Barcelona is another great brand, I don’t know if they have a showroom there, though. May 12, 2016 at 12:55pm Reply

      • Barbara: Thank you! May 12, 2016 at 4:19pm Reply

  • Lola: Hi there! I’m looking for a very creamy (but not in the cloying gourmand way) perfume, that is very rich but also clean and cozy?

    Thanks. May 13, 2016 at 8:28am Reply

    • Theresa: Have you tried Farnesiana? I love it and wear it when I want to be very cozy. I like it year round, even in the summer. Another of my “cozy” favorites is Coromandel – but you have to be careful how much you spray as it seems to have a powerful sillage. I seem to prefer this one more in cold weather. May 13, 2016 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Hera: I love Oscar from Oscar de la Renta in vintage perfume May 14, 2016 at 3:43pm Reply

    • Indigo: This description sounds like Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez EDP. Creamy abstract florals, rich layers and clean vetiver and musk (well, the musk is a teeny bit sexy to be honest). May 14, 2016 at 3:49pm Reply

    • MaggieS: Seconding Narciso, this is exactly the one I thought of as I read your description. Also try it in the EDT version (black bottle), which has a touch of vetiver and is slightly crisper than the EDP. May 14, 2016 at 8:16pm Reply

    • PrincessTonk: I feel that way about Guerlain Terracotta – to me it is creamy but you must like BWF. The dry down is amazing and this is the start of the season. May 14, 2016 at 10:55pm Reply

      • PrincessTonk: OOOh, and Serge Un Lys! But Narciso is readily available and easy to wear. May 14, 2016 at 10:59pm Reply

  • florsilv: I am as new to perfume as one could expect a young woman in her late twenties to be. While my mother wears perfume, she never taught me to use it (in contrast to her insistence that my sisters and I always wear earrings); and in my family we have the habit of avoiding the perfume sections of departments stores mostly because of the pushy salespeople. So perfume has been something of a blind spot for me. Which is strange when I think about it, since when I find myself in the vicinity of scented products – candles, lotions, soaps – I start sniffing everything enthusiastically. Usually I don’t stop until my nose is near overwhelmed or my shopping companion wants to move on, whichever happens first.

    So I’m very excited to have discovered perfume.

    Please recommend me a perfume to try. Of any kind, for any occasion and any season (I live in the tropics, where we have no seasons per se – which means we have no notion of changing fashion according to the season). I’ll try and describe my taste in scent below:

    The reason, I think, that I’ve ignored perfume for so long is that the samples that the pushy salespeople handed me were mostly either too womanly for me or too fruity. I generally do not care for fruity scents even in soaps, etc.. And though I am of course getting older and by definition more womanly, I am very reserved so I would not wear something that is too overt, that might make someone raise an eyebrow and comment on the fragrance’s incongruence with my shy, retiring self – if that makes sense.

    Currently I do own a bottle of fragrance, which I actually bought myself, of my own volition. This is Kimono Rose by Thymes (does anyone here know of that company?). I discovered it in an antique / thrift shop in the US. One does not expect to see new bottles of lotion in that setting, so when I spotted some I had to try one of them out. I was intrigued enough by it that I went back to the store just to find out its name. It struck me as delicate without being boring; and feminine in and old-fashioned way without reminding me of an old lady. This describes what I am like or rather what I would like to be: I had to have it. Which rarely happens. Eventually I got the eau de toilette. To those first impressions based on the lotion, I would now add that the fragrance smells clean and bright. The bath products must be amazing.

    The notes of Kimono Rose are: Rose, Peony, Jasmine, Clementine, Blackcurrant, Vanilla (they also sometimes list Clementine and Blackcurrant first). There’s nothing Oriental about it, but I’d say the name is still appropriate as it fits the quiet personality of the fragrance.

    Much as I love this fragrance, I started thinking that it was a bit too daytime and I needed a fragrance that was more appropriate for evening and nighttime. Because Kimono Rose is by a small company, and in general I love to support small businesses, it didn’t occur to me to hit the mall and try mainstream perfumes. Then an ad for Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent arrived in the newspaper. I sniffed the fragrance strip, and quite liked it. Several weeks later the same ad arrived. I sniffed again, and again found I liked it. I then had an epiphany – I could maybe go to the store, head to the perfume department, and ask to try it?! Whoa.

    That was a few weeks ago.

    I have to say I loved Black Opium, couldn’t stop smelling my wrist. I would wear it. My issue is that before long it started smelling just like the Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla body mist my cousin wears, which is fine, but disappointing. I wish Black Opium had less of the vanilla and more of the other stuff. The notes listed are: Pink pepper, Orange blossom; Jasmine, Coffee; Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedarwood.

    If you could come up with some recommendations based on those two fragrances alone, I would be content. Some honorable mentions:

    Black Orchid by Tom Ford. Tried it some days ago after reading reviews online. Some of it fell on my wristwatch, which stills smells of the fragrance. I like it a lot. I’m not entirely sure I would wear it, as I do detect this peculiar smell that made some reviewers in Fragrantica complain. Should try it again (or buy a decant). That limited-edition Lalique bottle is beautiful (sigh). Notes: Jasmine, Gardenia, Blackcurrant, Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin; Orchid, Spicy notes, Fruity notes, Lotus; Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Incense, Amber, Chocolate, Vanille.

    Caribbean Island Wild Flowers by Crabtree & Evelyn. The hand cream is one of those rare products I just had to have. It exists in eau de toilette, but I might sooner get the reed diffuser, as this fragrance might be better for a room than to wear. I found it interesting as it is tropical without screaming “sea” and without any fruit punch mess. Being from a Caribbean island, I was attracted to the name. Ultimately I got it because it smells of vacation. Notes according to basenotes.net: Casuarina leaf, Palm frond, Orange blossom, Marine accord, Spider lily, Wild flowers, Citrus notes, Night blooming jasmine.

    Others:

    Shalimar. I loved how this smelled. It’s a womanly fragrance I can actually see myself wearing, but not yet.

    Light Blue and Angel. Didn’t care for them. And I realized I’ve smelled them many times before. For me, Light Blue is too weak, Angel is too strong (it actually made me wince, not because it smelled badly, but because it went straight to my head in an unpleasant way).

    Dream Angels Heavenly by Victoria’s Secret and White Patchouli by Nest. I liked how these smelled (they’re similar), but my instinct is to spray them on a pillow, not on my skin.

    Usually in home fragrance products I go for the blue – white scents: cotton ocean clean linen breeze. Today I bought a candle on a whim. It’s called Moonlit Orchid, by DW Home. Description: “Ebony wood reflects soft peach, white orchid and aquatic lotus over ambered sandalwood, smooth cedar and pure vanilla.” Interestingly enough, the only other candle I’ve ever bought on a whim, “Sea Blossom,” is by the same brand, same line (Siren – “an enticing blend of fragrances inspired by the sea”). I also sniffed one called Eternal Jasmine, but was rather disappointed – and now I read in the description that green melon and star fruit are prominent in that fragrance. . .

    I can’t wait to try Après L’Ondée by Guerlain. From Victoria’s description of it, tt sounds like it would suit my personality. I have always loved the atmosphere after a rainshower. Some people go outdoors when it’s sunny; I go outdoors when it’s cloudy and wet. May 14, 2016 at 9:21pm Reply

    • Lily: The way you describe your tastes seems similar to mine, with the caveat that I have the desire for a wardrobe that has both “quiet” scents only I or someone intimately close to me can smell and “riot” scents that are real statement pieces.

      It seems you are looking for light floral scents, maybe with citrus or spice or woods around them. Some of my favorites which have that feel:
      -Houbigant’s orangeurs en fleur – a spicy orange blossom-jasmine but very light and airy. It is to me a day/night scent, both open and elegant. If I had to have only one perfume…this one
      -Chloe l’eau de Chloe – easy and elegant, it’s lemon zest and rosy soap. Also a day/night scent to me
      -Lanvin’s Rumeur (2006 version) – a pretty floral bouquet woody/musk scent, to me very chic and little-black-dress feel

      I find all of them to be sexy scents in that they are feminine and make me feel beautiful and alluring, but none of them are obvious sex scents or even blatant seduction scents. They are good girl next door choices.

      Good luck! I hope others chime in and provide you with more suggestions, including some in the vein of the second scent you mention. May 15, 2016 at 2:18pm Reply

      • florsilv: I managed to find L’Eau de Chloé at a local mall. Loved it! It is fresh, elegant, and feminine. Meant to be worn with an understated dress, low-heeled shoes, and big metallic earrings that will feel appropriately cool to the touch when you greet someone. Yet there is something about it that is comforting; it felt strangely nostalgic, perhaps it’s the Lily of the Valley note; so that one may expect the woman in the understated dress to have a toddler in tow – maybe the low-heeled shoes are not so much for chic as for practicality.

        It is certainly confident but in a quiet way. What a thing to aspire to be.

        I hope to find the other two fragrances you mention at the high end mall nearby. Thanks! May 17, 2016 at 7:51pm Reply

        • Lily: I am so happy to hear that you found it and loved it! Your description is spot-on. Also describes me rather well lol (including the toddler – them low heels are DEFINITELY a practical matter!).

          Good luck on the other two. Rumeur I think should be fairly easy, the Houbigant I had to sample off a decant site.

          This is such an exciting journey! I have found a great deal of self-discovery in my exploration of perfume, which I would never have expected to happen. But when you view it as wearable art, or a means to harmonize your outer with your inner, it becomes quite profound. Or at least it has for me 🙂 May 17, 2016 at 11:19pm Reply

    • Aurora: I’ll add to Lily’s excellent suggestions.
      If you’ve liked Shalimar but found it too strong and ‘dressed up’, I would recommend that you tried Shalimar Eau de Cologne or Eau de Shalimar, or Shalimar Parfum Initial l’Eau (this one is discontinued but available on line at least where I am, I hope it’s the same where you are), it has a burst of grapefruit on top, very refreshing, and lasts well, all these might be nice alternatives to Shalimar proper. You don’t say if it’s Black Opium Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette you tested, the EDT is crisper, with less gourmand/vanilla, try both side by side. Cacharel Noa, with its light musks with a note of coffee might be a good option too (check Victoria’s excellent review). If you’ve liked the blackcurrant of Kimono Rose you might like it in Yves Saint Laurent In Love Again or Noa L’Eau (I love this one and wear it all the time in summer and it has apple too), and if it is mostly the clementine you crave you might enjoy Cacharel Amor Amor.
      A warm welcome to the world of perfume and I discovered Thymes when I lived in the US, it is a very nice line. May 16, 2016 at 6:42am Reply

      • florsilv: Out of these, I found Cacharel Amor Amor. You are right that it is quite similar to Kimono Rose, I was quite happy to see (smell?) that. It was disappointing that it faded from my skin so quickly.

        I had tried the Black Opium EDP. I actually sprayed it on my skin again yesterday, and found it – “cloying” I believe is the term of art. Maybe it made a bad contrast with the lightness of Amor Amor and L’Eau de Chloé, or maybe I hadn’t eaten well, but it made me feel a bit ill. The first note was even better than I remembered, though. I’ll definitely give the EDT a shot.

        There is some of Shalimar left on the cardigan I wore today, as I kept catching sniffs of it at work it made so happy. This is turning out to be kind of a journey of self-discovery. Looking forward to trying the alternatives you mention. Thank you! May 17, 2016 at 8:15pm Reply

        • Aurora: You’re most welcome. Glad Amor Amor reminds you of Kimono Rose. About longevity, you can spray on your clothes it should last longer, and you can also use an unscented body lotion to fix the scent. Enjoy your discoveries. May 19, 2016 at 5:48am Reply

  • Lola: Thank you all for the recommendations! I will try Narciso since it is probably the easiest one for me to find 🙂 May 15, 2016 at 1:39am Reply

  • Eva: Hi!
    Any ideas for trying modern chypres? Or green chypres with a modern touch?

    I love Chanel no 19, Cristalle, Dune, Bel Respiro….

    Thanks in advance! May 15, 2016 at 11:12am Reply

    • Aurora: Balmain Ivoire is a lovely modern chypre, as is Annick Goutal Heure Exquise and perhaps you would like Ralph Lauren Safari too. May 16, 2016 at 6:54am Reply

      • Aurora: And also Estee Lauder Private Collection, I don’t think it is dated, although a classic. May 16, 2016 at 7:00am Reply

        • Eva: Thank you! I really liked Heure Exquise when I tried it but I think I prefer Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile…. never tried Safari but the review on boisdejasmin was very tempting… same thing for Private Collection… I seem to have a sweet spot for green (galbanum…) perfumes… I did try Ivoire once but just in a store and I remember I liked it but not enough sort of… I have to try it again! May 16, 2016 at 10:33am Reply

          • Aurora: You are most welcome and like you I also enjoy AdP Iris Nobile EDP very much. You mention galbanum as a favorite note and it makes me think of Guerlain Chamade. Have you tried it? It is not a chypre, though, the dry down is the typical guerlinade. Also with galbanum, in case you don’t know it yet, Jacomo Silences which seems to be mentioned a lot in the thread this month. May 16, 2016 at 1:20pm Reply

  • Katie Clark: Hello everyone. This is my first time to post anything on this glorious site, though I have been devouring all the wonderful and inspiring posts. Thank you, Victoria, for all of your inspiring and poetic words. Your reviews and comments are always poetic and reading them never fails to bring me joy. You are an artist with words.
    I am relatively new to the world of perfumery. I am considering purchasing Shalimar as well as l’heure bleue. I am debating between the EDP and Parfum in both (though the parfum in l’heure bleue has a pretty steep price for me). I have two questions. Are the differences in scent/composition very obvious between the EDP and parfum forms? I have only ever smelled the EDP in both. It seems to be pretty widely accepted that the parfum is always nicer. I don’t want to be missing anything spectacular. Also, how is the sillage when you dab parfum? While I appreciate a nice skin scent, I do like the idea of creating a moderate sillage so that those nearby can also relish in the lovely scent of my fragrance :).
    I have never purchased or owned a parfum for myself so I have no experience.
    Thank you! May 15, 2016 at 11:45am Reply

    • PrincessTonk: Experience and enjoyment is the whole point with learning about fragrances. Begin with some simple things within your budget or that you can try from samples or decants to begin to determine what you like. Read lots of articles on this website about things like the difference between different strengths of perfume. Being new, perhaps don’t jump into buying a bottle of extrait/parfum before trying a more affordable edt or EDP. There are so many articles talking about all the things that you probably have questions about. Read them at your leisure and enjoy the journey. May 15, 2016 at 11:13pm Reply

      • Katie Clark: Thank you, PrincessTonk. It’s true that experience and enjoyment are the most important things. I am certainly enjoying the process so far and I know I will continue to do so. This site is a wonderful place to visit and learn and meet people with the same interest. I will enjoy the journey! May 17, 2016 at 10:45am Reply

  • Susanna: I currently live in an area where there are few retail options for smelling new fragrances, but I will be travelling internationally next week, and I like to hit duty free with a to-smell list while I’m transiting. It’s not the best environment for focusing on new fragrances, but it’s better than my normal options!

    One fragrance note that I am not familiar with at all outside of my reading is Oud. Would someone be able to recommend me a pair of two very similar perfumes, between which the main difference is that one has a good dose of Oud and the other doesn’t? I know it’s an odd request, unless there is something that has a well-done Oud focused flanker. Otherwise, just some easy to find, classic, distinctively Oud-y frangrance recommendations would be great. May 17, 2016 at 5:28am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Susanna: Have you thought of going in the direction of essential oil of oud/agarwood? I just thought this would give you the best idea of what oud really smells like. There seems to be many offerings online, perhaps go with a well established brand. May 19, 2016 at 7:31am Reply

  • Law: Hi, I’m desperately looking for a replacement for the Prada Infusion d’Homme. It seems to be sold out everywhere. I love its clean, powdery scent coupled with the gentle iris notes. In general, I tend to avoid spicy notes, and fragrances that are overtly masculine in general. I love that the Infusion d’homme can be unisex. I am unsure if any of the new Infusions are close replacements. I also don’t have access to small perfume brands. Something you can get at Sephora will be perfect. Any recommendations? Thank you! May 18, 2016 at 7:20am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: I’m not sure of the status of Infusion d’Homme but you might try Prada Infusion d’Iris for women, or Dior Homme they share iris and I wear it. May 19, 2016 at 5:57am Reply

      • Law: That’s great! I’ll check those out. Thank you 🙂 May 20, 2016 at 12:42am Reply

  • TRACY PHILLIPS: My favorite past time perfumes; Versus Versace – the red bottle from 1992 (my favorite), Youth Dewey by Estee Lauder, Opium, Hypnotic, Liz Claiborne, Paloma Picasso and the unforgettable Original Musk by Kiehl`s.

    Chanel Mademoiselle was my daily perfume. I want to switch it up as its been my signature scent for many years.

    More recently I’very enjoyed: Prada by Prada, Gucci Guilty, Chanel Miss Dior, Prada Candy, Versace Jeans Couture Woman, Euphoria by CK, Jimmy Choo

    I need to replenish my perfumes and I’m having a hard time deciding what’s next.

    I enjoy masculine scents, leather, iris, sandlewood, patchouli, woodsy oriental with a touch of floral that can last all day. I grew up picking Lilly of the valley, irises and violets and this are my lifetime favs. Rose makes me calm so, burn a rose candle in my bedroom. My favorite flowers are casa Blanca lilies, peonies, dahlias and ranunculus.

    I live in Paris and in the south of France between Toulouse and Bordeaux in a small town Condom and loved Aix-en-Provence. There I discovered a man’s cologne Vetiver de Guerlain!! My husband wears Jean Paul Gaultier Homme and Versace pour homme.

    I want to try Gucci Envy, Chanel no. 19 but I need to smell them.

    When I wear perfume I want it to make me feel sexy, clean, confident and slightly seductive.

    Please send me your suggestions! I’ll be on pins and needles awaiting your kind reply! Thank you in advance.

    Tracy May 18, 2016 at 1:42pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello, it seems to me you might enjoy exploring some French niche lines if you haven’t already? I would start with Annick Goutal, you might especially enjoy Quel Amour a good fruity floral, Heure Exquise a chypre quite similar to No 19, Eau du Sud for its patchouli, it works very well in summer, Vetiver cologne.
      Guerlain has several other very good men’s, do you know Habit Rouge? You might also enjoy the many offerings of l’Artisan Parfumeur which are unisex. Hope I’m helping a little bit and that others will chime in. May 19, 2016 at 7:24am Reply

  • Surbhi: For all people looking for ostara … $32 on their website. May 20, 2016 at 12:55pm Reply

  • Maurine: I am in mourning for Jicky, which I adored for years until I discovered the hard way that it had been badly reformulated. (I originally discovered it through Luca Turin’s book) I have spent time in department stores since, sampling, but currently everything so far smells exaggerated and artificial. I have finally come across your perfect description of the reformulation (which Guerlain actually denied when I wrote to them!) Would be grateful for some recommendations…I do like Chanel’s Cristalle and Guerlain’s Mitsouko…but they don’t replace Jicky! May 25, 2016 at 6:05pm Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Diptyque Volutes? I think that it might be a good option, but no, it won’t replace Jicky. I don’t want what might. May 27, 2016 at 6:15am Reply

  • Coco Zadig: Hello all–could you recommend a perfume that smells like Le Petit Marseillais’s Amande Douce (sweet almond) shower crème? I love this scent so much as it reminds me of my childhood–and would love a perfume approximation of it. Fwiw, my signature scent is Prada’s Infusion d’Iris Absolue. Thanks! May 30, 2016 at 4:14pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello, I’m half French and like you enjoy Le Petit Marseillais bath products. Now I’m trying to remember if I have used the amande douce.
      What about Prada Infusion d’Amande? It’s one of the new Infusions, I am yet to try it. Also in the almond category there is Etro Heliotrope (it has a pronounced bitter almond note) or L.T. Piver Heliotrope Blanc. Last because discontinued there is another almond scent I like very much Guerlain l’Instant Magic, an almond biscotti perfume, so maybe difficult to get hold of except on eBay. Are you in Europe? I could send you a sample. June 7, 2016 at 3:36pm Reply

  • Jonathon: Hello! Just wanted to ask, has anyone compared Hermes’s new fragrance Neroli Dore to Chanel’s Eau De Cologne? We havent got the Hermes here yet, but I was just about to purchase the Chanel, until i learned of the new release. Any comments? Thank you =) June 13, 2016 at 4:36am Reply

  • Gerda du Plooy: I’m new to the wonderful world of perfumes, but have read your magnificent blogs extensively. I want to ask a question. Im a bird lover, and when I bury my nose in my pet Macaw’s feathers, I am transported to a heavenly place that is beyond description. It smells of sunshine, dirt just after the rain has fallen and a mysterious deep forest where you fear to tread because of the sheer pristine beauty all around you. Wiki says the following about a bird’s preen oil:

    The uropygial gland secretes an oil (preen oil) through the dorsal surface of the skin via a grease nipple-like nub or papilla.[6] The oil contains a complex and variable mixture of substances formed greatly of aliphatic monoester waxes, formed of fatty acids and monohydroxy wax-alcohols. However, some types of diester waxes called uropygiols and containing hydroxyfatty acids and/or alkane-diols exist in the secretions of the uropygial gland of some groups of birds.[4]

    Although Im a girl, I’ve had my fill of roses and florals and I would love if you could recommend something that will illicit an olfactory response like the one Ive described. I love beautiful perfumes with a strong sillage but I dont want to smell like a boy! I guess this is a tall order, but Ive been so impressed with you and all your reader’s knowledge and ability to describe a spiritual experience in fragrant terms, I thought I might give it a go. I want to smell like a soaring eagle! xxx October 9, 2016 at 12:55pm Reply

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