Recommend Me a Perfume : August 2017

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is now open. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations, and of course, share your discoveries.

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

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317 Comments

  • Clara: Sorry for my english, I’m using a translator.
    I really like Bois de Jasmin and I follow it years ago.
    I ask for advice to replace Rosa Absolute by Stella McCartney. I want a fresh green rose with Hesperian notes. I use and love Diorella, Esencia, Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune, Florabotanica, Colonia Indelebile …. almost all of them soft and easy. Thank you very much August 14, 2017 at 8:29am Reply

    • Austenfan: Annick Goutal: Une Rose Splendide, Les Parfums de Rosine Un Zest de Rose or Ecume de Rose. I’m sure there will be others but these are the ones I could think of. August 14, 2017 at 9:11am Reply

    • Gina P: Diptyque’s L’Ombre dans L’Eau is a beautiful and very green rose! August 14, 2017 at 10:08am Reply

    • Katya: I think Miller Harris has a nice rose – Rose Silence although not my cuppa tea.

      If you wanna try something sweeter – Eau de Protection by Etat Libre d’Orange.

      Also seconding the Diptique rec although I smell a lot more tomato leaf than rose there… August 14, 2017 at 10:11am Reply

    • Danaki: I second the diptype one for a grassy/green take, but for a more fresh rose, I find Aerin Lauder Rose de Grasse a good option. Also Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile is another good one to try.

      For a strong citrus-y start, I would suggest Andy Tauer Une Rose Vermeille. But try it first, it is divisive in a “too-fruity-80s-perfume” kind of way. August 14, 2017 at 10:27am Reply

    • kpaint: Marni Rose comes to mind as does SSS Velvet Rose, but if you like green/tart/citrusy roses, I’ll 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) Rosine as the best line to explore. They sell sample sets at a really reasonable price on their website so you can try most of what’s in their current lineup. August 14, 2017 at 12:35pm Reply

    • sunsetsong: SL Sa Majeste La Rose is a fresh lemony green rose. It is linear but that is ok as it is so lovely! August 14, 2017 at 12:59pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: April Aromatics has a lovely fresh rose called Rosenlust. I recommend it highly. August 14, 2017 at 4:54pm Reply

    • Lucy: I also really miss Rose Absolute! So sad they discontinued it.
      Diptyque’s ‘Eau Rose’ is pretty good. August 16, 2017 at 11:43am Reply

  • monkeytoe: Une Rose de Zest and Diablo Rose from Parfums Rosine are both worth a try for a green rose. August 14, 2017 at 9:06am Reply

    • Clara: Thank you very much for the suggestions. I will try to taste their perfumes to see if I find among them a good substitute August 14, 2017 at 12:30pm Reply

  • Salth1ll: I absolutely loved Y by Yves Saint Laurent. The current version pales in comparison to the original. Could you please recommend a similar fragrance. August 14, 2017 at 9:52am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Jasmine White Moss (Lauder Private Collection). August 14, 2017 at 10:39am Reply

      • Salth1ll: Thank you. I had a look at some reviews and the descriptions are beautiful. Definitely one for me to try 🙂 August 14, 2017 at 10:50am Reply

    • Lona Ruth: “Y” was my favorite scent 1970….I have never found anything similar since, most perfumes are “synthetic creations” now. August 14, 2017 at 11:08am Reply

      • Salth1ll: Such a shame. I live in hope. 🙂 August 14, 2017 at 11:15am Reply

    • Allison C.: You might want to try Futur by Robert Piguet. It’s very green to me and a little austere (in a good way!). August 14, 2017 at 12:47pm Reply

      • Salth1ll: Thank you. Having read some reviews it sounds very different to anything I have tried to-date. Will definitely seek it out. August 14, 2017 at 1:16pm Reply

  • kekasmais: What tends to be a good pick-me-up fall fragrance? My mother and I have had possibly the worst few weeks of our lives (stuck in between addresses due to negligence on the part of the man selling us his house, had to put our lives into storage, send our pets away, etc.) and I think I’m starting to feel the emotional toll. Normally I start drooling over dark florals and incense notes this close to autumn, but I don’t think I have the spirit for anything overly dramatic or melancholy. Something undeniably autumnal but glowing might help fix my whistle. Suggestions? August 14, 2017 at 10:11am Reply

    • Katya: Strangely enough when you said glowing I thought of Chanel Eau Premiere. I don’t know why – my mum has a bottle and she never wears it but I love to spritz it on. It just feels… comforting to me. Plus the colour is this beautiful amber that makes me think of autumn leaves. I know that perfume divides fans but to me it is just so lovely… August 14, 2017 at 10:18am Reply

      • kekasmais: I may have to give Eau Premiere a visit, then. I’ve heard Victoria sing its praises a number of times here, and I already own a small bottle of No. 5 so why not. Thank you, Katya. 🙂 August 16, 2017 at 5:55pm Reply

    • January: SJP Stash: green grassy vetiver blended into pencil shaving Cedarwood. Elegant while unassuming for evening. Uplifting for a foggy morning, grey skies. (It doesn’t have florals though.) August 14, 2017 at 10:59am Reply

      • kekasmais: Interesting. I didn’t know SJP released something that woodsy. On the list it goes. August 16, 2017 at 5:56pm Reply

    • Hayley: Maybe l’Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube or L’Occitane Eau d’Iparie? Both have incense, but are also warm and uplifting. August 14, 2017 at 11:16am Reply

      • Nina Z: I second Seville a l’Aube because orange blossom is very uplifting. August 16, 2017 at 12:51pm Reply

        • kekasmais: Done and done! August 16, 2017 at 5:57pm Reply

    • Mariann: Any of the Eau de Merveilles line? But particularly the Amber one. Another fav of mine for inbetween is Wood Sage and Sea Salt from Jo Malone. August 14, 2017 at 11:17am Reply

      • Debby: Great minds think alike! August 14, 2017 at 11:27am Reply

        • Mariann: Yes indeed 😆 August 14, 2017 at 5:00pm Reply

          • kekasmais: I may have to save up for a full bottle once things settle. L’Ambre des Merveilles has been one of my great loves for years, but I’ve only ever gotten by on samples. Thank you! August 16, 2017 at 5:59pm Reply

    • Debby: When I had a similarly rough time, I found myself craving gourmands, anything sweet and non-challenging and absolutely not my normal style.
      I think an amber might be a good choice, Hermes L’ Ambre des Merveilles springs to mind.
      Hope things improve soon. August 14, 2017 at 11:27am Reply

      • kekasmais: I’ve been having a longing for L’Ambre des Merveilles since Mariann mentioned it in the comment above. Perhaps I ought to drop a hint or two to friends who don’t know what to gift me… 😉

        I’m sure things will improve, by hook or by crook. Few problems are ever permanent, and yet one just can’t help wishing for a fast forward button on their life during times like these. Here’s hoping autumn brings happier days. And thank you, Debby. August 16, 2017 at 6:03pm Reply

    • Michael: How about Dries van Noten and Dan Tes Bras, both by Frederic Malle? They are not overly dramatic or melancholy. I tend to reach for them in the autumn as they are skin scents and feel like the clothing equivalent of a soft cashmere sweater, very warm and comforting. August 14, 2017 at 11:55am Reply

      • kekasmais: I remember having high hopes for Dans Tes Bras (violet AND pine notes? Yes please!) and being a bit heartbroken that it turned sour and astringent on me. It smells like heaven on my friend though, and I love catching whiffs of it on her when she wears it.

        On the other side of the coin, I also remember having a sample of Dries van Noten years ago that I adored so much that I spent every last drop in a week’s time. It’s the fragrance equivalent of feasting on hot waffles in your favorite winter sweater. August 16, 2017 at 6:10pm Reply

    • kpaint: In late summer I’m looking forward to wearing YSL Cinema, Ginestet Botrytis, Huitieme Art Poudre de Riz, Galop d’Hermes. They’re very autumnal to my mind – florals with fruits, nuts, tobacco, powder, suede.

      For comfort that time of year, it’s always Narciso edp for me. But for comfort year-round, I always gravitate to the classics: No 5 and Shalimar. August 14, 2017 at 12:40pm Reply

      • kekasmais: I’ve tried Galop d’Hermes but none of the others you’ve mentioned. On to the list!

        I’ve been clutching No. 5 like a lifeline as of late. A spritz or two helps whenever I’m in need of a backbone to face the day. August 16, 2017 at 6:12pm Reply

    • sunsetsong: Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine is very uplifting and lovely and got me through a difficult patch. Even better I can still stand to wear it as sometimes a perfume becomes associated with a negative time. August 14, 2017 at 1:04pm Reply

      • kekasmais: A dose of Vitamin C in one spray. I have a travel bottle that’s down to its last drops. Perhaps I’ll have enough to see me through the last leg of my troubles. Thank you! August 16, 2017 at 6:13pm Reply

    • Kitty van Halen: Etat Libre Like This. I feel like it’s just plain comforting and still very sophisticated. August 14, 2017 at 1:38pm Reply

      • kekasmais: I went leaping into my stash to go pull out my sample of Like This just now. I’ll be curling up with this tonight, and a hot cup of tea. 🙂 August 16, 2017 at 6:15pm Reply

    • san: Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles !!! August 14, 2017 at 4:45pm Reply

      • kekasmais: One of only a handful of Lutens I haven’t gotten around to yet. Done! August 16, 2017 at 6:18pm Reply

    • stefanie: Bois de Paradis (Parfums DelRae) is a kind of autumnal summer and a healing beauty for me, full of warmth and depth. August 15, 2017 at 4:30am Reply

      • kekasmais: I thought I had a sample of this somewhere, but I’m only turning up Eau Illuminae and Mythique. On the list with it, then! August 16, 2017 at 6:19pm Reply

    • maggiecat: I’ve had a bit of a rough summer – it included serious orthopedic surgery from which I am still recovering – and I find Dame Perfumery’s Earth Mother to be a lovely, grounding fragrance. Jeffery Dame sends generous samples, modest cost, free shipping. (not affiliated, just a fan) August 15, 2017 at 1:23pm Reply

      • kekasmais: I hope your recovery is a quick one and that you’ll be back on your feet soon. The more I think about it, almost everyone I know is going through an ordeal right now. Sending good vibes your way, and thank you for the rec! August 16, 2017 at 6:17pm Reply

    • Nina Z: There are two types of fragrances that I find uplifting: orange blossom and spicy fragrances.

      For orange blossom, I like Seville a l’Aube, Annick Goutal Neroli (I prefer the older EdT to the new EdC, but check out the new one), Hiram Green Dilettante (all natural), and even the Jo Malone Orange Blossom (if they still have it). These are not autumnal but it’s not quite autumn yet!

      Spicy fragrances work so well for me, as energizers and uplifters. One of the most effective for me is Eau Lente by Diptyque. But I also love Noir Epices (more autumnal possibly), Fou d’Opium by DSH perfumes, the original Opium, etc. These work so well for me when it’s cold and overcast and/or foggy. August 16, 2017 at 1:01pm Reply

      • kekasmais: Funnily enough, I don’t think I’ve given orange blossom its fair due. I got into the fragrance swing in my late teens and found orange blossom too “proper” for my liking. Seville a l’Aube is on its way to me now and I’ll have to keep the others in mind for another time. Thank you, Nina! August 16, 2017 at 6:21pm Reply

    • DeeDot: How about Chanel No. 19 Poudre? I’ve always preferred to wear it in cooler weather. I just sprayed some the other day after a long hiatus and was struck by how refreshing and comforting it was. August 16, 2017 at 6:56pm Reply

      • Phyllis Iervello: Chanel No. 19 Poudre is one of my favorite fragrances. I know it doesn’t get much love from the perfumista community, but although I probably own over 800 perfumes Chanel No. 19 Poudre and Hermes Hiris are still among my favorites. August 22, 2017 at 10:11am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Kekasmais,
      Oh, I hope your trials end soon. I wish you both the best living in your new home (and of course to your pets too).
      In the meantime, a great fragrance can surely lure you out of your bad mood.
      Autumn is a wonderful season for all perfumistas who can hardly wait to start using their heavier scents again, those that would cause sudden death in the summer heat.
      I find Jean Patou 1000 EDP a wonderful, bright autumn scent.
      Burberry London reminds me of rainy days in the city but in a good way (think cozy trench coats and bright coloured umbrellas).
      If you like gourmand type scents, Angel by Mugler and Casmir EDP by Chopard both foreshadow the endless streamline of Hallloween treats.
      For a cheap and fun experience, 3 years ago I wore Jennifer Lopez Glow on the last sunny days of autumn. Somehow it matched the mood of changing seasons and still managed to be uplifting and not melancholic. August 17, 2017 at 6:50am Reply

    • Ninon: Bois des Iles parfum is gorgeous and grounding, especially the mysore sandalwood-with-gingerbread note. August 19, 2017 at 10:25pm Reply

  • Katya: I adore Jo Malone’s Basil and Neroli but that does not last on me at all. Any recs for something more powerful?

    Also still lookong for my perfect jasmine. So far my observations have been:

    Jasmin et Cigarette – I enjoy it but it seems to go sour on me and disappear in minutes
    White Jasmin and Mint – lovely woods but again no longevity
    A la nuit – amazing scent but does not last
    Lush Lust – monstrous longevity but it feels like I am drowning in sugar.

    Hope to smell the Yves Rocher option soon. Maybe it will be my Goldilox? August 14, 2017 at 10:16am Reply

    • Celle: Diptyque Olène August 14, 2017 at 10:23am Reply

      • Katya: I never thougt of that! *goes straight on top of to try list* August 14, 2017 at 11:42am Reply

    • Hayley: TF Fleur de Portofino..? Which unfortunately doesn’t last a whole lot longer.re: Jasmin, EL Private Collection Jasmine & White Moss or TF Jasmin Rouge. They are very different from each other, but I love both and they last a while. August 14, 2017 at 11:18am Reply

      • Katya: Hmmm. Tom Ford does always come up. Not sure if it is ever worth it though. I had a flirtation with Black Orchid once but as soon as I had Lush Vanillary for more than a few hours (a friend gave me a 10 ml bottle) I thought – if you can be outdone by a “budget” brand (relatively speaking) on longevity, t is the price tag for other than the designer name? Obviosuly the two perfumes only had vanilla in common but it is a very strong correlation in my mine. Also, the Lush perfume made me hate vanilla. *the irony* August 14, 2017 at 11:46am Reply

        • Hayley: To be honest I don’t find Fleur de Portofino worth it, but it does last longer than the Jo Malone 😉 I am not a fan of the Orchid series. August 14, 2017 at 2:12pm Reply

          • Katya: So I was at an airport today and tried Neroli Portofino. Lovely composition but not worth the price tag. Will have to lust from afar… August 16, 2017 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Katya what about Eau de Guerlain it will last better than the Jo Malone and shares many notes. August 14, 2017 at 1:20pm Reply

      • Katya: Oooh, that sounds very promising! I’ve wanted to find my perfect Guerlain for so long! August 14, 2017 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Two more jasmins to try: Essences Insensées 2015 (Diptique), although it is a limited edition I still see it sometimes in shops or ebay. It is a very beautiful jasmin. The other one is April Aromatic’s Jasmina. August 15, 2017 at 1:38pm Reply

      • Katya: Those sound really good! August 16, 2017 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Katya: So, to update (I was at an airport you see):

      I thought I’d buy my Jo Malone lust-love, but I got sidetracked by th Miller Harris counter. Guys, their Vetivers are so beautiful! But I ended up buying L’eau magnetic as it has that sea-like je-ne-sais quoi that makes me crave more. I cannot pick out any individual notes, it just leaves me with this beautiful impression of the coast.

      I also got a sample of Jasmin which was… ok? Pretty but not one to leave an impression, which is surprising since it is the more expensive one. Like I said, Vetivert and Vetivert Insolent were the ones to truly shine.

      Tried Tender Jasmine by Yves Rocher too. Okay scent, not much to say on longevity (I guess this flower just does not last on me) very pretty if this is what you like. August 16, 2017 at 2:54pm Reply

    • Ninon: My favorite jasmine is Keiko Mecheri Clair Obscur August 19, 2017 at 10:22pm Reply

      • ClareObscure: Hi Ninon & other contributors. As you can see I use a variation of the term, clair obscur, as my name. Hope I can find this perfume you’ve recommended. I do like jasmine & wear Glam Jasmine by Michael Kors, a gift from a friend. Another favourite of mine, recently discontinued, is Jo Malone’s Blue Agave & Cacao. For my skin, so much better than Angel by Mugler. So disappointed.
        Any tips for sample & budget fragrance orders to the UK? The duty on perfume makes certain bargains, from US online shops, no bargain at all. Thanks. Love reading this ‘scent sharing’ column. August 20, 2017 at 3:49pm Reply

    • SilverMoon: Have you tried Annick Goutal’s Songes? it’s a lush tropical jasmine. A milder one worth trying is the Different Company’s Une Nuit Magnetique. August 21, 2017 at 1:33pm Reply

  • Celle: I’m looking for a classical, office friendly floral fragrance. I prefer something with weak sillage and i don’t like fragrances that are too sweet.

    I’m currently using no.19 edt which suits me very well – it’s floral and beautiful but it’s also elegant and restrained. I’m looking for something that can convey this kind of professional, confident mood. August 14, 2017 at 10:22am Reply

    • Hayley: Prada Infusion d’Iris? Or maybe something among the non-oud MFKs. August 14, 2017 at 11:19am Reply

      • Celle: Thanks Hayley! i have never sampled any MFKs. Which ones would you recommend? August 14, 2017 at 12:19pm Reply

    • Mariann: I sound like a Hermes fan girl but how about Jour de Hermes? I also like Pradas Infusions line for discreet office scents and if you like tea notes Bulgaris tea scents. August 14, 2017 at 11:19am Reply

      • AndreaR: I second Jour d’Hermes. August 14, 2017 at 11:29am Reply

        • Celle: I was also thinking about Jour! Which one is better for office, the Original or the Absolu? August 14, 2017 at 12:06pm Reply

          • Mariann: I have the original but try both and see what you like best. August 14, 2017 at 5:04pm Reply

          • AndreaR: I have the original as well. Agree with Mariann about trying both. August 14, 2017 at 5:58pm Reply

          • kpaint: I have both and have never noticed much of a difference between the two. I’m actually testing them right now on different hands, and they smell remarkably similar. August 15, 2017 at 11:41am Reply

      • parkerscout: I second all your suggestions! I would also recommend “Scherrer” and “Eau première”, love both August 15, 2017 at 7:05am Reply

    • Katya: Hard to beat number 19…. have youbtried Diptyque Vetyverio? It is an odd one but I find that it has a powerful charm.

      Also possibly Miller Harris Eau Magnetique? Not sure about floral but again it has that je-ne-sais-quoi while staying close to the skin. August 14, 2017 at 11:21am Reply

      • Celle: Katya thanks for reminding me of Vetyverio which I had a sample vial before… and I recall it to be quite likeable & versatile. I’ll sample it again! August 14, 2017 at 12:09pm Reply

        • Katya: I always seem to be recommending this perfume on these threads although I have yet to purchase it myself… such is its power!

          Odd thing about Diptyque – everyone seems to have a favourite and rarely do they sample the rest of the line. For a while I thought the only one that existed was Do Son. I never even tried Olene! But now I want pretty much all of them. *wallet weeps* August 14, 2017 at 12:18pm Reply

          • Celle: I love Do Son! (although unfortunately I do smell something similar at shopping mall toilets occasionally, but I still love it…) August 14, 2017 at 12:23pm Reply

            • Katya: That is a common enough reaction the edt can be a bit brash… yet it rakes in all of the compliments. The only perfume I have worn that got me as many is Love Story by Chloe… which is also a bit disinfectant-like in certain environments. August 14, 2017 at 12:55pm Reply

            • limegreen: The new Do Son body mist is great, not as indolic. August 16, 2017 at 10:18am Reply

        • Katya: I just had the pleasure of trying Miller Harris’ vetivert fragrances (Vetivert and Vetivert Insolent) (the former being more expensive) I really liked both. Vetivet made me think a lot about no19 so maybe it is too samey for you, but both are really worth trying.

          I bought their Eau Magnetic. The notes are citruses and flowers although all I get is an impression of a beachwalk. You may or may not like that but I think it may be very office friendly. My other MH is a discontinued one called Fleurs de Sel which is super herbal and savoury and got me a lot of compliments at work. (I went onto have a long conversation with my colleafues about Chanel no 5 and why perfumes are ao expensive. Apparently the finer points of rose oil production aren’t well known.) August 16, 2017 at 3:00pm Reply

    • kpaint: Some ideas that come to mind: Esprit d’Oscar by Oscar de la Renta; Annick Goutal Heure Exquise; Atelier Sous le toit de Paris; Chanel Beige; Lolita Lempicka L’Eau en Blanc. August 14, 2017 at 12:31pm Reply

    • Aurora: I second kpaint with Heure Exquise and add you might try Grand Amour too if you haven’t already, it has the same green classic feel as No 19 and HE. August 14, 2017 at 12:53pm Reply

      • Hamamelis: Third for Heure Exquise. August 15, 2017 at 1:40pm Reply

      • ClareObscure: Grand Amour. One of my top 5 fragrances. Could be too pervasive for the office. I find it utterly female & quite heady. August 20, 2017 at 3:56pm Reply

    • sunsetsong: Another Chanel – Cristalle Eau Verte. Always appropriate!! August 14, 2017 at 1:07pm Reply

    • san: Iris is definitely the perfect office-friendly flower.
      Infusion d’Iris is my business woman mother’s staple.
      Something light and green from Chanel : Cristalle EDT.
      If you want to go floral crazy but still appropriate at work I will try La Chasse aux Papillons L’Artisan Parfumeur or Bottega Veneta Knot.

      My job perfume is Petit Matin by MFK 😉 August 14, 2017 at 4:41pm Reply

      • Phyllis Iervello: Petite Matin is a prefect work scent! August 14, 2017 at 10:16pm Reply

    • Ann: 31 Rue Cambon is a lovely office scent, a classic chypre with a dry, nutty aspect and light sillage. August 15, 2017 at 12:15pm Reply

    • Becky K.: My favorite scent for the office is Peoneve by Penhaligon’s. It feels light, fresh, and pretty – especially when walking across several parking lots on a humid day. August 15, 2017 at 7:20pm Reply

    • hajusuuri: Puredistance Opardu but be warned that it will be painful to the wallet…so worth it though! August 15, 2017 at 11:30pm Reply

    • hajusuuri: Plus:

      Prada Infusion de Mimosa
      Prada Infusion de Rose August 15, 2017 at 11:32pm Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Celie — Something different:
      Maison Martin Margiela Untitled #3 — it’s no. 19 meets Vent Vert, and would be office friendly, definitely not too sweet.

      Another possibility: Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur with hay and violet, touch of leather, without any note that’s overpowering, definitely office friendly and not too sweet at all, and I find it elegant. August 16, 2017 at 9:42am Reply

    • spe: Kelly Caleche. The parfum is nice, but I’m not sure it lasts as long as the edp. August 17, 2017 at 12:08am Reply

    • Lily: My current go-to for understated floral (office to me = understated) is Balenciaga Paris. It’s violet and leaves, a little quiet so maybe not a confidence booster to everyone. But to me it is introspective and beautiful, and those things make me feel centered, which makes me feel confident. August 17, 2017 at 8:51am Reply

    • rosarita: I find Bottega Veneta to have that smooth, elegant confidence, also Tom Ford White Patchouli (not a patchouli perfume but a classy, quiet floral.) August 17, 2017 at 4:02pm Reply

  • Alexandra Jugureanu: I’m new to this world, but learning more about it every day. I’d like to recommend a perfume I recently discovered from an independent perfumer in London, UK. Her name is Maya Njie and the one I have is “Nordic Cedar”. I’m not good with descriptions, yet, so I’ll copy/paste the brief on their website.

    Description:
    Fresh notes of Cardamom give this scent a bright introduction that is animated and spicy. Running beneath and offering balance are earthy tones of Patchouli and Cedarwood. Soft Musk and notes of Amber sit as a foundation in this warm and piquant fragrance.

    Key notes:
    Cardamom, Patchouli, Musk, Cedarwood, Amber August 14, 2017 at 10:44am Reply

    • Katya: Oh that might be a good one to try when I run out of my Mimosa and Cardamom! August 14, 2017 at 11:31am Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you so much Alexandra this is new to me and I am in the UK so I will look this up. If you like cardamom have you tried Hermes Voyage? August 14, 2017 at 12:56pm Reply

      • Alexandra: I haven’t! It’s on my list to try now. Thanks, Aurora! August 14, 2017 at 4:52pm Reply

    • I.S: I second that recommendation! She seems to be a lovely person and I’m impressed by her perfumes. Got the Nordic Ceder in 10ml and Sadel which is a raw leather composition in 50ml. Need to wear them a bit more, but so far so good. August 14, 2017 at 1:45pm Reply

  • Jill: I’m looking for a summer substitute for Theorema. I love orange scents that are not too floral but fresh. Not crazy about jasmine on me and like tonka bean, sandalwood and cedar as base notes. Want something that lasts but not too much. Any ideas? August 14, 2017 at 11:02am Reply

    • Katya: Lush Sun is a nice orange from what I remember and if I am not mistaken it has sandalwood as a base. They tend to last forever though.

      Also I recommended Diptyque Vetyverio earlier because it is a nice woody perfume but with a bit of a citrus kick… August 14, 2017 at 11:26am Reply

      • Katya: Just checked the ingredients list for Sun. Brazillian orange, mimosa and sandalwood. My memory of smelling this is a bit fuzzy. I remember the orange but also something else that made me think of incense sticks and Woodstock. (No idea what that was like btw just a weeird impression.) Might be worth a sniff but I would be careful spraying. August 14, 2017 at 11:30am Reply

        • Jill: I did try Sun and liked it. Will look into Vetyverio. thanks, Katya. August 14, 2017 at 11:34am Reply

    • kpaint: Hermes Eau des Merveilles strikes me as being in the same vein as Theorema. August 14, 2017 at 12:06pm Reply

      • Jill: Thanks, will retry it. August 14, 2017 at 12:37pm Reply

    • Celle: How about Orange Sanguine? August 14, 2017 at 12:10pm Reply

      • Jill: Thanks. It’s a little cool for me. August 14, 2017 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Jill: what about trying Cacharel Amor Amor. It’s an explosion of orange at first and its base has some of the notes you like, and I would call it warm citrus. However, it is said that the newest version lack longevity, mine is an older bottle although not vintage, so maybe if you’re interested try to see what they have on ebay. August 15, 2017 at 10:29am Reply

    • Tati: Hi Jill, I also love Theorema. Not exactly a summer substitute but I love Profumum’s Neroli that has myrrh. The other one that most reminds me of Theorema in spirit is Etat Libre d’Orange Like This. August 15, 2017 at 12:06pm Reply

      • Jill: Thanks, Tati. i’ll try these. August 15, 2017 at 7:25pm Reply

  • Ann: Hello….looking for suggestions for first cologne for my soon to be 12 year old. When he was a baby I bought him Mustela at a pharmacy, and have found him spritzing it on before special get togethers. I snatched it away from his bathroom, because I want a few drops for sentimentality’s sake.

    I was initially thinking of a traditional lemony fragrance, but I am open. I have not smelled Mugler Cologne, or Bulgari The Vert, but those are on the list. I like Cartier Declaration, I was thinking along these lines…suggestion are appreciated! August 14, 2017 at 11:05am Reply

    • sunsetsong: CK One!! Great on everyone. My son has used this since tween stage and still does at 19 although he has many colognes now. Blame his mother!! August 14, 2017 at 1:13pm Reply

      • Ann: Thanks Sunsetsong! I will have to re-smell CK One! August 15, 2017 at 7:55am Reply

    • san: 4711 is the perfect lemon cologne and as it is a dupe for Tom Ford Neroli Portofino it won’t be too sharp for your little man.

      But my best bet will be Jean-Paul Gauthier Fleur du Mâle, a beautiful neroli scent which really is the grown up version of Mustela.

      More expensive citrus choices:
      – Concentré d’Orange verte Hermes
      – Eau d’hadrien Annick Goutal August 14, 2017 at 4:32pm Reply

      • Ann: Thank you San! I love the idea of getting him a grown-up version of Mustella. I will be on the look out for Fleur du Male! August 15, 2017 at 7:58am Reply

    • Irem: Hello, I have been looking for a cologne for my 9 year old son for some time. Here are our finds:
      I love Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, but it is too expensive.
      My son loved Chanel Eau de Cologne, still expensive, but much better price per ml. When he turns 12, I might get him a bottle. Would make him feel very special.
      We always have 4711 at home and do not treat it as fragrance, it is nice but too fleeting.
      Currently, we are using Clarins Eau Dynamisante for him. When we run out, I will have him try O de Lancome. It is especially great in Summer. August 14, 2017 at 8:27pm Reply

      • Ann: Thanks Irem for sharing your suggestions! I will have to ask to smell Chanel eau de cologne if it is available at the Chanel counter. Good luck in your continued search as well! August 15, 2017 at 8:01am Reply

    • Adina: Maybe Eau de Cedrat from L’Occitane would be a good choice! August 15, 2017 at 2:56pm Reply

      • Ann: Thank you! I have not smelled this, but it will be easy to try next time I pass by a L’Occitaine boutique. August 16, 2017 at 10:02am Reply

        • Adina: You’re welcome! I also find it suitable for women, I even thought about buying the smaller bottle, but at that time I found it a bit too light for me. And I love the design and the texture of the bottle! August 17, 2017 at 8:31am Reply

    • Kindcrow: I recommend Eau des Minimes by Le Couvent des Minimes. August 15, 2017 at 10:01pm Reply

      • Ann: thank you for the suggestion! what a cute name, I will have to smell this. August 16, 2017 at 10:06am Reply

    • Safran: How about the L’Eau version of Declaration? I like both a lot and the L’Eau seems to be a bit more easy-going and playful. August 16, 2017 at 4:45am Reply

      • Ann: Oh, that is a very good idea…did not know L’eau existed, thank you! August 16, 2017 at 10:07am Reply

    • Katya: I just bought myself a Miller Harris perfume and I am talking about the house’s virtues all over this thread. But!

      It is worth saying that I seem to love most of the things of theirs that I smell, and they seem to have interesting compositions for everything. The one I got , eau magnetic, is a citrus although a very marine one, with some flower notes. They have a cologne called citron citron, which I have not smelled but which might be worth checking out. Their prices just went up in the UK but they are still on par with most mainstream perfume lines so… it will not break the bank, but it isn’t super cheap either. August 16, 2017 at 3:07pm Reply

      • Ann: Ok, adding those to my sample list – I wish there was somewhere I could smell them in store – but I have been curious about this line! August 17, 2017 at 10:02am Reply

  • Michael: Has anyone else tried the new Chanel yet? I tested it earlier today and it’s surprisingly bold for a mainstream release. The blood orange top note is quite juicy and carries a hint of slight sweetness. It’s quite a departure from the usual aldehydes/bergamot opening of previous releases. According to Fragrantica, the heart of the fragrance is built around a quartet of white flowers: tuberose, ylang ylang, jasmine and orange blossom. The drydown smelled a bit umm metallic on me, so I’d like to test it again.

    Can’t believe it’s been 15 years since Chanel released a new women’s fragrance! August 14, 2017 at 11:50am Reply

    • kpaint: I’m looking forward to trying Gabrielle. I’m assuming that’s what you’re referring to here.

      The last 2 additions to the Exclusifs, Misia and Boy, were new women’s fragrances. August 14, 2017 at 12:11pm Reply

      • Michael: Yes that’s right. Would love to know what you think of it.

        I was referring to a new Chanel women’s fragrance for the mainstream market, as opposed to the niche one. August 14, 2017 at 12:30pm Reply

        • kpaint: Oh, yes, that’s true. And intended as a future pillar fragrance, which the other 2 are not. But good point that it ought to be easy to find and test. August 14, 2017 at 12:43pm Reply

    • Katya: I hear a lot of mixed reviews on that one. Personally, I enjoyed Olivier Polge’s take on Chance Eau Vive but not enough to buy a full bottle… Gabrielle’s lineup seems to have all my favourite things in it but I will reserve judgement until I try it. August 14, 2017 at 12:21pm Reply

      • Michael: If I were to make a comparison between Chanel No 5 L’Eau and Gabrielle, I’d say the latter is the brunette, worldly wise aunt of the former, with a strong will and a temper to boot. 😄 August 14, 2017 at 12:32pm Reply

        • Katya: Sounds encouraging. I like L’eau well enough but the whole Lily-Rose Depp as the face made me go a bit meh (Ironic I know, Vanessa Paradis was the face of Coco). Just… too well-mannered for my taste. Hopefully Gabrielle will be different. August 14, 2017 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Tara C: I found it pleasant, in the same vein as Beige. I’m sure it will be successful for them. Not something for me however. August 20, 2017 at 12:20pm Reply

  • Katya: Random thought – has anybody tried any of the Gri Gri or Les Jadrins d’Ecrivains perfumes by Anais Beguine?

    I had a sample of Sideshow that was mesmerizing and terrifying and I’ve wanted to try George really badly but I never order the sample. I’ve looked for reviews and I would love to hear some of yours. Have you tried any of the line? What are your faves? August 14, 2017 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Katya: *Anais Biguine (self, why don’t you spellcheck before you type?) August 14, 2017 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Tara C: I didn’t care for the Gri Gri line, quite herbal which is not my thing. Jardins d’Écrivains was more to my taste. August 20, 2017 at 12:22pm Reply

  • Sharon: One of my favorite refreshing scents for summer was Lancôme’s Aroma Tonic Green which has been discontinued for years. In Victoria’s words from a 2013 article:

    Lancôme Aroma Tonic (£20 for 100ml) is a green-tea-inspired fragrance that spikes its lemony beverage with cardamom and osmanthus – the apricot-scented blossom of the Chinese olive.

    Can anyone recommend a similar scent? Thanks! August 14, 2017 at 12:46pm Reply

    • sunsetsong: Lancome still sell this (in Uk at least) The bottle is a bit different but it still smells the same – I have been a fan for years and restocked recently. It is often not with the perfume samples on counter. August 14, 2017 at 1:18pm Reply

      • Sharon: It seems the UK won’t ship Aroma Tonic to the US. Bummer! August 14, 2017 at 3:59pm Reply

        • sunsetsong: Bummer indeed! You’ll just have to book a holiday here! August 14, 2017 at 4:16pm Reply

          • Sharon: Ha-ha, I might have to do that! August 14, 2017 at 5:03pm Reply

        • sunsetsong: Bulgari Eau Parfumee de The Vert is pretty close to Aroma Tonic and chea per than a return flight! August 14, 2017 at 4:39pm Reply

          • Sharon: Thanks, I’ll have to sample that one at the counter. August 14, 2017 at 5:04pm Reply

    • kat: Biotherm’s Eau Vitaminée is close in my opinion. If you look at the list of notes it may not look that way but I did a test-run yesterday (I own both but haven’t worn them in quite a while so I had to make sure that memory is not playing tricks). Eau Vitaminée is a tad softer probably due to the lack of ginger. August 15, 2017 at 7:59am Reply

  • anne: Hello everybody,
    I love this thread. I have received some great perfume suggestions.
    I am looking for a new autumn/winter fragrance. I am looking fro something not too sweet or too flowery with a light to medium sillage. Perfume I have enjoyed are:
    Musc ravageur by Frederic Malle.
    Rose 31 by Le Labo
    Phylosophikos by Diptyque.
    Eau Duelle by Diptyque
    Basil and Neroli by Jo Malone

    I also like, but not as much
    L eau N 5 by Chanel
    Boy by Chanel

    I would love your suggestion.
    Also, as any of you tried Oris and Sandalwood by Jo Malone? And if yes what are your thoughts?

    Many many thanks lovely people.
    Anne. August 14, 2017 at 12:51pm Reply

    • Katya: Fellow Basil and Neroli fan here! (Can you make it last on you? I wanna get a bottle but for some reason the last time I tried it it was gone in minutes.) If you like Neroli I get tons of compliments on Chloe Love Story (original edp although they say the edt is more tempered down… which I consider a shame)

      Also for some reason I thought of Coco. I find the edp strangely comforting and autumnal. August 14, 2017 at 12:58pm Reply

      • Anne: Thank you.
        I ll try Chloe Love story again. Last time I tried it didn’t work on me, but it s worth trying again and it s such a pretty bottle!
        basil and neroli doesn’t last long on me either. But I found it perfect for hot weather. I wish I could enjoy more it s lovely musk dry down though ( all gone too quick). August 14, 2017 at 1:09pm Reply

        • Katya: *sigh* such a waste of a Jo Malone… I might still get a small bottle because I love it but it makes me sad.

          Love Story can be brash – I mentioned it in a comment above, but on some days it does remind me of fabric cleaner. Having said that they made two different versions of the original edp so maybe one of them will be more up your alley? I recommend it because it (and Do Son by Diptyque, another great floral that doesn’t last as much as I wish it would) is the perfume that rakes in the compliments when I wear it. August 14, 2017 at 1:15pm Reply

          • limegreen: I got the Basil Neroli body creme and it’s quite potent, relatively speaking, and lasts, with or without the extra layering of the fragrance. August 16, 2017 at 9:44am Reply

      • Maria: Recently I tried Eau de Neroli from Hermes. I find it lasts longer than Jo Malone, and it is a beautiful take on neroli, with a musky side. August 14, 2017 at 1:56pm Reply

    • san: Reading your comment and your most beloved scents, your perfect fall/winter perfume popped up in my mind >>> Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens : you won’t get your nose out of your scarf again. August 14, 2017 at 4:25pm Reply

      • Irem: Strongly second San’s suggestion: you won’t get your nose out of your scarf again. Brilliant way to put it. August 14, 2017 at 9:18pm Reply

        • anne: Thank you San and Irem. I haven t tried this in a while. I will definitely go and check it out. Thank you both. August 16, 2017 at 1:13pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Ann, did you ever try L’artisan Parfumeur’s Dzongkha? August 15, 2017 at 1:43pm Reply

    • limegreen: Orris and Sandalwood is lovely and I find it very similar to Myrrh and Tonka, also in the same Intense series. The MT is a tad sweeter, both would be a nice autumn fragrance.

      How about Le Labo The Noir 29, Diptyque Oud Palao for autumn/winter? (I share likes with your list.) August 16, 2017 at 9:52am Reply

      • limegreen: Have you tried Dans tes Bras (I think someone else recommended it as well)? It isn’t to everyone’s style but it’s Roucel, the same perfumer who did Musc Ravageur. August 16, 2017 at 10:06am Reply

        • ClareObscure: A certain perfume blog reviewer described the experience of wearing Dans Tes Bras (love the name) sent to her in sample form, as so ferrous on her skin that it smelled like ‘a cute nosebleed’. I laughed out loud because so many famous, legendary & expensive perfumes smell objectionable on my skin. For instance, Santal Majescule. Dreadful. Sometimes persevering is out of the question. August 20, 2017 at 4:30pm Reply

      • anne: Oh thank you for this. I ll try The Noir and Oud Palao. I am intrigued my the latest JM Cologne though. Although it may be on the sweeter side MT sounds quite interesting. Did you find the violet in Orris and Sandalwood very strong?
        Thank you again August 16, 2017 at 1:10pm Reply

        • anne: And thank you Limegreen too! I ll give Dans tes bras a test! Loving everyone recommendations. August 16, 2017 at 1:11pm Reply

        • limegreen: Hi Anne!
          What’s your price tolerance for this new autumn scent? My latest (salivating) favorite obsession is Armani Prive Iris Celadon. It meets all the criteria you set. (but very expensive) Worth a testing!

          I’m afraid I did not detect violet in Orris Sandalwood, so I guess it’s not very strong! It opens with a cool orris root (not as rooty as Iris Silver Mist) which I love, and does not last long before morphing into a powdery drydown, a mix of amber/vanilla sandalwood, but not overly sweet
          The Myrrh and Tonka is sweeter with the syrupy-ness of myrrh and tonka bean. I haven’t tested it recently but my first impression when I tested Myrrh and Tonka was that it was a fraternal twin of OS.

          Good luck! August 16, 2017 at 3:53pm Reply

    • Tara C: I love Orris & Sandalwood, as well as Myrrh & Tonka. Perhaps try Le Labo Labdanum or FM Dries Van Noten. Mugler Oriental Express is fabulous as well. August 20, 2017 at 12:26pm Reply

  • Maria: Hi all the readers,

    You will excuse my english, it is not a language I use frequently. I wanted to know your opinion about La Via de Profumo. I’m a great iris lover, I love Chanel 19 et Infusion d’iris, I also like rose and incense, my beloved one is L’ether d’Iunx. On summer, I love delicate woods and violets, like Vetyver de Guerlain and Eau de Cartier. I would like to find natural options for these parfums, and I’ve been reading a lot of beautiful reviews about La Via de Profumo (Luca Turin is very fond of this line). Have you ever tried them? If yes, do you know if there is something near my tastes? I would love to know your opinion before buying them, the small decants are quite expensive :-).

    Thanks a lot! August 14, 2017 at 1:03pm Reply

    • san: – rose and incense and natural : try patchouli rose by mad&len , the darkest rose on earth August 14, 2017 at 4:21pm Reply

      • Maria: Thank you San! I will try to find a decant, but I have to say that what I love in l’Ether is its airy aspect, it is more an introspective parfum than a dark and misterious one 🙂 August 14, 2017 at 6:56pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: No experience with La Via de Profumo, I know Kafkaesque has reviewed quite of few of them. For natural perfumes I wholeheartedly recommend April Aromatics. Her incense (Calling all Angels) is my favourite, and I also love her rose. Purple Reign has some iris but has more lilac. Some of them last well, others less so. She has a nice sample set (but not cheap) and smaller sizes of her perfumes. August 15, 2017 at 1:46pm Reply

      • Maria: Hi Hamamelis! It was the Kafkaesque blog who make me want to try La Via del Profumo :-). I’m craving Il giglio de Firenzze (iris and mimosa) but it is sooo expensive, that I wanted to consult before buying it. I will look for April Aromatics also. Thankyou! August 15, 2017 at 2:21pm Reply

  • January: Hi,
    I’m Looking for a light summer musk fragrance. Any suggestions would be appreciated. August 14, 2017 at 3:52pm Reply

    • san: Serge Lutens Fleur de citronniers is the muskiest neroli i’ve met.
      Chanel L’eau could work too.

      Have to mention my fave musk not so light but still radiant and beautiful: Annick Goutal Musc Nomade. August 14, 2017 at 4:49pm Reply

    • Aurora: I second San’s idea of Chanel No 5 l’Eau, the musk drydown lasts forever on my skin. Also Serge Lutens Clair de Musk is a lovely light musk with good longevity. August 15, 2017 at 2:53am Reply

      • Aurora: Clair de Musc, sorry for the typo above. August 15, 2017 at 2:55am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi January,
      Narciso for her EDT and SJP Lovely are both great musky scents.
      I second Clair de musc and Chanel no. 5 l’eau recommended by Aurora.
      If you love roses, Montale Roses musk is a delicate composition but very longlasting.
      The body Shop White musk line also has some great versions.
      I also use Jovan Musk, it is great both in perfume and oil form. August 17, 2017 at 7:04am Reply

    • rosarita: Body Time China Rain. It’s a classic light floral musk that smells wonderful in the summer. There are lots of great body products in the same scent. August 17, 2017 at 4:08pm Reply

    • Kristina: I love light musk scents! What about SJP lovely, SL Clair de musc? For summer, i also like Body Shop White musk (white musk for men is also very well done and pretty unisex imo). Avon White musk is nice too. August 21, 2017 at 4:33pm Reply

    • Kristina: “Avon Soft musk”, sorry! August 21, 2017 at 4:36pm Reply

  • san: hi everyone,

    i’m looking for an iris perfume that feels light and citrusy or sweet ??? already have prada infusion d’iris and deeper, colder iris standards.

    also anything honeysuckle centered ??? (please don’t mention le chèvrefeuille annick goutal)

    thanks <3
    i will try to answer as many comments as i can 😉 August 14, 2017 at 4:17pm Reply

    • Courant: Sample Shalimar Cologne 2015, rather overlooked as all the marketing has gone the way of Souffle. It’s a mixture of Parfum Initial and Eau de Shalimar of recent years; it’s sweet light and lemony, I’m addicted August 14, 2017 at 5:09pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello San: Iris: for you I’m thinking of Miller Harris Terre d’Iris, it has the citrus you’re looking for but I should add that it is long lasting on my skin so perhaps doesn’t qualify as light, also an another one I like is Yardley Iris, a simple musky iris which stays close to the skin, it’s often overlooked.

      Honeysuckle: I love Fragonard by Fragonard and it won’t break the bank; I know Santa Maria Novella has a honeysuckle, Caprifoglio I haven’t tried it but they do soliflore very well so it might be worth sampling.

      Hope this helps a little bit. August 15, 2017 at 3:37am Reply

    • limegreen: Hi San,
      You may already have tried this iris but Houbigant Iris des Champs may fill that light iris and sweet desire, the sweet is ylang but this is not an overpowering ylang. And of course, Hiris is always a light option that’s lovely this time of year, into the fall.

      Well done and affordable Honeysuckle — have you tried DSH Perfumes Wild Honeysuckle? It’s a soliflore but not overly sweet, as it is meant to be the wild honeysuck on the Cape. August 16, 2017 at 9:35am Reply

      • limegreen: Also, Le Labo Iris 39 August 16, 2017 at 9:53am Reply

    • Rebecca: I don’t know if this is helpful, but I recently bought a bottle of vintage Eau de Givenchy on eBay (squared bottle with blue plastic cap)—and I find a wonderful, long-lasting honeysuckle in the drydown, of all places!

      It starts out more green with LOTV and dandelion notes: blended floral that is a bit of a shapeshifter depending on the day. I’m so impressed with the tenacity and quality. Speaking as someone who does like Le Chèvrefeuille, I like this one better. August 16, 2017 at 7:57pm Reply

      • Lily: Thank you for mentioning the Eau de Givenchy! From your description I knew I had to try it. Found a 5ml splash bottle for not too much and just got it…OMG SO GOOOOOOD!!! It fills a scent void I had resigned myself to not finding in perfume, namely a sweet-grassy warm spring/summer day type of light or sweet-green fragrance that isn’t overly floral, nor a green weighed down by moss (can easily go fecal to my nose), nor based on vetiver to create the grass effect (vetiver is fine but it is all my nose smells when it’s on my skin). I am glad I got to try it with at least a few weeks of summer left! September 10, 2017 at 10:54pm Reply

    • Maria: Santa Maria Novella Iris is very sweet. I think it has some violet also August 16, 2017 at 8:50pm Reply

    • AnnieA: @San, AG Heure Exquise is a lovely iris if it hasn’t been mentioned. Demeter has, or had, a beautiful if fleeting Homeysuckle – the oil lasts a little longer… August 22, 2017 at 1:03pm Reply

  • Julie Ellis: Look forward to these “Recommend Me a Perfume” columns. Feeling nostalgic as summer wanes and remember the old Straw Hat by Faberge from the 70’s. I’d like to find something newer but with the woodsy, straw, lemony and end of summer feel like that had.
    Any ideas would be welcome!
    Thanks! August 14, 2017 at 4:51pm Reply

    • san: without hesitation : Ninfeo Mio Annick Goutal August 14, 2017 at 5:12pm Reply

      • Julie Ellis: thank you….will try to find a sample, I like Annick Goutal fragrances. August 14, 2017 at 6:15pm Reply

    • Lynley: I’m not familiar with Straw Hat, but I adore Yerbamate by Lorenzo Villoresi. It’s a bit green with a beautiful warm hay note that lasts throughout. August 14, 2017 at 8:46pm Reply

    • aurora: Like Linley I don’t know Straw Hat but I can recommend for hay note l’Artisan Parfumeur l’Ete en Douce. August 15, 2017 at 6:30am Reply

      • Julie Ellis: thank you for the suggestions….has anyone tried Marc Jacobs Daisy Sunshine?? I noticed on Fragrantica that a similarity is mentioned to Straw Hat. Just wondering and hoping to smell something like that again.
        Thanks! August 16, 2017 at 8:38pm Reply

  • missjanefan: Hello,
    Has anyone tried Molinard’s Patchouli? I’ve recently acquired it because it was on sale at my local Anthro, it’s a Molinard, and it was the only Molinard left in stock. I like this and it works for my skin and nose. But I’m unsure how or where to wear it. Would this be in the opulent category? Or since it’s a Patchouli, would it be more suited for a me, myself and I audience?
    Thank you! August 14, 2017 at 9:19pm Reply

    • rosarita: I’m not familiar with the Molinard but I am a fan of several patchouli centered perfumes and they’re not all heavy. Why not wear it and see how you feel with it on out and about? Imo a spritz on the chest region allows one to smell their own perfume without too much projection. Ask a friend what they think. August 17, 2017 at 4:13pm Reply

      • missjanefan: Thank you, Rosarita! I think I’ll follow your advice and wear it out. It does settle down nicely. August 18, 2017 at 1:40pm Reply

  • cp: I’m thinking of purchasing Tom Ford’s Cafe Rose as I’ve been looking for a soft, warm, dry rose and I think this is the closest I’ve come so far. Does anyone know of any other similar ones that might have a cocoa note or any others that you like better than this one? August 15, 2017 at 12:40am Reply

    • aurora: If you really love it above all else my advice is go for it, another one for cocoa + rose that I like very much and is often recommended here is Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule, it’s on a base of sandalwood as name indicates. August 15, 2017 at 7:07am Reply

    • Ann: Have you tried Paestum Rose? It’s a dry, spicy rose with a touch of incense. No chocolate that I can detect, however. August 15, 2017 at 12:08pm Reply

    • cp: Thanks Aurora. Coincidentally I have just received a sample of Santal Majuscule and I’m testing it out. Also, I will try Paestum Rose. I think I saw it at Neimans and I’ll try to get a sample. August 15, 2017 at 7:13pm Reply

    • Katya: I tried Yves Rocher Rose Oud today (it was suggested to me in another one of these threads as a possible budget alternative for Guerlain Rose Nacree du Desert). Very nice dry woody rose. Longevity wasn’t great on me but it was a tester bottle so who knows how long it was open. If you live near a counter I would suggest giving it a sniff. (Or the Guerlain if you want – fair warning the first sniff will make you think of a barbecue). August 16, 2017 at 3:16pm Reply

    • spe: Noir de Noir and 100% Love August 17, 2017 at 12:12am Reply

    • katherine x: Rose 31 (Le Labo) may be worth a try. August 26, 2017 at 10:42am Reply

  • Brock: I hope you see this because I’ve been dying to know: Have you smelled the recent Jicky EdP, the one that comes in the bee bottle?

    I love it. It’s richer than the thinner versions of Jicky prior post-regulations.

    If so, I’d love to know what you think. Thanks! August 15, 2017 at 2:33am Reply

  • Qwendy: Hi Everyone, I had the great luck to recommend Black Orchid to a dear friend for her wedding and she has been wearing it ever since! But she says it’s time for a change and I am at a loss …. She also loves Dioressence ….. any ideas? August 15, 2017 at 4:26am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Qwendy,
      I also love Black Orchid (as I’m sure many perfumistas do). And I just bought Dioressence 2 weeks ago 🙂
      I presume your friend loves bold, rich scents that make a statement.
      I recommend Miss Dior originale EDT (or if you/she can find a vintage, even better) and Vol de Nuit extrait by Guerlain.
      Victoria made me discover Jean Patou 1000 EDP and I cannot recommend it more, it is a little known gem with a vintage chypre vibe.
      The flanker of Black Orchid, Velvet Orchid may worth a try.
      I love Shanghai Lily by Tom Ford as well, it is an incredibly rich, heady scent, it is an event to wear it.
      Shalimar EDP and EDT and also the (sadly discontinued) Shalimar Parfum Initial and Samsara , all by Guerlain may also please the nose of your friend.
      From Dior, Poison and Hypnotic Poison may fill the bill.
      I hope she finds a new favourite soon. August 17, 2017 at 7:18am Reply

      • Qwendy: Nice to hear from you Nora, thanks so much! My pal’s name is Nora, coincidentally! Great recs, I will study them! August 24, 2017 at 12:43pm Reply

    • Katya: Maybe Vanilla Orchid by Val Clef and Aprles? August 17, 2017 at 10:56am Reply

      • Qwendy: Thanks Katya! August 24, 2017 at 12:44pm Reply

  • Amalia: About Diptyque Philosykos… I’m ready to give up, it doesn’t last on me to the least, but I love it. The bottle is almost empty, any suggestion to help the sillage and longevity? I have trIed unscented body cream, but nothing. Thank you August 15, 2017 at 4:40am Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Amalia — I replied to your post but don’t know why it didn’t show, so I apologize if this becomes a duplicate.
      The new body product line is much improved and wonderful depth in fragrance so you might try the Philosykos body lotion for layering. I found the shower gel enchanting, too.
      I didn’t find the Diptyque perfume oils all that helpful for lasting, but the perfume solids are longlasting, especially dabbed behind the ears. The solids do not dry out. I’ve had one for 6 or 7 years. August 16, 2017 at 10:12am Reply

      • limegreen: I wonder, are you wearing the EdT? The Philosykos in the EdP is woodier, but still green, and longer lasting. Since your bottle is almost empty, it might be worth testing the EdP, and worth the extra investment since you love it. August 16, 2017 at 10:23am Reply

        • Amalia: Thank you so much! I tried both, EDT and EDP in fact, EDP is the one that is nearly finished now. I also have tried the solid form in store, with no luck. I want to point out, that I don’t want/ like, heavy, in your face, parfum. The only one, that last on me and take all the compliments, is still Elixir des Merveilles by Hermès , after so many years. I will check the Philosykos body lotion, though, thank you again! August 23, 2017 at 5:34am Reply

          • limegreen: You could always, in desperation, spritz the home fragrance spray Figuer on your scarf or clothing! 🙂
            Good luck! August 23, 2017 at 11:17am Reply

  • Wendy Debona: I used French Vanilla spray by Signature Club A for years and it was “cotton candy” like and men LOVED IT! It was discontinued and I can’t replace it. Help. August 15, 2017 at 7:56am Reply

  • Nancy A.: Hi V,

    This gives me an opportunity to bemoan my recent if not new experience with Chanel at one of their boutiques recently. Since we BDJ bloggers take pleasure in the joys of scent, the big fragrance companies compromise this enjoyment. At any rate, overshadowing the highly inflated prices (sticker shock) when meeting with sales staff who don’t even share the passion of scent it creates makes it so much of a deflated experience. With that said, I tested Gabrielle (pulled from behind their hidden cabinet doors), Boy and the already launched MISIA. Of course, I was impressed with all three, particularly Misia with the scent of Violets. BOY is a unisexual fragrance whose topnote is lavender. GABRIELLE is elegant, soft with a topnote of Jasmine Absolute. GABRIELLE’S newly launched ad campaign is unimpressive. And here, I thought maybe there was a modest chance of a sample. Mais non. We’re all out — of everything?!! Of course you are. Here, the store was virtually empty catering solely to mostly the tourist trade but losing the customer at home. My scent cards never trailed me home. No sillage, flat. gone. However, I made a brief stop at Sephora and sampled the newly launched Gucci Bloom. Initially, I went looking for Twilly D’Hermes marketing to 20-somethings but not launched yet. Long lasting, bright and sparkly is L’occitane’s Verveine (agrumes) a citrus combination of grapefruit and lemon. Tx for letting me share! August 15, 2017 at 10:46am Reply

    • Maria: I have almost the same experience, and the same feeling that they were tracking only the tourists, at Chanel’s boutique in Montréal. No testers at all (they were changing the Exclusives from the eau de toilette versions to the Eau de parfum), no knowledge about the notes or the qualities of what they were offering . What a shame 🙁 August 15, 2017 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Katya: That’s a shame. I’m too intimidated to go into a designer boutique to try scents although my experience at the airport has been comparatively good (and here is a concession that is swarmed day and night). Still intimidating and knowing what I know about he edps I probably won’t purchase one but at least the staff were nice.

      I had a fantastic chat with a Guerlain sales rep in a concession store. I wanted to try Apres l’Ondee and they pulled the tester bottle from where it was hidden (no stock). He was super enthusiastic and knew his stuff… I only wish I knew what I was getting myself into with the reformulation. August 16, 2017 at 3:22pm Reply

    • ClareObscure: Nancy A. I’m all over your comment & find myself frequently underwhelmed at perfume counters. As a fellow passionate perfume afficionado, it annoys & saddens me when staff are dismissive & seem bored by the products & somewhat ego threatened by a very knowledgeable & enthusiastic customer. I suppose lots of jobs are tedious, underpaid & the staff have their own issues but I sometimes suspect being dismissed because I’m older & often feel invisible to younger people. August 20, 2017 at 4:58pm Reply

  • Tracy: I like Balmain Jolie Madame very much. Leather and violets! Recommendations other than Bandit would be very much appreciated. August 15, 2017 at 6:01pm Reply

    • limegreen: These are the ones I adore:
      Lighter side, still lasting: Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur
      Powdery, nice sillage, lasting: Armani Prive Cuir Amethyste
      (This one works better on me than Bottega Veneta, though very similar) August 16, 2017 at 9:56am Reply

  • Brenna: I like fresh white florals and floral-oriental perfumes. I don’t enjoy gourmand scents, nor do I like scents that are too mature. Here are my thoughts on a few well known perfumes to gauge my interests:

    Annick Goutal un matin d’orage: This is probably my favorite bottle of all time. It reminds me of my grandmothers garden in the spring rain.
    Chanel Mademoiselle: Is another favorite, I really like the citrus notes here. Is ever so slightly too mature but that makes me feel confident. Perhaps because it’s my mother’s favorite perfume.
    Flowerbomb: Another one that I mostly like, but find it slightly too rich.
    Shalimar: Interesting, but too mature for me at the moment. I have initial l’eau si sensuelle which I love for it’s froufrou quality but is a bit headache inducing.
    Opium: Another interesting oriental that I find to be too mature. I have Black Opium and I detest it on my skin, so I use it as a room spray around the cat’s litter box.
    Dolce and Gabbana la lune: Another perfume that I really enjoy. It has a slightly still green note that I don’t necessarily love.
    Black Orchid: Smells disgusting on me. Too heavy. I have Velvet and it’s ok, but still very heavy. I’m trying to make Soleil grow on me.
    Miss Dior Cherie, Olympea, any Chloe: No. August 16, 2017 at 9:17am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Brenna, you could try Mona di Orio’s Tubereuse for a fresh tuberose. But it is expensive… August 16, 2017 at 1:30pm Reply

    • Katya: I have Diptyque Do Son (edt) which is atuberose white floral that never fails to make me smile or garner compliments. It can be somehow indolic – not as adtistic as Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower but then it isn’t as expensive. It is very much a young person perfume to me. You may want to sample Diptyque’s other offerings too because…well, they are very good imho.

      Have you tried Guerlain’s L’heure bleu? It is a strong citrus and may come off as too mature but it is also not a very popular one.

      I just went by an Yves Rocher counter and they have a lot of interesting compositions in edt and body lotion form. I got one called mandarin and cedarwood which is very pleasant so if you have access to a shop it may be worth looking around? Lots of budget options and I think options for a younger person who doesn’t want anything too heavy. They have a fragrance called Neroli or maybe it is Essences de Neroli which I have not smelled but which may be of interest. (They made my first ever favorite perfume, Fleur d’Aube, which I wish I could revisit…) August 16, 2017 at 3:31pm Reply

      • Brenna: Thank you for the recommendations! I’ve been trying to get my paws on L’Heure Bleu for a while… it’s rater difficult to find a bottle in stores to test. August 17, 2017 at 3:18pm Reply

    • Katya: Another Yves Rocher you might like – Rose Oud. Oriental but not headache inducing. August 16, 2017 at 3:32pm Reply

    • Anu: Hi Brenna, Lace garden by Teo Cabanel sounds like something you might enjoy. To my nose it is a fresh tuberose with a soft oriental dry down. August 17, 2017 at 10:06am Reply

      • Brenna: The notes sound absolutely amazing. I’ll have to get a sample. August 17, 2017 at 3:22pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Have you tried Kai? August 17, 2017 at 2:53pm Reply

      • Brenna: I thought it was a bit boring and it smelled very nasty on my skin. Thanks though, definitely in the range of things I am interested in. I really wanted to like it, I got a nice free sample set from them. August 17, 2017 at 3:19pm Reply

    • Ninon: Hiram Green Moon Bloom August 19, 2017 at 9:53pm Reply

  • Lucy: I love Hermes’s Voyage (I have the EDT). Doesn’t last. Any recommendations of something that’s similar but maybe slightly more long-lasting? Or any recommendations of other stand-out Hermes’s? I tend to like most of them, though I think they all have the longevity issue. Which sometimes is fine! August 16, 2017 at 11:46am Reply

  • Iuliana: I have been reading similar threads for a while now and I love how they send me on new fragrance “avenues”. I would be grateful for any suggestions for alternatives to J-C Ellena’s Épice Marine, perhaps a bit more long-lasting? Many thanks! August 16, 2017 at 11:52am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Maybe Il Profumo’s Pioggia Salata? My husband wears both Epice Marine and this one, and they are in the same vein. August 16, 2017 at 1:32pm Reply

      • Hamamelis: It is not aquatic. August 16, 2017 at 1:33pm Reply

        • Iuliana: Thank you, I will try to find it (I am not familiar with the house). August 16, 2017 at 1:40pm Reply

  • Banshee: I normally like spicy – my favorite is Jitterbug by DSH, although I tend to lean towards unisex. My latest infatuation is Wood & Spices by Montale. My favorite non-spicy scent is Vivara by Emilio Pucci (new version, not vintage) but sadly it’s discontinued.
    However, I had a baby and I’d like to find something a little softer, but I am not a fan of florals. I also do not care for powdery or sweet. What would you suggest to replace my standard spicy scent and my beloved Vivara? Thank you!! August 16, 2017 at 12:42pm Reply

    • spe: Not sure how spicy you want to go, but Dioressence by Dior or Derby by Hermes. August 16, 2017 at 2:07pm Reply

    • Katya: I wonder… maybe you might like Black Cedarwood and Juniper by Jo Malone? My other colognes from this house never last on me but whenever I try this one I feel enchanted. Longevity and sillage are usually nil with this brand but maybe that is something you might like?

      I haven’t smelled the ones you list though so apologies if that is off base. Miller Harris also has a lovely cedar one.

      Also, if in the UK, you may find something in the Marks and Spencer’s perfume counter. They have a lovely santal perfume as well as another cedar, and their Monotheme line boasts three different takes on Oud. August 16, 2017 at 3:40pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Having a baby does seem to change your sense of smell. I didn’t want to wear perfume at all because I wanted to smell the baby and have the baby smell me. But eventually your scent preferences will return to more what they were.

      Wish I knew what Vivara smells like, but for a more subtle spicy scent you could try Frederic Malle Noir Epices. Another idea is Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale, a subtle spicy oriental (having nothing to do with fish).

      Ah, Vivara is a modern chypre? Check out Chanel 31 Rue Cambon. That’s my favorite modern chypre. August 17, 2017 at 2:51pm Reply

    • Maria: Hi Banshee!! Deffinitely having a baby change your relationship with parfums and smell. During 9 months everything I put on my body was unscented (even shampoo) because I can’t stand anything. In my case, I could never come back to the parfums I used before pregnancy (Shalimar, Cinéma, Dolce Vita) but I discovered iris butter and green parfums and I became adicted to them. Now, I can’t stand Shalimar, but I love Chanel 19, Infusion d’iris, Eau de campagne, Angéliques sous la pluie, Cristalle and different types of colognes.

      I second Noir d’épices if you want to continue on the spicy way, but for something softer after pregnancy, Eau de campagne, Angéliques sous la pluie or, as was already said, Jo Malone colognes would be great. Same thing for almost all the Iunx eaux, but they are difficult to test. August 17, 2017 at 3:32pm Reply

  • Ninon: I am looking for soft, dark green chypres, without strong aldehydes or citrus top notes. So far, I love Puredistance Antonia and am currently seeking out vintage parfum formulations of Ma Griffe, Emeraude, and Dioressence (I also love Nasomatto Absinth, but this it’s only “chypre-adjacent”). I thought I would love Dryad, but it is a scrubber on me. Any recommendations would be most appreciated! August 16, 2017 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Rebecca: If you are really willing to go down the vintage rabbit hole… I recommend Shiseido Inoui. Typically expensive, but there are some reasonably-priced vials on eBay right now.

      It reminds me of dusk moving backwards into sunset: starting out contemplative pine forest, all deep bluegreen, and then glowing into the most addictive peach-tinged skin scent. The oak moss/civet base is heaven to me. August 16, 2017 at 8:19pm Reply

      • Ninon: Oh my! I’ve wondered about this one for ages. I will get my hands on a small vial 🙂 August 17, 2017 at 5:55pm Reply

    • Nina Z: This is a very challenging one! Not only are green chypres out of fashion but the limitations on oakmoss have made the few new “chypres” not really true chypres. So I’m going out on a limb and guess you might like Woman by Ormonde Jayne, a dark green fragrance (with hemlock!). Unique and forest-y. Not a chypre, though.

      If you’re going vintage, you might want to check out Chypre by Coty, if you can get your hands on some. I used to wear Ma Griffe, and although it’s a green chypre, I wouldn’t call it “soft.” Still worth trying though, as there’s a lot around and so not that expensive. August 17, 2017 at 2:34pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thank you! I tried Ormonde Woman many years ago, when I was new to niche. I will be sure to try it again. And thanks for the Coty rec–Ma Griffe has been on my list, though it does sound a bit sharp. Thanks again! August 17, 2017 at 5:52pm Reply

    • rosarita: Still relatively easy to find at discouters/eBay is Niki de St Phalle, a classic softer chypre. Estee Lauder Private Collection or Aliage also. For a more modern yet vintage feel, I highly recommend Zelda from En Voyage perfumes. They sell samples too. August 17, 2017 at 4:23pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thank you so much! I actually just received a mini of vintage Niki Saint Phalle parfum this week and it is heavenly! I’ve been wondering about Zelda…I will be sure to order a sample. August 17, 2017 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Have you tried Vero Profumo’s Mito? Maybe it isn’t dark enough but it is a lovely green chypre. August 18, 2017 at 2:45pm Reply

      • Ninon: I have not–thank you for the rec! August 19, 2017 at 9:52pm Reply

  • Carla: I so enjoy reading the comments here! Everyone is so well versed in fragrance and so polite. What I really like is the sense that each commenter knows what he or she likes and is unapologetic about it, never mind any trends or perceived notions about what a perfume lover should like. August 16, 2017 at 10:48pm Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Carla,
      Indeed a great community here. I also find that people are polite but still stick to their opinions and tastes which makes it fun to read the comments section of this superb blog. August 17, 2017 at 7:20am Reply

    • ClareObscure: Bravo. Well said, Carla. It’s such fun reading this. August 20, 2017 at 5:11pm Reply

  • Rebecca: My friend just had the most fragrant chamomile bouquet on her dining table—she inspired a craving—can anyone suggest a chamomile-forward perfume? August 17, 2017 at 12:45am Reply

    • Maria: Not a chamomille forward, but Beige de Chanel contains a beautiful chamomille note August 17, 2017 at 9:19am Reply

    • Adina: At the moment, I cannot think of any perfume, but I recommend a body oil from Alverde that has a sweet, comforting smell with strong notes of chamomille, that is quite long lasting on the skin and it is not very greasy. What is more, it is natural and not at all expensive (3-4 euros). August 18, 2017 at 10:05am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Tilleul Pour La Nuit has a lovely chamomile note, but it is a soft spoken perfume. August 18, 2017 at 2:42pm Reply

  • Sandra: Something similar to Songes, and I love the spice and cumin notes as well as the jasmine August 18, 2017 at 5:27am Reply

    • Austenfan: Not as spicy but it does remind me of Songes is Fleurs des Comores by MPG. August 18, 2017 at 9:44am Reply

      • Adina: Fleur des Comores is one of the perfumes I would like to add to my collection, but I read most of the available reviews and, since it is sold online and I cannot try it before buying it, I would like to know – how much does it last? I am looking for something sweet, but with deep, powerful notes, that remain attached on the skin and clothes during the day, on the oriental side. Is this a good option? August 18, 2017 at 10:11am Reply

        • Austenfan: Although I wouldn’t call it deep, it’s a long lasting perfume on me. Not overpowering but with a certain presence. Of course the floral notes fade away as they mostly do, but the base will last for about 6-8 hours or so. But YMMV. August 18, 2017 at 1:05pm Reply

          • Adina: Thank you! August 18, 2017 at 5:02pm Reply

    • Sandra: Thank you August 18, 2017 at 1:22pm Reply

  • Natasha: I love L’Artisan’s Safran Troublant but find it so fleeting. Can anyone suggest a rose gourmand perfume with more staying power? Thanks for your thoughts! August 18, 2017 at 1:14pm Reply

    • Theresa: I have a sample of Safran Troublant, and it always reminds me of Bulgari’s Omnia (the one in the brown bottle). Omnia has very good persistence on me. August 18, 2017 at 7:20pm Reply

      • Natasha: Thank you! I will try it. August 18, 2017 at 7:56pm Reply

    • Courant: If you like ST you might like Nahema by Guerlain in the EDP. Always fun to search for that elusive rose August 19, 2017 at 6:48am Reply

      • Natasha: I haven’t tried that one. Will look for the EDP. Thank you! August 19, 2017 at 3:35pm Reply

  • Theresa: On Monday, august 21, I will be experiencing a total solar eclipse here in the Pacific Northwest. Any suggestions for an appropriate fragrance for the experience? off hand, I thought of Heure Exquise, but thought I would throw my (silly) question out there! The weather should be warm – maybe upper 80’s – and dry. August 18, 2017 at 7:18pm Reply

    • Andrea: Hello Theresa, I think your unusual question deserves an answer and since no one else had an idea, I will recommend a scent, though my knowledge about perfumes is still a bit limited. It is maybe more for fun but nevertheless, here it is: I think of Parfums de Rosine Rose Praline. It’s a Rose blotted out by spiced chocolate and cacao, and like with the sun during the eclipse you just know it must be there. And though the chocolate will keep you warm while the sun is gone, there is a pleasant chill from the tea note and while the warmth of the sun will come back in a few minutes, it persists, maintaining the thrill of the archaic fear, that the sun will never return. By the way, everyone near will be distracted and sniff the air, wondering where this marvelous scent is coming from. And don’t worry, no one will try to bite a piece off of you, it’s not gourmand, at least to my nose. I envy your experience today. Here in Germany we had two eclipses in the past twenty years and the weather was awful. It was raining and than it got dark and that was all. Have fun today! August 21, 2017 at 3:53am Reply

      • Theresa: Thank you for your reply, Andrea! I thought it would be a fun exercise for people to think about sun-related perfumes. Now that I’m thinking about it, didn’t Lagerfeld have a perfume called “Sun, Moon, Stars” or something? the name makes it perfect for an eclipse! But instead, you gave me a thoughtful reply, for which I thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever tried any Parfums de Rosine before. What I ended up wearing was Sonoma Scent Studio’s “Lieu de Reves” which seemed to complement the dreamy nature of the celestial event. Besides, I knew I would be in a small van with 5 other people for many hours travelling to and from our chosen location in the center of totality, so I wanted to make sure to have something soft and unobtrusive. I can’t begin to describe the eclipse itself – it was so awe-inspiring when the earth went dark and you could see the stars around the tiny sliver of glowing sun. All I could do was clutch my husband’s hand in silence. Wow! August 22, 2017 at 6:51pm Reply

  • Tomasina: Does anyone have a favorite hand soap? I’ve just bought my dream house and would like a hand soap to match 🙂 I like white florals, penhaligons’s ostara, lilies, freesias and other white scents with a green edge. I also love Hermes elixir de merveilles and terre d’hermes. Thank you for your generous suggestions 🙂 August 19, 2017 at 3:18am Reply

    • Courant: My favourite soap is Nesti Dante’s Florentine Rose, Romantica which is very like Chanel No 5 to me. Swoonworthy August 19, 2017 at 6:52am Reply

      • Tomasina: Thank you! I will try 🙂 August 22, 2017 at 3:48am Reply

    • SilverMoon: Hi Tomasina,
      I have always loved beautiful smelling soaps, even before I began collecting perfumes. I would have piles of suggestions, but my main one is that it would be nice to vary them over the year/seasons. I tend to prefer soap bars, but many make liquid versions too. Nesti Dante have a wide range of soaps and you will certainly find many lovely ones. I agree with Courant’s pick, but there are many more. Also lovely is the L’Occitane orange soap, among others. Le Labo Rose 31 is also lovely. Then, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Jojoba is wonderful (one of my long term favourites). A very interesting and reasonable priced one is Maja. Oh, I could just go on and on, so will stop here. One last one is the Italian L’Erbolario also have reasonably priced hand soaps for all tastes and preferences. August 27, 2017 at 5:33pm Reply

  • ziggy: could you please review the new chanel, “boy”? August 19, 2017 at 5:08am Reply

    • Victoria: I will do! It’s in my drafts, just need to finish it. August 19, 2017 at 7:20am Reply

      • ziggy: yay! can’t wait! I am very undecided on it. It is not my typical kind of fragrance. On first smell, there is far too much lavender for me (I am typically not a fan of lavender) but after 5 minutes, I really enjoy it but then after half an hour, it disappears! I couldn’t smell it on me at all. I enjoyed it enough that I’m going to return for a sample and try it for a couple of weeks.

        I would also love a recommendation. I used Gucci EDP for years and have finally run out. I have transitioned to coromandel (which I love even more!). However, I am looking for a perfume which works well in a hot summer and I’m not sure if coromandel will be too much. I admittedly love floral woody (patchouli, sandalwood)/amber fragrances. I used flora Gucci for years but it has never felt quite right. Do you have any suggestions?
        thank you! August 19, 2017 at 7:40am Reply

        • Tara C: Have you tried L’Artisan Voleur de Roses? It is a dry rose patchouli. August 20, 2017 at 12:41pm Reply

          • Tara C: Oh, and 10 Corso Como, it is lovely in the heat. August 20, 2017 at 12:42pm Reply

            • ziggy: thanks for the recommendations! i haven’t tried either before but the 10 Corso Como sounds like it may fit the bill. it doesn’t look easy to find but i’ll go on the hunt. (and it is nicely affordable). thanks! August 20, 2017 at 4:11pm Reply

        • katherine x: You might try Le Labo’s Santal 33. It smells like violets with sandalwood – it’s unusual, gorgeous and memorable. August 20, 2017 at 11:16pm Reply

  • Sharon: I have learned so much from this thread and I went crazy at Surrender to Chance! Can’t wait for the samples to arrive. I had a love affair with fragrance in the 80’s and 90’s, then abruptly stopped and I don’t recall why. Now I am in experimental mode due to Bois de Jasmin! You know the old adage about art: “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.” That is how I feel about perfume but now I am on a grand learning adventure about notes, heart, sillage, etc. Thanks to you all. August 19, 2017 at 4:44pm Reply

  • Lori: My favorite perfumes are bottega Veneta, Hermes un Jardin sur le nil and diptyque philosykos. I’d like something new – but not too distant from these. Any suggestions? August 20, 2017 at 1:06am Reply

    • Morelle: We seem to be scent twins! So I will simply recommend another favourite of mine, without analysing the distance to the other perfumes: Chanel No. 18.
      However, I only know the EdT version, and these days it’s only available as EdP which I’ve never tried. August 20, 2017 at 5:48pm Reply

  • nozknoz: Victoria, I wanted to thank you for your advice on what to ask a friend to bring back from Japan. One interesting thing that he found on his own were “fragrance papers.” He thought they were intended to be used on skin; however, based on the labels and the very limited online information I could find, I believe they are stationery products. They come in little paper boxes beautifully covered in matching papers. One set look like miniature gift tags with ties. (I think these are the sort of like Little Trees, but not only for cars.) The other are little circles that one can slip into a business card case, wallet, or a note card. Very charming!

    He kindly brought me the incense sticks and powdered incense (zukoh) that I requested. Also I ordered a natural perfume from Hokkaido, Kaze by Di Ser, to be shipped to his hotel. It’s a lovely scent that includes essences of shiso and lavender produced by Di Ser’s parent company, Essentia, plus they kindly sent me samples of their other perfumes. Delightful! Thanks again for your inspiration and advice. August 20, 2017 at 4:25pm Reply

  • Surbhi: I just saw a new packaging of la fille de Berlin. Does anyone know if it’s a repackaging or re formulation. August 21, 2017 at 9:50pm Reply

    • nozknoz: Perfumes are being reformulated constantly to keep up with variations in ingredients and changes in regulations. Probably the perfume in the new packaging is slightly different from the old. Sometimes there is no perceptible difference, and sometimes one might even prefer the newer version. It’s best to try before you buy if you can. August 30, 2017 at 6:10pm Reply

  • Krista Conley: Helo! So happy to have found your site! I have been searching for a replacement for La Perla, the original, which I wore for years. Prior to that I wore the original K de Krizia. I have been searching with little luck…any suggestions? Thank you in advance!! August 22, 2017 at 7:49pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Krista:

      For La Perla on Fragrantica Paloma Picasso, a classic chypre, is recommended as similar, even another chypre might be worth exploring like Dioressence or Mitsouko they both share notes with LP.

      For K de Krizia: Montana Parfum de Peau has always reminded me of it in the drydown, do you know it? But I should mention that it is a very strong perfume so to be applied with care. September 1, 2017 at 7:52am Reply

  • Michael: Miller Harris have brought back four of their discontinued fragrances – Figue Amere, Fleur Oriental, Geranium Bourbon and Terre de Bois – for a limited time:

    https://www.millerharris.com/collections/bring-it-back

    All fragrances are only available in 50ml bottles. August 25, 2017 at 11:05am Reply

  • Priscille: Hi !
    I have a 1 year old daughter and expecting another baby. Would love to find an everyday warm fragrance they could associate with me. Classic enough to be on the market for a long time. So far my most loved perfumes .. but none of them are “the one” :
    Dyptique Phylosikos
    Creed love in white
    Amber oil Nemat
    Jour Hermès
    Mon précieux nectar guerlain
    Gypsy water byredo (husband hates it .. )
    Neroli portofino Tom ford

    Cant wait to hear your suggestions! Price limited at under 500$ August 26, 2017 at 2:41pm Reply

    • Figuier: ‘Classic enough to be on the market for a long time’: that’s the kicker, isn’t it, with such a high turn-over more generally…

      Maybe Chanel would be a good bet? No. 18 in their ‘Exclusifs’ line is warm but not too heavy – I wear it round my daughter all the time – or Bois des Iles for something richer. Beige is a lovely warm & soft floral, really comforting. Anyway, there’s sure to be one that fits the bill, and they’re certainly ‘classic’ in feel.

      What about some of the other Hermes classics? 24 Faubourg is warm and not too overpowering, and the new Galop is ravishing but very expensive. Or if you liked Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino you could check out the Hermes Eaux (I always recommend these – they’re great).

      I guess you ideally want brands that are well established and not at the mercy of multinational corporations – not a very common combination. But Rochas, Patou, Caron seem to be good at hanging on to their line-ups.

      It’s a really lovely idea – hope you do find something that fits the bill! August 28, 2017 at 5:52am Reply

      • Priscille: Thanks so much for your suggestions ! Will look them up 🙂 August 28, 2017 at 9:57am Reply

    • nozknoz: Santa Maria Novella has been around a long time, and Melograno is one of their pillars. It’s one of my go-to fragrances – it smells so good but not distracting or likely to annoy anyone. Worth a try. August 30, 2017 at 6:29pm Reply

  • Carolina: Hi,
    I would like to find a new perfume, the ones that I just to love, I can’t handle the smell anymore, the make nauseous. I have found some new ones, but I would like more suggestions.

    I have that are stil ok,
    La Tulipe, Byrendo
    Gelsonimo Nobile, Acqua di Parma
    Michael eau de parfum, Michael Kors

    Can’t use anymore:
    Mat, Masakï Matsushima
    Valentina, Valentino
    Be delicious, DKNY
    IN2YOU her, CK
    Acqua di Gió, Armani
    Flower, Kenzo

    Cant wait to hear your suggestions! August 27, 2017 at 11:52am Reply

    • Figuier: Hi Carolina, I know what you mean – since having my daughter my sense of smell has changed.

      It sounds like ones you no longer like so much are the more generic/commercial fragrances, which often have what I think of as ‘shampoo’ notes. So maybe more delicate perfumes are the ones to aim for?

      You probably do need to keep testing every single new perfume to check that it doesn’t have whatever component or character it is that now puts you off, but going on your suggestions:

      – you could start by trying other perfumes from the brands you like – Acqua di Parma’s ‘Nobile’ line is great – they have an Iris, a Magnolia and a Rosa, as well, and flankers of the same in an “Acqua Nobile” iteration – i.e. “Acqua di Parma Acqua Nobile Gelsomino” My favourites are the Iris and the Gelsomino, but the Magnolia is nice too.

      – Van Cleef and Arpels is a good brand for natural-feeling florals that are not too strident or sickly. California Reverie is gorgeous, floral & summery but wearable at any time of the year. Gardenia Petal in the same collection is also lovely, especially if you do like light white florals (as in Michael Kors). These are v expensive, though.

      – Estee Lauder Private Collection Tubereuse Gardenia is another very nice white floral.

      – you could try the Hermes Eaux line – Neroli Dore is floral with a bit of citrus and spice, really lovely. I wear Eau de Narcisse Bleue a lot, but it’s not really floral but rather green and airy.

      – not a perfume I’ve tried, but several people I know wear and love Byredo’s Gypsy water, so that might be an alternative worth testing.

      – Diptyque have a line of ‘Eaux’ – Eau de Tarocco is my favourite (blood orange and saffron), but they’re pretty much all worth a try.

      – L’Occitane have a l-e series of perfumes based on specific notes (Collection de Grasse) & the floral ones might appeal: Jasmin & Bergamote (this is quite citrussy, though), Neroli & Orchidee, and Fleur D’or & Acacia. These last two are sweeter and richer than the perfumes you’ve mentioned, though.

      – For a jasmine that’s relatively good value, but still pleasant to wear, try some of the Dior J’Adore variations – the original edt & edp are now pretty rubbish, but the L’Absolu, L’Essence and Touche de Parfum are all nice. At one point they had a fresher summer version, can’t recall the name, which might be closer to Gelsomino Nobile. August 28, 2017 at 5:44am Reply

  • Dana: Hi! I recently discovered Bois de Jasmin while on the hunt for the perfect scent for my wedding next May(outdoors at a Botanical garden). Any suggestions are appreciated as I’ve just realized the world of scent extends past Sephora and department stores over the past few months. Floral-wise I love gardenia, orange blossom, white ginger flower, and rose. My fiancé is fond of jasmine so I’d like to incorporate that as well. Tuberose is not for me sadly, I feel like that’s all I can smell when it’s in a perfume. I’m also allergic to lillies and peonies. And powder turns me off. Otherwise I’m a fall person and warm orientals with a bit of floral is what I tend to go for. I haven’t found a pretty white floral for the wedding that has enough of a spiciness or strong base to be THE ONE yet. September 1, 2017 at 6:00pm Reply

    • katherine x: You might try Gardenia Petale from Van Cleef and Arpels’ Extraordianaire line. It’s tender, slightly carnal, with good staying power. Beige from Chanel’s Exclusif line is another pretty white floral – no tuberose to my nose. Neither of these is spicy. Good luck in your search! September 2, 2017 at 11:31am Reply

    • katherine x: While I perused my perfume tray last night I thought of you and found some Le Labo scents that you might consider trying: Jasmin 17 (and though not white floral), Iris 39, and Ylang. The Iris is more fresh than flowery and the Ylang is spicy, floral and fresh. September 3, 2017 at 10:46am Reply

      • Dana: They sound wonderful I’ll look into the Le Labo recommendations, thank you Katherine! I’ve only smelled Santal and I was not fond of it, I can’t remember why though. I wanted to update you to let you know that I ordered a sample of the Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale and it smells wonderful from the bottle and my fiance really likes it too! That one and Serge Lutens A La Nuit are my top favorites so far. I can’t wait to try them on once what I’m wearing wears off (diptyque eau rose- lovely, but a little softer than what I’m looking for). I’m also on the prowl for a sample of the Chanel Beige. September 9, 2017 at 5:06pm Reply

        • katherine x: Dana thanks so much for the update! I hope works. And in any event – you have lots of time to explore to find just the right perfume for your wedding. My daughter visited this weekend and we always have a fun time sniffing my perfumes. Coincidentally of the many bottles I have she decided to sample both Beige and Gardenia Petale! OK – she picked the Gardenia herself – then I offered Beige for her to try. Another perfume I forgot to mention you might check out is Le Labo Neroli – it reminds me of Gardenia Petale – though lighter and of course it’s Neroli. Have fun. September 10, 2017 at 8:39pm Reply

    • Lily: Try Houbigant Orangeurs en Fleurs. The way you describe what you generally like reminds me of me. It is an orange blossom with a strong jasmine note (clean jasmine, not the musky sensual jasmine, though) and has citrus, spice, subtle wood, clean musk. It really lasts well on me, and I get a lot of compliments when I wear it. It would be a top contender for my wedding perfume if I were to re-marry.

      Penhaligon’s Ostara (not sure how hard that would be to track down as a sample, though) is a really unique white floral. Smells like photoreal daffodils and then morphs into this vanilla custard with an oriental musk type feel, at least on me. My chef friend said he wanted to eat it, which I figured was high praise from a foodie. That might be a halfway option for you between floriental and white floral. Also very appropriate for spring.

      Hm…trying to think what else I have tried that might work. Nothing really coming to mind. I hope you will let us know in future recommend threads what you try and what you choose! September 10, 2017 at 11:11pm Reply

      • Dana: Hi Lily! It’s such a coincidence that you would mention Houbigant Orangeurs en Fleurs since I read about it on this site just this weekend and decided I needed a sample. I’m so glad you like it and if we have similar tastes, it must mean I’m on the right track! Penhaligon Ostara sounds delicious too, I’m very interested even though I have no idea how daffodils smell. Thank you so much for the recommendations! September 11, 2017 at 10:57am Reply

  • Ramona Carter: I absolutely love Tom Ford’s Black Violet on me. It smells so sexy, warm and somewhat masculine. I’m heartbroken that it has been discontinued. Can anyone suggest an alternative? I read somewhere that Clive Christian’s X or Killian’s Cruel Intentions were a good substitute, but I have never smelled them… Lancome’s Sagamore was also listed by one lady.
    Please help! September 2, 2017 at 9:30am Reply

  • Rachel: Hi I am looking for a patchouli scent for fall. I do not want something too heavy that will give me a headache though. My favorites are Shalimar the body cream and Chanel no.5 only the cologne version that I can dab. When ever I smell someone with a patchouli scent my head just whips around I love the earthiness of it! Thank for your help! September 2, 2017 at 4:20pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Coromandel by Chanel is a beautiful and refined patchouli. This is the one patchouli that I wear.

      One of my friends loves the Santa Maria Novella Patchouli, which is drier than the Coromandel. September 4, 2017 at 6:40pm Reply

  • Rachel: Thanks for the suggestions I love both of those brands, such impeccable quality. I will try to get some samples. Thank you so much! R September 4, 2017 at 10:46pm Reply

  • Adina: Hello everyone,

    I am quite concerned about the toxicity of perfumes, for example I read many negative opinions about the toxicity of Thierry Mugler Angel, that seems to be more accused than other similar perfumes. I use natural makeup, skincare and perfumes, however I still like to buy and wear “normal” fragrances, as opposed to natural, organic ones, but my question is – is Angel more dangerous than Lancome, Dior or Serge Lutens (for instance) perfumes? What is more, one ingredient, coumarin, blamed in the case of Angel, is also found in a totally natural perfume that I use. I read about the natural occuring coumarin in fruits and the very interesting article on this site about the tonka bean, but I am still a little bit confused. I would be really interested in knowing your opinions.
    Thank you! September 6, 2017 at 12:58pm Reply

  • Jane Karr: I would love some suggestions as to a Christmas scent or scents. Not one to wear on Christmas but one that smells of the holiday and reminds you of it. I already own Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles. I love autumnal scents as well. Do not enjoy white flowers or cumin. Definitely love spice, orange, lemon, chocolate, vanilla, dill, pineapple, rum, amber. September 15, 2017 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: Jane, I will post a new Recommend me a Perfume next week. This one doesn’t seem to be active anymore. So, please go ahead and repost your question there. September 17, 2017 at 10:23am Reply

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