A Heady and Refined Scent for Winter : Gardenia

I have a new article in The Financial Times “How to Spend It” Magazine. In A Heady and Refined Scent for Winter, I talk about some of my favorite gardenia scents. The opulent and complex scent of gardenias has been on my mind a lot lately.  If I had more space, I would have included Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose GardeniaBy Kilian Water Calligraphy, Parfums de Nicolai Juste Un Rêve (a gardenia kissed tropical bouquet), and of course, Tom Ford Velvet Gardenia (alas, discontinued).

Gardenia is a flower with diverse connotations, from sultry to innocent. The jazz singer Billie Holiday famously tucked a white gardenia in her hair; 19th Shanghai courtesans used its seeds to colour their undergarments a vibrant yellow; and in the Victorian language of flowers, gardenia symbolised purity and refinement. Its scent is heady and lush, marrying the seductive warmth of jasmine with the sweetness of peach and coconut. A single blossom is enough to perfume a room for hours with a fragrance that reminds me of a summer evening. But with winter approaching, it will be months before I can find fresh gardenias, and instead  I look for them in a perfume bottle. To read the rest, click here.

Do you have favorite gardenia fragrances?

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90 Comments

  • mysterious_scent: Hi Victoria, it’s amazing you like a lot of scents that I like too. That’s why I am readying your blog. A great article! December 3, 2012 at 8:26am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you! I’m also glad to meet a fragrance twin. 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 3:36pm Reply

      • Tina: Triplets! March 6, 2014 at 1:23pm Reply

  • rosarita: Great article, V, thank you for sharing it. Boutonniere No. 7 sounds really good, like a return to the age of the dandy. December 3, 2012 at 8:38am Reply

    • Victoria: I liked that perfume so much that it’s going onto my Best of 2012 list (and on my to buy list in 2013). It’s elegant, but not stuffy, easy to wear, but intriguing. December 3, 2012 at 3:47pm Reply

  • Patt: I adore gardenia fragrances and own two full bottles: VC&A Gardenia Petale, which to me is a very true, fresh gardenia fragrance, and Trisha McEvoy 4 Gardenia Musk, a floral woody musk that is sadly discontinued. I also like the EL Tuberose Gardenia, though find it rather overpowering, and Water Calligraphy, though find it a bit underwhelming. (And Gardenia Petale is so darn $$$$.) December 3, 2012 at 8:55am Reply

    • Victoria: I need to revisit Gardenia Petale. The first time I’ve tried it, I was so smitten by Cologne Noire that I forgot about others. And it’s so expensive that it’s a dangerous fragrance to fall in love with. But if you say that it’s a great gardenia, it’s a must smell for me. December 3, 2012 at 3:48pm Reply

      • Patt: Oh, yes, at least worth a smell 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 6:36pm Reply

    • Andrea: I also like VC and E Gardenia, as well as Chanel Gardenia. I think, but I’m not sure, that Blue Mercury in Philly has the McEvoy Gardenia you wrote about. I saw McEvoy Gardenia and meant to smell it, but got caught up in smelling other perfumes and forgot! (Rats!). You may want to google the number and ask if they have it! (They had a lot of great perfumes, L’Artisan and Lutens, the amazing Dyptique Xmas candles, etc…). Hope they have it if you are searching for it! December 3, 2012 at 9:12pm Reply

  • mals86: Ah, Matin d’Orage is so pretty… so is the Marc Jacobs, which I recently tried in parfum. I’m still on the fence about Une Voix Noire – I like it, but that fruity opening seems so odd against the floral caramel. I always have to decide, “Do I want to be mentally engaged with this thing, or do I need background music?”

    I keep going through samples of Juste une Reve. Still don’t think I need a bottle. December 3, 2012 at 9:20am Reply

    • mals86: Also meant to comment that I start craving tuberose in cold weather. January hits, and I start pawing through my perfumes, looking for the Big White Florals… December 3, 2012 at 9:21am Reply

      • Annikky: I very much agree, white florals can be beautiful in winter – more elegant than in summer or autumn, I think. At the moment there is 20 cm snow outside and I have been wearing Jour Ensoleille and Fracas, with great success. December 3, 2012 at 11:11am Reply

        • Victoria: I realized that I pretty much wear them all year round, but at different times of the year, they feel quite differently. In the summer, they feel sultry and opulent. In the winter, the big white florals have a more elegant, understated air, but they also remind me of summer. December 3, 2012 at 3:51pm Reply

    • Victoria: MJ parfum is fantastic, and I’m glad that you agree. In general, I’m surprised that it flies under the radar more often than not, but then again, MJ keeps promoting its latest and the older launches are languishing on the side. December 3, 2012 at 3:49pm Reply

  • OperaFan: Even though it’s not Really about Gardenias, AG’s Gardenia Passion is among my HGs. Mine is EDP from 2002.
    As far as “true” gardenias go, I have to go with VC&A’s Gardenia Petale and the Marc Jacobs, already mentioned above. I think I actually prefer MJ in the summer and VC&A in the winter.
    Would love to try the Arquiste.
    Cheers! December 3, 2012 at 9:27am Reply

    • Victoria: I have a soft spot for Gardenia Passion, even though I don’t often wear it. It was the first Goutal fragrance I tried. December 3, 2012 at 5:43pm Reply

  • Debbie: Hello! I’m a long-time lurker, but couldn’t resist (a) responding to this post and (b) saying thank you for your blog. :o) Yes, I *love* gardenia. My absolute favorite is Jo Malone’s Vintage Gardenia. However, I also love: VC&A’s Gardenia Petale, JAR’s Jardenia, vintage Tuvache Jungle Gardenia, and Isabey’s Gardenia. Guerlain’s Cruel Gardenia is good if you want to go for a more formal, “I’m not sultry” gardenia. Sigh. I, too, would love to try the Arquiste and, for that matter, Un Voix Noir. December 3, 2012 at 9:48am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you for stopping by and delurking, Debbie! 🙂 You’re quite a gardenia connoisseur, and I’m jotting down Vintage Gardenia–must revisit it. And another vote for Gardenia Petale, which is now at the top of my to-sample list. December 3, 2012 at 5:44pm Reply

      • OperaFan: Do try it, Dear V! And let us all know what you think. December 4, 2012 at 12:40pm Reply

        • Victoria: I will do! I promise. 🙂 December 4, 2012 at 3:22pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Hi Victoria,

    Through the years I’ve grown to love gardenias more and more. Most of the fragrances you mentioned today, I too have come to love and many mentioned I will seek out for testing/sniffing as they are unknown to me.When Orage du Matin launched, it became one of my favorites of Goutal leaning more towards the ivy contained therein (on me, anyway). And then I keep re-visiting the subdued elegance of Chanel’s Gardenia . Oddly, I used to have a finicky albeit endearing gardenia plant that I would travel with! I never trusted anyone to look after this alluring flowering plant but what was I thinking that it would survive in each transit, which of course it did not. Good article! December 3, 2012 at 10:27am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m so impressed that you traveled with your gardenia plant. I had a gardenia plant once, and I never managed to make it grow (much less bloom). I guess, the East Coast weather wasn’t right for them. December 3, 2012 at 5:46pm Reply

  • Civava: I must admit I haven’t been very interested in gardenia scents, yet. But on my way of exploring scents so far, I have found Estee Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia, most likable. December 3, 2012 at 10:41am Reply

    • Victoria: It’s definitely likable, without too much of a green mushroom note that makes real gardenias so intriguing, but that gives perfume gardenias a challenging facet. December 3, 2012 at 5:47pm Reply

  • nikki: I love Gardenias, too. I never thought about wearing them in winter though. I like Annick Goutal’s Gardenia Passion. December 3, 2012 at 10:44am Reply

    • Victoria: Anything to remind me of summer! December 3, 2012 at 5:47pm Reply

  • Justine Jones: I wore Marc Jacobs for my wedding and carried a gardenia bouquet. It was a snowy early January! Now,unfortunately, my tastes have evolved,and I am in love with Roja Dove’s gardenia. It is alas,way beyond the reach of my pocketbook! Love Water Calligraphy as well,but it lasts a few minutes and then fades. December 3, 2012 at 10:54am Reply

    • solanace: And Water Caligraphy is not that great a bragain, either! It seems to be a common fate among us, to have tastes beyond our pocketbooks! December 3, 2012 at 12:29pm Reply

      • Victoria: Sigh… that’s so true. December 3, 2012 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Victoria: What a romantic and beautiful choice. I love the idea of a snowy wedding too. The photos must have been beautiful, and of course, I’m curious what kind of dress you wore. 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 5:49pm Reply

  • Annikky: Here’s another one for Team Gardenia Petale – I think it’s lovely. Tuberose Gardenia is currently my nr 2, but I suspect this might change when I try the Arquiste and the Lutens.

    My first and so far the last visit to Rue Cambon almost resulted in the purchase of Chanel’s Gardenia, but in the end I went for Beige. And while I would probably pick something totally different now, I am still glad I own Beige. It is perfect for challenging work situations – polished and attractive without being inappropriate. And if someone very intimidating happens to ask what you are wearing, I find that “Chanel” is always a good answer:) December 3, 2012 at 11:29am Reply

    • Victoria: I forgot about Beige, but it would be a good contender for gardenia. It’s just that I don’t wear it that often, and in contrast to some other Chanels, it feels less memorable. But it’s elegant and polished, and as you say, perfect for work or other environment when you’re around people in tight quarters. December 3, 2012 at 5:51pm Reply

  • emily: I am in love with Estee’s Tuberose Gardenia (also loved Marc Jacob’s at one time). However, a few years ago the woman I sit next to at work hated it. She put her fan on when I walked through the door in the morning. That spoiled it for me. But recently, I tried it again and it is truly my heart’s desire so I bought another bottle – I just wear less of it. One of the things I love about it is that it lingers on my coat, clothes, handbag, etc. I also wear Chanel #5 Premiere. Others come and go but I do believe Tuberose Gardenia and I are a match made in heaven (my work pod mate and I are not! She says she wears scent but I never smell it. She also says she’s getting a new haircut and never does!) December 3, 2012 at 11:33am Reply

    • Victoria: I think that as long as you wear it lightly, it should not be a problem. But I feel for you, perfume at work can be a sensitive issue. December 3, 2012 at 6:19pm Reply

  • Daisy: Gardenias are really more my mother’s flower than my own. But I did wear Marc Jacobs for a long time 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 11:45am Reply

    • Victoria: I still remember how taken I was with it when it first came out. 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 6:19pm Reply

  • Heather: Lovely article! I too am a gardenia-lover but the only gardenia fragrance in my collection is Marc Jacobs, and I don’t wear it often because it tends to smell a bit buttery, something I’ve noticed in OJ Frangipani too. I suppose it’s all part of the creamy floral impression, but it just doesn’t sit well with me. I’m not sure why I’ve never sprung for Un Matin d’Orage because I am a real fan of Goutals in general. I must re-test it. As for Une Voix Noire, I have been waiting for ages for a sample which was promised by the company via email, but it’s probably just as well it hasn’t arrived as I fear I might love it and I can’t buy anything more right now. December 3, 2012 at 11:48am Reply

    • Victoria: I know what you mean, that buttery note is common in gardenias and some other white florals, but it may be more pronounced in some perfumes than others. Un Matin d’Orage doesn’t have the flourish of something like Songes, but it’s such a beautiful fragrance. Always elicits compliments for me. December 3, 2012 at 6:21pm Reply

  • solanace: Great article, must try Une Voix Noire! December 3, 2012 at 12:30pm Reply

    • Victoria: I’m curious what you might think of it! December 3, 2012 at 6:22pm Reply

  • Carla: Must order a sample of Une Voix Noire! I know Carnal Flower is technically tuberose, but once I was in a floral shop and thought someone was wearing CF and then realized it was the gardenias. December 3, 2012 at 1:15pm Reply

    • Victoria: Une Voix Noire is quite different from all other gardenias I mentioned, which may not be a good thing for some. And it’s also quite unpredictable–the opening is sweet and fruity, the drydown is smoky and balsamic. But it’s a beauty. December 3, 2012 at 6:23pm Reply

  • Kandice: I’ve always liked Annick Goutal’s Gardenia Passion. I haven’t had the chance to try a lot of other gardenia perfumes, but after reading this I’d definitely like to try AG’s Un Matin d’Orage and SL’s Une Voix Noire. Great article. Thanks! December 3, 2012 at 1:16pm Reply

    • Victoria: Glad that you liked it! I wish Goutal brought back their beautiful Gardenia Passion soap. It was fantastic. December 3, 2012 at 6:25pm Reply

  • Absolute Scentualist: My favorite gardenias would have to be Tuvache Jungle Gardenia, both the By Kilian and Arquiste interpretations, Isabey Gardenia, Yves Rocher Gardenia and EL’s Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. And while it’s been years, I remember getting a lot of gardenia from Versace Blonde as well, which I did like a lot when I wore it many years ago. Time to revisit that one! 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 1:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: Oh, Blonde is a fun fragrance. Too bad that they discontinued it and replaced it with dull Bright Crystal and Co. December 3, 2012 at 6:26pm Reply

  • Bilanxa: Victoria, how timely this article is, as I am CRAVING GARDENIA. Other than the last drops of my Pur Desir Gardenia by Rocher (which I think is wonderful despite its inexpensive price) I am lost with regards to where to go next.Thanks for this guide! December 3, 2012 at 1:46pm Reply

    • Victoria: Yves Rocher fragrances are wonderful, and I bet that they spend more on perfume itself than some other premium brands that charge a lot more. Un Matin d’Orage or Chanel Gardenia might be the next gardenias to explore, if you like YR’s version. December 3, 2012 at 6:27pm Reply

  • Elizabeth: I never cared much for gardenias in perfumery, but I love the flowers themselves. They are forever linked in my mind with my Great Aunt Mary, who considered them her generation’s (came of age in the 1940s) flowers.

    On a second note, my Tolu finally arrived today! I am floating on air! And I got a free lovely shower gel to go with it too! Today is a good day. December 3, 2012 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: There were beautiful gardenia notes in various vintage perfumes, from the original Miss Dior to Ma Griffe. It does have a retro accent to me, perhaps for that very reason.

      And congrats on your Tolu! 🙂 December 3, 2012 at 6:28pm Reply

    • Annikky: So glad to hear the news about Tolu! I really identified with your plight, as I have been waiting for weeks for my Chanel Exclusifs sample coffret to arrive from The Perfumed Court…

      And I agree, Tolu is great. Enjoy the showers 🙂 December 4, 2012 at 5:53pm Reply

  • Audrey H.: I enjoyed reading your article, have been a gardenia fan forever but find it hit or miss in fragrances. I love EL tuberose gardenia and have a rollerball of the marc jacobs. I need to try the goutal again, at first try we didnt get along too well. I would love to sniff the others you mentioned, will put them on my to try list (which is long already lol). December 3, 2012 at 3:33pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Audrey. Yes, gardenia is definitely a hit or miss in perfume, and most gardenias end up smelling more like tuberoses or jasmines to me. But when a perfume captures the sunny opulence of a gardenia flower, it’s such a great discovery. December 3, 2012 at 6:30pm Reply

  • Andy: My favorite gardenias are definitely the real ones, not in the bottle! Gardenia is so lush, and I rarely desire something quite so opulent on skin. And there is a very soft, earthiness I detect in real gardenia that I can’t imagine ever being fully captured in a perfume. To be fair, though, the only gardenia scent I’ve really ever tried myself is Pacifica’s Tahitian Gardenia, which is really a tiare flower scent anyway. By most standards, it would probably be considered pretty light and sheer, but I find it rich enough that it satisfies me whenever I have a rare craving for a gardenia scent. December 3, 2012 at 3:41pm Reply

    • Victoria: I think that you would have liked Tom Ford’s Velvet Gardenia. It had the earthy, mushroomy note that I smell in real blossoms. But yes, it’s hard to wear! December 3, 2012 at 6:31pm Reply

      • Andy: Oh, that sounds so good. Such a shame it was discontinued! And mushroom—that’s the sort of earthiness I was smelling. I was struggling to identify just exactly what the earthiness reminded me of, but mushroom seems to match exactly. December 3, 2012 at 9:08pm Reply

  • Veronica: Not sure if it’s a gardenia fragrance, but I really like modern edt Chanel Gardenia. It’s not complicated, but nice… it reminds me of those beautiful jasmine bushes in June
    A very easy flower scent to complement my feminine side (I usually wear woodier scents) December 3, 2012 at 3:42pm Reply

    • Victoria: I also don’t find Chanel Gardenia to be exactly gardenia like, but it’s pretty. It’s easy to wear, it feels elegant, and it doesn’t feel demanding. A nicely crafted perfume. December 3, 2012 at 6:33pm Reply

      • OperaFan: I tried the Chanel (LE) once in passing. My impression is of a sparkling white floral, very similar in spirit to Guerlain’s Jardin de Bagatelle…. December 4, 2012 at 12:48pm Reply

        • Victoria: I think that I prefer Jardin de Bagatelle out of the two, but I agree, there is something similar. December 4, 2012 at 3:21pm Reply

  • Liz K: Ineke’s Hothouse Flower is the only gardenia I really do. It doesn’t beat you over the head with a white flower bouquet like some do as the cedar balances the gardenia quite a bit. Have to admit though that gardenia is not a fragrance I have really sought out. December 3, 2012 at 5:22pm Reply

    • Victoria: I added Hothouse Flower to my list, because I haven’t smelled it. Gardenia and cedarwood sounds like a great combination. December 3, 2012 at 6:34pm Reply

      • Phyllis Ann Iervello: I was just going to comment on Ineke’s Hothouse Flower…very gardenia-like. As much as I really like Chanel fragrances, I never found their Gardenia to be to my liking–to me it never smelled much like gardenia. I do really like the VCA Gardenia Petale but it is quite expensive and I find that the VCA fragrances make me crave for more sprays and it is used up quickly even though it it a 2.5 oz. bottle. EL Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia is very lovely and a little goes a long way. December 3, 2012 at 6:50pm Reply

        • Victoria: You really don’t need too much of Tuberose Gardenia. It has such a great sillage! I will be sure to check out Ineke. December 4, 2012 at 10:17am Reply

      • Liz K: Cypress! Not cedar. Realized right after I left work and had to wait to get home to correct myself. Anyway, it is really lovely. December 3, 2012 at 9:30pm Reply

  • Ariadne: Wonderful article V.! I wear Chanel 5 Eau Premiere but never recognized the gardenia in it.
    Although I am sure I wear other scents with this note I also never sought out gardenia perfumes because to me gardenias can be nothing other else lush hedges of potent white bombs of aroma artillery in New Orleans. They are to be inhaled at risk of addiction and succumbing to a vice! LOL! December 3, 2012 at 6:56pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Ariadne. I love the balmy Southern summers perfumed with gardenias. One of the best scents! December 4, 2012 at 10:20am Reply

  • Michele: I like Gardenia Exuberante from The Island Discovery which is reasonably priced in the small size (you know, for when you just want a small hit of your white flower addiction). It has other notes in it like pineapple, peach, jasmine, and coconut, but it mainly smells of gardenia. I also like Black Gardenia by Michele Bergman – it’s sweet and buttery. Sometimes I find that gardenia can have an unpleasant almost bug spray smell to it or even smell like a bandaid. Has anyone experienced this? December 3, 2012 at 7:58pm Reply

    • Victoria: Do you have an example of a perfume in which gardenia gives you that note? December 4, 2012 at 10:21am Reply

  • AnneD: Gardenia has really been the fragrance I have been obsessed with lately, so this review was very timely. I have been looking for just the right gardenia scent, one not too strong, not too light, but just right -HaHa. I tested Marc Jacobs today in Ulta, but there is so much going on in those stores, I can’t really pay attention to a single fragrance. After returning to the car, I felt I was being chased by a gardenia ghost of the lightest kind. So perfect! Going back tomorrow to purchase MJ as I think it will fit perfectly for what I crave. Thanks again for the great review. December 3, 2012 at 11:15pm Reply

    • Victoria: MJ for Her is really one of the best. There is also Michael Kors Michael, of which technically MJ is a variation, but I love the transparency of MJ. December 4, 2012 at 10:23am Reply

  • Undina: My two favorite gardenias are Guerlain Cruel Gardenia (which, in my opinion, doesn’t smell of gardenia but I love it) and Ineke Hothouse Flower. I’m sad that I haven’t tried Tom Ford’s perfume because I’m a huge fan of the PB collection so I think I would have liked it. And now I’m even more curious to try Arquiste’s gardenia. December 4, 2012 at 12:08am Reply

    • Victoria: I think that Velvet Gardenia is great, but it is not easy to wear at all. It is so heady and rich. So not all that surprised that it was discontinued. December 4, 2012 at 10:25am Reply

  • Madeleine: Hi Victoria,

    Like Debbie I have lurked and admired your blog for so long!!

    I love Gardenia and have been wearing Une Voix Noire today – I love Lutens/Sheldrake’s dark take on the flower and the fact that it seems light and dark at the same time.

    I have a sample of Boutonniere coming, but both scared and excited that I will love it. Scared because I can’t get Arquiste here in Australia.

    Marc Jacobs was a signature of mine for ages and this post has prompted me to revisit it.

    Thank you so much for your beautiful words!

    Cheers,

    Madeleine December 4, 2012 at 12:48am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you so much, Madeleine! And thank you for sharing your thoughts on your favorite gardenias. There is something so intriguing about this temperamental flower! So glad to meet another fan of Une Voix Noire. I think that it’s quite unusual, but very addictive. December 4, 2012 at 10:28am Reply

  • Alityke: Victoria, I’m another for whom the article is timely. Today I’m wearing Montale Intense Tiare which is exotic coconutty gardenia. Blissful on a wet, dank day. It got unsolicited compliments from my husband and everyone at work, both male and female! As I’m a very careful sprayer as I work in health care.

    My most revered gardenia is the vintage Chanel Gardenia extrait I picked up for pennies on the Bay but I’m eeking it out 1 drop at a time.

    I also love my vintage Tuvache Jungle Gardenia splash but this is only to be worn with a light hand, very radiant and some how darker and dirtier than the Chanel and Montale December 4, 2012 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Victoria: Intense Tiare is another perfect fragrance for these cold, overcast day, because it really feels like a vacation in the bottle.

      I have a few ml of the vintage Chanel Gardenia, and it’s so opulent and rich. Completely different from Gardenia sold today. December 4, 2012 at 3:28pm Reply

  • Isabelle: Dear Victoria,

    Maria Candida Gentile’s “Lady Day” is an incredibly realistic, “3D” gardenia perfume, made exclusively with natural essences.

    Here her words about her work as a perfumeur : “(…) These are small details that make the difference and make the fragrances magic: for me, a good fragrance is a fragrance that does good to the one that wears it. The only way to make it happen is to use natural essences, the ones that our body and soul understand and love instinctively, and to make it with our heart. Only what comes from the heart can touch the heart.”

    You have written above about the “green mushroom note that makes real gardenias so intriguing, but that gives perfume gardenias a challenging facet.” “Lady Day” has this facet but in the most beautiful way and Maria Candida’s gardenia is one of the most poetical perfumes I have ever smelled!

    Gardenia by Isabey is a perfume I also like very much.

    Have a wonderful day – do people celebrate Nikolaus in Belgium? We do here in Berlin!

    Kind regards,

    Isabelle December 6, 2012 at 4:35am Reply

    • Victoria: Yes, it’s celebrated here too, and in the Netherlands as well. Kids get gifts and the whole city is decorated. Berlin must be also gorgeous at this time. The German Christmas celebrations are like nothing else.

      Lady Day sounds beautiful! December 8, 2012 at 5:18am Reply

  • Ada: Beautiful article! Gardenia is a love of mine and I’m always on the hunt for a well done one. Serge Luten’s Une Voix Noire is perfectly explained with your description as always, it is my gardenia for this winter. December 6, 2012 at 1:06pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Ada! Une Voix Noire is so different from the fresh, dewy gardenias, but this is what makes it especially memorable and interesting to me. December 8, 2012 at 5:18am Reply

  • Leonie: I adore gardenias and probably my favourite would be Versace Blonde. I have tried Reve Opulent by Terry Gunzburg recently, and it’s also quite creamy and pretty. December 6, 2012 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Victoria: I need to revisit Reve Opulent. It was my favorite from the collection, but other by Terry perfumes didn’t catch my attention. Maybe, I just didn’t give them enough time. December 8, 2012 at 5:20am Reply

  • Kathi: Hi Victoria,

    I am also a big Gardenia lover! When I bought Un matin d`Orage this June, I thought to buy something strictly for the summer – but I enjoy it still, during the cold months! Here are already a number of Gardenia scents listed, by you and others, but one little… well “gem” I have to say, is still missing: it is quite inexpensive but lovely and pretty long lasting: Elizabeth Taylors Gardenia! It is kind of a green crisp gardenia, but still creamy. In my nose, Lauders Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia was simply a soap-overkill, so I was really happy when I found this!

    Wonderful site, by the way, it is always a pleasure to read your enriching articles! I wish you a happy New Year 2013! December 29, 2012 at 11:07am Reply

  • Jaime: Jardenia by Jar is unlike any other gardenia fragrance out there. Very wet smelling but beautiful.

    Despite being extremely expensive you use one little dab and it lasts FOREVER. My bottle looks like I have never worn it and I’ve had it for years. January 2, 2014 at 1:38pm Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: Tuberose, gardenia (and jasmine) are probably among my very favorite scents. I have never been able to afford anything by Jar, but do own Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle and Une voix noire. I also have EL Tuberose Gardenia which is probably just as good or better than any of the other niche tuberose scents…although Hiram Green Moon Bloom is also an amazing tuberose scent. December 30, 2014 at 11:41pm Reply

    • Victoria: I will definitely try Moon Bloom soon! January 1, 2015 at 3:48pm Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: I love gardenia and always have. Un Voix Noire, Gardenia Petale and Eneke’s Hot House Flower are among my favorites. Although I adore lots of Chanel fragrances, their Gardenia never did it for me. I also still have original bottles of Mark Jacobs and Michael (Kors) original, which is also more tuberose/gardenia. January 4, 2015 at 6:38pm Reply

    • Victoria: I agree on Chanel Gardenia, which doesn’t even smell like the flower to me. It’s an ok floral, but one can do better, even with Chanel’s own Beige. January 5, 2015 at 12:57pm Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: I also have El Tuberose Gardenia. I just sprayed myself with Ineke Hot House Flower and it is lovely…and also not nearly as expensive as the others. I will admit it isn’t as lasting as El Tuberose Gardenia but more lasting than Gardenia Petale which I really love but which also does not stay on the skin very long INMMHO. January 4, 2015 at 6:43pm Reply

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